Toe In The Water

2008-05-25T20:32:00.000-05:00

Bear with me, please...

I am in the process of swapping from Windows to a Linux system. I have trained myself on all aspects of posting via that platform, but am way behind the curve on Linux. It should improve with time.

Or not :)

2008-05-25T20:29:00.000-05:00

Update on Blogoshpere's Most Wanted

OK, concerning Fabian Cayetano Urrea, long featured in my sidebar....

It appears that he was captured in Sinaloa state, Mexico in January, 2007. That's good!

Extradited to the U.S., appeared in court on June 5, 2007 to plead Not Guilty.

Then, on November 7, 2007, a judge determined that he would, indeed, stand trial.

So far, I have no information about trial dates, or, if already completed, results.

Either way, time to remove his mug shot :)

2008-05-25T17:03:00.000-05:00

Dead...

...and I see that many of my links (A LOT!) are dead. Man, that's gonna take some work!!

2008-05-25T17:01:00.000-05:00

Found...

I see that Mr. Urrea, featured in my Blogosphere's Most Wanted sidebar for so long, had been captured. I'll research the status, and then remove it... when I get some time.

Back

2008-05-25T16:49:00.000-05:00

Been gone a while, so long that I forgot all of my passwords, etc.

Interestingly enough, at least to me, is that I have been getting a fairly constant, if diminishing, rate of hits during the entire hiatus. Initially 20-30 hits per day, gradually falling until now averaging 14-20 hits per day. And my last post was November 9, 2006! Must be people cycling through the 'next blog' option :)

Anyway, I'll have more to say shortly.

2006-11-09T11:17:00.000-06:00

<sigh>

Read into this what you will.

Technorati : politics

Vote Early, and Vote.... well, Early

2006-10-20T13:15:00.000-05:00

Like Glenn, I also voted early today. I overheard a precinct worker tell another voter that the voting had been relatively heavy, although he made no comparisons to a presidential election. This being a Friday, and before what I expected would be a noon rush, it was at least as crowded as during the August primary on a Saturday morning. Make of that what you will. One striking difference, to me, between the primary and today... during the primary there were a LOT of candidates and/or their reps lining the route to the polling station, today there were none. A Friday-Saturday difference? Hot summer as opposed to a rather cool, damp fall day? I don't know.

Poll workers were friendly and chatty, until you reached the voting machines themselves, where they became earnest, efficient and very business-like. Notices were posted in the waiting areas explaining that the poll workers would not explain the meanings of the proposed state constitutional amendments, so please do not ask.

I will admit that I cast a pair of votes for Democrats. Unlike Glenn, I won't keep you guessing... neither of those votes went to Harold Ford, Jr.

Technorati : Election, Politics, Tennessee, Vote
Del.icio.us : Election, Politics, Tennessee, Vote
Ice Rocket : Election, Politics, Tennessee, Vote
Flickr : Election, Politics, Tennessee, Vote
Zooomr : Election, Politics, Tennessee, Vote
Buzznet : Election, Politics, Tennessee, Vote
Riya : Election, Politics, Tennessee, Vote
43 Things : Election, Politics, Tennessee, Vote

Executive Orders

2006-06-23T22:41:00.000-05:00

Now THIS is important (and has nothing to do with Tom Clancy).

Thanks to Glenn for the pointer, and as he has said before... Go read the whole thing!

Excerpt:

Executive Order: Protecting the Property Rights of the American People

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and to strengthen the rights of the American people against the taking of their private property, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Policy. It is the policy of the United States to protect the rights of Americans to their private property, including by limiting the taking of private property by the Federal Government to situations in which the taking is for public use, with just compensation, and for the purpose of benefiting the general public and not merely for the purpose of advancing the economic interest of private parties to be given ownership or use of the property taken.
[...]

Kudos to Dubya on this one. Now, about the New York Times...

Technorati : Current Events, Dubya, Emminent Domain, Executive Order, KELO, New York Times, News, President George W. Bush, Private Property, Property Rights

Imam In The Well

2006-05-08T21:33:00.000-05:00

I was at Radio Blogger reading the transcript of the interview by Hugh Hewitt of Victor Davis Hanson, the subject being the 18-page letter sent to President Bush by Iranian President Ahmadinejead. Characterizing President Ahmadinejead, VDH said:

[...] And the reputation of this man is that he's unhinged, that he listens to the imam in the well, that people don't blink when he speaks, because of his holy aura that hangs over him. [...] (italics mine)

So I'm thinking that I've heard this phrase before, or something that it brings immediately to mind.

Deus ex Machina

In some ancient Greek drama, an apparently insoluble crisis was solved by the intervention of a god, often brought on stage by an elaborate piece of equipment. This "god from the machine" was literally a deus ex machina.

Few modern works feature deities suspended by wires from the ceiling, but the term deus ex machina is still used for cases where an author uses some improbable (and often clumsy) plot device to work his or her way out of a difficult situation. When the cavalry comes charging over the hill or when the impoverished hero is relieved by an unexpected inheritance, it's often called a deus ex machina.

(Wikipedia entry here)

I realize that opinions differ as to how soon Iran will achieve nuclear weapons. My personal opinion is that it will be sooner, rather than later. But could it be that the Iranian President is relying on a Deus ex Machina episode from the 12th Imam... the Imam in the Well?

Food for thought.

Technorati : 12th Imam, Atomic, Deus ex Machina, Iran, Islam, Military, Muhammad al-Mahdi, Nuclear, Persia, President Ahmadinejead, President Bush, United States, War, Weapons

My Day Without A Mexican

2006-05-01T21:07:00.000-05:00

How it affected me:

<begin narrative>

</end narrative>

Technorati : Illegal, Immigration, Mexico, United States

Scott Free?

2006-02-16T13:32:00.000-06:00

I have been listening to the extensive coverage on Fox about the Massachusetts murder case of Neil Entwhistle, now arrested and charged with killing his wife and infant daughter. OK, granted, this is news, and interesting to follow.

Thinking back on the still ongoing coverage of the missing girl in Aruba, Natalee Holloway, I'd judge that as current news.

However, I'm left wondering why we have not had any action on the Jorge Estrada murder case yet. Where are the armies of investigator? Where is the extensive news coverage provided by hordes of investigative reporters?

Fabian Urrea is the alleged murderer. He DID flee across an international border. So, where's the outrage here? See links in my left sidebar for more info on this case.

Technorati : Aruba, Fabian Urrea, Jorge Estrada, Massachusetts, Murder, Natalee Holloway, Neil Entwhistle, News, U.S. Military

Fire (Updated) (and another update)

2005-12-13T21:22:00.000-06:00

Haven't posted in a while. The gaming continues, while I monitor the daily events. I want to scream about many happenings, and non-happenings, but find the impetus just isn't there.

The past two days have been very emotionally draining. Late Sunday night, while my son and his girlfriend were out with friends, their house burned. As my son tells it, as they arrived, they saw smoke billowing out from under the eaves. The front door wouldn't open, and was hot, so my son ran around to the back, and found the same situation, plus he broke his key off trying to get the door unlocked. No luck. He ran back around the house to the window to the room where their dogs were, ripped off the screen, and forced the window up. Not a smart thing to do, but understandable given the situation. Immediately hot black smoke began blowing out of the window. He was unable to enter.

Their two dogs, dearly beloved and a major part of the family, perished in the fire. They were, and are, heartbroken. And as a parent, I feel their pain, immensely. For you dog lovers out there, Cera was a Golden Retriever, and Obie was a Chinese Crested. They are sorely missed!

I want to especially offer kudos here to the American Red Cross. Before the firefighters had left, a representative was there, offering a much needed voucher for a stay in a nearby motel (3 days), and a voucher for Wal Mart for enough to pay for some clothes and personal items to fill their immediate needs. Thank you, American Red Cross. This won't get you as much attention (and attendant donations and funding) as would a major disaster, but did serve two purposes. One, it was much needed. Two, my son's girlfriend is now a devout convert to the American Red Cross, and their mission!

Today I, my wife, daughter, son, his girlfriend and her mother, and two other friends of theirs, spend many hours dragging their possesions outside. We sorted out what might be salvaged, and bagged the rest for disposal. Hard, dirty, and heartbreaking work.

I worked for a number of years in the fire/flood restoration business, but this was the first time that someone close to me has suffered a loss from fire. As we sorted through the debris, I was surprised at how much a young couple could accumulate in such a short time, and at the same time, how little. It is also worth noting that most plastics succumbed to the intense heat, but many did not... for instance a pair of calculaters side by side, one melted, the other not. Go figure.

My son and his girlfriend had meant to obtain renters insurance, but had not done so. Again, not real smart, but what's done is done. I'd imagine that insurance will be one of their top priorities when they get another place.

Friends, relatives, neighbors, and co-workers have all chipped in to help offset the cost of the loss. My son, being a student expecting to graduate sometime next Fall with his Master's, and his girlfriend, who just started a new job today (she graduated this past spring), are financially pressed. Next week is Finals week. This event was not helpful. The major items that were lost were their laptop computer, digital camera, and three guitars (two acoustic and one electric). (Luckily we were able to save the memory card from the camera, and maybe... will find out tomorrow... the data from the laptop hard drive.) If anyone would like to possibly donate some replacement items, I'm sure it would be appreciated. Or hit the Paypal button, all donations to be directed to them. Email for details if you want to know more.

And thanks for listening.

*******************************
Update, Saturday, 12/18

First, let me say thanks to those who have expressed concern, and have offered prayers, both via email and in the comments. Your concern is much appreciated.

The fire, according to the Fire Department inspectors, began below the main floor, more than likely originating with electrical wiring. This was an older house, and it appeared that there was at one time a coal, oil or wood furnace in the 'basement' area. The 'basement' was simply a hole in the ground under the house, accessible via a crawlway window. There were stairs under there, but they ended at a floor, with no means of exit. It appears that the area had not been used for years. This was a relief to my son, allaying his fears that he had done something to cause the fire. It's bad enough that they lost their dogs, without having to bear the guilt that would have been felt had they been the cause of the fire.

The owner of the house had another rental house almost across the street from this one, and they moved into that yesterday (Friday). Moving in is kind of a misnomer, as they had very little to bring with them. The house is somewhat larger than the burned one, and the rent will be the same. First item on the agenda for my son was to inspect the basement area for any obvious fire hazards, and to determine that smoke alarms were available and working. Last night was their first night there, sleeping on air mattresses. The American Red Cross picked up the tab for an extra night in the motel. Again, thanks to the Red Cross. Without their immediate assistance life would have been much more difficult.

Offers for assistance have been tendered from all of the usual areas. Friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and fellow students have contributed both labor, cash and goods, and tons of moral support. Tomorrow they will receive a used stereo system, and can begin collecting music again. Speaking of music... I'm surprised that no one to date has offered a guitar to my son. It's not like there aren't any unused ones sitting around in the Nashville area :) Still no television, but they can do without that for a while. And no need for a computer yet, as classes don't start again until January. Even so, if you feel the need to help out, there is a long ways to go yet. Any donation, no matter the size, is appreciated.

Anyway, they are doing as well as can be expected, given the emotional trauma they suffered with the loss of the dogs. The material items are just... stuff. Easily replaceable in time.

I spent many hours yesterday and today in the back yard scrubbing their clothes, trying to salvage what we can. still no idea on whether or not we will be successful. Smoked clothes are EXTREMELY difficult to get clean. We'll keep plugging at it.

(As an unannounced update, let me add this... One of the items lost is absolutely irreplaceable. It was a tri-fold room divider/screen, each panel about 18 inches by 6 feet, handmade from oiled oak by my father (now deceased). Doesn't sound like much, and the purpose can be served by any number of cheap items available retail, but the sentimental value is great.)

And again, thanks for listening.

*******************************
Update, Thursday, 12/29

All things considered, events have gone remarkably well in the recovery from the effects of the fire. My son works during school for the athletic department, tutoring math. He had other work lined up during the Christmas break to enable them to cover expenses, but was unable to follow through with that job. Monetary donations have allowed them to keep above water, for which we are all thankful. Furniture and appliances have been or are being donated. The laptop computer has been replaced, with a newer, better laptop. Still to be replaced are the guitars, bicycle, and digital camera. School starts back in a week or two, so income will be restored.

I have a series of tubs set up in my back yard, where the damaged clothing is processed through washes and rinses with various soaps and chemical compounds, then inside to the washing machine. As weather allows, I anticipate finishing up within a week or so. I have found that it is difficult to wash clothing with chunks of ice. Also, the process must be thorough enough to remove almost all of the soot, lest the washing machine and our clothing pick up an odor. (Side note to self: Idiot! Lamb's wool SHRINKS if dried in an electric dryer! Consolation: the sweater really looks good, if tiny!) To date, I have been able to save a little over half of the clothing, in a serviceable if not pristine condition.

Emotional recovery continues apace. Each day passing decreases the sharpness of the events emotional trauma. They are coping quite well.

Thank you to all who have offered prayers, condolences, good wishes, financial and material donations.

Technorati : American Red Cross, Dogs, Family, Fire, Personal

Iraq Report

2005-11-25T01:17:00.000-06:00

For those of you who have been pissing and moaning for a long time, lamenting the incomplete, biased, generally negative information provided from the Iraqi theater by the Mainstream Media in their efforts to guide public opinion here in the U.S. (too successfully, unfortunately)...

Hey, this sounds like ME!

It is ME!

OK, from A Redleg's Perspective comes a well written, comprehensive and informative report concerning a full tour in Iraq, writtem by Col. James B. Brown, 18th MP Brigade.

A must read.

Thank you, Col. Brown, and Redleg.

Technorati : 18Th Military Police Brigade, Col. James B. Brown, Iraq, Military, War On Terror

Duty, and Honor

2005-11-24T01:52:00.000-06:00

If you read only one thing this Thanksgiving Day, 2005, it should be this.

Final Salute

I thank God for the Men and Women that serve this country.

(Thanks to Blackfive for the original link)

Technorati : Iraq, Military, U.S. Marine Corp

Sayonara, Idiot

2005-11-23T17:57:00.000-06:00

Remember this guy?

Warren Community College English professor, John Daly, said that “Real freedom will come when soldiers in Iraq turn their guns on their superiors.” [...]

So, actions do indeed have consequences.

Warren County Community College adjunct English professor, John Daly resigned last night before the school’s board of trustees began an emergency meeting to discuss the professor’s fate.

Good.

Full story here. More here, and here. Thanks to Ace of Spades HQ for initial pointer.

Albert Einstein, Patron Saint

2005-11-22T23:55:00.000-06:00

After watching clips of Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) ~~rail~~whine against the recent corrections by Bush, Cheney, et al, of the 'Rats party line concerning the Big Lie, (you know, that Dubya and his people lied, LIED I tell you, about pre-war intelligence) I have come to this conclusion:

Albert Einstein is the Patron Saint of the Democrat Party!

Evidence HERE and HERE. 'Nuff said.

(Actually, I already knew this, but this is the first time I've linked the quotes)

Well, maybe not quite enough... I'm fairly certain that if Mr. Einstein added 2 and 2, he'd arrive at 4. I'm NOT certain that Sen. Reid would. Actually, I'm not at all sure that he would be able to pour piss out of his boot, with the directions printed on the heel. Come to mention it, how did he ever come to be Minority Leader of the US Senate? The minority part I understand well, it's the leader part that puzzles me. After all, he comes across as nothing more than a smaller, shriller version of... yep, John 'Swift Boat' Kerry.

Technorati : Albert Einstein, Current Events, Democrat Party, Dick Cheney, George Bush, Minority Leader, Politics, U.S. Senate

Zarqawi Killed... Again?

2005-11-20T12:22:00.000-06:00

I certainly hope it's true, this time.

Thanks to LGF for the pointer. Read the comments on LGF.

Hmmm... as I think about it, I think that it would be pleasing to have this guy killed, over and over, preferably painfully each time. Am I advocating torture here? Yes.

Technorati : Current Events, Global War On Terror, Iraq, Islamofacism, Mid-East, News, Zarqawi

At Last!!!

2005-11-19T18:17:00.000-06:00

As a long-suffering fan of Vanderbilt football, I have only one thing to say about today's 28-24 win over Tennessee, the first win in the series since 1982...

WOO HOO

Technorati : College Football, Sports, Tennessee, Vanderbilt

Civilization

2005-11-17T11:05:00.000-06:00

Hi, My name is Greg, and I'm a Civilizationaholic. (Thanks to Newmark's Door for the pointer)

I'm addicted!

Imagine, looking at that bright, shiny disc, turning it over and peering closely, as if to see the 1's and 0's scattered across the pitted surface, knowing that your life is about to become, once again, consumed, CONSUMED I say, by the overpowering allure of...

Civilization!

Specifically, Civilization IV.

The only problem with IV, as opposed to the first release, and II, and III, is that I cannot completely immerse myself into the game. The opposing civilizations keep wanting to sign treaties for Open Borders, and even as I savagely click It ain't happening, images of illegals swarming across river, desert and fence dance in my mind.

Intrusions of reality notwithstanding, the game remains exquisitely addicting. Sessions in excess of 8 hours are not unusual (the initial session after installation, for me, was 14 hours!). Micromanaging the minutiae of production, culture, religion, exploration, and building projects is very time consuming. Conflicts with opposing civilizations must be handled to your advantage. The mantra of the Civilization player is 'Just one more turn....'.

And I am not alone, not by a long shot!

Douglas Kern, writing in this TCS column, says:

I cut taxes, rammed my religion down the throats of my unwilling subjects, and nuked France. It was a great year. []

Yes, it was a very good year.

I understand, from documentation and statements by others, that it is possible to play relatively quick games. I cannot verify the truthfullness of this assertion. I mean, when I am presented with options in the game setup labeled Huge, and Epic, and am given the ability to add more opposing civilizations to the default choice, then I am really left with NO choice!

If you are like most Civilization addicts, your story began innocently enough way back in 1991 with the discovery of Sid Meier's Civilization by Firaxis Games. The original “Civ,” as it's called on the streets, and its two subsequent sequels, II and III, allowed you to create or conquer vast civilizations-from the dawn of man to the space age and beyond. The unique turn-based strategy game quickly became the game of choice for gamers around the world. For some, however, it became more than that...it became an addiction.

Hold on a sec... Julius Ceasar want to discuss a treaty with me...

Technorati : Civilization Iv, Games

Blogosphere's Most Wanted

2005-10-20T00:17:00.000-05:00

UPDATE: (10/20/05 12:15 AM CDT) From last week's North County Times:

Sister of murder suspect pleads guilty

By: JOHN HALL - Staff Writer

FRENCH VALLEY ---- The sister of a man wanted in connection with the slaying of a soldier home in Murrieta on leave from Iraq pleaded guilty Tuesday to being an accessory to the murder.

Patricia Pena Urrea's trial was set to begin Tuesday morning when she instead decided to plead guilty to Judge Judith C. Clark at Southwest Justice Center.

She is the second family member of fugitive Fabian Cayetano Urrea, 19, of Mead Valley to plead guilty to helping him escape after the June slaying. He has not been found, but a warrant alleging murder has been issued for his arrest.

Patricia Urrea, 24, of Hemet, faced up to three years in state prison if she had gone to trial and been convicted by a jury.

During Tuesday's proceedings, Clark said the most Urrea would receive when she returns to be sentenced Nov. 8 would be 16 months. She could receive as little as just probation.

Urrea will be interviewed by a Riverside County probation officer prior to her sentencing next month and Clark will review that report before rendering a sentence.

Prosecutors and Murrieta police say that Urrea helped her brother escape capture after the June 9 shooting in the parking lot of an apartment complex on Jackson Avenue.

The 19-year-old Mead Valley man is accused of shooting 24-year-old California Army National Guard Spc. Jorge Estrada three times in the upper body, killing him.

Estrada was home on emergency leave from active duty in Iraq to be with his 20-year-old wife, Diana, when she gave birth just three days before the slaying. Fabian Cayetano Urrea is the biological father of the newborn girl. Authorities say there was an argument over visitation of the child that led to the fatal shooting.

Fabian Urrea then fled in a pickup and has never been found by police. Authorities suspect he may be somewhere in Mexico and say at least two relatives helped him get there.

Fabian Urrea's aunt, Margaret Arambula, 42, of Homeland, pleaded guilty in August to being an accessory to murder and was sentenced last month.

Arambula was sentenced to 270 days in county jail and three years' formal probation. With time she has already served, she had 62 days of her sentence left, which she can serve on weekends.

Arambula admitted knowing about the shooting and driving her nephew to the U.S.-Mexico border, but told a probation officer she didn't know Estrada was dead until her drive back home.

At a court hearing in July for Patricia Urrea, Murrieta police detectives testified about phone calls between cell phones belonging to Fabian Urrea and his sister after the killing, conversations among family members about where Fabian Urrea would go, and Patricia Urrea's purchase of underwear for the accused killer before their aunt drove him to Mexico.

One detective testified about a June 14 jail telephone conversation between Patricia Urrea and her mother after Patricia was arrested and booked.

In it, he said, Alicia Urrea told her daughter, "I have to tell you something about Fabian." Patricia Urrea then asked three times, "Is he in the same place?" the detective testified. Following that were inaudible whispers, he said.

Contact staff writer John Hall at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2628, or jhall@californian.com.

I have a few things to say to this.

1. Fabian, we're gonna get you, sooner or later!

2. As to the aunt... 270 days sentence for accessory to murder? Somethings wrong with that picture!

(end update)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

UPDATE: (7/28/05 9:35 PM CDT) The North County Times reports that a judge has reduced the bail for Patricia Pena Urrea. She has been in jail since her arrest on June 13, charged with accessory to murder for her part in helping Fabian Urrea, her brother, elude police. Fabian is believed to have escaped to Mexico. See my two previous updates for my thoughts on the Mexico bit.

With family and children here in the States, sooner or later he's gonna come sneaking back across the border. I wonder what are the chances that he will be captured then. Probably slim, unfortunately.

(end update)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

UPDATE: (7/22/05 11:35 PM CDT) Hmmm, another hit from Mexico, this one from Guadalajara, which is as far as I can figure several hundred kilometers Southeast of Culiacan. Again, I may be overly sensitive to this, but I can see no reason for anyone in Mexico to be doing searches for fabian cayetano or, in this case, fabian cayetano urrea, unless they are family, friends, or Fabian himself. I wonder how common this name is?

(end update)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
UPDATE: (7/20/05 5:45 PM CDT) I don't know if I'm reading too much into this, or not, but...

Today I was looking at my blog stats, and noticed that I had had a visitor... from Mexico. The hostname was customer-cln-44-158.megared.net.mx, location Culiacan, MX. The only Culiacan that I know about is this one (sub-map C1), in Sinaloa State. The referring URL was a Google search for fabian cayetano. Now, this not being a border town, I immediately wondered just why anyone from so far South would be googling this guy, or even if it WAS this guy being googled. Very curious.

My suspicions are that this place is now harboring a fugitive suspected of murder, who is now checking to see how much heat is being applied to the case.

Also, when the visitor left, they went directly to Major K's blog.

(end update)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
(original posting)

My blog is still new, and has few visitors. Regardless, I am posting a picture here of Fabian Cayetano Urrea, wanted in connection with the murder of Spc. Jorge Estrada, on the off chance that one of those few will know his whereabouts.

Murrieta police are asking anyone with information about Fabian Urrea's whereabouts to call investigators at (951) 461-6358 or (951) 696-3615.

The Inland Southern California (free registration required) has the story. Some info also available at the North County Times.

Major K has a personal interest in this, as should we all. Let's put him up on the Blogosphere's Most Wanted and see what happens.

Update: (06/21/05 1:55 PM CDT) The hunt still goes on. More info and background here and here.

"He might be gone," [Steve] Bogan said. "He will not be forgotten."

Update: (06/25/05 10:26 PM CDT) thunder6 has a post about the unit memorial service for Spc. Jorge Estrada:

"SPC Estrada".

After a long moment the First Sergeant cried out again "SPC Estrada".

Again the call went unheeded.

The First Sergeant put forward one last call "SPC Jorge Estrada"

As the First Sergeant’s words faded out of existence our silent reverie was shattered by the angry crack of rifle fire. The firing party discharged three volleys, and as the last shots echoed off the barren walls the mournful cry of a lone bugle cut through the dying light. Every soldier in the Nightstalker Battalion stood and held one last, long salute as the baleful notes of "Taps" echoed off our troubled hearts.

Read the whole thing.

(Note: photo posted on my own dime.)

Technorati : Blogosphere'S Most Wanted, California Army National Guard, Jorge Estrada, Military, Murder

Hurricane What's Its Name - Updated

2005-10-19T23:46:00.000-05:00

As of yesterday, October 22, Tropical Depression 25 grew into Tropical Storm Alpha. An historic event. And my daughter wins the bet as outlined below.

*** end update ******

*** original post *****

My daughter and I made a little wager a couple of months ago concerning the total number of named storms that would occur this season. She took the position that we would, in fact, have a storm named Alpha. I took what I thought was a more likely position, that we would not get past Wilma. History was and is on my side. It is beginning to appear that the weather patterns, weather cycles, global warming, global cooling, or cyclonic gremlins (take your picks!) may be on her side.

(As an aside here, if you are interested in following tropical cyclonic activity, and want to know the nitty-gritty details of hurricanes, visit and bookmark/blogroll the Stormtrack Blog. Information is available from the projected tracks of storms, prokected life and history of storms, and explanations for such esoteric phenomena as 'eyewall replacement' and 'bombing out'. Good stuff!)

We have been following events closely, mostly the development stages, trying to keep track of just how our prospects for a win are looking. During the course of this hurricane season, many interesting discussions have arisen. One of those discussions involved the naming conventions applied to tropical storms. And the naming conventions of hurricanes edges me a little closer to the point of this post... (source: LiveScience)

Before the 2005 hurricane season is done, you might read about Hurricane Alpha.

Each year, 21 common names are reserved for Atlantic Basin hurricanes, with the list arranged alphabetically and skipping certain letters. Rita is the 17th named storm in the Atlantic Basin this year. There are only four left.

So what will officials do after tropical storm Wilma develops, assuming it does?

"We go to the Greek alphabet," said Frank Lepore, spokesman for the National Hurricane Center.

[...]

The 21 alphabetic names referenced above exclude names starting with the letters q, u, x, y and z, due to the dearth of names beginning with those letters. Keep this fact in mind, because I'll come back to it in a bit.

Well, as you all know, Wilma has developed, now, into a full scale category 5 hurricane. Next up, should it occur, will be Tropical Storm/Hurricane Alpha, then Beta, et cetera.

The names are kept on six-year rotating lists. Therefore, the names keep repeating. With certain exceptions. (For a complete six year listing of all storm names, worldwide, visit the National Hurricane Center.) Those names retired are of hurricanes that are exceptionally deadly or costly (from NHC):

[...] The only time that there is a change is if a storm is so deadly or costly that the future use of its name on a different storm would be inappropriate for obvious reasons of sensitivity. [...]

I also read somewhere (can't find it, ATM) that another reason for retiring certain names is that it would be less confusing, historically.

Anyway, here's the point of this post... a question. Assuming that we experience 21 named storms during a season, and the 22nd comes along (Alpha), and it turns out to be both deadly and costly... Will the name Alpha be retired? Due to the nature of most alphabets, there is only one letter available to fill that first slot. What would it be replaced with? Will the entire Greek alphabet be retired to avoid a hodgepodge of alphabetic characters? Somehow, I don't think that THIS would be an option.

[...]

What’s more, a storm name is retired if it causes widespread damage and deaths. So if there is a deadly Hurricane Alpha, what is it replaced with when it’s retired?

“It will go to the Swahili alphabet or something else,” joked Jim Lushine, severe weather expert at the National Weather Service in Miami.

[...]

Although I don't think the Swahili alphabet is appropriate, at least I'm not the only one asking What if... ? The same article goes on to say:

[...]

Actually, when old names are retired, new names have to be drafted in to a database maintained specifically for Atlantic Ocean storms, said Mark Oliver, spokesman for the World Meteorological Organization in Geneva, Switzerland, which maintains the database.

“There’s certain specifications which they have to meet,” Oliver said. “They have to be fairly easily remembered, they’ve got to be in alphabetical order.”

[...]

Hopefully, we will not have to worry about this too much. From the same article (emphasis mine):

“If we get up into that league, we’ll have issues larger than naming these storms,” said Frank Lepore, spokesman for the National Hurricane Center in Miami. “The new phrase will be hurricane fatigue. Let’s coin that right now.”

Yep, Hurricane Fatigue. I would imagine that it wouldn't take too many hurricanes to induce that!

Technorati : Alpha, Current Events, Hurricane, Names, National Hurricane Center, Storm, Tropical, Weather, Wilma

Kelo Unleashed!

2005-10-05T00:38:00.000-05:00

Florida town plans to use eminent domain

RIVIERA BEACH, Fla., Oct. 4 (UPI) -- Officials of a poor, predominantly black Florida town plan to relocate about 6,000 residents to make room for a billion-dollar yachting and housing complex.

The coastal community of Rivera Beach in Palm Beach County may use eminent domain, if necessary, to claim 400 acres of land for the project, The Washington Times reported Monday.

"This is a community that's in dire need of jobs, which has a median income of less than $19,000 a year," Mayor Michael Brown said. "If we don't use this power, cities will die."

[...]

Evilwhiteguy at Sharp as a Marble has a few things to say about this. I agree. Especially his closing comment: "I’m so spitting mad right now……. "

I have a feeling that it won't be long until one or more people 'go postal' over one of these emminent domain thefts. Good people are gonna die, and maybe even some government officials, too! To paraphrase Mayor Michael Brown... If you Do use this power, PEOPLE will die.

Anyone who believes that public good equates to public use in emminent domain is just plain WRONG! This includes some members of the United States Supreme Court. Economics should not be a consideration.

Thanks to Ace of Spades for link.

* * * * * * * *

CORRECTION: Above, I attributed a quote to evilwhiteguy at Sharp as a Marble, and it was incorrect... not the quote, the person. That should have been Mr. Allen at Sharp as a Marble. In my haste to properly attribute sources, it appears that Sharp as a Marble is sharper than I am! My apologies to both.

Technorati : Current Events, Emminent Domain, Florida, Kelo Vs. New London, News, United States Aupreme Court

Reaching A New Level

2005-10-04T23:00:00.000-05:00

Having been the recipient of numerous heartrending email requests for assistance, I now receive a new one. It takes the ubiquitous Nigerian email scam to a new, lower level. Include the scam email from the Australian Barrister. Read on...

Dear Sir,

My Name is COLE REED, I am a soldier serving in Iraq, I will disclose/proof of my identity to you when it is safe to do so. I have to urgently evacuate some money, totaling US$22,700,000(Twenty-Two Million,Seven Hundred Thousand US Dollars) clean legal notes,and all in US$100 bills out of here to a safe country having found a secure way to do so.

SOURCE OF MONEY:

Some money in various currencies were discovered concealed in barrels with piles of weapons and ammunitions at a location near one of Saddam's old palaces during a rescue operation several months ago,and it was agreed by the few of us present that the money be shared amongst us, this was an illegal thing to do though, but I tell you what? no compensation can make up for the risks we are taking with our lives in this hell hole. The above figure was given to me as my share, and for several reasons,concealing this volume of cash here has been a big problem/source of distraction to me,I however found a temporary solution with the help of a UN contact working here, whose office enjoys some immunity, and was able to get the package to a safe location entirely out of trouble spot, where they have been for the past 8 months. She does not know the real contents of the packages,and must not know,but believes that they belong to an Asian American who died in an air raid, and before giving up, trusted me to hand them over to his business associate in Europe. I have now found a secure way of getting the package out of Iraq, and request for your assistance to work with me to complete this. I am ready to give you US$4M for the role you will play in this, but should you have reasons to reject this offer, please destroy this mail as any leakage will be too bad for us.

I will continue with more details as soon as you let me know your position. But we have to take this up as soon as possible for reasons I will explain when I hear from you. Respond to me on email address(colereed@hosting-extra.com).

Please respond to my email as soon as possible.

Sincerely,
COLE REED

I'm almost surprised there wasn't more in here than an implied appeal to Support the Troops! At least it follows the MSM theme of the UN being the good guys, even when unaware. Maybe they should take the theme from the Tom Clancy novel, and claim the cash was shipped home in body cavities. (Sorry, I can't for the life of me bring to mind the title of the novel. It was the one where he developed the John Clark character that appeared in a number of his other novels.)

Update: I see that this has already been listed as an internet scam here.

Technorati : Email Scam, Internet, Irag, Miscellaneous, U.S. Military

Holy Cow!

2005-09-28T22:04:00.000-05:00

Strangely, the Cultural Heritage News thinks that this is news:

Tehran, 28 September 2005 (CHN) -- Archaeological excavations in Gohar Tepe, in Mazandaran province in Iran, led to the discovery of the remains of the statues of some cows which were most probably used in religious ceremonies.

The discovery of these sculptures indicates that the people of the region worshiped cows 3000 years ago.
Mazandaran is one of the most ancient provinces in Iran. Archaeological excavations indicate that the province has been inhabited by human beings since 400,000 years ago until the present time, and that around 5000 years ago, urbanization flourished in the area. Gohar Tepe is a proof to this claim.

“Some cow statues have been discovered in the archaeological excavations of Gohar Tepe, one of which is left almost intact. These sculptures which are in shape of rhytons were being used in religious ceremonies,” says Ali Mahforouzi, head of the excavation team of Gohar Tepe, Mazandaran, who is undertaking the forth season of excavations in the historical site.

[...]

So, what are they trying to tell us here? Is this the origin of the expression 'Holy Cow'? If so, they're on the wrong track. The article states:

[...]

Mahforouzi believes that rhytons reflect the beliefs of the ancient people of the region. These statues are evidence that the people of the region worshiped oxen and humped cows 3000 years ago. “Even today we can see some kind of respect towards the animals in the region,” added Mahforouzi, referring to kinds of cows being regarded as symbols of hard work and fertility.

[...]

I've got a better example for evidence that the people of [a] region worshiped oxen and humped cows . In some regions, cows are regarded even today as symbols of hard work, fertility, and...

Barbeque!

(image credit)

(Thanks to Free Republic for original link)

Technorati : Barbeque, Bbq, Cow, Fertility, Miscellaneous, Texas, Worship

Oh Oh!

2005-09-25T20:24:00.000-05:00

Just when we once again thought it was safe to go in the water...

Armed and dangerous - Flipper the firing dolphin let loose by Katrina

by Mark Townsend Houston
Sunday September 25, 2005
The Observer

It may be the oddest tale to emerge from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Armed dolphins, trained by the US military to shoot terrorists and pinpoint spies underwater, may be missing in the Gulf of Mexico.

Experts who have studied the US navy's cetacean training exercises claim the 36 mammals could be carrying 'toxic dart' guns. Divers and surfers risk attack, they claim, from a species considered to be among the planet's smartest. The US navy admits it has been training dolphins for military purposes, but has refused to confirm that any are missing.

Dolphins have been trained in attack-and-kill missions since the Cold War. The US Atlantic bottlenose dolphins have apparently been taught to shoot terrorists attacking military vessels. Their coastal compound was breached during the storm, sweeping them out to sea. But those who have studied the controversial use of dolphins in the US defence programme claim it is vital they are caught quickly.

Leo Sheridan, 72, a respected accident investigator who has worked for government and industry, said he had received intelligence from sources close to the US government's marine fisheries service confirming dolphins had escaped.

'My concern is that they have learnt to shoot at divers in wetsuits who have simulated terrorists in exercises. If divers or windsurfers are mistaken for a spy or suicide bomber and if equipped with special harnesses carrying toxic darts, they could fire,' he said. 'The darts are designed to put the target to sleep so they can be interrogated later, but what happens if the victim is not found for hours?'

[...]

This story comes via a Free Republic link. In the comments it is pointed out that the Leo Sheridan mentioned in the article has been associated with reporting on war dolphins before. I don't know if this fact helps or hurts his credibility in any way.

Anyway, just another thought for the grist mill, or another facet of some conspiracy theory. Go read!

(Trackback to the Mudville Gazette)

Technorati : Dolphin, Military, Miscellaneous, Naval, Unconventional Warfare, United States

No Skin Off My Nose

2005-09-21T23:44:00.000-05:00

Wow! I missed this item.

A Chinese cosmetics company is using skin harvested from the corpses of executed convicts to develop beauty products for sale in Europe, an investigation by the Guardian has discovered.

[...]

Steve has the story, excerpt at The Word Unheard , full story at Blue State Conservatives. He examines this practice, and others, equating them with the Nazis harvesting gold fillings, organs, and skin (for lampshades!) from executed Jews during World War II, making a case that China is a Moral Adversary to the United States. A must read.

In an update, he adds excerpts from the testimony of Wang Guoqi, a former doctor at a PLA hospital, before a House subcommittee hearing on renewal of normal trade relations with China in 2001:

[...]

My involvement in harvesting the skin from prisoners began while performing research on cadavers at the Beijing People's Liberation Army Surgeons Advanced Studies School, in Beijing's 304th Hospital. This hospital is directly subordinate to the PLA, and so connections between doctors and officers were very close. In order to secure a corpse from the execution grounds, security officers and court units were given "red envelopes" with cash amounting to anywhere between 200-500 RMB per corpse. Then, after execution, the body would be rushed to the autopsy room rather than the crematorium, and we would extract skin, kidneys, livers, bones, and corneas for research and experimental purposes. I learned the process of preserving human skin and tissue for burn victims, and skin was subsequently sold to needy burn victims for 10 RMB per square centimeter.

After completing my studies in Beijing, and returning to Tianjin's Paramilitary Police General Brigade Hospital, I assisted hospital directors Liu Lingfeng and Song Heping in acquiring the necessary equipment to build China's first skin and tissue storehouse. Soon afterward, I established close ties with Section Chief Xing, a criminal investigator of the Tianjin Higher People's Court.

Acquiring skin from executed prisoners usually took place around major holidays or during the government's Strike Hard campaigns, when prisoners would be executed in groups. Section Chief Xing would notify us of upcoming executions. We would put an order in for the number of corpses we'd like to dissect, and I would give him 300 RMB per cadaver. The money exchange took place at the Higher People's Court, and no receipts or evidence of the transaction would be exchanged.

Once notified of an execution, our section would prepare all necessary equipment and arrive at the Beicang Crematorium in plain clothes with all official license plates on our vehicles replaced with civilian ones. This was done on orders of the criminal investigation section. Before removing the skin, we would cut off the ropes that bound the criminals' hands and remove their clothing. Each criminal had identification papers in his or her pocket that detailed the executee's name, age, profession, work unit, address, and crime. Nowhere on these papers was there any mention of voluntary organ donation, and clearly the prisoners did not know how their bodies would be used after death.

We had to work quickly in the crematorium, and 10-20 minutes were generally enough to remove all skin from a corpse. Whatever remained was passed over to the crematorium workers. Between five and eight times a year, the hospital would send a number of teams to execution sites to harvest skin. Each team could process up to four corpes, and they would take as much as was demanded by both our hospital and fraternal hospitals. Because this system allowed us to treat so many burn victims, our department became the most reputable and profitable department in Tianjin.

[...]

Doesn't sound like the type of people we would want to do business with, as was quickly pointed out by most of his commenters.

Technorati : China, Cosmetic, Death Penalty, Human Experimentation, Medical, Miscellaneous, Science, United States

What is an undercover soldier? (Updated)

2005-09-20T10:23:00.000-05:00

* * * Update * * *

The picture is becoming a little clearer...

Two UK servicemen are back with British forces after troops staged a dramatic rescue mission at an Iraqi jail.

Basra governor, Mohammed al-Waili, said British soldiers used more than 10 tanks and helicopters to break down the walls and free the pair, thought to be special forces officers.

He said they had been arrested for allegedly shooting dead a local policeman and wounding another.

[...]

Starting to make more sense now. The rescue operation sounds like something the Brits would do, also. However, if you read the article, the police moving the officers from a jail to a house sounds fishy. If I remember correctly, Stephen Vincent made some interesting observations about the local Basra police forces in his In The Red Zone blog, before he was murdered.

* * * Original Post 7:49PM 09/19/05 * * * * *

Thanks to the fine Nashville Is Talking blog, we get a link to this story:

BASRA, Iraq (Reuters) - Violence erupted in Basra on Monday after Iraqi authorities said they had detained two British undercover soldiers in the southern city for firing on Iraqi police.

[...]

Go read the whole thing, then answer me this...

What is an undercover soldier?

A soldier, out of uniform and conducting operations, British or otherwise, is... a SPY! Subject to summary execution.

So these two blokes were driving along in a civilian car (nothing wrong with that, soldier or no), in civilian clothes (Tommie, contractor, spy, or what?), and get into a gun battle with an Iraqi Police patrol. And get captured! And taken to jail.

That story in itself is enough to make you ask 'What is wrong with this picture?' But wait, there's more, from this Reuters story:

BASRA, Iraq (Reuters) - British tanks smashed the walls of an Iraqi prison to free two undercover British soldiers seized earlier on Monday by Iraqi forces, an Interior Ministry official said.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said half a dozen tanks had crushed the walls of the jail in the southern city of Basra and British troops then freed the soldiers. The governor of Basra confirmed the jail had been broken into

[...]

It's going to be interesting to see what really happened in Basra.

Technorati : Basra, Britian, Iraq, Military

Ready And Forward (Updated)

2005-09-20T01:09:00.000-05:00

Retired 1st Sgt. Mark Matthews, 111, one of the last of the nation's legendary Buffalo Soldiers, died of pneumonia Sept. 6 at Fox Chase Nursing Home in Washington.

Sgt. Matthews, who also was the oldest Buffalo Soldier, was heir to a proud military heritage that originated with the black soldiers who fought in the Indian wars on the Western frontier. Historians say that the Cheyenne, Kiowa and Apache tribes bestowed the appellation because the soldiers' black, curly hair reminded them of a buffalo's mane.

[...]

One of 1st Sgt. Mark Matthews's duties was assisting the 1916 search for Pancho Villa in Mexico. (Family Photo)

(Credits: Original link - Free Republic, Story, image and caption text - Washington Post)

I particularly liked this quote from the WaPo article: "I did it all," Sgt. Matthews told The Washington Post a few years ago. "Yes, I was there."

Some history of the Buffalo Soldiers, the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments, here re-posted. These, and more recent segregated military units served with distinction up through World War II.

The 99th Pursuit Squadron is well known, from the HBO film The Tuskogee Airmen.

On July 21, 1943, Charles B. Hall became the first black fighter pilot to down an enemy aircraft. (image credit)

Less well-remembered is the 761st Tank Battalion,
(image credit)

the USS Mason,
(image credit)

and the USS PC1264.
(image credit)

To paraphrase Sgt. Matthews... They did it all, they were there.

* * * Original Post * * * * * *

From the Booker Rising blog comes a link to the St. Petersburg Times article about a reunion of Buffalo Soldiers. This reunion was for members and decendants of members of the all-black Army units during the period when these units were segregated.

[...] They were named by Cheyenne warriors in 1867 because they fought with the ferocity of a cornered buffalo. The nickname carried through the years, and members of the 9th & 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association have accepted it proudly. [...]

And proud they should be, fighting both for the United States, and against segregation and racism. Although no longer all-black units, the 9th and 10th still serve with distinction in Iraq today. I salute them all.

For those interested, here is some history of the units.

On June 28, 1866, an Act of Congress authorized the creation of six regiments of Black troops, two of cavalry and four of infantry. These troops went on to play a major role in the history of the West, as the "Buffalo Soldiers."

(Image and Text Credits: The Buffalo Soldiers)

On September 21, 1866, the 9th Cavalry Regiment was activated at Greenville, Louisiana under command of Colonel Edward Hatch.

WE CAN! WE WILL!

and the 10th Cavalry Regiment at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas under command of Colonel Benjamin Grierson.

READY AND FORWARD!

And it turns out that the Buffalo Soldiers were unknowingly ahead of their time, as among their ranks was a female soldier. Read the story of Cathay Williams.

(Trackback to Mudville Gazette)

Technorati : 10Th Cavalry Regiment, 761St Tank Battalian, 99Th Pursuit Squadron, 9Th Cavalry Regiment, Buffalo Soldiers, Cheyenne, Civil War, Indian Wars, Iraq, Segregation, United States, Uss Mason, Uss Pc1264, World War Ii

What is an undercover soldier?

2005-09-19T19:49:00.000-05:00

Thanks to the fine Nashville Is Talking blog, we get a link to this story:

BASRA, Iraq (Reuters) - Violence erupted in Basra on Monday after Iraqi authorities said they had detained two British undercover soldiers in the southern city for firing on Iraqi police.

[...]

BASRA, Iraq (Reuters) - British tanks smashed the walls of an Iraqi prison to free two undercover British soldiers seized earlier on Monday by Iraqi forces, an Interior Ministry official said.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said half a dozen tanks had crushed the walls of the jail in the southern city of Basra and British troops then freed the soldiers. The governor of Basra confirmed the jail had been broken into

[...]

It's going to be interesting to see what really happened in Basra.

Technorati : Basra, Britian, Iraq, Military

Hello?

2005-09-19T19:13:00.000-05:00

Many apologies to my loyal readers out there (all three of you!). Due to other commitments, postings have been few and far between the past couple of weeks.

One commitment, gainful employment, continues to elude me. The bright side of that is that I have more time to spend reading all of the wonderful blogs out there. One the other hand... no paycheck!

The other major commitment is to finish repairing/painting my house. By tomorrow evening I should be down to one final task... painting the window trim. Heh, I always seem to save the hardest, most tedious part for last.

Anyway, I've got a couple of posts on the burner... maybe soon. Be patient.

Technorati : Personal

Devolved Opinion

2005-09-17T00:46:00.000-05:00

<sigh>

Not gonna mention her name, but you know the woman whose son was killed in Iraq, who 'camped' outside of Bush's ranch this summer...

I originally felt great saddness for her loss, and sadness that she had been co-opted by the forces of darkness in advancing their evil agenda.

No more.

Now she has entered the realm of Jane Fonda, and forevermore will have the title 'that Bitch' prefixed to her name in any conversation I may join.

Why?

[...]
George Bush needs to stop talking, admit the mistakes of his all around failed administration, pull our troops out of occupied New Orleans and Iraq, and excuse his self from power.
[...]

Sources: here, here, and here.

She should have whistled...

2005-09-07T22:44:00.000-05:00

as she passed the graveyard, instead of whizzing in it!

R.I.P.

Technorati : Miscellaneous

Making the Case for War

2005-09-07T17:09:00.000-05:00

Many of us have long wondered about the seeming reluctance of the Bush administration to effectively defend the rationale behind many of their policies. With respect to Iraq, and Christopher Hitchens, we don't have to wonder.

[...]

I have a ready answer to those who accuse me of being an agent and tool of the Bush-Cheney administration (which is the nicest thing that my enemies can find to say). Attempting a little levity, I respond that I could stay at home if the authorities could bother to make their own case, but that I meanwhile am a prisoner of what I actually do know about the permanent hell, and the permanent threat, of the Saddam regime. However, having debated almost all of the spokespeople for the antiwar faction, both the sane and the deranged, I was recently asked a question that I was temporarily unable to answer. "If what you claim is true," the honest citizen at this meeting politely asked me, "how come the White House hasn't told us?"

[...]

It's a long read, but a good one. And speaking of debating both sane and deranged members of the other side, he's going to do it again. With one of the deranged ones.

(Thanks to American Barbarian for the link.)

Technorati : Christopher Hitchens, George W. Bush, Iraq, Politics, United States, War

The Spy Who Came In From... Chicago

2005-09-07T14:59:00.000-05:00

After double-checking to make sure that this piece did not drop right from the Op-Ed pages of the New York Times, I decided to post it.

ACCUSATIONS CONFIRMED! [scroll down a bit]

CLOAK Co-host Sherman Skolnick prior to the 2004 Election fingered Barack Obama running in Illinois for the U.S. Senate as a British Intel agent born in Kenya. Skolnick, as a co-spy watcher unmasked Obama on his regular CLOAK program, Shop Talk From Plot H.Q.

Today Russian President V. Putin ordered U.S. Senator Barack Obama who is also tight with MOSSAD, to be held in custody under suspicion of being a British operative illegally spying in Russia at off-limits secret facilities.

Spying with Obama, who was locked up, was U.S. Senator Richard Lugar, pro-Bush, was detained by Putin but unlike Obama, quickly released.(see story)

[...]

Who'd a thunk it? Well, apparently this guy would. And he's thunk much more! Go read it!

(Thanks to Eaglespeak for the link. He called it the Whacko theory for the day, but it's more like a Whacko Library!)

Technorati : Looney Tunes, Miscellaneous, Russia, Senatoer Barack Obama, Senator Richard Lugar, United States

and in this corner, wearing the white hat...

2005-09-06T20:41:00.000-05:00

Oh, how I wish I could see this!

Not since the Rumble in the Jungle, when Muhammad Ali fought George Foreman in Kinshasa in 1974, can there have been such an eagerly anticipated punch-up as the one due to take place in New York in a fortnight.

[...]

Now THAT piqued my interest. Wonder who is fighting?

[...]

The Grapple in the Big Apple will pit "Gorgeous" George Galloway, the MP, against Christopher Hitchens, the writer and polemicist, in a public debate over Iraq and US and British foreign policy. Political junkies in America are drooling at the prospect.

[...]

Yes, this certainly has me drooling, like one of Pavlov's dogs! Sounds like a fine heavyweight bout, to me. I'm left wondering if it will degenerate into a spirited name-calling match. Can Mr. Hitchens match "drink-sodden former Trotskyist popinjay" ?

(Thanks to Dave Budge for the link, he's earned a spot on my blogroll!)

Technorati : America, Britain, Christopher Hitchens, Debate, George Foreman, George Galloway, Iraq, Muhammad Ali, Politics

Ya Think?

2005-09-06T09:58:00.000-05:00

SURPRISE!!!

CHICAGO - Preschoolers pretending to shop for a Barbie doll's social evening were more likely to choose cigarettes if their parents smoked, and wine or beer if their parents drank, a study found.

[...]

Is there anyone out there that doubts that children turn into adults with the same attributes as their parents? Researchers for this study looked at behavior such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and food choice in children, compared to the habits of their parents. Strangely, they made no mention of various other areas of behavior, such as racial intolerance.

Next, this team might announce that they have discovered that the sun appears to rise in the East!

Technorati : Miscellaneous

There's Nothing Like Success, And Urban Legends

2005-09-06T09:36:00.000-05:00

Michelle Malkin has some information concerning the supposed atrocities committed among/by/against Hurricane Katrina evacuees, nipping the bud from some emerging urban legends. As the hysteria dies down, more and more examples will surely emerge.

One reader emailed her with the possibility that Greg Packer may be among those evacuees. Hmmm...

I know some people like this, but none so successful. From the Editor & Publisher:

Has this man been quoted by your newspaper?

He's not just another face in the crowd at concerts, book signings, and sporting events. Somehow, over the course of 10 years, one man has managed to become the media's go-to guy, quoted more than 100 times in various publications, including several prominent newspapers. Greg Packer is the "man on the street."

[...]

Go read the whole article.

And here I am, contributing to his notoriety!

(Thanks to Michell Malkin for the link, and image credit to E&P)

Technorati : Greg Packer, Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana, Miscellaneous, New Orleans, Superdome, Urban Legends

Compare and Contrast

2005-09-06T00:31:00.000-05:00

From Bill Hobbs, check out this about U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee, and U.S. Rep. Harold Ford Jr., D-Tennessee, the man who would be Senator.

To paraphrase...It was the best of Reps, it was the worst of Reps.

Technorati : Current Events, Disaster Response, Harold Ford Jr., Hurricane Katrina, Marsha Blackburn, Politics, Tennessee
Del.icio.us : Current Events, Disaster Response, Harold Ford Jr., Hurricane Katrina, Marsha Blackburn, Politics, Tennessee

Faster, Please...

2005-09-06T00:14:00.000-05:00

From South End Grounds comes a link to this article by Linda Seeback of the Rocky Mountain News about future oil reserves.

[...]

On one small test plot about 20 feet by 35 feet, on land Shell owns, they started heating the rock in early 2004. "Product" - about one-third natural gas, two-thirds light crude - began to appear in September 2004. They turned the heaters off about a month ago, after harvesting about 1,500 barrels of oil.

While we were trying to do the math, O'Connor told us the answers. Upwards of a million barrels an acre, a billion barrels a square mile. And the oil shale formation in the Green River Basin, most of which is in Colorado, covers more than a thousand square miles - the largest fossil fuel deposits in the world.

[...]

On the surface, this sounds really good. Too good to be true, actually. But, as Ms. Seebach so aptly put it in her column: "Wow."

According to the article, Shell is very close to putting this to a real test:

[...] Shell has applied for a research and development lease on 160 acres of BLM land, which could be approved by February. That project would be on a large enough scale so design of a commercial facility could begin.

[...]

The appeal of extracting oil from oil shale has fluctuated over the years, increasing as each new technique is applied, or as oil prices rise, then dropping with oil prices and/or the inability of the techniques to yield cheap oil. Appeal is on the rise again, needless to say. And if successful, the prospect of that much oil located within our borders is appealing indeed!

The RAND Corporation issued a study dated August 31 that basically agrees with the amount of reserves, and mentioned the lower cost claims made by Shell. They cautioned, however, that proven technology today would be very costly.

[...]

The study is titled “Oil Shale Development in the United States: Prospects and Policy Issues.” It indicates that oil production based on older oil shale mining and processing technologies would not be profitable unless crude oil prices consistently stay above at least $70 to $95 per barrel. The price of crude oil jumped past $70 per barrel Aug. 29 in response to Hurricane Katrina. In addition, significant adverse environmental impacts are associated with oil shale mining, above ground processing and disposing of spent shale.

[...]

The same process is being studied as applied to heavy oil and natural bitumen. According to this report, small scale testing and computer simulations have been run.

Some history of oil shale may be found here.

Echoing the RAND Corporation's estimated 20 to 30 year timeline until economical production is possible, this article from World Oil details the dispersion of oil shale deposits:

[...] At present, shale oil is not being produced in the US, and large-scale commercial production is not expected for 20 to 30 years under present economic conditions. But it's not for a lack of reserves. According to published World Energy Council (WEC) estimates, nearly 62% of the world's potentially recoverable oil shale resources are concentrated in the US. At year-end 1999, WEC says the US had a possible shale oil reserve approaching 1.0 trillion barrels.

Outside the US, oil shale has been burned directly as a low grade, high ash-content fuel in a few countries such as Estonia. Jordan also possesses a significant quantity of oil shale resources, but no formal development. Oil shales also occur throughout Canada, particularly in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, where some early mining occurred. Investigations into power plant use have also been made.

Australia is generating the most publicity, with claims from the Australian Geological Survey organization of recoverable and additional shale oil reserves of 37 billion tonnes, or about 260 billion barrels. During the 1970s and ?80s, an exploration program was undertaken by two Australian companies, Southern Pacific Petroleum and Central Pacific Minerals (SPP/CPM). The aim was to find high-quality oil shale suitable for open-pit mining in areas near infrastructure and deepwater ports. The program was successful in finding commercial deposits along the coast of Queensland.

[...]

So, like the title of this post says... Faster, Please!

I can see only one drawback to a massive amount of exploitable oil reserves. It only addresses the supply-side of the equation. If we, or any other countries, have access to large amounts of oil, then we may be less inclined to explore alternative energy sources to lessen the demand for oil. Actually, less should be replaced with WILL. Advances in nuclear, wind, solar, geothermal and hydro technology will fall by the wayside without the economic pressure of high oil prices. Major dilemma, there.

Technorati : Canada, Gasoline Prices, Hurricane Katrina, In Situ Conversion Shell, Oil, Oil Shale, Rand Corporation, Technology, United States
Del.icio.us : Canada, Gasoline Prices, Hurricane Katrina, In Situ Conversion Shell, Oil, Oil Shale, Rand Corporation, Technology, United States

More Reasons...

2005-09-05T21:11:00.000-05:00

In my post immediately preceeding this one, I stated that the reason that I had blogrolled the Pillage Idiot was as a form of paybacks for leading me to the subject of that post. That reason does not stand alone. Atilla has some very interesting posts in his own right. The latest is a should read series of captioned photos describing the Anatomy of a nomination.

Another series of captioned photos from a couple of weeks ago also deserve a read. Here, reproduced without permission, but on my own dime, is the last photo of that series. Go look at the entire thing.

Technorati : Blog, Condoleeza Rice, Current Events, George W. Bush, John Roberts, Politics, United States Supreme Court
Del.icio.us : Blog, Condoleeza Rice, Current Events, George W. Bush, John Roberts, Politics, United States Supreme Court

Liberalism Come Home To Roost

2005-09-05T20:55:00.000-05:00

If you have not yet read Bill Whittle's Tribes, now is the time to do so. Then get yourself over to David Warren Online and read his take on looters.

[...] In complete ignorance of his intellectual ancestry, this simple clod repeats an idea that has descended from arcane roots in Descartes, to Rousseau, and through Marx, to Frantz Fanon, and through the sociology departments of the universities, to daytime television, and out into popular cliché, till it has finally settled in the sewers of New Orleans. [...]

Shades of Ward Churchill, it's liberalism come home to roost.

Thanks to Attila at the Pillage Idiot for the original link to Vanderleun at American Digest, which led me to the David Warren Online post. It has earned a spot (or condemned him to, as the case may be) on my blogroll.

Technorati : Current Events, Disaster Recovery, Hurricane Katrina, Law Enforcement, Looting, Louisiana, National Guard, New Orleans
Del.icio.us : Current Events, Disaster Recovery, Hurricane Katrina, Law Enforcement, Looting, Louisiana, National Guard, New Orleans

'Bout Time!

2005-09-05T17:59:00.000-05:00

Over at Eaglespeak (you do read this blog, right?) is an interesting comparison between the Exodus as related in the Bible, to the continuing saga of Hurricane Katrina.

[...]
"Moses and the Lord take too long to deliver the Israelis"
"Food aid comes too late for some"
"Is Moses too religious?"
"Moses get Ten Commandments: Some Unfair" "
"Lord discriminates against idol worshippers"

Go read it all. And be sure to check out his link (or this one) to Bill Whittle's latest: Tribes

Technorati : Bible, Current Events, Exodus, Fema, Flooding, Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana, Moses, New Orleans, News
Del.icio.us : Bible, Current Events, Exodus, Fema, Flooding, Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana, Moses, New Orleans, News

Breaking News...

2005-09-05T00:33:00.000-05:00

Now, here is some breaking news that will make everyone sit up and take notice!

Former Vice President Al Gore will give a speech in Portland on Tuesday on global warming.

[...]

Technorati : Al Gore, Environment, Global Warning, Oregon, Portland, Sarcasm
Del.icio.us : Al Gore, Environment, Global Warning, Oregon, Portland, Sarcasm

Idiot (Updated)

2005-09-04T00:23:00.000-05:00

[...]

[New Orlean Mayor Ray] Nagin: I need reinforcements. I need troops, man. I need 500 buses, man. They're talking about, you know, one of the briefings we had, you know, they were talking about getting uh, uh you know, public school bus drivers to come down here and bus people out of here. I'm like, 'You gotta be kidding me!'

This is a national disaster. Get every doggone Greyhound bus line in the country and get their asses moving to New Orleans. That's, they're thinking small man, and this is a major, major, major deal. And I can't emphasize it enough, man.

This is crazy! I've got 15,000 to 20,000 people over at the convention centre, it's bursting at the seams. The poor people in Plaquemines parish, they're air-vacing people here over to New Orleans. We don't have anything and were sharing with our brothers in Plaquemines parish. It's, it's, it's, it's awful down here, man.

(bolds mine) Old news now, but still worth a read. Conclusion? The man is an idiot. Why do I say this?

(image and link credit: Free Republic)

Original caption, and further credit: AP - Thu Sep 1, 4:15 PM ET An aerial view of flooded school buses in a lot, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2005, in New Orleans, LA. The flood is a result of Hurricane Katrina that passed through the area last Monday.(AP Photo/Phil Coale)

Update: LOL, check this out:

Press Release

Date: 9/1/2005

Contact:Denise Bottcher or Roderick Hawkins at 225-342-9037

Governor Blanco Announces Executive Order

Baton Rouge, LA— Governor Blanco today announced the following Executive Order:

Executive Order NO. KBB 2005- 31- provides that pursuant to the Louisiana Homeland Security and Emergency Assistance and Disaster Act, R.S. 29:721, et seq., grants emergency powers to the governor, where, she has in consultation with school superintendents, utilized public school buses for transportation of Hurricane Katrina evacuees. As you are aware most public school districts will not begin school until Tuesday, September 6th 2005.

The full text of the above mentioned proclamation is available on the Internet at www.gov.state.la.us.

If Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco had only done this LAST Saturday, or even Sunday, not only would the people have gotten out in time, but the picture featured above would probably not be in existence. Judging from the reaction and performance of the local officials there, I'm somewhat surprised they didn't try to back-date this.

Update II: (9/4/05 7:43 Am CDT) B. Preston at JunYardBlog has more on the busses featured above, complete with better images, counts, and evacuee analysis. Methinks Mayor Ray 'Schoolbus' Nagin is not long for this world, politically speaking.

Technorati : Current Events, Disaster Preparedness, Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana, Mayor Ray Nagin, New Orleans
Del.icio.us : Current Events, Disaster Preparedness, Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana, Mayor Ray Nagin, New Orleans

Who?

2005-09-03T22:42:00.000-05:00

Not to belittle her grief, but what's to become of Cindy Sheehan now? Hurricane Katrina coverage, Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist dies, how much coverage will she be able to maintain?

Technorati : Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, Cindy Sheehan, Hurricane Katrina, Mainstream Media, Msm
Del.icio.us : Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, Cindy Sheehan, Hurricane Katrina, Mainstream Media, Msm

Chief Justice Rehnquist Dead!

2005-09-03T22:31:00.000-05:00

William H. Rehnquist

Chief Justice, United States Supreme Court

October 1, 1924 - September 3, 2005

Dead at 80.

Being reported now on Fox and CNN

Technorati : Breaking News, Chief Justice, Current Events, News, Politics, SCOTUS, U.S. Supreme Court. William H. Rehnquist, United States

This Course Has Been Offered Before

2005-09-03T00:34:00.000-05:00

Everybody's talking. And talking. Mostly complaints about the response to the effects and aftereffects of Hurricane Katrina. Many on the left are assigning blame for a slow response to the federal government, specifically President Bush. Many on the right are assigning blame for the slow response to the local authorities, specifically the Governor Blanco and New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin. I side with the latter, but that's neither here nor there.

We are being bombarded with images of people crying out for help. Yes, there are multitudes of people requiring assistance. We as a nation are responding, as we should, indeed, we must.

But... Read this excerpt, then go read the whole thing:

Image after image of unrelenting sorrow, layered one atop the other like a deck of haunting cards. A baby held aloft, inches above a sea of desperate faces, gasping for air. The dead left where they've fallen, in plain view, robbed of even the simple dignity of a shroud. Survivors waiting, then begging, then fighting, finally, over food and water.

Here.

While the images of natural disasters and man-made ones alike, from Sri Lanka or Baghdad, cause despair, the pictures from New Orleans inspire not just helplessness, but disbelief. The richest, most powerful nation in the world can build schools, hospitals and shelters halfway around the globe, but it can't provide the basic necessities for its own days after a disaster that everybody saw coming?

Here?

Usually, we shudder, change the channel or turn the page, awaiting better news. But there is something too compelling about these pictures. The distance between us and the people in them has been narrowed, rendered uncomfortably close, and not just for those who are family, friends or neighbors. We recognize them. We all see people like them.

Here.

[...]

Back? Great. What did you think after reading that trash? The United States is presently circling the drain, in a cataclysmic descent into third-worldness, right?

WRONG! We are doing just fine, thank you. Except...

What really bothers me about this (and we'll leave the Mainstream Media reporting, the source of this feeling of dispair, as another post) is this (bolds mine):

[...]

There will be time enough, too, to assess blame, for politicians to point fingers, find and fire those deemed accountable. And maybe even to figure out how a handful of Southeast Asian governments, whose economies, armies and emergency resources could all be folded comfortably several times inside those of the United States, responded to a tsunami much larger and fiercer than Hurricane Katrina with swiftness and efficiency, and we could not. And so the frustration builds, not so much over what happened, but what did not.

[...]

One, I hope those politicians are looking in a mirror when they point the fingers. Probably ain't gonna happen, though.

Two, and this goes along with those saying that we need to step back, look over the things that worked and the things that didn't, so we don't have to go through this again. Uhhh, people, I have to tell you this... this WAS NOT THE FIRST chance to learn about disaster preparedness. Remember August 24, 1992? Think Hurricane Andrew. I participated in the recovery efforts after Andrew, spending a total of four months there (paid work, not volunteer, before you go thinking what a nice guy I am). I saw firsthand the destruction, the suffering, the misery, the seemingly inadequate responses. I say seemingly because the responses, in hindsight, were not inadequate, nor too slow in coming. The greater the response required, the longer the time necessary to accomplish it. Granted, the loss of life and property from the aftermath of Katrina will exceed that of Andrew.

Nevertheless, in the school of life, this course has been offered before. Apparently, not many enrolled, and those that did failed to receive a passing grade. Why not? I refer you to the first bolded passage in the previously quoted section. Politicians are the culprits.

(Thanks to Free Republic for the original link)

Technorati : Current Events, Disaster Response, Florida, Governor Blanco, Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana, Mayor Ray Nagin, New Orleans, Politics
Del.icio.us : Current Events, Disaster Response, Florida, Governor Blanco, Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana, Mayor Ray Nagin, New Orleans, Politics

Is It Time To Panic Yet? (Updated)

2005-09-02T00:22:00.000-05:00

Was browsing around Snopes tonight, and ran across this:

According to Snopes, the original caption was:

Gasoline customers check prices and leave at a BP station in Stockbridge, Ga., Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2005. Gasoline price soared Wednesday toward $3 a gallon in many parts of the country, surpassing that level in some places, such as this station, as key refineries and pipelines remained crippled by Hurricane Katrina, crimping supplies and leading to caps on the amount of fuel delivered to retailers.

Snopes goes on to state:

[...]
Prices didn't stay at these levels for long, however — on the same day this photograph was taken, Georgia governor Sonny Perdue signed an executive order authorizing sanctions against price-gouging gasoline retailers:
[...]

Good for Sonny!

I mentioned in an earlier post that prices had jumped locally 30 to 50 cents per gallon on Wednesday, with many retailers out of regular. Well, the trend continued, with prices jumping another 10 to 15 cents per gallon today. My local station, and many others, are sitting at 2.99 per gallon of regular this evening. My daughter informed me that stations in Kentucky near where she works were charging 3.09, and that local auto parts stores were completely out of locking gas caps. How well I remember the early 70's and lining up at the pumps at daybreak on alternate days, when your turn was assigned. This sucks, because it's so artificial.

Oil companies are going to have to modify all of their spreadsheets, widening the columns to show the percentage and dollar amounts of their profits. Wait! Wasn't Bush an oil man? Yeah, it's his fault! (disclaimer: the preceding was bleed-over from some blogs that lean the wrong way.)

The mention of oil company profits notwithstanding, I would REALLY hate to see any level of government get involved in any pricing schemes, like price caps and such. bad news, there.

(image credit: Snopes.com)

UPDATE: (9/2/05 - Midnight) Gasoline prices at my local station went up another dime today, with regular now standing at 3.09.

Technorati : Gas Prices, Gasoline, George W. Bush, Hurricane Katrina, Oil, Price Caps, Sonny Perdue

A Golden Brown Thumb!

2005-09-01T23:55:00.000-05:00

Seems that passing through Chicago O'Hare twice in the past week kinda stuck with me. Tonight I baked some nice garlic bread for dinner, then decided to try my hand at something I'd never done before. Soft Pretzels. Hot out of the oven, a little dab of mustard... mmmm mmmm good!

Of course they don't yet stand up to Chicago standards for size and shape, but practice makes perfect!

Technorati : Baking, Chicago, Food, Soft Pretzels

"But for the British, it's all about F---ing."

2005-09-01T14:49:00.000-05:00

Can't say it better than the title, go read the whole thing. Sounds like a hoax to me, but what do I effing know?

Update: Well, guess it isn't a hoax, after all.

Also, it doesn't appear to be news, either.

Nevermind.

Update II: Maybe it's just the entrepreneur in me, but whenever I read about one of these really attractive signs (street, town, whatever), my first thought is why try to stop the thefts? Surely this little hamlet could use the additional revenue brought in by the sale of stolen signs.

Update III: LOL, how'd you like to have the title of Mayor of Fucking?

Technorati : Britain, Fucking Austria, Germany

All Bark and No.... Nevermind

2005-09-01T13:54:00.000-05:00

Interesting concept, how to remove certain men from the gene pool... and the jean pool. This article concerning a more proactive approach to rape deterrence has some possibilities. (bolds mine)

KLEINMOND, South Africa (Reuters) - A South African inventor unveiled a new anti-rape female condom on Wednesday that hooks onto an attacker's penis and aims to cut one of the highest rates of sexual assault in the world.

"Nothing has ever been done to help a woman so that she does not get raped and I thought it was high time," Sonette Ehlers, 57, said of the "rapex", a device worn like a tampon that has sparked controversy in a country used to daily reports of violent crime.

[...]

An interesting turn of phrase, there...

That would certainly cause some hesitation. The article doesn't go into that much detail about the utilization of the device, other than saying it is worn like a tampon. It seems, though, that a device that is easily removable by the user would also be detectable and removable by the attacker. Then ther is always this concern:

[...]

Ehlers, who showed off a prototype on Wednesday, said women had tried it for comfort and it had been tested on a plastic male model but not yet on a live man. Production was planned to start next year.

[...]

Volunteers, anyone?

Technorati : Condom, Rape, Sex, South Africa, Tampon

Lots Happened

2005-09-01T12:28:00.000-05:00

Back from my travels to the funeral.

Travels went well, had nice visits with family members I hadn't seen in a long time, weather was perfect.

Last month I commented on the difference of TSA and Airport personnel between several airports, with nothing positive to say about Chicago O'Hare. After this trip, I am forced to revise my opinion somewhat. Previously I had experienced marked rudeness of personnel at O'Hare. This trip, in both transits through O'Hare, I encountered really nice, helpful people, who seemed to enjoy their jobs, and seemed to do them well. I extend my thanks to them, along with the personnel at Nashville and Oakland (CA) airports, for a job well done.

Seems like a lot happened while I was away. The fact of Katrina is inescapable. Lots of damage, many died, multitudes displaced, and still being displaced, by flood waters and lack of normal services. My prayers go out to all of them, and to the dedicated personnel bringing relief to the affected areas. I spent a number of years performing disaster restoration, particularly related to water damage. One of my first major disasters was Hurricane Andrew, so I can relate to what some of these people are experiencing. It will be years before the hardest hit areas recover. Glenn at Instapundit has extensive listing of agencies recommended by others if you are able and inclined to assist. And if you are able, you should be so inclined. Goods, supplies, time and money will all be needed. It's, dare I say it, the American thing to do! If you're a Christian, then it's the Christian thing to do. If you're Jewish... you get the point. Assist, donate, volunteer. Hey, if you're Tennessean, being from the Volunteer State, volunteer!

For every low-life you see on the tiny screen looting shops, there are hundreds of fine people in need who would never do such a thing, and you won't see them on television. A Cajun friend of mine once told me that he considered anyone who lived North of Interstae 10 to be a Yankee... well, it's time for the Yankees to step up and lend a hand.

Doing my usual after being isolated for a while (I really HATE not having internet access!), I checked to see if Fabian Cayetano Urrea had been apprehended for the murder of Jorge Estrada. Unfortunately, the answer is no. Although I do see that he has been upgraded from holding the premier spot in my Blogosphere's Most Wanted (see my sidebar, top left) to a nice spot on America's Most Wanted, aired on August 27th. This guy should be nailed the instant he sets foot back in the U.S. Too bad we can't get him from Mexico!

Although it is meaningless in the grand scheme of things, I see that I have slipped from being a Marauding Marsupial back to an Adorable Rodent in The TTLB Blogosphere Ecosystem. <sigh>.

More later, maybe. I have to continue my search for employment, and may be (hopefully) too busy to post.

Update: I almost forgot to mention gasoline prices. It seems that due to factors related to Katrina, such as inoperable refineries (no electricity to run them), shut down oil rigs in the Gulf, distribution problems, and other factors, that there is a real shortage of gasoline in some areas. Middle Tennessee is one of those areas. As my nephew drove me home from the airport last night, we stopped to get some gas for his car. Surprisingly, the station was out of regular! The clerk informed us that numerous stations in the area were out, and awaiting delivery. Luckily, for my nephew, we stopped at another station on the way home that was out of the beaten path, and they had regular. I'm not ready to throw out the profiteering charge yet, but I have my suspicions. While I was in the air yesterday, gasoline prices spiked here, up 30 to 50 cents a gallon! Something is not right with this picture.

Technorati : California, Chicago, Current Events, Fabian Urrea, Gasoline, Katrina, O'Hare, Tennessee

Sorry, I am not in right now. Leave a message at the beep.

2005-08-26T00:44:00.000-05:00

I will be leaving in a few hours, and will not return until 8/31. Any posts will be dependent on computer access, which is not too likely. If you want to know why, check here. Keep the faith!

BEEP

Technorati : Personal

The Answer Is Protest Babes!

2005-08-25T15:43:00.000-05:00

The question is: How do we win this War ?

Patrick Ruffini feels that we are not telling the right story.

For two years now, the dominant conservative frame on Iraq has been to point to the steady, unheralded progress ignored by the media. Schools being built. Troops being trained. Elections. The economy picking up. By definition, these kinds of transformations don’t happen overnight. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
This narrative served us well for a time, playing into widely held suspicions of media bias, but now something different is called for.

[...]

This narrative is nothing new: we had it for a while in the spring, and now it’s time to get it back. It’s simple: everything – EVERYTHING – pivots around the Iraqi woman with purple ink-stained finger, or the Revolution babes in Lebanon, or the jailed democracy protesters in Egypt. That’s why we are being viciously attacked. That’s the narrative. That’s the first three quarters of the policy speech. It’s not that we shouldn’t be talking about progress on the ground. It’s that there's a better way to talk about progress than as a whiny alternative universe the media won't cover. Use the progress to explain the violence, and by talking about the progress you implicitly talk about the violence too. It's not pollyannish either: extreme violence provoking extreme evil -- both can be given their due in one construct. The level of violence is not the success criteria; our will to defeat the inevitable opposition we will face is.

[...]

He presents a well written argument on how we should be discussing this War, and thus the path to Victory.

Read the whole thing.

Technorati : Global War On Terror, Gwot, Iraq, Politics, United States, War For Survival

WOW! Combat Report, Must read!

2005-08-25T12:38:00.000-05:00

Michael's report. MUST READ!

Technorati : Combat, CSM Prosser, Deuce Four, Erik Kurilla, Iraq, Mosul, News, U.S. Army, United States

Hip Waders, And You're All Set

2005-08-25T12:16:00.000-05:00

This was shamelessly stolen from Nashville Is Talking, as it's too good to not pass along.

Printable PDF cutout available here.

For other designs, including PG, visit Wiseass.org

Technorati : Humor, Miscellaneous, Politics

Cause and Effect

2005-08-25T11:54:00.000-05:00

This news article concerning mistaken or disregarded boundaries on areas to be logged, and the subsequent logging of trees in a protected area, exposes a serious problem (bolds mine).

GRANTS PASS, Ore. -- The Forest Service admitted Wednesday to making a "serious" mistake that allowed the logging of 17 acres inside a rare tree reserve as part of the salvage harvest of timber burned by a fire in 2002.

The logging inside the 350-acre Babyfoot Lake Botanical Area, created in 1966 to protect Brewer spruce and other rare plant species in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, was discovered last week by environmentalists after the timber was harvested and a forest closure intended to bar protesters was lifted.

[...]

It appears that once the forest service made the decision to allow logging of the burned timber areas, defined the area allowed, and issued the necessary permits, that they then failed to monitor the process. The loggers, by design or error (I don't claim to know one way or the other here), crossed over the boundary. Sometime AFTER the logging had ended, environmentalists surveyed the area, and discovered the ( pick one: error/criminal activity). These same environmentalists are criticizing the Forest Service for not allowing process monitoring.

[...]

Barbara Ullian, conservation director of the Siskiyou Project group that discovered the damage, said the mistake demonstrated the importance of allowing the public to monitor logging operations in national forests.

[...]

What prompted the Forest Service to close the area to the public during the logging? This explains:

[...]
The Forest Service closed the area to the public in March after protesters attempted to block logging roads and sit in trees.
[...]

The protesters were attempting to block not just logging in the Reserve, where it was not supposed to happen anyway, but ANY logging (Examples here and here). In their efforts to stop all logging, they effectively removed any chance that they had to exercise any control. Sounds like the Siskiyou Project needs to rethink their strategy.

Technorati : Environmentalists, Grants Pass, Logging, Miscellaneous, Oregon, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Timber, United States Forest Service

Call For New Standards

2005-08-25T10:43:00.000-05:00

HOT SPRINGS, N.C. -- A magnitude 3.8 earthquake rattled homes in North Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia but appeared to have caused little serious damage, officials said.

The minor quake, which struck at 11:09 p.m. Wednesday, was centered about 2 miles southeast of Hot Springs, according to the U.S. Geological Survey's National Earthquake Information Center.

Rocks crashed down on N.C. 209 in Madison County, but the road remained open. The quake also damaged the foundation of a mobile home and knocked pictures off walls in western North Carolina, but there were no reports of injuries, officials said.

[...]

Good thing this wasn't The Big One! If a 3.8 quake can damage the foundation of a mobile home, think of the massive and widespread damage that would take place if this had been a large quake. We are woefully unprepared!

Technorati : Earthquake, Georgia, Miscellaneous, National Earthquake Information Center, North Carolina, Quake, Tennessee, U.S. Geological Survey

The Saga of Paddy and the Underdog Railroad

2005-08-25T10:23:00.000-05:00

Reminiscent of the feel-good movies about lost pets trekking through the wilderness for hundreds of miles to finally arrive home safely (i.e. The Incredible Journey, et al), and alluding to the Underground Railroad, this LA Times article is an interesting read. It explores the problems of unwanted pets through the travels of the dog Paddy, from Tennessee to his new home in California.

Paddy's no show dog. He's a mid-size, aging brown mutt; shaggy, with white eye rings that give him a worried look, and a smell that's hard to ignore.

Dogs like Paddy abound at animal shelters across America. He was once a pound dog himself, back in Tennessee. But that was before.

Now he lives in California with a woman who saw him on the Internet and just had to have him. His 60-hour passage from east Tennessee to Silverado in the Orange County back country, involved a blues singer, a bartender, a retired orchestra conductor and 21 others who drove shifts across six states and four time zones to get him to what rescuers call a "forever home."

Most of those who transported Paddy never met his Tennessee rescuer, his new owner in California or each other. They were part of a vast, loose-knit movement known to animal rescuers as the "canine underground railroad." Linked by the Internet, cellphones and fervid love of animals, thousands of volunteers across the U.S., Canada and Europe go to enormous lengths to save strays like Paddy.

[...]

A good article, highlighting the efforts of Petfinder.com to place unwanted animals.

Technorati : California, Cats, Dogs, La Times, Miscellaneous, Petfinder, Pets, Tennessee, Underdog Railroad, Underground Railroad

Bear Claws

2005-08-25T10:02:00.000-05:00

No, I'm not talking about the pastry. I'm talking about REAL bear claws:
(image credit: Asylum Eclectica)

These are the claws of a Grizzly Bear, allegedly the one who killed a pair of rafters camping beside the Hulahula River in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). From the Anchorage Daily News:

[...]

Officials discovered the bodies and an unused firearm in a tent at a campsite near the river.

The couple, whose names were not released, were believed to be in their late 50s or early 60s, North Slope Borough police said. They were from Anchorage and had been on a recreational rafting trip down the river, Alaska State Troopers said.

[...]

The impetus of this post is not that bears attack and kill people, as it happens quite often, but to highlight a website that I found while doing some research. That site is Morbid Fact Du Jour (Where BAD THINGS Happen to GOOD PEOPLE). It also told the story of the bear attack, referencing the Daily News article, AND provided pictures of the dead bear, and the victim's bodies.

After printing the story, here is the disclaimer:

[...]

And here's the best part - through the generosity of <anonymous> sources, I was able to obtain for you photographs of the couple as they were found at the campsite, along with an image of the slain bear! Ah, be still my bloody morbid heart! Warning: the pics are...
Ghastly!!
I have left the images very large because I figure that you, like me, want to be able to zoom in on the ghastliest of details. Consequently, the files are over 800 kb in size. If you'd rather look at the smaller overview version, I have provided links to those as well. Enjoy, sickos!

[...]

If you're up to it, visit. Check out the archives. Heh, enjoy, sickos!

Technorati : Alaska, Alaska National Wildlife Refuge, Bear Attack, Grizzly Bear, Miscellaneous

Channeling Pat Robertson

2005-08-25T00:52:00.000-05:00

I'm sure that by now anyone with a televison and at least half alive has heard about the incident, later denied, then kinda admitted and apologized for, wherein Pat Robertson called for Venezuela's Hugo Chavez to be taken care of. If not, here's a link.

But that's not the point of this post. Rather, how about a thinly-veiled suggestion that what Pat suggested for Chavez might, just might, be appropriate elsewhere. I realize that assassination of foreign leaders by United States personnel is illegal. I also realize that some people just need to go. Or be sent on their merry way. Terminated with extreme prejudice.

One such person has been a thorn in the side of our efforts in Iraq from the beginning. First with armed opposition, now with efforts to hinder and derail our mission. That person is Muqtada al-Sadr (info here, here, and here).

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Clashes erupted between rival Shiite groups across the Shiite-dominated south Wednesday, threatening

Iraq with yet another crisis at a time when politicians are struggling to end a constitutional stalemate with Sunni Arabs.
The confrontation in at least five southern cities — involving a radical Shiite leader who led two uprisings against U.S. forces last year — followed the boldest assault by Sunni insurgents in weeks in the capital.

[...]

Trouble in the south began when supporters of radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr tried to reopen his office in the Shiite holy city of Najaf, which was closed after the end of fighting there last year.

When Shiites opposed to al-Sadr tried to block the move, fights broke out. Four people were killed, 20 were injured and al-Sadr's office was set on fire, police said.

That enraged al-Sadr's followers, who blamed the country's biggest Shiite party, the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, or SCIRI.

[...]

Internal Iraqi politics, that we should stand back and let them sort out amongst themselves? I think not. Muqtada al-Sadr has got to go, and soon, lest we have more of this:

[...]

Hundreds of American soldiers and Iraqis died in the two uprisings, which ended late last year. Since then, al-Sadr's top aides have been released, the murder charge effectively dropped, and the fiery young cleric has emerged as a major political figure

[...]

The time is long past to render this fiery young cleric fiery indeed! He has got to go! Let him claim his 72 goats!

Targeted assassinations are possible, but would cause a lot of political backlash here on the home front. Since Iraq IS a war zone, and al-Sadr is demonstrably an enemy, this process would not be illegal. But then again, it may not be the most desirable event.

Rather, Coalition and Iraqi forces could begin staging numerous massive operations near where he and his supporters are known to be located. More than likely, he and his supporters would respond in unhelpful (Thanks, Rummie!) ways. Stuff happens during combat. Actually, now that I think about it, just a show of force nearby would provoke them into a foolish and regrettable incident.

Technorati : American, Assassination, Baghdad, Coalition, Hugo Chavez, Iraq, Islam, Military, Muqtada Al-Sadr, Muslim, Najaf, Pat Robertson, Shiite, Sunni, Supreme Council For The Islamic Revolution In Iraq, United States, Venezuela

You Want To Have My Child?

2005-08-25T00:48:00.000-05:00

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Billionaire television producer John de Mol, behind the pioneer show Big Brother, will test the limits of reality TV with a program in which a woman searches for a potential sperm donor to conceive a child.
[...]

This is... unusual? Well, not in today's television world, I guess. I confess that I watched Survivor in the first season, but other than that I have not followed any of the so-called reality shows. It does appear, however, that these producers had found a solid market for them. Are ratings now beginning to drop to the extent that they need a boost? This might do it:

[...]
"Afterwards there will be artificial insemination," said the woman who was identified only as "Yessica" and who has bought a house with a room for a child.
[...]

On camera, I wonder?

Technorati : Artificial Insemination, Big Brother, Entertainment, Miscellaneous, Reality Show, Sperm Donor, Survivor, Television

A Light in the Darkness

2005-08-24T15:54:00.000-05:00

The Light? Melanie Morgan (bio), and KSFO Radio. Here's part of an article by Melanie Morgan from from Lucianne.com:

RIDING SHOTGUN ALONG THE HIGHWAY OF DEATH

We finally broke away from Camp Victory, where 8,000 troops are stationed north of Baghdad. After asking repeatedly to go into Baghdad and away from relative safety, Central Command (CENTCOM) relented, and we were on our way.

Thus began a trip to Iraq sponsored by Move America Forward to tell the story of war on terrorism directly from the men and women serving in our armed forces. With five other talk show hosts, we were determined to get the truth out without the normal liberal bias that seems to cloud coverage by the mainstream media.

[...]

The Darkness? San Francisco and the Bay Area. The city that did this:

SAN FRANCISCO - The USS Iowa joined in battles from World War II to Korea to the Persian Gulf. It carried President Franklin Roosevelt home from the Teheran conference of allied leaders, and four decades later, suffered one of the nation's most deadly military accidents.

Veterans groups and history buffs had hoped that tourists in San Francisco could walk the same teak decks where sailors dodged Japanese machine-gun fire and fired 16-inch guns that helped win battles across the South Pacific.
Instead, it appears that the retired battleship is headed about 80 miles inland, to Stockton, a gritty agricultural port town on the San Joaquin River and home of California's annual asparagus festival.

[...]

But city supervisors voted 8-3 last month to oppose taking in the ship, citing local opposition to the Iraq war and the military's stance on gays, among other things.

(image credit: czbrats)

"If I was going to commit any kind of money in recognition of war, then it should be toward peace, given what our war is in Iraq right now," Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi said.

[...]

And this:

[...] In a unique form of opposition, some protesters at the Federal Building staged a "vomit in,'' by heaving on the sidewalks and plaza areas in the back and front of the building to show that the war in Iraq made them sick, according to a spokesman.

[...]

And the Minions of Darkness and their MSM Lackeys, constantly staging sceens like this:

(image credit: indybay.org)

Thank you, Melanie Morgan! Thank you, KSFO!

(Thanks to Free Republic for the original pointer to Riding Shotgun Along The Highway Of Death)

Technorati : Bay Area, KSFO, Melanie Morgan, Naval, San Francisco, U.S. Navy, USS Iowa

Ahoy!

2005-08-24T14:43:00.000-05:00

Two Norfolk-based guided missile destroyers collided off the coast of Jacksonville, on Monday afternoon while conducting exercises, The Virginian-Pilot reported.
No one was injured and damage was minor, Cmdr. Conrad Chun, a Navy spokesman in Norfolk, told The Virginian-Pilot.
[...]

Is 'Oops' a valid excuse?

(Thanks to Free Republic for original link)

Technorati : Naval, News, United States Navy, Us Navy, Uss Mcfaul, Uss Winston S. Churchill

This Is... Strange

2005-08-24T13:53:00.000-05:00

CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif.(AP) A Hollywood producer found dead in his car suffered a heart attack, then fell on top of his young daughter who suffocated, according to a coroner's report.

[...]

Read this story, then visit Free Republic and read the coments. Even though autopsy reports show he died of a heart attack, and the daughter from suffocation, many, many more questions here. Very strange!

Technorati : News, Strange

On Passing...

2005-08-24T11:46:00.000-05:00

Since December of last year (2004) I have attended a total of nine funeral services. None of these have been military, or related in any way to Iraq and Afghanistan. For that I am thankful.

All have been family members, or acquaintenances, ranging in age from 17 to 90-something. All have been within driving distance, the farthest being about four hours away.

I am about to attend my tenth.

My last remaining aunt passed away last night at the age of 80-something. She leaves five living children, numerous grandchildren, and a few great-grandchildren. Please offer prayers for these family members.

Unfortunately, this funeral service will require that I fly, and will consume nearly all of my emergency credit card resources. Although you might consider this a shameless Bleg, today I put up a Paypal Tipjar, located on the right sidebar. If you are so inclined, hits would be appreciated.

Technorati : Personal

Google Talk

2005-08-24T10:54:00.000-05:00

Seems Google is getting into everything these days. They have just announced GoogleTalk. Give it a try.

Technorati : Current Events, Google, Google Talk, Instant Messaging, News, Technology

Judges are SUPPOSED to make laws

2005-08-24T09:12:00.000-05:00

According to Erwin Chemerinsky and Catherine Fisk, judges are supposed to make laws, not merely interpret them.

Misleading and silly slogans about what judges do are dominating the debate about Supreme Court nominee John Roberts.

President Bush and Republican politicians constantly repeat, as a mantra, that Roberts is a desirable choice because he won't "legislate from the bench" and will merely "apply the law, not make it."

But every lawyer knows that judges make law - it's their job. [...]

Technorati : Activist Judges, George W. Bush, John Roberts, Law, U.S. Supreme Court, United States

Punishing Disobedient Wives

2005-08-24T07:52:00.000-05:00

I could make a very long post concerning this, as I'm sure you could also, but instead will offer it without comment:

I find it unacceptable when some people twist the meaning of a particular verse in the Holy Qur’an — especially the one which permits a husband to beat his disobedient wife. Those who do the twisting must understand that the permission is only given under certain circumstances and that the beating is intended as a remedy for specific situations. It is unfortunate that some well-known and respected Muslim scholars have either willingly or unwillingly joined a campaign seeking to distort the meaning of that particular verse.

In many cases, they have given a different meaning from the one actually intended. The verse — number 34 in Surah IV — reads as follows: “Men are the protectors and maintainers of women because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore, righteous women are devotedly obedient and guard in (the husband’s) absence what Allah would have them guard. And to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first) and (then) refuse to share their beds (and last) beat them (lightly), but if they return to obedience, seek not against them means of annoyance.”

[...]

The controversy over the beating of disloyal and rebellious women is part of the campaign against Islam. If beating disobedient wives was advocated by Western scientists, it would have been widely supported by the same people who criticize Islam and special centers would have been set up all over the world to train husbands on how to beat their wives.

[...]

Read, and ponder.

(Thanks to Free Republic for the original link)

Technorati : Islam, Koran, Miscellaneous, Muslim

God's Gift

2005-08-24T01:18:00.000-05:00

From Robert Mandel at Mandelinople:

So, here's my proposal for a freedom center.
It would have:

1) a musket
2) a mast and sail
3) a chain
4) a top hat, a wheel chair, and a cigar
5) a steam engine
6) a dollar bill
7) a loaf of bread
8) a model of the statue of liberty
9) a pint of blood
10) a flag

[...]

10) The US flag. We are God's gift to the world. We are the shining city upon a hill, the beacon of light and hope for the world. Providence indeed guides our fate. The flag is but a small symbol of that.

[...]

Go read it all. Now.

Technorati : Freedom, United States

Great News - Iraq (Updated)

2005-08-23T22:40:00.000-05:00

Update: (08/23/05 10:38 PM CDT) I posted previously, and mentioned here, concerning worries about not hearing from Michael Yon. He informs me that he is double checking facts, and expects to post within 12 hours. Can't wait!

* * * * * * * * * * * *
Thank you, Blackfive, for the publication, and pointer to, this very welcome piece of news:

Published: August 23rd, 2005 12:01 AM

Army Lt. Col. Erik Kurilla arrived at Madigan Army Medical Center late Monday for treatment of wounds he suffered Friday in a firefight in Mosul, Iraq.

Officials said Kurilla, commander of the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, was shot in the arm and leg and suffered a broken leg.

He was reported in stable condition.

[...]

This is great news.

I am aware the Col. Kurilla is merely another flesh and blood man, subject to all of the same forces that the rest of us are. He is also merely another of the fine personnel of our armed forces. But I have this mental image of him, gained through reading dispatches from Michael Yon. that does not conform to the probable reality. For instance, Michael describes this scene:

[...]

We had left the prisoner in the open. Bullets are snapping, and I'm crouched on a knee behind a Stryker. When I look back again, I see Kurilla standing out there, alone, next to the terrorist on the sidewalk. Bullets are kicking up dirt and Kurilla gives us a look: What the hell! You left the prisoner!

[...]

The reality? A hot, bright, dusty, noisy, chaotic scene, men crouched behind cover looking for and responding to attackers. Illustration provided by Michael's photo:

My mental picture? More like this.

(image credit: gallery)

OK, OK, that was juvenile. Still...

At least give him a cape!

Technorati : 24Th Infantry, Current Events, Deuce Four, Erik Kurilla, Global War On Terror, GWoT, Iraq, Military, Mosul, News, United States Army

Recycling Slogans

2005-08-23T19:15:00.000-05:00

From Mythusmage Opines, in it's entirety:

August 22, 2005
Red Fridays
Subject: RED FRIDAYS

You will soon see a lot of people wearing Red on Fridays. Here's why.....

The Americans who support our troops are the silent majority. We are not "organized" to reflect who we are, or to reflect what our opinions are. Many Americans, like yourself, and all their friends, simply want to recognize that Americans support our troops. Our idea of showing our solidarity and support for our troops is starting Friday and continuing on each and every Friday, until this is over, that every red-blooded American who supports our young men and women, WEAR SOMETHING RED. Word of mouth, press, TV -- let's see if we can make the United States, on any given Friday, a sea of red much like a home football game at a University. If every one of our memberships shares this with other acquaintances, fellow workers, friends, and neighbors, I guarantee! That it will not be long before the USA will be covered in RED. and make our troops know there are many people thinking of their well-being. You will feel better all day Friday when you wear Red! So let's get the word out and lead by example; wear RED on Fridays.

I sent this out to everyone on my email list; hopefully, you will too.

Wear Red on Fridays ...

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS! WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE. FOR US, THEIR BLOOD RUNS RED!! GOD BLESS AMERICA.
I got the above from Gary Gygax on the Gygax Games mailing list (Yahoo). I'm presenting it here in the hope it spreads around the blogosphere and inspires folks to wear red on Friday. Red shirts, red caps , red hats, red pants, red shoes, so on and so forth. Let's show the media how many we are, and tell them where we stand.

Good idea. I have plenty of red to wear, beginning this Friday. Join up.

Since the old cold war slogan of 'Better dead than red' has been hijacked by some mealy-mouthed lefties, lets use, instead, Better RED than dead!

Technorati : Military, Miscellaneous, United States

Darwin Award Candidate?

2005-08-23T15:56:00.000-05:00

So you're driving along, minding your own business, visions of a soyburger dancing in your head, when in the road ahead you see this poor, helpless animal attempting to cross the road. So far, so good. You peer through the windshield, and determine that it is a SNAKE.

Being the concerned, ecologically-conscious, friend of the universe that you are, you do the natural thing. You slowly roll to a stop, exit the vehicle, place bright orange traffic cones at the front and rear, and a third exactly 150 feet (measured) behind your vehicle. You then meditate for exactly 10 seconds to ensure the proper attitude for human-animal (sorry, animal-animal) interaction.

Stephen Sodones spotted it along the edge of Route 23 in Jefferson, a snake just starting its precarious slide to the other side of the highway.

So the 62-year-old animal lover picked it up, hoping to carry it to safety. But in doing so, Sodones quickly learned one of nature's more important facts: Snakes bite.

[...]

Oops!

You're OK with this, since he (the snake... ) is only doing what comes naturally. But upon further reflection (and biting...) you decide that maybe you should approach this from a different tack.

What bit Sodones three times on the arm Monday night was a copperhead, which can grow to 4 feet and have fangs like hypodermic needles. No one is quite sure how big this one was.

(image credit: Tigerhomes.org)

(Try: Big enough. And think: poisonous!)

Sodones, who lives in the Newfoundland section of Jefferson, remained hospitalized last night in the intensive care unit at Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pompton Plains. His condition was listed as critical, but improving, a hospital spokeswoman said.
[...]

At first, Sodones didn't think much about the bites. But about four hours later, when he felt woozy, Sodones called 911, police said.

By then, the snake was long gone.

"It was a good thing to do, but the wrong way to do it. I wouldn't recommend anyone touch a venomous snake unless they know what they are doing," Abene said. "What the heck was he thinking?"

Lets see, now where did I put those Darwin Award applications?

(Thanks to Free Republic for the original link)

Update: After posting, I got to wondering... How does a person live for 62 years doing things like this. And why did it take that long to learn that snakes (and other animals) BITE?

Technorati : Copperhead, Darwin Award, Humor, Miscellaneous, New Jersey, News, Snake, United States

Frankly My Dear, I Don't Give A Damn

2005-08-23T14:44:00.000-05:00

I'm sure vast majority will recognize the title as a quote from Gone With The Wind. It's one of the most recognized movie quotes ever, actually rated Number One.

Now, from Brutally Honest, comes this contender for the title of Greatest Movie Quote Ever.

Art does reflect reality!

Technorati : Humor, Miscellaneous, Movie Quotes

Poet Laureate

2005-08-23T01:19:00.000-05:00

Question: What is a Poet Laureate?

Answer: Poets Laureate, appointed by the Librarian of Congress, are entrusted with raising the status of poetry in the everyday conscience of the American public.

I'm sure that you're already wondering where I'm going with this. Have patience, I'll get there. First, a little history, shamelessly borrowed from essortment, along with the italicized text above:

In 1616 King James I of England granted playwright and poet Ben Jonson a pension, thereby establishing the informal position of Poet Laureate. Jonson died in 1637 and a like pension was bestowed to William Davenant.

In 1668 the post of Poet Laureate was officially established as a royal office. As first decreed by Thomas Shadwell, the Poet Laureate of England's sole responsibility was to compose birthday poems and a special New Year's ode for the Royal Family. For more than 150 years this tradition was strictly adhered to until the dignity of the post began to erode to the point where both poet and royal were just going through the motions. Queen Victoria ended the sham and changed the honorific to a recognition of achievement in poetry. If the Poet Laureate feels the urge to compose a verse or two for the royal family, it is still looked upon favorably.

In the United States some local Poets Laureate were recognized in their communities in the 19th century but it was not until 1937 that a similar position to that in England was established in America. The American equivalent was the Poetry Consultant to the Library of Congress, a job that carried an impressive title but no pay. In 1985 the United States Congress created an official post with the creation of the Poet Laureate Consultant to the Library of Congress.
The Poet Laureate, in addition to legitimacy, now received an annual monetary stipend, currently $35,000. The money was funded by a gift from Archer M. Huntingdon, son of one of the quartet of founders of the Central Pacific Railroad that worked on the Transcontinental Railroad. Huntingdon was not similarly inclined to business and spent his life in philanthropic pursuits. "Wherever I put my foot down, a museum springs up," he once said.

British Poets Laureate serve for life and since 1668 there have been only 19 poets so honored (no women). In the United States, the Poet Laureate is appointed by the Librarian of Congress to a single term, serving from October to May (there have been many women Poets Laureate). In making the selection, the Librarian of Congress seeks the consul of past and present Poets Laureate and other distinguished poetry critics.

The official duties of a Poet Laureate are few. There is one annual lecture and a poetry reading but little beyond that. The general mandate is to raise the status of poetry in the everyday conscience of the American public. Each Poet Laureate is free to pursue an individual agenda which are predictably diverse. During his service, Poet Laureate Joseph Brodsky spearheaded a movement to place poetry in airports, supermarkets and hotel rooms. Poet Laureate Gwendolyn Brooks spent her tenure meeting with elementary school students encouraging them to write poetry. Poet Laureate Robert Haas sought to integrate poetry into the fabric of the community with his "Watershed" conference that united novelists, storytellers and poets to talk about their work.

Clearly, the position of Poet Laureate has come a long way since the days when a poet was expected to string together a few rhymes for a royal birthday party.

That's a good beginning. However, for the suggestion I'll make in a bit, I think a more legitimate authority should be engaged, hence, the Library of Congress (bolds mine):

The Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress serves as the nation's official lightning rod for the poetic impulse of Americans. During his or her term, the Poet Laureate seeks to raise the national consciousness to a greater appreciation of the reading and writing of poetry.

[...]

That seems to establish the legitimacy of the position. Now, how are Poets Laureate nominated and chosen? From Wikipedia.

[...] In making the appointment, the Librarian consults with former appointees, the current Laureate and distinguished poetry critics. [...]

This conforms to the information contained in the first quoted passage. From these, I gather that it's up to the Librarian of Congress, James Hadley Billington, to consult with those named, and appoint the Poet Laureate. Therefore, here's my proposal.

To Mr. James Hadley Billington, Librarian of Congress:

I hereby submit for your consideration as the next Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress the author of the following poems:

The Unknown *
As we know,
There are known knowns.
There are things we know we know.
We also know
There are known unknowns.
That is to say
We know there are some things
We do not know.
But there are also unknown unknowns,
The ones we don't know
We don't know

And:

Happenings **
You're going to be told lots of things.
You get told things every day that don't happen.
It doesn't seem to bother people, they don't—
It's printed in the press.
The world thinks all these things happen.
They never happened.
Everyone's so eager to get the story
Before in fact the story's there
That the world is constantly being fed
Things that haven't happened.
All I can tell you is,
It hasn't happened.
It's going to happen.

And:

Clarity ***
I think what you'll find,
I think what you'll find is,
Whatever it is we do substantively,
There will be near-perfect clarity
As to what it is.
And it will be known,
And it will be known to the Congress,
And it will be known to you,
Probably before we decide it,
But it will be known.

In addition to authoring the above poems, this man also exemplifies another requirement for the position, that of the nation's official lightning rod. Who could possibly be better suited for the position than ...

Donald H. Rumsfeld

* —Feb. 12, 2002, Department of Defense news briefing
** —Feb. 28, 2003, Department of Defense briefing
*** —Feb. 28, 2003, Department of Defense briefing

Thanks to Chris Regan at JunkYardBlog for the timely reminder that The Donald (forget that Trump guy!) is a true poet!

Update: I missed the link to the original Rumsfeld poetry article. Here is it, at Slate.
The Poetry of D.H. Rumsfeld

Technorati : Donald H. Rumsfeld, Humor. Librarian Of Congress, Miscellaneous, Poet Laureate Consultant In Poetry To The Library Of Congress, Rummie, The Donald

Dancing with Bush

2005-08-22T20:58:00.000-05:00

I find it difficult to follow Indian politics, and so cannot decide if this represents political pragmatism, or something else. (bolds mine)

NEW DELHI: Sonia Gandhi's trip to the US is off. Last week, the Congress party sent its regrets to the Clinton Foundation in New York. The foundation would have been her main host for a conference of world leaders.
The official reason is that the visit from September 10-17 would clash with an AICC session and a Congress chief ministers' conclave. In fact, however, the rescheduling has been necessitated by the concern to avoid giving offence to the Republican establishment in the US with which the Manmohan Singh government has important business to do.
[...]
The Congress chief appreciated the view in the government that it would have been odd for her to travel on a Democrat invite and then want to meet the Republican Bush. The Republican tango with India is now well known as Bush has gone the extra mile to sign a path-breaking nuclear agreement with India.

What is obvious, though, is that Indian reporters have a nice command of idiom.

Technorati : Bill Clinton, Current Events, George W. Bush, India, News, Politics, Sonia Gandhi, United States

SNAKE!

2005-08-22T18:37:00.000-05:00

Remember the guy in Arkansas with the snake problem? Well, add in this, and you have to ask: What's going on here? Is Michael Crichton going to write a new novel titled Snake?

LARAMIE, Wyo. -- They're coming into his yard at an alarming rate, probably from a nearby creek bed. But Shawn Schreiner said when he told animal control about his snake infestation, he was told he was on his own.

[...]

Unless you suffer from Ophidiophobia, read the whole thing.

Technorati : Arkansas, Ophidiophobia, Snake, United States, Wyoming

Surprise!

2005-08-22T18:26:00.000-05:00

The American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee and I agree.

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- An online thesaurus struck a listing Monday for the word "Arab" after Arab-American groups complained the entry listed derogatory synonyms.

Now, had this been initiated by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), I would have dismissed it at the headline as yet another whiney, sniveling anti-American page in their normal agenda.

But it wasn't, so I read on, and discovered this:

The entry, which appeared on thesaurus.com, listed the word as a noun meaning "beggar," and gave 16 pejorative synonyms including "homeless person" and "welfare bum."

Yeah, that ain't right. Thesaraus.com removed all of the derogatory references. Good for them.

Technorati : Arab, Current Events, Miscellaneous, News, Thesaraus

Packin' Mud

2005-08-22T16:16:00.000-05:00

BELGRADE (Reuters)- Security guards protecting what is left of Serbia's once mighty Bor mining and smelting complex are being overrun by thieves stealing mud that contains traces of gold, silver and platinum, a Belgrade newspaper reported.

Bor police have filed charges against persons unknown for the theft of about 700 kilograms (1550 pounds) of valuable anode mud from the bankrupt, state-owned company in southern Serbia, Danas said in its weekend edition.

The paper quoted security company chief Ljuba Milovanovic as saying thieves stopped at nothing to get at the mud, carrying it off in bags, sacks, bottles, clothing and even in pockets.

The paper said 200 kg of the mud would yield about one kg of gold and six kg of silver, plus other potentially valuable metals. It was probably processed in "private, well-hidden smelting plants."

(bolds mine)

Anode mud, or anode slime as it's sometimes called, is the results of electrolytic processing of metal ores. So here's this stuff laying around, containing .5% gold and 3% silver - seems like it would be fairly valuable. This company is bankrupt? No one guarding the gold? Sheesh! No wonder.

Technorati : Anode Mud, Electrolytic Refinging, Gold, Mining, Miscellaneous, Serbia

This is ludicrous

2005-08-22T16:00:00.000-05:00

So where we stand now a bartender may be liable for serving alcohol to someone later involved in an accident. And now the Tennessee Supreme Court says that selling gasoline to a drunk driver exposes vendors to risk. (Knoxville News Sentinel, reg. req.)

I realize that there was more to this case than simply selling gasoline, as the convenience store had already refused to sell alcohol to the individuals due to obvious impairment. However, the foot is in the door. What restraints are there to the next case where just gasoline is involved? If past history is any indication... none.

If you are talking to a driver on a cell phone, and that driver is involved in an accident, are you liable for being a distraction, and a cause of the accident? How about the manufacturer of the cell phone, for enabling this dangerous behavior?

Should all auto dealers (and individuals!!) refrain from selling vehicles to persons who they know have previously driven drunk? If they've done it twice, they've established a ~~pettern~~pattern of drunken driving. General Motors, financially troubled though they are at present, still represent deep pockets, and an inviting target.

Technorati : Law, Legal, Liability, News, Tennessee, Tennessee Supreme Court

The specter of condemnation

2005-08-22T14:40:00.000-05:00

Connecticut's WTNH is reporting that the United States Supreme Court has refused to reconsider the Kelo v. City of New London emminent domain case.

I think that they WILL reconsider this case, rather sooner than they expect, and regardless whether they want to or not. Their decision just went too far to be allowed to stand.

[Justice Sandra Day] O'Connor, whose decision to retire created the opening that Washington lawyer John Roberts now seeks to fill, wrote in her angry dissent of June that "the specter of condemnation hangs over all property." [...]

Justice O'Conner is correct, the specter of condemnation does hang over all property. She did not go far enough, however, as the specter of condemnation now hangs over the U.S. Supreme Court over this decision. It was wrong, wrong, wrong!

(Thanks to Free Republic for original link)

Technorati : Connecticut, Current Events, Emminent Domain, John Roberts, Kelo Vs. City Of New London, Legal, News, Sandra Day O'Conner, U.S. Supreme Court, United States Supreme Court

Revenge!

2005-08-22T14:12:00.000-05:00

For those few of you out there that might know me personally, read this and enjoy! Others that don't know me, be advised that I really enjoy playing with telemarketers. If a unique response doesn't present itself, I usually fall back on this generic technique, which I call 'Milk 'em till they quit'. Simply ask them to repeat some information that they have given you a few sentences previously. Example:

ME: Hello.
TM: Hello, my name is Mr. Telemarketer, with ABC Company.
ME: Uh huh.
TM: And the reason I'm calling you is you recently applied for a home refinance... ME: OK.
TM: ... loan, and we have completed our...
ME: What did you say your name was?
TM: Pardon Me? Oh, my name is I'm Mr. Telemarketer.
ME: OK, go on.
TM: Sure. You see, when you recently applied for a home...
ME: Which company do you work for?
TM: I work for ABC Company.
ME: OK, go on.
TM: uhhh... the loan that you applied for has been approved by our Finance Department at a very low rate...
ME: OK.
TM: ...4.3%. But I do need to get some information...
ME: A loan?
TM: ... uhhh, yes, you applied...
ME: What kind of loan?
TM: ... a refinance loan, to enable you to get...
ME: OK, go on.

et cetera

Surely you get the idea, keep them backing up and off balance, and by all means keep them on the phone as long as possible. Somebody is paying for the calls, and it isn't you.

I gave that as background, so that you will understand how disappointed I was that I didn't think of this first:

The phone rang as I was setting down to my anticipated evening meal, and as I answered it I was greeted with, "Is this William Wagenhoss?"

This didn't sound anything like my name, so I asked, "Who is calling?" The telemarketer said he was with The Rubberband-Powered Freezer Company or something like that and then I asked him if he knew William personally and why was he was calling this number. I then said off to the side, "Get really good pictures of the body and all the blood." I then turned back to the phone and advised the caller that he had entered a murder scene and must stay on the line because we had already traced this call and he would be receiving a summons to appear in the local courthouse to testify in this murder case.

I then questioned the caller at great length as to his name, address, phone number at home, at work, who he worked for, how he knew the dead guy and could he prove where he had been about one hour before he made this call. The telemarketer was getting very concerned and his answers were given in a shaky voice.

I proceeded to tell him we had located his position at his work place and the police were entering the building to take him into custody. At that point, I heard the phone fall and the scurrying of his running away.

My wife asked me as I returned to our table, why I had tears streaming down my face and so help me, I couldn't tell her for about fifteen minutes.

My meal was cold, but oh-so-very enjoyable.

Hmmm, my daughter emailed this to me, but I see it has already started making the rounds. Andy's Blog, J Moran Coyle's AOL Journal, Ankle Biting Pundits, you will shoot your eye out, and I'm sure many others. Still, it's good, and I'm not gonna waste my typing!

Technorati : Humor, Telemarketer

Don't Know Much...

2005-08-22T11:30:00.000-05:00

Juan Cole don't know much about many things, according to Lisa Ramaci-Vincent, widow of Steven Vincent. This post of an email from Lisa Ramaci-Vincent to Juan Cole is a must read, at Murdoc Online.

Technorati : Basra, Iraq, Steven Vincent

Wow! Ain't Science Great?

2005-08-22T11:03:00.000-05:00

Donald Sensing at One Hand Clapping has a good write-up of a simple solution to an age-old problem, clean drinking water.

Gizmag is touting the LifeStraw as possibly the invention of the century. That is an astounding claim, seeing as how we're only into the 5th year of the century. But as a self-powered 25 cm long by 29 mm diameter plastic tube capable of providing an individual a years supply of safe drinking water (700 liters), at an individual manufactuing cost of around $2.00 USD, that may not prove to be an outrageous claim. Gizmag suggests possible vehicles for acquisition and distribution (emphasis mine):

[...]

If we (as in the big WE) can find a way of manufacturing and distributing one of these to each human at risk, every year, we could save countless lives (now there’s a noble outcome for the tech blogs and mags of the world to work together to promote this). Each LifeStraw lasts for one person’s annual needs of clean water – a simple straw costing a few dollars will ensure that one at-risk person will not die for a year - now that's a donation we can all make with a serious kicker!

[...]

Mr. Sensing offers additional distributive networks:

[...]

This sounds like the kind of device that American churches could easily buy and supply to churches overseas for distribution.

I'm wondering how many lives might have been saved in the aftermath of last years' Indonesian tsunami disaster. I don't have any figures at hand relating to illness/death attributed to waterborne diseases during that period, but if memory serves there were numerous reports of outbreaks in the weeks and months following.

In addition to Third World usages, the LifeStraw also sounds like an item that needs to be added to standard disaster kits.

Additional information on the LifeStraw available here.

Technorati : Denmark, Health, Lifestraw, News, Science, Technology

Has Michael Been Silenced?

2005-08-22T09:44:00.000-05:00

In his Aug 20 dispatch, Michael Yon ended with this postscript:

Post Script: The operation has begun. The Commander of Deuce Four, LTC Erik Kurilla, was shot three times in combat yesterday in front of my eyes. Despite being seriously wounded, LTC Kurilla immediately rejoined the intense and close-quarter fight that ended in hand-to-hand combat. LTC Kurilla continued to direct his men until a medic gave him morphine and the men took him away. I was right there. When I returned to base, I was actually "ordered" not to write about the fighting until given clearance, and was told that my phones could be confiscated. I will ignore such "orders" at my own discretion. I am preparing a dispatch now.

Postings referencing Michael's post quickly surfaced at Blackfive, Brutally Honest, Blaster's Blog, etc. Since then... nothing.

I have been waiting and watching for further information, and none has been forthcoming. I've seen no news reports of increased activity nor noteworthy incidents from the Mosul area. Assuming that Michael has been inundated with emails, I have refrained.

One commenter on Brutally Honest, HarryTick of the blog Walking the Dogma, opines:

"I will ignore such "orders" at my own discretion. I am preparing a dispatch now."

I wouldn't be surprised to see Mr. Yon stateside soon. The Army has certain procedures for situations like these. One is notification of next-of-kin in the event of injury or death. Circumvention of the procedures in those instances is not usually looked upon kindly by the level of authority of officers who would be in position to make the decision about whether or not he remains embedded or even in Iraq. I'm sure if he reads his agreement that he signed prior to being embedded, the ROE was clearly outlined.

I don't care how good his information is, or that his "offense" isn't as grievous as Geraldo Rivera's, he needs a time-out.

As a fan, supporter and advocate of Michael's work in Iraq, I have mixed feelings about this. One, I would not like to see OpSec violated, and would not want family to learn of injuries/deaths via media reports. On the other hand, Michael's work should be used as a model for how to report from the field. I am anxiously waiting to see how this plays out.

(Trackback: Mudville Gazette)

Technorati : Current Events, Deuce Four, Erik Kurilla, Global War On Terror, GWoT, Iraq, Michael Yon, Military, Mosul, News, United States Army, War For Survival

he'e holua

2005-08-22T00:42:00.000-05:00

The headline screams at you:

Hawaiians Revive Lava Sledding Tradition

Lava sledding? Ancient Xtreme sport? This sounds really wicked, conjuring up images of streaking down long stretches of glowing, flowing lava, trailing streamers of sulphurous fumes and a rooster-tail of hot pumice particles. Where the losers really get smoked.

Oh. Nevermind. Turns out the lava has long since cooled. However, it still sounds like it would qualify as an extreme sport, inherently dangerous:

[...]
Wearing just a tank top and shorts and reaching speeds of up to 70 mph on a sled standing only 4 inches above the ground, [Tom "Pohaku"] Stone once ran into a steel post sticking up from the grass during a demonstration on a slope on Maui, tearing an 18-inch gash in his left thigh.
[...]

Read the whole thing, then answer this question: Does 'Pohaku' mean 'Dude! You're crazy!'?

Technorati : Hawaii, He'E Holua, Lava Sledding, Miscellaneous, Sport

Camp Sheehan Time Warp?

2005-08-21T21:32:00.000-05:00

Very interesting description from Catfish the Texican Tattler of a visit to the Crawford 'ditch' hosting the summer's must see, tell-your-grandkids-you-were-there protest event, now minus Cindy.

[...]

The first thing you see as you enter Crawford from the north is the Crawford Peace House. It’s a hovel on the side of the road, and it was packed. More on this later. As I crossed into Crawford proper, the first thing I noticed was the number of pro Bush and pro troops signage. From what I could see, the folks in Crawford are barely tolerating the demonstration, but thankful for the money that it is infusing into their little town.

[...]

As I walked back to my car, I couldn’t help but notice the sheer professionalism of the protestors. I wonder how many of them do this for a living? As I mentioned earlier, this was not a spontaneous event. This was well organized and well managed. Frankly, those of us on the right could learn quite a bit from them when it comes to organizing demonstrations. I also couldn’t help but wonder if the explanation for the smaller number of pro-Bushie’s is that we actually have jobs and a life with responsibilities while the anti’s flit from one Grateful Dead concert to another?

That little [...] stuck in there represents a lot of good stuff, go read it.

One interesting thing he mentioned was this:

[...] It was almost as if I had been transported back to 1972 and in fact, I wouldn’t have been surprised to see some of the same folks back then. [...]

This struck home with me. In the early seventies, I was living in Northern California, attending college, wearing my hair and beard long, driving a very old, raggedy pickup or sometimes a Beetle. Many people there at that time conformed to the image that is now known as hippie. I fit right in.

This past July on a long drive from Point A to Point B in Northern California, I made an observation to my wife, son, and son's girlfriend, and pointed out many examples. Today there are still many people there who dress the same, make their living the same way (don't ask, I ain't tellin!), and generally conform to that same hippie image. Guess what? Same people!

(Thanks to Daisy Cutter for the link)
(Trackback: Mudville Gazette)

Technorati : Anti-War Protest, California, Casey Sheehan, Cindy Sheehan, Crawford Tx, George Bush, Protest, Texas

Warning: Orphans Beware!

2005-08-21T16:13:00.000-05:00

In a posting lauding this decision by the Austin, TX, City Council,

AUSTIN - Texas' capital city became the first in the nation Thursday, according to Planned Parenthood, to prohibit a pharmacy from refusing to fill prescriptions for birth control, emergency contraceptives and other medications.

[...]

Twisty at Bitch, Ph.D. expresses disdain of the chain:

[...]

I know because I was forced to darken the cheap ugly crappy stoop of a Walgreens yesterday, on accounta the hippy-dippy People’s Pharmacy was out of my prescription. I will do so again only if the building is on fire and there are blind orphans inside, and then only if the blind orphans owe me money. The experience was, on every level, crushing.

[...]

On second thought, disdain might be too mild. (Note to orphans: Lend money to Twisty, quick! Or stay away from Walgreens. Your life may depend on one or the other.) It seems Twisty dislikes the architecture, stock, employees, dress, and corporate culture of Walgreens. The employees are even rated lower than petty bureaucrats at the DMV.

[...] And the pharmacy clerks--it took no fewer than five of them to bring my drug deal to a conclusion; who knows how many it takes change a light bulb-- are quite the little rays of sunshine, too. Their skin is grey. Their shoulders are hunched. Their expressions are hollow and dull, lacking even the smug spark of pure evil one so often sees flashing in the eyes of petty bureaucrats at the DMV. [...]

For what it's worth, I have no opinion on Walgreens, or any other chain drug store. They're just... there. On the other hand, I do agree with the Austin City Council (and Twisty), that Pharmacists should be required to fill legal prescriptions, regardless of personal opinions.

Check out the blog.

Technorati : Miscellaneous

American Soldier

2005-08-21T15:36:00.000-05:00

From Betsy's Page, a pointer to Blogotional, and a MUST READ description of an American Soldier! The spirit, dedication, professionalism, and perserverance of these young Americans is truly astounding.

Technorati : Military, Soldier, United States

The Adventures of Spanky, the Attack Squirrel

2005-08-20T18:19:00.000-05:00

From Orlando's WKMG-TV:

A police officer in Massachusetts was treated at a hospital after a drug suspect's squirrel attacked him during an attempted arrest, according to a Local 6 News report.

[...]

[Officer Dwayne] Flowers drove to a hospital after the attack while other officers captured Spanky the squirrel and arrested its owner.

[...]

So, in Florida you avoid gators, in Massachesetts it's the squirrels. Spanky? What kind of name is that for a squirrel?

Technorati : Animals, Florida, Humor, Massachusetts, Miscellaneous, Pet, Squirrel

Eight Lives To Go

2005-08-20T18:11:00.000-05:00

Countdown:

9

8

From Newsday, via NIF:

GARDNERVILLE, Nev. -- A stalking foray atop a power pole left a lucky feline jolted, frizzled and dazed but otherwise OK after he fell off the 40-foot pole and sparked a fire outside a fire house.

[...]

Technorati : Cat, Feline, Humor, Miscellaneous, Pet

Raising Kids

2005-08-20T01:37:00.000-05:00

As a parent raising children, I attempted to teach them a wide variety of skills, a love of knowledge and learning, and various other things that would serve them well in life. The teaching was not only in lecture mode, but rather hands-on.

On one of our several driving vacations to California to visit grandparents, we took them through Death Valley. At one point I stopped the car, and made them get out. Then I drove several hundred yards down the road, and made them walk to the car. That way they were not just looking at scenery, they were getting a feel for what it was actually like to be in a hot, dry desert. That was twenty years ago, and they still talk about the experience.

Other training was more mundane, such as the usual fishing, cooking, biking, learning to drive, etc. My daughter learned to change tires by doing it.

However, I do wish that I had known about, or thought about, this!

If I had had the foresight, they might be supporting me now.

Technorati : Children, Miscellaneous, Teaching, Travel

Nice Shooting! (Updated)

2005-08-19T19:54:00.000-05:00

Even with all the news coverage, we sometimes forget that we are part of a Coalition. The major part, granted, but their are others doing the job, going in harm's way, just as our soldiers. Lets not forget about them.

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (CP) - A Canadian soldier opened fire Friday to disable a vehicle that was trying to overtake a military convoy, out of concerns that it might be a suicide attack.

It was the first time the Canadian Forces have fired shots since being deployed on their current mission to Kandahar, in southern Afghanistan.

Lt.-Col. David Anderson, the Task Force Afghanistan chief of staff in Kabul, said the incident happened during a routine patrol.

The soldier who fired at the yellow-white taxi had warned off the vehicle several times, Anderson said. But when it tried to pass the convoy, the soldier let loose with four machine-gun rounds into the car's engine, disabling the vehicle.

[...]

Nice shooting!

(Thanks to Free Republic for the original link)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Update: Another reminder, there are other member of the Coalition, and many have made the ultimate sacrifice. Although the common view is that Spain wimped out to the terrorists demands immediately following the 3/11 Madrid bombings, they still maintain troops in Afghanistan as a part of NATO.

MADRID, Spain -- The coffins of 17 Spanish soldiers killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan were arranged together and surrounded by mourners Saturday at an emotional state funeral at the Spanish army headquarters.

[...]

And in the Iraqi Theater:

There have been 2,053 coalition troop deaths, 1,861 Americans, 93 Britons, 13 Bulgarians, one Dane, two Dutch, two Estonians, one Hungarian, 26 Italians, one Kazakh, one Latvian, 17 Poles, one Salvadoran, three Slovaks, 11 Spaniards, two Thai and 18 Ukrainians in the war in Iraq as of August 20, 2005

Wearing different uniforms, speaking other languages, reporting to foreign governments, they remain brothers at arms.

Trackback: Mudville Gazette

Technorati : Afghanistan, Britain, Bulgaria, Canada, Coalition, Denmark, Estonia, Global War On Terror, GWoT, Holland, Hungary, Iraq, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Poland, Spain, United States, War For Survival

John Roberts - EXPOSED

2005-08-19T19:13:00.000-05:00

Washington—In a sudden turn of events, Reagan documents linked Supreme Court nominee John Roberts to early humans, commonly referred to as Neanderthals. The shocking revelation left many confused and the White House in stunned silence at their poor choice of candidate, a position a minority of Americans—best known as conservatives—agreed with.

The so-called classic Neanderthals were robust and had a large, thick skull, a sloping forehead, and a chinless jaw. These features, keys to the evolutionary link, were easily identifiable in conservatives such as Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Walter Williams and Mark Levin, but also found in John Roberts. But more apparent are the truths found within the Reagan documents, revealing the dark secrets hidden to everyday Americans.

[...]

Read it all!

Technorati : Humor, John Roberts, Satire, Supreme Court

Why?

2005-08-19T13:22:00.000-05:00

We see it on the War

We see it on the Economy

We see it in Politics

We see it on History

The Mainstream Media constantly hammer their agenda, day in, day out, six days a week and a BIG one on Sunday, 24 hours a day on the little screen, with special slots reserved during prime time to feed the same over local stations, weekly in print with special editions overseas for more over-the-top tripe, overwhelming the senses and sensibilities of the American people.

Then they ask: What do you believe?

By golly, the American people believe that:

The economy is tanking!

We are losing the War!

Bush lied! People died!

Are the American people stupid? NO! They are simply working with the erroneous information given them... by the Mainstream Media.

Lying Bastards!

No links, no cites, I'm just too pissed! Krugman will do that to me.

Technorati : Mainstream Media, MSM, United States

Pressure Points (Updated)

2005-08-19T12:48:00.000-05:00

The subject of this post is... immigration, and the pressure it places upon the existing population of the United States. Not legal as opposed to illegal immigration, but as a whole. Some background:

In days gone by, all immigrants entered the United States through our borders with Canada and Mexico, and along out coastlines. Immigrant populations would start at the edges, and move inward. The most intense pressure areas remained, however, on the fringes of the country. Competition for housing, jobs, education and recreation created areas of pressure as these immigrants assimilated into the American society. Over time new pressure points would arise as new groups of immigrants arrived. These pressure points could usually be defined along ethnic, religious, and/or racial boundaries. (Immigration history here, here and here)

With the advent of air travel, points of immigration spread throughout the country, lessening the concentration at the fringes. That is, with the exception of our Southern border. Our border with Mexico, and the ease with which it is crossed, coupled with the intense economic incentives for crossing it, has provided a large pressure point from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific coast. The immense immigrant population, although rapidly spreading throughout the country, is most in evidence in the border states.

Somewhere between forty percent and fifty-four percent of the U.S. population growth can be attributed to immigration, not counting the estimated seven to twelve million illegals in the country. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, some states now are approaching or have exceeded having half of their population classified as minority.

Which brings me to the reason for this post.

Shay at Booker Rising has written:

Does Illegal Immigration Pose A Threat To Black Americans?

The Census Bureau recently reported that Texas is the latest state to join a growing trend in America, where the minority population exceeds that of the white population. BlackBritain.co.uk talks to liberal columnist Dr Earl Ofari Hutchinson and a few sociologists to analyze how illegal immigration - which fuels much of the trend - impacts blacks in America. Despite the liberal bias, the article does a decent job outlining the three main issues of conflict: (1) competition for jobs at the lower end of the scale, with blacks being pushed out of traditional entry points; (2) diminishing political power for blacks; and (3) overcrowding for public services and affordable housing.

[...]

Shay asks some interesting and pointed questions prompted by the linked article, questions that I can't answer. However, his posting brought a question to my mind. Does the level of immigration, particularly illegal, affect the black population of this country more adversly than it does other ethnic groups (including whites as an ethnic group)?

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Update: Interesting. A. C. Kleinheider at Hard Right posts:

This is unfortunate. Despite what you might think from watching the news and absorbing popular culture, blacks have become quite upwardly mobile and there exists a large and growing black middle class. That being said, there is still a good chunk at the lower end of the spectrum who are in direct competition with illegals for jobs. When jobs are lost and wages decline, quite often it is the black man who suffers. [...]

Check out the links.

As an aside here, I probably should have used the term racial groups rather than ethnic groups in my last sentence of the original post. From my perspective, though, I tend to think of group differences in the United States as differing more along ethnic lines than racial lines.

Technorati : Canada, Ethnicity, Illegal Immigration, Immigration, Mexico, Population Growth, Race, United States

No Border Emergency Here (CA)

2005-08-19T10:52:00.000-05:00

That's the heading of an editorial in today's (8/19) Sf Chronicle, implying that we should move right along, there's nothing to see here.

UNLIKE Democratic governors in Arizona and New Mexico, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger shouldn't even think about declaring a border emergency in California.

That's because there isn't one.

If there is any section of the 2,200-mile U.S.-Mexico border where the case could be made that our border policies are "working," it is in California.

The number of illegal immigrants crossing our southern border has dropped dramatically since the implementation of Operation Gatekeeper in 1995. A longer border fence, a huge increase in Border Patrol agents, surveillance equipment and border lights have all contributed to a drop in apprehensions from a high of 550,688 in 1996 to 154,826 since Oct. 1 last year.

[...]

These numbers are for apprehensions, not for successful border crossers. It has been estimated that only one in three (cite: original ABC article no longer available) to one in five illegals are caught. That means that in all likelihood, somewhere between 310,000 and 620,000 illegals successfully crossed into California in the ten month period since October, 2004. No problem, move right along.

Well, apparently they do detect a slight problem:

[...] One of the biggest challenges for immigration authorities is how to alleviate the boredom of Border Patrol agents.
[...]

The Chronicle complains about the mixed message being sent by Gov. Schwarzenegger (CA) when he said that conditions did not warrant a state of emergency at the California/Mexico border, while praising Gov Bill Richardson (NM) and Gov. Janet Napolitano (AZ) for their actions. Typically, they then say that since strong actions on the border will not address the problem of what to do about those already here, that it would be the wrong action to stop more from coming over.

Regardless of what happens on the California border, declaring a state of emergency will do nothing to solve the problem of what to do about the 10.3 million illegal immigrants already here, as well as the estimated 485,000 new ones who settle here each year.

Hmmm, 485,000 new illegals per year. Wonder where they're going to put them? They then proceed to tout the proposed Kennedy-McCain Senate 1033 Bill to improve border security and immigration.

The obvious point of the Chronicle's editorial is not about illegal immigration or border control, it's about Gov. Schwarzenegger. Arnold is wrong, and that's that! Govs. Richardson and Napolitano just may have their priorities right, and we're sure being Democrats has nothing to do with that, right? Sorry, folks... this is not a partisan problem, this is an American problem.

And illegal immigration in California IS a problem, as Gov. Schwarzenegger and sensible people everywhere recognize. If the additional resources and attention focused on the borders in Arizona and New Mexico through the declared states of emergency are successful, the number of attempted border crossings will increase in Texas and California. The pressure to come to the United States is amply demonstrated by the results of the latest pollings. Forty percent or more of the Mexican population wants to come to the United States. Twenty percent or more would do so illegally, if the opportunity arose.

Although I could probably be classified as a partisan Bush hack on many issues, in this case I have to say that the Bush Administration is not doing enough to address this problem. Our borders, especially to the South, are no more than another front in the Global War on Terror, and must be defended as such. We have laws on the books already to address border control. Lets enforce them. NOW!

Then we can deal with the problem of those already here.

Technorati : Arizona, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bill Richardson, Border Control, Border Partol, Borders, California, Closed Borders, Current Events, Edward Kennedy, Global War On Terrer, GWoT, Illegal Immigration, Immigration, Janet Napolitano, John Mccain, Mexico, New Mexico, News, S 1033, San Francisco Chronicle

Hearts and Minds

2005-08-19T07:44:00.000-05:00

Finally found an English translation of this item, thanks to a Free Republic link:

A 93-year-old woman with a "grip like iron" fought back against a robber by grabbing him by the testicles.
The Lithuanian woman, who says her strong grip is down to years of milking goats, held on to the man until police arrived.

[...]

Hearts and minds to follow!

Technorati : Crime, Current Events, Humor, Lithuania, Miscellaneous, News

I don't think so, Kofi

2005-08-18T23:36:00.000-05:00

from Human Events Online:

The United Nations apparently thinks it does so much so well, with efficiency and absence of corruption, that the international confabulation now believes it is time for it to take over control of the Internet.

If you haven’t already heard of this latest UN debacle, you will. The issue is rolling down hill and picking up momentum. It’s being propelled, as with so many UN initiatives, by anti-American grievances, envy and resentment . It all could come to a head in November in Tunis when the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) next meets. If you think your computer is slow now, just wait until a UN commission based in Geneva gets its bureaucratic clutches on the World Wide Web.

[...]

Uh huh. Over your dead body!

(Thanks to Free Republic for the original link)

Technorati : Internet, Tunisia, Un, United Nations, United States, World Wide Web

Toe In The Water

Back

Vote Early, and Vote.... well, Early

Executive Orders

Imam In The Well

My Day Without A Mexican

Scott Free?

Fire (Updated) (and another update)

Iraq Report

Blogroll Addition

Duty, and Honor

Sayonara, Idiot

Albert Einstein, Patron Saint

Zarqawi Killed... Again?

At Last!!!

Civilization

Blogosphere's Most Wanted

Hurricane What's Its Name - Updated

Kelo Unleashed!

Reaching A New Level

Holy Cow!

Oh Oh!

No Skin Off My Nose

What is an undercover soldier? (Updated)

Ready And Forward (Updated)

What is an undercover soldier?

Hello?

Devolved Opinion

She should have whistled...

Making the Case for War

The Spy Who Came In From... Chicago

and in this corner, wearing the white hat...

Ya Think?

There's Nothing Like Success, And Urban Legends

Compare and Contrast

Faster, Please...

More Reasons...

Liberalism Come Home To Roost

'Bout Time!

Breaking News...

Idiot (Updated)

Who?

Chief Justice Rehnquist Dead!

This Course Has Been Offered Before

Is It Time To Panic Yet? (Updated)

A Golden Brown Thumb!

"But for the British, it's all about F---ing."

All Bark and No.... Nevermind

Lots Happened

Sorry, I am not in right now. Leave a message at the beep.

The Answer Is Protest Babes!

WOW! Combat Report, Must read!

Hip Waders, And You're All Set

Cause and Effect

Call For New Standards

The Saga of Paddy and the Underdog Railroad

Bear Claws

Channeling Pat Robertson

You Want To Have My Child?

A Light in the Darkness

Ahoy!

This Is... Strange

On Passing...

Google Talk

Judges are SUPPOSED to make laws

Punishing Disobedient Wives

God's Gift

Great News - Iraq (Updated)

Recycling Slogans

Darwin Award Candidate?

Frankly My Dear, I Don't Give A Damn

Poet Laureate

Dancing with Bush

SNAKE!

Surprise!

Packin' Mud

This is ludicrous

The specter of condemnation

Revenge!

Don't Know Much...