Following Entry Posted 12/31/2004 02:50:00 PM

Beslan Donates To Tsunami Relief

The Courier-Mail reports that the North Ossetian town of Beslan in Russia, still mourning 344 deaths - half of them children - by terrorists, has contributed $37,500 to the tsunami relief effort.

"Our council decided to transfer a million rubles to help those suffering from the disaster in Asia," said Maerbek Tuayev, who is in charge of municipal council efforts to raise funds for families of the victims of the September hostage taking.

"The residents of Beslan have not forgotten how the whole world mobilised for them. We will always mobilise for people suffering from disasters or terrorism around the world."

Memories of the massacre in Beslan are ugly. The residents' resilience and generosity warm the heart.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/31/2004 01:24:00 PM

All Banda Aceh Newspaper Staff Missing

(Jakarta, Indonesia) The entire Serambi newspaper staff, the lone daily in Banda Aceh, is missing. A search for any of the 230 employees, including 80 journalists, found nothing but devastation.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/31/2004 01:21:00 AM

Russia May Preemptively Attack Terrorists

Here's a somewhat ominous report from Xinhua:

Russian Defence Minister Sergey Ivanov says the country may launch a preemptive attack against terrorist bases.

Sergey Ivanov was speaking at a Russian government press conference, Thursday. He didn't disclose a specific target for the attack and only said the target had always existed.

It's not news that Russia would preemptively attack terrorists, but it is news that a specific target has been identified and it has "always existed." It's also curious that the announcement seems to carry a veiled sense of imminence.

Not revealing the target is logical. Seldom is it a good idea to tell your enemies where the next attack will be. Nevertheless, it would be nice to know how the Russians classify, categorize, and define "terrorist base."
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       Following Entry Posted 12/30/2004 10:46:00 PM

AARP and Marijuana

It appears that some members of the editorial staff at AARP The Magazine (formerly Modern Maturity) are veteran drug users who are now surreptitiously promoting a drug legalization agenda to seniors in America. The ploy is to study the "health" benefits of marijuana to soften opposition to the legalization of pot. Accuracy in Media has the details.

Personally, I'm looking forward to watching the inevitable conflict between the anti-tobacco smoking activists and the pro-marijuana smoking enthusiasts. They may not be able to compromise.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/30/2004 11:52:00 AM

Senior Zarqawi Aide Captured

The Iraqi government announced that Fadil Hussain Ahmed al-Kurdi, 26, a senior member of the Al Qaeda-linked network of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was captured in a raid in Baghdad along with two other terrorists. Kurdi, AKA Ridha, is the brother of Umar Baziyani, a Zarqawi lieutenant captured last May.

"Ridha was responsible for facilitating communications between Al Qaeda and the Zarqawi terror networks as well as coordinating the movement of terrorists in and out of Iraq," a Government statement said.

"Both Ridha and Umar Baziyani remain in detention and are being question [sic] by Iraqi and coalition forces."

It's also being reported that a Yemeni close to Osama bin Laden was one of seven militants killed in Wednesday's shootout with Saudi security forces in Riyadh. According to a security source,

"Ibrahim Ahmad Abdel Majeed al-Reemy, a Yemeni national, was among the seven militants killed on Wednesday evening," the source said.

Reemy, who does not figure on the Saudi kingdom's most-wanted list, is a "big shot in Al-Qaeda and is believed to be the link between the organisation in Saudi Arabia and bin Laden himself," the source said.

Splendid!
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       Following Entry Posted 12/30/2004 01:08:00 AM

New Iraq Signs First Oil Contract

According to this Sydney Morning Herald report, the Iraqi Oil Ministry has awarded a contract, the first since the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime, to develop the Kormale Dome oil field in the northern province of Irbil. Oil Ministry spokesman Assim Jihad said the contract was a $136 million joint venture agreement among three companies, the Kar Company of Iraq, Turkey's Avrasya, and Britain-based Dynamic Processing Solutions. Kormale Dome is expected to produce 100,000 barrels of oil and 100 million cubic meters of gas per day.

To address the frequent terrorist attacks on pipelines and other facilities, spokesman Jihad said the Ministry would soon open bidding for contracts to provide security services. Naturally, these developments are good news and it's interesting that security is going to be contracted out. Rather than have the government provide security, the Ministry appears to prefer a rental guard force. The relative effectiveness of a private security force will surely be scrutinized.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/29/2004 11:46:00 PM

Marshal Tito Statue Blown Up

According to the Croatian Information Center website [link won't last long], a monument to former Yugoslav communist dictator Josip Broz Tito was blown up. The life-size statue was built in 1948 in Kumrovec, Tito's hometown.

The blast inflicted serious damage to the statue; the adjacent Tito Museum also sustained damage, as well as an inn and the administrative building of the Kumrovec Ethno-Village.

It's unclear who did the damage, but Goranka Horjan of the Culture Ministry said the bronze statue would be restored. People may remember Marshal Tito as the leader of Yugoslavia whose proudest achievement was an economy that produced the Yugo. Tito died in 1980.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/29/2004 07:50:00 PM

PETA Files Charges

(Waukon, Iowa) The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) accuses the Agri-Processors slaughterhouse in Postville of animal cruelty. The animal rights group says it "has videotapes showing cattle flailing after having their throats cut."

I give up. What else, pray tell, should they be doing in a slaughterhouse?
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       Following Entry Posted 12/29/2004 06:43:00 PM

American Fighting Spirit

(Columbia, South Carolina) It's got to make you feel proud as an American to know that 50-year-old veteran Jimmy Cofield just reenlisted to go and fight in Iraq. He's been physically preparing himself for a year and leaves Sunday for Camp Pendleton.

Semper fi, Jimmy. (via Backcountry Conservative)
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       Following Entry Posted 12/29/2004 06:02:00 PM

Laser Directed at Airliner Cockpit

(Cleveland, Ohio) Using a sophisticated laser system, someone targeted the cockpit of an airplane on approach to Cleveland-Hopkins Airport. The flight originated Monday in Washington, D.C., and was traveling at 300MPH at 8,500 to 10,000 feet when the beam of green light invaded the cockpit. The laser is believed to have come from suburban Warrensville Heights. The FBI and the FAA are investigating. At present, it's unknown whether the incident was a prank or something more sinister.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/29/2004 05:37:00 PM

Christmas Morn Porn

(Kenmore, Ohio) It appears that a local public access television station has redefined the maids a' milking theme.

"I turn it to Channel 15 and there's this naked lady on the screen -- I mean full-frontal, get-the-hell-out-of-here pornography," said David Umana. "When I tell about Christmas 2004, I'm betting this will be one of my best stories."

Umana's 15- and 17-year-old sons had left the room about 8:30 a.m. Saturday, but he and his wife, Karen, saw the porn and called Time Warner Cable to complain.

Chris Thomas, the cable company's director of government affairs, believes the wrong tape was put in a machine set to play that morning. A church program was scheduled, he said.

"I don't think the church group submitted that," Thomas said.

And, rumpa-bump-bum.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/29/2004 05:05:00 PM

Bombs Rock Riyadh

From an Associated Press report:

A suicide attacker tried to drive his bomb-laden car into the Interior Ministry complex, and militants set off another bomb and exchanged fire with police late Wednesday in Riyadh, capital of a kingdom at war with Muslim extremists.

The first explosion at about 8:35 p.m. shattered windows and sent smoke and flames rising into the nighttime sky near the ministry in central Riyadh. Police officials said a suicide car bomber had tried to storm the ministry, but failed and instead exploded his car just outside.

It's unclear how many casualties resulted from the bombings, but it's believed that a number of policemen were injured. Subsequently, according to this report, Saudi Security Forces became engaged in a shoot-out with terrorists involved with the bombings and killed seven of them. And earlier today, Saudi police killed one and captured two terrorists in the city of Jeddah.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/29/2004 04:18:00 PM

Ramsey Clark Defends Saddam Hussein

According to this report, former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark has been added to the team of lawyers defending Saddam Hussein. This action is not surprising and quite consistent with Clark's history as an anti-American extremist. Interestingly, even the liberal BBC refers to him as a "left-wing activist."

Clark questioned the legality of the Iraq Special Tribunal, stating that protecting Saddam's rights is his principle concern. He also said the United States "must be tried for the November assault on Falluja, destruction of houses, torture in prisons and its role in the deaths of thousands of Iraqis in the war." For some reason, he didn't slip in any references to SUVs or global warming. Maybe he forgot.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/29/2004 02:06:00 PM

Devastation

Here's a few graphic details from Channel NewsAsia:

With 80,763 dead, rotting corpses, smashed sewers, contaminated water and a lack of food and shelter, along with mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and malaria, could wipe out weakened survivors in their tens of thousands, UN and other experts warned.

[ ... ]

By the hour the confirmed tolls ticked up relentlessly in other hard-hit countries, including Sri Lanka, India and Thailand, where the stench of death and mass burials combined with traumatic grief and looting to create an apocalyptic vision for overwhelmed relief workers.

[ ... ]

Half of the confirmed dead -- more than 45,000 -- were in the Indonesian province of Aceh, close to the epicentre of the biggest earthquake in 40 years which sparked the tsunami waves that devastated coastal villages and resorts across the Indian Ocean.

Sri Lanka has 22,493 dead, India more than 10,800, but the tragedy struck not only the poor eking out a living on Asia's coasts.

The rich holidaying on tropical islands once considered paradise also fell victim to the waves, with western tourists accounting for most of Thailand's 1,829 dead, officials said, with a further 5,000 missing.

A total of 99 Europeans were reported dead and another 2,811 were missing from: Austria, Belgium, Britain, Denmark, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey.

[ ... ]

In Indonesia's Aceh province, fast emerging as the quake's ground zero, survivors scrabbled for food among mud and corpses. Great tracts of land remain under surging waters and there has been no word from many isolated communities.

The first shipments of international aid were arriving in the city of Banda Aceh, 2,000 kilometres (1,200 miles) northwest of Jakarta Wednesday, but with no trucks or fuel to distribute it, starvation loomed for thousands.

According to this report, cargo planes carrying food and water purification equipment arrived in Banda Aceh today while Indonesian military teams reached the coastal areas of western Sumatra and found little more than devastation. Thousands of decaying bodies were seen in town after town with homes flattened or torn apart. In Banda Aceh, the capital of Sumatra's Aceh province, bulldozers were rushing to push more than a thousand unidentified rotting corpses into a mass grave.

Relief and emergency supplies have arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka, but authorities are experiencing problems in distribution due to an ongoing civil conflict between Sinhalese and Tamil groups. Widespread looting has been reported in the vacation resorts of Phuket and Phi Phi in Thailand. A navy flotilla is underway to western Sumatra carrying food and medical aid, including 100 doctors. Tens of thousands of people remain missing.

This is just an ugly snapshot of a horribly ugly big picture.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/29/2004 12:08:00 PM

U.S. Blamed

Well, it didn't take the leftists very long to come up with their predictable assertions (see here and here) that the United States, in general, and President Bush, in particular, are responsible for the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami deaths. Their logic is twofold. First there's U.S.-produced global warming which caused the sea level to rise and make coastal areas less capable of withstanding a tsunami. Secondly, from seismic monitors, the U.S. knew about the earthquake and the potential tsunami threat but didn't tell anyone. Consequently, the tens of thousands of deaths can be blamed on the U.S.

In my opinion, the global warming slant is a pile of feces. With regard to warning people on the beaches of the Indian Ocean of an impending tsunami, rightfully it's the responsibility of the countries bordering the ocean which, by the way, doesn't include the U.S. And, contrary to what was reported, the U.S. was timely in issuing a bulletin warning of a possible tsunami.

Paul at Wizbang looks at the blame-the-U.S. spin in more detail along with relaying some goofy thoughts of lefty bloggers.

[Update] This makes me wonder just how goofy the leftists will get to be. Now they're claiming that earthquakes are man-made and thousands of dead bodies don't pose a health risk. Sheesh!
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       Following Entry Posted 12/28/2004 01:03:00 PM

Beheading Video Shown at Rock Concert

(Urayasu, Japan) For more than ten minutes, a rock band named Klack showed a video of the terrorist beheading of 24-year-old backpacker Shosei Koda at a concert Sunday. It's not clear how many people expressed outrage, however, the sponsoring Tokyo Broadcasting System angrily stated it had no foreknowledge of the stunt and voiced apologies to all who were offended.

If the members of the group Klack believes that a beheading video enhances their concerts, just how bad is their music. Obviously, they're shamelessly inconsiderate of the sensibilities of the public and the family and friends of Shosei Koda.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/28/2004 11:19:00 AM

Diego Garcia Unaffected by Tsunamis

Home to a U.S. military base about 1,000 miles south of India and about 2,000 miles from the epicenter of the undersea earthquake, the island of Diego Garcia suffered no damage from tsunamis. Spokesman for the U.S. Pacific Command, Lieutenant Colonel Bill Bigelow, said the base is "apparently safe." According to Carolyn Bell, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Geological Survey, it's believed that the numerous coral reefs dissipated the impact on the British-owned island, resulting in only a slightly higher tide than usual. Bell also noted that coastal areas of Australia saw sea levels rise several feet but suffered no ill effects.

Companion post at Our Life.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/28/2004 10:06:00 AM

Tsunami Death Toll Exceeds 55,000

Channel AsiaNews reports confirmed deaths at 27,174 in Indonesia, 17,640 in Sri Lanka, 8,523 in India, 4,000 in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 1,439 in Thailand, 65 in Malaysia, 90 in Myanmar, 55 in The Maldives, 100 in Somalia, 10 in Tanzania, 2 in Bangladesh for a total greater than 55,000. Xinhua reports similar numbers.

Officials warn that the figures are expected to rise steeply.

Companion posts at Our Life, The Jawa Report.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/28/2004 08:39:00 AM

UN Criticizes U.S. For Stinginess

After the Bush administration pledged $15 million in immediate relief aid for tsunami victims and directed the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to send a 21-member disaster-relief team to the region, the Norwegian-born UN Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Jan Egeland said the U.S. is stingy and should raise taxes to give more.

Thanks for the suggestion, Mr. Egeland. In return I'd like to suggest you have your entire paycheck donated to relief efforts. It's also worth mentioning that if you're attempting to rekindle an American fondness for the UN, you are going at it all wrong. Let the American people decide what our taxes should be. The next time you want to weigh in on U.S. tax policy, with all due respect, put a sock in it.

[Update] If anyone is interested in relaying some pleasantries to Mr. Jan Egeland, his phone and fax numbers are displayed here.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/27/2004 06:35:00 PM

Dumb Criminal

(Troy, New York) Dumar Jackson, 17, had to go to court on a charge of giving a false identity to Troy Housing Authority. The young genius decided to drive there in a stolen car and park it by the police station. He was arrested and charged with possession of stolen property.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/27/2004 05:32:00 PM

Colorado Left-Lane Law

Starting next week, travelers in Colorado need to be aware of a new law that forbids driving in the left lane of a multi-lane highway except when passing. If ticketed (I've a feeling the troopers are rubbing their palms together in anticipation), one can expect a $35 fine, $6.20 surcharge, and three points against the driving record.

Ostensibly, the law will prevent congestion and reduce road rage. Also, according to State Patrol Trooper Sara Shipley, Colorado has citizens that intentionally drive slow in the fast lane to prevent others from speeding. Frankly, of all the stupid things people do, being a vigilante traffic cop is a new one on me.

Lastly, could someone tell me why a traffic fine has a surcharge?
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       Following Entry Posted 12/27/2004 04:22:00 PM

Japanese Ballistic Missile Warning System

The Japanese Fire and Disaster Management Agency announced plans to develop a community siren warning system to alert citizens of a ballistic missile attack. Funds have been budgeted for research on the siren network.

Oddly, when I read of these plans, I experienced flashbacks to every Godzilla movie I've ever seen.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/27/2004 09:52:00 AM

Public School Enrollment Sinks

(Cleveland, Ohio) Since 2000, enrollment in the Cleveland Public School System has dropped 10%. Charter schools and families escaping to the suburbs are being blamed for taking away students. As the odds of graduating from a Cleveland high school continue trending toward the odds of winning the lottery, it's understandable that people are opting to enroll their children in different school systems.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/27/2004 08:04:00 AM

Indonesian Earthquake Update

Reports indicate that tsunamis from the earthquake has caused the deaths of about 23,000 people thus far. Thousands more have been injured and more than one million people have lost their homes. Current death estimates are: 5,000 in Indonesia; 11,000 in Sri Lanka; 7,000 in Southern India; and 1,000 in Malaysia, Thailand, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and the Maldives. Also, an unconfirmed number of casualties in Eastern Africa have been reported.

[Update 0825 EST] The Jakarta Post reports that more than 5,700 people have been killed in Indonesia, primarily in the far western Aceh province of the island of Sumatra.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/26/2004 05:38:00 PM

Reggie White Dies

Leaving a wife, son, and daughter, Reggie White died at his home in Huntersville, North Carolina, at the age of 43. It's being reported that death was due to a massive heart attack. Considered one of the greatest defensive players in the history of the NFL, White played eight years with the Philadelphia Eagles and six years with the Green Bay Packers.

From a personal perspective, Reggie White was an enjoyable player to watch on the field. You could almost see the flames of competitiveness burning inside him and, although fierce, he was a man of character and kindness. It's sad that he dies at such a young age. (via Backcountry Conservative)
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       Following Entry Posted 12/26/2004 10:19:00 AM

Grisly Stabbings at Christmas Party

(Akron, Ohio) A large Christmas gathering of people of Vietnamese heritage turned bloody as a knife fight erupted, sending six people to the hospital. Both males and females suffered knife wounds and some are life threatening. Police escorted three handcuffed individuals from the home. The cause of the fight is under investigation.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/26/2004 07:34:00 AM

Massive Earthquake in Indonesia


Indonesian Earthquake 12/26/04
Initial report from the Jakarta Post:

A major earthquake rocked the northern part of Sumatra island on Sunday at about 7:58 a.m. reaching 6.8 on the Richter scale.

"The quake, whose epicenter was located 149 kilometers south of Meulaboh in West Aceh regency [2 degrees, 9 minutes] north latitude and [95 degrees, 6 minutes] east longitude some 20 kilometers under the sea," spokesman of the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG), Edison Gurning, in a fax transmission to The Jakarta Post.

[ ... ]

... DPA reported that the U.S. Geological Survey in Colorado registered the quake at 8.1 on Richter scale, the most powerful so far in Indonesia.

Current death estimates (0700 EST) are:

Sri Lanka: 1,500 dead
India: 1,000 dead
Thailand: 156 dead
Indonesia: 400 dead
Malaysia: 17 dead

Casualty figures are rising as confirmed deaths and injuries become known. Channel NewsAsia reports that more than 2,200 have been killed from 30 ft. tsunamis and flash flooding. FoxNEWS is reporting that deaths exceed 3,000 as of 0730 EST.

[Update 0830 EST] The European Union has committed 3 million euros in relief aid to be distributed by the Red Cross, Red Crescent, and non-governmental organizations. It's now estimated that 3,400 people in Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.

A UN sponsored meeting is scheduled for today to discuss international response to the disaster. Russia announced it is prepared to send help.

Sri Lanka has declared a "state of disaster" and, according to Lalith Weeratunga, the top civil servant in Premier Mahina Rajapakse's office, 1,651 are confirmed dead. Medical facilities are overwhelmed by the number of dead bodies. Police also report that at least 300 prisoners in Matara fled from a high-security jail.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/25/2004 06:45:00 PM

Homosexual Penguins Found

Because of difficulty of finding partners of the opposite sex while in captivity, penguins in Japan have been found to pair up with the same sex.


Village Penguins
(AFP/Toru Yamanuka)
No statements from the penguins were obtained, but it's assumed they are all trying to break out of the joint and go where it's easier to hook up.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/25/2004 05:47:00 PM

Christmas Computer Infections

Here's something that may temper the joy of receiving a brand new computer for Christmas.

Hackers, spammers and spies go into overdrive in December and January, when unsuspecting neophytes unwrap new computers, connect to the Internet, and, too often, get hit with viruses, spyware and other nefarious programs.

Experts recommend no easy method of preventing infection other than updating security patches feverishly and being timid in opening unexpected emails. Of note is that new computers given at Christmas are usually vulnerable because they customarily are shipped weeks before ultimately being connected to the Internet, a time period when dozens or more security patches have been issued. Hackers rely on the fact that most Christmas computers won't have the most recent security protection.

Merry Christmas!
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       Following Entry Posted 12/24/2004 09:19:00 PM

Yankee or Dixie?

Here's an interesting little quiz for figuring out if one is from the North or the South based upon pronunciation of various words. I scored a 62% Dixie even though I've lived in Ohio for many years. However, as a youngster, I spent many years in Texas.

One criticism I have is that the quiz doesn't include the word "greasy" which is pronounced dramatically different in the South than in the North. (via PoliBlog)
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       Following Entry Posted 12/24/2004 08:01:00 PM

Instructions For Walking Through Door

(London, England) In compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has issued instructions to its staff on how to walk through a door. An email with stick diagrams was sent to 800 staff members. (via Ace Of Spades)
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       Following Entry Posted 12/24/2004 04:37:00 PM

Kids' Gifts Auctioned On EBay

(Pasadena, Texas) At the end of his rope with his boys misbehaving, Dad auctions their gifts on the Internet. Name withheld by request.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/24/2004 12:05:00 PM

Health Care Reform Collapses Drug Sales

Previously, if someone covered by the German socialized health care system got the sniffles, that individual could go to the drug store, stock up on all conceivable Over-The-Counter (OTC) medicine, and the government would pay the bill. That's all changed. On January 1, 2004, German health care reform stipulated that non-prescription drugs would no longer be covered by Germany's health system. Now those individuals buying non-prescription medicine have to pay out-of-pocket.

Well, guess what? Non-prescription drug sales have collapsed. According to Jurgen Petersen, OTC drug expert at IMS Health, OTC sales slumped by 13% this year and 80% of the drug producers have seen a decrease in sales. One can only assume that customers are much more prudent in their purchasing when it's their own money they are spending.

It can easily be concluded that the need for health care is a direct function of who pays for it. Therefore, any intelligent health care system or, more appropriately, any common-sense health care system would incorporate measures to assure that the recipients of care have a personal stake in the cost of the care. Of course, as long as a significant segment of the U.S. population continues to believe in the ludicrous concept of the "free lunch," there will be no common-sense health care.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/24/2004 09:03:00 AM

Murky Tariq Aziz

About a week ago, MSNBC reported that former Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz is "ready to name names" and implicate Saddam Hussein in murder. Also reported was that he appeared "frail in orange prison garb and plastic handcuffs."

Today, a report from Xinhua states that Aziz "is unwilling to testify against Saddam Hussein at a future war crimes trial." And, according to his lawyer, Badi Aref Izzat, Aziz is in "good heath [sic] and spirits."

Any questions?
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       Following Entry Posted 12/24/2004 08:26:00 AM

Honduras Bus Attackers Kill 23

(Tegucigalpa, Honduras) Members of a revolutionary group against the death penalty attacked a bus carrying mostly women and children, killing 23. The attack occurred last evening in northern Atlantic city of Chamelecon, 125 miles north of Tegucigalpa. According to this report, police spokesman Deputy Commissioner Wilmer Torres stated.:

The assailants left a large piece of paper taped to the front windshield of the bus with a message saying they represented a revolutionary group that opposes the death penalty. The message contained "vulgar words" against congressional President Porfirio Lobo Sosa and Security Minister Oscar Alvarez, Torres said.

Violent criminal gangs and drug traffickers continuously battle the government and repeatedly make threats against authorities and the general public. Just a few days ago, they threatened to assassinate Honduran President Ricardo Maduro and his family. However, despite claims that al-Qaida is trying to recruit terrorists from gangs, the U.S. and other Central American governments have said there is no supporting evidence.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/24/2004 07:28:00 AM

Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS) Dress Code

Words need to be mentioned and passed along regarding the controversy over the dress code imposed on Federal Air Marshals. The dress code mandated by Tom Quinn, ex-Secret Service agent and director of FAMS, is given more emphasis than the purported mission of the service, protection of the traveling public. On missions, Air Marshals are directed to wear "an appropriate sport coat (conservative in nature/style, color and fabric)" and it's not acceptable to carry a sport coat. Also,

Appropriate dress also may include collared sport or Polo type shirts or banded type necks (turtle or crew neck).

Pants and or slacks must be clean and pressed and may not include denim of any color, nylon or other similar material, or cargo style pants. Appropriate footwear and socks shall be worn. Athletic shoes, sneakers, sandals or hiker/training boots are not allowed. Likewise, athletic sock will not be worn with dress shoes.

On a case-by-case basis, the Special Agent in Charge or their designee may grant exceptions to the directive and this policy. Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action and could be deemed as insubordination to follow directives and orders.

Certainly the dress code helps project a professional image, however, it also most certainly assures that Air Marshals won't blend in with the general flying public. In the eyes of a terrorist, the dress code overlays crosshairs onto the marshals. Try being inconspicuous with a bulls eye painted on your forehead.

In response to legitimate concerns about the dress code, Quinn sent his chief storyteller, David "Baghdad Bob" Adams, to the cable networks to call everybody liars, stating that no dress code exists. Michelle Malkin, who is all over this issue, documents on a line-by-line basis, the falsity of the assertions of both Quinn and Adams (see here and here). Bloggers need to step up the level of discussion on this issue. Visit Michelle's site.

It's unfortunate that the Air Marshals Service is led by Quinn, an incompetent manager and tyrant, who is now directing attacks at Malkin and also reporter Audrey Hudson for shining light on the dress code issue. Director Thomas Quinn needs to be encouraged out the door to pursue his true calling - hall monitor.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/23/2004 05:20:00 PM

Lymphogranuloma Venereum

Consistent with its leading position in the category of most sexually transmitted disease warnings per capita, San Francisco has announced the presence of a rare and potentially serious form of chlamydia in the city's homosexual population. Rarely seen outside of poor, tropical nations, lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), produces scarring of the genitals and colon and can cause lymph glands near the groin to swell and burst.

All individuals experiencing unexplained bursts or explosions in their trousers are advised to see a doctor immediately. (via Country Store)
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       Following Entry Posted 12/23/2004 01:15:00 PM

Lone Ranger's 'Kemosabe' Called Racist

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission has asked the Supreme Court of Canada to hear arguments on whether the word "kemosabe" is racist to native people. The case came from a complaint by Dorothy Kateri Moore, a native Mi'kmaq, that her boss, Trevor Miller, referred to her and other workers as "kemosabe" and that it was a racial slur used repeatedly, poisoning the work environment. Interestingly, there isn't a consensus among the Mi'kmaq regarding the word "kemosabe." Some are offended, some are not.

My take is that it would be difficult to consider the term racist since it was Tonto that used the term of friendship in speaking to the Lone Ranger. Using "kemosabe" repeatedly could be considered rude, annoying, and aggravating, but it hardly seems racist. It does appear, however, that Trevor Miller is a mini-tyrant but having a boss that's an arrogant, rude, and aggravating bastard is not unique and, in my opinion, shouldn't be made into a Supreme Court case.

Companion post at Our Life.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/23/2004 09:56:00 AM

Deserters In Canada

Listening to the elite media, one might get the impression that the number of people deserting the U.S. Armed Forces and going to Canada will soon exceed the number of conservatives in the country. As indicated by this report, that's not what's happening. In fact, based upon best available information, deserters arriving in Canada total no more than a few handfuls. Nonetheless, desertion to a foreign country has international political implications so the media clamps on the story like a lamprey. This is not to say that a stay-at-home deserter who wants headlines can't get them. The media will always oblige steaming piles of news.

The Canadian authorities are currently in the process of reviewing the applications for refugee status of a few deserters with a determination expected in the next few months. Those requesting to be classified as something other than criminals and cowards include Brandon Hughey, David Sanders, and Jeremy Hinzman. Deserter Daniel Felushko has dual U.S.-Canadian citizenship so he gets a pass.

Although there's no mass exodus of deserters, the exact number is unknown. According to a spokesman for the Immigration and Refugee Board, Serge Arsenault, privacy laws prevent release of that type of information. This seems odd. Whose privacy is being protected? The Canadian government?

All in all, the handfuls of deserters going to Canada seeking refugee status will have to prove that they have "a well-founded fear of persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion." It's sure that they have fears, but not of persecution. It's fear of incarceration for violating the contractual obligations they have with the United States of America. Interestingly, based on a recent report, the deserters may have been able to avoid the entire bureaucratic process by greasing a few palms. Apparently, permanent residency status has been marketed for a mere $4,000.

In closing, it's probably prudent for people to remember the names of the deserters so that, if they apply for employment, they are not hired into positions requiring trustworthiness and strength of character.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/23/2004 07:52:00 AM

Irish Bank Heist

(Belfast, Northern Ireland) The thieves dressed as policemen, took the wife of banker Kevin McMullan and the family of employee Chrissie Ward as hostages, and ultimately got away with $53 million. According to Det. Supt. Andy Sproule, the robbery was "carefully planned by professional criminals" and evidence indicates that more than 10 people were involved. Due to the complexity of the crime, a paramilitary organization, such as the Irish Republican Army or the Ulster Defense Association, is considered culpable.

Excuse me if I seem overly suspicious, but this caper sure smells like an inside job.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/23/2004 07:31:00 AM

Christmas Update

Breaking news! Santa photographed making a list.


Santa Making A List
(Photo - Hardyandtiny)
It's time to be nice.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/22/2004 04:32:00 PM

Terrorist Haven in New Zealand

From CNN comes the report that terrorists have found sympathetic supporters in New Zealand. In a statement by Security Intelligence Service Director Richard Woods,

"From the service's own investigations we assess that there are individuals in, or from, New Zealand who support Islamic extremist causes," Woods wrote.

The developments "indicate attempts to use New Zealand as a safe haven from which activities of security concern elsewhere can be facilitated and/or the involvement of people from New Zealand in such activities."

This news should not be surprising to anyone even remotely familiar with the politics of New Zealand. The socialist mentality of the populace presents itself in widespread anti-Americanism and anti-capitalism which just happen to be benchmark beliefs of the terrorists. So, it's not hard for me to believe that terrorist sympathizers are in the country.

However, from a practical standpoint, as a staging point for world terrorism, New Zealand is geographically less then ideal. It's not like a terrorist using a mosque as a haven where he can jump out, fire off a weapon, and then duck back into the mosque. New Zealand is thousands of miles from anything worth terrorizing other than in the country itself or on air/sea transports. The country ranks just ahead of Antarctica in remoteness. In fact, if you're traveling to Antarctica, it's the stop after New Zealand.

In summary, terrorists in New Zealand are a concern, but their ability to project terrorism worldwide is limited by geography. As a result, they should be fairly easy to monitor and contain.(via In The Bullpen)

Also blogging: The Jawa Report
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       Following Entry Posted 12/22/2004 03:25:00 PM

Rewards To The Uneducated

Analysis of test results and grade promotions indicates that the Cleveland Public School System is continuing its policy of pushing students through school despite whether they learned anything. The practice of "social promotion" allowed 95% of fourth- and sixth-graders to be elevated to a higher grade last year while less the 50% successfully completed required state reading and math exams.

Supporters of the practice of social promotion contend that making students repeat a grade harms their self esteem. Opponents believe that social promotion thrusts students into classes unprepared and unable to learn more difficult material. Assuming that the purpose of school is to have students learn a minimum standard of knowledge, social promotion make no sense. School is a waste of every person's time if students can go from grade to grade without learning anything.

Unfortunately, not everyone believes it's important for students to acquire knowledge. Eschewing test results and leading the No-Child-Left-Informed policy is Cleveland Public School System CEO, Barbara Byrd-Bennett, who has stated, "It's better to move them along and figure out . . . what resources to give to them."

More than any other indicator, Barbara Byrd-Bennett's statement demonstrates what is sorely lacking in the Cleveland Public School System, a visionary and goal-oriented leader.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/22/2004 07:28:00 AM

Target Pulls Down Chastity Panties

The BostonHerald.com reports that Target has received "a lot of complaints" about its hot-selling novelty chastity panties and decided to pull them down from its website. Coming in cream and black, the panties depict a chain and lock with the words "safe and secure" printed on them. Because of concerns that the panties would lure teens into having sex, Target changed its mind about selling them. The product is manufactured in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, by a company called Blue Q.

If pictures and words on underwear lure people into having sex, I need to edit my bait.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/21/2004 09:53:00 PM

Al-Manar TV Dubbed 'Terrorist' Station

From MediaGuardian.co.uk comes the report (Free reg.) that the Lebanese al-Manar satellite television channel and broadcast station has been placed on the list of terrorist organizations by the U.S. Produced by Hezbullah, the station regularly broadcasts anti-Israel and anti-Semitic programs filled with hate propaganda. As an example, the station recently accused Israel of spreading AIDS to Arab populations throughout Africa.

The French-based media group, Reporters Sans Frontieres (Reporters Without Borders), has condemned the U.S. actions by stating that al-Manar doesn't broadcast terrorist propaganda all the time, sometimes they do news reporting. Understandably, the U.S. doesn't buy the 'part-time terrorist' argument and cut al-Manar's satellite feed to America and said that anyone with links to the station would be expelled from or refused a visa to enter the country.

My take is that it's about time. The terrorist organizations use the willful media as strategic weapons to incite hatred, recruit fanatics, and sway public opinion. Any prudent war planning would consider the terrorist media as targets. Al-Manar should be happy that it's only had the plug pulled.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/21/2004 06:57:00 PM

Community Service For Burying Baby

(Euclid, Ohio) For burying her baby in the back yard, a 14-year-old girl was charged with gross abuse of a corpse and sentenced to 25 hours of community service, counseling, and probation. The Euclid High School 9th-grader kept her pregnancy secret, even from the father. It's unknown whether her baby was alive when she gave birth.

Maybe it's just me, but the remedy to the situation sure seems like a handwashing.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/21/2004 04:48:00 PM

Wal-Mart Blamed For Suicide

(Denton, Texas) Shayla Stewart was a manic-depressive and schizophrenic who purchased her prescribed anti-psychotic medication from Wal-Mart. She also purchased a shotgun from Wal-Mart which she used to kill herself. Consequently, Shayla's mother, Lavern Bracy, is suing Wal-Mart, claiming the company knew she was mentally ill and, therefore, shouldn't have sold her a shotgun. A judgment of $25 million is being sought.

On the surface, the lawsuit appears quite weak since mental health records are confidential by law so the gun department was restricted from seeing any of the data from the pharmacy. Additionally, two different Wal-Mart stores were involved so there's an apparent underlying assumption in the lawsuit that all company data is available to all stores on a timely basis. That's an erroneous expectation.

As a result, I don't see how Wal-Mart can be judged liable in the suicide of Shayla Stewart. Nonetheless, the lawsuit does raise the significant issue of the effectiveness of background checks that do not include mental health records. I'm sure that law enforcement groups grimace at their inability to complete comprehensive background investigations without accessing confidential medical records.

Ultimately, lawmakers and the judiciary will have to address the dilemma. In the meantime, there's no assurance that crazy people are prevented from buying guns. And, on the other side of the controversy, evidence is lacking to contend that all people with mental problems are irresponsible with guns.

Lastly, one other aspect of the Wal-Mart case is worthy of mention. If someone wants to commit suicide, it will occur despite the ease or difficulty of the means to do so. A gun is quick and easy, but Wal-Mart also sells knives, rope, and rat poison. This means there's a likelihood that the company would have been sued even if Shayla was unable to buy the shotgun.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/21/2004 08:55:00 AM

Queensland Brothel Industry

(Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) Earlier today, results from a probing three-year study of Queensland's brothel industry by the Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) were presented to the state parliament. Among the findings were that businesses were being stifled by restrictions on the number of hookers allowed and by the requirement that no brothel can operate within 200 meters of a residential street. In order to promote growth in the prostitution business, the Commission recommended that the number of whores working per shift in each five-room brothel be increased from five to eight and changing the law to reduce the minimum distance for a whorehouse from a residential street to 100 meters.

It seems quite progressive of the Australians to not only legalize prostitution and brothels, but to also have the government actively foster expansion of the business. There also appears to be a streak of laziness within the customer base if they have trouble walking 200 meters to purchase the services of a hooker. And, one other thing, I'm having trouble calculating how eight hookers in a five-room brothel adds up. The only thing I can figure is that maybe they have relievers in the bullpen or a practice squad.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/21/2004 05:55:00 AM

U.S. To Post Military Officers To Taiwan

(Taipei, Taiwan) According to American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) spokeswoman Dana Smith, the United States will station active duty military officers to its de facto embassy in Taiwan for the first time since 1979 in a reversal of a long-standing policy. Historically, the AIT has employed retired military personnel to coordinate diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

The announcement of closer military cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan is expected to anger China which has vowed to invade the island if independence is declared. However, according to Jane's Defense Weekly, a protest from Beijing is not as worrisome to Washington as the "growing unease over China's military ambitions in the Asia-Pacific region."

Companion post at The Jawa Report.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/20/2004 11:55:00 PM

CEO of EBay Subsidiary Arrested

(New Delhi, India) Last Friday, police arrested Avnish Bajaj, chief executive officer of EBay's Baazee.com subsidiary in India, on charges of listing a sex video purportedly shot at a prominent New Delhi high school and making no attempt to remove the listing until prodded. In a statement issued Monday, EBay called the arrest "unexpected, completely unwarranted and the result of misdirected energies by the New Delhi police."

Bajaj, a Harvard-educated U.S. citizen is currently in jail with bail denied. The Delhi Public School student who videotaped the explicit scenes and tried to sell copies under the title DPS Girl Having Fun was arrested Sunday night.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/20/2004 10:13:00 PM

Giant Atmospheric Brown Cloud

From a NASA press release last week:

NASA scientists announced a giant, smoggy atmospheric brown cloud, which forms over South Asia and the Indian Ocean, has intercontinental reach. The scientists presented their findings today during the American Geophysical Union Fall meeting in San Francisco.


Giant Brown Cloud

Particles from airborne pollution, such as the "Giant Brown Cloud," can travel all around the globe. In April of 2001, NASA satellites saw a massive dust storm appear over China. The densest portion of the aerosol pollution traveled east over Japan, the Pacific Ocean, and, within a week, the United States. (NASA Photo)

Frankly, this is all new to me. Can anyone tell me why the mainstream media and the environmentalists haven't been telling the public about the Giant Brown Cloud? Maybe it's because they haven't figured out how to blame it on the United States yet.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/20/2004 05:06:00 PM

Humane Society Following Animal Rights Agenda

It appears that the Humane Society of the United States has metamorphosed into an extremist animal rights group with similar philosophical underpinnings as PETA and the Animal Liberation Front. According to this report,

"They clearly have targeted hunting and trapping as part of their agenda. ... They are very much in the animal extremist movement," said Jeff Crane, policy director of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation. The foundation is the lobbying arm of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, which -- with 325 members -- is the largest congressional caucus.

David Martosko, research director of the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Consumer Freedom, contends that the Humane Society "is out to transform America into a strict vegetarian utopia whether we like it or not.

"They are a $50 million-$60 million lobby machine, lobbying for things that most Americans don't want. The only mainstream thing about them is that they wear a suit and tie while doing it," Martosko added.

Critics such as Martosko expect the Humane Society to become "more extremist" with the elevation of Pacelle to the organization's top spot. Pacelle, 39, is a well-spoken, highly-polished advocate whose beliefs and approach has made him a lightning rod for Humane Society opponents.

"He wants to abolish meat, outlaw hunting, and get rid of circuses, zoos and rodeos," Martosko said. "It's animal rights lunacy, and Wayne is king of it."

Undoubtedly, Pacelle and the Humane Society, like Ingrid Newkirk and PETA, will be approaching well-intentioned Americans to give money to save puppies and kittens when, in reality, the dollars go to funding political campaigns to shut down the meat, dairy, egg, and seafood industries.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/20/2004 01:58:00 PM

Dimebag Shooting Video Released

From a Cincinnati woman who went to the Damageplan concert, here's a link to the video of the chaos during the shootings of Dimebag Darrell and others at Alrosa Villa nightclub.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/20/2004 11:46:00 AM

Traditional Chinese Medicine Kills Rats

(Shanghai, China) Ye Wenhu, a member of the Genetics Society of China and a professor at Fudan University in Shanghai, has been awarded a patent for using a traditional Chinese medicine as a rat poison. Considered fragrant and attractive to rats, the main ingredient of the traditional Chinese medicine, tripterygium wilfordii, limits lactic dehydrogenase in the testicles, producing sterility.

It's not clear what human ailments are treated by the use of tripterygium wilfordii, but it seems that it should be stocked in many homes. Having one product that treats human maladies and kills rats has to be a money saver. The only problem would be where to store the medicine/rat killer. The medicine cabinet or the garage?
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       Following Entry Posted 12/19/2004 05:38:00 PM

Danvers High School Cheerleaders

(Danvers, Massachusetts) Boy, the cheerleaders at Danvers High School sure know how to make news. Not too long ago, half the squad was suspended from school for being hammered when they arrived at the big game. Now it appears that members have been thrown off the squad for making and distributing a video featuring some semi-nude, girl-on-girl action.

Principal Eileen Erwin booted two girls from the cheerleading squad last week after rumors about the racy footage ran rampant at the high school. Erwin hasn't seen the homemade flick, but one student who has said the topless teens engage in a range of risque behavior, including one girl allegedly kissing the other's bare breasts.

Obviously, the video has become the primary subject of discussion at the school and the two girls' popularity has warped into another dimension. To my knowledge, the video hasn't been posted on the Internet. Yet.

Hat tip: Wizbang
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       Following Entry Posted 12/19/2004 03:31:00 PM

Saddam Hussein Warns Iraqi People

According to this report:

Saddam Hussein has urged the Iraqi people to be united from his prison cell and told them to be wary of elections slated for January 30.

His Jordan-based legal team today said the jailed former president made his "recommendations" during his first meeting with one of his Iraqi lawyers last Thursday.

Spokesman Ziad Khassawneh detailed the remarks at a press conference in Amman.

He and several members of the legal team, including a Lebanese-French lawyer and a Libyan advocate, had earlier been briefed on the meeting Saddam had with Khalil al-Duleimi.

Three simple questions. What the hell is going on? Since when does a murderous, evil thug get to send messages to the media for distribution throughout the world? If we get bin Laden alive, is he going to be allowed press conferences to tell his underlings what to do? I'm at a loss to understand what's going on.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/19/2004 01:47:00 PM

Jail Time For Phony Lawsuit

(Cleveland, Ohio) John Gregg tried to scam McDonalds by claiming he slipped on soap in the men's room. When Judge Timothy J. McGinty found out, he threw Gregg in jail for 30 days. Interestingly, McDonalds had previously agreed to pay $30,000, but Gregg wanted to pursue a jury trial.

My guess is that most times these types of chicken chip scams are successful.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/19/2004 10:33:00 AM

Cleveland Sustainability Czar

(Cleveland, Ohio) Mayor Jane Campbell's liberal environmental leanings are undoubtedly the basis by which she decided to create a "sustainability programs manager" to educate city government employees on the concept of sustainability. At a press conference this week, the mayor announced her intention of being "kind to the environment and gentle on the pocketbook."

"This is an opportunity to experiment on a very large scale," she said.

So, the mayor has inaugurated a very large scale environmental experiment in a city that within the past year has been gasping from significant budget shortfalls. In addition to troubling layoffs in fire and police protection and a disastrously poor public school system, the mayor even cut back on the city's recycling program. Mayor Campbell is obviously much smarter than I am because, in my opinion, the last thing Cleveland needs is a very large scale environmental experiment.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/19/2004 10:00:00 AM

Car Bombs Kill Dozens

In breaking news, at least 30 people were killed and 65 wounded in a car bombing during a funeral procession in the Shiite Holy City of Najaf. The blast rocked an area where people were gathered for the funeral of a tribal sheik. Najaf Police Chief Ghalib al-Jazaari said that he and Najaf Provincial Governor Adnan al-Zurufi were targeted, but were about 100 meters away from the explosion.

Earlier, in the city of Karbala northwest of Najaf, a car bomb exploded near the main bus station, killing 13 and wounding at least 30.

Bastards!
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       Following Entry Posted 12/19/2004 09:25:00 AM

Australian Shark Alert

Shark sightings and attacks along the beach areas of South Australia have prompted a shark alert to all holiday beachgoers. The alert follows the attack on 18-year-old Nick Peterson who was killed by a great white shark while being towed behind a boat on a surfboard just off Adelaide's popular West Beach. Officials have ordered the hunting and destruction of the shark (pictured below) responsible for Peterson's death.


Great White Shark
(Picture: Tait Schmaal)
No remains have been found for Nick Peterson and, although they are believed to be inside the shark, Phillip Peterson, Nick's father, has pleaded with hunters not to destroy the shark. The father must love animals more than his offspring which I think is absolutely macabre. Besides ignoring the fact that the shark is a proven man-eater that should be eliminated, the father is neglecting to even attempt to recover his son's remains.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/18/2004 07:59:00 PM

Kwanzaa Explained

Randall McElroy at Catallarchy has put together an informative background piece on Kwanzaa with his primary point being that it shouldn't be shoved down any person's throat. Kwanzaa has no theological foundation, being created by some guy in 1966 as a mish-mash of loosely related cultural characteristics from various groups in Africa. None of this was really news to me, however, I wasn't aware that the guy, Ron Karenga, who started it all is a convicted violent felon who did hard time in the big house.

My take is similar to McElroy's. All people should be able to freely celebrate whatever they desire, but no one should be forced to celebrate something they don't believe in. Follow the link.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/18/2004 05:34:00 PM

Miss Plastic Surgery

(Beijing, China) The winner was announced today in the Miss Plastic Surgery (or Miss Artificial Beauty) Pageant. Topping twenty contestants aged 17 to 62 was 22-year-old Feng Qian.


Feng Qian - Miss Plastic Surgery
(AP Photo)
Congratulations to the sawbones who sliced and diced Feng Qian to the winners circle and $6,000. Probably of more interest were two other candidates in the competition, a wax-faced 62-year-old and a bobbitized transsexual, who shared the Best Media Image award.

  
Contestants Liu Yulan, 62, and Liu Xiaojing, former male
Obviously, the pageant is newsworthy as a frivolous novelty and that's about it. Nobody is ever going to convince me that it's a legitimate competition when you've got de-withered grandmothers and lopped sex changers comparing scars and skin with girls as young as 17.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/18/2004 11:07:00 AM

Canadian Immigration Scam

(Ottawa, Canada) According to this report, Immigration Canada has been charging $4,000 to $25,000 from Arabs and Muslims to obtain permanent residency status. Implicated among others in the scam is Diane Serre, 34, Immigration Operations Manager in Ottawa. The charge is considered serious since there are people who obtained residency illegally, however, no evidence has surfaced that anyone is a security threat.

Of course, there's also no assurance that there is not a security threat. Riad Saloojee, a spokesman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations Canada, said the situation will only increase Arabs' feelings of persecution.

One has to wonder why someone would immigrate to a country where they felt persecuted. Maybe they don't mind being persecuted because they have a much larger purpose.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/17/2004 08:00:00 PM

Streisand's Colon Polyp

A colonoscopy earlier this year resulted in the finding of a polyp in Barbra Streisand's colon. This month, the polyp was removed and confirmed to be benign.

Rumor has it that the doctors made appropriate annotations on her body prior to the surgery to assure that they didn't mistakenly operate on the wrong end. (via Say Anything)
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       Following Entry Posted 12/17/2004 06:57:00 PM

San Francisco Wants To Ban Guns

Looking at the statistics, Washington, D.C., is the only major city in the U.S. that bans guns and the result is a homicide rate of 9.4 incidents per 100,000 people. San Francisco doesn't ban guns and has a homicide rate of 5.2 incidents per 100,000 people. However, San Francisco now is trying to ban guns by placing a proposed law on the ballot for next fall. A simple majority is all that's required to pass.

So, one has to conclude that there is a desire in San Francisco for a higher homicide rate.

All kidding aside, the city fathers are confronted with the impediment of a state law which specifies that citizens don't need to get permits or licenses for handguns in their homes and, also, they have the practical problem of enforcing a no-handgun law.

It remains to be seen how this issue will play out, but one thing is sure. San Francisco has a history of taking actions which are contrary to state law. Evidently, some communities are more equal than others.

As a Second Amendment issue, the volume of dialogue and commentary is sure to explode. Sharply opining thus far are Diggers Realm, Say Anything, and MuD & PHuD.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/17/2004 05:16:00 PM

Wal-Mart Sued For Foul Word

(Hagerstown, Maryland) Because one song, on one CD, without a parental-guidance warning sticker, contained the f-word, Wal-Mart is being sued by Trevin Skeens. Sought are damages of $74,500 for each person who bought the CD.

I've got probably a dozen questions about this but I'll just ask one. Why the figure of $74,500 for each purchaser? The amount seems arbitrary and there's an assumption that each purchaser was damaged.

I don't get it.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/17/2004 01:35:00 PM

Casino Camera Peeping

(Atlantic City, New Jersey) A Caesars Atlantic City Hotel Casino surveillance supervisor tipped off state regulators about funny business occurring in the casino.

Authorities in Atlantic City, N.J., charged that "eye in the sky" surveillance cameras were used to look down women's low-cut blouses.

New Jersey casino regulators have fined Caesars Atlantic City Hotel Casino $80,000 for incidents that happened in 2000 and 2001. Authorities say the cameras were used to zoom in on selected parts of the female anatomy.

Shocking! Absolutely shocking!
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       Following Entry Posted 12/17/2004 01:14:00 PM

Fatal Shooting

(Cleveland, Ohio) The incident took place at George's Market, located on Detroit Avenue on the city's west side.

Witnesses said Jesse Buchanan, 19, kept walking in and out of the store before the shooting happened. Buchanan reportedly showed his gun, fired one shot, demanded money and threatened the five people inside the store.

That's when Nadim Shalamy, 71, shot the Buchanan in the head, killing him. Shalamy has owned the store for 14 years.

That's a shame.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/17/2004 11:18:00 AM

U.S. Marine Sgt. Rafael Peralta

From an article by Oliver North:

On the morning of November 15, 2004, the men of 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines awoke before sunrise and continued what they had been doing for seven days previously - cleansing the city of Fallujah of terrorists house by house.

At the fourth house they encountered that morning the Marines kicked in the door and "cleared" the front rooms, but then noticed a locked door off to the side that required inspection. Sgt. Rafael Peralta threw open the closed door, but behind it were three terrorists with AK-47s. Peralta was hit in the head and chest with multiple shots at close range.

Peralta's fellow Marines had to step over his body to continue the shootout with the terrorists. As the firefight raged on, a "yellow, foreign-made, oval-shaped grenade," as Lance Corporal Travis Kaemmerer described it, rolled into the room where they were all standing and came to a stop near Peralta's body.

But Sgt. Rafael Peralta wasn't dead - yet. This young immigrant of 25 years, who enlisted in the Marines when he received his green card, who volunteered for the front line duty in Fallujah, had one last act of heroism in him.

Sgt. Rafael Peralta was the polar opposite of Pablo Paredes, the Petty Officer who turned his back on his shipmates and mocked his commander in chief. Peralta was proud to serve his adopted country. In his parent's home, on his bedroom walls hung only three items - a copy of the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights and his boot camp graduation certificate. Before he set out for Fallujah, he wrote to his 14-year old brother, "be proud of me, bro...and be proud of being an American."

Not only can Rafael's family be proud of him, but his fellow Marines are alive because of him. As Sgt. Rafael Peralta lay near death on the floor of a Fallujah terrorist hideout, he spotted the yellow grenade that had rolled next to his near-lifeless body. Once detonated, it would take out the rest of Peralta's squad. To save his fellow Marines, Peralta reached out, grabbed the grenade, and tucked it under his abdomen where it exploded.

"Most of the Marines in the house were in the immediate area of the grenade," Cpl. Kaemmerer said. "We will never forget the second chance at life that Sgt. Peralta gave us."

The heroism of Sgt. Peralta is being largely ignored by the MSM in favor of giving publicity to "California's Coward Du Jour," deserter Pablo Paredes.

I'd like to suggest that as many bloggers as possible herald the valor of Sgt. Rafael Peralta to counter the idiotic, leftist bias of the MSM. Sgt. Peralta sacrificed his life for the United States of America.

Hat tip: In The Bullpen
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       Following Entry Posted 12/17/2004 10:25:00 AM

Iraq War Movie

Harrison Ford has been selected to star in a Hollywood feature film about the Battle of Fallujah. From Indiana Jones and Jack Ryan, Ford's new character will be a step up on the testosterone scale. He'll play a General in the U.S. Marine Corps. (via Backcountry Conservative)
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       Following Entry Posted 12/17/2004 08:00:00 AM

Psychology Professor Found Mentally Ill

Last March, Kerri Dunn, 40, a psychology professor at Claremont McKenna College, spray painted her car with racist and anti-Semitic slurs and then called police and said she was the target of a hate crime.

This week, it was announced that, according to psychological testing, Dunn has a severe mental illness. Nonetheless, she was sentenced to a year in prison on convictions for filing a false police report and attempted insurance fraud.

Since Dunn was a member of academia teaching psychology at a liberal arts college on the left coast, it was probably not necessary to test for mental illness. (via John Ray)
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       Following Entry Posted 12/16/2004 02:39:00 PM

Doane College Recruiting Suggests Easy Campus Sex

The availability of steaming pulchritude has always been a magnetic feature of college life but I never thought that it would be emphasized in recruiting literature. Mike Meckler has the details.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/16/2004 10:54:00 AM

Filipino Christmas Truce

From a Channel NewsAsia report:

Philippines President Gloria Arroyo on Thursday declared a unilateral three-week Christmas ceasefire with communist guerrillas and urged them to stop attacks.

This came just after the insurgents raided a police station in the northern town of Caranglan late Wednesday and carted off five M16 rifles and police cellphones, a military report said. [Emphasis mine - ed.]

After learning that the Australian Health System just closed their doors for the holidays, I didn't think that my gut could achieve a more acidic level of disapproval. I was wrong. The Filipino government has taken the pH of my stomach down to zero with the decision to not defend the country during the holidays. And, although it's dumb to do it, it's even dumber to announce to your enemies that you're doing it.

To be fair, they have politely asked their enemy, the communists, to observe the Christmas holiday period also. I'm sure that everything will be just ducky because we know how much the communists respect religion. In fact, didn't President Johnson pull the same stunt in 1968? That worked out just ducky, for the commies.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/16/2004 09:31:00 AM

Happy Christmas, You Maggot

According to the results of a VH-1 poll, the British have selected their favorite Christmas song and it's not a traditional classic like White Christmas by Bing Crosby. Collecting one-fourth of all online votes, Fairytale Of New York, by The Pogues and late British singer Kirsty MacColl, was preferred to all others.

Rather than lyrics about snowmen and sledging [sic], MacColl and Pogues singer and songwriter Shane MacGowan sing alternate lines as a warring pair of lovers serenaded by drunks and policemen as they walk through New York on Christmas night.

"You scumbag, you maggot," begins one verse, ending with a couplet that might well have shocked Crosby: "Happy Christmas your arse/I pray god its our last."

Their poll obviously was flawed. It is, however, instructive. Evidence now has been gathered to suggest that Brits who listen to VH-1 and participate in polls are likely to be heartless and disrespectful idiots.

Trackback to OTB Traffic Jam, Wizbang.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/16/2004 07:08:00 AM

Illegals To Boycott California Gas Stations

Since the attempt to get illegal aliens driver's licenses in the state of California has been stalled by Gov. Schwarzenegger, the illegal alien advocacy has called for a boycott of California gas stations. Illegals have been told to avoid buying gas on Mondays for a year or until they can get licenses.

I'm flummoxed. Does this action make a lick of sense to anybody? It would seem that if they wanted to really get attention, they would have all the illegals go on strike.

Hat tip: Diggers Realm
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       Following Entry Posted 12/16/2004 06:44:00 AM

Iraqi Communications Minister Killed

While on the way to work, terrorist gunmen pulled alongside the car carrying Iraqi Communications Director-General Kassim Imhawi and opened fire. Eight bodyguards were wounded.

Call me suspicious, but isn't it odd that Imhawi dies and all of his eight bodyguards live?
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       Following Entry Posted 12/16/2004 06:23:00 AM

New Bin Laden Tape Surfaces

From a report in The Austalian:

An audio recording purportedly by Osama bin Laden, in which he mentions a December 6 attack in Saudi Arabia, was posted on the Internet today.

The recording, in which bin Laden blesses a group of Saudi militants who stormed the US consulate in Jeddah, suggests the al-Qaeda leader is alive.

The voice and the style of the speaker was similar to bin Laden but the authenticity of the tape could not be verified.

One has to wonder why an audio tape as opposed to video. He's proven not to be camera shy.

Nonetheless, the speaker on the tape accuses the Saudi royal family of being insufficiently Islamic and too close to the infidels. In fact, besides a hallelujah to the terrorists who stormed the U.S. Consulate in Jiddah, criticism of the Saudi rulers appears to be the essential gist of the message.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/15/2004 10:56:00 PM

Nathan Gale's Mother Bought Him The Gun

According to this report, Nathan Gale killed Dimebag Darrell with a gun that his mother, Mary Clark, bought for him.

"When he came home for Christmas the year he was in the service, I was so proud of that man for cleaning up his life the way he did," Clark said. "And I bought him that gun. I'll never, never be able to live that part down."

Sometime after she gave him the gun, Gale was diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic. At that point, Mary Clark must have had a mental lapse because she obviously wasn't thinking things through. The minute Gale was determined to be mentally ill, she should have taken action to retrieve the gun.

One other thing, now that Mary Clark has been identified in the press, some despondent Dimebag fan may threaten her life.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/15/2004 07:28:00 PM

Publishers Discover Bloggers

According to this New York Times article, publishing houses have started to regard the blogosphere as a potential source for promising, marketable writers. The piece has a few interesting snippets. Here's one:

In June a former Senate aide, Jessica Cutler, whose blog documenting her sexual exploits with politicos dominated Capitol gossip in the spring, sold a Washington-focused novel to Hyperion for an advance well into six figures, said Kelly Notaras of Hyperion.

Surely everyone remembers Jessica Cutler and her graphic sex blogging. Her site, Washingtonienne, is history but she apparently is doing well-into-six-figures fine. And here's another six-figure snippet:

In October Ana Marie Cox, editor of wonkette.com, a racy, often wry Washington-based blog, sold her first novel, "Dog Days," a comic tale with a political context, to Riverhead Books. She said she received a $275,000 advance.

So, in summary, publishers are trolling the blogosphere looking for writers they can market and, in at least two instances, deals were made involving six figures.

Mention needs to be made that Interested-Participant maintains an equal troll opportunity policy and is prepared to deal for less than six figures. However, nothing less than a two-figure deal will be considered. I have my standards.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/15/2004 01:24:00 PM

School Cancels Rock Concert Because Band Is Christian

The Toledo Blade reports:

Rossford High School officials were considering letting a Christian rock band play during an anti-drug assembly next week, but decided yesterday to cancel the performance because of concerns over having religious music played in a public school.

"We are just shutting the whole thing down," Rossford Superintendent Luci Gernot said. "There is some controversy, and I'd rather err on this side."

The school district's law firm, Whalen & Compton of Akron told school officials yesterday that it "wasn't appropriate" to let the band Pawn perform at the school, Ms. Gernot said.

Attendance at the assembly was not going to be mandatory since students had the option of going to study hall or view an anti-drug movie. Therefore, it wasn't a case of the school shoving religion down the students' throats.

Nonetheless, at least one parent, Donna Chiarelott, complained.

"I think there is a place for Christian bands, and schools aren't where they belong," Ms. Chiarelott said.

Please forgive me for having some un-Christian thoughts regarding the complainer.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/15/2004 08:36:00 AM

HIV Rate Soars In Portugal

Based upon recent data, Portugal has been found to have the highest rate of HIV infection in the European Union and part of the reason is a surge in the number of HIV-infected individuals in the over-50 demographic. Between 1999 and 2003, the number of Portuguese that were HIV positive and over 50 increased by 71% which contrasts sharply with the rest of the EU where the largest increases are in people under 30.

The reason? Viagra.

Yes, Viagra and other anti-impotence drugs are at the root of a dramatic increase in personal fluid-transfer recreation by the over-50 crowd causing the virus to spread widely and quickly. And, other factors are blamed for contributing to the situation. These include; a lack of safe sex campaigns aimed at the older generation who eschew condom use, a mistaken general belief that the primary behavioral risk is intravenous drug use, and a fuddy-duddy reluctance to discuss sex with and among older people. As a result, the older demographic is quite uninformed about the risks of unsafe sex. In response to the concerns, the Ministry of Health plans to develop an ad campaign to educate the over-50 crowd.

In summary, no longer does leisure-time enjoyment for the older crowd end with the final hand of pinochle or the last bingo card. Thanks to Viagra and similar drugs, grandmas and grandpas are staying up past their usual bedtimes and engaging in frisky, risky behavior.

Annotate your tour book of Portugal accordingly.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/14/2004 07:42:00 PM

Another Female Teacher Molests Student

(Dudley, Massachusetts) Amber S. Jennings, a 31-year-old former English teacher at Shepherd Hill Regional High School in Dudley, is charged with engaging a minor in sexual intercourse and distribution of pornography to a minor. Amber was apparently involved with intimately tutoring a 16-year-old male student for almost a year before being caught.


Amber Jennings
Jennings was released on $1,000 bail and has a court date next month to face the charges. In the meantime, she was ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim.

Okay, let's look at the tote board. Pamela Smart, Debra Lafave, Mary Kay Letourneau, Lisa Suitter, Amber Jennings, and I'm sure I'm missing some names. Even so, we have enough for a basketball team.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/14/2004 04:38:00 PM

Threats Made In Connection With Dimebag Killing

The Marysville Journal-Tribune reports that a woman having the same last name as Dimebag Darrell's killer, Nathan Gale, has received threats on her life. According to the Marysville Police Department, she began receiving phone calls from an unidentified man early this morning.

It is not clear how the caller obtained her telephone number or from where he was calling. The caller allegedly believed the woman was a family member of Gale's and threatened to shoot her in retaliation for the murder of heavy metal guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbot Wednesday night.

Reports indicate the resident attempted to convince the caller that she is no relation to Gale, but to no avail. The caller's last few messages - left at approximately 6 a.m. - were captured on an answering machine. Local police officers are reviewing the tape as part of their investigation.

One thing is sure. Dimebag Darrell was very popular and his fans are having difficulty coping with his death. Threatening to shoot a presumed relative of Gale's in retaliation for Dimebag's demise is beyond extreme.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/14/2004 03:45:00 PM

Big Brother Director Big Child Molester

(Newark, Ohio) The former director of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Licking and Perry Counties, James Russell, pled guilty to 25 felony sex abuse charges and no contest to four rape counts.

The 29 counts against Russell -- four rape, eight gross sexual imposition, 11 sexual battery and six corruption of a minor -- carry a maximum prison sentence of 144 years, although prosecutors are expected to only ask for 10 years in prison.

"We're doing this because of this defendant's age," Licking County Prosecutor Robert Becker said. "This man is 66 years old."

This begs the question as to what age would a felon have to be for the prosecutor to ask for no prison time.

Interestingly, another mentor from the central Ohio organization, Scott Wagner, was sentenced last year to 89 years in prison for sexually abusing 11 boys. This kind of makes me wonder if recently defrocked clergy aren't finding a new home in Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/14/2004 02:47:00 PM

Prince Edward Island Nudist Campground

Gary and Linda Lowther have won approval to open a nudist campground in Cavendish, a popular tourist destination and the home of the fictional Anne of Green Gables. Oddly, the idea of running around the woods in Canada without clothes has never crossed my mind. In fact, the last time I was in the woods in the Great White North, I almost had to have a blood transfusion after serving as a refueling depot for the huge Northwoods mosquitos, AKA the Canadian Air Force. I'd consider armor before I'd give those bloodsuckers additional landing zones.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/14/2004 05:23:00 AM

Indian Train Collision Kills Dozens

CNN.com:

NEW DELHI, India -- Indian railway officials say at least 27 people are dead and another 50 injured after a head-on collision between two passenger trains.

Indian media reports say an express train and a local train collided at around noon [1:30am EST] on Tuesday along a stretch of rural track in the northern state of Punjab.

Railway sources have told the Press Trust of India that 27 bodies have been pulled out from badly-damaged coaches.

The Times of India indicates an eyewitness reported at least 50 people died and four cars on both trains were completely destroyed. Fog may have contributed to the accident which occurred between the cities of Jalandhar and Pathankot, northwest of New Delhi. However, an Indian Railways spokesman blames a communication failure.

According to Reuters, train travel in India is high risk, with about 300 accidents occurring yearly.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/13/2004 09:11:00 PM

Welcome To Moe's - God

(Orlando, Florida) A large billboard indicates that God endorses Moe's Southwest Grill adjacent to Interstate 4.


Needless to say, the sign is quite controversial and a few local believers have whispered some unbiblical remarks. My take is that the sign will probably insult both Christian followers and anti-religious activists. Consequently, it's a really dumb idea.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/13/2004 02:34:00 PM

Pablo Paredes - U.S. Navy Deserter

In a previous post, I discussed the actions of Petty Officer Pablo Paredes who decided he was against the war only upon receipt of orders to a ship bound for duty in the Indian Ocean. As the situation currently stands, Paredes has not been apprehended nor has he turned himself in to face the charges against him.

I contributed a companion post to Our Life blog and, interestingly, a comment thread has developed in which Pablo Paredes has joined in. Pablo is attempting to defend his actions. Honestly, he's doing a poor job providing justification for disobeying a lawful order. And not surprisingly, Paredes' argument sounds like it's based entirely on the socialist and communist rhetoric regularly spewed by International A.N.S.W.E.R.

Chris Short is keeping the discussion civil at Our Life. See the comment thread here.

Also blogging:

Blackfive,
Citizen Smash,
Cry Freedom,
Speed Of Thought.

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       Following Entry Posted 12/13/2004 01:33:00 PM

Sentenced To Death For Eating Livers

From a report in The Australian:

A serial killer who said he ate the livers of his victims was sentenced to death today for butchering 20 people in one of South Korea's biggest murder cases, court officials said.

The Seoul Central District Court found Yoo Young-Chul, 33, guilty of murdering 20 people, mostly young prostitutes.

Yoo, who was arrested on July 16 and confessed to killing 21 people, mutilated the bodies of at least 11 victims and burned three others over a period of 10 months.

Yoo told investigators that eating human liver cleared his mind and improved his body. Psychiatrists said that Yoo has a personality disorder because his wife divorced him while he was doing hard time in the slammer.

Excuse me! Killing and eating people would have to be diagnosed as something more severe than a 'personality disorder.'
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       Following Entry Posted 12/13/2004 11:46:00 AM

COTC

In the businesslike, no-nonsense manner of a true capitalist, Rob Sama presents this week's Carnival of the Capitalists. Go visit and be sure to wish him a Happy Birthday.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/13/2004 10:52:00 AM

Skanky Japanese Girls Have Highest STD Rate

From Adamu's Jappanica come the surprising data. The ugliest girls are most infected with sexually transmitted genital chlamydia. Annotate your tour guidebook accordingly. (via The Marmot)
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       Following Entry Posted 12/13/2004 09:26:00 AM

Court Martial for Comshaw [Cumshaw] Artists

Just about everybody has seen an episode of M.A.S.H., or McHale's Navy, or a war movie where military equipment is unofficially appropriated for use by another unit. One of my favorites is Operation Petticoat where Tony Curtis plays the part of an officer who steals all the parts and equipment needed to make a submarine seaworthy and then purloins a pig for Christmas dinner. It's all hilarious fun. Unfortunately, the real world holds rewards for comshaw artists that are dramatically different. From the Dayton Daily News (free reg.) comes this story:

COLUMBUS - At a time when some U.S. troops in Iraq are complaining they have to scrounge for equipment, six Ohio-based reservists were court-martialed for taking Army vehicles abandoned in Kuwait by other units so they could carry out their own unit's mission to Iraq.

The soldiers say they needed the vehicles, and parts stripped from one, to deliver fuel to Iraq, but their former battalion commander said Sunday the troops should at least have returned the vehicles to their original units.

Members of the 656th Transportation Company based in Springfield said they needed the equipment to deliver fuel needed by U.S. forces in Iraq for everything from helicopters to tanks.

They took two tractor-trailer rigs and stripped parts from a 5-ton truck. The vehicles were said to be abandoned. Afterwards, they destroyed the trucks which, according to Lt. Col. Christopher Wicker, former commander over the 656th Transportation Company, was essentially doing the enemy's job. "Those trucks could be used for other units," said Wicker.

After an investigation, former company commander, Maj. Catherine Kaus, former Chief Warrant Officer Darrell Birt, and four others were court martialed on charges of theft, destruction of Army property and conspiracy to cover up their crimes. Each was sentenced to six months confinement and given a dishonorable discharge with loss of all military benefits.

My take is that the punishment seems unreasonably harsh. Their actions, despite not being well thought out, were conducted for the sake of a military mission, not personal gain.

More coverage: Blogs Of War

[Update] Interestingly, Rusty Shackleford and I were thinking of the same thing (Operation Petticoat) when we independently wrote posts on this story.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/13/2004 04:13:00 AM

Iraqi Violence

To assure the safety of others, only sketchy information has been provided in the report of seven marines killed in two separate incidents in the Anbar Province which includes Fallujah and Ramadi.

Also unclear is the number of casualties from a homicide-suicide car bombing at the western Harthiyah gate into the fortified Green Zone within Baghdad. It's estimated that as many as 13 were killed and 19 wounded. According to US army Lt. Colonel James Hutton, "no multinational forces personnel [were] wounded or killed."

[Update] From a Reuters report:

A group led by al Qaeda ally Abu Musab al-Zarqawi claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing in Baghdad which killed at least seven people on Monday, according to an Internet statement.

"On this blessed day, a lion from the martyrs battalion struck a group of apostates and Americans in the Green Zone," Al Qaeda Organization for Holy War in Iraq said in a statement posted on a Web site used by Islamists.

The authenticity of the message has not been verified.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/12/2004 11:50:00 PM

2004 Weblog Awards - Polls Open

Visit the 2004 Weblog Awards Main Page. One vote in each category is allowed each day. Polls close 12/12/04.

To cast a vote for Interested-Participant, go here. Early results hold promise. As of 12/2 at 5pm, EST, I-P has inched ahead of athlete's foot and smallpox in popularity.

[Update 12/08/04] Current status of the voting indicates that Interested-Participant is locked in a fierce battle with Diggers Realm with the lead changing several times since the polls opened. Digger holds a mere 0.1% lead at this time.

To mobilize the Interested-Participant base, I've been encouraged to provide an incentive more substantial then the usual bribe of leftover Halloween candy but, unfortunately, the campaign budget is exhausted. Even so, there is at least one good reason to vote for Interested-Participant, no advertising. You can be assured that no posts have been adulterated because of commercial considerations. Vote here now. You can vote once daily until Sunday.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/12/2004 11:14:00 PM

Alleged Vote Cheater Found Dead

Working for the NAACP's National Voter Fund, Georgianne Pitts, 41, allegedly directed others to fill out fraudulent voter registrations in exchange for crack cocaine. Unexpectedly, she was found dead in her home this past week. Mike Meckler at Red-State.com has the details.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/12/2004 11:24:00 AM

Preschoolers Fed Dog Food

(Tacoma, Washington) At Northeast Tacoma Elementary School, teaching assistant Terry Atkinson had a class of four-year-olds eat dog food while on the floor on their hands and knees. Naturally, parents became quite upset and complained. In response, the school district placed Atkinson on administrative leave.

The parents, however, weren't satisfied and wanted Atkinson fired and started calling the press to put pressure on the school district. Then Atkinson resigned. Still, the parents aren't satisfied. They want an apology from Atkinson and from the school principal, Pat Flores, who they feel handled the situation quite unprofessionally.

Inexplicably, according to Tacoma School District spokeswoman Patti Holmgren, the dog food came from a display intended to teach the preschoolers what not to eat.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/12/2004 08:45:00 AM

Bomb Kills 11 in Philippines

(General Santos, Philippines) Although nobody has yet claimed responsibility, a Muslim terrorist group called Abu Sayyaf is suspected in the bombing of the meat section of the General Santos City Public Market which killed at least 11 people. About 30 wounded, some critical, were rushed to two area hospitals. According to Police Captain Maximo Sebastian,

"The market was packed with people because there were Christmas flea market stalls there, and the explosion was powerful."

About 600 miles from Manila, General Santos is a busy port city on the southern tip of the island of Mindanao.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/12/2004 08:05:00 AM

Chernobyl Children's Project Banned by President of Belarus

Seriously ill young victims of the Chernobyl nuclear accident have been banned from participating in the Chernobyl Children's Project which has charitably relieved some of their suffering by giving them vacations in England. Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko, an old-style Soviet communist, has ruled that cancer victims of the nuclear tragedy will be "contaminated by consumerism" if they travel to Britain to recuperate. Lukashenko holds on to the contradictory belief of all communists, that a whole country can learn to love forced deprivation and poverty.

This proves again that you can show a communist the way to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and he'll just shut the door and station an armed guard. It also proves there is no such thing as a former communist.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/11/2004 03:53:00 PM

Nuke Plant May Face Federal Charges

From a Cleveland Plain Dealer report:

FirstEnergy Corp.'s nuclear operating company is the target of a federal grand jury and could be indicted because its top officials allegedly lied to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission about the condition of the Davis-Besse reactor three years ago, the company said Friday.

The utility said it had received a letter earlier in the day from the U.S. attorney's office here indicating "it is likely that federal charges will be returned against the FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Co. by the grand jury."

Frankly, if the utility lied, there should be harsh punishment. It probably wouldn't hurt to also get rid of the prevaricators.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/11/2004 03:16:00 PM

Monster Growth

(Cincinnati, Ohio) Grace Radtke wasn't feeling well. Over several weeks, she had lost more than 60 pounds from her 300-pound frame. Encouraged by family, she went to the doctor which led to the removal of a 66-pound non-cancerous, ovarian tumor from her abdomen.

Whoa! Mama!
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       Following Entry Posted 12/11/2004 01:59:00 PM

Lynn Swann For Governor

Lynn Swann, Hall of Fame former Pittsburgh Steeler, has put out feelers on running for governor of Pennsylvania as a Republican in 2006.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/11/2004 09:37:00 AM

Waiting For National Health Care

From The Australian comes this story concerning a significantly undesirable feature of national health care.

A spokesman from Royal North Shore Hospital confirmed elective surgery has been suspended for six weeks as part of standard practice for the Christmas/New Year holiday period.

Other hospitals were expected to follow suit over the next fortnight, according to a Sydney newspaper.

The spokesman said the hospital closed its elective surgery at the same time each year, but that 10 theatres would remain open for emergencies.

"Every year Royal North Shore shuts down at the same time," he said.

The two primary reasons given for the six-week shutdown are to give doctors and nurses holiday vacations and because people don't want to be operated on during the holiday period. However, not everybody buys into this reasoning. According to Opposition Leader John Brogden,

"[P]eople who need surgery, now, will have to wait well into next year now, and those who are on the list for March get pushed back to June, July, August," he told reporters in Sydney's west today.

"Thousands of people will be inconvenienced by a crazy system that allows hospitals to shut down for six weeks at a time.

"This is a very sinister plan to try and make out to the people of NSW that they can't get doctors because doctors and nurses will be on holidays," he said.

"The truth, in fact, is they simply want to cut costs."

Brogden makes sense. I personally don't think any organization can be considered responsive to the public when it regularly shuts down for six weeks at a time. And, according to Dr. John Gullotta of the Australian Medical Association, "The cancellation of elective surgery lists is a deceitful method used to meet budgets." So, like the British and Canadian systems, the Australian socialized medical system casually disregards timeliness of treatment as an important aspect of health care. (via John Ray)
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       Following Entry Posted 12/11/2004 04:33:00 AM

Sean AKA [pick a name] Combs

Sean "P Piffy, Puffy, Diddy, Daddy [pick a name]" Combs accepted a humanitarian award at Project Angel Food's Divine Design the other night and announced a new preference, being named 'Santa' Combs.

"Life is not really about money, hit records, or sellin' clothes -- it's about helpin' other people."

This is good news. For a while I thought it was about voting or dying.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/11/2004 03:42:00 AM

Kerik Bows Out As Homeland Nominee

Reluctantly, but with apparent good reason, Bernard Kerik withdrew his name from being considered as Secretary of Homeland Security. In a statement released last night, Kerik revealed that he had recently employed a Mexican housekeeper of questionable immigration status and had also failed to make required tax payments and paperwork submittals. This fact would have undercut his ability to effectively direct the activities of the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

It needs to be noted that there are other hard-to-explain smudges on Kerik's resume involving unusual financial arrangements and alleged private use of public employees.

White House spokesman Scott McClellan said a new candidate would be named soon.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/10/2004 06:19:00 PM

Monument To Lab Animals

(Beijing, China) To commemorate the glory of scientific achievement and all the mice, guinea pigs, rabbits, and monkeys whose lives were sacrificed in research, a monument has been erected by the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. I'm sure their families will be proud.

Interestingly, there seems to be little progress on the monument for the millions of Chinese citizens who were sacrificed to the glory of communism. It's probably still in the glory acquisition stage.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/10/2004 03:36:00 PM

French CNN

From a MediaGuardian.co.uk (free reg.) report:

France is to launch a French-language news channel next year in a long-awaited attempt to challenge the dominance of the American view of world current affairs, the prime minister, Jean-Pierre Raffarin, said yesterday.

Frankly, do we really need another lockstep member of the MSM preaching anti-Americanism? Oh wait, this one is going to be in French. So, apparently there's a need to have more French people despise the U.S. Wait a minute. The channel known as "CNN a la Francaise" will not be available in France.

I'm confused.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/10/2004 06:21:00 AM

He's Poisoned, He's Not Poisoned

The latest on Victor Yushchenko is that the Austrian doctors can't make up their minds and the only consistency in opinion has been expressed by Dr. Tom at the CodeBlueBlog. His argument is solidly trouncing competing spiels. Contrary to my previous leanings (influenced by bad reporting of the news), I'm wagering on CBB's diagnosis.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/10/2004 03:23:00 AM

Blogging Consultancy

In response to an observed eager curiosity regarding blogging in the business realm, Jeremy C. Wright and Darren Barefoot have started a blogging consulting enterprise at InsideBlogging.com. My hunch is that the business world's 'eager curiosity' will soon metamorphose into a 'defined need' with InsideBlogging blazing the trail.

Interested-Participant wishes InsideBlogging.com many rewards.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/09/2004 05:12:00 PM

Father Spanks Son, Gets Arrested

(Manchester, England) An unruly three-year-old boy was spanked on the fanny by his father and arrested for assault. The police were concerned about the amount of force applied in the spank. As a result, the father was let out on bail with the stipulation that he had to move out of his house and have no unsupervised contact with his son until the trial. He was also prohibited from talking to him on the phone. Six months later, his trial date finally arrived and he pled guilty and was sentenced to two years rehabilitation.

My gut feeling is that the police overreacted. And, just reflecting on the times I was spanked as a youngster, my dad would have been sentenced to life in prison.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/09/2004 03:20:00 PM

Survey - Most Women Are Liars

The Manchester News reports:

According to researchers at That's Life! magazine, the National Scruples and Lies Survey of 5,000 women, average age 38, across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, found that the overwhelming majority (96%) admit to lying. Quite troubling is the fact that eight out of ten women (83%) admit to telling "big, life-changing lies" with 13% saying they do so frequently. Other findings include,

Four out of ten (42%) would lie about contraception in order to get pregnant.

Half of all women would not tell her man that the baby she was carrying was not his.

Eight of ten (78%) would regift.

Almost one-fourth (23%) would let their man sleep with another woman for $95,000 (50,000 British pounds).

Almost four in ten (38%) said they would marry purely for money.

And, disturbingly, almost one-third (31%) of all women and almost two-thirds (65%) of single women said that they would not tell a future partner if they had a sexually transmitted disease.

Almost half (46%) said they fake orgasms.

Two-thirds (68%) don't trust their partners.

One in five (19%) said they cheated on their long term partner.

Since I haven't seen the actual survey questions and also don't know how it was conducted, it's difficult to comment on specific results. However, from an overall perspective, it's interesting to note that a significant percentage of the women do not trust their partners while it seems the reverse should be true. Also noteworthy are these comments by Jo Checkley, editor of That's Life! magazine, who said,

"Modern women just can't stop lying, but they do it to stop hurting other people's feelings.

"It could be argued that these little white lies simply make the world go round a little more smoothly.

"But to tell a man a baby is his when it's not or to deliberately get pregnant when your partner doesn't want a baby is playing Russian roulette with other people's lives."

There's more at the link and, by the way, don't shoot the messenger. I didn't conduct the survey and have no loyalty towards it.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/09/2004 05:22:00 AM

Columbus Nightclub Shootings Kill 5, Wound 2

(Columbus, Ohio) From a NBC4i.com report, five people were killed and two others wounded by a lone shooter at the Alrosa Villa nightclub last night.

Two members of the heavy metal band Damageplan were reportedly shot and killed, including Dimebag Darrell, formerly with the band Pantera, NBC 4's David Wayne reported. The other band member's name was not released. The alleged gunman also died at the scene, Wayne reported.

Shortly after the band began playing its first song, a man reportedly ran onto the stage and began shooting, according to a witness who identified himself as Sean. Some members of the audience reportedly thought the man running onto the stage with a gun was part of the band's act, NBC 4's Erin Tate reported.

Witnesses said that several shots were fired at the band before a bouncer tackled the gunman before he was shot and killed.

Columbus police Sgt. Brent Mull said the shooter appeared to be targeting the band members. After opening fire on the stage, the gunman turned on the crowd. At that point, an officer shot the man dead, Mall added. Police said there could have been many more fatalities had the officer not killed the gunman.

Of the two wounded victims, one is in critical condition and the other is in fair condition. No motive for the attack has been identified.

[Update 12/09/04, noon EST] The shooter has been identified as Nathan Gale, 25, of Marysville, and according to Columbus Police Sgt. Brent Mull, "Unless he left a note, we may never know" the motive for the shootings.


Nathan Gale
Officer James D. Niggemeyer, who was patrolling near the club, shot and killed Gale while he was holding a person hostage in a headlock. "I can't say enough about (Niggemeyer's) abilities, his skills, the way he handled this investigation," Sgt. Mull said.

Thus far, the dead have been identified as the shooter Gale, guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, audience member Nathan Bray, presumed audience member Erik Hall, and another person whose identity was not released. Many injured during the shooting spree and chaos were treated at the scene and released.

Police are reviewing an amateur videotape to determine what events occurred leading up to the shooting.

Companion post at Backcountry Conservative.

Other blogging:
A Small Victory
Dodgeblogium
BlogCritics
Say Uncle
Diggers Realm
Six Meat Buffet
Outside the Beltway
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       Following Entry Posted 12/09/2004 04:13:00 AM

Moderating Muslims - French Style

Of 1,200 Muslim imams in France, 75% are not French and one-third don't speak the language. Therefore, according to this report,

Muslim prayer leaders in France are to be offered university training in French law, civics, history and culture from next autumn as part of a bid to build a moderate "French Islam" that respects human rights and the Republican code, the interior minister said yesterday.

The courses, available initially at two university campuses in Paris will be accompanied by intensive French language lessons if necessary. Both current and future imams will be encouraged to enrol [sic], Dominique de Villepin said in a newspaper interview.

The purpose is to promote a moderate, European form of Islam and the government is "strongly" advising Muslim leaders to participate.

Interestingly, while promoting a moderate Muslim population,

[S]pecial police cells would soon be set up in each of France's 22 regions, stepping up surveillance not just of radical prayer leaders and their congregations but of restaurants, bookshops, halal butchers and long-distance telephone centres that may serve as contact points for Muslim radicals seeking new converts.

A pilot cell in Paris had mounted more than 100 surveillance operations, questioned more than 1,000 people and expelled 14 fundamentalists including seven imams, Mr de Villepin said. The number of fundamentalist mosques in the region had now fallen from 32 last year to "around 20."

In summary, the French government is telling the Muslims to go to school and follow the rules of society and, by the way, we are going to immerse you in a program of continuous police surveillance and interrogation.

Sounds like a plan that's sure to prompt complaints from the French Civil Liberties Union.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/08/2004 05:44:00 PM

Nurses Most Honest & Ethical

According to this report, a Gallup survey of the American public found that nurses are considered to be the most honest and ethical professionals. Professions ranked as follows:

1) Nurses
2) Grade School Teachers
3) Pharmacists
4) Military Officers
5) Doctors
6) Police Officers
7) Clergy
8) Judges
9) Day-care Providers
10) Bankers
11) Auto Mechanics
12) Local Politicians
13) Nursing Home Operators
14) State Politicians
15) TV Reporters
16) Newspaper Reporters

Filling out the bottom of the list were lawyers, car salesmen, ad directors, business executives, and congressmen.

I would generally agree except for the politicians. They shouldn't be listed higher than lawyers. They are lawyers.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/08/2004 04:14:00 PM

Thriving French Whine Market

(Paris) Due to several reasons, such as overproduction, decreased exports, advertising restrictions, and changing drinking habits, the French wine making business is considered in crisis. Consequently, today French vintners wore black armbands while marching through Bordeaux, Avignon, Angers, Macon, Nantes, Tours and other cities in key wine making regions to protest and urge the government to bail out the industry.

Vintners say overproduction worldwide, and especially in France - which harvested a bumper crop of grapes this year - has glutted a market where French wines already face fierce competition from vintages from California, Chile and Australia.

In addition, wine consumption by the French people is down dramatically due to anti-alcohol campaigns.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/08/2004 01:34:00 PM

Yushchenko Was Poisoned!

Via Chad Evans at In The Bullpen comes this report.

Ukraine's opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko was poisoned in an attempt to kill him during election campaigning in September, a British daily reported today, quoting the doctor who oversaw his treatment.

Doctors at Viennas Rudolfinerhaus clinic are within days of identifying the substance that left Mr Yushchenko's face disfigured with cysts and lesions, Doctor Nikolai Korpan was quoted as saying in The Times.

Specialists in Britain, the United States and France had helped to establish that it was a biological agent, a chemical agent or, most likely, a rare poison that struck him down in the run-up to the presidential election, he said.

Yushchenko had previously stated that "he would soon reveal proof that his opponents had tried to assassinate him." Thankfully, it seems we now have a definitive answer to the dramatic change in Yushchenko's appearance over the last few months. Bill at INDC Journal opines that John Edwards would have quit running had he experienced a similar cosmetic change. I agree.

Also following the story:

Diggers Realm
The Command Post
Say Anything
Slant Point
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       Following Entry Posted 12/08/2004 10:34:00 AM

Holding A Grudge

(Palmyra, Pennsylvania) Nine years ago, the Palmyra police told Bill Zeiders that he would have to remove a large snowman from his yard because it obstructed motorists' views.

For nine long years, the perceived injustice of the police order seethed in Zeiders' gullet. Then, last month, he found a way to get back.

The Palmyra High School field hockey team went through town on a fire engine with sirens blaring last month after winning the district championship. A complaint filed by Bill Zeiders said there was no parade permit and sirens are supposed to be used only in emergencies.

So, the town fire engine won't be used anymore for local impromptu celebrations.

It took him nine years, but Zeiders sure showed them. I kind of wonder what Zeiders would have done if the police had given him a ticket.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/08/2004 09:30:00 AM

Wal-Mart Poised to Buy Japanese Supermarket Chain

The cash-poor Japanese supermarket chain Daiei Inc. is undergoing government-guided rehabilitation by the Industrial Revitalization Corp. Japan and Wal-Mart has presented itself as a prospective buyer. Ito-Yokado Co. and Aeon Corp. are also in the bidding.

Daiei, with 200 stores nationwide, owes about $9.7 billion and needs a massive bailout. Wal-Mart wants to continue expanding in Japan where they already have a 37.3 percent interest in 400 stores owned by Japanese retailer Seiyu Ltd. Bidding for Daiei will continue through next month.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/08/2004 08:19:00 AM

ChiComs Reject Shanghai Playboy Club

(Shanghai, China) A day after Michael Nussbaum, head of the Playboy Club Shanghai, had announced that agreements were in place to build a Playboy Club in China, the government nixed the deal. It's not exactly clear why the Chinese officials changed their minds, however, there's speculation that they were angry because Nussbaum violated protocol by making a premature public announcement of the deal.

Easily, there's a moral to this story. It's probably not a good idea to shoot your mouth off before you've counted and hatched your chickens, especially when your job is to open a Playboy Club in a country that has banned Playboy magazine.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/07/2004 04:15:00 PM

AIR RAID! THIS IS NO DRILL!

(Pearl Harbor, Hawaii) The opening moments of the attack:


Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, 12/7/41
A torpedo explodes in an attack of the USS Oklahoma along 'Battleship Row.' Torpedo bombers can be seen in the center and right.

The picture was taken by a Japanese pilot a few minutes after 8:00am, local time (1pm EST), on December 7, 1941. Almost 3,000 people died in the attack on that 'day of infamy.'

Remember December 7th.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/07/2004 01:28:00 PM

Teen Kills Officer at Random to Impress Gang

Valentino Mitchell Arenas, 16, confessed to randomly shooting and killing California Highway Patrol Officer Thomas Steiner, 35. He wanted to kill a cop , any cop, to impress a street gang so they would take him as a member. Yesterday, Arenas pleaded guilty to first-degree murder before West Covina Superior Court Judge Thomas Fall and he will be sentenced in January. Because of his age, Arenas is not eligible for the death penalty. It's expected he'll be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Officer Steiner worked out of the Santa Fe Springs office and patrolled the highways in eastern Los Angeles County. He leaves behind a wife and two sons.

Condolences to the family and friends of Thomas Steiner.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/07/2004 10:38:00 AM

Iran Secretly Sentences Al-Qaeda Members

According to the Turkish Press, Iran has secretly tried, convicted, and sentenced Al-Qaeda fugitives in the Islamic republic. The head of Tehran's judiciary Abbas Ali Alizadeh confirmed that secret trials were held but declined to name who was sentenced.

Exactly who has been held in Iran has been the subject of intense speculation, with diplomats and Arab press reports pointing to the possible presence of the movement's spokesman, Sulaiman Abu Gaith, its number-three Saif al-Adel, as well as bin Laden's son and Al-Qaeda heir, Saad.

Last month the foreign ministry said "a few middle-ranking members" were in prison.

[ ... ]

Iran has extradited some 500 people who crossed into its territory from Afghanistan, some of them suspected low-ranking Al-Qaeda members or Taliban sympathisers -- but foreign diplomats involved in that process complained of "mixed signals", "last minute changes of plan" and "a lot of disinformation" on the part of Iran.

The Iranian regime, headed by Shiite clerics, was fiercely hostile to Afghanistan's extremist Sunni Muslim Taliban and Al-Qaeda, and has vehemently denied allegations that it is supporting them.

I, frankly, don't know what to make of all this other than the fact that it seems Iran is in the business of sending contradictory signals.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/07/2004 09:14:00 AM

Explosives 'Mistakenly' Loaded on Plane - Update

Updating a previous report, two French police officers have been suspended and will face disciplinary proceedings for "grave professional misconduct." Meanwhile, police around the world are still searching for the 150 gram package of plastic explosives.

I encourage all my readers who were in Paris a couple days ago to be on the lookout for the missing explosives.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/07/2004 08:30:00 AM

Italian Mafia Roundup

(Naples, Italy) According to Italian Interior Minister Giuseppe Pisanu, arrest warrants were issued for 65 Mafia suspects and, subsequently, hundreds of police officers arrested 53 in a massive sweep.

"Last night's operation in Naples is an authentic hammer blow to the Camorra," Mr. Pisanu said, adding that it was part of a broader government plan to "uproot" the Camorra from the city, where 23 people have been killed in Mafia-related violence in the past month alone.

Backed by helicopters, hundreds of officers from the paramilitary Carabinieri force, customs police and state police moved into outlying areas of the southern port city in the early hours of the morning.

The police concentrated their search operation in the down-at-heel Scampia and Secondigliano areas of the city which have long been known to be in the grip of Mafia clans.

The police actions were taken to try and stop the killing in a turf war that has claimed 120 lives thus far. Additionally, millions of euros of contraband were found and confiscated.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/07/2004 07:29:00 AM

Officer Caught Urinating In Elevator

(Orlando, Florida) The manager of a public parking facility responded to complaints about a foul odor in the elevator by installing a video surveillance system. Consequently, the source of the offending odor was identified as Orange County Sheriff's Deputy Carl Brown. When shown the videotape, Deputy Brown admitted urinating in the elevator and in some bushes close by.


Deputy Carl Brown Urinating
(Local6.com photo)
Deputy Brown was fired but continues to be paid until his case has been appealed. It's not clear whether he'll pay for damages to the elevator which are estimated at $200.

On a tangentially related subject, it is astonishing that any criminal is ever identified by surveillance cameras when the images generally produced are of such poor quality.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/07/2004 06:54:00 AM

Sailor Opposes War, Goes AWOL

(San Diego, California) Petty Officer Third Class Pablo Paredes, 23, decided that he didn't like the duty assignment he was given so he has gone absent without leave. Previously stationed in Japan, he had been satisfactorily meeting his obligations in the U.S. Navy for over four years. Unfortunately, now that he's been ordered to sea duty in a deployment to the Indian Ocean, Paredes has decided he's not going because he's against the war and he went on television to tell everyone about his newfound complaint.

Since the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have been transpiring for a couple years or so, it's curious that Paredes should choose this moment to voice his reservations about the military.

Companion post at Our Life.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/07/2004 05:05:00 AM

Karzai Sworn In As Afghan President

From a Channel NewsAsia International report:

(Kabul, Afghanistan) Hamid Karzai was sworn in as Afghanistan's first democratically elected president at a ceremony in the capital Kabul, witnesses said.


President Hamid Karzai
Karzai took an oath on the Koran as he was inaugurated at the presidential palace in front of foreign dignitaries including US Vice President Dick Cheney and Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.

The 46-year-old won a landslide victory in Afghanistan's October 9 elections.

It might be rickety and it might sputter and smoke, but the engine of democracy is running in Afghanistan. Woo-hoo!
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       Following Entry Posted 12/06/2004 11:56:00 PM

Ohio Vote Certified

President George Bush was certified today as the winner in last month's election. Officially, Bush received 2.86 million votes to John Kerry's 2.74 million votes. The election margin was insufficient to trigger an automatic recount, however, opponents are attempting to use the courts to require a recount in all 88 counties.

Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell stated there were some isolated glitches in the election process, but nothing significant enough to change the results.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/06/2004 12:04:00 PM

Chinese Mitten Crab

According to this report, Chinese mitten crabs are recent marine invaders believed to have arrived via the ballast water of vessels from the Far East.


Chinese Mitten Crab
So far, they've established a sustained population in San Francisco Bay and recently were found in the St. Lawrence River. The crabs are a nuisance to fishermen because they foul their nets. They also promote erosion by burrowing into riverbanks.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/06/2004 09:42:00 AM

U.S. Army Deserter Seeks Refugee Status in Canada

(Toronto) U.S. Army deserter, Jeremy Hinzman, 25, will appear before a Canadian Immigration and Refugee Board today to request that he be given political refugee status. As an Army paratrooper, Hinzman served in Afghanistan before deserting upon reassignment to Iraq. By refusing to fight in Iraq, he claims that he is following international law because the UN never authorized use of force.

According to former refugee judge and immigration expert, Audrey Macklin, no American has ever been granted refugee status in Canada. However, it's believed that recent prisoner abuse incidents increases the probability that it will occur.

If he loses his bid for refugee status, Hinzman will be deported and faces a possible five years in the stockade if convicted of desertion.

[Update 12/8/04] Chad Evans at In The Bullpen provides coverage of Hinzman's hearing before the Immigration and Refugee Board. It appears that Hinzman doesn't believe in duty, honor, country, nor contracts. And, of course, his testimony is salted and peppered with appropriate horror and boo-hoo stories. My take is that Jeremy Hinzman is a sniveling, easily-manipulated coward.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/06/2004 05:35:00 AM

U.S. Consulate in Jeddah Under Attack

Breaking news from The Australian:

Attackers have struck the US consulate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with witnesses saying a car exploded in front of the compound and smoke was rising from the scene.

It was not immediately clear if there were any casualties but witnesses reported ambulances rushing to the consulate.

US Embassy spokeswoman Carol Kalin said there were no reports of American casualties.

"We can confirm there has been an attack on the consulate," Ms Kalin said. "No reports of any American casualties. The incident is still in progress with Saudi emergency forces securing the compound."

One witness near the scene reported smoke rising from the area and said police were keeping cars and traffic from the area. Some witnesses said gunfire was heard just before the blast.

The consulate office in Jeddah is a satellite of the main embassey in Riyadh.

[Update]

Breaking news from Khalid Fadli of Reuters (0549am EST):

Attackers stormed the U.S. consulate in Jeddah Monday, killing four Saudi guards and taking 18 local staff hostage, security sources said.

There was no word on other casualties, but this reporter saw ambulances ferrying people from the complex.

Witnesses said a fire broke out after the gunmen attacked the consulate complex and traded fire with guards. Saudi National Guards later entered the complex and opened fire.

[ ... ]

Security sources said 18 local staffers had been taken hostage in Monday's attack, but a Western diplomat said they might have simply been trapped in the building.

According to Khalid Almaeena, editor-in chief of Arab News, the attack took the residents of Jeddah by complete surprise since the city had been very calm in the last few months.

As a precaution, the embassy in Riyadh and the missions in Jeddah and Dhahran have been closed.

[Update 2] Saudi National Guard has killed one terrorist, arrested two, and surrounded two others inside the consulate compound.

[Update 3] According to this report, at least nine people died in gun battles before control of the consulate was secured. Also, the "squadron of the martyr Abu Annas al-Shami," a group linked to al-Qaeda, has claimed responsibility for the attack. (via In The Bullpen)

Also blogging:

Our Life,
The Command Post.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/06/2004 05:32:00 AM

French Soldier Surrenders

Outside Paris, Regis Le Tohic, 47, a disgruntled French soldier, locked himself into an explosives depot with 60 tons of explosives and threatened to blow it up because he wasn't promoted. After 'negotiations' with officials, he surrendered.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/06/2004 02:38:00 AM

COTC

The Carnival of the Capitalists is presented with professionalism at The Entrepreneurial Mind. Good stuff. Go visit.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/05/2004 11:55:00 PM

Saudi Fathers Condemn Their Terrorist Sons

(Dubai) From The Straits Times (free reg.) comes the report that Saudi Arabia has launched a campaign on television where fathers of terrorists are interviewed condemning their sons for being terrorists. The goal is to undermine support for the terrorist groups.

In a programme called A Pause With The Parents, shown on state television on Saturday, emotional accounts were narrated by the fathers of five militants as part of the Saudi royal family's campaign against militants who have carried out several attacks against Westerners inside the kingdom and abroad.

'I contacted the authorities immediately when I knew he was wanted,' Mr Ahmed Jamaan al-Zahrani said of his son Faris, No. 12 on the list of Saudi Arabia's 26 most-wanted terror suspects before he was captured in August.

'He has a wife and children whom he should have been taking care of better, rather than staying in Afghanistan,' he said.

The father of the former top militant on the list, Abdulaziz Issa Abdul-Mohsin Al-Moqrin, who was killed in a June 19 shoot-out after the Al-Qaeda cell that he led decapitated an American hostage, said he had vowed to take down his son himself.

The programme, viewed via satellite in Dubai, played on Islam's high regard for honouring parents - stressing that disobeying them is almost equated with apostasy.

Since al-Qaeda has vowed to topple the Saudi royal family and change the country to its own Islamic government, the Saudi royals are trying hard to disrupt their ability to recruit in the region. And it should be noted that there are many devastated families in Saudi Arabia who have lost their sons to terrorism. Many young men leave their families to fight with al-Qaeda and never return.

It's hard to predict if there will be any substantive result from the programming, but it does demonstrate that there is no complete unity in Muslim opinion.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/05/2004 05:18:00 PM

Cheating the 2004 Weblog Awards

Nikita tipped me on the cheating last night and I've been watching the fallout all day. There's not much more that can be said other than to point out that people who tear down another's creation for no other purpose than wanton destruction are pigs. And a wise old man once told me that no smart person ever wrestles with pigs because you just get dirty and the pigs like it.

To get a full account of the sophomoric antics of the piggies, see LGF, Wizbang (here, here, and here), and Nikita Demosthenes.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/05/2004 03:54:00 PM

More Predictability From Dopers

(Callaway, Florida) Arriving home, John Douglas Sheetz, 18, and Misty Ann Holmes, 17, discovered someone had stolen their stash of weed. So they called the police to report one-half pound of marijuana that they had planned to sell had been stolen and they needed it back. They are now in jail on $17,500 bond each.

To fill out their profiles, I'd guess they both are high school dropouts, neither has a valid driver's license nor a full-time job, and they both have tattoos and piercings. Of course, I could be wrong.

Thanks to Paul at Wizbang who points out ominously that they can also breed.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/05/2004 01:37:00 PM

Japan's Homeland Security

The Japanese Counter-Terrorism Taskforce claims its new policies are based upon actions already taken by Britain, France, and the United States. The current plan is to amend the immigration laws to include the following:

1) Fingerprinting and photographing all foreigners entering Japan,

2) Advance submission of air and sea carrier passenger lists,

3) Immediate deportation of suspected terrorists, and

4) Allowing hotels to ask foreigners for their nationalities and passport number.

If these actions are occurring in the U.S., it's news to me.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/05/2004 09:01:00 AM

Looking At Unemployment

Within the past week, Statistics Canada reported that the national jobless rate of 7.3 percent for November reflected a rise by 0.2 percentage points from October. CBC News indicates that the performance was "slightly worse than some economists had been expecting."

Also last week, the German Federal Labor Agency reported that the jobless rate for November rose to 10.8 percent from 10.7 percent in October. According to FAZ.NET, "Although seasonally adjusted unemployment continued to rise last month, the increase was lower than expected ...."

And finally, the U.S. Department of Labor reported this week that the November unemployment rate decreased by 0.1 percentage point to a seasonally adjusted value of 5.4 percent. This news was reported as "the weakest gain in five months and barely half what economists had forecast."

In summary,

a) Canada's rate is 7.3% and increasing,

b) Germany's rate is 10.8% and increasing,

c) The United States' rate is 5.4% and decreasing.

Yet, by reading the explanatory words by the mainstream media, one would be led to believe that the U.S. is performing at a level comparable to Canada and Germany. Bias? I think so. My impression is that the media have to wince when writing anything positive about the U.S. Consequently, anything positive is given a negative spin.

Along those lines, an absolutely stellar effort by Edmund Andrews of the NYT has to be singled out. Andrews explains that the U.S. added jobs, but "not enough to keep up with growth in the adult population."

Everyone would agree that the goal is to have unemployment as low as reasonably achievable and, in that regard, the U.S. is doing a better job than many other industrialized countries. Just don't expect the media to explain it that way.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/05/2004 06:55:00 AM

Airport Uniforms and Security Badges Lost

(Montreal, Canada) According to this report, more than 1,000 airport uniforms and about 100 airport security badges have been lost or stolen from 89 airports across Canada in the last nine months. Federal Transport Minister Jean Lapierre has called for an immediate, high level investigation with a report submitted to him by tomorrow. The problem was allowed to languish without attention for nine months before CBC News got wind of it and broke it to the public.

Just great! Eh?
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       Following Entry Posted 12/05/2004 06:19:00 AM

Explosives 'Mistakenly' Loaded on Plane

(Paris, France) A package of plastic explosive used in sniffer dog training was inadvertently loaded onto a departing flight at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Authorities stated the explosive has no detonator and, therefore, is not dangerous. A high level French investigative team has determined that the 150 gram package could be either in France, Japan, Brazil, or the United States, but they're not really sure.

Splendid.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/04/2004 11:44:00 AM

MUSLIMS ORGANIZE TERRORISM PROTEST

(Oslo, Norway) The fallout from the savage murder of Dutch film maker Theo Van Gogh has raised the level of debate concerning Islam throughout Europe. Outrage in Norway has prompted some Muslims to act.

Muslims in Norway were organizing a torchlit parade through downtown Oslo this weekend, to decry violence and terrorism and distance themselves from Islamic fundamentalism. Top Norwegian political leaders, including the prime minister, were joining in.

March organizers were hoping for a big turnout, and welcomed the participation of non-Muslims as well. The leaders of Norway's major political parties and top government leaders said they would join the march and several were invited to speak during Saturday's event.

The march was to begin at the square in front of Oslo's central train station at 4:30pm, and proceed up Karl Johans Gate to the Parliament. Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik was among those scheduled to speak to the crowd, along with Justice Minister Odd Einar D�rum, Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK) journalist Norman Mubashir and Labour Party leader Jens Stoltenberg.

Muslim leaders have called for wide support from the Muslim community in denouncing terrorism and terrorist tactics. Unfortunately, there are some leaders who sympathize with the murderers of Van Gogh so the Islamists are essentially at odds with each other. The disagreement is still only at the talking stage.

With the country's population at less than 5 million, Norway is an interesting laboratory to monitor how the Muslim and non-Muslim conflict plays out.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/04/2004 09:45:00 AM

Arab TV: Jews Attacked Fallujah

Rusty Shackleford has excerpted from the transcript of the program accusing the Jews of attacking Fallujah and praising disappointed Democrats for developing a pipeline for going to Canada.

As I remember my history, the Allied Forces were proactive in taking out facilities that spewed German and Japanese propaganda during WWII. I recommend we do something similar to the Arab media outlets.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/04/2004 07:26:00 AM

Praising The Killer

The death notice for Stephen Byrne describes a man of vitality and compassion who had boundless love for his family. The death notice leaves out the fact that Stephen Byrne was a cruel coward who last month killed his two little girls, aged 9 and 11, before shooting himself.

It's sick for the obituary to lionize a black-hearted murderer without even a mournful mention of his innocent victims. It's even sicker that at least some of his family and friends put together the words which deny what really happened. By doing so, they are trying to fool the public but, instead, they provide proof that they've only fooled themselves.

A service to remember Stephen Byrne was held yesterday. I'm sure it was attended only by people who want to hide the fact that he was an evil coward who murdered his two girls. Get some professional help, people, because this event will eat at your souls.

At 2PM today, services for Kelsey Byrne, 11, and Hayley Byrne, 9, will be held at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lynnwood, Washington. From Ohio, I offer my condolences, electronically and telepathically, to the friends and family of Kelsey and Hayley. To the innocent little girls, rest in peace.

One thought in closing - for anyone in the vicinity of Stephen Byrne's grave, this day would be an appropriate time to introduce the concept of justifiable public urination as a legal defense in a court of law. There's not a jury anywhere that would convict.

(via Digger and Michelle Malkin)
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       Following Entry Posted 12/03/2004 11:50:00 PM

Wells Fargo Pushing Pesos?

(Salt Lake City, Utah) Wells Fargo has held a "Fiesta de inauguracion" for the opening of the first Latino bank in a planned series of sixteen. It is located in a culturally diverse area and the employees speak several languages other than Spanish, including Portuguese, Italian, French, and English.

I really don't think the new 'Latino' bank is going to do business any differently than any other bank in the State of Utah.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/03/2004 04:47:00 PM

Candy-Flavored Cigarettes

Sold at gas stations and smoke shops, packs of candy-flavored cigarettes have set anti-tobacco advocates on fire. It has been charged that teens are targeted.


Pineapple/Coconut and Citrus Flavored


Mocha Flavored
You make the call.

As a side note, it seems the Surgeon General's Warning on the cigarette package has become essentially meaningless, similar to the 'Do Not Remove' tag on a mattress. Wouldn't you agree?

And, it also needs to be mentioned that within the past three weeks, one boy inhaled gasoline fumes and then allegedly killed his grandmother. In another instance, a woman was inhaling propane and blew up her home. Oddly, in at least these two cases, the smoking of cigarettes would appear to be a step up on the ladder of respiratory health. Interestingly, as the laws currently stand, it's generally illegal to smoke marijuana and it's becoming generally illegal to smoke tobacco. All the while, Americans are free to inhale propane and gasoline fumes with abandon.

I guess this all makes sense.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/03/2004 02:50:00 PM

Iranians Arrested For Night Vision Goggles

At least one link has been broken in the chain of illegal attempts by Iran to buy military equipment along with components for missiles, helicopters and jet fighter aircraft. Two Iranian agents were arrested for trying to illegally export thousands of sophisticated American night-vision systems for Iran's military. According to this report,

The two suspects, Mahmoud Seif and Shahrzad Mir Gholikhan, were arrested earlier this week on export violation charges in Vienna, Austria, by US and Austrian authorities shortly after they arrived to pick up their first batch of night-vision equipment. The investigation dates to August 2002 and involves ICE, the Defence Criminal Investigative Service and Austrian security personnel.

Splendid! Now if we can just figure a way to keep these guys locked up for a long time, we'll all be a measure safer.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/03/2004 02:24:00 PM

Madrid Bombed

At the beginning of a holiday weekend, five gas stations were bombed about 2 hours ago in Madrid, Spain. Casualties thus far are reported to be minor injuries only. ETA, a separatist Basque independence and terrorist group, is blamed. The Basque newspaper Gara had issued a warning that five bombs were placed and set to explode at 1730 GMT (1230 EST). It's been reported that the explosions were low intensity and caused little damage.

It's appropriate to note that the Spanish public offered appeasement to terrorists earlier this year by electing a socialist government and withdrawing support from the U.S.-led coalition effort in Iraq. Today's bombings provide some support for the contention that bowing to terrorist demands just encourages more terrorism. I think the Spanish electorate is a lock for this year's Neville Chamberlain Award.

Tipped by Digger.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/03/2004 08:10:00 AM

Prison Sentence For Spitting On Police Officer

(Toledo, Ohio) Lucas County Common Pleas Court Judge Frederick McDonald sentenced Madison Branch, 45, to four years in prison for spitting into the eye of a Toledo police officer. Branch had been found guilty by a jury of attempted felonious assault. Branch is HIV infected.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/03/2004 07:48:00 AM

Video Camera Protects Santa Claus

According to this report, video cameras are now being used to protect mall Santas from allegations that little Johnny or little Jane were groped while sitting on the jolly fellow's lap.

If you think about it, playing Santa Claus is an opportunistic spot for scum pedophiles.

I believe it was Shakespeare who wrote, "The play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king." So, one must ask, who is actually being protected?
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       Following Entry Posted 12/03/2004 07:16:00 AM

Two Terrorist Attacks in Baghdad

At least 25 people have been killed in two separate terrorist attacks in Baghdad. Eleven police officers were killed in a mortar attack of a police station in the Seydiya district. At least 14 people were killed when a car bomb detonated outside a Shiite mosque in the predominantly Sunni Adamiyah neighborhood.

According to an Islamic website, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi claims responsibility for the attacks.

Bastards!
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       Following Entry Posted 12/03/2004 05:13:00 AM

Fourth Trimester Abortion

Fourth trimester abortion is my term for what is generally called the Groningen Protocol (after the Groningen Academic Hospital) and it's practiced in the Netherlands, the first nation to permit euthanasia. Encompassing the systematic mercy killing of newborns (thereby, fourth trimester), the Groningen Protocol is a set of guidelines for performing the administration of lethal doses of sedatives.

Opponents have argued that euthanasia devalues human life and, in doing so, it's a short step from euthanasia to systematic, even ritualized, killing. Supporters have responded by saying that legalized euthanasia doesn't devalue human life and it's not logical to assume that the practice would be extended to where life or death was determined by a bureaucrat. However, that's precisely what the Nazis did. Hitler's Third Reich claimed that, by euthanizing the deformed, the autistic, and the severely retarded, misery and pain were being minimized. Consequently, the public became inured into believing that euthanasia wasn't actually killing people as much as alleviating pain.

Three years ago, the Dutch Parliament made it legal for a doctor, upon request, to inject lethal doses of sedatives into adults suffering great pain with no hope of relief. The Groningen Protocol takes it one step further.

Under the Groningen protocol, if doctors at the hospital think a child is suffering unbearably from a terminal condition, they have the authority to end the child's life. The protocol is likely to be used primarily for newborns, but it covers any child up to age 12. [Emphasis added]

And, get this.

A parent's role is limited under the protocol. While experts and critics familiar with the policy said a parent's wishes to let a child live or die naturally most likely would be considered, they note that the decision must be professional, so rests with doctors.

Therefore, the decision to kill a child will "most likely" consider the parents wishes, but the final determination will be "professional."

Along with being ominous, this whole issue is disgusting to think about. And, as odd as it may seem, my recollection is that the Netherlands abolished the death penalty because the Dutch don't believe that the state should have the ability to kill people.

Bloggers need to get this story widely distributed. Hat tip to Wizbang.

Also blogging:

Powerpundit,
Brain Shavings,
David Limbaugh,
Sue Bob's Diary,
Sidesspot,
Cake or Death,
The Fourth Rail,
Hugh Hewitt.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/03/2004 04:18:00 AM

Microsoft Joins Blogosphere

Microsoft has introduced a new Internet tool for users to develop weblogs. Currently in test form, it's called Microsoft Spaces and it's targeted to home users. The final version is expected next summer.

The service will be free until they can figure out how to extract money from participants. In the meantime, signup requires a Hotmail or MSN Messenger account which will automatically be integrated into the Microsoft Spaces program. In fact, Microsoft Spaces may be a misnomer since it's chock full of bells and whistles.

Microsoft is closely integrating MSN Spaces with its Messenger and Hotmail programs, with the idea that people will hop from one Microsoft product to another for online communications.

For example, users can set up a system that alerts friends on MSN Messenger when they have updated their Web journals. If a blogger chooses to limit access to his or her Web journal to a select group of guests, those people will need to use Microsoft's "Passport" to log in. The most common way to get a Passport login is to sign up for a Hotmail or Messenger account.

Frankly, hopping around Microsoft is something I haven't considered. But wait, there's more.

The MSN Spaces tool that lets a user create a favorite music list will automatically link to Microsoft's MSN Music site, where Microsoft is hoping to build a business selling songs online.

Not only does Microsoft Spaces have a bunch of bells and whistles, but you can hear them, too.

Personally, I have a hard enough time keeping my rudimentary blogging operation functioning as it is and I don't have a lot of extraneous features. It seems that a day doesn't go by that I'm not faced with some kind of software or network problem. I hesitate to make simple changes, forever fearing catastrophic unintended results. If Microsoft Spaces represents future travel in the blogosphere, give my ticket to someone else. I'll surely miss that bus.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/03/2004 02:58:00 AM

Breaking News

(Queensland, Australia) Cherrypicker kills banana farmer. Police are investigating.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/02/2004 07:33:00 PM

Debra Lafave Was Crazy During Sex

Arguably the best looking teacher any adolescent boy ever hoped for, Debra Lafave, 24, is claiming she was insane when having sex with a 14-year-old student.


Defendant Debra Lafave
Lafave has pleaded not guilty to felony charges of lewd and lascivious behavior with the boy. The 14-year-old former student has stated they had sex on several occasions in her home, in the classroom, and in her private vehicle. Lafave faces a possible 30 years in prison if convicted. Pundits are predicting that the insanity defense will fail.

So, Lafave and the boy had sex in the classroom. Evidently, the student body has been forced to adopt a new understanding of what it means to bone up for a class.


[Update 11/22/05]

Debra Lafave pleads guilty and gets no jail.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/02/2004 06:10:00 PM

Mentioning Kacey Jones' Unmentionables

Just recently, we saw a 10-year-old cheese sandwich sold at auction for $28,000 and some thought it demonstrated the utter lack of culture and common sense in society. Well, proving that you can piggyback onto nothing, XM Satellite Radio DJ Bill Mack has cut a deal to auction off a pair of country singer Kacey Jones' panties. It's not clear whether they are old, new, clean or dirty, however, it is known they will be autographed and the bidding is at $1,000 and rising.

I'd like to take this opportunity to announce that I am making available my entire wardrobe for auction. Pants, shoes, shirts, skivvies, socks, and many other items are included in this monster offering. Individual item opening bid will be $5. Leave inquiries in comments.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/02/2004 07:05:00 AM

Survey - Many Brits Never Heard of Auschwitz

According to a survey by BBC Two Television, 45% of 4,000 people questioned said they had never heard of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp where more than a million Europeans were exterminated by the Nazis during WWII.

This is appalling and the direct result of an education system that doesn't teach relevant history. The Brits should be rightfully concerned about the survey results. It was only by virtue of a geological barrier, the English Channel, that the British Isles were able to avoid having many of their finest people become victims in Auschwitz or another concentration camp.

Don't get me wrong, I haven't deluded myself into thinking that the results of a similar survey of Americans would produce anything better. In fact, I'd wager a box of donuts that no more than a third of all Americans would be familiar with Auschwitz. The teaching of history is not emphasized in the United States. There isn't time. Academicians are too occupied trying to revise it.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/01/2004 07:47:00 PM

Time-Warner Cable Airs Hardcore Porn

(Akron, Ohio) According to this report, Time-Warner Cable viewers in Akron are being shown hardcore porn on a community access channel during the overnight hours. Although Akron customers are upset and have voiced their anger to Time-Warner, Vice President Bill Jasso said federal regulations prohibit the removal of community access programming. As a result, activists have called for the drafting of a city ordinance to outlaw the porn.

It's a crazy thought, but why don't the people of Akron go to court to mandate that the porn be stopped?
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       Following Entry Posted 12/01/2004 06:29:00 PM

Phony NATO Troops Steal Over 1 Million Euros

(Banja Luka, Bosnia-Herzegovina) Dressed as NATO Peacekeepers, five robbers stole over a million euros on the eve of the transfer of responsibilities from NATO to European Union Peacekeepers.

"Five unknown perpetrators dressed in NATO-led Stabilisation Force (SFOR) uniforms stopped an armoured vehicle transporting Raiffeisen Bank's money to the central Bosnian treasury and stole the equivalent of $1.81 million," police spokesman Rade Mutic said.

He said that the 'soldiers' had built a checkpoint in the village of Ljubacevo and had flagged down the bank's vehicle, claiming to be peacekeepers. They then stole the money, locking guards inside the vehicle.

"Police were investigating the incident," Mr. Mutic said.

The NATO 7,000 member peacekeeping force will be relieved by the EU 25-nation coalition force as of tonight. NATO has been doing the job for nine years.

I personally think that this was a candy-from-a-baby heist which was probably greased from the inside.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/01/2004 05:53:00 PM

Teacher Sentenced For Sex With Student

(Idaho Falls, Idaho) Edgemont Elementary School fourth grade teacher Lisa Suitter pled guilty to a felony count of sexual battery with a minor child and was sentenced to 90 days in the county jail and five years probation. She was originally charged with eight counts of sexual battery with a 17-year-old high school student and could have been sentenced to life in prison. Suitter had previously surrendered her teaching license.

Does anyone besides me get the feeling that this type of transgression, i.e. female teacher with underage boy, is occurring more and more frequently? And, if so, why?
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       Following Entry Posted 12/01/2004 03:57:00 PM

Missing Americans in Iraq

Rusty Shackleford at The Jawa Report is calling for information from anyone who knows the status and location of missing Americans taken hostage in Iraq. Not much more than the names and the date taken hostage are known for Roy A. Hallums, Dean Sadek, Spc. Matt "Keith" Maupin, Tim Bell, and Bill Bradley. It's been suggested that there are more, as yet unidentified, missing.

We need to find these guys. Follow the link.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/01/2004 03:09:00 PM

Mutilated Body Found in Fallujah Not Hassan

There was speculation that the mutilated female body, with limbs severed and throat slit, found by American forces in Fallujah two weeks ago was CARE International worker Margaret Hassan who was kidnapped on October 19. However, according to this report, dental records compared to autopsy results indicate that the body was not Margaret Hassan. Since receipt by Al-Jazeera of a grainy video showing the execution of a woman by a shot to the head, it's been strongly suggested that the body found was Hassan.

It's still unknown if Margaret Hassan is dead or alive since there has been no confirmation either way.

More at the following blogs:

Backcountry Conservative,
Diggers Realm,
In The Bullpen,
ISOU.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/01/2004 01:09:00 PM

Colin Powell Safe After Gunfight

Breaking news from Agence France-Presse:

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell and his delegation were unhurt in an intense gunfight that erupted outside Haiti's presidential palace today while they were in a meeting with Haitian leaders there.

However, they have decided to relocate other scheduled talks, a senior U.S. State Department official said.

"Palace guards exchanged fire with unknown gunmen outside the perimeter," the official said, citing initial reports on the incident from Mr. Powell's security detail on the ground in Port-au-Prince.

"The secretary and the party are safe but the meetings that are going on are being relocated to another site," the official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Apparently, this is an instance of unknown gunmen fighting for an unknown reason and, although it's not mentioned in this article, you can bet your beanie babies that the U.S. will be blamed for something.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/01/2004 11:52:00 AM

Celebrities Being Sued

Radio personality and rancher Don Imus is being sued for unspecified damages by his former housekeeper, Nichole C. Mallette, 24, because he wasn't nice to her.

Television personality Bill Maher is being sued for $9 million by his former girlfriend, Nancy "Coco" Johnsen, because he wasn't nice to her.

Singer Justin Timberlake and actress Cameron Diaz are being sued by two photographers because the celebrity couple were not nice to them.

Champion American Bimbo, Jessica Simpson, is being sued by cosmetic supplier Cosmojet because she allegedly owes the company $200,000.

Former Pro Wrestler and actor, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, is being sued by his former manager, Marty Adelstein, for allegedly owing him money.

Movie star Will Smith is being sued for saying bad things about his former record promoter, Dana Goodman.

The moral of this entry is; be nice, pay your bills, and you won't get sued. It also helps if you're not stinking rich.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/01/2004 11:49:00 AM

Serbian President Attacked

Breaking news from The Courier-Mail:

Serbia's pro-Western President Boris Tadic survived an apparent assassination attempt when a car repeatedly tried to crash into his motorcade, his press office said today.

The incident occurred late yesterday in downtown Belgrade when the driver of a black Audi made several attempts to crash his car into Mr. Tadic's car but was cut off by another vehicle from Tadic's security team, the office said.

Mr. Tadic was unhurt, and the Audi driver fled the scene in Belgrade's wealthy Dedinje district, the office said.

Mr. Tadic is hated by pro-Milosevic paramilitary nationalists.
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       Following Entry Posted 12/01/2004 05:19:00 AM

GloThong

A Texas college student named Beau Carpenter invented a glow-in-the-dark neon thong. It's the perfect Christmas gift for the hard-to-please and strippers. Batteries required but not included.

Available soon for $50.

Just from a personal standpoint, this product has little appeal. The idea of electricity flowing through the general area of one's private safe zone is particularly unpleasant.
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