Interested-Participant

Following Entry Posted 6/30/2004 09:05:00 AM

Korean Censorship

In its attempt to keep the video footage of the Kim Sun-il beheading from being seen in South Korea, the Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC) has been aggressively censoring the images from the Internet. According to Robert Koehler at the Marmot's Hole, the government and ISPs have blocked access to blog service providers Blogspot and Typepad in a rather "ham-fisted" manner.

Jeff in Korea expresses outrage at the censorship and implores President Roh to "Tear down this wall!" In Jeff's words from Pusan,

On the night of June 24, 2004, the Korean government, without any real warning and without discretion, began raising a cyber wall around Korea, isolating residents and preventing them from accessing outside information. One by one, throughout the following days, internet domains fell under the hammer of the South Korean dictatorial regime.

It appears that some citizens have been arrested and taken into custody for hosting, posting, or distributing the video.

Kevin at Incestuous Amplification appears to be taking the censorship in stride as typical for the South Korean government. He's going on hiatus for a while.

In summary, there's no question that the censorship is occurring, however, among the many Korea bloggers, reactions are mixed. Personally, I think the issue should get more international exposure. The authorities need to be reminded that democratic countries don't arbitrarily take away free speech without protest from the rest of the world.

Following Entry Posted 6/29/2004 04:42:00 PM

Canadian Elections

The Liberal Party won the most seats in the House of Commons in yesterday's national election, garnering 36.7% popular support. The Conservatives collected 29.6% and the New Democratic Party received 15.7%. The results are viewed as a mandate for Paul Martin and Liberal Party policies. The only provinces where conservative politics prevailed were in Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia.

Personally, it comes as no surprise that the population of Canada continues to believe in utopian promises espoused in Ontario, Quebec, and the Atlantic Provinces. It's obvious to even a casual political observer that the country has chosen a radical leftist path. Hopefully, enough conservative voices speak out to prevent the country from declining further into the chaos and unworkability of full-blown socialism.

One thing that I'm really interested in knowing is the impact on the election due to voters eating their ballots. The Edible Ballot Society encourages people to eat their ballots as a protest against the current political system and, apparently, it's considered a problem by the government since they have a law prohibiting the practice. Actually, the law was intended to prevent people from rigging elections by destroying other people's ballots, but Elections Canada has extended the reach of the law to encompass ballot eaters. And, people have been prosecuted. This makes sense when you consider that the liberals don't want people to eat their ballots because the constituency that would eat their ballots are the same howl-at-the-moon wingnuts who exclusively vote liberal. As a conservative, I say it's their right. Let them eat ballots!

Following Entry Posted 6/29/2004 01:25:00 AM

Teacher Arrested For Sex With Boy, 14

(Tampa, Florida) In a breach of trust, a Greco Middle School teacher, Debra Beasley LaFave, 23, was arrested and charged for performing oral sex on a 14-year-old boy twice in the past month. This story is disgusting, but, for the sake of complete honesty, a lascivious pinch of my brain kind of wishes that years ago there was a teacher like her in my middle school. Of course, I would have had to have everything explained to me. As I recall, my entire knowledge base at that time consisted of what I learned from National Geographic magazine.

[Update] For those interested, a fairly comprehensive profile of Debra LaFave has been compiled by Kevin Aylward at Wizbang.

[Update 11/22/05]

Debra Lafave pleads guilty and gets no jail.

Following Entry Posted 6/28/2004 11:59:00 PM

Al-Jazeera Reports Hostage Shot Dead

Missing since an ambush in April, U.S. Army Specialist Keith "Matt" Maupin has been reported by Arab TV Channel Al-Jazeera to have been shot dead by his captors. Al-Jazeera broadcast a grainy video which continues to be analyzed. Due to poor quality and camera angle, the Department of Defense cannot confirm who is depicted on the tape and continues to classify Maupin as "captured."

According to Maj. Mark Magalski, a spokesman for the 633rd QM Ballation, based in Cincinnati, stated that Maupin was promoted in absentia on May 1 from private first class to the rank of specialist.

Al-Jazeera also received a statement from a group called The Sharp Sword against the Enemies of God and His Prophet which said Maupin was killed in protest of US policies in Iraq and of the deaths of "martyrs" in Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Algeria.

Kevin Aylward at Wizbang links up to a heart wrenching letter sent by 6th-grader Jacob Kelch to the family of Matt Maupin. Take a look.

Another Al-Jazeera broadcast identifies Corp. Wassef Ali Hassoun, a U.S. Marine, being held hostage under threat of beheading. A group called Islamic Response wants Iraqi prisoners released.

[Update - 6/30/04, 0630EDT] The Ohio News Network is reporting that local residents in SPC Maupin's home town of Batavia, Ohio, have seen the Al-Jazeera videotape and don't believe the person executed was Maupin because he is built physically different. They are holding vigils and praying with yellow ribbons throughout Batavia for Maupin's safe return and for the memory of Sgt. Kaiser, a local soldier who was just killed.

Following Entry Posted 6/28/2004 02:14:00 PM

Man Killed by Potato Gun

(Cable, Ohio) Kyle Thompson, 21, was killed when a potato gun he was playing with exploded. It's suspected that too much gunpowder was used or a potato got stuck in the gun. Three others were injured, Judd Coffey, 31, Jason Anderson, 22, and Robert Kiser, 48.

"They were playing with this so-called potato gun, which is essentially a pipe bomb," [Champaign County Coroner] Richards said. "The metallic tubing exploded, essentially causing shrapnel to go flying everywhere."

I don't want to make light of death and misery, but this incident is a prime example of the fact that there is no way to protect people from themselves. There are risks in life and no amount of anti-gun or anti-pipe bomb legislation would have prevented this type of occurrence. People sometimes do dumb things and sometimes there are terrible results.

Following Entry Posted 6/28/2004 04:34:00 AM

Law Requires Fire Retardant Cigarettes

(Albany, NY) Effective today, smokers in New York will need the lung power of a skin diver to keep their cigarettes lit. A new law specifies that all cigarettes be made of special paper that doesn't burn very well. Consequently, smokers will see their butts self-extinguish unless they're sucked on continuously.

The law was proposed and passed to reduce the risk of fires caused by people falling asleep while smoking and setting their mattresses ablaze. However, some believe that the total number of bedroom fires will not be affected since it's one of the few places where a person can legally smoke a cigarette in the State of New York.

Following Entry Posted 6/28/2004 03:23:00 AM

Iraq Sovereignty Returned

Out of the blue, a little over an hour ago, the United States and Coalition Forces transferred sovereignty for the nation of Iraq to the Iraqi people. It occurred two days earlier than scheduled.

[Update - 0340am EDT] Prime Minister Iyad Allawi will lead an interim government having full sovereignty, according to a UN Security Council resolution on the handover earlier this month. Effective 10:26am Baghdad time, Iraq ceased being occupied by foreign powers. The continued presence of coalition forces is per the request of the interim Iraqi regime.

Some slants are less than upbeat. As an example, MSNBC is reporting that the handover is a symbolic formality done in a sneaky manner.

[Update - 0445am EDT] FOX News reports that Ambassador Paul Bremer has departed Iraq.

Following Entry Posted 6/27/2004 07:06:00 PM

Prince Charles Favors Coffee Cure For Cancer

Prince Charles, the future King of England, has angered the medical community by promoting a controversial cancer treatment of daily coffee enemas and drinking gallons of fruit juice. It's called the Gerson Therapy after Max Gerson who used the therapy to cure his migraines. Medical professionals consider the cure to be without basis and possibly dangerous.

The main clinic for the Gerson Institute is in Tijuana, Mexico, where treatment is available for $4,900 a week and usually lasts three weeks. The treatment cannot be legally administered in the U.S.

I personally have always suspected that there was something off center about Prince Charles. His blanket rejection of accumulated medical knowledge for a trendy alternative treatment doesn't make a lot of sense and it seems to support my suspicion.

Following Entry Posted 6/27/2004 12:20:00 PM

Green Party National Convention

The Green Party membership nominated David Cobb and Pat LaMarche as party candidates for president and vice president at the national convention yesterday in Milwaukee. I watched a portion on C-Span and noticed the following:

There were no more than 300 people in attendance. Half looked embarrassed to be there when the camera panned the room.

The speakers were uninspired and uninspiring.

All whooping and hollering seemed to come from no more than a handful of members. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that they had stopped for a couple cold ones on the way in.

Speakers included:
Agha Saeed - American-Muslim Alliance National Chairman (Mr. Saeed could best be described as a Muslim Michael Moore. He compared Attorney General Ashcroft to Stalin. I did not believe one word he said.)

Medea Benjamin - Code Pink Founder (She began by stating that Rush Limbaugh spreads hate and then introduced Pat LaMarche as VP candidate.)

Anita Rio - Green Party Diversity Committee Co-Chairman

Sundiata Tellum - Green Party Black Caucus Co-Chairman and former Sierra Club functionary in Dallas

Kara Mullen - Green Party Fundraising Director, who passed the hat for donations to the party (Actually, it was a paper garbage bag and, before adjourning, she was thrilled to announce that they had collected $8,674.)

Adam Benedetto - Green Party Convention Director

Efia Nwangaza - Green Party candidate for the U.S. Senate from South Carolina (If I didn't know she was a Green Party member, I would have thought she represented the Anti-Slavery Party. She essentially spoke of nothing but slavery and reparations.)

Pat LaMarche - Green Party Vice Presidential candidate (Exuded an image which makes me confident that she could do a good job running a bowling league.)

David Cobb - Green Party Presidential candidate (Cobb spent his time on discussing end-of-world, oppression, sexism, racism, and Bush lied themes.)
I didn't catch a reading of the party platform, but I was able to glean elements discussed by the speakers. It was fairly typical end-of-the-world environmentalism salted heavily with oppressed-peoples-unite socialism.

Unexpectedly strong emphasis was directed toward reparations for slavery, abolishing the death penalty, and "BRING THE TROOPS HOME NOW!" With these issues so important, it seems the party no longer sees the environment as their primary focus.

In summary, everything about the convention was without flair, without enthusiasm, and, seemingly, without adequate planning. I got the distinct impression that it was being put together while it was occurring. The Green Party message was muddled, yet strongly flavored with socialism.

As a caveat, I must mention that I didn't view the total event. I may have missed something salient.

[Update] It appears my estimate of attendees was wrong. According to this report, there were 408 delegates who voted for David Cobb as nominee for president out of a total of about 750 votes cast. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel also provides this description of the event.

The daylong proceedings Saturday comprised many of the theatrics not seen in mainstream political parties, including outright denunciations of the United States, literature praising Communist dictator Fidel Castro and even a ballot cast for the late Socialist Eugene Debs.

The convention hall stage didn't even have an actual American flag.

Therefore, I guess it wouldn't be inaccurate to say the Green Party is proudly anti-American and pro-Communist.

It's also reported that the Greens formally rejected the idea of endorsing Ralph Nader for president.

Following Entry Posted 6/27/2004 05:28:00 AM

Stealthy Retail Growth

I challenge anyone to read a sampling of newspapers in America, Europe, and the Far East and not find a story about Wal-Mart. The big box discount retailer is always in the news, garnering both good and bad press. The good press, usually driven by the local population, hails new job openings and increased availability of a multitude of products at affordable prices. The bad press, usually driven by national union and environmental advocates, disparages Wal-Mart for the lack of union representation, for the demise of locally owned shops because they can't compete against Wal-Mart, and for the litany of customary environmentalist complaints against anything that's associated with civilization. Simply put, through widespread condemnation and commendation, Wal-Mart is newsworthy.

The overwhelmingly massive amount of news coverage on Wal-Mart is also noteworthy. It literally sucks away any reasonable press interest in the success being achieved by other companies. Pretty much ignored is the recent growth and handsome return being realized by Home Depot, Kroger, Target, Costco, Walgreen, and others. With the spotlight on Wal-Mart, the success of others in the retail industry go largely unnoticed by the media and the general public. And, without the heat of the spotlight, other companies also benefit from not being thrust into contentious and expensive negotiations on a variety of state, local, and community issues. Others see additional benefit by being able to piggyback onto Wal-Mart's success in some locations while avoiding those locations that prove to be too expensive or too difficult.

In the United States, a country where it's estimated that the activist-to-issue ratio is approaching 1:1, it's no small favor that Wal-Mart is doing for the retail business world. Strategic planners are well aware that a measure of stealth during expansion and growth can forestall potential collateral costs. If a store can be up and running before the local moonbats have organized, total startup costs will be minimized. With Wal-Mart shining so brightly and fielding all the complaints, the exciting growth of other companies can be hidden in plain view. For this, Wal-Mart deserves a Thank You card.

Following Entry Posted 6/27/2004 03:01:00 AM

Car Color Tells Driver's Personality

(London) According to a survey of 130,000 insurance claims performed by the Churchill Co., the color of the car a person owns is an indication of the personality of the driver.

"We think about color all the time, from what we wear to how we feel. This emotional influence transfers to how we drive," psychologist Donna Dawson told Britain's Sun [newspaper].

Ranked by most likely to crash, the analysis of the relationship of car color to driver personality resulted in the following:

Rank - Car Color/Personality
1) BLACK - rebels
2) SILVER - cool and aloof
3) GREEN - prone to hysterics
4) YELLOW - idealistic lovers of novelty
5) BLUE - introspective and cautious
6) GRAY - calm, sober and dedicated with tendencies to slip out of personality
7) RED - energetic and quick-thinking
8) PINK - gentle and loving
9) WHITE - status-seeking extroverts
10) CREAM - self-contained and in control

Read into these results whatever you want. I personally don't give it much credence since I knew a guy who owned a pink Continental and there's no way that anyone would characterize him as gentle and loving. So, I'd say the results of the analysis are not to be relied upon.

[Update 09/15/06]

Astute analyst Charles Hill at Dustbury indicates that the drivers' astrological sign must also be considered in the formula which predicts likely insurance claims. For example, someone born under the sign of Virgo is more likely to be involved in an accident than all others. Consequently, a Virgo with a black car should not be ferrying kids to school.

It's not clear how the car color/astrological sign combination calculates out mathematically. Maybe one is more important than the other and mixing them produces an exponential result. Who know? My take is that one has to be a little loony with plenty of free time to come up with these hypotheses.

I'd personally like to see the research data on the risk of pedestrians being run over, correlated to car color and the astrological signs of the driver and the pedestrian. Now, that would be fun, eh?

Following Entry Posted 6/26/2004 07:28:00 PM

Nude Photo

(Cleveland, Ohio) Over 2,700 people showed up at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Cleveland for a nude group photograph. They disrobed sometime after meeting at 4AM while the temperature was in the 50s. And quite nippy, I presume.

Following Entry Posted 6/26/2004 11:18:00 AM

Lewinsky Upset With Clinton

(London) Monica Lewinsky expressed scorn at Bill Clinton's explanation of their relationship.

"I really didn't expect him to go into detail about our relationship" in the book, the 30-year-old Miss Lewinsky told the Daily Mail newspaper.

"But if he had and he'd done it honestly, I wouldn't have minded. ... I did, though, at least expect him to correct the false statements he made when he was trying to protect the presidency.

"Instead, he talked about it as though I had laid it all out there for the taking. I was the buffet, and he just couldn't resist the dessert," she was quoted as saying.

[ ... ]

She said she had spent the past several years trying to "move on" and build a life.

"It has been so difficult because of so many of the lies that he has told about me and about what happened."

So she's saying that Bill Clinton lied. Imagine that.

Following Entry Posted 6/26/2004 07:04:00 AM

Why Brits Can't Spell

It's surely been troubling for centuries that the people in the nations of the British Commonwealth spell words incorrectly. I have wondered why on many occasions. But, the wondering is over thanks to Andy Duncan. In a few succinct paragraphs, Andy provides an explanation. Here's a portion:

According to the story, when printing really got going around the King James period of the 1600s, just after the time of Shakespeare, there were two sets of British printers on opposite sides of the Atlantic. Back here in Olde Englande, on the hearty isle of yore, a powerful printing trade guild quickly established itself around the innovative technology of printing presses, with all the accoutrements of force-backed monopoly and its usual bean-feast of consumer exploitation.

As these guild printers were paid by the letter they sought every single possible intellectual excuse as to why every word should be spelt with as many letters as possible. Hence, the ridiculous 'through'. The printing guilds would take Greek derivations, or Latin derivations, or French derivations, or whatever derivation, as gospel, dependent upon whichever one gave them the longest possible 'correct' spelling.

Meanwhile, on your side of the Atlantic, in Newe Englande, British printers worked in a competitive free market with no guild and no force-backed monopoly, though still working on the basis of cost per letter printed. However, instead of trying to lengthen words, to maximise their charges to an obliged public, this competitive pressure made the Colonial printers try to find ways to shorten the 'correct' spellings of words, so as to reduce their prices, so as to make themselves more attractive to the burgeoning American marketplace. Hence, 'thru'.

And so, the relationship between the US and Britain, which is historically based upon the throwing off of an unwelcome force-based yoke, has been stamped ever since throughout the two printed languages right there in front of our eyes - so next time some subject of Her Majesty complains to you about your incorrect spelling of the word 'colour', ward them off with a forty minute libertarian rant about the oppression of Great Britain in Virginia, in the 1650s. Most excellent.

In a nutshell, British printers were doing unionized piecework (more letters, more pay) while the American printers had to deal with free market competition (fewer letters, less cost). It makes a lot of sense and explains why the Brits (and Aussies) say "Crikey!" and the Americans say the shorter "Gosh!"

To be fair, it must be noted that not everyone agrees with Andy's explanation. In fact, Andy even states that he has no evidence to support his story but it's sounds good enough to be believable.

Following Entry Posted 6/26/2004 05:52:00 AM

School Pets

To all those parents and teachers that think it's cute and educational to have pets in children's classrooms, listen up! At the end of the school year, those cute and educational hamsters, lizards, ducks, chicks, birds, gerbils and others are left at the local animal shelter to be destroyed. That's right, they're killed because no one wants to take care of them for the three months of summer vacation.

Just something to think about in between the oohs, ahs, and "Oh, isn't he cute's?"

Following Entry Posted 6/26/2004 04:58:00 AM

Innovative Lawmaking

The Delaware House of Representatives is considering a bill to repeal the law of supply and demand. Dustbury has the details.

Following Entry Posted 6/26/2004 04:17:00 AM

Michigan - Tax Godzilla

Somebody might want to call the fire department to Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm's office because her tax pen is on fire. Leading a list of ways for the government to suck more dollars from citizens and visitors, she signed into law a bill on Thursday increasing tobacco taxes. Effective July 1st, taxes on cigarettes will increase by 75 cents to $2.00 per pack. It's anticipated that tobacco taxes will produce $1 billion in revenue in the next fiscal year. Others see a down side.

"This is a devastating blow," said Polly Reber, spokeswoman for the Michigan Distributors and Vendors Association, which represents about 30 tobacco wholesalers. "It's a pretty significant tax increase for a Republican Legislature to vote for, or for any legislator to vote for."

[ ... ]

Ed Welgarz, executive director of the Service Station Dealers Association, said the higher cost of cigarettes will encourage more cigarette smuggling from states with lower taxes; more Internet sales of cigarettes, which don't pay the state tax, and more convenience store robberies for cigarettes.

Gov. Granholm also has plans to raise taxes on liquor and to reinstate an estate tax on estates valued at more than $1 million.

My take is that Gov. Granhom and the legislature may be overly optimistic about the amount of revenue to be derived by increasing the tobacco tax. At a tax rate of $20 per carton, smokers will go to great lengths to find alternative, cheaper ways to get their cigarettes.

The voters of Michigan might want to reconsider the virtue of keeping the current crop of tax-happy politicians in office. I'd suggest that it's in the citizens' best interest to get rid of them.

Following Entry Posted 6/25/2004 08:58:00 PM

Bat Halts School Construction

(Saybrook Township, Ohio) Construction at the 123-acre Lakeside High School in Saybrook Township has been halted until June 30 at the earliest because a pregnant endangered bat was found near the school property. Now officials from the Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plan to discuss the matter. While waiting for the plan to discuss the matter to be implemented, the halt in construction may increase the cost anywhere from $40,000 to $800,000. Understandably upset, U.S. Rep. Steve LaTourette, R-Madison, has called on all responsible parties to get moving.

"A $44 million project (is) being held hostage by one pregnant bat," said LaTourette. "I can't believe local officials have to wait 10 days for a meeting."

If anyone wonders why education costs are so high, it's a multitude of variations of the pregnant bat problem. At least they'll be left with possibly a most interesting school mascot. The Lakeside High School Pregnant Bats! Woo-hoo! Go, team, go!

Following Entry Posted 6/25/2004 04:24:00 PM

Schwarzenegger Says 'Hasta La Vista' to Strays

(Sacramento, California) California law requires that stray animals be held in shelters for a minimum of six days before they are allowed to be killed. Governor Schwarzenegger wants to change the time period to three days for cats and dogs and allow for the immediate killing of birds, hamsters, potbellied pigs, rabbits, snakes and turtles. Changing the current law, called the Hayden Law after former state Sen. Tom Hayden, would save local governments that operate the shelters up to $14 million.

"This is an issue that affects the care and protection of tens of thousands of stray animals, and will inflict heartbreak on a lot of owners and people in the animal adoption world," Hayden told the Los Angeles Times Thursday."

[ ... ]

Because of space limitations, the shelters are being forced to euthanize animals who are otherwise highly adoptable immediately after the holding time" rather the making more informed decisions, Palmer [spokesman for the state Department of Finance] said.

The changes also would eliminate a requirement that shelters search for the owners of strays that have been embedded with microchips that carry phone numbers and addresses.

Also eliminated would be a requirement that people convicted of animal cruelty must pay the veterinary costs of the animals they hurt.

Needless to mention, pet owners and animal rights advocates are outraged and some political observers think the governor is "stepping in the cat litter."

Interestingly, the story notes that 600,000 cats and dogs are put to death each year in California. That equates to almost 2,400 cats and dogs killed per work day, 300 per hour, throughout the year, every year.

Following Entry Posted 6/25/2004 02:27:00 PM

Momma's Boys and Daddy's Little Girls

(University Heights, Ohio) During this week's conference of Catholic educators at John Carroll University, John Ropar, Director of Counseling, stated that the current generation of college students are unable to cope with simple problems as a result of overprotective parenting.

"What we have done is woven this web of support and safety where they don't learn that if they fall down and skin their knees, that they will be OK," says Ropar, stepfather of three daughters, ages 19, 21 and 23.

"They don't learn to develop a sense of self-efficacy - I can do it, I can manage. Then they arrive on our campus and have roommate conflicts and don't have the slightest idea how to deal with it."

I agree. Many parents don't teach their children how to make good decisions nor do they force them to accept responsibility for their behavior. This is because we live in a society where nobody is responsible for the bad things that happen to them because there is always someone else to blame. So parents continue to protect children well past childhood. How many times have we heard of teenagers doing something exceedingly dumb, only to be followed by their parents armed with lawyers ready to sue the school, the store, the teacher, the police, the road, the tree, and the brewery. According to Ropar,

"We as parents have to allow for a latitude of choices for our sons and daughters," he said. "Eventually, parents just have to let go."

Think about it. When people start college, they are typically 18 or over - old enough to vote, old enough to join the military. They also should be considered old enough for their parents to quit pestering their teachers.

Following Entry Posted 6/25/2004 06:43:00 AM

The Death of Kim Sun-il

The series of events culminating in the beheading of Kim Sun-il has prompted some people to wonder if the whole situation wasn't at least partially staged. Nagging questions remain regarding when the kidnapping actually occurred and when it subsequently became known. It appears that Kim was a hostage for at least two weeks before it was announced. This would be contrary to the normal terrorist method, especially since they wanted to trade Kim for assurance that South Korea wouldn't send troops to Iraq. It doesn't make sense for the terrorists to abduct a person, hold him hostage, and not tell anyone until just before they execute him. A discussion of this issue and others has been compiled by Jeff in Korea along with links to other sources following the story. Most engaging, in my opinion, is the transcript of Kim's last words. The message is much more political than personal and has a machine-like quality in its wording.

Meanwhile, the South Korean government has initiated a formal investigation on "the role of Kim's employer in reporting the disappearance and a controversy surrounding a videotape that Associated Press Television News received before it was widely known that Kim was missing."

Although questions remain to be answered, one thing is sure. It is that the South Korean people are being shocked into realizing that their place in the world is alongside Europe, the rest of Asia, and the U.S. in the fight against terrorism. They can no longer just watch, they have to participate. The Flying Yangban explains.

Following Entry Posted 6/25/2004 04:33:00 AM

Foreigners Can Carry Guns in Saudi Arabia

(Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) Reuters reports that Saudi Arabia will allow foreigners, threatened by militant violence in the kingdom, to carry guns for their protection. According to Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz,

"In principle a Saudi has the right to carry a weapon, if he has a permit. Likewise a foreign resident, if he felt in danger he could get a permit to carry a weapon."

Sure! What a novel idea and it sounds so easy, doesn't it? If threatened, people can protect themselves by carrying a weapon ... in Saudi Arabia. But this idea doesn't fly in countries harboring utopians. Carrying a weapon for self protection uses common sense, a foreign concept to utopians. And, unfortunately, Western civilization happens to be overrun with utopians. Isn't it odd that, among the world's countries, people in Saudi Arabia are allowed to protect themselves to a greater degree than are people in Australia, Canada, Great Britain, or the United States? (Via Bastardsword)

Following Entry Posted 6/24/2004 03:47:00 PM

Judge Masturbates in Court

(Oklahoma City, OK) Oklahoma State Attorney General Drew Edmondson filed a petition yesterday seeking the removal of Sapulpa District Judge Donald Thompson, 57, for "conduct constituting an offense involving moral turpitude in violation of the Oklahoma Constitution." It's suspected that Judge Thompson frequently masturbated and used a device for enhancing erections while his court was in session.

In the petition, the attorney general charged Thompson used a penis pump, a device billed as providing sexual pleasure and promising better erections and larger penis size, during trials and exposed himself to a court reporter several times while masturbating on the bench.

"On one occasion, Ms. (Lisa) Foster (Thompson's court reporter for 15 years), saw Judge Thompson holding his penis up and shaving underneath it with a disposable razor while on the bench," the petition reads.

Knowing of his proclivities, one has to wonder what he really means when he sustains a motion.

Following Entry Posted 6/24/2004 02:27:00 PM

Jack Ryan

(Chicago, Illinois) Anyone supporting GOP Senate candidate Jack Ryan has got to be troubled by the revelations coming out of his divorce document filings. They indicate that he badgered his wife, actress Jeri Ryan, into frequenting sex clubs with him to participate in some pretty racy sexual antics at less-than-completely private settings. However, there's some question now as to what the truth is since Ryan has declined to answer any allegations directly. Spoons takes a good look at the drama here.

From another perspective, it appears that Ryan is quickly losing support from the National Republican Party and is rumored to be considering the option of dropping out of the campaign. Fund-raisers have been canceled and it's expected that the White House will soon weigh in with advice. It sure seems like Ryan's political stature has been substantially weakened, maybe irretrievably.

[Update - 6/26/04] Jack Ryan has dropped out of the Senate race. The Republican State Central Committee must now choose a pinch candidate. The bench roster hasn't been made public.

Following Entry Posted 6/24/2004 11:14:00 AM

Tainted Malaysian Seafood

(Singapore) According to this report, seafood exporters in Johor Baru, Malaysia, have been intentionally using formaldehyde as a disinfectant and preservative for exported seafood. Exporters found to be doing so are at risk of losing their export licenses. The story only mentions prawns, fish, and squid as being suspected of contamination in shipments to Singapore.

Following Entry Posted 6/24/2004 07:53:00 AM

Politically Correct Gemstones

(Antwerp, Belgium) An agreement has been signed to add a new "ethical" label for diamonds to indicate they originated from a conflict-free source. So, in addition to carat, color, clarity and cut, there will now be a fifth "C" to designate conflict-free quality.

Although I'm not a student of gemology, this appears to be nothing more than a symbolic move to satisfy the politically correct advocacy. Not coincidentally I imagine, it will probably allow DeBeers to further tighten their stranglehold on the diamond industry.

Following Entry Posted 6/24/2004 07:14:00 AM

Hotmail Counters Google Gmail

Starting next month, MSN Hotmail will offer 250MB storage with its free email accounts. The move follows Google's offering Gmail with 1GB storage and Yahoo! email increasing to 100MB.

Following Entry Posted 6/23/2004 06:56:00 PM

Soybean Fuels

(Huron, Ohio) Democratic Congressman Marcy Kaptur wants school buses in Ohio to run on a mixture of soybean oil and diesel fuel because not doing so supports "some of the most undemocratic, repressive governments in the world."

Biodiesel is more expensive than diesel fuel, often by 6 to 15 cents more per gallon. But Miss Kaptur (D., Toledo) said it is more environmentally friendly and is a move toward helping the country end its "great addiction" to imported oil.

If school systems are going to spend even more money than they already do, I'd like to think the increased expenditure had something to do with educating the students as opposed to the mandated purchase of higher priced products. The only result of implementation of her proposal will be an increased cost to education system without any benefit to the education system.

By the way, politicians do this type of thing all the time, using school systems to test their pet economic experiments while bending over to a constituency. Democrats probably do it more often than Republicans, but both parties are guilty. It would be nice if the free market was toyed with less.

Following Entry Posted 6/23/2004 06:04:00 AM

Muslim Polygamy Outlawed in Ireland

From the UK Telegraph comes this report.

Muslims who marry Irish women have to make a formal declaration that they will not take more than one wife on being granted citizenship.

The Irish government confirmed yesterday that it has ordered all men from Islamic countries seeking residency to sign a sworn affidavit rejecting polygamy.

Muslim men also have to agree they will not seek residency for a second wife if granted Irish citizenship. A man must swear he has "one spouse only" and "has no intention of entering into a simultaneous marriage."

As I understand, Islam has always specified that a man can have up to four wives, but this is the first time that I've heard of a monogamous nation having a problem with multiple marriages. There are married Muslims throughout America, but I'm not aware of any multiple marriage issues. Maybe there is a problem and it just hasn't bubbled to the attention of the courts and media yet.

On a related subject, the divorce procedure specified by Islam is unique in several regards. Recognizing that I'm not schooled in the process, I understand that only the husband can divorce the wife and it involves some sort of recitations and declarations with witnesses. If my understanding is close to being correct, the Muslim divorce process would seem to be completely incompatible with Western democracies. (Via Blackfive)

Following Entry Posted 6/23/2004 03:02:00 AM

Clancy Game "Warmongering" to North Korea

In November, Red Storm Entertainment will release "Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon 2," a first-person shooting game that is somewhat rooted in real-world fact. Designed for Nintendo Game Cube and PCs, the game is a "fast-paced, realistic slaughter-fest" involving North Korean, Chinese, Russian, British, French, and American forces. According to Red Storm, the game isn't intended to slur North Korea, but they think differently.

It's already attracted North Korea's attention. In a curt review, one of its government newspapers called the game "proof" of U.S. warmongering.

"Through propaganda, entertainment and movies," read a recent online commentary in the Tongil Newspaper, Americans "have shown everyone their hatred for us. This may be just a game to them now, but a war will not be a game for them later. In war, they will only face miserable defeat and gruesome deaths."

If I recall correctly, at one time Saddam Hussein also said something about "miserable defeat and gruesome deaths." So, I guess the world can prepare for another Mother of All Battles.

Following Entry Posted 6/22/2004 11:34:00 PM

Measuring Michael Moore

Christopher Hitchens critically analyzes Michael Moore and the movie Fahrenheit 911 in an article for Slate which is worth a look. Elements of the movie and Moore's character are discussed in detail. In summary, the movie is a compilation of cheap, unsupported shots at President Bush, America, Western Civilization, and other entities, while Moore himself flip-flops between opposing viewpoints to launch contradictory attacks. As an example, on one hand Moore contends that no forces should have been sent to Afghanistan, on the other, he maintains that too few forces were sent to Afghanistan. He uses both contentions to support his attacks on President Bush.

Hitchens does not simply bash Moore, he dissects him, piece by piece. Like I said, it's worth a look. Allah has more.

Following Entry Posted 6/22/2004 09:50:00 PM

South Korean Hostage Beheaded

Kim Sun-il, 33, was beheaded by al-Qaeda-linked kidnappers, a group identifying itself as Jamaat al-Tawhid and Jihad. The body of the South Korean translator was found on the road between Baghdad and Falluja.

In a dispatch from Baghdad, South Korea's Yonhap news agency quoted an "informed source" as saying that negotiations with the kidnappers collapsed over the South Korean government's refusal to drop its plan to send troops.

This just adds to the mountain of evidence that the Islamic religious warriors are nothing but murderous thugs. Kevin Aylward has a compilation of links to the story at Wizbang.

[Update - 6/23/04, 10am EDT] Jeff in Pusan has a running account of the story from Korea. Among many, some notable aspects include:

Kim was probably kidnapped well before it was reported.

His body was found to be booby-trapped with explosives when recovered.

A number of Korean lawmakers want to appease the murderers after the fact by stopping Korean troops from going to Iraq.

Koreans have threatened to burn down a mosque in Seoul and kill Muslims in the country.

There's also been increased security at the American and British embassies.

Also from Korea, the Marmot reports that there's been some disruption on the Internet due to people searching for gruesome video of the beheading and the government trying to prevent any footage from being available.

The Ministry of Information and Communications has gone on high alert to prevent video footage of Kim's decapitation from entering Korea via the Internet, and local sites would be shut down in they are caught with the video. It also asked major Korean internet service providers to shut off contact with foreign sites that get their hands on the murder footage. Of course, when Nick Berg was killed, the ministry not only failed to take measures to prevent curious Korean netizens from watching the poor man have his head cut off, but partially state-owned MBC ran footage of Berg's murder on broadcast TV.

South Korea is understandably chaotic at present.

[Update - 6/24/04, 1130am EDT] According to this report, the South Korean Ministry of Information and Communication has ordered Internet service providers to impose a strict ban on the spread of the footage of Kim Sun-il being killed in Iraq.

"On the night of June 23 the ministry already shut down a local Web site showing images of the killing," ministry official Kim Ki-kwon said.

"The ministry ordered Internet service providers to shut down three other Web sites by noon," the official added.

In addition, the ministry requested that Internet portals ban users from conducting searches using words such as "execution" and "beheading" on their search engines.

The ministry warned that Internet users who continue to try to spread the on-line footage would be prosecuted after tracking down their Internet protocol addresses.

Some still pics are here and here.

Robert Koehler reports from the Marmot's Hole that the murder of Kim has resulted in increased public support for Korean troop deployment. Some in the public are enraged and seek vengeance for the murder. Consequently and unfortunately, Korean Muslims and mosques continue to receive threats.

[Update - 6/24/04, 4pm EDT] Just Another Pane in the Glass has the video links, both short and long versions.

Following Entry Posted 6/22/2004 10:31:00 AM

Rocket Fuel In Milk

The California State Food and Agriculture Department and the Environmental Working Group, a private watchdog, have found rocket fuel in milk. Samples were taken from milk in Alameda, San Joaquin, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Orange counties and minute quantities were detected of perchlorate, a rocket fuel component widely used by the defense industry. There's disagreement as to whether the level represents a health threat to infants and small children. It is expected, however, that there will be agreement that the addition of rocket fuel to kid's milk will allow a general reduction in their prescribed Ritalin dosages.

Following Entry Posted 6/21/2004 11:44:00 PM

9-Year-Old Charged With Felony

(Chesterfield Township, Michigan) Tabarri Waller, 9, will face a jury in Macomb County Circuit Court on June 29 on charges of malicious destruction of property. Maximum penalty for the crime is five years in prison. His parents rejected a plea bargain, insisting their son is innocent.

There's no way that I'll believe the jury will send a 9-year-old to prison. So, what's the purpose of the trial? It's easy to see that the onus of responsibility needs to be placed on the parents such that they will be forced to pony up payment for the damage caused. It doesn't seem to be a smart move by the parents. They're likely to incur greater cost with a trial versus without.

Following Entry Posted 6/21/2004 10:04:00 PM

Road-Rage Murderer Sentenced

(Columbus, Ohio) Antwan Carter lost his cool while driving and, as a result, was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. After becoming enraged at Tonya Jones, 33, while driving, he followed her home and shot her dead.

Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!

Following Entry Posted 6/21/2004 09:17:00 PM

Australian Child Sex Arrests

(Adelaide, Australia) Nine men, including two former Anglican ministers, two officers of the Salvation Army and two former leaders of a church youth group, have been arrested on charges of sexually abusing children.

Police Superintendent Grant Stevens, who heads a special task force investigating offences against children, says up to 60 people have yet to be questioned and more arrests are expected.

Ten days ago the Anglican Archbishop of Adelaide, the Most Reverend Ian George, resigned after a church committee criticised his handling of church abuse allegations.

Congregations throughout Adelaide on Sunday heard a strongly worded apology and a prayer for forgiveness from members of the church diocese.

Of course, the public and the believers should forgive the church for harboring the pedophiles because they apologized and it's the Christian thing to do.

In order to solve the problem of pedophilia in the church, it first must be recognized that it's endemic and conspiratorial. Throughout the church, and this applies to all faiths and denominations, pedophiles protect pedophiles. To stop the ubiquitous molestation, the leadership has to be replaced through aggressive prosecution. Don't expect for a nanosecond that the church can police itself.

Following Entry Posted 6/21/2004 11:40:00 AM

Pedophile Priests Hiding in Foreign Countries

One of the most damning practices revealed in the investigations of sexual abuse by Catholic priests has been that the church has transferred molesters from parish to parish to evade prosecution. It's known that this practice has been occurring for decades within the U.S. and, now, through an investigation by the Dallas Morning News, it appears that the church continues to transfer and provide help to pedophile priests on a more extensive, international level.

From Africa to Latin America to Europe to Asia, these priests have started new lives in unsuspecting communities, often with the help of church officials. They are leading parishes, teaching and continuing to work in settings that bring them into contact with children, despite church claims to the contrary.

The movement of fugitives has been global and secretive in nature and priests that are no longer allowed to work in the U.S. have found sanctuary abroad. The investigation by the DMN is ongoing.

Starting this week and continuing in coming months, we report the results of a yearlong investigation that reaches all six occupied continents. Key findings include: Nearly half of the more than 200 cases we identified involve clergy who tried to elude law enforcement. About 30 remain free in one country while facing ongoing criminal inquiries, arrest warrants or convictions in another.

These criminal molesters need to be aggressively targeted by law enforcement at the international level and brought to justice. I'm at a loss for the right words to express how sick I feel just by knowing that the Catholic Church allows and abets this practice.

Following Entry Posted 6/21/2004 09:22:00 AM

Google PageRank

One aspect of Internet communication that I haven't been able to comfortably grasp is the methods and criteria by which website content is selected and displayed by the various search engines. The reason is that all explanations I've seen ultimately end with a note that some type of subjective determination is made by someone which rates a website's content versus all other sites' content. So, placement is heavily based on the opinion of some person or group, which is not easily definable.

Providing some guidance with regard to methods and criteria used by search engines, in general, and Google, in particular, is this post at Blog Business World. It's informative for those who wonder why their website's content is ranked as it is. While visiting, be sure to check out this week's Carnival of the Capitalists.

Following Entry Posted 6/20/2004 10:58:00 PM

Clinton Loses Cool During BBC Interview

During a BBC television interview to be broadcast this week, Bill Clinton lost his temper and raged at interviewer David Dimbleby. According to this report,

The atmosphere, which was initially warm, then turns decidedly chilly. One BBC executive who has seen the interview, which took place in a New York hotel last Wednesday, said: "He is visibly angry with Dimbleby's line of questioning and some of that anger gets directed at Dimbleby himself. As outbursts go, it is not just some flash that is over in an instant. It is something substantial and sustained.

"It is memorable television which will give the public a different insight into the President's character. It will leave them wondering whether he is as contrite as he says he is about past events. Dimbleby manages to remain calm and order is eventually restored."

The television program won't leave me wondering. I've been absolutely certain of Bill Clinton's insincerity from the beginning.

For those interested in a more smoochy interview with Clinton, check out this UK Guardian piece which fairly drips with love juices.

Following Entry Posted 6/20/2004 09:48:00 PM

Blogging At Political Conventions

According to a report by Anick Jesdanun for the AP, bloggers can be expected all around the Democratic and Republican National Conventions and some will even be given media credentials. The article mentions a few people we all are familiar with so take a look. Most interesting to me was the following:

More than 50 bloggers met last Tuesday's deadline to apply for the Democratic National Convention credentials, of which an undetermined number will be selected based on originality, readership level and professionalism, said convention spokeswoman Lina Garcia.

Leave it to the Democratic Party to place more stringent requirements on bloggers than they do on the elite media.

Following Entry Posted 6/20/2004 11:50:00 AM

State Pays For Patient To Have Sex With Doctor

(Gresham, Oregon) According to this story, Dr. Randall J. Smith, 50, advised a patient that having sex with him would relieve her pain and then billed the Oregon Health Plan for his time. He massaged her "trigger points" to alleviate her pain and then had sexual intercourse. For all his "doctoring," he billed the Oregon Health Plan about $5,000. Ultimately, he was found out and prosecuted. He voluntarily gave up his medical license and was sentenced to two months in jail.

The story doesn't mention anything about the woman who, in addition to pelvic pain, apparently also suffers from chronic and severe brain atrophy. Also not mentioned is the fact that Dr. Smith demonstrates how medical professionals consistently overcharge for services. Nobody is going to convince me that a little jiggy-jiggy time on the exam table is worth $5,000.(Via AnalogKid)

Following Entry Posted 6/20/2004 09:22:00 AM

Jews Should Leave France

According to a story in the Jerusalem Post (free reg.), the prominent French Nazi-hunter Serge Klarsfeld said this weekend that French Jews would be best off leaving the country, if they can.

While clearly differentiating between the rise of Nazi power in the late 1930s and the situation in France today, Klarsfeld drew a direct parallel to the Holocaust, stating that history has proven it would have been best "had the Jews of Poland and the Jews of Austria left Europe when they could have."

Klarsfeld's remarks come on the heels of reports that the Jewish Agency was planning to launch a campaign to persuade French Jews to immigrate to Israel to escape a wave of anti-Semitism.

There are about 600,000 Jews in France versus 6 million Muslims and the government has documented 180 attacks or threats against Jews or Jewish-owned property since January, attributed to an increasingly violent second- and third-generation Muslim population. Attacks and threats are at a rate of more than one a day, every day, and there's no reason to believe the rate will do anything but increase.

Why aren't the leftists and the elite media calling out for diversity and tolerance on the part of the Muslim community? Societies are continually reminding their citizenry that they must be tolerant of the followers of the religion of peace, but there is nobody directing the same message to the Muslims.

Personally, if I were in France and Jewish, I'd move somewhere that is safer. Hell, forget that. If I were in France, I'd move just because it's France. With the Muslim population growing exponentially versus the non-Muslim population, it will soon be an Islamic theocracy anyway.

Following Entry Posted 6/20/2004 07:12:00 AM

Transvestite-Only Bathrooms

Yes, I did a double-take too. It's called the Pink Lotus Bathroom and the Grey Biker has the ins and outs on the story. I'm afraid that I'm forever confused by the blurring of the differences between the sexes. Is a transvestite a biological woman or man or something in between?

Following Entry Posted 6/20/2004 06:38:00 AM

UPS, eBay, and AuctionDrop

To sell something on eBay, just drop it off at any UPS store and they'll ship it to AuctionDrop, which will photograph the item and offer it for sale. Seller doesn't pay shipping and gets the item back if it doesn't sell.

However, for items that do sell, AuctionDrop assesses very healthy fees of 38% of the first $200, or a minimum of $20, plus declining percentages on amounts over $200. This doesn't include the eBay charge of 5.25% of the first $25 and declining percentages for amounts over $25.

I've heard no feedback on this service.

Following Entry Posted 6/20/2004 12:32:00 AM

Chinese Furniture Dumping

About a year ago, 30 American furniture manufacturers filed a petition with the US International Trade Commission (ITC) that alleged Chinese furniture makers were dumping their bedroom furniture into the US market. About six months later, in January 2004, the ITC ruled that Chinese wooden furniture exported to the American market had hurt US furniture manufacturers. The illegal dumping of beds, dressers and nightstands at artificially low prices, the largest complaint ever filed against Chinese goods exported to the US market, was then investigated by the Department of Commerce.

On Friday, a preliminary decision was announced and the Commerce Department and International Trade Commission will start collecting tariffs from Chinese furniture importers as early as November. Import duties will be imposed in three classes on manufacturers, encompassing a total of $1.2 billion of annual imports.

The seven largest Chinese furniture makers will face duties of 4.9 percent to 24.3 percent.

About 80 other Chinese manufacturers will have a 10.9 percent duty imposed.

The remaining Chinese furniture makers, estimated to total about 30,000, will have a 198 percent duty imposed.

This is welcome news to US furniture makers who suffer from a competitive disadvantage to unrestricted Chinese imports. By the end of the year, it is expected that the ripple effect of the tariffs will been seen in noticeably higher prices in stores. For those that have major furniture purchases planned, it may be prudent to fix in a price before the anticipated increase.

Following Entry Posted 6/19/2004 06:38:00 AM

Israeli Indicted For Link to Hizbullah

(New York) Tomer "Tommy" Grinberg, 30, a Jewish Israeli living and working in New York, was indicted June 16 in Manhattan Federal Court for planning to ship military night-vision equipment, including night-vision goggles and infrared aiming devices to the terrorist group Hizbullah. Grinberg and a conspirator, Naji Antoine Abi Khalil, 39, an Arab with dual Lebanese-Canadian citizenship, were arrested after a sting operation at a storage warehouse in Manhattan.

For an Israeli Jew to help Islamic terrorists indicates that, for the right amount of money, there are no ideological barriers.

Following Entry Posted 6/18/2004 10:27:00 PM

Imam Fawaz Damra Convicted

(Akron, Ohio) Continuing the story, yesterday, Fawaz Damra was convicted of lying to immigration authorities. According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Cherie Krigsman, the conviction means that the government was able to prove that Damra had "solid, long-standing ties to international terrorist organizations. This sends the message that you can't be a member of an international terrorist organization and become a U.S. citizen."

Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 9th before U.S. District Judge James Gwin. It's expected that Damra will lose his citizenship and may see up to five years in prison.

Local Muslims don't think the jury was fair and continue to believe that Damra is a good spiritual leader. However, evidence that Damra raised funds for terrorists and extolled "the murder of Israeli citizens and calling Jews, among other things, sons of monkeys and pigs" was enough to convince the jury. It troubles me to no end that there are many Muslim Americans who don't think there is anything wrong with hating Jews and supporting terrorism. By the way, as far as I know, the automatic Muslim hatred for Jews is not reciprocal.

Following Entry Posted 6/18/2004 09:48:00 PM

Most Wanted Fugitive Captured

(Akron, Ohio) According to this story, Akron Police apprehended Edward Kennedy, 29, one of the FBI's 12 Most Wanted Fugitives. Kennedy is alleged to have murdered an Alabama woman and shooting her son several times. He survived. Kennedy has other charges pending.

A tipster saw Kennedy's photo on the FBI website, recognized him, and notified police. Extradition proceedings are underway.

Following Entry Posted 6/18/2004 08:54:00 PM

Ratfish

Apparently living at great depths with the hagfish, the prehistoric ratfish was recently discovered off Brazil by scientists. The ratfish is rarely seen, but fossil records indicate it was swimming in the ocean as far back as 180 million years ago when dinosaurs ruled the earth.

Following Entry Posted 6/18/2004 01:53:00 PM

Paul Johnson Beheaded

All news sources are reporting that Al-Qaeda has beheaded hostage Paul Johnson. Bastards!

[Update] Al-Arabiya television reported the beheading. CNN has reported that Al-Arabiya had a video of the killing, but a network official said there was no video.

[Update] Apparently, there is no video, but Drudge has posted (WARNING: EXTREMELY GRAPHIC) photographs. Kevin Aylward has more at Wizbang.

[Update] Shortly after discovery of the body of Paul Johnson, Saudi Security forces killed the leader of Al-Qaida in Saudi Arabia, Abdulaziz al-Moqrin, 31. Also killed were his brothers Faisal and Bandar Al-Dakheel who also were on the Saudi most-wanted list.

Also, according to reports in Haaretz and the Jerusalem Post, the Arab satellite network Al-Arabiya continues to say there is video, but attempts to access it have been unsuccessful.

Following Entry Posted 6/18/2004 07:09:00 AM

Illegal Something

(Via John Ray) Stuart Harding, 71, stood by the side of the road with a sign that displayed "SPEED TRAP - 300 yards ahead." For standing on the side of the road with the sign, he had his driver's license taken away and he was fined. This incident happened in the UK where there apparently is a motor vehicle law for illegal standing or illegal sign holding. Or, how about illegally embarrassing the police?

Sheesh! It sure sounds like the British don't believe in free speech. And, I can't even count the number of times I've been alerted to speed traps by drivers in the opposite direction blinking their lights. It's common courtesy on the road.

Following Entry Posted 6/17/2004 11:49:00 PM

Yahoo! Email

I just noticed that my Yahoo! mailbox capacity has been increased from 6MB to 100MB. Since I didn't have anything to do with the change, it's a welcome surprise. Woo-hoo!

Following Entry Posted 6/17/2004 11:36:00 PM

House Rejects Snowmobile Ban

The environmentalists sure have reasons to be puckered this week. In addition to the Supreme Court ruling that it's not the court's job to tell the Bureau of Land Management how to do its job, the House of Representatives has rejected an attempt to ban snowmobiles in Yellowstone Park. The House also rejected a measure to stop the killing of bison which is done to prevent the spread of disease to cattle.

Does anyone know why someone would want to protect diseased bison? The only thing I can figure is that they want the diseased bison to infect cattle and thereby harm the beef industry. Of course, I could be wrong.

Following Entry Posted 6/17/2004 09:03:00 PM

Officers Killed

(Birmingham, Alabama) This story saddens me to no end. Three police officers were killed today after going to a house in a low-income neighborhood known for drug dealing. According to Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale and Police Chief Annetta Nunn, several suspects have been arrested, including Nathaniel Lauell Woods.

Of note is that this is the third time in just over a year where two or more Alabama police officers have been gunned down.

My sympathy is with the family and friends of the officers.

[Update] The slain officers have been identified as Harley Chisholm III, 40; Charles Robert Bennett, 33; and Carlos Owen, 53.

Following Entry Posted 6/17/2004 12:31:00 PM

Troop Pregnancies

Simply put, the Defense Department was asked how many females have gotten pregnant while being deployed. The Defense Department responded by stating that they don't keep track.

My take is that they're lying and the number is embarrassingly high. I'm sure they're trying to figure out how to mitigate the problem in-house, without turning it into a political football. Nonetheless, you can be sure that the Defense Department knows exactly how many women got pregnant while on active duty, while deployed, in which branch, by command organization, and by roster.

They're just not telling.

Following Entry Posted 6/17/2004 10:52:00 AM

Clinton Explains Lewinsky

In a taped interview with Dan Rather for this weekend's 60 Minutes program, Bill Clinton said that he did the jiggy-jiggy with Monica Lewinsky because he could.

The cavalier attitude he displays towards infidelity coupled with no regard for the consequences of his behavior makes me wonder how many others he has used because he could. His own words support my contention that Bill Clinton is singularly an opportunist with one core value, self-gratification at any expense.

Following Entry Posted 6/17/2004 12:50:00 AM

Designer Killed for Comment

Interior designer Beatrice Harrowyn, 47, criticized the curtains in Jose Da Silva's home so he went to his garage, got an ax, and killed her. Da Silva kept her body in the tub for a few days before dumping it beside the road. He was convicted of the murder and will be sentenced this Friday.

Pretty sensitive guy, don't you think?

Following Entry Posted 6/16/2004 11:55:00 PM

Viagra and Cocaine

Recent experience in the UK has prompted police to issue a warning about the use of Viagra and cocaine together. Apparently the combination of drugs places tremendous stress on the heart muscle which has resulted in seizures and death.

Following Entry Posted 6/16/2004 10:22:00 PM

Doctor Proposes Not Treating Lawyers

(Chicago, Illinois) According to this report, Dr. J. Chris Hawk proposed that the American Medical Association endorse refusing care, except for emergencies, to attorneys involved in medical malpractice cases. His idea produced quite an uproar at the AMA's annual meeting in Chicago.

Personally, I think it wouldn't do any good because the trial lawyers would just go to court and sue to have every boo-boo classified as an emergency.

Following Entry Posted 6/16/2004 01:12:00 PM

Library Sex Case

(Naperville, Illinois) On May 18, police received a phone call from a Naperville Public Library and the caller stated that a man was fondling himself while looking at pornography on the Internet in a part of the library where children were present. A patrol car was dispatched to the library. Information of what occurred next is rather sketchy so the following re-creation is provided based upon available data.

POLICE: You called about a guy fondling himself?

LIBRARIAN: Yes.

POLICE: Where is he?

LIBRARIAN: He left.

POLICE: What's his name?

LIBRARIAN: I'm sorry. That's confidential.

POLICE: What's he look like?

LIBRARIAN: I'm sorry. That's confidential.

POLICE: Which computer was he using?

LIBRARIAN: I'm sorry. That's confidential.

POLICE: Can you tell me what web sites he was looking at?

LIBRARIAN: I'm sorry. That's confidential.

POLICE: Is there anything you can tell us?

LIBRARIAN: Yes. You need a court order for me to answer your questions.

Frustrated, the police leave to get a court order and return the next day to start their investigation. On June 15, Richard J. Blaszak, 34, of Naperville, was arrested and charged with sexual exploitation of children and public indecency.

The reason it took almost a month to apprehend and charge the alleged perpetrator is because the librarians helped impede the investigation. Due to the Illinois Library Records Confidentiality Act, librarians feel bound by the 1st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to protect the confidentiality of patrons' reading interests.

I must plead abject ignorance. Of the gazillion times I've looked at the Bill of Rights, I've not seen the portion that addresses confidentiality of reading interests. What's more is that I'm not sure I understand what that means. Does it mean that I can't be compelled to sign my driver's license because it would breach my constitutional right to confidentiality about what I've read?

Just call me confused.

Following Entry Posted 6/16/2004 12:12:00 PM

Sir Tim Berners-Lee

(Helsinki, Finland) The creator of the World Wide Web, Tim Berners-Lee, was knighted by Queen Elizabeth last December, achieving some fame for his accomplishments. Yesterday, he was awarded the first Millennium Technology Prize which came with $1.2 million cash, thereby achieving some fortune.

Hooray!

Following Entry Posted 6/16/2004 02:03:00 AM

Supreme Court Rules Against Environmentalists

In a case where environmental groups wanted the courts to direct the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to take specific action to protect federal lands from off-road vehicles, the Supreme Court said no. Writing for the court, Justice Antonin Scalia stated that Congress never intended "pervasive oversight by federal courts over the manner and pace" of BLM compliance. In a nutshell, it's not the court's job to tell the BLM how to do its job.

Understandably, the environmentalists are crestfallen.

Robert Keiter, an environmental law professor at the University of Utah Law School, said the ruling could raise questions about whether a number of broadly worded legal protections for wilderness areas would "prove enforceable in the future ... because of the court's unwillingness to put any teeth" into the congressional mandates. Because of that, the ruling also could have an effect on laws governing national parks, he said.

The SCOTUS ruling will likely have a chilling effect on future attempts by the environmental crowd to get their way through judicial activism.

Following Entry Posted 6/15/2004 11:59:00 PM

Helen Crump vs. Thelma Lou

Don't forget to cast a vote in the ongoing controversy. Currently, Thelma Lou is leading.

Following Entry Posted 6/15/2004 11:48:00 PM

United Nations Predicts Calamity

One of the United Nations committees responsible for releasing periodic reports forecasting the end of the world, the Convention to Combat Desertification, has issued its tenth annual prediction. Once again, the end of the world is foreseen to be imminent because of population growth, technology, and global warming. And, also once again, no time frame is established for when the end will come, but they know it's near.

The Global Change Research Program says global warming could eventually make the Southwest wetter -- but it will also cause more extreme weather, meaning harsher droughts that could kill vegetation.

Therefore, the scientists figure that the wetter the land becomes, the harsher the droughts.

I guess I just don't understand the scientific part because, to me, wet is the opposite of drought. Nonetheless, I suspect that the end-of-the-world committees will announce the same open-ended prediction for as long as money is shoveled in their direction.

Following Entry Posted 6/15/2004 10:59:00 PM

Glen Campbell Gets Jail Time

(Phoenix) For drunk driving and hit-and-run, singer Glen Campbell was sentenced to 10 days in jail. He'll also pay a $900 fine, get 2 years probation, and do 75 hours community service. Fortunately for him, no one was injured in his hit-and-run.

Following Entry Posted 6/15/2004 01:44:00 PM

Invoice Your Date

Hey, guys! If your last date turned out to be a non-prospect, try invoicing her for half the cost. That's what this guy did.

To: [X] Subject: Invoice 6/12/04
Date: Sat, 12 Jun 2004 17:15:59 EDT

Dear [WOMAN'S NAME]

On June 5, you agreed to accept dinner, paid for in full, by me, based on your stated offer that we would go out again. In that you have ignored all overtures to said follow up meeting, you are hereby considered in breach of contract.

To that end, you are being invoiced for 50% of the cost of the dinner, pursuant to the offer. For the record, the offer presented you with the option of not going out again and paying for half of the dinner, or going out again and not paying at all. You accepted these terms, choosing to go out again, as stated above, but have since failed to deliver your end of the agreement. . . .

His invoice requests remittance of $37.25, payable within 30 days.

I don't know if he'll be paid or what he'll do if he's not, however, I suspect that his attractiveness to the opposite sex may be tarnished by his businesslike approach to dating. (Via Spot On)

Following Entry Posted 6/15/2004 12:53:00 PM

Gruesome Cigarette Packs

(Singapore) Beginning August 1st, the government of Singapore will launch a new anti-smoking campaign which requires gruesome, graphic images to be displayed on all cigarette packages. Images will include a cancerous lung and a brain oozing blood after a stroke and must cover at least 50% of the total surface area of each package.

Following Entry Posted 6/15/2004 12:09:00 PM

Southern Baptist Convention

(Indianapolis, Indiana) The Southern Baptist Convention quit the Baptist World Alliance because the global association is liberal and anti-American. Since the SBC represents a third of the revenue and membership of the BWA, the decision to quit is big news for Protestants and liberals.

Following Entry Posted 6/15/2004 09:43:00 AM

Pierce Brosnan

(Sacramento, California) Pierce Brosnan, AKA James Bond, has joined singer Bonnie Raitt, famed tree-sitter Julia "Butterfly" Hill, and his wife, environmental activist Keely Brosnan, in advocating more controls on logging in California. According to the actor (cue the orchestra),

"Along our coastlines, deep in the valleys, atop the mountains and in the forests, old growth trees are a living symbol of California's natural, historical, cultural heritage."

This is all fine, but I do have one question. Isn't Brosnan an Irishman who proudly calls Ireland his home? If so, the environmentalists are importing a celebrity tree-hugger which would hardly seem to be necessary. There is no shortage of celebrities nor tree-huggers in California.

Following Entry Posted 6/15/2004 08:32:00 AM

Ongoing Controversy

Over a long time period, there has been a controversy in the Interested-Participant conclave and it was suggested that I query the readership to establish a basis for awarding bragging rights for keenest eye. The controversy is over who is the more attractive woman, Helen Crump or Thelma Lou. Feel free to weigh in.

Following Entry Posted 6/15/2004 07:51:00 AM

Plot To Blow Up Columbus Mall

(Columbus, Ohio) The FBI arrested Nuradin M. Abdi, a 32-year-old Somali national, and charged him with conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, conspiracy to provide material support to al-Qaida, and two counts of fraud and misuse of government documents. Abdi, Iyman Faris, a convicted al-Qaida operative, and others allegedly conspired to blow up a shopping mall in the Columbus area. Which one wasn't named.

People who don't believe the United States is at war with terrorism are delusional.

[Update 08/02/07]

Abdi sentenced.

Following Entry Posted 6/14/2004 06:22:00 PM

Imam Fawaz Damra Trial

(Akron, Ohio) Tomorrow, Fawaz Damra goes on trial in U.S. District Court in Akron for lying on immigration documents and during interviews when he went through his U.S. naturalization process. However, according to this report, Damra's trial is a terrorist trial. He is accused of lying about his close and supportive association with well-known terrorist organizations.

Regardless of what U.S. District Judge James S. Gwin allows jurors to hear about Damra's terror connections, government lawyers hope to make one thing clear to jurors: Fawaz Damra -- the smallish, stoic-looking, 41-year-old man sitting across from them -- helped terrorists like Osama bin Laden, and lied to keep those affiliations hidden.

It seems the government has a strong case, if the judge allows the evidence.

Following Entry Posted 6/14/2004 04:35:00 PM

Migraines Can't Forecast Weather

(Vancouver, British Columbia) During the annual meeting of the American Headache Society, research results were presented which indicate that migraine headaches, which may be triggered by the weather, are not viable predictors of the weather.

"Most people in the study thought they could predict which type of weather factor triggered their migraines, but they really couldn't," researcher Marcelo Bigal of the New England Center for Headache said in a statement.

My only comment is that I've always thought that the American Headache Society was a euphemism for the Internal Revenue Service.

Following Entry Posted 6/14/2004 04:21:00 PM

Hindu Mobs Attack Lesbianism

(New Delhi) Hindu mobs threw stones, ripped up posters, burned effigies, and damaged theaters to stop the showing of a lesbian film because it violated Indian traditions and degraded Indian culture. The leadership of the lesbian advocacy has not commented on the situation, but it's probably safe to assume that there is no joy for the followers of Sappho. Add a billion Hindu homophobes to a billion Muslim homophobes and a billion Christian homophobes and the army of lesbians sure seems puny.

Following Entry Posted 6/14/2004 03:49:00 PM

Supreme Court Keeps 'God' in Pledge

Exactly 50 years after "one nation under God" was inserted into the Pledge of Allegiance, the Supreme Court overturned a 9th U.S. District Court ruling that it was unconstitutional. The SCOTUS said that atheist Michael Newdow did not qualify as his daughter's legal representative and, therefore, could not speak for her.

Following Entry Posted 6/14/2004 07:11:00 AM

A Bad Day

You are sitting in a portable toilet and it is stolen by thieves who are unaware you are in it. The thieves nonchalantly load the toilet onto a tractor trailer and you cannot get out until the rope the thieves had tied around the cubicle loosen after a jolting ride. You eventually jump from the speeding truck and break your collarbone.

You are having a bad day.

Following Entry Posted 6/14/2004 06:32:00 AM

Anne Frank 1929-1945

In an orange and gray notebook, Anne Frank told the story of her short life. Had she outlived the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, she likely would be celebrating her 75th birthday this month.

Following Entry Posted 6/14/2004 06:05:00 AM

Men Safer Drivers With Passengers

According to a survey of 500 drivers by a German magazine, men drivers are more conscious of the safety of female passengers than women drivers are of male passengers. Results of the survey indicated that 65% of men were found to change their driving style when a woman was sitting next to them. On the other hand, despite who sits next to them, 71% of women said they wouldn't drive more safely.

Well, there you have it. Scientific evidence supporting the contention that chivalry is not dead and that there is no equivalent female behavioral attribute. From a bigger picture perspective, the results of the survey also point out a flaw in the thinking of feminist philosophers. Unless they can evolve a female attribute that's equivalent to male chivalry, their goal of establishing female superiority over men in all regards is unachievable.

Following Entry Posted 6/13/2004 09:06:00 PM

Unstressful Birth

(Columbus, Ohio) A woman jumped out of a second-floor window of a burning building and then gave birth two hours later. To Starlena Watson, having a kid is a piece of cake.

Following Entry Posted 6/13/2004 04:58:00 AM

Relieving Stress

To relieve stress, some people choose to go fishing or to the beach or, maybe, camping. The report of the death of noted scientific researcher and UCLA professor, Dr. Roy Walford, indicates that he opted for a much less conventional way to relieve stress.

Dr. Walford alternated years of intensive laboratory research on mice with yearlong sabbaticals in which he walked across India in a loincloth measuring the rectal temperatures of holy men . . . .

Thanks go to Chuck for pointing me to this story. Frankly, though, I'm having difficulty believing that Dr. Walford's methods would reduce stress. It seems that all aspects of his technique would significantly INCREASE stress.

Following Entry Posted 6/13/2004 04:20:00 AM

Students Abandon Pets

(Indiana, Pennsylvania) This report out of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania indicates that college students frequently abandon pets when school semesters end. According to Nancy Peterson of the Humane Society of the United States, it's a perennial problem.

It wouldn't surprise me if the people who abandon their pets are the same folks that turn into animal rights activists.

Following Entry Posted 6/12/2004 11:57:00 PM

Irish Vote For New Citizenship Rules

Almost 80% of the voters in Ireland, the last European Union country to give the right of citizenship automatically to all children born on its soil, have cast ballots in favor of a referendum to delete the right to automatic citizenship. The government is expected to quickly draft new legislation so that parliament can approve new law to close the citizenship "loophole."

The stance of the EU and Ireland runs counter to the philosophy employed by the United States, where it seems that anyone giving birth within sniffing distance of the border is automatically awarded citizenship and head-of-the-line status for health benefits, education benefits, social security, and driver's licenses.

Following Entry Posted 6/12/2004 10:52:00 PM

Limbaughs Announce Breakup

Rush Limbaugh and his wife Marta have announced plans to divorce. They're probably penciling in some changes to the Manual of Conservative Values right now.

Following Entry Posted 6/12/2004 09:20:00 PM

Man Arrested For Stupid Question

(Toledo, Ohio) Police arrested David Pasztor, 46, for sending a handwritten letter to the FBI asking if it would be legal if he shot Mayor Jack Ford between the eyes with a high-powered rifle from 50 feet away. He is currently in the Lucas County jail in lieu of $200,000 bond.

Mr. Pasztor would seem to need more than simple legal advice.

Following Entry Posted 6/12/2004 07:37:00 PM

Concealed Weapons Ban in Parks

Several communities are trying to establish policies to ban carrying concealed weapons in public parks. Unfortunately, Ohio's concealed-carry law would negate the validity of any local statutes and enforcement could be challenged in court. According to Kim Norris, a spokesman for Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro,

"If you are a licensed concealed-carry holder, you should be allowed to carry in a park."

On the state level, the issue will be addressed by the Ohio legislature when it considers a bill introduced by state Sen. Ray Miller (D-Columbus) which would let local communities ban the carrying of concealed weapons in parks and recreation areas.

Following Entry Posted 6/12/2004 12:08:00 PM

Nobody's Going To Like Sara Lee

The textiles and clothing industry in the United States is being massively transformed and Americans, except those that work in the industry, are generally not aware that it is happening. The cause of the transformation can be summed up in one word - China.

Since joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001, the world's largest untapped labor pool, China, has been patiently awaiting the elimination of all quotas and tariffs on textile and clothing imports to the world's largest market, the United States. In theory, trade restrictions are removed with WTO membership. However, since the immediate importation of Chinese textiles and clothing in 2001 would have devastated American competition, safeguards were imposed in the form of quotas and tariffs to allow time for the U.S. industry to adjust. Those safeguards are scheduled to expire at the end of this year.

To effectively compete in the textiles and clothing market with no restrictions on Chinese imports, American executives must make dramatic changes in their business methods and strategies. Without changes, a company may fail. Yet, even with a revised corporate vision, there's no guarantee of success. The right changes must be made. Unfortunately, restructuring is usually discomforting to the workforce. Dramatic restructuring hurts.

As an example, a planned transformation was announced yesterday by Sara Lee Branded Apparel, a division of Chicago-based Sara Lee Corp. The company plans to lay off 3,825 workers and close five plants by the end of the year to consolidate production of intimates, sportswear, and underwear. Plants will be closed in Puerto Rico, Honduras, and Mexico, and production will be scaled down at a plant in Asheboro, N.C. Additionally, the headquarters in Winston-Salem will eliminate 150 jobs. Via a news release, the moves are explained:

"Whenever decisions affect employees' positions, they are made with careful consideration," said Lee A. Chaden, chief executive of Sara Lee Branded Apparel. "It is imperative, however, that we redeploy resources to maintain and enhance our long-term competitive position."

And, it's largely being done because trade restrictions on Chinese imports cease at year's end.

There can be no doubt that the restructuring of Sara Lee Branded Apparel is going to be painful, but the company has no other choice if they are going to survive in the marketplace. The loss of 3,825 jobs will negatively impact families and communities to a great degree, but it will help more than 50,000 workers to remain employed by the company worldwide.

Following Entry Posted 6/11/2004 06:32:00 PM

Michael Berg Interview by INDC Journal

Steal a few minutes of your time, readers, and go to the Michael Berg interview post by Bill of INDC Journal. Berg was a featured speaker at an International A.N.S.W.E.R. rally in Washington last Saturday. The INDC Journal report may influence your perspective of the grieving father of Nick Berg. It's engaging.

Following Entry Posted 6/11/2004 06:00:00 PM

Communist Women

The Commissar provides links to the pride of communist feminism at the website of the National Bolshevik Party. I wasn't around for the October Revolution back in 1917 so I don't know if the women are better looking now than they were then. I would suggest, however, that today's communist pinups are attractive women who display a menacing demeanor similar to their ancestors. If they gussied up a bit and put on a smile, chances are that they would be more popular. See the photos

Following Entry Posted 6/11/2004 04:14:00 PM

USS Olympia

Michelle Malkin has started blogging and, given her straightforward thoroughness and accuracy in reporting, her blog will be a regular read by Interested-Participant.

Michelle's got a story posted about the USS Olympia, a Los Angeles-class nuclear attack submarine home ported at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, although it's named after Olympia, Washington. The city council in Olympia has been tussling for weeks on whether to allow the sub to visit the city. It seems the local government and some of the citizenry are populated with anti-military elements.

In summary, the Olympia City Council ultimately passed a resolution to allow the submarine to visit the city with the stipulation that the officers and crew be encouraged to view a four-hour videotape taken during a public hearing so they could understand "the myriad of issues and diverse views raised by the potential visit of the USS Olympia to our community."

Yes, they want the crew to undergo sensitivity training. Why? So the leftist moonbats in Olympia can feel better about themselves. It would be a complete waste of time for the sailors. Understandably, while the controversy bubbled, the Navy canceled the visit to Olympia.

Following Entry Posted 6/10/2004 11:48:00 PM

Ray Charles

Ray Charles Robinson was born Sept. 23, 1930, in Albany, Georgia. He died today at the age of 73 in Beverly Hills, California, from liver disease. He was the genius of soul and his music will live forever.

Rest in peace.

Following Entry Posted 6/10/2004 11:46:00 PM

Child Porn Case

Chicago Police arrested James Bradshaw, 62, owner of a Chicago center that tutors children, on multiple charges of manufacturing child pornography. His Beverly Instructional Center remains closed. Investigators found that Bradshaw had installed a video camera in the center's restroom to tape students committing sex acts.

[C]harges involve a 14- to 15-year-old boy who is seen on the tape on four different occasions from the past year-and-a-half. It also includes video of a 13- to 14-year-old girl who is taped on numerous occasions during a six-month period last year.

After shutting the center down on May 29th, police confiscated numerous videotapes and said there were as many as 15 children seen on one of them. They have other tapes to review, suggesting the strong likelihood of more charges.

According to Kathleen Muldoon, asst. state's attorney, the Chicago Police Department is continuing its investigation to determine whether the children were coached or compensated for engaging in the sex acts.

This type of story occurs much too often and it sure is depressing to think what it does to the kids.

Following Entry Posted 6/10/2004 11:10:00 PM

Man Arrested For Spreading HIV

(Windsor, Ontario) According to this story, Carl Leone, 28, has been charged with assault and common nuisance for not disclosing his HIV status to two women. However, police fear he may have infected 200 women directly and many more people indirectly in Canada and southeastern Michigan since 1994.

If true, I don't think the justice system has provisions to adequately punish this crime unless each exposure is prosecuted as a case of attempted murder.

Following Entry Posted 6/10/2004 10:34:00 PM

Vietnamese Boat People

(Osaka, Japan) Twenty-three Vietnamese boat people, who arrived in Japan between 1989 and 1991, are currently on a hunger strike at a detention center while awaiting deportation. All had previously served time in Japanese prisons for murder, theft and other serious crimes and, upon release, were ordered deported. Unfortunately, the Vietnamese government refuses to allow their return since they are former boat people (not to mention, murderers and thieves). Therefore, they're stuck in a detention center without a country to call home.

Tough situation.

Following Entry Posted 6/10/2004 09:34:00 PM

Kimmel Live Show Pulled

The "Jimmy Kimmel Live" show was pulled Wednesday night by the whole ABC network for anti-Detroit wisecracks. Kimmel had joked that fans would burn Detroit down if the Pistons won.

Boy, the people in Detroit must have real tender sensitivities. If television programs were pulled every time a joke was made about Cleveland, there would be no television. I guess Ohioans are a measure tougher and less sissified than people from other places.

Following Entry Posted 6/10/2004 08:37:00 PM

Dogs Remember Words

From a study at Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, it's been determined that dogs remember words. A border collie was tested and found to know more than 200 words.

Just think. All that now needs to be proven is that they can speak and then they'll qualify for free health care, in-state tuition, social security, driver's licenses, and the right to vote.

Woof! Woof!

Following Entry Posted 6/09/2004 11:56:00 PM

Woman Jailed For Doggie PAP Smears

(Lumberton, North Carolina) Here's an odd story. Treza Ann Sweeney, 47, was sentenced to 45 days in jail for giving PAP smears to her Boston terrier which died. It's not clear how or why this happened. What seems clear, though, is that some people get just a little too close to their pets.

Following Entry Posted 6/09/2004 11:33:00 PM

Jesse Helms

(Raleigh, North Carolina) For those that derive malicious joy from the suffering of others, this story is good and bad. Former Senator Jesse Helms was sliced open to remove his gall bladder and is sure to experience considerable discomfort while healing. However, the schadenfreude crowd will not be happy that Helms is recuperating well and is expected to recover fully.

Following Entry Posted 6/09/2004 11:10:00 PM

Teacher To Be Fired

(Smithfield, North Carolina) According to this report, science teacher Jeff Ferguson is likely to be fired because he required his students to drink a gallon of milk as part of an experiment. Smithfield-Selma High School Principal Phil Lee has already recommended that the school system not renew Ferguson's contract.

Personally, I think everyone has overreacted just because he made 13 students vomit. It never was that easy when I was going to school. I remember some teachers who were quite puke provoking.

[Update] The Johnson County School Board voted 5-1 to dismiss Ferguson. According to School Board Chairman Fred Bartholomew, the dismissal was per the recommendations of the principal and the school system superintendent, Tony Parker.

Following Entry Posted 6/09/2004 01:41:00 PM

Mexican Trucks

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was signed in 1993 to remove trade barriers between the U.S. and Canada/Mexico. From the outset, the agreement was opposed by labor unions who viewed it as a threat to American jobs, in particular, because it would allow inexpensively produced Mexican products to compete with American made goods. As a result, the labor unions, with support from the environmentalists and Public Citizen, filed suit against allowing Mexican trucks from traveling on American roads. They argued that Mexican trucks were older and more polluting and didn't meet clean air standards.

Monday, their argument was made moot. By a unanimous ruling,

[T]he Supreme Court said the president has authority to open the border, and a federal agency responsible for truck safety has no say in the matter. Thus, the agency was under no obligation to study environmental effects from opening the border, as a lower federal court had ordered.

The case, United States v. Public Citizen (03-358), is a defeat for the labor unions, however, it remains to be seen how the situation will play out. If American neighborhoods start seeing large numbers of proud Mexican smoke-belchers, I'm sure there will be some complaints.

On a personal note, I'm more concerned about the qualifications of the drivers than the trucks. Besides unfamiliarity with motor vehicle laws and the English language, the idea of having a cadre of big rig drivers, who have never seen a snowflake, on the road in Ohio in January scares me.

Following Entry Posted 6/08/2004 10:21:00 PM

Alleged Eighth Grade Prostitute

(Brockton, Massachusetts) The Boston Herald reports that authorities in Brockton are investigating allegations that a 13-year-old eighth grade girl is being pimped out by her friend.

Brockton police have said a preliminary probe has turned up no evidence of prostitution. But sources have told the Herald the mentally impaired teen was turning tricks at a local supermarket for between $5 and $30 and that another eighth-grade girl was arranging the trysts. Both girls have been out of school since the scandal broke.

Brockton school Superintendent Joseph Bage acknowledged the girl was performing sex acts after school but said there "absolutely" was no prostitution.

Boy! This puts an entirely new spin on "latch key kid." And, it sure is comforting to know that, even though the 13-year-old is doing the street, she's not charging for it.

Following Entry Posted 6/08/2004 08:07:00 PM

"Homosexual" Not Slander Nor Libel

(Boston, Massachusetts) According to this story, U.S. District Court Judge Nancy Gertner ruled that the words "gay" and "homosexual" are not defamatory and, therefore, cannot be used as the basis for slander or libel lawsuits. So, a precedent has been set and it's okay to call a homosexual a homosexual.

Following Entry Posted 6/08/2004 06:27:00 PM

Police Records

Northwestern University has provided access on the Internet to handwritten police records of crimes committed in the city of Chicago going back to 1870. It's kind of interesting.

Following Entry Posted 6/08/2004 10:13:00 AM

Massive Drug Bust

Yesterday, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency were among 10 different police agencies who simultaneously raided homes and businesses allegedly connected to a multi-million dollar international smuggling ring. The 6 A.M. raids in Detroit, Windsor, and Toronto resulted in 18 arrests and confiscation of roughly 772 kilos of marijuana, 3,000 Ecstasy tablets, and more than US$1.3 million. Also seized were 6 houses and 14 vehicles.

The dope was grown in houses in the Windsor and Toronto areas and smuggled to cities such as Detroit, Boston, Pittsburgh and Minneapolis. Millions of dollars ultimately goes to organized criminal groups in Toronto. It's expected that the flow of dope from Canada will be reduced because of the arrests, at least in the short run.

On the flip side is recent news from Arizona which indicates that the volume of dope smuggled into the U.S. from Mexico will soar. This is expected to moderate any fluctuations in dope prices triggered by interruption in the Canadian supply.

Following Entry Posted 6/08/2004 08:30:00 AM

Mr. Magic the Clown

(Toronto, Ontario) This is interesting and most disturbing. About two weeks ago, it was reported that Spanky the Clown had been arrested on multiple child pornography charges and, now, Mr. Magic the Clown, AKA Stephen Lynn, 43, has been found guilty of sexually assaulting five boys between the ages of nine and 13. Unfortunately, even though Mr. Magic has a long history sexually assaulting young boys, he was only given one year in prison.

My take is twofold. First, by sentencing Stephen Lynn to only one year in jail, Provincial Court Justice Roland Harris has guaranteed that additional children will be molested in the very near future. Unless he gets shanked in the slammer, Mr. Magic will be out trolling for new victims in a year because pedophilia is incurable.

Secondly, the cases of Mr. Magic and Spanky appear to provide strong evidence that pedophiles frequently gravitate toward being clowns to attract victims. It's something for parents and law enforcement officers to keep in mind.

Following Entry Posted 6/08/2004 04:03:00 AM

The Death of Ronald Wilson Reagan

Via Lana comes this thought from Francis W. Porretto that is worth repeating. In a poignant tribute to Ronald Reagan, he deftly instructs:

Judge your acquaintances by their reactions to this watershed of American history. Those who express satisfaction or glee are not worthy of your company.

How do your family, friends, and neighbors measure up? Some of mine aren't doing very well.

Following Entry Posted 6/07/2004 11:09:00 PM

Drug Dog Reliability

(Toledo, Ohio) According to the Ohio 6th District Court of Appeals, a drug dog's reliability cannot be used to dispute the constitutionality of a vehicle search. In other words, if a dog's alert is used as a basis for a search, the search is legal. The dog's nose has been tested and certified to be accurate and that's good enough for the court.

Interesting.

Following Entry Posted 6/07/2004 11:06:00 PM

No Porn Star at Prom

(Weston, Connecticut) High schooler Max Miesel won a date with porn star Tyler Faith on a radio program, but the school told him he can't take her to the prom. According to Weston High Principal Mary Kolek, a porn star would violate the school's prom guidelines.

I can't imagine that the prom guidelines actually addressed a prohibition on porn stars.

Following Entry Posted 6/07/2004 08:29:00 PM

Reagan on Mount Rushmore

(Columbus, Ohio) Ohio Rep. Ron Young, R-Painesville, introduced a resolution Monday requesting Congress to add Ronald Reagan's image to Mount Rushmore.

This may pucker the leftists.

Following Entry Posted 6/07/2004 08:00:00 PM

Recycling Plant Fire

(Summersville, Ohio) A fire burned out of control for several hours at a recycling plant north of Marysville. At least four fire departments responded to Clark's Wood Recycling Plant to contain the fire.

I wonder if they were able to save the inventory and, if so, why?

Following Entry Posted 6/06/2004 11:46:00 PM

Reagan Attacked by UK Guardian

Probably no more than 24 hours after the death of Ronald Reagan was announced, long before any funeral arrangements had been finalized, when admirers were still in a confusion of shock and sadness and loss, the UK Guardian launched a snide attack on his memory. Peter Preston writes of Ronald Reagan as an old dunce of a man unworthy of praise since he didn't do anything to change the world. He wasn't bright, he wasn't brilliant. He just happened to be around when the world changed.

"Hokum squared" is what Preston calls Ronald Reagan's reputation, insulting all those that have loved and admired Reagan. His piece is devoid of any respect for the dead or for those in mourning. And Preston concludes by stating that the love and admiration are based on myth and, not hiding his hatred, he blames the people who believe the "myth" for making "George W possible."

Peter Preston's attack is crass and uncultured, as are the editors of the UK Guardian, who could have allowed a proper and appropriate funeral and mourning period to transpire before continuing their usual leftist ranting.

Following Entry Posted 6/06/2004 11:44:00 PM

Oil From Libya

The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced that Libya has resumed its former role as a supplier of oil to the United States. Although the oil and gas industry is undeveloped, Libya has proven reserves of 36 billion barrels.

It's probably safe to suggest that Libyan oil is flowing again because of the geopolitical maneuverings of the Bush administration.

Following Entry Posted 6/06/2004 10:48:00 PM

OSU Hempfest

(Columbus, Ohio) The Ohio State University officials canceled this year's Hempfest because the Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), the student organization sponsoring the festival, failed to meet requirements to notify university police at least 10 business days in advance of the event. In response, the SSDP filed suit in U.S. District Court seeking an injunction to overturn the university's decision. The judge ruled in favor of the hemp advocacy.

It's not clear on what basis the judge made his decision. It's also not clear why the university is being prevented from enforcing established requirements regarding use of the campus. What is clear, though, is that the sensible drug crowd has a problem following simple instructions and meeting minimal requirements.

Following Entry Posted 6/06/2004 08:42:00 PM

Jennifer Lopez Weds

(Beverly Hills, California) It's been reported that J. Lo married Marc Anthony, the Latin singing star, at her home yesterday and it's rumored that Las Vegas is already handicapping their divorce. Current over and under is four months. Place your bets.

Following Entry Posted 6/06/2004 08:34:00 AM

Roger Ebert and Michael Moore

The Ebert and Roeper program this week had a segment where they reviewed Michael Moore's film Fahrenheit 911 which recently was voted best picture at the Cannes Film Festival. Their assessment was an enthusiastic thumbs up! Both considered the movie to be an accurate portrayal of the Bush administration from a one-sided perspective. And, they both agree with Michael Moore's leftist political leanings, harboring a hatred for President Bush. They also think the movie should and will win another Academy Award for Moore.

I seldom watch their program and expect that I'll be tuning in somewhat less than rarely now that they've avowed a loyalty to Michael Moore.

Following Entry Posted 6/06/2004 07:20:00 AM

The French Ego

Roger Cohen writes in the International Herald Tribune about a French notion that allows the intellectuals to love America while hating President Bush.

Politicians speak of saying yes to America but no to Bush. The newspaper Liberation warns Bush that he should not take President Jacques Chirac's expected expressions of gratitude as directed at him, but rather at America. Laurent Fabius, a former prime minister, says Bush is viewed "as the exact opposite of the values that make us love America."

The idea is very French. It is conceptual. It is subtle. It is intellectually pleasing. It projects the notion that France knows better than America what America really is or really should be. It harks back to the idea France shares with America: that the countries incarnate some eternal values and have a mission to export them to all mankind.[Emphasis mine.]

Worthy of mention is that despite the fact that the French have a demonstrated history as losers in international conflicts, no other country's citizens could ever expect to challenge the people of France in the amount of abject unsupported egocentrism. I would suggest that the qualities of egocentrism and being a loser often appear together.

Following Entry Posted 6/06/2004 06:23:00 AM

Coalition War Crimes

(New York City) Bertrand Ramcharan, acting United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, indicated that "human rights experts" had interviewed people who had been in Iraq and determined that the coalition forces':

". . . willful killing, torture and inhuman treatment" represented a grave breach of international law and "might be designated as war crimes by a competent tribunal."

He said it was a "stark reality" that there was no international oversight or accountability for the thousands of detainees, the conditions in which they were held and the manner in which they were treated.

So, what Mr. Ramcharan is stating is that since he reads the newspaper and has talked to "human rights experts" who have actually been to Iraq (As an aside, wasn't bulldozer poster girl Rachel Corrie a "human rights expert?"), he wants to prosecute Americans for war crimes. He continues,

To correct this situation, he said, the coalition authorities should immediately appoint "an international ombudsman or commissioner." That person would be charged with monitoring human rights in Iraq and producing periodic reports on compliance with "international norms of human rights and humanitarian law."

In this statement, Mr. Ramcharan, a trial lawyer from Guyana, wants the coalition leadership to appoint a spy for him to find evidence of war crimes by the forces. Apparently, he makes this demand because he has no evidence to support his allegations other than newspapers and "human rights experts" and the last time the UN sent people to Baghdad, they died in a bombing and he has no intention of sending anyone else into the country.

In a nutshell, Mr. Ramcharan's effort is entirely ideologue/media-driven and he wants the coalition to give him evidence implicating themselves as war criminals. And again, the UN proves its worth.

Following Entry Posted 6/06/2004 04:38:00 AM

USS Jimmy Carter

(Groton, Connecticut) Yesterday, the last Seawolf-class nuclear attack submarine was christened the USS Jimmy Carter. It's about 450 feet long, longer than other attack boats due to a hull extension, and it's designed to carry torpedoes and cruise missiles.

Excuse me for being flippant, but naming a military weapons platform after Jimmy Carter makes as much sense as naming a nuclear power plant after Ralph Nader.

Following Entry Posted 6/05/2004 07:08:00 PM

NAACP Student Chapter Rejected

The Catholic University of America has decided not to recognize a student chapter of the NAACP on campus because there are already two organizations representing black students. School administrators also mentioned that the NAACP expresses support for abortion advocacy groups which is contrary to the doctrine of the Catholic Church. NAACP President Kweisi Mfume demonstrated an apparent unfamiliarity with the actions of his organization by stating that the NAACP doesn't take sides in the abortion debate.

Following Entry Posted 6/05/2004 05:50:00 PM

Ronald Reagan

At age 93, Ronald Reagan died today and I feel a deep sadness.

Following Entry Posted 6/05/2004 12:20:00 PM

Adulterated School Lunches

(Ford Heights, Illinois) This story is disturbing. The cafeterias in the Ford Heights School District 169 will be secretly adding "soy based food" ingredients to school lunches starting in the fall. The kids won't be told what's been adulterated. Their intent is to fight obesity which, last I checked, is not the school's responsibility.

Since when was any school system given blanket authority to secretly adulterate food? What's next? Vitamins? Antibiotics? Hormones? Ritalin? Saltpeter?

It seems to me that this action is inappropriate and not within the purview of the school's obligations and responsibility. School administrators should focus on the content of children's heads, not their stomachs.

Following Entry Posted 6/05/2004 08:07:00 AM

60 Years Ago Today

At sea.

Off the French coast a little before 9:00 P.M. a dozen small ships appeared. They moved quietly along the horizon, so close that their crews could clearly see the houses of Normandy. The ships went unnoticed. They finished their job and then moved back. They were British mine sweepers - the vanguard of the mightiest fleet ever assembled.

For now back in the Channel, plowing through the choppy gray waters, a phalanx of ships bore down on Hitler's Europe - the might and fury of the free world unleashed at last. They came, rank after relentless rank, ten lanes wide, twenty miles across, five thousand ships of every description. There were fast new attack transports, slow rust-scarred freighters, small ocean liners, Channel steamers, hospital ships, weather-beaten tankers, coasters and swarms of fussing tugs. There were endless columns of shallow-draft landing ships - great wallowing vessels, some of them almost 350 feet long. Many of these and the other heavier transports carried smaller landing craft for the actual beach assault - more than fifteen hundred of them. Ahead of the convoys were processions of mine sweepers, Coast Guard cutters, buoy-layers and motor launches. Barrage balloons flew above the ships. Squadrons of fighter planes weaved below the clouds. And surrounding this fantastic cavalcade of ships packed with men, guns, tanks, motor vehicles and supplies, and excluding small naval vessels, was a formidable array of 702 warships.

There was the heavy cruiser U.S.S. Augusta, Rear Admiral Kirk's flagship, leading the American task force - twenty-one convoys bound for Omaha and Utah beaches. Just four months before Pearl Harbor the queenly Augusta had carried President Roosevelt to a quiet Newfoundland bay for the first of many historic meetings with Winston Churchill. Nearby, steaming majestically with all their battle flags flying, were the battleships: H.M.S. Nelson, Ramillies and Warspite, and U.S.S. Texas, Arkansas and the proud Nevada which the Japanese had sunk and written off at Pearl Harbor.

Leading the thirty-eight British and Canadian convoys bound for Sword, Juno and Gold beaches was the cruiser H.M.S. Scylla, the flagship of Rear Admiral Sir Philip Vian, the man who tracked down the German battleship Bismarck. And close by was one of Britain's most famous light cruisers - H.M.S. Ajax, one of a trio which had hounded the pride of Hitler's fleet, the Graf Spee, to her doom in Montevideo harbor after the battle of the River Plate in December 1939. There were other famous cruisers - the U.S.S. Tuscaloosa and Quincy, H.M.S. Enterprise and Black Prince, France's Georges Leygues - twenty-two in all.

Along the edges of the convoys sailed a variety of ships: graceful sloops, chunky corvettes, slim gunboats like the Dutch Soemba, antisubmarine patrol craft, fast PT boats, and everywhere sleek destroyers. Besides the scores of American and British destroyers, there were Canada's Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan and Ristigouche, Norway's Svenner, and even a contribution from the Polish forces, the Poiron.

Slowly, ponderously this great armada moved across the Channel. It followed a minute-by-minute traffic pattern of a kind never attempted before. Ships poured out of British ports and, moving down the coasts in two-convoy lanes, converged on the assembly area south of the Isle of Wight. There they sorted themselves out and each took a carefully predetermined position with the force heading for the particular beach to which it had been assigned. Out of the assembly area, which was promptly nicknamed "Piccadilly Circus," the convoys headed for France along five buoy-marked lanes. And as they approached Normandy these five paths split up into ten channels, two for each beach - one for fast traffic, the other for slow. Up front, just behind the spearhead of mine sweepers, battleships and cruisers, were the command ships, the attack transports bristling with radar and radio antennae. These floating command posts would be the nerve centers for the invasion.

Everywhere there were ships. To the men aboard, this historic armada is still remembered as "the most impressive, unforgettable" sight they had ever seen.

On land.

As the last twilight turned to darkness, the last men got on board their planes. Eisenhower was out on the runway, calling out "Good luck!" He noticed a short private, in Eisenhower's words "more equipment than soldier," who snapped him a salute. Eisenhower returned it. Then the private turned to the east and called out, "Look out, Hitler. Here we come!"

The pilots started their engines. A giant cacophony of sound engulfed the airfield as each C-47 in its turn lurched into line on the taxi strip. At the head of the runway, the pilots locked the brakes and ran up the engines until they screamed. Then, at ten-second intervals, they released the brakes and started down the runway, slowly at first, gathering speed, so overloaded that they barely made it into the sky.

When the last plane roared off, Eisenhower turned to his driver, Kay Summersby. She saw tears in his eyes. He began to walk slowly toward his car. "Well," he said quietly, "it's on."

Before going to bed, Admiral Ramsay made a final entry in his handwritten diary: "Monday, June 5, 1944. Thus has been the vital & crucial decision to stage the great enterprise which, I hope, be the immediate means of bringing about the downfall of Germany's fighting power & Nazi oppression & an early cessation of hostilities.

"I am not under delusions as to the risks involved in this most difficult of all operations. . . . Success will be in the balance. We must trust in our invisible assets to tip the balance in our favor.

"We shall require all the help that God can give us & I cannot believe that this will not be forthcoming."

Tired as he must have been, Ramsay caught the spirit and soul of the great undertaking perfectly, especially in his hope for what the results would be for occupied Europe and the world, his recognition that the enterprise was fraught with peril, and his confidence that God was blessing this cause.

'At sea' from The Longest Day by Cornelius Ryan. 'On land' from D-Day June 6, 1944 by Stephen E. Ambrose.

Following Entry Posted 6/05/2004 05:44:00 AM

The Bilderberg Group

Inaugurated in 1954, the Bilderberg Group consists of political movers, business leaders, bankers, industrialists and strategic thinkers that meet yearly, keeping everything that's said and done a secret. This week, the members are meeting in Italy and, as usual, there's much speculation about what they do and their influence in world affairs. They publish no meeting minutes, papers, notes, and they don't have a website. All the secrecy is pungent fruit for conspiracy theorists.

My opinion of this group is that it seems to offer a forum for influential and high-profile individuals to meet and talk in private. Reading more into it is probably a mistake. A conspiracy seems unlikely. It's tough enough to get a mere handful of people to pull off a conspiracy. I don't see it coming from a worldwide mixed bag of individuals with diverse interests, loyalties, and ideologies. Of course, looking at my history of losing lottery tickets, I have been wrong at times.

Following Entry Posted 6/05/2004 04:22:00 AM

Vegetarian - Definition

Probably ranking quite high on the funny and true scale is the following snippet borrowed from the King of Fools:

Vegetarian:
Ancient tribal slang for the village idiot who can't fish, hunt or ride.

A tribal person meeting that definition probably wouldn't possess the skills required of a warrior. This would seem to indicate that an army of vegetarians shouldn't be the first choice to defend the kingdom. On the battlefield, I believe the Bloody Omnivores would have a significant advantage over the Picky Eaters.

Following Entry Posted 6/04/2004 09:32:00 PM

Blood Alcohol Record

(Broadview Heights, Ohio) It's pretty much a guess, but for a person to be able to stand and blow a 0.40 on a Breathalyzer has got to be a record. Just standing would be an accomplishment.

Police picked up the woman May 25 from a cigar shop on Broadview Road. The store's owner called police after the woman said she needed to sit down. She took a seat on the floor in the middle of the store.

She was arrested for disorderly conduct.

Following Entry Posted 6/04/2004 06:53:00 PM

Maytag, Hoover, Jenn-Air, and Amana

(Atlanta, Georgia) Maytag Corporation, encompassing brand names Hoover, Jenn-Air, and Amana, is overhauling its entire operation with a goal of renewing its competitive stance in the marketplace. An estimated 20% of the workforce (1,100 jobs) will be cut, many as a result of consolidating white-collar corporate oversight and management of all divisions at Maytag headquarters.

Still smarting from last month's announcement by the Timken Company of its plan to restructure with a loss of 1,300 jobs at a manufacturing plant in Canton, the state of Ohio is being struck again. Hoover R&D and manufacturing will remain in Ohio, however, headquarters operations will move to Newton, Iowa, the Maytag corporate home. In all, about 500 jobs will disappear from the Hoover home in Canton with the other 600 being cut from Maytag headquarters and the appliance divisions. Also included in the restructuring will be the closing of a refrigerator plant in Galesburg, Illinois, with some of its functions moving to Mexico.

According to Maytag Chairman and CEO Ralph F. Hake,

"Maytag has made significant progress in product portfolio, brand position, process improvement and quality trends. The restructuring announced today will leverage those strengths for improved performance in the highly competitive global marketplace of the major appliance and floor care industries and help us grow operating income."

Translation - we're getting killed because competitors sell for less so our costs have to be cut.

Two aspects of the Maytag plan are worthy of comment. One is that through bureaucratic inertia or lack of executive oversight, Maytag hasn't changed with the marketplace. Over at least the past decade, there have been many signals that successful companies in the 21st Century would need to stave off the business pressures from globalized competition. A mantra of "cut costs, cut costs, cut costs" should have been included in its everyday and strategic business planning. Apparently, it wasn't and, as a result, instead of minor ongoing enhancements to efficiency, Maytag has to undergo major surgery. Unfortunately, major surgery is often necessary because companies allow themselves to operate on cruise control, relying on past success as an indicator of the future. Look around, people, it doesn't work.

The restructuring of Maytag, along with Timken and others, is also notable with regard to the impact on Ohio. It's not good and is sure to be a significant factor in the November elections. My personal belief is that the problems of Maytag, Timken, and others emanate from the marketplace. These companies would have the same problems despite the political party in power.

Following Entry Posted 6/04/2004 07:39:00 AM

Project BioShield

President Bush proposed Project BioShield to provide appropriate responses to all forms of biological terrorism. The project is needed to address threats from agents like anthrax, botulinum toxin, Ebola, and plague. It also includes funds for vaccines and therapies, hiring of technical expertise, and research and development of medical countermeasures. Almost unanimous agreement on the need for Project BioShield was expressed by the 99 U.S. Senators who voted for it.

Only one Senator failed to support Project BioShield, John Kerry. Apparently, Sen. Kerry has a different and better plan. Oddly, he wasn't able to get any other Senators to support his position. Not one.

The California Yankee has more of the story along with poignant commentary. Go visit.

Following Entry Posted 6/03/2004 11:58:00 PM

Crime Scene Investigation

(Newport News, Virginia) The investigation of the death determined that drowning was not the cause since no liquid was found in the lungs. There was also no indication that the flesh of the body had been subjected to high temperatures. Therefore it was concluded that the specific cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head resulting in a fractured skull.

Subsequently, Carla Patterson, 36, and her son Ricky Lee Patterson, 20, were arrested to face charges of attempted extortion and conspiracy to commit a felony for placing the mouse in their soup at the Cracker Barrel Restaurant. After booking, they were released on their own recognizance. A court hearing is scheduled for June 15.

My take is that incidents of this nature should be considered serious and perpetrators should be treated harshly. Businesses have enough headaches without having to worry about Mickey Mouse scams also.

Following Entry Posted 6/03/2004 10:34:00 PM

United States-Mexico Border

(Tucson, Arizona) News from Arizona indicates that the Department of Homeland Security will not be providing the previously promised help necessary to adequately patrol and secure the border. Asa Hutchinson, Undersecretary of Border and Transportation Security, stated that there wouldn't be an additional 260 agents. Instead,

"[O]nly 110 agents have been added to the Arizona border, and the $4 million unmanned aerial vehicle program is tied in up in jurisdictional and legal battles."

The inability of the United States government to provide necessary security enhancements along the border is sure to be celebrated by the multitude of international drug and people smugglers.

But that's not all the good news. Led by semi-professional do-gooder Melissa Kreek, groups of ideologues have announced they'll be setting up rest areas along the routes taken by foreigners illegally crossing the border. With rest and refreshment available, the number of lawbreakers is anticipated to increase. At a current rate of $1,500 to $2,000 per person smuggled (currently estimated at 1,000 to 3,000 people per night), business revenue is expected to reach a record high. Additionally, it's believed that drug trafficking volume and profits will also soar. With an increase in product availability, drug dealers in major metropolitan centers see an opportunity to expand sales of marijuana, crack, and powdered cocaine into new communities.

In summary, the government is continuing the policy of neglecting to defend the borders of the United States from foreign invaders at the same time that groups of American do-gooders are complicit in the commission of crimes by foreign nationals. On the flip side, there should be some moderation in the price of illegal narcotics and the American education and health care systems will continue to experience intractable problems.

That's the news from Arizona.

Following Entry Posted 6/03/2004 05:37:00 PM

Barbecues and Christmas Trees Banned

(Olympia, Washington) Effective July 1st, new laws in the state of Washington will prohibit open-flame gas or charcoal barbecues around balconies unless there is a sprinkler overhead. Also prohibited unless there is an overhead sprinkler system will be cut Christmas trees in apartments, meeting halls, stores, jails, schools, hospitals, day care centers, and churches.

Some people have expressed concern about the ability of the state to enforce the new laws. I agree. For one thing, how would the Barbecue and Christmas Tree Police even know when someone was grilling a couple burgers on his hibachi on an upper floor of his apartment building? And what in the world will be done to assure that all Christmas trees are in compliance?

It seems to me that the Washington Legislature passed a "wouldn't-it-be-nice" law that is impossible to enforce, other than capriciously. However, this action is not out of character for the Pacific Northwest where politicians have a particular affinity for utopianism.

Following Entry Posted 6/03/2004 04:32:00 PM

Cincinnati Now Wants COPS

Last week, it was previously reported that the Cincinnati Police Chief Tom Streicher told Fox Television producers to stop filming segments of the popular COPS program in Cincinnati to avoid conflicts with members of the City Council. Since then, the City Council has issued a memo, signed by six of the nine members, stating that the Police Chief and the administration should make the decision and the council will stop complaining. Consequently, Chief Streicher has asked the Fox crew to return and complete their production.

Unfortunately, Cincinnati will have to wait a couple months for the video crew to return. When Cincinnati balked, three neighboring communities (Norwood, Hamilton, and Covington) quickly asked that their police departments be filmed, so Cincinnati will go to the end of the line.

Following Entry Posted 6/03/2004 03:45:00 AM

Animal Hoarding

(Bryan, Texas) On May 25th, 29 animals, 17 dogs and 12 birds, were removed from the home of Diane McInnes by direction of Judge George Boyett.

Last February, Municipal Court Judge Latham Boone III ordered the removal of 50 animals from Diane McInnes' home.

It should be clear by these two reports that Diane McInnes is a pathological collector of animals, an animal hoarder, which has been shown to be a significant public health hazard. What I find most interesting is that none of the reports of Diane McInnes' behavior have referred to her as an animal hoarder. She's not a wacky neighbor. She's an individual who appears to have a significant pathology. The local justice system and the media needs to recognize the situation for what it is.

Following Entry Posted 6/02/2004 10:27:00 PM

Pants 'Appeared To Have Exploded'

(Clarksville, Indiana) Jason Grisham, 22, of New Albany is alive, surprisingly, after climbing a 69,000 volt electrical transmission tower and being soundly zapped. He was found at the base of the tower by police who said that his pants "appeared to have exploded."

I'd really like to know why this bonehead was climbing the tower.

[Update] According to a different report, when Clarksville Police Officer Carl Durbin asked Grisham why he did it, he "pointed to his head." Police are awaiting the results of a toxicology test, suggesting that the possibility exists Grisham was impaired. Charges may be filed.

Following Entry Posted 6/02/2004 12:17:00 PM

Stolen Propane Trucks

(San Antonio, Texas) Two propane tanker trucks were stolen from the Ferrellgas parking lot over the weekend. San Antonio Police Chief Albert Ortiz stated that the possibility of terrorism cannot be ignored while FBI Agent Patrick Patterson said the bureau is "very, very concerned."

Following Entry Posted 6/02/2004 11:15:00 AM

Cops Get Gratified

Ah, ha! One of the secrets hidden behind the policemen's wall of silence has been revealed. Thanks go to Cecil Cox for making it known that cops get free food and women as rewards in their jobs. This, of course, beefs up the law enforcement job satisfaction portfolio considerably.

Naturally, I'm a little disappointed. I always thought it was about good deeds and fighting evil.

Following Entry Posted 6/02/2004 08:17:00 AM

Miss Universe

(Quito, Ecuador) Last night, Jennifer Hawkins, a 20-year-old Australian, was named Miss Universe. Congratulations! On a personal note, I agree with the judges. Jennifer would be my choice to bring world peace and cure hunger.

Following Entry Posted 6/02/2004 07:32:00 AM

Smoking Ban Not Enforced

(Toronto) The Toronto anti-smoking bylaw became effective at midnight June 1st and the smoking inspectors' hotline was busy. Apparently, business patrons were aware of the law, but lighting up anyway. Unfortunately, the only advice from the hotline was for bar and restaurant owners to call the police.

"I was told to treat someone smoking in my establishment like you would a drunk and call the police. This is par for the course. It's the city," Vic Salerno, owner of Upfront Bar and Grill, said yesterday after calling inspectors to say the bylaw was being broken in his pub.

However, cops will not be enforcing the municipal smoking prohibition, according to Toronto Police spokesman Constable Kristine Bacharach.

My take is that it's absolutely irresponsible and an ugly waste of time, although quite typical, for politicians to pass laws that are not going to be enforced.

Following Entry Posted 6/01/2004 11:57:00 PM

Partial-Birth Abortion

(San Francisco, California) U.S. District Court Judge Phyllis Hamilton declared the ban on partial-birth abortions unconstitutional because it endangered women's health and violated the right to abortion.

San Francisco? Isn't that where laws are overturned using preprinted forms, most of the time? Other times, the laws are just ignored.

Following Entry Posted 6/01/2004 08:34:00 PM

Poll Finds Media is Liberal

The recent poll by the nonprofit and highly respected Pew Research Center found that the bias in the media is obvious and overwhelmingly liberal. The Pew survey queried national and local journalists along with the general public. Results from the three groups were then compared.

Many writers have weighed in on the Pew results, including Adam Sparks, who states in his analysis:

The poll essentially showed that many in the media think being moderate, fair and balanced is best expressed by adopting the philosophy of liberalism. Media professionals either don't know they are overwhelmingly liberal, or they simply won't admit it.

So, Sparks contends they're either ignorant or they're disingenuous. I tend to agree with him. However, I'm somewhat surprised. Not by Sparks' analysis, but by the fact I saw it in the San Francisco Chronicle. It's rare for an ardently liberal newspaper to allow itself to be criticized in its own pages.

My personal take is that the media know they're liberal and are afraid to admit it. Given that a substantial majority of the population is not liberal, admitting their liberalism would result in diminished credibility. For example, if it were common knowledge that a particular New York newspaper was nothing more than a Democratic Party house organ, then readers would be considerably more critical of its content. The owners and editors surely wouldn't want that. Therefore, they won't admit their political bias and, instead, claim neutrality, providing only unbiased content that's fit to publish.

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