Following Entry Posted 9/30/2004 09:02:00 PM

Terrorists Claim Ten New Hostages

The BBC is reporting that a group calling itself the Islamic Army of Iraq claim that two Indonesian women, six Iraqis, and two Lebanese have been taken hostage. The news was broadcast on Al-Jazeera and made no mention of any demands. The credibility of the report has not been verified thus far.

Also blogging: MyPetJawa
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       Following Entry Posted 9/30/2004 02:03:00 PM

Burkett Family Blog

Yes, the Burkett family has started a blog to defend Bill Burkett for his complicity in Rathergate. If you anticipate a clearing of the air, you'll be sorely disappointed. In fact, they are saying that Bill Burkett lied but not as much as other people and he prays for forgiveness so leave him alone. All it seems to accomplish is to increase the ambient whininess of the blogosphere. Even so, the comment thread that's developing seems to be a little interesting.

Also blogging: Backcountry Conservative, In The Bullpen
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       Following Entry Posted 9/30/2004 08:32:00 AM

Nader Off Ballot in Ohio

According to Ohio Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell, Ralph Nader won't appear on the Nov. 2 ballot because of Ratherdized signatures on petitions circulated by non-Ohioans came up short of the 5,000 required to qualify.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/30/2004 07:01:00 AM

Hair Cut, Style, Blow Dry, and Chubby Rub

(Springfield Township, Ohio) Summit County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Shane pleaded not guilty to a charge of public indecency for allegedly masturbating under a salon cape while he was getting his hair highlighted. The owner of the upscale hair salon and day spa, Karen Crawford, stated:

"The girls that it happened to were pretty shaken up because they're young and never experienced anything like this before."

Of course, this begs the question as to how often the older hairdressers encounter chubby rubbers. Inquiring minds would like to know. Nevertheless, it's a crime and Shane faces a possible sentence of 30 days in jail and a fine if convicted.

Without fail, whenever I think that I've heard of every possible perversion, something like this happens. Sheesh!
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       Following Entry Posted 9/30/2004 06:42:00 AM

Indians Ballplayer Shot

(From local Cleveland broadcast news) After beating the Kansas City Royals last night 5-2, someone fired a shot at the Cleveland Indians team bus as it traveled to the airport. Pitcher Kyle Denney ended up with a bullet in his calf. It was removed by team trainers and he was taken to the hospital. Another player, outfielder Ryan Ludwick, was grazed with the bullet. Both injured players should recover completely. Kansas City Police classified the incident as a random drive-by shooting.

They have some pretty nasty fans in KC.

[Update] Police say it's not clear that the bus was the intended target. Apparently, bullets fly all over Kansas City.

[Update 2] According to this report, Bart Swain, Indians Director of Media Relations, stated:

As part of a rookie hazing ritual, Denney was wearing a USC cheerleader's uniform when he was shot.

The outfit included high white boots.

"Our trainers said the boots may have saved Kyle from further injury," said Swain.

I sure that Kyle Denney is absolutely thrilled that this information was released to the media.

GO, TEAM, GO!
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       Following Entry Posted 9/30/2004 05:33:00 AM

Child Porn Ring Busted in Australia

Almost 200 people have been arrested thus far in a massive nationwide raid of child pornographers linked to Eastern European organized crime. A childcare center owner, teachers, police officers, doctors, members of the armed forces, and government officials collectively face thousands of charges ranging from rape and sexual assault to sex tourism and creating and possessing child porn.

According to state and territory police figures released today, 68 people were so far facing charges in Victoria, 57 in Queensland, 28 in NSW, 24 in Western Australia, seven in the Northern Territory, six in South Australia and one in Tasmania.

More suspects were being questioned tonight and further charges expected, police said.

All those facing charges appear to have accessed pay-per-view child porn websites hosted by organised crime groups in eastern Europe.

State and territory police seized 380 computers, CDs, photographic equipment and magazines as they executed more than 400 search warrants.

Porn collections ranged from one or two images up to one person's library in WA which contained more than 200,000 images accumulated over decades.

"These are the most heinous, vile, despicable crimes against the child," said NSW Police Commissioner Ken Moroney.

Numbers of arrests are changing as more suspect locations are raided under the blitz called Operation Auxin, The Australian crackdown came as part of a major international investigation headed by the U.S. Customs Service.

My joy at this news is tempered by the fact that there are still many, many perverts in societies throughout the world.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/29/2004 06:32:00 PM

Supplying The Enemy

Robert Koehler of The Marmot's Hole reports on the story of a South Korean company selling 107 tons of sodium cyanide, a chemical weapons precursor, to a Chinese company which then transferred the shipment to North Korea. This is not good and also apparently not the first time it's happened. To have South Korean products going to supply the North Korean military establishment is outrageous. Hell, that would be like the U.S. sending secret missile guidance technology to a communist country. Simply outrageous!

Oh, wait a minute. Clinton did that. In fact, now that I think of it, every time the Chinese communists launch a satellite or warhead, they should probably send a thank you note to the former president.

Of note, though, is that the South Koreans prosecuted the company official responsible for the transfer of the sodium cyanide and he was given a suspended sentence. As far as I know, nobody has been held in the least bit accountable for the transfer of missile technology to China.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/29/2004 03:35:00 PM

Supreme Court Overturns 'No Procreation' Ruling

(Columbus, Ohio) As reported previously, Medina County Common Pleas Judge James L. Kimbler directed that deadbeat dad Sean Talty, 32, avoid fathering children since he kept having kids without supporting them. The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled the decision be overturned because no method was included for lifting the ban on having children if Talty caught up with his child-support payments.

Interestingly, both the prosecution and the defense agreed that reproduction is a constitutionally protected right.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/29/2004 02:31:00 PM

New Kenneth Bigley Film Released

Al-Jazeera has broadcast a new propaganda video of British hostage Kenneth Bigley pleading for his life. In the film, Ken Bigley is shown stating something that's inaudible, but Al-Jazeera gives this quote:

"Tony Blair is a liar - he doesn't care about me. I am just one person. My captors don't want to kill me."

Of course, it's reasonable to believe that his words were coerced, if that's what he said. Rusty Shackleford has more including stills from the video.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/29/2004 01:50:00 PM

Soldier On Leave Attacker Arrested

(Columbus, Ohio) From a previous report, decorated Iraqi War soldier Foster Barton, 19, of Grove City, attended a concert while wearing an Iraqi Freedom T-shirt and was attacked and knocked unconscious. According to this report, Barton's alleged attacker has been identified and was arrested last night by Columbus Police. Brent Cornwell, 28, of Blacklick, was arraigned in Delaware County Municipal Court on a charge of felonious assault. Bond was set at $15,000.

It seems the attacker's own family helped get him arrested.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/29/2004 01:19:00 PM

Taiwan Threatens To Lob Missiles at Shanghai

(Beijing, China) China has announced anger because Taiwan Premier Yu Shyi-kun threatened to lob missiles at Shanghai if the People's Liberation Army (PLA) attacked the island's southern city of Kaohsiung. China believes that Taiwan is faking peace while truly seeking independence.

To the Chinese communists, apparently the opposite of peace is not war, it's liberty and freedom.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/28/2004 11:49:00 AM

Zarqawi Website Hacked

For the second time, a group calling itself TeAmZ USA has hacked into Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi's web site to stop some of the incendiary propaganda. And, as before, it's back on line. Interestingly, from Rusty Shackleford we learn that not everyone is anxious to see the website out of commission.

I received an e-mail message from a reader who was outraged by what he saw on the Zarqawi website. In fact, he was so outraged that he decided to give the webhost a call and complain.

Eventually, the company responded and said that they were aware of Zarqawi's website on their host and had numerous complaints. But they reassured my reader with this cryptic message, that "people at the highest level had asked them to keep the website up."

It's speculated that this means intelligence services are using the website to track down Zarqawi's location. If this is true, I hope they're successful. On the other hand, it seems that having avenues for sensationalism is fostering escalation of the atrocities and, as such, the website should be shut down. I think Al-Jazeera should be reined in also.

Also blogging: In The Bullpen, Digger's Realm
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       Following Entry Posted 9/28/2004 09:47:00 AM

Heinz Will

Several newspapers have asked the Allegheny County Common Pleas Court to order that the will of late Sen. H. John Heinz III be made public. The media is looking to examine information pertinent to Teresa Heinz Kerry, the late senator's wife. Common Pleas Judge Frank Lucchino decided that attorneys for the estate have 20 days to provide reasons why the document should remain sealed.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/28/2004 06:48:00 AM

'Naked Photographer' Sentenced

(Columbus, Ohio) Earlier this month, attorney Stephen Linnen, 34, pleaded guilty to dozens of counts of public indecency, sexual imposition and criminal trespassing. Linnen liked to traipse around, expose himself to women, then take pictures of their shocked expressions. For the crimes, Judge Tommy Thompson sentenced Linnen to 18 months in jail.

The judge also ruled that Linnen can keep his license to practice law and may leave the jail to do so. Linnen will be required to continue seeking psychiatric counseling for sex addiction, but he will not be required to register as a sex offender.

I'm flummoxed. The judge sentences him to jail for multiple sex offenses, requires he seek help for sex addiction, but doesn't classify him as a sex offender. Linnen will be allowed to continue practicing law even though he's been found in gross violation of the law. The judge seems to be ignoring the statistically likely future aberrant behavior by this pervert.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/27/2004 09:00:00 PM

International Women's Rights Conference

(Jakarta, Indonesia) Women's rights activists from Egypt, Turkey, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Lebanon, India, the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia met this past weekend to discuss sexuality and human rights in Muslim societies in South and Southeast Asia. Of primary concern was human rights abuses of women that are sanctioned and sometimes mandated by the laws of various Asian countries.

"In Muslim societies, sexuality, especially a woman's body, is increasingly becoming an arena of intense political and social conflict," said a statement issued during the final day of the meeting.

[ ... ]

"Widespread practices of sexual violence, forced marriages, female genital mutilation, marital rape, unsafe abortion and discrimination based on sexual orientation constitute blatant human rights violations," the statement said.

There's no dispute that the conditions described are accurate. There is also no dispute that human rights abuses are culturally and politically embedded in many Asian countries with Islamic traditions. Unfortunately, not everyone recognizes that attitudes towards the rights of women is a fundamental and rigid point of disagreement that is flaring the conflict between Islam and Western civilization.

Reform is sorely needed throughout Islamic nations to just attain a semblance of compatibility with the rest of the world. There may be a billion Muslims, but they're still outnumbered 5 to 1 and they will lose the battle with modern society. Western civilization bends over backwards to accommodate the pre-Victorian values of Islam. Muslim society does not reciprocate. Islam requires a reformation to accord all people equal rights regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, and gender.

It is a bright sign that women activists can and have gathered together to discuss the issue of human rights in the world's largest Islamic country which, by the way, just happens to be a democracy.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/27/2004 08:13:00 PM

NYT Profiles (Leftist) Political Bloggers

Extracted from yesterday's edition of the New York Times Magazine:

Earlier this month, a platoon of right-wing bloggers launched a coordinated assault against CBS News and its memos claiming that President Bush got special treatment in the National Guard; within 24 hours, the bloggers' obsessive study of typefaces in the 1970's migrated onto Drudge, then onto Fox News and then onto the networks and the front pages of the country's leading newspapers.

There was a coordinator? It must have been a secret coordinator. And there was no "bloggers' obsessive study of typefaces." Bloggers were exposing fraud by the media.

The profile of bloggers is ten pages in length and the aforementioned sentence is the only reference to conservative blogging and bloggers. The author, Matthew Klam, wrote ten pages and could only put in one sentence, I repeat, ONE STINKING SENTENCE, about conservative blogging. And the sentence is inaccurate and pejorative.

The NYT should print a revision to their motto. Suggested: "Half the news that's fit to be slanted."

Trackback to Beltway Traffic Jam.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/27/2004 01:37:00 PM

Computer Viruses

Kevin Maney writes:

Monday, security software maker Symantec reported it found 5,000 new viruses aimed at Windows in the first half of 2004 - a dramatic increase over 2003.

[ ... ]

So far, Microsoft has had no luck staying ahead of the threats. The company plugs one hole or advises customers to take a certain measure, and the hackers find four ways around it. It's the software equivalent of trying to get rid of cockroaches.

Since I work with a Mac, I don't experience the problems and I can only imagine the frustration of those that are infected. It seems Microsoft has a challenge of great proportion. Interestingly, the best way to get rid of roaches is to have everyone leave and set off a bomb.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/27/2004 01:01:00 PM

Sinead O'Conner Says She's Not Nuts

That's what she generally wants everyone to believe in a 2,000-word full page advertisement in the Irish Examiner.

My take is 'she doth protest too much.'
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       Following Entry Posted 9/27/2004 06:44:00 AM

New Mayor Has Homicide on Resume

(East Cleveland, Ohio) After the conviction of Emmanuel Onunwor on corruption charges and his removal from office as mayor, the citizens of East Cleveland installed Saratha Goggins as head of the city government. The stench of criminality in the mayor's office, though, was not wafted away with Goggins arrival. According to this story, the office continues to emit a malodorous ambiance since Goggins came with a resume containing references to a homicide. On at least one occasion, she resolved a dispute with a rival by stabbing him in the heart. Details of the incident are much more vague than sketchy. Nonetheless, present day political and personal rivals seem to be maintaining an appropriate nonconfrontational posture towards the new mayor.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/27/2004 05:01:00 AM

From Gitmo Back To Taliban and Killed

After a period of tropical rest and recuperation at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, captured Taliban commander Maulvi Abdul Ghaffar was released to assume command of more Taliban. He wasn't so lucky this time. Instead of being taken prisoner, he was killed in a gunbattle with Afghanistan security forces.

So, what's wrong with this scenario. We catch him, we release him, he starts shooting at us again, this time we kill him. Why didn't we just blow the bastard away the first time we had him?

Maybe this is an illustration of what it means to fight a "sensitive" war.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/26/2004 06:00:00 PM

Unintended Consequences

I would have to be handcuffed and jailed to be prevented from stealing this post from the AnalogKid. It's from an email.

Last Thursday I put out one of my Bush/Cheney signs in my front yard. Between midnight and 3:00 a.m. someone stole it. On Friday night I put out sign No. 2. Since I didn't have to get up early, I thought my dog and I would "stake out" our sign. This time I put the sign a little closer to the gate leading to my backyard. With my dog on an extra long leash, I planted myself on a lawn chair and read "Unfit for Command" by flashlight until about 1:00 a.m. Here comes the fun part . . . I noticed that the car coming down the street was slowing down and pulling over to the curb right next to my yard. Sure enough, he gets out of his car and heads right for my sign. Just as he was about to uproot and desecrate it, I opened my gate and let my dog make the initial introduction! As he ran to hide behind the rear end of his car, I promptly moved to the driver-side door, which was still open. It was a fairly nice car with power everything and still running. While my dog continued to "introduce" herself, I rolled up the window and hit the power door lock button. With that, I slammed the door, grabbed my Bush sign and headed into the back yard.

And now for the "rest of the story." About 40 minutes later, I heard a knock at the door. I opened the door to one of our city's finest . . . the Vancouver Police Department. The officer asked me what was going on and when I told him, he could not stop laughing! I followed him out to the perp's car and stood there while he asked the guy a few more questions. Upon learning that the guy lived a couple of streets down, I -- knowing what was about to happen -- asked him, "Why do you have Oregon plates on your car if you live just down the street (here in Vancouver, Wash.)?" Larry, Oregon has no sales tax, so often Washington residents will buy and register cars in Oregon to avoid paying sales tax . . . it's a crime and the fine is pretty stiff. Here comes the best part. . . . The look on this guy's face told me he knew he was about to get busted. When the officer asked for his license and registration, the "Democrat" mumbled that (his license) was suspended. Just for kicks and giggles I asked the officer if he smelled any alcohol coming from the guy! The officer looked at me, smiled and promptly gave him a field breathalyzer test. Guess what? You got it, he blew a .10, legally drunk in the state of Washington.

DUI, illegal registration and the brand of "MORON," all 'cause he hates Bush!

With respect to anecdotes, this is a prize winner. Be sure to check out the comment thread at Random Nuclear Strikes also. A detailed tabulation of what this Kerry supporter will have to pay for his misadventure is provided by Rivrdog. Ouch!
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       Following Entry Posted 9/26/2004 04:10:00 PM

Israel Car Bombs Terrorist in Syria

(Damascus, Syria) In apparent retaliation for a Hamas terrorist bombing last month which killed 16, Israel took out Izz Eldine Subhi Sheik Khalil with a car bomb in Damascus.

Police at the scene of al-Zahraa district explosion were seen retrieving pieces of the body of Izz Eldine Subhi Sheik Khalil. The car exploded outside his home at 10:45 a.m. when he tried to start it, Hamas officials said.

Khalil was an important Hamas liaison between terrorist factions in Syria and Gaza and he is the first slaying of a Hamas terrorist by the Israelis on Syrian soil. Israel's action establishes a precedent where terrorists can no longer feel protected by being in another country.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/26/2004 11:06:00 AM

Russert's Question

I'm watching Meet The Press and Tim Russert just asked General Abizaid to tell which cities in Iraq would see a major military offensive between now and January.

The General should have told him, "Well, Tim, we plan on attacking at X time, at X place, with X number of troops, carrying X weapons, by units with the following X weaknesses. And now that we've provided the enemy with all the information they need, Tim. Should we also offer them transportation to the battle?"

Some people say that Tim Russert is a cut above Dan Rather, Peter Jennings, and Tom Brokaw. They're interchangeable to me.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/26/2004 10:33:00 AM

United Way Tapping Into God

(Toledo, Ohio) I don't have a ready link, but it's probably not necessary in contending that the United Way has been nationally denying support to the Boy Scouts of America because it is an organization founded on a belief in God. Simply put, if you have faith in God, the United Way will cut off funding.

Given their rejection of religion, it's interesting and rather ironic that the United Way has scheduled a fund-raising concert at the Friendship Baptist Church for this evening. A program of religious and gospel music will be presented to the faithful followers of Jesus Christ from 6 to 9pm at Friendship Baptist, 5301 Nebraska Ave, in Toledo. Performing will be the Toledo Interfaith Mass Choir and others.

The concert is part of the United Way's Targeted Leader Initiative. Admission is free; an offering will be taken to aid the United Way. Information: 419-248-2424.

The United Way eagerly takes from the faithful, but refuses to give to the faithful.

My take is that the actions of the United Way are hypocrisy of the highest order. What's next? Maybe we'll see the Boy Scouts called on to raise funds for the United Way.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/26/2004 09:35:00 AM

Credit Card Debt Is Unconscionable

Some eyebrows were raised recently when Cleveland Municipal Judge Robert Triozzi threw out Discover Bank's attempt to collect on an unpaid credit card debt of Ruth Owens. The judge ruled that the actions of Discover in trying to collect about $9,000 on a $1,900 debt were unconscionable. Some observers believed the ruling had no legal basis and felt the judge was trying to gain favor with the public.

In the case, Judge Triozzi determined that Discover had been unreasonable by the way they allowed the debt to multiply even after it became known that Ruth Owens had no ability to pay. She was unemployed and on Social Security Disability yet still tried to pay the debt. Unfortunately, though, it inched above the $1,900 overlimit threshold and she was forced to pay additional overlimit charges of $20 to $29 per month. She was also charged for a feature called CreditSafe which supposedly puts all payments and fees on hold if you're unemployed, disabled or hospitalized. Discover charged her for CreditSafe by deeming her unemployment and disability as preexisting conditions.

Although some questioned the basis for the ruling, Judge Triozzi was acting in accordance with the law. According to Gregory Travalio, law professor at Ohio State University, contracts may be ruled unconscionable if there was unfair bargaining and the terms are deemed unreasonable.

By having a person sign a long-winded contract written in microscopic legalese, it's hard to support the contention that the person fully understood all elements of the contract. Therefore, it's difficult to say the bargain was fair. And, by having someone pay $9,000 for a $1,900 debt sure seems to stretch the definition of reasonable. In fact, it's awful close to loan sharking.

In summary, Judge Triozzi's ruling has a valid basis in law, however, it's not clear what will happen on appeal.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/26/2004 03:03:00 AM

Arabs 'Not Responsible For Atrocities' in Darfur

According to a former member of the West Darfur Parliament, Arabs are not responsible for driving over a million people from their homes in Darfur while executing tens of thousands.

Obeid Hasbullah Dico said even the Arab tribes had fallen victim to the looting Jinjaweeds (genies on horses) although the world was being told that the Jinjaweeds were Arabs.

"The Jinjaweeds are mere bandits. Anyone riding on horses to loot will be called by that name. The Jinjaweeds can come from any tribe," he said, adding that these bandits had killed at least 500 Arab shepherds in the past decade.

Even the international organisations that had set up temporary bases to monitor the humanitarian situation in Darfur, Obeid observed, were discriminating against those of Arab descent.

"Those applying for temporary jobs with the organisations are asked which tribe they are from.

"Those from Arab tribes are immediately rejected. The Westerners call them Jinjaweeds, and ask them to get out," he said recently in his house in El-Geneina in West Darfur.

Obeid Hasbullah Dico claims that the entire conflict is caused by roving gangs of criminals and rebels who are capitalizing on an ongoing feud between farmers and shepherds in Darfur. He makes no mention of any religious conflict as has been reported.

Dico appears informed, but I'm not sure I buy his characterization of the conflict. His claim that the "Jinjaweeds are mere bandits" doesn't account for the fact that they are being supplied with weapons from somewhere and the weaponry has escalated the feud between farmers and shepherds to murderous rampages. Dico also neglects to mention the nature of the rebel element trying to take over the government. My take is that Dico's view of the situation is incomplete.

Um ..., that is with one exception. He blames the international media for mischaracterizing the conflict in Darfur. This is so easy to believe that it's not worth checking on.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/25/2004 02:06:00 PM

Suspected Voter Fraud in NE Ohio

The NAACP National Voter Fund and an anti-Bush, nonprofit group called Americans Coming Together, or ACT Ohio, are suspected to be behind fraudulent absentee voter registration schemes being investigated in Lake and Summit Counties.

Elections officials have said hundreds of absentee ballot applications and dozens of voter registration cards are in question. Lake County Prosecutor Charles Coulson, also involved in the probe, said the problems are more significant than originally thought.

"We've seen voter fraud before, but never on this level," Coulson said Thursday. "I grew up in Chicago and this looks like the politics of Mayor Daley in the '50s and '60s."

Lake County Sheriff Daniel Dunlap said there was an attempt to register a dead person, a campaign tactic former Mayor Daley used frequently. The NE Ohio fraud, however, also includes people who haven't quite made it to the grave.

In one other instance, an elderly nursing home resident who usually signs with an "X" appeared to have a firm, cursive signature when she registered.

"We are going to have to see who's alive and who's well," Dunlap said.

Sheriff Dunlap notified the FBI and the Ohio Secretary of State.

In Summit County, Bryan Williams, Director of the County Board of Elections, stated that some voter registration applications have nonexistent addresses while others from the same street all have the street identically misspelled.

My take is that these fraudulent voter application schemes are obviously being run by amateurs. It's suggested they call Dan Rather or Bill Burkett.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/25/2004 10:21:00 AM

Schwarzenegger Vetos Driver's Licenses For Aliens

There are many illegal alien advocates angry at Gov. Schwarzenegger for vetoing the bill to grant driving privileges to non-citizens. Not the least of which is the government of Mexico which sent Juan Bosco Mart�, general director for North American affairs with the Foreign Relations Secretariat (SRE), to complain to the press.

Bosco said the inability of undocumented workers to obtain a driver's license hurts all migrants in California, not just Mexicans.

"The Mexican government will continue to defend the interests of the Mexican community residing in California within the realm of the laws of the United States and California," he said.

What! Huh?

Since when are illegal border crossers acting "within the realm of the laws of the United States?" They are trespassing in a foreign country. They crossed an international border without a passport, without a visa, without permission and the action is not within the realm of legal behavior according to the laws of the United States. Somebody needs to challenge Mr. Bosco Marti on his definition of "within the realm of the laws."

Of course, I'm convinced that the media won't challenge him because they see the illegal aliens as possessing measurably more equality than actual American citizens. The subject of illegal aliens and the porous borders of the U.S. incenses me considerably and I congratulate Digger for being able to closely follow the issue without pulling his hair out.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/25/2004 08:05:00 AM

Russia Wants Help Fighting Terrorism

For the Moscow Times, Andrew C. Kuchins and Dmitry Trenin have authored a piece that assesses the history and future of terrorism in Russia. The blame for the Beslan murders, the several recent Moscow bombings, and the downing of two Russian airliners is clearly placed on the shoulders of President Putin, but not without a caveat. Putin stated earlier this month that Russia's response to terrorism is a disaster because "dark and mysterious forces" are seeking to weaken Russia. The dark and mysterious forces Putin referred to are those of the United States. The authors agree with Putin, however, they do not believe there is malice involved. They believe the United States has just been neglecting to provide all the assistance Russia needs.

Wait a minute, Russia refused to provide any help to the U.S. in ousting Saddam Hussein and has forcefully worked against the U.S. position before the United Nations Security Council. Specific U.S. offers to help after terrorist attacks have been refused. And consistently, American diplomatic efforts have been coldly rebuffed as Russia decided to ally itself with the spineless Old Europeans, France and Germany. All this is happening while Putin progresses slowly in returning Russia to an authoritarian police state, although he's pledged unconvincingly to stick with democracy and the free market. He's even cozying up to the Kyoto Protocols which the U.S. adamantly opposes. If neglect is to be attached anywhere, it should be directed towards Putin who has consistently backed the losing horse and neglected to treat the U.S. as a friend. It is outrageous to fault the U.S. for Putin's lack of foresight and general ineptitude.

Contending that the U.S. should cease neglecting Russia, Kuchins and Trenin maintain that the following actions are necessary to properly support President Putin in fighting terrorism:

1) much fuller sharing of intelligence information;
2) material and technical support to better secure Russian borders, airports, other transportation infrastructure and nuclear power stations as well as nuclear and chemical weapons and materials;
3) more assistance to close off sources of financing from abroad for terrorist groups on Russian territory; and
4) training and possibly direct operational assistance in the search and capture of terrorists.

Don't want much, do they? Quite interestingly, Putin throws his few cents into the whiny "We-Need-Help" effort by pleading to the media for help in combating terrorism. Best of luck, Vlad, you'll need it. Also, good luck with the U.S. helping secure the borders since about 3,000 Mexicans will have to sneak into Russia every night to meet strict American border security standards.

Although Kuchins and Trenin do acknowledge that the U.S. is fully justified in having reservations about Putin's goals and motives, they strongly believe that Russia should be given assistance by America, but don't mention what Putin is willing to do to accommodate the interests of the United States, if anything. Their argument is strong, but strictly for the benefit of Russia. A prudent diplomat would expect some sort of concessions from Putin in return for substantive support from the U.S.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/25/2004 08:01:00 AM

Kenneth Bigley Reported Killed By Terrorists

Kidnapped at the same time as murdered Americans Eugene Armstrong and Jack Hensley, Brit Kenneth Bigley has been reported killed on an Islamic Internet site. The Tawhid and Jihad group led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi are claiming credit. A statement appeared on the Web site and consisted of the following:

"Tawhid and Jihad announces that it has executed the British citizen and gives you the good news of kidnapping seven British soldiers. We will be releasing the tape shortly."

A spokesman for the British military stated that they have all forces "accounted for." The Command Post also has a report.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/24/2004 07:22:00 AM

Grand Rounds - Medical/Health Care Writings

Planning and organizing for the debut of Grand Rounds, a weekly medical/health care blog linkfest, has been completed by Nick Genes of Blogborygmi. The inaugural posting will be Tuesday, September 28, with a submission deadline of Monday night. It's expected that Grand Rounds will be a chart topper since public interest in medical and health care news and information appears to be very high.

Submission guidelines for Grand Rounds are posted here.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/24/2004 05:26:00 AM

Five Question Blog Survey

From Rocket Jones, I'm impelled to answer the following Five Question Blog Survey.

1. Why did you start a blog?

I started a blog because it is a natural extension to activities I've been doing my whole life. Reading and writing. Blame it on grade school where it all started.

2. Do you have a blogmother/blogfather?

No. That's not because I don't want a motherfather. In fact, if there was an application process, I'd submit Interested-Participant as a worthy orphan, seeking maybe one puny motherfatherin' notice from Glenn Reynolds. But it won't happen because there is no motherfatherin' application process. I must note, however, that based upon my reading of comments by trolls, there's no shortage of stupid motherfathers in the blogosphere.

3. Has it helped/hurt/had no effect on your professional life?

Maybe/Maybe/Maybe.

4. Do your 'real world' friends know that you blog?

Yes, but they don't read it. I don't know why. The best I can figure is that I'm too damn boring or they can't read and I consider it a tossup between the two.

5. Do you have a blog crush?

With respect to people, no. With respect to subjects, many.

Seldom do I join in with this type of Q & A. Maybe it's the weather change with autumn among us. If anyone else is interested, Rocket Jones is looking for additional participants.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/24/2004 03:08:00 AM

Utah Valley State College

Here's a story from last week that's well worth passing on. One person in the administration of Utah Valley State College, Vice-President Joe Vogel, decided to deplete almost the entire budget of $50,000 for speakers by inviting Michael Moore to address the students. This happened after Michael Moore's marketing team chewed on his ear.

A firestorm of protest and complaint has erupted. Conservative Sean Hannity has even offered to debate Moore at UVSC for free.

"Michael Moore: Come out, come out, wherever you are," Hannity said, during an exclusive telephone interview with the [Deseret] Morning News. "If he wants to debate this election, I accept the debate. Let's debate it."

Discussions to have Sean Hannity appear are in progress. Meanwhile, UVSC students are collecting signatures to force a recall election, giving students the chance to veto the decision to invite Moore to speak, as well as remove Vogel and student government president Jim Bassi from office.

The story continues to develop and Doug at All-Encompassingly has been on top of the reporting. Go visit.

By the way, if I was going to guess on the email address of Joe "I'm-The-Smartest-Person-In-Utah" Vogel, it would be jvogel@uvsc.edu. It's just a guess.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/24/2004 01:49:00 AM

Germany Builds World's Fastest Hydrogen-Powered Car

At the Paris Auto Show this week, the German luxury automobile giant BMW unveiled a 185 miles per hour hydrogen-powered car. The vehicle, called the H2R, has a modified 6-liter, 12-cylinder internal combustion engine.

As desirable as the high standard of ignitability of hydrogen within the engine may be, it also requires a great deal of attention outside of the combustion chamber. To avoid misfiring, for example, BMW's engineers have developed a specific gas cycle and injection strategy, with BMW's VANOS infinite camshaft adjustment masterminding the share of residual gas according to specific, on-demand requirements:

Before the hydrogen/air mixture is able to flow into the cylinders, the combustion chambers are cooled by air to ensure that the fuel/air mixture is not able to ignite in an undesired, uncontrolled process.

It's quite a handsome machine even though it doesn't look like it has a passenger seat. Hell, it doesn't look like it even has enough space for a pizza. Obviously, it's not designed for the average consumer.

Of note is the hydrogen fuel technology and it should come as no surprise that the Germans are at the forefront of innovative hydrogen-powered vehicles. In the early part of the 20th Century, the Germans pioneered the use of hydrogen in transportation with the world's fastest dirigible. Unfortunately, their pioneering effort hadn't solved the pesky "undesired, uncontrolled" ignition problem.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/23/2004 11:56:00 AM

Kerry Campaign Pulls Ads

Among likely voters nationally, polling indicates Bush leads Kerry by 50 to 46 percent. Nonetheless, Kerry advisors are watching state polls and finding that they are regionally too far behind President Bush in Louisiana, Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Missouri to justify continued spending in those states. Consequently, they've pulled their campaign ads to save an estimated $5 million for use in more competitive venues.

In lieu of using polls to determine a candidate's strength among the voters, prudent observers will watch how the campaign teams shuffle their money.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/23/2004 10:12:00 AM

Human Cloning Breakthrough

Baghdad Bob and Document Dan
 

(via Baghdad Bob's Misunderstanding Gallery and the Country Store)
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       Following Entry Posted 9/23/2004 05:34:00 AM

Elite Media Claim Credit For Rathergate

Kevin Aylward at Wizbang clearly shows that any claims of responsibility for Rathergate by the major media are false. The depth, the detail, the variety, and the sheer number of reports by the blogosphere easily outdistances anything the major media may claim. To cite a previous entry,

It's interesting that the breaking of the story and the search for leads and supporting information have been done by bloggers who, chances are, will never be given due credit. One could say this is an example of a classic cliche where the bloggers have won the battle and it's time for the elite media to bayonet the wounded.

Sometime down the road, one can also probably expect that a journalism award will be handed to a member of the major media for investigative reporting on the forgery fiasco and the blogosphere will be lucky to get a brief mention. This brings to mind another cliche related to large endeavors, "rewards go to the non-participants."

There should be little doubt as to the genesis and maturation of the Rathergate story. Without Buckhead's Posts, Little Green Footballs, Powerline, AllahPundit, Wizbang, Rathergate, Spoons, INDC Journal, Ace of Spades HQ, Captain's Quarters, and many others, there would be no Rathergate, the American public would have been defrauded, and CBS would continue to be stealthily recognized as a de facto extension of the Democratic Party.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/22/2004 04:07:00 PM

Home Schoolers Portrayed As Terrorists

(Muskegon, Michigan) According to a report in the Muskegon Chronicle, the county emergency services department conducted a mock terrorism drill for school officials, students, bus drivers, and parents, along with county agencies, hospitals, and medical responders. The exercise scenario consisted of a domestic terrorist group called the "Wackos" planting a bomb on a public school bus filled with students. The Wackos were identified as home schooling advocates.

By designating home schoolers as terrorists, a firestorm of complaints was created.

The Chronicle and local officials were deluged with phone calls and e-mails from across the nation, complaining about the choice of words.

[ ... ]

Chris Klicka, senior counsel of the Home-Schooling Legal Defense Association based in Washington D.C., called the characterization outlandish.

"Home-schoolers have never been accused of violence against any school," Klicka said, after calling The Chronicle. "There's an outpouring from the nation -- it's a mockery against what home schooling is and the contributions home-schoolers have made to the country."

The Chief Deputy for Emergency Services, Daniel Stout, was rather cavalier in taking full responsibility for the scenario.

"That's just what I decided to use," he said of the name choice for Tuesday's drill. "It may have been a poor choice, but that's what was used ... I'm the one who wrote the scenario."

In my opinion, terminology is less important than the level of realism contained in the drill. To my knowledge, there has never been an instance where home schoolers were militant or violent in any manner. The simulated terrorists could be much more believable.

Additionally, for some reason, I can't shake the nagging gut feeling that the creator of the drill scenario were making a political statement. However, whether a political position was being heralded or otherwise, Daniel Stout and others involved with planning the exercise should issue a formal public apology to the parents and the students of the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District. (via Common Sense and Wonder)
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       Following Entry Posted 9/22/2004 01:48:00 PM

Dems Outsource Fund-Raising

AnalogKid posts on the hypocrisy of the Democrats by showing they are outsourcing campaign jobs while continuously berating the very idea of outsourcing. Candidates for the Oregon Legislature are having Nebraskans perform their fund-raising because it's cheaper. Oregon jacked up their minimum wage to the point where it saves money to have work farmed out to other states, proving once again that minimum wage laws put people out of work.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/22/2004 01:04:00 PM

Attorney General Sues Thermal Seal Inc.

(Columbus, Ohio) Thermal Seal Inc. and owner Ronald M. Heath, Jr. are being sued by Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro for violating consumer protection laws. Apparently the company has been scamming customers by failing to deliver services, failing to honor warranties, shoddy workmanship, and entering into contracts knowing that the work may never be completed. The lawsuit asks for reimbursement and civil penalties of $25,000 fines for each violation.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/22/2004 11:28:00 AM

Terrorist Leader Is With The Virgins

(Baghdad) A close aide to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, Sheik Abu Anas al-Shami, 35, was taken out by a U.S. air missile strike in the Abu Ghraib suburb west of Baghdad. Have fun with the virgins, you terrorist scum. Thirty-five years on the planet Earth following the Religion of Peace and you leave as a box full of charred body parts and, chances are, not all of them. Those plans to grow old and play with your grandchildren have been canceled. (via Dr. Rusty Shackleford)
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       Following Entry Posted 9/22/2004 10:09:00 AM

Decapitated Corpse Given to U.S. Officials

Although it's suspected to be Jack Hensley, there is no confirmation yet on the identity of the decapitated corpse handed over to the U.S. by Iraqi officials.

The body was found with its severed head in a black plastic bag in Baghdad's Amiriya neighborhood, said Col. Adnan Abdul-Rahman, an official with the Interior Ministry. The U.S. Embassy confirmed that a headless body was handed over to American authorities, but said officials were still trying to determine the identity of the corpse.

So far, the promised video images of Hensley's alleged execution have not been produced.

Being unable to immediately determine the identity of a decapitated corpse bespeaks the wanton and arbitrary nature of the murders committed by the terrorists in Iraq.

[Update 10:50am EDT] Confirmation has been received that the body handed over is Jack Hensley.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/22/2004 09:25:00 AM

School Duct Tapes Saggy Pants Student

(Dunlap, Indiana) At Concord Junior High School, Spencer Allison's pants were sagging in violation of the school dress code so the assistant principal wrapped duct tape around the boy's waist to keep them up. Spencer's father, Scott Allison, became outraged and complained to the school board because he was afraid his son would be mocked.

Now, this is dumb. If Scott Allison had given his son a belt before he went to school, then he probably wouldn't be a disciplinary problem. In fact, the old man would also probably benefit from a good solid belt every now and then.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/22/2004 08:58:00 AM

Kerry/Edwards 46%, Bush/Cheney 40%

According to a poll of registered young voters conducted by CBS News for MTV, John Kerry has a six percentage point lead over President Bush. Fake or accurate? You decide.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/22/2004 07:26:00 AM

Mahatma Gandhi Enslaved His Son

This has to be somewhat scandalous. According to a report in The Times of India, Mahatma Gandhi's great-granddaughter has written a tell-all book about the family which alleges that Gandhi enslaved his son throughout his lifetime.

Controversially titled Gandhi's Prisoner? The Life of Gandhi's Son, Manilal, the 400-page book released last week is written by Uma Dhuphelia-Mesthrie and explores the Gandhi family's early years in South Africa in the early 1900s.

[ ... ]

"Manilal didn't have a choice. He wanted to be a doctor but Gandhi didn't allow him to study at all. He would have like to marry a particular woman but his father wouldn't allow that," Dhuphelia-Mesthrie told AFP.

Apparently, Gandhi discovered the right way to live and didn't want his offspring to make mistakes by acting independently. Evidently, Gandhi was an enigma, believing in independence and enslavement simultaneously. I wonder if any adherents of Gandhi's philosophy will be troubled by the apparent contradiction. Probably not.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/22/2004 06:27:00 AM

Osama Bin Laden Toy

Undoubtedly, everyone remembers the Twin Towers Toy found last month to be sold to children in Florida. Now another toy commemorating terrorism has been found in Ashboro, North Carolina. It's an Osama Bin Laden toy cell phone.


Interestingly, both toys were provided by L and M Import and Export company in Miami. The company stated that the toys originated in China and they were unaware that they depicted Bin Laden. The toys have been recalled.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/22/2004 01:48:00 AM

Jack Hensley Beheaded by Tawhid and Jihad

After the passing of the militants' 24-hour deadline for the release of all Iraqi women from prison, which the U.S. says are nonexistent, an Islamic website claims to have killed the second American, Jack Hensley. From the Northeast Intelligence Network:

Al Jazerra [sic] is reporting the beheading of the second of three hostages - the other US captive being held by terrorists followers of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. We have informtion [sic] that Al Jazeera is in possession of the video, which is also expected to reach jihad forums within the next few hours.

[ ... ]

The Northeast Intelligence Network has obtained critical information from multiple sources that the security surrounding these men was compromised from within. We will have more on this matter shortly.

Other sites following the story include:

Diggers Realm
Wizbang
Classical Values
Backcountry Conservative
My Pet Jawa
Rooftop Report

Based upon recent experience, video and/or still photos should be forthcoming. These fanatical murderers seem to derive much more enjoyment from broadcasting their atrocities than actually performing them. Evil sons of bitches.

[Update] The viewing links are here and here.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/21/2004 01:47:00 PM

Soldier On Leave Attacked At Concert

(Columbus, Ohio) While on leave from combat duty in Iraq, soldier Foster Barton, 19, of Grove City, attended a concert while wearing an Iraqi Freedom T-shirt that offended another person in the audience. So, Barton was beaten. He was attacked from behind, knocked unconscious, and punched and kicked while on the ground. He'll be delayed in his return to the 1st Cavalry division in Iraq due to his injuries.

It's pretty damn sad that a guy who risks his life in Iraq comes home to be beaten up by an anti-military fanatic. And, I would bet money that the guy who attacked him is a leftist who has said, more than once, that he supports the troops.

Jerk.

[Update] More at Backcountry Conservative with links. Also, check out the compilation of comments at Our Life.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/21/2004 11:59:00 AM

Ohio Poll - Bush Leads By Double Digits

The latest Ohio Poll conducted by the University of Cincinnati has President Bush at 54% and John Kerry at 43%. The poll surveyed 456 likely voters between Sept. 12 and Sept. 18.

Bully.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/21/2004 11:02:00 AM

Mowing While Drunk

(Collinsville, Illinois) Police are cracking down on driving a lawnmower while drunk in this town outside St.Louis. Donald R. Barton, 40, of Collinsville, was charged Monday with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol for driving a Power Pro riding lawn mower on U.S. 40. He spent last night in jail with bail set at $20,000 by Madison County Associate Judge James Hackett.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/21/2004 07:55:00 AM

Burkett 'WARNED' Rather

According to this story, Dan Rather knew from the start that there were potential problems with the documents.

Former National Guard commander Bill Burkett said Monday night that he warned producers at CBS that they needed to authenticate documents he gave them that were critical of President Bush's National Guard record - because he couldn't guarantee they were real. [Emphasis mine - ed.]

"Before I gave up any documents I wanted to know what you were going to do with them," Burkett told CBS anchorman Dan Rather. "And I insisted that they be authenticated."

Rather admitted that CBS had failed to heed their primary source's warning.

So, it appears that Dan Rather opted to go with the story when he had many indications, including the source, that the documents were not authentic. Rather seems to be the only person that had any confidence in the authenticity of the documents while being the person least familiar with their content.

This whole situation is becoming difficult to fathom. You need to resign, Dan. You've obviously lost it. (via Ace of Spades HQ)
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       Following Entry Posted 9/21/2004 03:48:00 AM

Canada - Tops in Trash

Thanks to Kim at Bacon and Eh's for pointing me to this little nugget of information.

Canadians produce more garbage per person than any other nation in the world.

Because it's sent to Michigan, the issue of Canadian garbage has been controversial for decades and, as it turns out, a big part of the problem is that Canadians are garbage overproducers.

I've been trying to think of a slang term for garbage overproducer, but not much comes immediately to mind. Trashier? Trashiest? Maybe. Anyone else got an idea?
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       Following Entry Posted 9/20/2004 10:41:00 PM

CBS - Bill Burkett - Kerry Campaign Connection

Why is it not surprising that CBS producer Mary Mapes told Joe Lockhart, a trusted John Kerry campaign advisor, to call Bill Burkett, the alleged forged document supplier. It's almost like CBS is an extension of the Kerry campaign. Should collusion be suspected? If not, how does one explain the cozy relationship between a major news organization and the John Kerry campaign team?

Interesting, yes, but not as interesting as some information Spoons has found. It's the transcript of a telephone conversation between Mary Mapes and Joe Lockhart and the source is unimpeachable. Follow the link and take a look.

Others following the DNC/CBS collusion angle:

Wizbang
INDC Journal
Allah Is In The House

It seems like Bill Burkett's cluster caucus also includes USA Today, Howard Dean, and maybe others.

[Update 9/21/04, 6:50am EDT] Well, well, check this out. Bill Burkett now says that he may be the patsy in the whole forged document mess. He maintains that he didn't forge any documents, he only turned them over to CBS after getting them from a woman named Lucy Ramirez. No information on Lucy Ramirez as yet and, based upon Bill Burkett's distant relationship with the truth, it wouldn't be surprising if she were fictional.

Of course, none of this new information does anything to take the heat off of Dan Rather and CBS. I'm waiting for someone to be fired. (via Spoons)
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       Following Entry Posted 9/20/2004 07:49:00 PM

Islamic Fatwa Forbids Yoga

As a collection of spiritual techniques and practices, integrating mind, body and spirit, yoga could distort Islamic beliefs. Therefore, the mufti, Ali Gomoa, has signed a religious edict calling the practice of yoga "an aberration" that violates Islamic law. It's not clear what the punishment is for violations.

Somebody probably could make a few dollars by developing a computer program to track what's forbidden by Islam and predict what will someday be forbidden.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/20/2004 04:36:00 PM

American Hostage Beheaded

Bastards! American Eugene Armstrong is beheaded in a video released by the Army of Ansar al Sunna, a group with links to al Qaeda and headed by Abu Musab al Zarqawi. Links here and here.

[Update 8:30pm EDT] According to this report, Mr. Armstrong's body was found near a mosque in Baghdad at about 1am, AEST (11am, EDT). Also, in the beheading video, a speaker made a statement:

During the statement, the speaker also called US President George W. Bush "a dog".

Addressing Mr Bush, he said: "Now, you have people who love death just like you love life. Killing for the sake of God is their best wish, getting to your soldiers and allies are their happiest moments, and cutting the heads of the criminal infidels is implementing the orders of our Lord."

There is no better illustration of the pure evil that permeates the thinking of these murderers.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/20/2004 09:17:00 AM

The Lolita Culture

(Tokyo) This story demonstrates the utter unpredictability of trends in fashion and culture. A growing segment of the population of young Japanese women are adopting a "Lolita" persona in their wardrobe.


The look encompasses elaborate, doll-like costumes with lacy parasols, teddy bears, and jeweled scepters as props.

Lolitas regularly gather in places like Tokyo's Harajuku, a neighborhood that for decades has served as a magnet for Japanese counterculture. On a recent warm weekend in Harajuku, dozens of women -- including many who had traveled great distances to be here -- stood around completely covered in frills, holding hands or sucking on lollipops while passersby snapped photos and gawked. Some sat on the ground with legs stretched out in front of them like toddlers.

Interestingly, strong impetus to the Lolita movement is from a man named Novala Takemoto who has written several novels featuring Lolitas. In one big selling novel, he writes:

[A]bout a lonely Lolita in rural Japan who meets a bad girl biker and discovers true friendship. The novel has become the basis for a popular movie, whose English title is "Kamikaze Girls." The producers are seeking a distributor in the U.S.

Personally, I wouldn't be surprised if there were some pedophiles at the root of the Lolita movement. As such, I don't think it will have a wide nor enduring appeal. (via Rob Sama)
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       Following Entry Posted 9/19/2004 07:51:00 PM

Police Foil Bomber, Suspect Dies in Custody

From this story, the Moscow Police apprehended a suspected terrorist in a car wired with explosives.

Federal Security Service spokesman Sergei Ignatchenko told Interfax that FSB explosives experts found two land mines in the car and 200 grams of TNT under a seat.

"All of it was connected by a system of wires with an antenna and remote control," Ignatchenko said, Interfax reported.

The suspect, Alexander Pumane, confessed to investigators before succumbing to a reported heart attack. However, the city prosecutor's office stated that an investigation found that he had actually died of bodily injuries and a criminal case of death by aggravated assault and abuse of office has been opened. It's not clear who will be charged with causing Pumane's death.

Although the Moscow Times article states that Pumane died of bodily injuries, it's fairly clear that this means the heart was injured by a heart attack. Everybody knows he had a weak heart. Therefore, the assault charges should be dropped.

(via The Owner's Manual and the Backcountry Conservative)
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       Following Entry Posted 9/19/2004 05:05:00 PM

Muslim Brotherhood

In a special report (free reg.), the Chicago Tribune looks at the secret underground international Muslim Brotherhood whose goal is to create Muslim states. They preach martyrdom and jihad and have been openly supportive of Palestinian suicide bombings. America as a Muslim country is their long-term aim. It's sobering reading and highly recommended. Spoons has more.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/19/2004 11:37:00 AM

Most Sober Cities

Check it out. Cleveland is tied for 16th (with San Francisco) on the list of most sober cities. People in Columbus (19th), Akron & Cincinnati (tied for 32nd), and Toledo (37th) are apparently having more fun. At the bottom of the list is Denver where everyone must be hammered. (via Charles Hill in happy Oklahoma City)
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       Following Entry Posted 9/19/2004 08:47:00 AM

CBS Now Blames The White House

According to the WaPo, CBS executives are now claiming they let their guard down because the White House didn't prevent them from using apparently forged documents. Holy moley! They're getting awful close to resorting to the generic leftist blame sink - global warming. Of course, there's always the excuse of a document malfunction.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/19/2004 07:39:00 AM

Female Mutilation in Africa

Activists are trying to get support to end female genital mutilation in Africa but they are having little success. An international conference ended with the issuance of a plea for more countries to ratify the Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa. Only three countries so far have ratified the protocol, Rwanda, Libya, and Comoros.

This is a sad situation.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/19/2004 07:19:00 AM

UN Threatens Sudan With Sanctions

If violence continues in Darfur, the UN Security Council says it will impose sanctions on Sudan's oil industry.

Woo-hoo! If Sudan's sanctions are anything like the Iraqi sanctions, it's milk and honey time for Kofi and the Corrupted.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/19/2004 05:52:00 AM

Canada Has Cleaner Garbage

A recent announcement by John Kerry that he would ban Canadian garbage from being dumped in Michigan has caused outrage by residents and officials in Toronto. Columnist Don Martin of the National Post wrote that John Kerry is "the front-runner to be the most anti-Canadian candidate" and that he "is generating new hostilities from Americans."

It's not clear how this sentiment can be reconciled with major media reports that the whole world outside the U.S. loves John Kerry. Nevertheless, Torontonians are incensed partly because they believe their garbage is cleaner than American garbage and it shouldn't be criticized.

"The material we are sending there is as safe or safer than the stuff local people there are putting in their landfills," said the chief of solid waste for the city, Angelos Bacopoulos.

Well, if it's so clean, why doesn't Toronto keep their garbage? As stated in a previous post, they don't currently have any other place to put it since they shut down their landfills.

Regarding the purported cleanliness level of Toronto's garbage, there are some people who strongly disagree.

"You should listen to the noise and smell the stench and see the dangerous road conditions that we have to deal with every day," said Lynette Guzman, who lives with her husband and two children in Wayne County, Mich.

Maybe once you get past the stench, the stuff from Toronto is pretty clean.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/18/2004 11:50:00 PM

NHL Lockout

Claiming there was no other choice, National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman announced last Wednesday that the NHL board of governors unanimously backed locking out more than 600 players since no agreement was forthcoming between team owners and the NHL Player's Association. The lockout coincides with the expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement and, according to Bettman, will continue until the player's union "acknowledges that the problems are as real as our governors' resolve to fix them [sic]. We will be here, ready to make a fair and meaningful agreement." With the deadlock, the owners, players, and fans are reluctantly anticipating the cancellation of the entire 2004-2005 season.

Reading through the comments and discussions about the issues that separate the two parties, one must conclude that neither side is open to conceding on anything. So, the players walk away and the owners lock them out. Interestingly, a quick survey of public opinion about the lockout indicates that a majority think the players are to blame for the current situation by asking for too much. It appears the public has little sympathy for a union that represents a group of players who make an average of $1.8 million a year.

From an economic standpoint, life without the NHL will reach far outside the world of the players and owners. Although not easily quantifiable, net income will dip in sports bars and restaurants that cater to hockey fans, in souvenir shops seeing fewer customers, and in department and specialty stores and eBay where the sale of trademarked clothing and athletic equipment is anticipated to plummet.

Probably most noticeable will be the impact on the sports media. The CBC, TSN, and Rogers Sportsnet are struggling to put together schedules of sports entertainment to fill the vacuum. This is a real challenge since nobody can remember when there wasn't an NHL season. Current estimates of cutbacks by the media are in the dozens of employees and expected to rise as the full effect of the lack of NHL programming becomes known. Not included in any estimates is the impact on the many freelance reporters and pundits who regularly contribute to hockey broadcasts.

One potentially significant future result of the lockout is the expected negative impact on smaller and newer NHL franchises, specifically those teams located in places like Florida, Tennessee, and Carolina where hockey is not a traditional sport. These franchises may not be able to easily recover their lost fan base and, if not, the NHL may see negative repercussions from the lockout for years to come.

In summary, it appears that there will be no NHL season for 2004-2005 and the result, in the near and distant future, will be estimated economic losses in the hundreds of million of dollars to the U.S. and Canada.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/18/2004 11:09:00 AM

WaPo Investigating

It seems that at least one leader in the elite media - The Washington Post - is finally taking serious notice of the apparent forgery fiasco. Currently being investigated are strong indications of direct links between CBS, retired Lt. Col. Bill Burkett, and the Democratic National Committee.

However, chances are that anything the WaPo publishes will not be new to the blogosphere. It's interesting that the breaking of the story and the search for leads and supporting information have been done by bloggers who, chances are, will never be given due credit. One could say this is an example of a classic cliche where the bloggers have won the battle and it's time for the elite media to bayonet the wounded.

Sometime down the road, one can also probably expect that a journalism award will be handed to a member of the major media for investigative reporting on the forgery fiasco and the blogosphere will be lucky to get a brief mention. This brings to mind another cliche related to large endeavors, "rewards go to the non-participants."
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       Following Entry Posted 9/18/2004 08:16:00 AM

Rain, Flooding Strand Kids At School

(Amesville, Ohio) Flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Ivan caused 115 students and about 30 staff to be stranded at the Amesville Elementary School Friday night. The situation sounds maybe a bit worse than it actually was.

[S]chool cooks made pizza, nachos and cookies for the students and about 30 employees at Amesville Elementary.

Students in preschool through fifth grade stayed busy by playing bingo and attending a dance before going to sleep about 10 p.m. on carpeted classroom floors, wrapped in blankets that the Red Cross brought in by boat, said school librarian Patti McKibben.

Sounds more like a massive slumber party than an emergency.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/17/2004 07:40:00 PM

Beauty Queen Arrested

(Honolulu, Hawaii) Former Miss Hawaii Tiffini Hercules and her husband, John Limahai Jr., have been arrested and charged with dealing ice, or crystal methamphetamine, from a house in Kailua. The arrests culminated a three-month investigation by crime-reduction officers in Kailua. They face possible 10 years or more in prison if convicted of the felonies.

From beauty queen to accused major drug dealer is not a recommended career path.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/17/2004 11:03:00 AM

Campaign Thuggery


(via Wizbang) Three-year-old Sophia Parlock cries on her father's shoulders after a smiling Kerry-Edwards thug (Photo: Randy Snyder/AP) yanked a Bush-Cheney sign from her hands and later threw pieces of the ripped up sign at them. It happened at the Tri-State Airport as John Edwards was boarding a plane after a campaign swing through West Virginia and Ohio.

Jerk.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/17/2004 10:08:00 AM

KA-BOOM in North Korea

Last week's massive explosion in North Korea has been explained as a mountain that was blown up in the middle of the night to allow for construction of a hydroelectric power plant. Needless to say, there is considerable skepticism about this explanation. Robert Koehler at the Marmot's Hole observes that it just doesn't make a lot of sense but North Korea does not have a reputation for doing things that make sense. That is why the country is a starving, dirt-poor nation. Many feel the explosion was most likely related to an accident at a weapons, chemical, or fuel facility. There's much more at the link.

Interestingly, looking at Japanese media (Japan Times, Mainichi Daily News) in the past week, I've seen not one mention of the North Korean explosion. This seems strange. When loud explosions go off in my neighborhood, I tend to have a few questions and comments. From what I've seen, the Japanese are minding their own business. Maybe I'm not reading the right newspapers.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/17/2004 08:32:00 AM

Wal-Mart in Russia

From a Moscow Times report comes news that Wal-Mart may open a store in St. Petersburg next year.

"I have such information, but I'm not ready to talk more in detail about the opening of Wal-Mart," the chairman of St. Petersburg's economic development committee, Vladimir Blank, was quoted as saying.

A source stated that Wal-Mart is already recruiting workers through local employment agencies and that the store would be on the outskirts of the city and encompass about 180,000 square feet.

Wal-Mart spokesman Bill Wertz would not confirm the report.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/17/2004 08:06:00 AM

Murderer of Beslan Threatens More Attacks

According to this report, after Russian President Putin announced there would be no negotiations with Chechen rebels,

Chechen warlord Shamil Basayev claimed responsibility on Friday for the Russian school siege in which more than 320 hostages were killed, half of them children, and threatened further attacks by any means he saw fit.

The terrorist scum, who heads up armed units of the Riyadus-Salikhin group, emphasized that there would be continued attacks in the future in the campaign for an independent Chechnya.

"We are not bound by any circumstances, or to anybody, and we will continue to fight as is convenient and advantageous to us, and by our rules," he said in an unrepentant statement published on a rebel Web site.

It was also confirmed that his group was responsible for the downing of two Russian airliners last month and two other Moscow bomb attacks.

So, taking as hostages and shooting school children in the back are considered "convenient and advantageous" tactics according to his rules. My assessment would be that overwhelming force is more than justified to kill Shamil Basayev and his lieutenants. I'd personally recommend a slow and extremely painful execution.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/16/2004 11:51:00 PM

Parking Ticket Scam

(Madison, Wisconsin) Enterprising college student, Anthony R. Gallagher, 23, was arrested for creating and issuing his own parking tickets. He collected numerous $40 fines before being caught and charged with lying to investigators.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/16/2004 10:47:00 PM

Today's Headline

From the Times Argus in Montpelier, Vermont, is this story.

Accused priest will no longer play church organ

I would hope so.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/16/2004 09:58:00 PM

More Outsourcing

Northeast Ohio has been a focal point of complaints about outsourcing of jobs. This story indicates that even our criminals aren't staying home.

Two men from Cleveland have been charged with illegally selling T-shirts imprinted with the Iowa State University logo.

The men were arrested Saturday for third-degree intellectual property counterfeiting.

They sold the T-shirts near Kinnick Stadium during the Iowa-Iowa State game, police said. The shirts depicted the character Calvin from the strip "Calvin and Hobbes" urinating on an ISU helmet, police said.

The counterfeiting charge falls under a state law that went into effect July 1.

For police and Iowa State, it's not about bad taste.

"It really has to do with using the ISU name," said John McCarroll, Iowa State spokesman. "It's about the counterfeiting rather than the phrase."

It's probably a safe bet that John Kerry would blame this on the Republicans.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/16/2004 11:47:00 AM

Um, I Have Nothing

That's right. I really am lost for words to explain my reaction to the news that a German radio station will now broadcast in the Klingon language. Not only is society dumbing down the population, it's dumbing them into an alternate universe at the same time.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/16/2004 09:46:00 AM

Dan Rather's Unimpeachable Source

Retired from the US Army National Guard, Lt. Col. Bill Burkett has been known to pass around stories about George W. Bush and now is collecting stink as the potential source of the forged documents. Burkett seems to be Dan Rather's unimpeachable source for information on Bush's National Guard service, yet a simple history of Burkett indicates that the only aspect about him that is unimpeachable is his seething hatred for George W. Bush. It's assumed that the reason Dan Rather doesn't want to reveal Burkett as his source is because the guy is an embarrassment.

Interestingly, it's now been learned that the forged documents were faxed from a Kinkos Copy Center somewhere near Abilene, Texas. Burkett has a standing account and has been seen recently at a Kinkos Copy Center in the area.

Meanwhile, Dan Rather is now stating that he may have used forged documents but it doesn't matter because what they say is true. Next he'll probably throw away the documents and state that we should just believe him because he knows everything.

RATHER: "You must believe me. I'm a reporter."

THE PUBLIC: "If you're a reporter, where are your documents?"

RATHER: "Documents! Documents! I don't need no stinking documents!"

The story continues.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/16/2004 06:41:00 AM

Bomb Injures Children

From a report in the Jerusalem Post:

Ten Palestinian children were wounded, three seriously, when an explosive device they were playing with blew up in the Jelazoun refugee camp north of Ramallah Wednesday night.

Security officials did not rule out the possibility that a makeshift bomb prepared by Palestinian terrorists exploded prematurely wounding the children.

Whether children were playing with a bomb or a bomb was being prepared by terrorists, one thing is sure. Nothing about this report indicates that people were working towards peace.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/16/2004 06:22:00 AM

Washing Makes Floor Dirtier

Apparently, some scientists have enough time on their hands to devote to disproving anything. The Professor of Sanitation and Energy Economy at Oslo University College, Oddbj�rn Sj�vold, believes that washing the floor makes it dirtier.

Jeez, just wait for the custodian to hear about this.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/16/2004 05:28:00 AM

Brits Debate Hunting Ban

The animal rights crowd think hunting with hounds is cruel (in reality, the animal rights crowd want all hunting to be banned and they're continually inching toward that goal). The hunters are not rejoicing. Protesters stormed the House of Commons and were arrested while, outside Parliament, a pro-hunting rally degenerated into violence resulting in at least 19 injured, including two police officers.

While not condoning any lawbreaking, I've got to side with the pro-hunting advocacy on the issue. As I understand, the do-gooder animal rights advocacy is pushing the issue of hunting with hounds as cruel to the foxes. For some reason, the hunting of carnivorous vermin with hounds is cruel while reversing the history and traditions of Britain is not. Nor is it apparently cruel to wipe out a whole industry, taking away the livelihood of many Brits.

Personally, I don't think the word "cruel" should ever be applied to the process of eradicating vermin.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/15/2004 07:52:00 PM

Bedbug Infestations

According to this story, the world is seeing a reemergence of bedbug infestations because 'environmentally-friendly' insect repellents don't work. The cost of the bedbugs on the tourism industry is estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/15/2004 07:36:00 PM

Kofi Annan Says Iraq War Is Illegal

In an interview with the BBC, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said the U.S. decision to invade Iraq was illegal. He maintains that future operations should have UN approval or much broader support.

My interpretation of his words is that the U.S. should defend itself only when the UN or France and Germany approve. My response to his comments is "Shove it, Kofi."
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       Following Entry Posted 9/15/2004 10:36:00 AM

Guard Secretary Says Bush Memos Are Fakes

Pete Slover of the Dallas Morning News reports on an interview of the typist for Lt. George W. Bush's Air National Guard unit. Regarding the authenticity of the questionable CBS memos, 86-year-old Marian Carr Knox stated unequivocally that they are fake. She's certain she didn't type the documents and maintains that she did all the typing.

With respect to the content of the questionable memos, the article does loop-de-loops around Robin Hood's barn trying to establish a pedigree for the content of the memos even though the typist says they are phony. Check out this spin:

Mrs. Knox, 86, who spoke with precise recollection about dates, people and events, said, "I remember very vividly when Bush was there and all the yak-yak that was going on about it."

She precisely recalls dates, people, and events. Well, if so, what do we make of the following:

She said that although she did not recall typing the memos reported by CBS News, they accurately reflect the viewpoints of Col. Killian and documents that would have been in the personal file. Also, she said she didn't know whether the CBS documents corresponded memo for memo with that file.

[ ... ]

Mrs. Knox said that she didn't recall typing a Killian memo alleging that a commander, Col. Walter "Buck" Staudt, was pressuring officers to "sugar coat" Mr. Bush's record. But, she said, such a portrayal of Col. Staudt was consistent with his character and Col. Killian's opinion of his superior officer.

It seems that one doesn't have to remember everything to have a "precise" memory in the opinion of the DMN. To recap:

Mrs. Knox's 'precise' memory doesn't remember typing the documents but she vouches for the accuracy of the content.

Her 'precise' memory of events 30 years ago recalls substantive knowledge of Col. Staudt's character and Col. Killian's opinions which she uses as the basis for vouching for the content of documents she didn't type.

If you're confused, realize that's the purpose of the spin. Obfuscate the issue such that the content of the documents seems to have validity. Trouble is that the documents become more questionable as days go by. The only thing the spin does is make the DMN look incompetent or a de facto division of the Democratic Party.

To conclude, the DMN should have stopped the article after Mrs. Knox stated the documents were fake. Everything that follows is nonsensical.

Kevin Aylward also discusses Marian Carr Knox at Wizbang.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/14/2004 10:08:00 PM

Massive Death Toll From Heat Wave

(San Francisco, California) According to a study by the Union of Concerned Scientists, a premier American scare factory, thousands of people in San Francisco are going to die from global warming. In a San Francisco Chronicle article peppered with "may," "might," and similar verbs, the co-author of the study, Susanne C. Moser, indicates that the State of California must immediately institute stricter motor vehicle emission standards to ward off the impending catastrophe. Of note is that the death toll of thousands is not expected to occur until the 2090s.

Interestingly, the Union of Concerned Scientists seems to be fairly certain about what is going to occur 90 years from now while at the same time, meteorologists are not sure what Hurricane Ivan is going to do tomorrow. There are many people on their way back to southern Florida after complying with an unnecessary evacuation order. In other words, one group of scientists with the capability of actually seeing, via radar and photographs, a climatological phenomenon, cannot predict precisely what is going to happen from one day to the next, while other scientists, without the capability to see their climatological phenomenon, are predicting what's going to happen several human generations from now.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/14/2004 10:06:00 AM

Zarqawi Website Posts Another Execution

A kidnapped Turkish contractor truck driver was beheaded by al-Qaida-linked militants. Rusty Shackleford has the story and images. Also at MyPetJawa is the story of two Australians kidnapped and threatened with execution by the self-named "Horror Brigade" in Iraq.

Breaking news from Baghdad is an Al-Jazeera broadcast of a Jordanian truck driver being taken hostage and threatened with execution by a group called "Brigades of Al-Tawhid Lions."

I think the Religion of Peace argument has become empty words.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/14/2004 08:16:00 AM

Microsoft Forger

No longer does a news network have to fiddle with ancient typewriters to produce desired news stories, brand new software has been developed to create absolutely flawless forgeries. The program is capable of emulating a variety of obsolete typewriters and primitive word processors. More product information is available here.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/14/2004 06:57:00 AM

More On Rathergate

Evidence is mounting that Dan Rather and his CBS team have either created bogus Bush National Guard documents or have been given a bunch of forgeries and didn't bother checking their authenticity. Many glaring inconsistencies, questions, and unreasonable assertions have been identified and CBS, so far, has not adequately supported its case. The seriousness of the issue is best expressed by Newsweek's Howard Fineman who considers Rathergate to be a turning point for the major media.

Curiously, the way things are unfolding, it seems that years ago Dan Rather may have decided what he wanted to report about President Bush's National Guard service and was looking for some evidence to back him up. Ultimately, he found some shady documents to his liking. According to The Prowler,

PERHAPS MOST TROUBLING to the CBS News staff looking into how its story went off the rails is the timing of the memos' appearance. "Some 60 Minutes staffers have been working on this story for more than three years off and on," says the CBS News producer. "There have been rumors about these memos and what was in them for at least that long. No one had been able to find anything. Not a single piece of paper. But we know that a lot of people here interviewed a lot of people in Texas and elsewhere and asked very explicit questions about the existence of these memos. Then all of a sudden they show up? In one nice, neat package?"

This strongly hints that the conclusion of the search was predetermined and awaited only the method to get there. Poof! After three years searching, one nice, neat package shows up to support what was already decided. Coincidence? Not likely. Odd timing? Definitely.

Dan Rather's credibility and his ability to continue vouching for the documents have been dramatically eroded by bloggers and others producing considerable evidence to the contrary. Dr. Joseph Newcomer, a pioneer in electronic typesetting who's not a George Bush supporter, has performed a detailed analysis and has determined that the whole collection of documents are most certainly forgeries.

Current status of the controversy resembles a feeding frenzy and, as Allah reports, some members of the CBS news team are anxiously hoping the conclusion will result in a job opening at the anchor desk.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/14/2004 01:26:00 AM

Note To Self

Make time to email broadcast journalism departments with plea to teach students at least one adjective other than "incredible."
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       Following Entry Posted 9/13/2004 11:24:00 PM

Customer Arrested For Skimpy Tip

(Lake George, NY) Humberto Taveras is charged with misdemeanor theft for leaving a tip of only 10% when 18% was customary. He says he'll fight the charge in court because he was not happy with the food at Soprano's Italian and American Grill restaurant.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/13/2004 10:44:00 PM

Canadian Unemployment

(Ottawa) The government released the unemployment statistics in Canada for July and August and they indicate that the rate is steady at 7.2 percent. Unfortunately, the high rate will probably only fuel some sort of odd arrogance toward the U.S. which has an unemployment rate that is 1.5 percentage points lower.

And, of course, liberal minded Americans will continue to point to Canada as the quintessential example of how the United States should be governed. As points of reference, Germany and France have learned to tolerate unemployment rates continually above 9 percent.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/13/2004 10:17:00 PM

Wasp Found Above Arctic Circle

(Arctic Bay, Canada) Noire Ikalukjuaq, the mayor of Arctic Bay at the northern tip of Baffin Island, was flummoxed when he spied the yellowjacket.

"I didn't know what that was at the time I saw it," recalled Ikalukjuaq, who managed to take a picture of the insect. "It didn't look scary to me, but I'll know better next time I see one."

Having no word for it in the Inuktitut language, he sent a picture of the wasp to the Nunavut Research Institute which got confirmation of its identity.

Expect the end-of-time scare mongers to jump on this freak occurrence as evidence of global warming.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/13/2004 08:52:00 AM

Document Materialization

Oddly, Dan Rather's current dilemma seems to have a precedent. If memory serves correctly, not too many years ago a similar situation occurred where some documents appeared out of nowhere from some unknown source. Remember the Rose Law Firm billing records? It's still not clear what's been forged, though.

Funny, huh?
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       Following Entry Posted 9/13/2004 08:24:00 AM

Tattoos In The Workplace

Over a year ago, Interested-Participant addressed the subject of tattoos in the workplace and described an occurrence where a young lady lost her job due to a visible tattoo. My contention then and now is that young people do not realize that their trendy visible tattoos will potentially affect their employability. Also discussed was the process and cost of tattoo removal which, by the way, is very expensive.

Weighing in on the subject of tattoos and their effect on employability is a front page story in today's Christian Science Monitor. It is welcome news that the major media is starting to inch into the story since, what's trendy now, is going to be a measurable problem in the future. For example, one aspect of the fallout from tattooing is that many tax dollars are being spent removing gang tattoos from paroled convicts so that they can get jobs in society. And, ten or so years from now, many people are going to want to have their trendy tattoos removed, because what's fashionable at age 19 can be awkward or embarrassing at age 35. It's reasonable to expect that tattoo removal services will be a profitable business venture in the near future.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/13/2004 07:09:00 AM

Fire Kills Ten In Columbus

(Columbus, Ohio) An apartment complex fire in Lincoln Park in West Columbus has left ten dead even as firemen look for others that are missing. Sixty firefighters from five different departments fought the Sunday morning inferno. Investigators suspect arson.

"The way it was contained in a hallway, which normally would have no combustibles in it at all, makes it highly suspicious," said Prairie Township Fire Chief Steve Feustel.

An accelerant is believed to have caused the fire to spread so rapidly, destroying 12 of 24 units in the complex.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/12/2004 03:41:00 PM

CBS's Forgerygate

Dan and the Newsdreamers may have a scapegoat. Remember the name Mary Mapes. (via Country Store)
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       Following Entry Posted 9/12/2004 01:59:00 PM

Explosion In North Korea

There's a lot of dialogue in the blogosphere about the massive explosion that occurred last Thursday in North Korea. Reports coming from all points of the globe include speculation that the blast was possibly rocket propellant, or an ammunition depot, or a nuclear device, or a fire. Nobody knows for sure.

A few things that are known is that the explosion produced a mushroom cloud over 2 miles in diameter, it created a crater large enough to be seen by satellite, and it occurred in a location reported to have a major missile base that is also adjacent to the border with China. Robert Koehler of the Marmot's Hole in South Korea notes that the location cited is one of three places previously reported as possible uranium enrichment sites. Jeff at Ruminations In Korea is skeptical of a report that an oil tanker train hit a power line. Much more information at Winds Of Change.

In summary, big bang in North Korea and many people are interested but, so far, what or why are unconfirmed.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/12/2004 10:30:00 AM

Doctor Lets Off Steam

(Cleveland, Ohio) After losing a $3.5 million malpractice verdict, Dr. Franklin Price was so steamed that he wrote presiding Judge Robert Feighan a letter. He started with:

"My prayer is that you suffer for what time you have on earth and that you rot in hell."

After some racial and ethnic slurs and insults, he finished by stating:

"So every day I pray for your suffering here on earth and in hell which will be your just reward."

Judge Feighan said he didn't care much for the letter.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/12/2004 09:12:00 AM

Rod Paige Booted From NAACP Convention

(Cleveland, Ohio) At the request of NAACP national leadership, presumably Kweisi Mfume, U.S. Education Department Secretary, Rod Paige, was rudely booted from the speakers program at the NAACP's 74th Annual State Convention. Apparently in their focus of advancing blacks, the NAACP doesn't want to have differing opinions clutter their predetermined liberal political message.

It seems that the NAACP wants African-Americans to advance in only one approved direction, entertaining neither enlightened nor alternative viewpoints. Some might refer to the program as propaganda.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/12/2004 08:33:00 AM

DUI Defender Charged With DUI

(Ravenna, Ohio) Highly regarded as Portage County's top defense lawyer for drunken driving cases, 60-year-old Craig Stephens refused to take field sobriety and breath analysis tests when stopped for speeding. He was charged with speeding and driving under the influence. It's assumed that he'll be a bit less uppity with future clients.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/12/2004 07:47:00 AM

Hurricane Ivan - Category 5

Traveling at about 9 miles per hour, Ivan has sustained winds of 155 MPH, anticipated to increase to 165 MPH, with hurricane force winds extending 90 miles out from the eye. It's currently between Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, traveling northwest. Ivan is expected to veer north toward the west coast of Florida after demolishing Cuba. The death toll is 65 thus far.

Cuba is nervous even though a cavalier Fidel Castro assured everyone that "This country is prepared to face this hurricane." Good luck.

Having some experience with these storms, Interested-Participant strongly recommends getting as far away as possible. If this means visiting grumpy Aunt Sally in Tennessee, swallow your pride and do so.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/11/2004 11:12:00 PM

House For Sale - Friendly Neighborhood

Here's an interior photo of a house for sale in Danville, California. Inquire here.


(via The Grey Biker)
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       Following Entry Posted 9/11/2004 09:37:00 AM

Is Dan Rather Left Holding The Bag?

Now, even Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe concedes that the Bush National Guard documents could be forgeries. He insinuates that the White House, Karl Rove specifically, is responsible for planting them. Of course, the White House scoffs.

With evidence accumulating that the documents may be forged and Democrat McAuliffe in agreement, it sure seems like Dan Rather and CBS News is up the proverbial creek without any lifelines. The Democrats, the Republicans, and a growing number of independent experts are saying that CBS News is putting out bogus information based on forged documents. Their credibility is liable to take a big hit.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/11/2004 03:50:00 AM

Dan Rather Worked Hard

Lt. Col. Killian's supervisor at the Air National Guard, Maj. General Hodges, has stated that CBS "misled" him about the questionable documents by telling him they were handwritten so he vouched for them. However, finding that the documents weren't handwritten, Hodges now believes they are a "fraud." Dan Rather had stated that Maj. Gen. Hodges would corroborate CBS's assertions that Lt. Bush didn't complete his service commitment.

A CBS executive charges Hodges with changing his story.

In the meantime, Dan Rather is stoically maintaining that the documents are genuine while being bombarded with questions about their authenticity. Although he asserts that he's worked hard and exhaustively, the firestorm is not being quelled, primarily because the questions being asked are valid and CBS doesn't seem to have the answers.

Make a note, the way things are trending, nobody should be surprised when a whine is offered by Rather, stating that a person or an organization can't do their job effectively when strong partisan forces are aligned against them. (Hat tip: Instapundit)
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       Following Entry Posted 9/10/2004 09:23:00 PM

CBS News Recoils In, Tries To Hunker Down, But The Jig Is Up

The blogosphere is on fire with the CBS memo controversy. So many questions and too few answers from Dan Rather and the gang. Things are trending towards CBS being slammed for general bogusology and bloggers will be demonstrating why. Start by checking out:

Wizbang,
The Command Post,
Allah Is In The House,
Spoons,
and Power Line.

Busy bloggers are happy bloggers.

[Update] The Shape of Days takes a long look at the IBM Selectric Composer that was used to create the questionable documents and, not surprisingly, additional questions are raised. In particular, the method used by typewriters to center text made it virtually impossible to precisely duplicate, yet it occurred with the subject documents. It's strongly suggested that Microsoft Word was used instead, which wasn't available in 1971. Remember the hassle of centering on a typewriter (i.e. having to set margins exactly, count the number of spaces to be centered, divide by 2, and then backspace from the centerline the resultant amount)? I do and I find it hard to swallow that anyone could precisely duplicate text as was apparently done with the purported Air National Guard records of President Bush's service.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/10/2004 08:22:00 PM

Cronkite Should Be In A Home

(New York City) At the Society of Professional Journalists National Convention today, Walter Cronkite assessed "The State of the News" by saying he believes the American media do "a very good job" of being impartial.

Astonishingly, the iconic old war horse discounts any substantive possibility that the American media are biased. Meanwhile, the editors of essentially all of the elite print and broadcast media are scratching their heads trying to figure out how they can increase their help to the Democratic Party without being officially tied to the Kerry/Edwards election campaign.

It's troubling that the veteran newsman cannot see media bias since it is readily apparent to most rational observers. Show's over, Mr. Cronkite, the curtain's coming down. It's time to sit back and enjoy the applause.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/10/2004 06:30:00 PM

Hurricane Journalism

Carl Hiaasen describes some aspects of hurricane reporting for the novice and the veteran in this Miami Herald article. Worthy pointers include:

- Wear flimsy jacket
- Begin every broadcast with bent-over palm trees
- Maximize credibility by looking tired and weather-beaten
- Frequently say "storm surge"
- Broadcast video loop of residents boarding property
- Also frequently say "Conditions are deteriorating"

If choices have to be made, keep in mind the intrinsic aspect of hurricane reporting that is of paramount importance.

"Remember, your viewers' expectations are high. They've watched that big slow mother whorling across the Doppler for a week, and they've been primed for devastation on a biblical scale.

Take no chances. Proceed immediately to the nearest trailer park, being extra careful not to crash into other TV crews on the way."

To be pedigreed as a genuine hurricane news report, there must be a trailer park clip. There's more at the link.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/10/2004 11:09:00 AM

U.S. Navy Memorializes 9/11 With Two Ships

The Navy announced that two ships will be built and christened to memorialize 9/11 victims. The USS Somerset will be named after Somerset County, Pennsylvania, where Flight 93 crashed. The USS Arlington will be named after Arlington, Virginia, location of the Pentagon. Both ships will be built in New Orleans and will be San Antonio class amphibious transport docks. Each will have a crew of 363 and be able to carry 699 Marines.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/10/2004 10:11:00 AM

Chicago's Surveillance Cameras

The city of Chicago is installing a network of over 2,000 cameras to provide continuous monitoring for emergencies and suspicious activity, particularly around potential terrorist targets.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/10/2004 09:17:00 AM

Michigan Dove Season Starts

(Lansing, Michigan) For almost a century, it was illegal to blast mourning doves out of the Michigan sky but not anymore. By a 7-0 vote, the Michigan Natural Resources Commission approved a dove-hunting season starting today and ending October 30. Hunting seasons will also occur in 2005 and 2006 and then an assessment of the effect on the population will be used to determine if continued hunting should be permitted.

Mourning doves are among the most common birds in North America, with a population that fluctuates between 400 million and 500 million and is affected primarily by weather conditions.

Hunters kill an estimated 25 million doves a year in the United States, about 5 to 8 percent of the population. Biologists say that figure is insignificant in light of doves' natural mortality rate, which ranges from 30 percent to 40 percent annually.

Hunters normally try to shoot the birds as they fly into grain fields to feed, and doves are considered the hardest game bird to hit, with an national average of seven shotgun shells fired for every dove killed.

Just think about it. Seven shells for one bird means you would most likely need a semi-automatic gun to get any kills. Can't you just imagine - Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Yahoo! I got one! Hunters are allowed to bag 15 doves daily.

By the way, hunting opponents are not giving up the fight. The anti-gun anti-hunting crowd is now trying to collect enough signatures to put the dove-hunting issue on the ballot to let the voters decide.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/10/2004 08:13:00 AM

Key West Evacuating, But Not The Homeless

(Key West, Florida) Previously, this blog has discussed the generous benefits afforded vagrants in Key West and many homeless have taken up residence in "safe zone sleeping areas" built earlier this year. The city offers showers, laundry facilities, and other amenities to keep vagrants out of the city parks and off the beaches. Besides the expense and the fact that more and more homeless continually arrive in Key West, a real problem the city is faced with today is what to do with the homeless population when the entire population of the city has been told to evacuate due to Hurricane Ivan.

Well, it appears that some have piled into aging vehicles and left, but those remaining are apparently expected to fend for themselves when Hurricane Ivan hits the island.

There were no plans as of Thursday for Monroe County to evacuate people via buses, Key West city officials said during a noon meeting. There are no Category 4 or 5 hurricane shelters in the Keys that are open to the public.

[ ... ]

[Assistant City Manager John] Jones told his fellow department heads at the noon meeting that the safe zone was being shut down and the county was not providing transportation for the safe zone residents.

If the people of Key West are as compassionate as they often portray, they'll find some shelter for the remaining homeless. It's guaranteed that they won't be able to survive the elements when Hurricane Ivan blows in.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/10/2004 05:26:00 AM

Most LA Workers Found Illiterate

According to a study performed by the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, 53% of workers ages 16 and older in the Los Angeles region are considered functionally illiterate. The study utilized data from the 2000 Census, the U.S. Department of Education, and a survey of literacy programs. The study classified 3.8 million people in LA County as "low-literate" which means "they could not write a note explaining a billing error, use a bus schedule or locate an intersection on a street map."

The authors of the study blame the illiteracy on the massive flood of non-English speaking illegals entering the country and a 30% high school dropout rate. Just a reminder, these illiterate illegal aliens are doing all the essential jobs that illiterate "regular Americans" don't want to do.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/10/2004 04:37:00 AM

Fake Document Operation by Illegal Aliens

(Columbus, Ohio) Federal agents from the Bureau of Immigration and Code Enforcement arrested nine people for operating a company that manufactures fake documents, including Social Security cards, state driver's licenses, Mexican driver's licenses, blank Mexican birth certificates that a buyer could fill in, and Mexican consulate matricula cards. Three cars were loaded with evidence consisting of documents, computers, cash and guns. Four people were charged with making the fake documents and the others were arrested on immigration charges.

Authorities expressed concern that the documents could be used by terrorists. Just a reminder, those arrested are the people that are allowed to stream across the border because they do essential jobs "regular Americans" won't do. Apparently, "regular Americans" will just have to make the fake documents themselves.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/10/2004 03:57:00 AM

Clumsy Bank Guard

Drops his gun and shoots customers.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/09/2004 11:49:00 PM

Russian School Hostage/Massacre Video

Rusty Shackleford has a compilation of links to all the video and photography of the Russian school hostage crisis and subsequent murders by terrorists in Beslan. Included are the Russian NTV video, the BBC version, and a variety of photos.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/09/2004 11:23:00 PM

Arrest Warrant Issued for Playboy Playmate

(Cleveland, Ohio) Miss April for Playboy magazine, Carmella DeCesare, who was also named Playmate of the Year, has an arrest warrant out on her for misdemeanor assault. DeCesare (photo) has been accused of kicking Kristin Hine in the head at a nightclub in Cleveland. Since the charge is minor, police stated they wouldn't track her down but would arrest her if they happen to bump into her. They hope she'll turn herself in.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/09/2004 07:12:00 AM

Terrorist Bomb Blast in Jakarta

A suicide car bomb exploded today at about 0330 GMT outside the Australian Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia. At least eight people are reported dead and 161 injured. The bomb left a crater about five feet in diameter.

Ozguru of G'Day Mate! has more on the story.

This incident is one more reason to question Indonesian security.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/09/2004 04:10:00 AM

Enverbatized?

From The Times of India comes this odd headline.

Jealous Husband Bobbitises Wife's Lover

Yes, it's exactly what one would imagine. John Wayne Bobbit has been immortalized in a verb. Curiously, it must be a regularly used word in the Indian vocabulary since it's not defined nor explained in the article. So, maybe it'll be in the dictionary soon.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/09/2004 03:34:00 AM

School Vending Machines

(Chicago, Illinois) Forget chips, forget peanut butter cups, and forget Coca-Cola or Mountain Dew because now it's rice cakes and bottled water in the vending machines in the Chicago Public Schools. Ooh . . . yummy!

Chalk up another success for the food nazis.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/09/2004 02:51:00 AM

Rat Invasions

(Cleveland, Ohio) Authorities are reporting rat invasions throughout Cleveland and surrounding communities. Rats are routinely moving into yards, burrowing beneath doghouses, sheds, sidewalks, and hiding out in woodpiles. They are even entering homes through toilets. After a previous rat invasion, Denise Roberts of Euclid "installed a baffle that allows the toilet to flush but won't let in another adventurous rat." I'm a little curious how that would work.

Interestingly, animal experts state that the rats are invading due to an abundant food supply being available. This is occurring in the city deemed to have the highest rate of poverty in the nation. So, everybody seems to be starving but the rats.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/09/2004 01:48:00 AM

U.S. Trade With Canada

Obviously pandering for votes, candidate John Kerry announced that he would immediately ban the dumping of Canadian garbage in Michigan if elected president. The State of Michigan, Congress, and Canadian officials have been wrestling with the garbage issue for well over a decade without resolution. The issue has been politically contentious and, maybe, unreasonably so. According to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality,

Michigan handled 57.5 million cubic yards of trash in the 2002 fiscal year. Eighty percent of that trash was generated in Michigan, while 11 to 12 percent came from Canada. The rest came from other states, including Illinois and Ohio.

Therefore, Michigan devotes about 20% of its landfill space to imported garbage, divided somewhat equally among other states and Canada. Michigan is not running out of landfill space and the issue of receiving garbage from other states has long ago died down, yet the controversy of Canadian garbage continues to smolder. It appears that the reason is twofold. Emotionally, it's repulsive to think that the United States is being used as a garbage can for another country and, intellectually, it makes no sense since Canada has much more open space than the U.S. with far fewer inhabitants. Logically, Canada is more than adequately prepared to handle their own garbage. So why don't they?

To understand why Canada, primarily Toronto, is exporting garbage to Michigan, one needs to realize that it's not their desire, rather, they're forced to. With Toronto's social and cultural climate so overwhelmingly liberal, community leaders and politicians beckon to the dictates of special interest utopians. In so doing, they shut down all operating landfills resulting in a caravan of up to 200 trucks daily going to Michigan with household, school, and restaurant waste from Toronto. And an effort to create a new landfill in a remote area of Ontario was blocked by environmentalists. In true liberal fashion, the decision-makers planned to compensate for the loss of landfill space with an ambitious recycling program which has yet to materialize and probably will be pushed aside due to exorbitant predicted expense. In summary, Ontario simply doesn't, at present, have any alternatives other than sending their garbage to Michigan.

On the Michigan side of the border, there are several issues. There is a loud environmentalist outrage from advocacy groups who cite many reasons for not importing garbage. First of all, they don't like landfills despite who is filling them. Opponents also reasonably assert that U.S. and Michigan environmental controls on what's allowed to be landfilled are different and sometimes more stringent than Canadian standards. Also reasonable is their complaint that border inspections of garbage trucks are cursory at best, thereby increasing the risk that medical waste, chemical waste, contraband, and even people will easily and regularly enter the U.S.

On the other side of the garbage issue are two strong arguments. One is money. At current landfill charges of anywhere from $25 to $50 per ton (sometimes even higher), the total volume of imported garbage to Michigan represents upwards of $100 million or more going into the state's economy. The other argument accommodating importation of garbage is the law (see previous entry). Specifically, the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Since garbage is defined as a commodity, its flow across the border can't be arbitrarily halted without changing NAFTA.

I started this post with the statement that Kerry is pandering for votes by raising the Canadian garbage issue. Well, others hold the same opinion.

Jane Pitfield, chair of Toronto's works committee, accused Kerry of playing politics.

"It's a cheap shot and I hope it costs him," she said. "A threat like this accomplishes nothing."

Michigan is a swing state and Kerry is looking for anything to nuance.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/08/2004 08:42:00 PM

National Health Care

People who propose that the United States implement a socialized health care system are guilty of ignoring the poor success achieved by other countries. For instance, if Bill Clinton was relying on the Canadian Health Care system to repair his heart, his bypass surgery would have occurred only after a wait of almost six weeks. As it is, the U.S. health care system diagnosed his condition, performed necessary surgery, and had him in recovery in a few days. Disregarding the fact that Britain and New Zealand have even worse records than Canada, Canadians themselves don't trust their health care system and travel to the U.S. for treatment, if they can afford it.

So, if Hillary Care had been passed, one likely result would have been to increase the risk of a hubby heart attack while he waited about six weeks to be treated. Ergo, when a rejuvenated Bill Clinton returns home, maybe mommy will get a spanking. (via Country Store)
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       Following Entry Posted 9/08/2004 05:03:00 AM

Aussies Limit Union Demands

In a somewhat groundbreaking decision, the Australian High Court has ruled that union demands from management have to pertain to the workers, working conditions, employment policies, benefits and the like. The ruling prevents the unions from tossing into negotiations such issues as the environment, social programs, and political causes. For example, the union would be prohibited from demanding that a company develop a program to protect the Canadian beaver if it didn't pertain to the business. Unions wouldn't be stopped from actively supporting causes of any kind, they just couldn't make it part of their contract negotiations with management.

Although I'm not familiar with Australian Labor Laws, the High Court ruling appears to be quite sensible. The laws of the U.S. must be very different with regard to unions since I can't recall this subject being a big issue. Nonetheless, unions should represent workers with regard to their work and extraneous issues shouldn't be included. (via Dissecting Leftism)
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       Following Entry Posted 9/07/2004 08:09:00 PM

Iraqi Marriage Boom

During the regime of Saddam Hussein, young Iraqi couples were greatly impeded from getting married by repressive government regulations and the simple fact that it was unaffordable due to a feeble pre-war economy providing meager income. In addition to letters of recommendation from neighborhood representatives and the security office, a young man would also have to present documentation that he had served in the military. Consequently, divorces were much more common than weddings and bliss was denied to thousands. All that has changed.

Salih Thabet al-Azawi, who head a court in north Baghdad's Kadhemiya district, said that between April and June this year, just over 1,100 couples tied the knot in there, compared with the figure of around 200 which would have been average for the same three-month period in previous years.

According to Azawi, in past years twice as many people were divorcing as marrying. But today, some of the reasons for divorce - such as money problems or the emigration of one of the partners - have faded, and in the last three months only 48 cases have come before him.

The burgeoning post-war economy has raised income levels to the extent that marriage is now affordable.

Civil servants in particular have benefited. Khaldoun Dhiab, 33, a chemical engineer in the public sector, makes the equivalent of 330 US dollars a month now, an 1,800 per cent improvement on the 17 dollars he earned before the war.

It's nice to report good stories. I'm sure there are many more, all ignored by the elite leftist media.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/07/2004 01:50:00 PM

Lap-Dancers and Ugly Women

This story from The Herald is a real chuckle maker.

Male customers visiting lap-dancing clubs could have their photographs taken and posted on a website, women's rights campaigners warned yesterday.

The tactic, first used in Newcastle, will be adopted in Scotland if an application by For Your Eyes Only to open a club in Glasgow is approved next month.

The Newcastle strategy involved placing pictures of the men on a website - www.theyhavetopayforit.com. It was abandoned after clubgoers retaliated by deeming the protesters "ugly" and putting their photos on a site called thesewomencantgiveitaway.com.

Although the Newcastle strategy seemed to quiet the protesters, the Scottish Women Against Pornography (SWP) are not deterred and intend on photographing the lap-dancing customers. Showing appropriate regard for the position of the SWP, the Glasgow City Council is conducting research on the safety and nuisance aspects of lap-dancing. Previous research alleges that sexual favors are available at some clubs.

My take is that if the government is going to be involved, they should standardize the services throughout all clubs. (via New York Escort)
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       Following Entry Posted 9/07/2004 01:01:00 PM

Iran To Show New Missile

From Tehran comes the news that Iran is preparing to test their new Shahab-3 missile to demonstrate to "observers" that they are mucho macho Muslims. The improved missile has an estimated range of 2,000km. Although Iran contends the missile is for defense only, it's been seen in parades with the words, "Israel should be wiped off the map" stenciled on it. Interestingly, Iran is working to produce a nuclear warhead to mate with their new missile.

Let's all watch as international diplomacy takes care of these problems.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/07/2004 10:06:00 AM

Telepsychiatry

(Kennebec, Maine) The ghost of "Call Me Now" Cleo has resurfaced. The State of Maine is instituting a telecommunications-assisted psychiatric program to serve people throughout remote areas of the state. According to the Kennebec Journal, here's how it works:

Arrive for a telepsychiatry appointment, and you'll be seated in front of what looks like a large-screen television, and handed a remote control.

A doctor will appear on the screen, and you may notice a camera at the top of the screen swinging your way, getting your face and body in the psychiatrist's sight. Using the $11,000 equipment, he can zoom in to look closely at your face, or pull the camera back to take in the entire room, including family members who might be seated nearby.

Likewise, with your remote, you can do the same to the doctor.

So, the patient does the doctor and the doctor does the patient and both have remote controls and large-screen televisions. Chalk up another advance in modern medicine.

The Medical Director of the Maine Telepsychiatry Initiative, Dr. Edward Pontius, is piloting the program which adds to an existing telemedicine network in Maine. Dr. Pontius admits that there are drawbacks with telepsychiatry. Specifically, gone are the advantages of face-to-face sessions such as detecting "fruity-smelling breath" which might indicate a disease such as diabetes or noticing unusual body language or nervous ticks.

It seems that 21st Century medicine in the U.S. is trending more and more toward being practiced via television screens and email.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/07/2004 06:19:00 AM

Death Row Bali Bomber Writes Autobiography

(Jakarta, Indonesia) Convicted and sentenced to death, Bali bomber Imam Samudra has completed a 280-page autobiography to justify his role in the terrorist murders of 202 people in October 2002. The book's publisher, Bambang Sukirno, said the initial printing of 5,000 has been distributed and the book is available for about $4 in parts of Indonesia. Samudra, having shown only defiance during court appearances and no remorse over the nightclub bombings, was sentenced to death in September 2003 with no date specified for his execution.

This news is troubling, especially when coupled with the recent report that one of Samudra's terrorist comrades, Ali Imron, enjoyed himself on an outing in public even though he was sentenced to life in prison. I fear that justice may not be served to these terrorists.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/07/2004 05:12:00 AM

More Expensive Coffee

A few months ago, I heard a regular at the local coffee shop say, "Pretty soon, you'll need a sawbuck to get coffee at Starbucks." For some reason, it stuck in my mind. Maybe it was the rhyme or maybe the apparent truth of the statement. According to this report, Starbucks announced its going to jack up prices to cover the increased cost of milk, rent, and insurance. Starbucks hasn't said how much it will increase prices, but insiders are expecting about a 5% adder to the average $2 to $2.50 coffee.

My take is that every Democrat that screams the current economy is the worst economy since the Great Depression should be asked how that comparison can be made when a company can grow and prosper by selling cups of coffee at $2.50 each. If trendiness can be a household budget expense, the economy can't be as bad as it's portrayed.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/06/2004 10:42:00 PM

Rabid Raccoons

(Cleveland, Ohio) More than 20 raccoons have been confirmed to have rabies in the outskirts of Cleveland, mostly in Geauga and Lake Counties. To counter the outbreak, vaccine packets encased in fishmeal will be dropped from airplanes starting this week. According to this report, it appears the vaccine baits would look perfectly natural alongside the scones and finger sandwiches at the luncheon buffet. They are about the size of a Trisket and may be eaten by dogs since they are harmless to pets. However, people should always wear gloves when handling and, if the vaccines comes into contact with the skin, wash affected area immediately with soap and water.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/06/2004 09:09:00 PM

FEMA Recommends Charities

The idea that the federal government is recommending that people contribute to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's favorite charities I think is criminal. If there is a better way to invite corruption, I'm unaware of it. Now, if I can find out who puts together the list and get the Interested-Participant Relief Fund added, I'd gladly commit to targeting some operating funds in their direction.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/06/2004 08:38:00 PM

Max Cleland Campaigns in Ohio

(Lorain, Ohio) Consistent with pronouncements of the elite media, former Democratic Senator Max Cleland yesterday told a holiday crowd that Ohio is a high-unemployment, poverty-stricken wasteland and it's all President Bush's fault. An estimated 10,000 union members and their families listened during Sunday's 10th Annual Labor Day Family Celebration at Lakeview Park as Cleland called Ohio "ground zero" for the election of the next president.

The crowd was asked to vote for John Kerry or, if President Bush is reelected, expect Ohio to continue to be a sewer. However, he promised the Democrats would come with aid for Ohio and Ohio's unions. Ominously, he threatened that:

"With four more years of George Bush, there won't be any more organized labor."

I don't think any rational person would buy that President Bush plans to make the unions disappear.

Sponsors expected 30,000 (versus 10,000 actual) union faithful to attend the event which featured Jerry Springer and appearances by Congressfolks Sherrod Brown, Marcy Kaptur and Ted Strickland.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/06/2004 07:08:00 AM

China Attacking Internet Porn

China has initiated an anti-porn campaign after becoming increasingly alarmed at the volume of pornography on the Internet. There are believed to be tens of thousands of Internet police shutting down websites and arresting pornographers who face possible life prison sentences.

Personally, I don't think they're going to be able to police just the porn and keep the Internet viable as a communications medium.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/06/2004 05:09:00 AM

Child Suicide Bombers

Recalling a previous post, last year the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) featured a program called Everybody's ABC which televised an interview with a Palestinian husband and wife. As a simple matter-of-fact, the couple stated that they were planning on having eight children and they wanted at least four to be suicide bombers.

When I read the story last December, it became a data point just like thousands of other data points I collect while reading. But, over time, the story established itself as different from the rest of the stories I have filed away in long term memory. It persistently materialized in my thinking. For example, driving to the grocery store for bread, milk, and eggs, I'd find myself thinking of that Palestinian couple, wondering how they could have such a sick value system to deliberately plan the early deaths of half of their children. While at the library, seeing a table full of kids doing homework, I wondered how could they possibly choose which ones to strap bombs on. What criteria would they use? How could any rational person volunteer one or more of their children to die? All through this year, I've been unable to stop thinking about the family that raises suicide children. As a parent, I can conclude that these people have diseased minds. As an observer of people and political systems, I can surmise that the cause of the disease is the incessant and enduring propagandizing of the populace by Islamofascists.

I'm revisiting the subject of suicide children primarily because it's been haunting me and I think it's worthwhile for all rational people to not only be aware of the practice but to also think about it at length. It's frightening but everyone has to recognize that strapping a child with explosives and sending him into a restaurant in Tel Aviv is not much different than sending a suicide kid into the Mall of America. Personally, I don't think it's possible to have too much dialogue on child suicide bombers. I also don't think that the United States can prevent a child suicide attack forever.

Michelle Malkin writes on the subject in a post about the Palestinian Jihadi Kiddie television show that indoctrinates children about the glory of martyrdom. Unbelievably, the program seems to be funded by the hundreds of millions of dollars in foreign aid given to the Palestinian Authority by the United States. It's hard to accept that groups are committed to stopping terrorism when they continue training suicide children unabated.

Hat tip: Dissecting Leftism
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       Following Entry Posted 9/05/2004 11:43:00 PM

Treatment of Iraqi Prisoners

Gary Cruse of The Owner's Manual pointed me to this story which describes the methods used to treat detainees in Iraqi prisons. The article discusses the isolated incidents of sexual humiliation at Abu Ghraib by American soldiers and compares those incidents with the current situation where prisoners are beaten and tortured by Iraqi security forces. The slant of the story is best illustrated by the subheading.

Iraqis are policing Iraq now, which means that detainees are being beaten instead of sexually humiliated

In presenting the story in an upbeat manner, reporter Ghaith Abdul-Ahad relates his approval and the joy of others that the Americans no longer control the prisoners.

So what has happened since the handover on June 30? Nothing much, just a reinstallation of the 5,000-year-old tradition of human rights in this part of the world.

In Najaf police station, mid-August: cries of pain and thuds of people getting the shit beaten out of them were coming out of the hall where detainees from the anti-government Mahdi army were kept. A policeman carrying a thick electricity cable went running into the hall after being told that new suspects had just arrived.

It's not known whether he interviewed any prisoners, but I can't imagine many would opt for physical torture over humiliation. And the oddest thing is that the Western media criticized the Americans because treatment of prisoners was considered too brutal while, all along, the Arabs were critical because the Americans were too nice. That's how it looks to me.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/05/2004 08:29:00 PM

School Eliminates Parties

(Groveport, Ohio) Christmas, Halloween, and Valentine's Day parties are now prohibited at the Glendening Elementary School. Birthday parties are also scrapped. So, what's the genius thinking behind this mandate?

Principal William Sternberg said about 15 percent of the student population doesn't participate in the parties because of personal beliefs. He said the teachers think the classroom gatherings take away valuable instructional time.

Evidently there are two reasons for prohibiting the continuation of school traditions. The first is political correctness. Since 15% of the students (I think that number was pulled out of the air, by the way) don't participate because of personal beliefs, the parties are canceled. This is dumb even if the 15% number is valid. You could easily get 15% of the population of the U.S. to support canceling 4th of July celebrations. Hey, Principal Sternberg, check the dictionary. Fifteen percent is a minority and the minority position loses to the majority, that is, unless Glendening Elementary School is instituting some sort of unwritten affirmative action policy with regard to holiday parties.

The second reason cited is that teachers think parties take away valuable classroom time. Think about how lame this excuse is. At most, these parties encompass a few days out of the school year and, chances are, not even that much. After all, Christmas actually occurs during school vacation and Halloween or Valentine's Day parties shouldn't take up more than an hour or two of any one school day. Agreed, all classroom time is valuable, but taking a day or two out of a nine-month school year to boost the kids morale and to continue the traditions of the school provides more benefit than any imagined detriment because of loss of classroom time. What bothers me the most is that it appears that the teachers are trying to educate in an environment where society's cultural and social norms are ignored. They are also trying to directly link any poor performance in teaching on the fact that the surrounding community celebrates various holidays.

In summary, the kids (and they are kids, ages 6 through 10) are not going to celebrate holidays because the principal needs political correctness deprogramming and because there's a bunch of whiny teachers who are trying to blame calendar holidays for their poor record as teachers.

Mention also needs to be made about one related aspect of the current education system that puzzles me. I've watched my son's experience over the last decade in public school and have been perplexed by the number of "No School Days" set aside for teachers' meetings. I haven't actually counted them but they seem to occur almost monthly. Granted, I'm from a previous generation, but I have no recollection of frequently getting out of school so the teachers could meet. I don't know what they're meeting about, but it would seem to be taking valuable classroom time. My suggestion is to have the teachers give up a couple of their "meeting days" and let the children have their parties.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/05/2004 09:14:00 AM

The Associated Press Lie

When President Bush announced during a campaign stop that Bill Clinton was being hospitalized for a heart problem, the Associated Press reported that the crowd booed loudly and the President did nothing to stop them. Audio and video evidence shows that there was no booing. The AP lied. After being called on the falsity, the news service removed reference to booing from its report but failed to offer an apology nor an explanation. The story was picked up throughout the world and there's been no effort to set the entire record straight. This is not an example of bias, it's an example of fraud. Somebody should be fired!

For follow up on this story, watch Spoons. He's covering it closely.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/05/2004 07:10:00 AM

New Sex Game

Over the years, I've developed a confidence level that I am fairly knowledgeable in the affairs of the heart and flesh. I figured if I hadn't done it, surely I've read about it. Well, that confidence has been shattered. There's a new sex game being practiced which makes me wonder what else is going on.

According to this report, after a woman checked into the hospital with a large bruise on her stomach, investigating officers learned that "the bruise was the result of a sexual game that involved participants hitting each other in the stomachs."

For a sex game, it sounds remarkably like assault and battery. The presumed enjoyable nuances of the Punch In The Stomach Sex Game completely escape me.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/05/2004 05:53:00 AM

Koreans Upset With Bush Speech

According to the Korean-language Chosun Ilbo, whether intentional or not, the failure of President Bush's acceptance speech to acknowledge the contribution of South Korea as a member of the Coalition Forces has caused consternation. The President made mention of Japan and Australia but overlooked South Korea. In the words of Korea blogger Oranckay:

"It was wrong whether omitted by intention or simply forgotten. We might find out in the coming days if the White House notices the mistake and has him slip in quick mention in a speech somewhere in the coming days. Perhaps Bush could invite [President] Roh to the ranch sometime?"

My take is that presidential speeches are customarily vetted up the wazoo so, if some group or country was offended, quite possibly it was intended. However, I don't discount the likelihood of a screwup and, if so, the situation with overlooking South Korea's commitment is easily correctable. We'll just have to wait and see if anything is done. (via Robert Koehler)
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       Following Entry Posted 9/05/2004 05:00:00 AM

Strange Bedfellows

Robert Koehler of The Marmot's Hole has posted proof positive that politics makes strange bedfellows. He describes a real-life event where the military arranged a meeting in a brothel between a Christian conservative and a communist. It appears they were bedfellows both figuratively and literally.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/05/2004 03:51:00 AM

Muslim Woman Sues For Being Forced to Remove Scarf

(Cleveland, Ohio) Aisha Samad claims her freedom of religion was infringed upon by county and sheriff's department authorities two years ago when she was told to remove her scarf. Consequently, she is suing for $125,000.

A month after the incident, the director of the county corrections center issued a written apology. He says the sheriff also has instituted a policy that says Muslim inmates may cover their heads, and that the jail keeps extra scarves on hand for them to use.

How nice. Can we assume that the jail will keep extra rosary beads for Catholics, extra yarmulkes for Jews, and extra sacrificial chickens for those that worship Santaria?

Probably not since, in this day and age, only Muslims are entitled to extra equality.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/04/2004 11:44:00 PM

Dozens of Dunkin' Donuts

Contrary to the image portrayed by the major media and the Democratic Party that Northeast Ohio is a wasteland of unemployed people and poverty-stricken families, the region is an exciting location for expanding business according to Allied Domecq PLC of Bristol, England, the parent company of Dunkin' Donuts. The company, impressed with the availability and affordability of real estate, and the "reasonable" cost to build new stores, has decided to blanket Greater Cleveland with more than 90 new stores. Over the next few years, the world's largest retailer of coffee-to-go and baked goods is expected to create an estimated 2,000 full-time and part-time jobs.

Part of the plan includes a deal with Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., a Canadian convenience store company which will open 66 stores, some combined with convenience stores and some free-standing franchises. According to Michel Bernard, Vice President of Operations of Couche-Tard,

"Within the next 12 months, Couche-Tard will invest $8 million in the Cleveland area to improve our current stores and to build new ones."

To support the retail locations, production and distribution facilities will be constructed and operated in NE Ohio.

Interestingly, while writing this post, local television news segments showed John Kerry and Dennis Kucinich harshly reviling and scolding President Bush for turning Ohio into a poverty-stricken wasteland. Personally, I sometimes get a little perturbed by the Democrats and the media constantly implying my home state is a toilet of despair.

[Addendum 9/6/04, 6pm EDT] This post has been included in this week's Carnival of the Capitalists hosted by Joe Grossberg. As always, the carnival marquees good writing while being hot-off-the-presses topical. Catching my eye this week are Wayne Hurlbert with a post on making money from blogging and Anita Campbell who posts some favorable news about small business which is generally ignored by the elite media. Treat yourself and visit the carnival.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/04/2004 09:38:00 PM

Pesky Arithmetic

Earlier this year, hundreds of volunteer counters and city employees conducted a census of the homeless population in the city of Chicago. A total of 958 people were found and, since hundreds of census-takers were involved, it appears they were found as lone individuals or very small groups. This became a contentious issue because the actual population of 958 homeless counted could not be rationally correlated to the 80,000 homeless estimated by the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless.

For pointing out the discrepancy between estimated and factual numbers, Interested-Participant was harshly criticized for "misleading" the readers and being guilty of "fantastic exaggeration." Additional criticism was directed toward the actual census, its timing and methodology, and all conservatives who live in a "deluded world," failing to grasp the concepts of charity and compassion.

Remember, this all came about because of a very large discrepancy in numbers. The results have been attacks on Interested-Participant, the census, the census-takers, and all conservatives. And blame has to be placed squarely on one thing: pesky arithmetic.

Generally, conservatives would look at the discrepancy and try to reconcile the two numbers. Sure, given all factors, 958 homeless is probably a low total. But, without a lot more data, it would require a leap of faith to accept that it's over 79,000 low.

On the other hand, liberals rightly assert that arithmetic is useless in measuring feelings and compassion and, therefore, they tend discount the validity of pesky arithmetic unless it directly supports their feelings and compassion. Consequently, when pesky numbers don't add up, they are ignored and the people doing the adding are attacked for not having any feelings nor any compassion.

Attitudes with regard to announcing precise demographic data are political. With respect to the homeless, advocacy groups have a desire to receive as many tax dollars as is achievable to conduct their business. To be fair to the taxpayer, exact numbers need to be known, and when the problem is quantified accurately, a meaningful strategy can be employed to address it. Chicago is attempting to quantify and address its problem and has counted the pesky total of 958 homeless. The liberals ignore this number since it casts doubt on their estimation of 80,000.

Mention needs to be made that the homeless advocacy is not motivated to reduce the numbers of homeless. It's their job to provide for the homeless. The more homeless the better because that's more tax and charity funds given to the advocacy groups. If the population of homeless decreases, their business must contract. If the population goes to zero, they have to shut down and find different work.

Based upon the aforementioned, it's always a good idea to scrutinize and question the estimates provided by advocacy groups. Some people believe that compassion always trumps pesky arithmetic but, unfortunately for them, pesky arithmetic is what is used to count the dollars extracted from the pockets of American taxpayers.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/04/2004 05:52:00 AM

Russian School Death Toll Rising

(Beslan, North Ossetia) The Russian school in Beslan is located in North Ossetia near Chechnya, where the murdering separatists have been fighting for independence from Moscow for a decade. They fight by killing innocent women, children, and infants.

Casualty reports from Wednesday's terrorist attack on the school vary from 200 to over 250 dead with hundreds more hospitalized in "grave condition." The total dead and injured is expected to increase as debris is removed and buried bodies are discovered. Conflicting reports pepper the casualty numbers and the status of the pursuit for the terrorists.

A number of hostages, covered in blood, were carried away in stretchers to local hospitals or a makeshift field hospital set up several kilometres from the school. Several bodies covered in white sheets are lying on the ground near the field hospital. [Pictured below is the horror in a photo by Sergey Ponomarev for the Associated Press.]


Desperate family members crowded around lists of the dead and injured posted on hospital walls.

I've been closely following the tragedies in Russia for the past couple weeks. The downing of the two Russian passenger airliners, the bombing at the Moscow metro station, and now the attack on the Beslan school have overtaken my emotions. I feel so, so sorry for the people who have had their lives demolished by cruel madmen. I feel the uncontrollable tears in their eyes, the emptiness in their hearts, and the deep unremitting pain in their souls. I feel the same way I did on September 11, 2001.

And I feel rage. The people responsible for these crimes against humanity need to be found and killed, preferably slowly and painfully, while they are hungry, while they are thirsty, and while their bodies, day after day, are frozen with fear. That's how the children died.

The Command Post provides additional coverage and informative links. Michelle Malkin follows up on the "Sophie's Choice" story of a mother forced to choose saving her daughter or her son. Go visit.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/04/2004 02:50:00 AM

Bar Association Votes to Continue Screwing Clients

(Winnipeg, Manitoba) At the annual Canadian Bar Association meeting, representatives rejected two proposed resolutions to prohibit member lawyers from screwing their clients. After passionate debate, the association decided that approving the motions would effectively be official acknowledgment that there are problems. So, the motions were soundly defeated.

Interestingly, there's no confirmation of the closed-door meeting where it's rumored that the organization overwhelmingly passed a motion to disbar and deport the lawyer who proposed the rule to stop screwing the clients.

My take is that observing arguments among lawyers who aren't being paid is measurably more enjoyable than watching them fleece clients. Thanks to new blogger Alexa for pointing me to this story.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/03/2004 09:18:00 PM

Hurricane Frances

Here's the latest news on Hurricane Frances as of 9pm EDT.

- Landfall is predicted for 6pm Saturday near Vero Beach, Florida.

- Frances is expected to dump 20 inches of rain.

- Storm surges of 5 to 10 feet predicted.

- Over 2.5 million people have been evacuated.

- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has mobilized 4,500 workers.

Ominously, the storm is moving very slowly over open water, which tends to increase its strength.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/03/2004 08:14:00 PM

Bush Gets Double-Digit Bounce

The latest TIME polling indicates that 52% of likely voters would pick George W. Bush and 41% would favor John Kerry. James Joyner at Outside The Beltway has the story and commentary. Go visit.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/03/2004 06:25:00 PM

Bush Acceptance Speech

With time devoted to keeping up on Russian terrorism and Hurricane Frances, I've neglected spending some moments on President Bush's speech last night. My take is edginess about all the domestic spending and spending promises. He's already obligated a significant bankroll for a prescription drug entitlement and he promises more health care spending. All the while, I'm exceedingly uncomfortable that the borders of the United States are nothing more than speed bumps. Bush has also been hinting that he'll bend over for the eco-crowd and that, frankly, scares the hell out of me.

With regard to national security, I think the Bush administration is doing a good job. Until the Muslims can produce the Islamic equivalent of a Martin Luther or a Mahatma Ghandi to reform their belief system, force will need to be applied externally and that's what is being done. One aspect of Bush's foreign policy that can't be ignored is the fact that American military forces are operating out of bases in quite a few Central Asian countries. These bases provide significant strategic, intelligence, and logistical options in the region. Enhancing the ability of the American military to project power is always in the best interests of the United States, democracy, and freedom.

Also offering a critical look at Bush's speech is Sean Hackbarth at The American Mind. Worth a visit. And be sure to check out the RNC Bloggers for more detailed, up-close-and-personal, commentary. Spoons, by the way, has a few words of commentary on Kerry's late-night rebuttal of the Bush speech. You'll love it.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/03/2004 03:17:00 PM

Home Town Girl Makes Good

Go to the San Francisco Chronicle homepage and look at the pride that's displayed in having a home town native make headlines.


Pictured is June Brashares who has a long resume of radical leftist experience and ties to groups like United for Peace and Justice. She sneaked into the Republican National Convention and was within 50 feet of President Bush during his acceptance speech when she stood, unfurled a protest banner and yelled "Bush Lies!" Not only are many in San Francisco anti-American, but the local newspapers herald that pride by giving anti-Americanism front-page prominence.

With the chance of getting one's picture on the front page, expect increased boldness by radical leftists to challenge security and disturb the peace.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/03/2004 02:23:00 PM

Seventy-Nine Hostages Killed

(Beslan, Ossetia) The Moscow Times reports that Chief Valery Andreyev, Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), stated that 79 hostages were killed in the school terrorism attack. Also, hundreds of adults and children have been hospitalized. Wizbang reports that more than 100 have died and FOXNews fears more than 150 killed. The Command Post is keeping updates to the story.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/03/2004 06:56:00 AM

School Terrorism - Update 2

Russian soldiers have control of the school and are chasing the fleeing terrorists as they try to make an escape. Continuous small arms gunfire in adjacent buildings. It's been noted by the media that there is confidence that the Russian soldiers will botch every rescue attempt. It's also been noted that Chechen terrorists have a reputation for being able to conduct attacks and slip away. Many of the terrorists were trained in Al-Qaida camps in Afghanistan. None of this is good news.

Interfax has an unconfirmed report that all hostages have been rescued from the school and 120 children are reported wounded.

There's a fear that the terrorists may attempt to blend into the chaotic crowds. Several terrorists have been arrested and some are holed up in neighborhood houses and shooting at soldiers.

[Update 8:10am EDT] Now it's reported that 250 children are hospitalized and five were killed by the terrorists, shooting indiscriminately as they fled.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/03/2004 05:26:00 AM

School Terrorism - Update

FOXNews is reporting right now, Dana Lewis audio with Russian TV images, heavy automatic and small arms gunfire and explosions for about the last half hour have been coming from the school. About 30 hostages have escaped, some injured and covered with blood. Soldiers seen moving toward the three-story school. Gunfire is continuous.

Combat helicopters on scene. Russian Special Forces Alpha units are taking up positions around school.

Three days of lacking food and medicine, along with plugged sanitation facilities taking its toll in 90 degree heat on the estimated 900 children and adults.

Interfax is reporting the school roof has collapsed, probably from terrorists explosives.

[5:55am EDT, 1:55pm Southern Russian Time] Images of escaping hostages by Russian TV shows people having to be carried out or colapsing after a few steps. Half-naked children running out to get water.

It's reported that twenty adult males were taken and executed earlier, not confirmed. It's also reported that children are huddled in gymnasium surrounded by explosives.

Heavy gunfire continues.

Media is complaining that they are receiving no information from the Russian authorities.

Troops are now said to be in the school building.

CNN (Ryan Chilcote) is reporting that at least 10 people have been injured in the gunfight. In an unconfirmed report, the shooting started when children began running from the school and the Chechen separatists opened fire on the kids.

MSNBC (Branislav Siljkovic) reports from the scene that two female suicide bombers have left the school masquerading as rescue workers. They may have gotten away.

TASS News gives unconfirmed report that Russian troops have full control of school. Five terrorists reported killed.

[6:40am EDT] FOXNews (Dana Lewis) is reporting that 2 to 6 terrorists have escaped, using children as human shields. Gunfire continues at school so the battle apparently continues. Over 150 children taken to hospital. Russian soldiers are reported to have blown a hole in the school wall to allow many to escape.

CNN (Ryan Chilcote) reports from an area still under fire about 200 yards from school that terrorists are possibly trying to shoot their way out of the school.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/03/2004 04:44:00 AM

Terrorism in Russia

Wednesday's terrorist attack on the Russian school in Beslan, North Ossetia, appears to be led by an Islamist radical and a Chechen warlord. Wahabi Islam follower, Magomed Yevloyev, and red-bearded warlord, Doku Umarov, are considered most likely to be the perpetrators. The updated status is:

Hostage-takers released 30 women and children, including three infants, but more than 300 people remained trapped inside a school in this North Ossetian town for a second day Thursday. President Vladimir Putin said winning their freedom is his "main goal."

In a first release, two women and three babies left the school and crossed a security perimeter to safety Wednesday afternoon. One of the babies was naked and sat silently in the back seat of a sedan as former Ingush President Ruslan Aushev, who helped negotiate the group's release, addressed a crowd of anxious relatives.


A few minutes later, the heavily armed hostage-takers freed 25 women and children from the other side of the school. A teenage girl, wearing black pants and a black shirt with white stripes and holding a pink purse, was so weak that two or three men carried her out.

Aushev and Leonid Roshal, a well-known doctor, are assisting with negotiations with the attackers who are demanding the withdrawal of federal troops from Chechnya and the release of jailed insurgents.

Pictured is a Russian special forces officer carrying a baby from the school in Beslan on Thursday. Behind him are two women carrying babies who were also freed after negotiations with Aushev. (Viktor Korotayev photo/Reuters)

The exact number of hostages is not known. According to Lev Dzugayev, an aide to North Ossetian President Alexander Dzasokhov, 350 children and adults were in the school, however, others estimate from 400 children alone to as many as 1,200 children and adults are being held hostage.

The exact number of deaths is also not known. Estimates vary between 12 and 16 at present. As many as nine bodies of victims remain on school grounds, too close to be retrieved safely, and are being chewed on by dogs. A request to shoot the dogs was denied for fear of alarming the terrorists and starting a firefight. The hostage-takers have vowed to kill 50 children for every one of their own killed.

According to the Kremlin, President Bush and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder each called President Putin offering any and all support. And, Putin needs support and prayers and luck to weather this crisis, as terrorism, not the economy, has become the predominant threat to Russia and to his presidency.

What we need now is some civil liberty leftists to tell us how the imperialist Americans are abusing the rights of terrorist detainees. Or maybe this is a good time for the Kerry campaign to downplay the importance of defending the nation and encourage the UN to take over.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/03/2004 03:03:00 AM

Mass Panty Flash

The Country Store has the heads up on the Jacob Laksin report of the 100 young women in Manhattan's Battery Park flashing bright pink panties to show support for the Democrats.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/02/2004 01:36:00 PM

Satellite Tracking of Criminals

(United Kingdom) Using electronic ankle bracelets and global positioning satellites, convicted sex offenders, burglars, robbers, and car thieves will be tracked 24 hours per day in a pilot project announced by British Home Secretary David Blunkett. At a daily cost per criminal of about $100, the tracking program will "cover several thousand people, including 5,000 prolific offenders," according to Correctional Services Minister Paul Goggins. This adds up to a total cost just for the pilot program of over $180 million per year. No information was provided regarding the cost or timetable for extending the tracking program to the entire population.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/02/2004 09:09:00 AM

Bali Bomber Seen Out "Having Coffee"

(Jakarta, Indonesia) Having been sentenced to life in prison for his part in killing more than 200 people in the Bali nightclub bombing, Ali Imron surprised everyone by being spotted out sauntering through a shopping mall and enjoying a cup of coffee at Starbucks. He was accompanied by the Director of Indonesian Narcotics and Drugs Gorries Mere. A police spokesman said he didn't know why Imron was out of prison.

The sheer audacity of this incident would seem to indicate a serious level of corruption in the Indonesian police. (via MyPetJawa)
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       Following Entry Posted 9/02/2004 05:52:00 AM

Chechen "Black Widow" Suicide Bombers

The recent acts of terrorism in Russia have been attributed to women, called Black Widows, that have been indoctrinated to believe they are avenging the deaths of their husbands. Dave at Blogo Slovo translates from Russian the insidious technique used by the Chechen separatists.

They steal away some teenage girl for a wedding, as it often happens, without informing the parents. They take her away to the mountains, where there are no courts. They knock off the newly made husband in a faux shoot-out. After which they can pump up the girl, give her instructions, and send her off to 'avenge'.

Besides the recent bombings of two Russian airplanes and at the Moscow metro station, two Chechen Black Widows are believed to be responsible for killing 14 at a concert last year.

Murderously sick politics.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/02/2004 12:27:00 AM

Smiling In A Minefield

Although I haven't read In Defense of Internment yet, Michelle Malkin has my respect. In writing and publishing the book, she created her own personal minefield and, now, she's casually walking through it. The number of groups and individuals offended increases daily. And daily she has to repulse new barrages. It's entertaining to watch.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/01/2004 11:24:00 PM

The Anti-Bush Protesters

According to this report in the Washington Times, the number of protesters in New York on August 29, 2004, was announced to be 400,000 by the organizers of the event. Unofficially, police estimated about half that number.

Nonetheless, there's some agreement that the crowd was larger than 100,000 people, and possibly reached 200,000, who clamored for the defeat of President Bush in November. A group called United for Peace and Justice, funded by the Tides Foundation and individual donations, organized the demonstration which was led by Michael Moore, Danny Glover, and Jesse Jackson.

So, who are the protesters? There have been hints that they represent a cross-section of the American public, filled with a national anger at President Bush and the Republicans. Well, to dispel any illusions, a quick review of the website of the organizers would indicate that there seems to be little commonality with most of America. United for Peace and Justice is an umbrella organization that guides almost 900 member groups listed on its website. Follow the link for the complete list. For illustration, the following sample of member groups of United for Peace and Justice is provided.

A.W.O.L.
African Ancestral Lesbians United for Societal Change
An Absurd Response to an Absurd War
Anti-Capitalist Convergence
Black Radical Congress

Buddha's Light Universal Welfare Society (BLUWS)
Bush Is To Blame.com
Code Pink
Committee to Free Pedro Pacheco
Communist Party USA

Democratic Socialists of America
Earth Rights Institute
Evanston Mennonite Peace & Social Concerns Committee
Freedom Road Socialist Organization
Gay Men of African Descent

Hip-Hop Against Racist War
House of The Goddess Center for Pagan Wombyn
Institute for Policy Studies
International Socialist Organization
Iranian Women for Peace

Justice for Woody
Labone Branch of Ghana United Nations Association
League of Revolutionaries for a New America
Missing Kitten TV
Movement for Democratic Socialism

National Lawyers Guild
No Blood For Oil
Not In Our Name
Out Against War: LGBT Coalition for Peace & Justice
Pennsylvania Lesbian and Gay Task Force

Punks For Peace
Queers for Economic Justice
Ronald Reagan Home for the Criminally Insane
Ruckus Society
Socialist Party USA

Students Transforming and Resisting Corporations (STARC)
The Peace Farm
The United Students of S�o Paulo, Brazil
Ukuleles For Sanity
US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation

Victims of Direct Energy and Electronic Harassment
Vieques Support Campaign
Workers Party
Young Communist League, USA
Young Democratic Socialists

Young Peoples Socialist League
Youth for Socialist Action

As can be seen, there's more than a token representation of socialist groups and a number of single issue groups. Nonetheless, the purpose of showing this sample list is to support my contention that the anti-Bush protesters do not appear to be a cross-section of all Americans. It does appear, however, to be a cross-section of radical leftist groups in America.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/01/2004 06:56:00 PM

RNC Television Ratings

FOXNews is absolutely smoking the competition in television ratings for the Republican National Convention. According to this report, Fox averaged more than 4.1 million viewers, MSNBC averaged about 1.25 million, and CNN was in the sewer at less than 1.2 million average.

It's not surprising that the leftists would be upset as demonstrated by their "Shut-Up-A-Thon" protest outside FNC headquarters. For people who continually harp on loss of free speech, they sure don't have a problem trying to shut people up.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/01/2004 05:51:00 PM

Political Attention Index

Wired News reports that Dave Sifry, founder of Technorati, is now tracking political buzz on a Political Attention Index in real-time to essentially provide instant polling of information from 5,000 of the most-authoritative political blogs.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/01/2004 04:36:00 PM

Fun With Fido

(Hong Kong) A while back, the Independent Online filed this report:

Surgeons in China have re-attached a woman's lips after her pet dog bit them off when she kissed it, a news report said on Friday.

The woman regularly kissed her dog but one night in June the animal turned on her and bit off and swallowed her lips, according to the South China Morning Post.

The woman's family spent 40 minutes getting the dog to cough the lips up and surgeons in Xian, central China, were able to reattach them.

It's not known what type of dog was involved, but the woman ought to change her mouthwash. It's obviously dangerously appetizing.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/01/2004 03:47:00 PM

Peace Activist Charged With Murder

(Dayton, Ohio) Matthew M. Caddy, 52, has been arrested and charged with aggravated murder after the body of Daniel Rodney Everson, 43, of Litchfield, Minn., was found in his home by Dayton police yesterday afternoon. According to Homicide Sgt. Gary White, investigators are looking at the possibility of other victims.

Caddy, described as a quiet man committed to peace and justice, has been linked to the Brothers for Christian Community/Solidarity which advocates world peace. It's speculated that the victim didn't share Caddy's passion for world peace so he killed him.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/01/2004 05:33:00 AM

Twelve Nepali Hostages Killed

(Baghdad, Iraq) The murderous Army of Ansar al-Sunna has announced the killing of twelve Nepali hostages and posted photos/video on an Islamist website. The murderers stated,

"We have carried out the sentence of God against 12 Nepalis who came from their country to fight the Muslims and to serve the Jews and the Christians ... believing in Buddha as their God."

The Nepalis arrived in Iraq only recently to work as cooks and cleaners for a Jordanian firm.

More than a 1,000 Nepalis hit the streets and rioted in Kathmandu, throwing rocks and attempting to set a mosque on fire. Police intervened to protect the mosque.

The killing of the Nepali hostages has placed new urgency on France to try and get Arab support for the release of reporters Christian Chesnot and Georges Malbrunot. It's reported that the Islamic Army in Iraq has extended a previous deadline to repeal the ban on Muslim headscarves by 24 hours.
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       Following Entry Posted 9/01/2004 04:45:00 AM

Hostages Taken At Russian School

(Breaking news from Moscow) In the southern Russian town of Beslan in North Ossetia, near Chechnya, at least 20 masked, well-armed militants took 200 children and 40 adults hostage in a school. Another report says as many as 400 hostages have been taken. Local authorities stated that the hostage takers wore martyr's belts laden with explosives. Presently, it's not clear who the militants are but, due to the proximity of Chechnya, separatist rebels are prime suspects. Reuters is reporting that there was a shootout at the school and some teachers may have been killed.

Last night, the Rizhskaya metro station in North Moscow was blown up by a female suicide bomber. Ten people are dead and at least 51 are injured. Several witnesses said the woman was heading toward the metro station when she saw that police officers were checking IDs. At that point , she turned and exploded her bomb (estimated one Kg of TNT) which was packed with bolts and other metal objects.

There is speculation that the metro bombing may be related to the terrorist attacks of two Russian airliners last week, killing 90.

The passports of two Chechen women on board the flights -- identified as Amanat Nagayeva, 30, and Satsita Dzhebirkhanova, 37 -- were found at the crash sites in the Tula and Rostov regions. Their remains have not been identified, but investigators are looking into whether they may have been the bombers.

Izvestia reported Monday that the women shared an apartment with two other women in Grozny -- Nagayeva's sister Roza, 29, and Maryam Taburova, 27.

Both went missing ahead of the crashes and Izvestia speculated that they could be in Moscow plotting suicide attacks.

Authorities are continuing to sort through the evidence to identify the bombers.
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