Following Entry Posted 7/31/2005 10:22:00 PM

Teacher Sent Perfumed Love Letters to Boy

(Ft. Worth, Texas) A teacher at Holy Trinity Catholic School in Grapevine, Dawn Reiser, 30, was arrested last year and charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child for allegedly having an extended-term sexual relationship with her 13-year-old student. Tomorrow, her trial starts in Criminal District Court No. 2 in Fort Worth.

From Star-Telegram.com:

Reiser befriended the boy at the Grapevine school, where she had worked for four years.

According to a search warrant affidavit, Reiser kept in contact with the boy in the spring of 2004 by calling him on the telephone, emailing him and meeting with him without his mother's knowledge.

At some point, Reiser told the boy that she loved him, and they discussed getting married when he turned 18, the search and arrest warrants state.

The boy told Colleyville police that Reiser picked him up June 10, 2004, at his house and drove him to her Euless home, according to the affidavits. Her husband was not there.

The boy told police that Reiser tied his arms to a bedpost with black silk ties and spread warming lotion on him, the search warrant states. For the next three hours, they had sex "nine or 12 times," and Reiser performed a sex act on him, according to the affidavits.

Days after that encounter, the boy went to the Christian summer camp, where he received what appeared to be "love letters," the affidavits state.

The perfumed letters were adorned with hearts and flowers and professed Reiser's love for the boy. The boy contacted camp counselors who alerted the police. During a search, police found the warming lotion and black silk ties in Reiser's home.

If convicted, the 30-year-old Reiser could get life in prison on the assault charge and 20 years on the indecency charge. It's unknown what Mr. Reiser thinks of the situation.


[Update 1900 EDT, 8/03/05]


Dawn Reiser
(Fort Worth, Texas) A jury deliberated about four hours today before convicting Dawn Reiser of aggravated sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child.

From Star-Telegram.com:

Reiser was convicted on the testimony of the Colleyville boy, who is now 14, and on the strength of love letters that she wrote to him in the summer of 2004.

The boy said he and Reiser repeatedly had sex at her Euless home while her husband was gone.

A few days after they had sex, the boy went to camp, where he heard the testimony of a counselor who said he had been sexually abused by an older woman. The boy confided in the counselor, and the following day, the three letters arrived.

Reiser was arrested a few days later and has been free on $150,000 bail.

Following the verdict, the penalty phase of the trial began.


[Update 1930 EDT, 8/04/05]

Jurors sentenced Dawn Reiser to eight years in prison and recommended ten years probation for her convictions of aggravated sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child. No mention was made about her registering as a sex offender nor the status of her teaching credentials.


[Update 0630 EDT, 8/05/05]

According to this report, Reiser will be required to register as a sex offender and may never teach again.


[Update 08/12/06]

The boy's family settles lawsuit with Roman Catholic Diocese.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/31/2005 08:29:00 PM

Woman Accused of Rape, Sodomy of Preteens

(Corbin, Kentucky) An 18-year-old Corbin woman, Ashley Hubbard, was arrested this past week and charged with three counts of rape and five counts of sodomy stemming from incidents involving two 12-year-old boys. Allegedly, the two victims were raped or sodomized on different occasions since February. According to Corbin Police Capt. Tim Helton, the arrest of Hubbard was prompted after one of the victim's parents notified authorities. The investigation continues.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/31/2005 12:07:00 PM

Woman Rapes Best Friend's Son?!

(Red Bluff, CA) According to Red Bluff Police Lt. Scott Capilla, the 13-year-old boy said no but the 32-year-old woman fondled him anyway. As a result, Marci Marie Calarruda (aka Boughton) was arrested on suspicion of drugging and raping her best friend's son. Police say Calarruda used marijuana to weaken the boy's resistance and then had sex with him on multiple occasions. The mother's involvement is being investigated.

Calarruda is accused of lewd acts with a child under 14, rape with the use of intoxicants, providing a minor with marijuana, annoying or molesting a minor, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. She is in the Tehama County Jail in lieu of $136,500 bail.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/31/2005 10:57:00 AM

Another Teacher, Another Boy

(Passaic, NJ) Last October, Lincoln Middle School math teacher Maria Saco, 28, was arrested and charged with sexual assault, abruptly ending a year-long relationship with a 14-year-old student. Prosecutors stated that Saco confessed to having sex with the teenager.

This past Thursday, Saco pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a child and Superior Court Judge Marilyn C. Clark sentenced her to a year in the Passaic County Jail. Additionally, Saco will have to register as a sex offender for life and is barred from serving in any public capacity.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/31/2005 10:47:00 AM

Teacher and Boys

(Colonie, NY) Police caught English teacher, Sandra "Beth" Geisel, 42, in the back seat of a car steaming up the windows with one of her students. At 17, the student was able to consent to sex with an adult according to New York law, so no crime was committed. Nevertheless, Geisel's employer deemed the behavior inappropriate and she was fired from her teaching position at Christian Brothers Academy.

Subsequently, another student, who is 16 and cannot legally consent, went to the police with his father to report that he, too, had sex with Geisel, on two separate occasions. As a result, Geisel is scheduled to surrender to the police tomorrow to face felony rape charges.

Interestingly, Geisel has three sons and a daughter and is estranged from her husband, Thomas, the Regional President of KeyBank. So, the humiliation and embarrassment will be spread among a number of people.


[Update 8/01/05, 1430 EDT]

Beth Geisel goes to the police station.


Beth Geisel being greeted at the Colonie Police Department
(Photo - Gene Kendrick/WNYT)
Geisel was arraigned on two counts of third-degree rape and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. No word on bail, but it's probably safe to assume that she'll be out quickly.


[Update 8/02/05, 1700 EDT]

Earlier today, Sandra Beth Geisel was released from custody after posting $20,000 bail. She is charged with two felony counts of rape, however, Albany County District Attorney David Soares stated that the investigation of Geisel's sexual contact with students is widening.

"At this point it's really premature to state with certainty exactly what charges will end up being presented to the grand jury. We are conducting our investigation. We're speaking to all of the parties, all of the names that we're getting information on. We are contacting them to speak with them," Soares said.

Allegations revealed thus far include:

- Geisel had sex on her home office floor,
- She had sex with more than one student at a time,
- She had sex bent over a table in the press box of the football stadium,
- She discussed having sex with a student while he had her on speakerphone, and
- Police have a statement from a witness.

Based upon appearances, it seems that Geisel did not suffer from a moment of weakness nor a one-time lapse in judgment. In fact, given enough time, she likely would have had inappropriate contact with the entire student body.


[Update 8/03/05, 1800 EDT]


Beth Geisel Mug Shot
According to this report, Geisel was recently hospitalized for alcohol dependency and has a record of being arrested for driving while intoxicated. Last December, she blew a 0.18 blood alcohol concentration, more than twice the legal limit. Additionally, she "may have plied teenage boys with liquor on a school trip."

Albany District Attorney David Soares continues to explore the possibility of additional charges.


[Update 8/03/05, 1830 EDT]

Dave Lucas at Capitol Region People has been following the Beth Geisel story closely and relates that one Christian Brothers Academy student has cellphone pictures of Geisel in compromising positions. There is a rumor that he has already been offered six figures for the images.


[Update 8/19/05, 1400 EDT]

Geisel gets DWI.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/30/2005 08:09:00 AM

The Gina Purvis Case

(Spring Valley, Illinois) This is a follow up to a previous post which outlined the back and forth convolutions of the Gina M. Purvis sexual assault case. As you may recall, Purvis is a teacher who is accused of engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old male student. Last I left you, her trial was to start on June 27. Well, forget that. Legal maneuverings have pushed the trial back. The new date is August 29.

In my opinion, this case has gone through more perturbations than an episode of Law & Order. However, at the same time, following it is like reading the script of a soap opera. Stay tuned.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/30/2005 04:03:00 AM

Women Having Sex With Boys

Rene Biggel

(Los Angeles, CA) Bell Gardens High School music teacher, Renee Biggel, was arrested Thursday morning and charged with participating in sex acts with a child under the age of 18 and molestation of a child under the age of 18. Police were tipped by a caller who had suspicions that Biggel was having improper relations with a student.

Bail was set at $125,000. Biggel's case is brand new, so information is sketchy.

Diane West

(Bayonne, NJ) Following up on a previous post, former Bayonne High School guidance counselor Diane West, 50, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated criminal sexual contact, a 3rd degree felony. West admitted in court to having sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old male student she was counseling. The victim was a friend of West's son and he moved into her home in 2000. During his stay at the West residence, she had sex with the boy.

The offense could carry a sentence of up to five years in prison but, in return for her plea, Prosecutor Debra Simon will recommend probation to Superior Court Judge Camille Kenny. A sentencing date of October 21 has been set. Until then, West remains free on bail.

This case is not typical due the age difference between West, 50, and the boy, 15. More often the female teacher is much younger. That said, the scenario that led up to her having sex with the boy seems weird. First, West is his guidance counselor. Second, he moves into her home while still being counseled, effectively as a companion to her son of the same age. It's almost as if she had two sons, one real and one pseudo. And then, third, West has sex with him. We need a psychologist to figure this case out because the circumstances seem to indicate something more than a simple lapse in judgment on the part of Diane West.

This blog has documented many women with boys sex cases over the past year and I suspect that many are never reported. Collectively, they represent a disturbing trend that runs counter to the myth that older women having sex with boys is victimless. Anyone who follows through on the cases will likely agree that many lives are inextricably altered and some are ruined. Irreparable harm is being inflicted on marriages, families, and communities.

It's time to dispel the myth.


[Update 8/2/02]

Diane West may lose some or all of her pension. The New Jersey Teachers Pension and Annuity Fund will make a recommendation.


[Update 10/10/06]

Bayonne School System being sued for not protecting students from West.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/30/2005 12:09:00 AM

Mexico City to Fresno - Nonstop

(Fresno, California) Boarding soon, in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, will be nonstop Mexicana Airline flights, five times a week, connecting Fresno to and from both Mexico City and Guadalajara. However, some minor details still need to be worked out concerning safeguards against agricultural pests.

From ABC30.com:

Those safeguards include warning signs in both English and Spanish on the Mexico side and what are called amnesty bins - there will be containers in which passengers can turn in food products, such as food or meat, before the (sic) get on board the plane to come to the U.S.

So, before leaving Mexico, passengers will see warning signs in two languages identifying "Amnesty Bins" for food and meat. This action addresses concerns about protecting crops. This makes absolutely no sense to me. I don't know what 'amnesty' has to do with food, meat, or crops.

Service commences in April 2006.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/29/2005 08:04:00 PM

Michael Jackson's Latest Album Flops

According to The Scotsman, Michael Jackson's sixth greatest hits album, The Essential Michael Jackson, sold only 8,000 copies in its first week in the U.S. It wormed unnoticed to a humiliating No.128 on the charts.

Interesting. Now that the entire world knows his pedophilic proclivities, it seems that few want his essentials.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/29/2005 04:16:00 PM

British Terror Sweep

These are my notes on today's sweep for the suspects in the July 21 failed terror bombings. All four prime suspects are believed to now be in custody. Of note is that police believe there may be a fifth bomber because a fifth device was found in a rucksack dumped on open ground at Little Wormwood Scrubs.

Here's a brief status of the investigation:

- SWAT teams in dramatic raids at several W. London locations with no reports of shots fired

- Muktar Said Ibrahim, 27, arrested today in London for attempting to blow up the Number 26 bus in Shoreditch

- Ramsi Mohammed (possible alias) arrested today in London for attempting to bomb Tube near Oval

- Hussain Osman (aka Osman Hussain), 27, Somali-born naturalized Brit, was arrested today in Rome for attempting to bomb Tube at Shepherd's Bush

- Yasin Hassan Omar, 24, arrested in Birmingham last week for attempting to bomb Tube near Warren St.

- Two unnamed women were pinned to the ground and arrested today at Liverpool Street Station in London. Both were described as dark-skinned, 20-ish, Muslims with full headscarves. One woman ran when police asked to see inside the bag she carried.

- Total terror suspects currently in custody at 20.

Sources:
Sky News
BBC
Guardian

Companion post at The Jawa Report.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/29/2005 08:00:00 AM

Offer To Marry Chelsea Clinton

Recently, I'd heard that a member of an African royal family had asked for Chelsea Clinton's hand in marriage but I didn't know there was an actual offer to buy her.


Chelsea Clinton & Friend

First offer: 40 goats and 20 cows.

My offer: No thanks.

I can't even think about it. The idea of having Hillary Clinton as a mother-in-law is mind-blowing. Nonetheless, Chelsea looks like she's drinking responsibly.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/29/2005 07:18:00 AM

Bedouins Smuggling Explosives

With the entire Arab world continuously criss-crossed by nomadic tribes, this story shouldn't be surprising. The Sinai Peninsula, in particular, has been populated by Bedouin tribes for many centuries and are known to be close knit and affiliated with terrorists.

From the Arab News:

Al ARISH, Egypt, 29 July 2005 - Egyptian authorities said yesterday they have arrested some Bedouins suspected in smuggling explosives used in carrying out the series of blasts that rocked the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh that claimed the lives of 88 people.

"We are quite sure that they helped the bombers by smuggling the explosives through the mountains of Taba and this is progress in our investigations and will lead us to the main perpetrators," a security source told Arab News.

In addition, authorities are trying to negotiate with the Bedouin chieftains to turn over Muhammed Ahmed Fulayfel, believed to be the mastermind behind the Sharm El-Sheikh attack. According to Egyptian Attorney General Maher Abdel Wahed, Fulayfel will be tried in absentia for his part in the deadly Sinai blasts. And, it appears that all the explosives were transported over desert and mountains by Bedouins.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/29/2005 05:53:00 AM

New Russian Submarine Base

(Moscow) According to Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov, a new modernized submarine base for the Russian Pacific Fleet is under construction at Viliuchinsk on the Kamchatka Peninsula. Also under construction is a class of new-generation nuclear submarines designed to deploy with new-generation missiles.

From Xinhuanet.com:

The government will invest heavily for the completion the infrastructure of the base and it will be built into one of the most modernized in one and a half year.

Ivanov also revealed that Russia's new-generation strategic nuclear submarine Iuri Dolgorygiy, which is still under construction, will be launched in 2006. The submarine will be equipped with the new-generation "Bulava" missile which can carry 10 nuclear warheads.

Another missile nuclear submarine Alexander Nevsky will be launched in 2007. After that, Russia will continue to construct other nuclear submarines, said the defense minister.

It appears that this information contradicts conventional opinion about the capabilities of the Russian submarine forces, if not their entire navy. I regularly see news and documentary programs referring to the rusting remnants of the Russian Navy. This applies to the submarine bases on the Barents Sea and Kamchatka and also the major naval facility in the Black Sea. I'm told that vessels are idle and poorly maintained, if at all.

On the other hand, the Bulava, or SS-NX-30, missile has been in the news. The SS-NX-30 is the submarine version of the SS-NX-27, considered to be the pinnacle of ballistic missile technology. Both are intercontinental, solid propellant weapons exclusively Russian in design, developed after the fall of the Soviet Union.

From MissileThreat.com:

The SS-27 can currently strike any target within the continental United States and the placement of SS-NX-30 missiles would enable worldwide deployment. The placement of such advanced missiles on modern submarines would make it nearly impossible to successfully prevent a missile launch, while current ABM technology is insufficient to prevent its successful impact. As a solid propellant design, it can be maintained on alert for prolonged periods of time and can launch within minutes of being given the order. Its confirmed single 550 kT warhead is sufficient for the depopulation of cities, which combined with its survivability, makes it an ideal retaliatory weapon.

Sounds like the arms race of the 60s, 70s, and 80s.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/28/2005 09:21:00 PM

CHENEY for President

Veteran White House media ideologue Helen Thomas said:

"The day I say Dick Cheney is going to run for president, I'll kill myself."

Interested-Participant encourages Vice President Dick Cheney to announce his candidacy for president. Also, encouraged is for Helen Thomas to check the battery in her 'I've fallen and I can't get up!' device.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/28/2005 05:15:00 PM

Accused Deserter Kevin Benderman

Sgt. Kevin Benderman refused to deploy with his outfit in the 3rd Infantry Division when it returned to Iraq last January. His court martial starts today in Fort Stewart, Georgia. Benderman seeks conscientious objector status. The U.S. Army prosecutors seek to have him spend a stretch in the stockade.

[Update 1745 EDT]

From Savannahnow.com:

An Army judge found Sgt. Kevin Benderman guilty of "missing movement" for not being on the plane when the 3rd Infantry Division deployed to Iraq in January.

The same judge cleared Benderman of a more serious desertion charge.

Benderman was sentenced to 15 months in prison, reduced in rank to private, and will receive a dishonorable discharge.

His wife, Monica, responded angrily to the verdict. "No one's justice was served today. Kevin did nothing wrong," she said. "They don't have control; he's in control. He made the choice."

In my opinion, he had a sob story that nobody bought and his wife was probably a large factor in his 'realization' that he is conscientious in objecting. Don't ask me to explain Monica Benderman's totally nonsensical outburst in court.

Simply put, if you don't follow orders in the military, you get hammered. The dishonorable discharge automatically disqualifies Benderman from many future opportunities.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/28/2005 01:03:00 PM

Husband Throws New Bride Off Cliff?

(Los Angeles) Fishermen found the body of Julia Cuevas Rosas, 24, of Norwalk, at the bottom of a cliff. Police have arrested her husband of two weeks, Brandon Manai, 23, of Torrance. He is scheduled to be arraigned today.

My take is that some sort of time warp caused by UFOs or the psychic ether must be a contributing factor. Usually, it takes a few years of marriage before a man wants to throw his wife off a cliff.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/28/2005 06:07:00 AM

'Stone Child' Born

(Jakarta, Indonesia) Time and again, I've heard mothers go on and on about their pregnancies, but none of their stories could match the following.

From the Indo-Asian News Service:

Indonesian doctors removed a 27-year-old calcified foetus from the abdomen of a 54-year-old woman in East Java, reports said Wednesday.

The 1.6-kilogram foetus or lithopaedion, meaning stone child in Latin, was reportedly removed from Taminah at Soetomo Hospital in Surabaya.

"This is an extremely rare case," Poejo Hartono, the gynaecologist involved in the surgery, was quoted as saying.

[ ... ]

Taminah, hailing from Bojonegoro district, 620 km east of Jakarta, knew the baby died in 1978 but did not have money for the surgery.

Holy moly! One would imagine she had some sort of severe aches and pains during the 27 years. Also, it would seem a relative or friend would have mentioned, "Taminah, I think you're overdue."
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       Following Entry Posted 7/28/2005 05:37:00 AM

Muslims Get Nasty When Others Eat Pork

(Genting Highlands, Malaysia) It seems the followers of Islam can easily show contempt for people who eat pork.

The Muslims on staff at the First World Hotel in Genting Highlands showed their disrespect for 600 Chinese tourists by imprinting their meal tickets with images of pig's heads. Scuffles even broke out between the Muslims and the pork-loving Chinese visitors.

The hotel denied any racism was involved and apologized. Nonetheless, it appears that believers in the religion of peace become less peaceful when they smell pork cooking. And, it also seems the Muslims get nasty even when neither the U.S. nor Iraq nor Britain is involved.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/27/2005 07:06:00 PM

Al Qaeda Kills Algerian Envoys

How does anyone argue that Muslims or Arabs are unified given the knowledge that they primarily kill each other everyday?

From Bloomberg.com:

Two Algerian diplomats taken captive in Iraq last week were killed, their government and the United Nations confirmed today.

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan told reporters in New York that the envoys had been slain and he called their deaths "senseless and brutal." Annan said such "barbaric" violence should spur governments to reach a comprehensive agreement aimed at combating terrorism. Algeria's ambassador to the UN, Abdallah Baali, also confirmed the murders.

A statement posted on a Web site by al-Qaeda in Iraq, led by the Jordanian fugitive Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, said the diplomats were killed because of the repression of Muslims in their country, according to the Associated Press. Balarousi Ali, Algeria's charge d'affaires, or chief of mission, and Azzedine Ben Kadi, were dragged from their car July 21 by gunmen in Baghdad, the Iraqi capital.

So, quite predictably, Zarqawi selects from his shopping cart an appropriate reason for killing the envoys. This time, the murders are blamed on the repression of Muslims in Algeria. Forgive me, but to the best of my knowledge, I don't think the U.S. has been repressing Muslims in Algeria. The only logic that makes sense, across the board, for terror is that it is what maniacal, murderous thugs do. No less than criminals commit crimes, murderous thugs commit murder.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/27/2005 05:07:00 PM

Brits Ban Hunks in Beer Ads

Somebody, please actuate the nanny-state overload alarm. Alcohol ads may no longer feature sexy guys because it makes a connection between drinking and seduction. It's considered to be the cause of binge drinking.

From Timesonline:

Drinks companies have been ordered to hire paunchy, balding men for advertisements to meet new rules forbidding any link between women's drinking and sex. Watchdogs have issued a list of undesirable male characteristics that advertisers must abide by in order to comply with tougher rules designed to separate alcohol from sexual success.

Did you catch that last phrase? "Separate alcohol from sexual success" Come on! Who's kidding whom? Haven't these folks ever been to a honky-tonk? A cocktail has always been known to be a drink representing the combining of cock and tail. That's sexual success!

But there's more. The British Committee of Advertising Practice ruled:

"We would advise that the man in the picture should be unattractive -- overweight, middle-aged, balding etc."

I'm not sure what the 'etc' means, but it sure seems that the Brits are edging towards a prohibition on advertising alcoholic drinks.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/27/2005 01:41:00 PM

Gov. Pataki Moves On

(Albany, NY) At a noon news conference at the state capital, Gov. George Pataki announced he will not seek a fourth term as governor of New York. He didn't mention what he plans on doing, just that it's the "right thing to do." I expect Pataki's announcement will prompt some vigorous political prognostication.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/27/2005 05:50:00 AM

Did Air America Receive Tainted Funds?

Both Michelle Malkin and The Radio Equalizer are reporting the developing story out of New York where Air America looks to have received public funds designated for a Bronx-based boys and girls club. With liberal Air America possibly in the cross hairs of an embarrassing scandal, it's understandable that the MSM would ignore the story, which seems to be the case.

And, you won't hear Al Franken and the Air America gang talking about anything but Karl Rove. One might believe that they "doth protest too much."
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       Following Entry Posted 7/27/2005 02:23:00 AM

British Medical Report Card

The perceived success of socialized health care systems will not be helped by this latest news.

From Sky News:

The official report card for the nation's health services has been released - showing an increase in the number of poor performing hospitals from 39 to 47.

And for the first time in four years there has been a drop in the number of trusts awarded three stars for the best standard of care.

Sounds like there are still some potholes on the road to utopia.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/26/2005 11:32:00 PM

Canada-U.S. Drug Tunnel

According to the Justice Department, last week's discovery of a drug tunnel between Washington and Canada is a first. Let's hope it's the last. It has to be troubling that the structure appears quite sophisticated.

From CTV.ca:

The sophisticated 110-metre tunnel runs from a depth of one to three metres and is reinforced with iron rebar and 2x6 wood supports.


Canada-U.S. Drug Tunnel
The U.S. Justice Department said 42 kilograms of pot were transported through the tunnel and then loaded into a van.

The van drove to the Bellis Fair Maill in Bellingham, Wash., where the marijuana was loaded into another vehicle. That second vehicle was stopped by the Washington State Patrol and the pot was seized.

[ ... ]

In a news conference, U.S. authorities revealed that the tunnel begins under a Quonset hut in Langley, B.C, and ends beneath the living room of a house in Lynden, Wash.

The building on the Canadian side is located near 264th Street and Zero Avenue in Langley, south and east of Vancouver.

Apparently, the DEA, the RCMP, and Homeland Security agents have been watching construction for about eight months. It's also been reported that investigators had a machine that can "see" underground, a robotic video-camera, a drug-sniffing dog, and an air horn to find the tunnel.

Three men, Francis Devandra Raj, 30, Timothy Woo, 34, Jonathan Valenzuela, 27, all from B.C. were arrested in Washington.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/26/2005 10:32:00 PM

Woman Gets 33 months for Sex with Teen

(Austin, Minnesota) A 33-year-old former head of a children's theater, Carrie Parker, was sentenced to 33 months in prison for engaging in sex with a boy under 16. Parker admitted having sex with the boy while pleading guilty to four counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Interestingly, Parker seemed contrite in stating that she made "a really big mistake." Unswayed, Mower County District Judge Donald Rysavy countered by stating, "The problem is not that you made an error in judgment, it is that you made an error in judgment that lasted a year and a half."
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       Following Entry Posted 7/26/2005 05:36:00 PM

Man Gets 25 Years for Computer Filled with Child Porn

(Harlingen, Texas) A 37-year-old man, Eugene Atwood, was sentenced yesterday to 25 years in federal prison after he pawned his laptop computer containing child pornography and the pawn shop notified police.

From Team4News.com:

Police and federal investigators found evidence Atwood had traveled to three states to sexually assault and record at least three children. They also found that Atwood contacted more than 200 other children over the Internet and recorded them with a web camera.

Atwood pleaded guilty March 31 to one count of producing child pornography and one count of receiving it.

So, in addition to being a pervert, Atwood is an idiot. He, apparently unknowingly, sold his computer without changing a hard drive that was chock full of child porn.

Splendid.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/26/2005 04:17:00 PM

Public Interest Group Seeks to Delete English Requirement for HS

(Phoenix, Arizona) A public interest lawyer wants to allow high school students to graduate without learning English. Starting in 2006, Arizona's Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) test must be passed prior to receiving a diploma.

From The Arizona Republic:

AIMS should not be a graduation requirement for immigrant children until the state complies with a federal court order to improve funding for English-learner instruction, said Tim Hogan, who heads the Center for Law in the Public Interest. Until lawmakers and Gov. Janet Napolitano can end a two-month-long stalemate over a new funding plan for English-learner programs, Hogan wants the judge to suspend the AIMS requirement for thousands of children. Starting with the Class of 2006, high school seniors must pass the reading, writing and math test to earn a diploma.

This appears to largely be a political ploy to ratchet more funds into English-learner programs, yet some believe that there is no evidence to support the contention that the programs are underfunded. In my opinion, it's insulting to suggest that incompetency in a particular subject makes a certain group of people more equal than all the other students.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/26/2005 03:12:00 PM

'Cool Mom' Pleads Guilty

(Denver, CO) As previously reported, 40-year-old Sylvia Ann Johnson was charged with sexual assault and contributing to the delinquency of a minor for hosting weekly sex-drug parties for teenage boys. In accordance with a plea agreement, she pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor sex-assault counts and nine felony counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.



'Cool Mom' Sylvia Ann Johnson
No sentencing date has been disclosed, but Johnson could spend 58 years in prison if the book is thrown at her. Two felony drug charges were dropped as part of the plea agreement.

To summarize, Johnson committed the crimes because she wasn't a cool kid in high school and, as a result, it seems she'll be spending a nice stretch in the cooler. How ironic.

[Update 1820 EDT] According to this report, Johnson will be sentenced on September 26. Also,

Each sexual assault count carries up to two years in jail and a fine of $5,000, and each contributing count carries up to six years in prison and a $500,000 fine, according to Pam Russell, a spokeswoman for the district attorney's office.

I'd guess the court will give her no more than six years in prison and require she register as a sex offender for life.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/26/2005 02:50:00 PM

Gwen Ann Cardozo Agrees to Plea Deal

(Colorado Springs, CO) Former Wasson High School English teacher, Gwen Ann Cardozo, 33, pleaded guilty to sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust. The agreement consists of four years probation and registration as a sex offender. See previous post and pic here.

The punishment appears to be lenient.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/23/2005 11:41:00 AM

Sharm El-Sheik Bombings

As more information is reported, the situation just gets worse.

From the AP:

The attacks appeared well coordinated. Two car bombs, possibly by suicide attackers, went off simultaneously at 1:15 a.m. just more than 2 miles apart. A third bomb, believed hidden in a sack, detonated around the same time near a beachside walkway where tourists often stroll at night.

A total of 83 people were confirmed dead, said Dr. Saeed Abdel Fattah, manager of the Sharm el-Sheik International Hospital where the victims were taken. Among the dead were two Britons, two Germans and an Italian, he added, and Czech officials said one Czech tourist was also killed. Rescue workers were still searching for victims at some attack scenes.

Several hours after the attacks, a group claiming ties to al-Qaida claimed responsibility for the explosion on an Islamic web site. The group, the Abdullah Azzam Brigades, al-Qaida, in Syria and Egypt, was one of two extremist groups that also claimed responsibility for October bombings at the Egyptian resorts of Taba and Ras Shitan that killed 34. The group also claimed responsbility for a Cairo bombing in late April.

Currently, 83 are known dead and 119 are wounded. Others following the story include: ITB, LGF.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/22/2005 09:30:00 PM

Egyptian Resort Bombed

It's breaking news and I've gotten some indications that it's worse than described as follows.

From The Courier-Mail:

THIRTY people died and about 100 more were wounded when four car bombs rocked the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh and hotels at nearby Naama Bay today.

A police source said four car bombs appeared to have exploded - one near the Sharm el-Sheikh bazaar, and three in Naama Bay, at a tourist bazaar, the Ghazala Hotel and the Moevenpick Hotel.

Sources said the explosions had killed up to 30 people and wounded about 100 others.

I've heard that 36 people have died. Information is sketchy right now. It happened about 1:15 am local time. Current reports say seven bombs were detonated.

[Update 2210 EDT]


From Aljazeera.com:

A series of explosions hit the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm al-Sheikh early Saturday, killing at least 49 people and wounding 150 others, witnesses and police said.

Police officials in Sharm el-Sheik said there may have been as many as seven blasts; three in Naama Bay, which is packed with hotels, and four in the nearby Old Market area.

"Many of the injuries are very serious and they are in critical condition," said one doctor at Sharm el-Sheikh International Hospital.

Eyewitnesses say that the blasts shook windows miles away.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/22/2005 07:35:00 PM

Canadians Out to Kill Scumbags in Afghanistan

From ABC News Online:

Canadian ground troops have not been in a fighting war since Korea, and it is thought that Canadians are generally uncomfortable when it comes to military matters.

So when General Rick Hillier started talking about Canadian soldiers going to Afghanistan to hunt down and kill murderers and scumbags, it made many Canadians uneasy.

Some said it made Canada a bigger target for terrorists.

Damn! In Canada, mentioning anything about being strong and forceful gets criticized.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/22/2005 02:11:00 PM

A Muslim Viewpoint

I received a comment on my previous post on the London terror incident. My readers can make of it what they wish. The person's name is Muhammad Alwi. Unedited, here's his comment.

I'm a Muslim and Islam always teaches how to be obedient to God and to respect all people irrespective of their beliefs. However even a nice mongrel if it is provoked and pushed against a wall will bite back. The madrassah in Pakistan teaches young kids to learn the religion and many as young as 12 years old can recite the whole Koran by heart. 9/11 is a result of American greediness plundering Arab's resources and supporting the most cruel regime in the world. Afghanistan and Iraq are just rubbing salt to the wound. As long as the majority still stupid enough to listen to all the lies - 'hate our freedom', WMD, Muslim terrorists, and other rhetorics-you will suffer from the fear of similar incidents. You have lost some of your freedoms. Some businesses have been affected. Mideast tourists are now coming to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. The business is booming - thanks to bush/blair/sharon. Those affected directly/indirectly in the UK, you know who to sue.

If anyone desires to email Muhammad, here's his address: amekasmy - at - yahoo.com.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/22/2005 12:58:00 PM

I'm Still Shaking My Head

If someone sneaks into your house, he/she has rights that can be violated.

From The Arizona Republic:

A federal immigration judge on Thursday tossed out deportation cases against four Phoenix students who are in the United States illegally, saying they were targeted by immigration officials at the Canadian border because they are Hispanic.

U.S. Immigration Judge John Richardson said the government violated the students' constitutional rights against illegal search and seizure and that officials unlawfully obtained evidence against the four.

This is so bizarre. I don't even know what's an appropriate response. Am I to understand that immigration officials cannot target illegal aliens? I thought that was their job. My head hurts.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/22/2005 12:29:00 PM

I'm Shaking My Head

Forget about the story. Just read this sentence out of PJStar.com:

The same day the swimming pool in Bowen reported a break-in to the office area, with candy and soda missing.

Somebody was paid to write that sentence. Sheesh!
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       Following Entry Posted 7/22/2005 11:59:00 AM

Drunk Pilots Going to Prison

(Miami, Florida) This story sends a strong and needed message.

From the Miami Herald:

The captain of an America West flight who was pulled from the cockpit and arrested after an all-night drinking binge in Coconut Grove must serve five years in prison ...

The copilot got two and a half years.

Circuit Judge David Young said Capt. Thomas Cloyd and First Officer Christopher Hughes acted "outrageously" when they took control of America West Flight 566 carrying 117 passengers on the morning of July 1, 2002. Less than six hours earlier, they walked out of Mr. Moe's bar with "to-go" cups of beer -- the last items on a $122 bar tab.

"What were you thinking of?" Young said. "It's inconceivable to me that two individuals who had careers in the airline industry could act so irresponsibly."

Sometimes you can't trust the people you entrust.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/22/2005 10:45:00 AM

Looking For Beaver

From the Dayton Daily News:

City officials want the 250-pound, 6 1/2-foot, American flag-toting beaver back. They are offering a $500 reward for information leading to its recovery.

City Manager Timothy Hansley said of the stolen beaver, "We will prosecute to the full extent of the law."

Hansley said tracking devices will be put in at least some of the remaining beavers, which includes Vincent Van Beaver, To Be or Not to Be Beaver, Golfing Beaver, Beaver Beaver, Disco Beaver and Pop Goes the Beaver.

The beaver, named Builder Beaver, was one of a display of beavers erected in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Beavercreek, Ohio.

My only thoughts are that $500 is a pricey beaver and probably worthy of a tracking device.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/22/2005 09:02:00 AM

Oozing Rucksacks

From the Courier-Mail:

OOZING rucksacks, harmless puffs of smoke and the failure of the latest apparent attempted bombings in London suggest a link between this week's attacks and the July 7 atrocities, experts said today.

The four bombs that apparently failed to explode on Underground subway trains and a double-decker bus yesterday bore similarities to the type of Al-Qaeda-style devices used in the suicide attacks earlier this month, which killed 56 people, explosives specialists said.

Witnesses spoke of seeing a lard-like substance oozing from one of the would-be bombers' backpacks after it failed to go off, suggesting the presence of an explosive mixture such as acetone peroxide which was used on July 7, the experts said.

That substance - made from household items such as sulphuric acid, hydrogen peroxide and acetone - deteriorates over time and becomes harmless if it passes its use-by date.

"If the bombers from July 7 and yesterday all loaded their rucksacks together two and a half weeks ago, you might expect a substantial amount of the explosive to have disappeared by this week," chemist Andrea Sella of University College London said.

I apparently am ill-supplied. To my knowledge, there has never been any sulphuric acid in my house. My car battery, sure, but not in house. In any event, it all sure seems amateurish.

[Update 0955 EDT]

Oops! Richard at Hyscience reminds me that drain cleaner is H2SO4.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/22/2005 06:45:00 AM

Suicide Bomber Shot

From Sky News:

Police have shot a suspected suicide bomber at a tube station in south London.

Reports are also coming in that a mosque in the east of the capital has been surrounded by armed officers and residents told to stay indoors.

In the first incident, marksmen opened fire near Stockwell Tube station as passengers were evacuated. It is thought the man was killed.

Alarmed onlookers said they saw up to 10 plain-clothed officers chasing an Asian-looking man before opening fire.

Reports said the suspect was pushed to the ground and shot five times at close range.

Whoa!
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       Following Entry Posted 7/21/2005 11:29:00 AM

London Terror Update

Here's an update from London. British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Australian Prime Minister John Howard spoke. The following is a paraphrasing of the news conference.

(Blair) I met with the police commissioner. We just need to act calmly. We hope to get the rest of the transport system up and running as soon as possible.

(Howard) Australia sympathizes with and supports the British people. Terrorism is the enemy of all free people.

The response of emergency services in London and Great Britain has been quite remarkable.

Reporters to Blair:

Question: What would you say to those who would not want to go into London?

"It's important that we keep to our normal lives."

Question: Who is responsible?

"The police are best to let you know who is responsible. Terrorist attacks are meant to frighten people. It's important we react calmly."

Question: Do you feel your policies have put us in this position?

The people responsible for doing this are responsible for this situation.

The roots of this are deep. Terrorist attacks go back over 10 years. What they want us to do is say we're responsible. The people that carry out these attacks are the terrorists.

Update at 11:22 EDT

Investigators apparently have found that the explosive device used on the bus in today's event is similar to that which was used in the terror bombings on July 7.

From Sky News:

There has also been an incident on a bus in Hackney, East London.

Police are reportedly examining a rucksack left on the top deck.

Tube stations at Warren Street, Oval and Shepherd's Bush have been closed.

Chemical searches at all four sites have proved negative.

Armed police officers have entered University College Hospital in Bloomsbury close to Warren Street station.

An internal memo to staff at the hospital warned them to be on the lookout for a black male, possibly of Asian origin, about 6ft 2ins tall, wearing a blue top with wires protruding from the rear of the top.

Across London, a man was arrested at gunpoint by armed police at the gates of Downing Street.

In summary, the investigation continues and, from my perspective, it seems to be a botched operation on the part of the terrorists.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/21/2005 09:32:00 AM

London Tube Evacuation

There's a lot of confusion on the cable news networks and the print media. The story is rucksack - carriage - smell - people running - London Tube.

From Sky News:

At Warren Street there were reports of shots and a nail bomb explosion. Sky's Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt said police believe this may have been the sound of detonators going off.

Victoria Line train passenger Ivan McCracken told Sky News he spoke to an Italian man who witnessed an explosion just after the train arrived at the platform.

"He told me he had seen a man carrying a rucksack which suddenly exploded. It was a minor explosion but enough to blow open his rucksack. Everyone rushed from the carriage. People evacuated very quickly. There was no panic.

"I didn't see anyone injured but there was shock and fright.

"There was a smell of smoke."

"The man who was holding the rucksack looked extremely dismayed."

One witness told Sky News that passengers tried to prevent a man with a rucksack running away but they failed.

No reports of casualties thus far.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/19/2005 06:30:00 PM

Plantars Wart

Yeah! It's on the corner of my foot. Persistent. I had one many years ago and the doc was able to fix it. This one's persistent and hasn't gotten the message. I just want to point out that, in case somebody noticed, I favor my left foot when I kick terrorists' ass. Or, when I walk to the grocery store.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/19/2005 04:31:00 PM

Bachelor Party With Dwarfs

This story has me shaking my head.

From MediaBistro:

Some people ARE just into lavish dwarf entertainment - and the Wall Street Journal is there for them. Today, smack dab on the front page, is a story about a Fidelty trader's rollicking bachelor party, complete with hookers and dwarves - and today, smack dab on the front page, the WSJ helpfully provides the URL where you, too, can rent dwarves for your very own party! (www.shortdwarf.com, Wolcott). Now that's service journalism!

Shortdwarf takes major credit cards and PayPal and it also links to the Get A Geek website. No price list was available, although, I have to mention that I only went one window into the website. I feared the need for a mind flush if I went further.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/19/2005 04:03:00 PM

Supreme Court Nominee

The announcement has been made that President Bush will reveal his nominee for the Supreme Court at 9pm EDT. My thought is that whoever is selected to go before the Senate Judiciary Committee for a thorough grilling has to be presently puckered, knowing full well that every single wart will be discussed and debated. It will be a professional and personal beating.

That is, except for one person, Dick Cheney. He's the only person that probably needs a couple weeks to unpucker from his recent, reported globally in 30 minutes, proctological exam. It seems that he would be a logical choice since he's been immunized to the personally penetrating process.

So, if President Bush desires to minimize pain in the confirmation process, he'll nominate Dick Cheney. And, what fun there would be.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/19/2005 12:44:00 PM

Chihuahua Abuse Claimed

(Burbank, California) On the heels of allegations that terrorists are being abused, we have a disturbing report about chihuahuas being abused at a dog rescue center.

From The Mercury News:

About a dozen people showed up at the Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday to urge a commissioner to order Kimi Peck to place 275 of the pint-sized dogs into new homes. She agreed to move the dogs to new locations and close the two-year-old Chihuahua Rescue center to settle city citations claiming improper care of the animals.

Kimi Peck, by the way, is related to dearly-departed movie star Gregory Peck and she claims she spent $10 million of her own money on rescuing the dogs. I personally think she's not telling the truth. Based upon the number of dogs cited in the report, she spent an estimated $30,000 plus per chihuahua. I cannot imagine how a dog could be abused with that amount of money spent on it. Realistically, how much can a chihuahua eat?
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       Following Entry Posted 7/19/2005 10:46:00 AM

The Heavens Are Angry

Recently, NASA detonated an explosive on a comet and it was immediately followed by a female Russian astrologer filing a $300 million lawsuit claiming "moral suffering" because her horoscope is now deformed. Like most people, I laughed. However, I'm wondering if she may be on to something.

Within the past week, I've reported the news of a livestock sex club, a "human dog" who eats testicles, and a sex offender who was sentenced to community service for abusing a 5-year-old girl.

There must be some type of disharmony in the universe.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/19/2005 10:17:00 AM

Latin Americans Flocking to Learn Chinese

From The Miami Herald:

Three to five times more Latin Americans are studying Chinese today compared to five years ago, according to an unscientific survey conducted by The Herald in six countries.

"It's the language of the future for commercial and industrial transactions and for foreign trade," said Zelma Wong, the administrator who decided to begin offering Chinese at San Marcos. "In 10 years, China will be a world power. That will mean economic development for Peru."

Not a day passes in Latin America, it seems, without news of a major Chinese investment in the region, a visit by a high-ranking Chinese government or trade official or a trip by a Latin American official to China.

I wonder if the U.S. is now going to be confronted with illegal aliens coming across the border fluent in Spanish and Chinese, but continuing to resist having to learn English. Sheesh!
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       Following Entry Posted 7/19/2005 09:20:00 AM

Pakistan Detains 25 Islamists

(Islamabad, Pakistan) Obviously, considerable pressure is on the Pakistani government to find Islamists in the country who can be tied to the London bombings.

From The Courier-Mail:

PAKISTANI security forces have detained 25 suspected Islamist militants in a series of raids linked to investigations into the July 7 bomb attacks in London, officials said today.

The latest detentions were made in an overnight crackdown in the most populous province, Punjab, and included members of outlawed Islamist groups.

"They are being questioned for links with any of the bombers," an official of the provincial government said on condition of anonymity.

The official said security agencies had detained 25 suspects in the cities of Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Faisalabad and Khushab.

A senior security official in Punjab expected that questioning of a handful of other suspects detained in recent days in the provincial capital, Lahore, would confirm ties to the London bombers.

Assuredly, I'm not the only person that thinks Pakistan is infested with gun-wielding fanatics and it will require a long time to civilize them. However, any action to chase them down and keep pressure on is positive.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/19/2005 08:30:00 AM

British Court Sentences Afghan Warlord to 20 Years

(London) This is an odd case. A British court sentenced an Afghan citizen to prison for human rights violations committed in Afghanistan against Afghans with testimony from witnesses given via satellite links.

From ABC News Online:

Farayadi Sarwar Zardad, 42, was convicted yesterday for running a private army that brutalised Afghans in the Sarobi district east of Kabul in the 1990s.

The private army included a "human dog" that ate a victim's testicles.

Zardad was found guilty at London's Old Bailey criminal court of conspiracy to torture people and take hostages.

Apparently, Zardad led a gang of thugs that robbed, beat, raped, and murdered travelers along a stretch of highway connecting Pakistan to Kabul. The gang was exceptionally evil in its tactics as indicated by having a testicle-eating "human dog." In my opinion, the group was subhuman.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/19/2005 08:00:00 AM

Al-Qaeda Sets Deadline for Europe

From The News International Pakistan:

The Al-Qaeda terror network set a one-month deadline for European nations to pull their troops out of Iraq, warning of more attacks in Europe following the London bombings, according to an Internet statement.

I haven't found confirmation of this particular threat and no details are provided.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/19/2005 07:23:00 AM

Youth Baseball Coach Arrested on Beaning Allegations

(North Union Township, Pennsylvania) A local youth baseball coach was arrested and charged with bribing one of his boys to intentionally throw at an autistic player.

From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

Eric Forsythe, who heads the R.W. Clark Youth Baseball League in North Union Township, said he was shocked when Mark Downs Jr., 27, of Dunbar was charged last Friday with bribing player Keith Reese, 7, with $25 to hit teammate Harry Bowers Jr., 9, in the face with a baseball to keep him from playing.

When hitting Bowers in the ear with a ball didn't keep him off the field, he intentionally hit him in the groin with another throw, state police charged.

The boy went to an emergency room and was treated for swollen red marks on his ear and groin. Specific charges Downs faces include criminal solicitation to commit aggravated assault, corruption of minors, criminal conspiracy to commit simple assault, and recklessly endangering another person.

If the allegations prove true, Downs obviously doesn't possess the moral and ethical qualities suited for leading youngsters.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/18/2005 04:50:00 PM

Plea Negotiations Break Down in Debra Lafave Case

(Tampa, Florida) At a hearing earlier today, Debra Lafave's lawyer, John Fitzgibbons, rejected the prosecution's plea offer, saying it entailed too much prison time.

From WFTV.com:

"To place an attractive young woman in that kind of hell hole is like putting a piece of raw meat in with the lions," said Fitzgibbons, who wouldn't talk about details of the negotiations. "I'm not sure she would survive."

Kind of dramatic, don't you think?


As to current status of the case, it appears that Debra Lafave will go to court in December and plead insanity. So far, she's been evaluated by mental health professionals for both the prosecution and the defense and they lined up according to their respective employers. Judge Wayne Timmerman will appoint two more mental health types to get more opinions.

Nevertheless, the defense is sticking to its story that Lafave was insane when she allegedly engaged in sex with a 14-year-old boy. I'm guessing that it will probably be a tough sell.


[Update 11/22/05]

Debra Lafave pleads guilty and gets no jail.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/18/2005 01:02:00 PM

NRA Cancels Columbus Convention

(Columbus, Ohio) The 2007 NRA national convention was slated to be in Columbus and anticipated to put $15 million into the local economy. Not anymore. Last week, the Columbus City Council passed a firearms ban. In response, the NRA announced today that its 2007 national convention will not be in Columbus.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/17/2005 02:09:00 PM

Accidental Survey

I was sitting at a booth in the donut shop and adjacent to me were three women discussing the hassle of job interviews.

"Ya' gotta get dressed up. You know, skirt, heels -- my God! I had to shave my legs. What a pain in the ass!"

Their grumpiness about dressing up for interviews continued for a while and then somebody mentioned Hillary Clinton.

"She'll straighten out this country after she's elected."

I didn't say anything, but it appears that if Hillary Clinton is elected women won't have to shave their legs.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/17/2005 01:25:00 AM

Iraq Needs Baseball

Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and Latin America have all been linked to modern society by baseball. Why not Iraq? A few bat bags, balls, and gloves are all that's needed for a successful push. It's the greatest game.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/16/2005 09:53:00 PM

Teacher Sentenced for Sex Crime

(Robinson, Illinois) In March 2004, former Robinson High School teacher Jennifer Brummett, 25, was arrested and charged with criminal sexual assault for having a relationship with a male student. Last month, Brummett pleaded guilty to aggravated criminal sexual abuse and, yesterday, she was sentenced.

Brummett was given four years probation, a $1,000 fine, and she must pay court costs. She will also have to register as a sex offender for 10 years.

It appears the court decided not to take away her teaching credentials.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/16/2005 04:03:00 PM

Horse Sex Fatality

(Seattle, Washington) No doubt, there is an entirely screwy subculture in society. The following report offers proof. Note that the story doesn't make it entirely clear who was pitching and who was catching.

From the Ottawasun.com:

A Seattle man died after engaging in anal sex with a horse at a farm suspected of being a gathering place for people seeking to have sex with livestock.

What!?

There's a gathering place for livestock lovers? Call me uninformed, but wouldn't a person want to be somewhat secretive about his facination with livestock? This place sounds like they have a club. Sheesh!

But, wait, there's more.

Although sex with animals is not illegal in Washington state, investigators were looking into whether the farm allowed sex with smaller animals that resulted in animal cruelty, which is a crime. "If you're talking about sheep or goats, there could be some issues," said Sgt. John Urquhart of the King County Sheriff's department.

Well, it appears that the sheriff just has to check the farm's rule book to see what's allowed and make sure that the animals being screwed meet minimum size requirements.

You know, the way the farm is described, it wouldn't be too surprising to learn that the farmer was charging for the time spent with his livestock. If so, it would give a whole new meaning to the term "Mustang Ranch."

Linked to COTT XX.

[Update 7/19/05]

From The News Tribune:

A state senator, horrified by what's been uncovered at a farm outside Enumclaw, is drafting legislation to outlaw bestiality in Washington, one of about 20 states where having sex with animals is not illegal.

Pam Roach, R-Auburn, said Monday she will introduce a bill later this year that would make bestiality a felony. Roach said she hopes to include provisions that also would make videotaping and disseminating sex acts with animals a crime.

Thirty states have laws that prohibit sex acts with animals, with six classifying it as a felony, according to the Humane Society of the United States.

According to the report, the livestock sex club is a massive operation with video production and sales and, apparently, perverts travel from all over the country to engage in livestock sex and to watch others do so. Roach wants to make bestiality a Class C felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. I wonder who would be opposed to the legislation.


[Update 01/14/07]

According to this report, the incident described above prompted one director to create a movie which will be presented next week at the Sundance Film Festival.

Excuse me for being a neigh-sayer, but is this really a triple-crown idea? Whoa, I say. Nevertheless, the public probably won't be stampeding to the ticket office anyway.


[Update 05/22/07]

Bestiality movie called Zoo shown at Cannes Film Festival.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/15/2005 10:48:00 PM

U.S. Jets Kill 24 Taliban in Pakistan

Fairly fresh news that is thought provoking.

From The News International, Pakistan:

PESHAWAR: Twenty-four suspected Taliban fighters were killed in a missile attack by US planes near the Pak-Afghan border in North Waziristan Agency and the Pakistan Army troops have recovered bodies of the killed persons, official sources said here Friday.

The report says there were hundreds of Pakistani troops and scouts engaged in the operation. More interesting, though,

The Pakistani and US forces, the officials said, were in contact with each other about the emerging situation before and after the operation and killing of the fleeing fighters. This is for the first time Pakistan has admitted that US planes targeted the fleeing Taliban inside its territory. The US forces stationed in Afghanistan's border areas and its warplanes have been blamed several times for crossing over into Pakistani territory in the past.

A prudent observer would be led to assume that a working relationship has been developed between American forces in Afghanistan and the Pakistani military with regard to the border areas.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/15/2005 08:06:00 PM

Magdy Elnasher

Here's some information regarding Elnasher's life that is worth knowing. Magdy Elnasher was born in 1972 in Egypt.

1994
Graduated from Cairo University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree,

1998
Received Masters in Science in Organic Chemistry from Cairo University,

1999-2000
Studied chemical engineering at North Carolina State University,

2000-present
University of Leeds, UK, Postgraduate.

Elnasher's schooling has put him at the forefront of study in the fields of biological catalysts and enzyme immobilization.

To refresh everyone's memory, enzymes are protein substances that act as triggers for various biological processes. So, Elnasher's expertise appears to be associated with seemingly mundane applications like improving water treatment facilities or manufacturing processes that rely on enzymatic actions.

Now, going back to my previously-stated bother, if Elnasher, as a terrorist, wanted to apply this expert knowledge, he could, but only in a convoluted manner. I believe that a biological threat could only exist if Elnasher was working out of his house or in a garage creating something nefarious. His line of study and work does not lend itself to anything other than access to chemicals and biologicals for easy theft. To put anything together, he'd need a lab - and time.

One other thing - Elnasher has some sort of link with the University of Graz in Austria which is associated with his biochemical work.

All in all, I'm somewhat comforted by the fact that there have been no reports of a laboratory being found in the investigation by the British authorities. Without one - somewhere - I don't see Elnasher's biochemical expertise being a threat right now. Of course, don't trust me. I'm just a guy with a computer.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/15/2005 05:03:00 PM

Saudi Woman Gets Commercial Pilot's License

Recently, it was announced that a Saudi Arabian woman, Hanadi Zakariya Hindi, 24, had earned a commercial airline pilot's license. Hindi is the first Saudi woman to achieve the distinction and congratulations be upon her.


Capt. Hanadi Zakariya Hindi
Subsequently, Prince Alwaleed ibn Talal hired Capt. Hindi to work for his company's fleet of private jets. As a result, Sheikh Yousuf Al-Ahmad, an associate professor at Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, protested that the hiring of a Saudi woman was illegal and "un-Islamic." Al-Ahmad, who teaches Shariah law at the university, stated that "Hindi's job would require her to travel without a male guardian and would therefore lead to her mixing with men."

The controversy of what role women should play in Saudi society is ongoing and Capt. Hindi's circumstance just adds fuel to the bonfire. As men in the West know, the issue will not be resolved until the women have complete control, but Saudi Arabia is a long way from that point. In fact, women in Saudi Arabia have few rights and are put in prison for just driving a car. Therefore, we have the ridiculous situation where Capt. Hindi can pilot an aircraft around the world but can't legally back the car out of the driveway.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/15/2005 12:23:00 PM

School Employee Ordered to Stay Away From Witness

(Stamford, Connecticut) Last month, Eagle Hill School employee Beth Raymond, 31, was charged with sexual assault of a juvenile male. Yesterday, Raymond appeared in state Superior Court in Stamford and was ordered to stay away from the student she is alleged to have assaulted.


Beth Raymond
Contrary to the court's instructions last month, Raymond has been visiting the alleged vicitim. Consequently, a witness protection order was issued against her which, if she violates, will put her in jail. She is currently free on $50,000 bond.

Few details of the Raymond case have been made public. However, since the Eagle Hill School serves disabled children ages 6 to 13, one logically assumes the alleged victim is 13 or younger and disabled. If 31-year-old Raymond actually committed the alleged sexual assault, she should be punished harshly, very harshly.


[Update 07/31/06]

Raymond sentenced to 18 months.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/15/2005 10:11:00 AM

Homo Light

(Oslo, Norway) Homosexuals in Norway want to raise their profile in society by marketing a gay soft drink called Homo Light. It's pink and pear-flavored.

Just think. After a sweaty day at the factory or the construction site, pass on the bottle of Bud and pop open a refreshing cold Homo. (via Country Store)
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       Following Entry Posted 7/15/2005 08:50:00 AM

British Muslim Refused Entry into U.S.

(Washington) Dr. Zaki Badawi, prominent head of the Muslim College in Britain, traveled from London to New York on Wednesday but was not allowed to enter the U.S. and had to return home.

From Sky News:

US Customs have said only that Dr Badawi was "inadmissible."

Leah Yoon, a spokeswoman in Washington, said when he was initially processed, his answers to basic questions were not "in alignment" with his background check or documentation.

"He was questioned further and after a thorough interview he was deemed inadmissible," she said.

"He was given several options but chose to withdraw his application." The options presented to Dr Badawi could not be disclosed, she said.

Strange? I think so.

Badawi previously was given an honorary knighthood by the Queen, so somebody vouches for the guy, yet he can't answer questions posed by Customs officials. There's something screwy here.

Companion post at In The Bullpen.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/15/2005 08:18:00 AM

Leeds Chemistry Student and Bombing Suspect Arrested

(Cairo, Egypt) Both Reuters and the AP are reporting that Magdy Elnashar (aka Magdy el-Nashar) has been arrested in Cairo and is being interrogated by Egyptian police.

[Update]

It needs to be noted that Elnasher has been reported to be a chemistry student, a chemistry lecturer, a biochemistry researcher, and a chemistry professor. Right now, it's not really clear what he is, but it has something to do with chemistry.

What bothers me is the possibility that he is a biochemist. If so, and he's found to be a terrorist, there is the likelihood that he may have been working on biological weapons.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/15/2005 07:43:00 AM

Fourth London Bomber

As a convert to Islam, Jamaican-born Lindsey Germaine began using the name Jamal. He's also used Lindsey Germail, Lindsey Jermaine and Lindsey Jamal.

From Life Style Extra:

Some reports suggest that Germaine may have been on an FBI terrorist watch list as Germaine Lindsey when he travelled to Cleveland in 2000.

Police raided the house he rented in Northern Road, Aylesbury where he lived with his wife Samantha Lewthwaite, 21, also an Islamic convert, and their 15-month-old son, Abdullah. Samantha, who is eight months pregnant is said to be under police guard as she prepares to give birth.

The pair met in Luton, where Miss Lewthwaite was studying, but she quit her course and moved in with Germaine and is thought to have changed her name to Sheraflyah when she took up the Muslim faith.

There's currently no confirmation that Germaine was actually on a terror watch list. If he was listed, it would be nice to know the reason. It would also be nice to know why he traveled to Cleveland, especially since it's in my neighborhood. If Germaine was firing up anyone locally, I would like to know.

Lastly, it's hard to conceive of the infectious evil that permeated Germaine. He was young, had a baby son, and a pregnant wife and he gives it all up and becomes a bomb to indiscriminately kill and maim innocent people.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/15/2005 06:58:00 AM

Woman Gets Prison for Sexually Assaulting Teens

(Greene County, Ohio) After pleading guilty to giving teens alcohol and then sexually assaulting them, a 33-year-old woman, Kelly Smith, was sentenced to five years in prison by Judge Stephen Wolaver. As a result of being convicted on five counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, Smith will also have to register as a sex offender for the rest of her life.

In court, Smith was apologetic, but Judge Wolaver wasn't buying it.

"While I have heard you apologize today I find that to be more in the line of someone whose sorry they got caught. The impact that you've had upon the victims in this case is significant and the court gives great weight to that factor."

As a sex offender, upon her release from prison Smith will be prohibited from living within 1000 feet of any school.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/14/2005 11:45:00 PM

Transvestite Athlete Jailed

This guy claims he was born a female, but developed male sex organs after a witch doctor cast a spell on him for not paying his bills.

From ABC News Online:

A male Zimbabwean athlete who won several awards in women's competitions in southern Africa has been sentenced to four years in jail for offensive behaviour, the prosecutor said.

Samukeliso Sithole, 18, was arrested in February after a female friend lodged a complaint to police, saying that she had undressed in full view of the athlete, thinking that he was a woman.

"He has been convicted of six counts of impairing the dignity of female athletes who undressed in his presence after he made them believe he was a woman," prosecutor Tapfumanei Nkonde told AFP.

As a criminal offense, "impairing the dignity" really shouldn't be worth four years in jail for Mr. Sithole. That seems harsh.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/14/2005 11:15:00 PM

The Arthur Ravenel Bridge

(Charleston, South Carolina) The longest cable-stayed bridge in the United States has been imagined, designed, built, and it opens this weekend. It connects Charleston with Mount Pleasant over the Cooper River. At a cost of more than $600 million, it's been a subject of intense interest for South Carolinians.


Arthur Ravenel Bridge
Tonight, as part of the opening celebration, there will be a fireworks display and a ceremonial first lighting of the bridge's cables. With those clean lines, it's a fine looking structure. I have spies in the crowd of celebrants, so there may be more information forthcoming.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/14/2005 08:39:00 PM

Deal Working for U.S. Military in Bulgaria

(Sofia, Bulgaria) With the drawdown of American forces in Germany, Bulgaria is a desirable Eastern European location to have U.S. influence. Strategically, there are port facilities on the Black Sea and short air travel distances to both Central Asia and the Middle East.

From the Stars and Stripes:

The United States expects to finalize negotiations with Bulgaria in the fall that may grant U.S. troops additional access to military bases in the country, U.S. and Bulgarian officials announced Wednesday.

James Pardew, the U.S. ambassador to Bulgaria, said he expected to reach an agreement about use of the Novo Selo training area, about 25 miles from Sliven, and nearby Bezmer Air Base, as early as September, when Bulgaria’s new government is slated to take power.

It's certain that Bulgarians are anxious to develop stronger economic ties with the U.S., however, it's also certain that they will want to move slowly. Ilko Dimitzov, deputy defense minister for Bulgaria, stressed that "the deal would not create a large, permanent presence of U.S. military forces."

"They will become U.S. bases, but not in the sense of U.S. bases in Germany," said Col. Yordan Yordanov, a Bulgarian Defense Ministry official who oversees cooperation with the U.S. military, in an interview with Stars and Stripes. "It will not be building cities, building PXs (post exchanges), commissaries, fitness centers and swimming pools."

It is still unclear whether the Bulgarian bases would serve as forward operating bases that could be used for deployments or if they would simply be cooperative locations for training, Dimitzov said.

It's a foot in the door. Now I have to find an English-Bulgarian dictionary.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/14/2005 05:04:00 PM

Archbishop Tutu Blames Terror on Poverty

Is it me, or does Desmond Tutu remind anyone else of a wind-up doll?

From The Courier-Mail:

ANTI-APARTHEID icon Archbishop Desmond Tutu condemned last week's "dastardly acts of terrorism" in London but warned today attacks would persist as long as poverty and ignorance blighted the world.

"We are not going to win the so-called war against terror as long as there exist conditions in the world - conditions of poverty and disease and ignorance that make people desperate and so cause them to perpetrate dastardly acts of desperation," Archbishop Tutu told a head teachers convention in Cape Town.

"To strive for the eradication of poverty, disease and ignorance is not to be altruistic, it is ultimately the best form of self interest," he said in a published speech sent to journalists.

Frankly, I think it's time for the archbishop to become the newspaper-reading archbishop. Last I heard, the terror in London was caused by Brits who were not poverty-stricken, nor uneducated, nor lacking health care.

The esteemed cleric was also shocked by the treatment of prisoners at Gitmo, comparing it to the prisons in apartheid South Africa. My only question is who's going to compare Gitmo to the Bastille or Devil's Island. Somebody's bound to continue the Dick Durbin trend.

Nonetheless, Archbishop Tutu really needs to loosen his tie and take a blood thinner. It's obvious that sufficient oxygen isn't getting to his brain.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/14/2005 03:09:00 PM

Taliban Spokesman: Al-Qaeda Escapees Are Safe

Apparently, the terrorists who escaped from the Bagram detention center are now in the southern part of Afghanistan.

From Reuters:

Four Arab al Qaeda militants who escaped from a heavily fortified U.S. detention center in Afghanistan this week reached a Taliban haven safely on Thursday, a spokesman for the guerrilla movement said.

"The Taliban found and recovered four al-Qaeda mujahideen (holy warriors) this morning," Taliban spokesman Abdul Latif Hakimi said from an undisclosed location.

Hakimi, whose information has often proved unreliable, declined to say where the escapees were, but added: "They are far away from Kabul. They are safe and now taking rest."

The Pakistani-based Afghan Islamic Press news agency quoted another, unnamed, Taliban spokesman as saying the men were in the south of the country. "They are alright. They had some bruises to their feet ... they are being given medicines."

Wait a minute! The Taliban has a spokesman? And, he's often unreliable? Say, whatever happened to Baghdad Bob?

Anyway, the escapees have been named and they come from four different countries, Syrian Abdullah Hashimi, Kuwaiti Mahmoud Ahmad Mohammad, Saudi Mahmoud Alfatahni, and Libyan Mohammad Hassan.

In the same report, a member of the Taliban leadership council, Mullah Dadullah, told Al Jazeera television that the group possessed anti-aircraft weapons and was seeking to obtain even more powerful arms.

Would it be possible to get spokesman Hakimi back on the line for a lengthy chat?
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       Following Entry Posted 7/14/2005 12:50:00 PM

Community Service for Sexually Abusing 5-Year-Old

(Bentonville, Arkansas) This story is an example of the criminal justice system merely slapping the hand of a sexual offender and, thereby, guaranteeing that it will happen again.

From the Daily Record:

It was the most devastating day of her family's life when she found out her 5-year-old daughter was being sexually abused, according to the mother of a sexual-abuse victim.

The mother was in court Wednesday as a teenager pleaded guilty to sexually abusing the girl. "You totally destroyed (the girl's) life and devastated my husband's and mine," the woman said as she addressed the court. "The person who will be paying the most is my daughter. You ripped the innocence straight out of her."

The 15-year-old boy was charged with sexual assault in the second degree, a class B felony. At Wednesday's hearing, he changed his plea to guilty, and he admitted to engaging in sexual contact with the child on Jan. 31.

Interestingly, the little girl's father attempted to present information regarding the likelihood that the boy would repeat his crime but Circuit Judge Jay Finch refused to hear it. The girl's parents then walked out of the court only to be ordered back. Finch admonished them and told them to basically forget about the experience. After that, Circuit Judge Jay Finch sentenced the boy to probation and 72 hours of community service.

Companion post at Conservative Thinking.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/14/2005 11:48:00 AM

Convicted Child Molester Strikes Again

(San Jose, California) It's astonishing that the criminal justice system ever allows child molesters out of prison. Everyone knows they will do it again.

From The Mercury-News:

Fred Everts, a convicted child molester, now faces 15 felony counts and one misdemeanor count involving three boys that could result in a sentence of more than 1,000 years.

Deputy District Attorney Steve Fein presented the amended complaint against Everts at a Wednesday morning court hearing. The complaint alleges the 34-year-old molested two boys in 2004 -- who were 3 years old and 11 years old at the time.

Everts was previously convicted twice for child molestation in Oregon in 1992. Obviously, he wasn't rehabilitated prior to being released. Now, it will be up to a California judge and jury to decide how long he should be incarcerated. Does anyone think he'll get 1,000 years? I sure don't.

You watch. This pervert will be back on the streets in less than ten years and he'll pick up where he left off. If he follows the pattern of many of the perverts that the criminal justice system doesn't take seriously, he'll murder his future victims.

By the way, Everts is the former roommate of Dean Schwartzmiller, the 64-year-old pedophile who was discovered to have seven notebooks containing the names of 36,000 boys who may have been molested.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/14/2005 10:52:00 AM

London Bombers

The following four individuals have been identified as the terrorists directly responsible for the London bombings.

Mohammad Sidique Khan, 30, from Beeston, Leeds, recently moved to Dewsbury, married with baby. ID found at Edgware Road blast site.

Hasib Mir Hussain, 18, lived Holbeck, Leeds. Missing on day of bombings. Reportedly turned very religious two years ago. ID found in No. 30 bus.

Shehzad Tanwee, 22, born Bradford, lived Beeston, Leeds. Studied religion in Pakistan. Forensic evidence links him to Aldgate bomb.

Lindsey Germaine, Jamaican-born, lived in Buckinghamshire.

Additionally, police are searching for Leeds University chemistry professor Magdi el-Nashar, an Egyptian who disappeared only days before the bombings.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/14/2005 07:53:00 AM

Teen Prostitution in Paradise

For years there has been a global law enforcement effort to eradicate the underage sex trade in developing nations and typically, though not exclusively, countries in Southeast Asia and Latin America are mentioned. As such, I found it rather interesting that the problem occurs on an island group in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Kiribati (formerly called the Gilbert Islands).

The situation described involves nubile Micronesian island girls conducting business with Korean deep-sea fisherman. The Korean National Youth Commission (NYC) wants the fisherman to be punished when they return to Korea the same as if they had committed the crimes in Korea. Unfortunately, there are no current laws on the books covering the subjects of overseas child sex tourism and prostitution.

Robert Koehler has all the story at The Marmot's Hole.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/14/2005 07:49:00 AM

Lawsuit for Insulting France

(Tokyo, Japan) After a prominent government official stated the French is "a failed international language," twenty-one teachers and translators filed a lawsuit against him, asking for 10.5 million yen (about $95,000) in compensation. The official, Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara, is known for his outspokenness on a variety of issues.

Personally, I think that Ishihara could have said the same thing about the Japanese language and been more accurate. French is the official language in dozens of countries. Japanese is the official language in only one country.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/14/2005 07:26:00 AM

Mr. Ed Is Dead

Several of my acquaintances would be disturbed by this story.

From the Mainichi Daily News:

WELLINGTON, New Zealand -- Some customers say wild horses couldn't drag them to the table at a New Zealand restaurant that's offering a chargrilled horsemeat dish called "Mr. Ed is Dead."

Restaurant owner David Kerr said Wednesday that he received lots of complaints and abusive phone calls after he started serving horse steaks at his eatery in Hamilton, North Island, as part of an annual event during which restaurateurs compete to offer the best out-of-the-ordinary culinary delights to diners.

The calls were "pretty lively and disgusting and not comforting for the staff," Kerr said, adding that "there was swearing, cursing, horrible language," compelling him to call the police.

Nevertheless, some customers couldn't wait to chow down when horse appeared on his menu at the weekend. Kerr said he sold 10 horse steak meals on Monday night.

An official for Monteith's Wild Food Challenge, Kerry Tyack, said that horse is a "different" menu item but there's nothing wrong with it. If people don't care for it, Tyack adds, "stay away."

My take is that people should be allowed to eat whatever they desire and it's pretty much none of my business. Of course, I'm excluding people who want to eat other people.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/14/2005 06:48:00 AM

Iraqis Protest Terror

Iraqi citizens demonstrated in the streets to protest terrorism. I think it's inexcusable that the elite media ignores this type of positive story from Iraq. Blackfive has the story and pictures.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/13/2005 06:47:00 PM

Ballot Measure to Oppose Recruiters

(San Francisco) Here we have a group openly taking action to restrain the ability of the U.S. military to do its job in a time of war. I would deem the action as conduct leading to resistance to the constituted authority of the United States government. My dictionary (Webster's) defines this conduct as sedition.

From the San Francisco Chronicle:

Anti-war activists delivered more than 15,000 signatures to San Francisco City Hall on Monday in hopes of including on the Nov. 8 ballot an initiative opposing military recruiting at the city's public high schools and colleges.

And, from an AP report:

The San Francisco initiative is part of a larger "counter-recruitment" battle being fought over the Pentagon's recruitment efforts and exclusion of openly gay recruits being waged around the country.

Clearly, the whole purpose of the effort is to impede, or completely deny, recruiting by the U.S. military in high schools and colleges. Now, I'm not a legal scholar but, if this "counter-recruitment" plan doesn't meet the definition of sedition, it sure seems to be cozying up to it.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/13/2005 02:52:00 PM

Saudi Suicide Bomber Star of Play

How do radical Islamic groups recruit? Their propoganda is everywhere and their message is one of 'join us or die,' but could there be another method being used that we have not heard about before? According to AKI, there is another method of indoctrinating young jihadis and that is in the form of theater.

According to information gathered by the newspaper, accompanied by photos, the Al-Zalfi province organised a festival on 20 April 2002, which included a play presented by the suicide bomber Muhammad bin Shathaf Ali al-Makhzum al-Shahri. One year later he blew himself up in an attack on a residential complex which housed mostly foreigners in the east of the capital Riyadh.

[snip]

During the festival and play, al-Shahri is said to have given a Jihad-style speech in which he called for violence against the United States and Israel. The words used to open the evening were reportedly: "Good evening, Jihad evening. Good evening to Bush and Sharon, Allah curse America, Allah make America perish, Allah shake America, Oh Allah curse the enemies of religion. It is the right evening for all wars, an evening in which you will be offered some very beautiful poetry."

Shortly after, he read some poetry and traditional songs, in which he had changed some of the words. He read one patriotic poem in which he changed phrases originally referring to the King and the Saudi royal family. "How much sleep we have lost, but Islam has returned to the path of Allah, we walk and we have announced the Jihad, we with machine guns have come and now we lead the way."

Strange, but the good news out of this is that residents of the Al-Zalfi province in Saudi Arabia complained of the presence of radical Islamists to the government. It does not appear that the Saudi government did anything about it, but the intent by the locals was there and should be noted because an effective counter-terrorism begins and ends with everyday Muslims rejecting radical Islam.

Posted by Chad Evans
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       Following Entry Posted 7/13/2005 02:41:00 PM

Car Surfing

Although it's new in the field of athletic endeavors, it seems that just about everyone that participates in the thrilling sport of car surfing wins an award, a Darwin Award.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/13/2005 12:38:00 PM

Mariah Carey's Clothes Fall Off

(Karlsruhe, Germany) Surely, there wasn't any mention in the show's program.

From The Sun Online:

POP stunner Mariah Carey accidentally flashed her breasts at stunned fans during a TV show in Germany when her dress fell apart.


Mariah Carey
But the red-faced superstar saw the funny side, quipping: "Someone bring me a jacket or the show's off, we all know how quickly these images can spread around the world."

Really? I haven't seen any. Nevertheless, I'd recommend that Mariah quit buying cheap clothes.

Regarding a related subject, there's no truth to the rumor that Justin Timberlake was involved. However, it's no rumor that INXS is looking for a new lead singer.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/13/2005 08:55:00 AM

Four Human Rights Activists Murdered

Via Chad Evans comes this story from Baghdad.

From USATODAY:

Armed men stormed a house in Baghdad on Tuesday, killing four Iraqi human rights activists and wounding another, a member of the group said.

The victims belonged to the local International Organization for Human Rights and were shot by several men at their office in the western neighborhood of Jamaa, their colleague Jamal Ibrahim said.

"As soon as we entered the office, we saw four dead bodies," Ibrahim said. "A fifth person was wounded and the neighbors rescued him."

Condolences to the families and friends of those who were murdered.

It is beyond my comprehension of common sense to understand how people can devote their lives to human rights activism in the middle of a war zone. It's suicidal. Imagine the ludicrous image of a few activists setting up an office in Berlin during WWII to try and convince the Third Reich to be kinder to prisoners at Auschwitz.

I don't mean to be cruel, but it seems that human rights activists should be working to support and achieve an environment of civilized peace before they worry about blurry human rights idealism. Yet, oddly, any honest assessment of human rights activism, as it's currently being practiced, has to conclude that the wrong side is being supported. The terrorists can maim and behead innocent civilians all day long and neither Amnesty International (AI) nor Human Rights Watch will issue one peep. But let a U.S. Marine inappropriately handle the Koran and, globally and loudly, human rights activists issue protests. And, the protests endure and are magnified, all the way to the floor of the United States Senate.

Day after day, the terrorists kill innocent people and human rights activists look the other way. As an example, the current (7/13/05 0830 EDT) lead story on the AI website calls for President Bush to stop torturing terrorists that are imprisoned while, as a earlier report indicates, a terrorist bomber today killed 24 children in Baghdad.

I personally believe that the term "human rights activism" is nothing more than a euphemism for "anti-American activism" and, by the process of elimination, "activism in support of America's enemies." On an individual level, I'm sure some people are truly concerned about human rights. However, on an organizational level, and relying on an honest assessment, there is little evidence that human rights groups give one whit about global human rights while it's easy to prove their relentless bashing of the United States.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/13/2005 06:33:00 AM

Suicide Bomber Kills 24 Children

(Baghdad, Iraq) What sort of God would sanction the mass killing of children? Just like Beslan last year, the terrorists, militants, insurgents, jihadists, or whatever you want to call them have once again proven that they are nothing but child murderers. They are despicable human scum.

From ABC News Online:

Twenty-four Iraqi children and one US soldier have been killed in a suicide car bomb attack in south-eastern Baghdad.

US forces say 18 more children were wounded, along with two US soldiers.

"A driver approached one of the US Humvees and then detonated his car," Sergeant David Abrams said.

"One US soldier was killed and two wounded," he said.

One eyewitness, Mohammed Ali Hamza, says US forces turned up in the Al-Jedidah district to warn residents to stay indoors because of reports of a car bomb in the area.

"Children gathered round the Americans who were handing out sweets. Suddenly a suicide car bomber drove round from a side street and blew himself up," he said.

Bastards!

Overwhelming evidence indicates that the Muslim religion has been hijacked by a cult of thugs who intentionally kill innocent civilians, many of them women and children. This fact alone should be enough to shake the typical believer's faith.

Terrorists are criminals, plain and simple, waging a war against civilization and humanity. They have no loyalties save deathly violence. The grievances espoused by the terrorists are a mix of pick-any-card complaints that are impossible to satisfy because their real objective is the annihilation of all populations who are not subservient and enslaved to their death-mongering. Terrorists cannot be appeased, nor can they be satisfied. They will continue killing indiscriminately until they are exterminated.

True followers of the Muslim faith need to wake up and not take it anymore. They and their children are being murdered by fanatics.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/12/2005 08:28:00 PM

Mitsubishi Offers to Buy Westinghouse

Japan's manufacturing giant, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, has offered to buy Westinghouse Electric Co. from its British parent company, British Nuclear Fuels Ltd., for a reported $1.8 billion. Mitsubishi and Westinghouse have recently collaborated in a bid to build four nuclear power plants in China.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/12/2005 07:01:00 PM

Jawa on CNN

Congrats to Rusty. Today, The Jawa Report was high-lighted on CNN's inside blogs segment. Next, Rusty will need an agent, then on to the Larry King Show. He'll probably even meet Wolf Blitzer and, maybe, Ted Turner.

Woo-Hoo! Fame!
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       Following Entry Posted 7/12/2005 05:48:00 PM

Sunni Group Beheads Iranian Security Agent

Muslims sure have an obsession with chopping heads off.

From The Courier-Mail:

A LITTLE-KNOWN Sunni Muslim group has beheaded an Iranian security agent it abducted last month in officially Shiite Iran and has issued a video tape of the killing, Al Arabiya television reported today.

Al Arabiya said the Organisation of God's Soldiers for Sunni Mujahideen (Holy Fighters) in Iran had issued the tape, but the satellite channel would not air the footage of the killing.

It broadcast parts of the video showing a masked man pushing the blindfolded hostage, identified as Shahab Mansouri, to the ground and another approaching him with a knife.

The tape's authenticity could not be verified immediately.

On June 20, Al Arabiya aired a video from the group threatening to "send the hostage's head as a gift to the elected president" if Iranian authorities did not free its imprisoned members within three weeks.

Well, it's been about three weeks and the Sunnis followed through on their threat, presumably carried out on orders from the group's leader, Abdul Malik Baluchi. Based upon his appearance in the video, Baluchi is believed to be from Iran's remote southeastern Sistan-Baluchestan province, an area of sporadic unrest.

It's interesting that Al Arabiya decided not to air the video. Could it be that the station is leery of offending the Iranian government?
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       Following Entry Posted 7/12/2005 04:53:00 PM

"French Kisses" Ruled Illegal

From the Wichita Eagle:

A teacher who "French kisses" a student over the age of 16 still has committed an illegal sex act under state law, the Kansas Court of Appeals has ruled.

The court ruled on the appeal of Lori Lynn Stout, 32, a former teacher and coach at Wellington High School. She had been found guilty by a Sumner County jury of unlawful sexual relations.

The case involved her relationship with a 16-year-old female student.

Oddly, not once when I was going to school did this type of issue arise, but times change. Curiously, I wonder if the ruling will affect any student's grade.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/12/2005 02:24:00 PM

Diversity Committee Rejects Tolerance Video

(Broward County, Florida) The local school district has decided to protect young children from getting mixed messages.

From The Miami Herald:

A music video that features Barney, Big Bird and SpongeBob singing a message of family and togetherness will not be distributed in Broward County schools, after members of a diversity committee deemed it objectionable.

Some members of the diversity committee said the We Are Family DVD, intended to teach tolerance to preschool and elementary kids, could confuse children about the difference between family members and strangers and open the door to discussion about sexual orientation.

"Even in the liberal group, they understand that these people are trying to mess with our kids' minds and introduce all kinds of activities in the name of tolerance," said Steve Kane, a radio talk show host and a member of the diversity committee, which voted 10-7 against the video in May.

Well, bully for Broward! In my opinion, society is shoving way too much stuff down the throats of kids. I would imagine that in some places kids are being indoctrinated in homosexuality before they can tie their shoes.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/12/2005 01:58:00 PM

Strip Club Spanking

(Jacksonville, Arkansas) One would normally think that spankings in a strip club happen often and with glee. Not so, according to the following story.

From 7Online.com:

Three strippers and two nightclub managers are under arrest - accused of spanking a trucker at his 31st birthday bash and severely bruising his backside.

While one of the strippers restrained his head with her legs Keith Lowery was handcuffed and spanked with a 3-foot-long paddle and a belt, investigators with the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office said. His friends paid $25 for the service.

Stripper Kelly Eslick, 21, who works at Sensations nightclub in Jacksonville told police that she used a paddle drilled with holes for less air resistance while the two other dancers, Lisa Nolen, 23, and Charlene Smith, 23, used the belt.

Club employees James Daugherty, 31, and Dena Mitchell, 30, were charged with participating in an obscene performance at a live public show, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison, while the three women were charged with misdemeanor battery as well.

It just tickles me that someone could be charged with being obscene at a strip club. Who would have thought? And since when do strippers get schooled in subjects like air resistance of paddles? It also appears that Keith Lowery's friends don't like him all that much since they paid to whack him.

Nevertheless, trucker Keith Lowery probably won't be invited back to the strip club.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/12/2005 01:05:00 PM

Shopping Center Bombed in Israel

(Netanya, Israel) - 1230 EDT - The Palestinian terrorist group, Islamic Jihad, has claimed responsibility for this latest suicide attack.

From Reuters:

A Palestinian suicide bomber blew himself up in the Israeli coastal city of Netanya on Tuesday, killing at least three people and dealing a heavy blow to a five-month old truce, security sources said.

It's reported that 30 people have been wounded from the explosion. According to police, the bomb detonated at the entrance to the Kenyon Hasharon mall around 6:30pm local time.

- 1310 EDT - FOXNews now is reporting that 3 people died, including the bomber who has been identified as an 18-year-old Palestinian. Forty-six people were wounded.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/12/2005 11:10:00 AM

English-Learner Testing Challenged

(Phoenix, Arizona) Whoa! Teachers are complaining that their students are doing well. Yep! There's screeching on the blackboard with some educators saying that kids are being set up for failure because too many are passing the new state English test. Preliminary results indicate that students are passing the English proficiency test at twice the former rate. The educators contend that the new testing and grading process is flawed and that the students really can't write and talk none too good.

Not so, says Tom Horne, the Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction. On the contrary, Horne asserts that the criticism of the new test arose because school districts lose the extra money, about $350 per English-language learner, when the student demonstrates proficiency by passing the test.

As an everyday citizen who hasn't seen the test, I can't evaluate the appropriateness of the testing. Maybe an expert like Kimberly Swygert at Number 2 Pencil could weigh in on that. However, I do know that organizations (all organizations, not just school systems) will always battle to keep funds flowing long after a program's justification has vanished. Therefore, Superintendent Horne's contention that criticism is fiscally based has merit.

Worth mentioning is another aspect of the controversy which likely disturbs at least a few teachers. It is the federal requirement to have one test only used in determining English proficiency. Previously, school districts could choose among four alternative tests. Taking away that authority must gall at least a few educators.

In conclusion, the simple fact that students are passing the new test at an astonishingly higher rate indicates that either the new test has significant flaws, the old tests have significant flaws, or both. Whatever the circumstance, however, correction is achievable by having everyone take the same test. Tom Horne might want to tell his critics to pound their erasers.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/12/2005 10:09:00 AM

Eight Polygamists Arrested on Child Sex Charges

(Flagstaff, Arizona) The eight men in custody are part of the multiple-marriage sect called the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The group's members are accused of sexual misconduct with children and they have lived for years in Colorado City, along the Utah-Arizona border, where a cat-and-mouse game with law enforcement has been ongoing. Thanks to additional resources, authorities are making strides to shut down the operation.

From The Arizona Republic:

In another blow to Colorado City's frontier polygamist society, eight men on Monday surrendered themselves to Mohave County authorities in Kingman after being indicted during the past month on sexual misconduct charges with their underage brides.

Among those arrested were a former police officer, Rodney Holm of neighboring Hildale, Utah, who received national attention two years ago after being convicted of marrying his third wife, who was 16 at the time. Holm, 38, who served a year in county jail in Utah, also is married to the girl's older sister.

Others arrested include: Donald Robert Barlow, David Romaine Bateman, and Terry Darger Barlow, Vergel Bryce Jessop, Randolph Joseph Barlow, Dale Evans Barlow, and Kelly Fischer.

The leader of the sick pedophile sect, Warren Jeffs, is on the lam. He's wanted on sex charges and illegal flight. Jeffs may be in Colorado, Texas, or British Columbia, holed up with other sect members.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/12/2005 09:41:00 AM

Suspicious Package Scare at Clear Channel

(Independence, Ohio) Here's the story. Someone spills coffee or something else on a package delivered to a building that houses several radio stations in Independence. No one could explain the package or the liquid, so 500 employees were ordered to evacuate the building. Authorities investigated and found the package contained only paperwork.

Overly cautious? Maybe, maybe not, however, one thing seems certain. The general public is sensitized to the possibility of terrorism.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/12/2005 09:29:00 AM

At Least One Ohio State Professor Is An Idiot

(Columbus, Ohio) It's certain that some people believe there are more. However, assistant clinical professor and director of public health practice at OSU, Frank Holtzhauer, definitely dons the dunce cap today for trying to board an airplane with a loaded .32-caliber handgun.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/12/2005 08:54:00 AM

Tom Cruise Not Welcome in Paris

(Paris) If you're a communist, socialist, anarchist, or jihadist, you'll likely not be hassled in France. Unfortunately, Tom Cruise picked the wrong "ist."

From The Australian:

THE Paris city hall has pledged not to make US actor Tom Cruise an honorary citizen - because of his membership of the Church of Scientology.

In a debate late yesterday, the Socialist-controlled municipal assembly approved a resolution "never to welcome the actor Tom Cruise, spokesman for Scientology and self-declared militant for this organisation."

The French, along with many other European countries, have deemed that Scientology is a dangerous cult and Cruise is considered a "sect-symbol" for the cult.

My take is that one doesn't have to be European to suspect that Scientology is a cult. Just take a close look at Tom Cruise's eyes while he's being interviewed.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/12/2005 07:54:00 AM

London Off-Limits to American Military Personnel

I haven't seen anything official on this.

From Sky News:

Amid fears of possible further attacks in London, it has emerged that thousands of American servicemen and women based in Britain have been banned from entering the capital.

The order provoked criticism from tourism officials and politicians, who have been urging people to carry on travelling into the capital as normal.

The decision is being reviewed today, according to the charge d'affaires at the American Embassy in London, David Johnson.

This seems odd and contrary to the message that terrorism won't disrupt our lives.

[Update 0815 EDT]

FOXNews is reporting that the off-limits order has been rescinded. The military apparently had an Emily Latella moment (Oh! Nevermind.).
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       Following Entry Posted 7/12/2005 07:34:00 AM

London Terror Update

A police search of five homes in West Yorkshire, northeast England, was conducted this morning. No arrests were made. Meanwhile, investigators continue to review 2,500 tapes of closed-circuit television footage looking for clues.

Rusty Shackleford at The Jawa Report has posted some images from Islamist-produced London terror videos that reflect the jihadists' thinking.

Chad Evans at In The Bullpen analyzes the two latest suspects identified in the UK, Zeeshan Hyder Siddiqui and Mohammed Junaid Babar. Apparently, the investigation is currently focused on the planners of the bombings.

In another report, Mac Powell relates that there is reason to believe the bombs used were 10-pound military rucksack explosives. Also, an Internet message intercepted by Spanish intelligence on May 29 ordered attacks on Europe, but it wasn't given to British Intelligence (MI5) until after the London bombings. The message was signed by "Abu Hafs al-Masri Brigades - European division."
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       Following Entry Posted 7/12/2005 06:51:00 AM

Aussies Sending Troops to Afghanistan

It's being reported that Australian Prime Minister John Howard will soon confirm that a new deployment of troops are going to Afghanistan.

The size of the deployment is uncertain but defence experts say it could range from a couple of dozen military to more than 1,000 troops.

Neil James, executive director of the Australia Defence Association, says the exact size of the deployment will depend on exactly what is needed in Afghanistan.

"What we can be fairly certain of is that it's going to be a different type of force to (the light infantry and light armour forces) we've got in Iraq because the capability we've got in Iraq is reasonably fully stretched," he said.

I usually don't give much credence to assertions regarding military strength that don't come directly from the military and, even then, I'm skeptical.

As would be expected, Howard's political opponents are against sending troops. The Australian Green Party as an example is strongly opposed to any military action that isn't directed by the UN.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/12/2005 06:37:00 AM

Car Bomb in Lebanon Wounds Defense Minister

In a mid-morning attack, a car bomb targeted Lebanese Defense Minister Elias Murr in the northern Naqash District of the country on a road from Rabiya to Beirut.

From National Nine News:

A car bomb has hit the motorcade of Lebanon's outgoing deputy PM, wounding him and killing at least one other person, police said. It was the first blast targeting a pro-Syrian politician in a string of bombings in Lebanon this year.

Elias Murr, who is also the outgoing defence minister, was slightly wounded in the blast, said one police officer at the scene. The explosion left one vehicle a charred and twisted wreck, and several nearby cars and buildings were damaged.

The state National News Agency said one person was killed (Another report says two were killed) and six wounded, including Murr and an army colonel in his escort. Police put the number of wounded at 10. Television footage showed one man, bloodied but sitting up and moving, being helped out of one of the cars.

Unlike other assassination targets, Murr, a militant Muslim, has been strongly pro-Syrian. In previous incidents, blame was directed toward the Syrian government but Lebanese officials have warned that there is a campaign to destabilize Lebanon in the post-Syria era.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/11/2005 06:27:00 PM

"Silicone Party" Injection Causes Death

Man! There are some things people do that are certifiably incomprehensible. Two people became critically ill and one died after being injected at a "transgender silicone party."

From NBCSandiego.com:

Police were notified about a June 21 party on Florida Street after receiving a call from an anonymous person at the San Diego Gay and Lesbian Center, reporting that two transgender females who received injections of silicone were hospitalized and were in critical condition.

Officials said five people at the party paid a woman to inject them with silicone in their lips, hips, cheeks and buttocks in an effort to improve their appearances. Two of the people who were injected became ill and were put on life support after developing breathing problems, according to San Diego police.

One of the party guests told NBC San Diego that the two victims were told they were being injected with silicone. But the only person who knows for sure what was being injected is the person who gave the shots. There have been reports of people being injected with brake fluid diluted to fit through a syringe. Other reports describe the use of silicon-based caulking, which is normally used to seal cracks around plumbing fixtures.

BRAKE FLUID!

CAULKING!

Holy moly! I will never understand what's going on in these people's minds.

Nevertheless, almost three weeks after the silicone party, 45-year-old Patricio Gonzales died. The other injection party-goer remains in critical condition. Police have issued a warrant for the arrest of Sammia "Angelica" Gonzalez, 39, (aka Garcia-Gonzalez) who is believed to be the injector.

Whatever happened to music, food, drinks, and dancing? Sheesh!
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       Following Entry Posted 7/11/2005 05:37:00 PM

"British Johnnies" Not Adventurous

(Mombasa, Kenya) This tropical city on the Indian Ocean, just a few degrees south of the Equator, is popular among American and British Coalition Forces for rest and recreation. Consequently, the local media felt compelled to report the following odd comparison.

From The Standard:

Police sources confirmed the [British] soldiers' arrival from Iraq, where they have been stationed.

But their arrival did not seem to excite twlight (sic) girls in Mombasa, who claimed the "British Johnnies" were not as adventurous as US marines.

Last week, 300 US marines docked at the port and left after a day.

Sources said the British soldiers planned to visit national parks.

So, the Brits go to the national parks while the Americans become "adventurous" with the local twilight girls. Based upon my experience in the military, this sounds about right.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/11/2005 10:36:00 AM

Pakistani Terror Camps Still Operating

This is not good news. Although there is supposed to be a ban on military training camps, a media source reports that old-timers and new recruits of various "terror outfits" are flocking to previously-closed facilities.

From Hindustan Times:

Citing an example of the camps being reopened, Pakistan Herald magazine in its cover story, said one of the country's oldest militant training camps at Mansehra in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) is bustling with activity after a yearlong closure, as old and new militants converged on it to resume their training.

"Our transport fleet is back, electricity has been restored and communications systems are in place. Until 2001, thousands of fighters trained here for operations in Kashmir and Afghanistan," the magazine quoted a guide who conducted the correspondent around as saying.

Rejecting the magazine's charge as "baseless," Interior Minister Aftab Khan Sherpao said "there are no militant camps in Mansehra...I have no information on that. The claim is totally baseless. We have no such information stating that the training camps have been restarted."

Contrary to official denials, the magazine said despite the ban, militant outfits like Hizbul Mujahideen, Harkaul Mujahideen, al-Badr Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Muhammad managed to stay in touch with their cadre in 2003-4, which was considered as their worst year.

From another report, India informs Pakistan that it has the evidence.

India has said terrorist camps are still operating in Pakistan and New Delhi has photographic evidence.

"I have told the Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz that the terrorist camps have not been dismantled. We have the photographs and I have told him that we can provide photographic evidence," External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh told the BBC here last night.

Also, Singh said that India's neighbors shared its views regarding the terrorist camps. To me, it's not a toss-up and I lean toward believing India's assertions rather than Pakistan's denials.

I'm not familiar with the various groups using the camps, nor their intentions, nor do I really care at this juncture. First, the camps should be demolished and then a discussion concerning the groups may ensue. There should be zero tolerance for terrorist training camps anywhere, any time.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/10/2005 05:39:00 PM

Afghan Rebels Make Peace

(Gardez, Afghanistan) Here's some good news if you are interested in seeing Afghanistan become united on the path toward freedom and democracy. Sadly, the elite media seems to be ignoring the story.

From the Army News Service:

Eighteen of Gulbiddin Hekmatyar’s Hezb-e Islami commanders turned themselves over to government officials in the Paktia Province June 12.

Under the terms of the Afghan government’s reconciliation program, Pakhm-e Sohl, the former commanders returned home after years of living in Pakistan.

Upon meeting with Governor Abdel Hakim Taniwal, Provincial Reconstruction Team or PRT Soldiers, and government representatives, who explained the provisions of the program to them, the commanders pledged their loyalty to the Karzai government by signing statements.

The loyalty statement to the Afghan government includes an agreement not to possess heavy weapons or take up arms against the Afghan government or Coalition forces. The commanders received new reconciliation identification cards and were embraced by Taniwal who welcomed them back to Afghan society.

For background, Gulbiddin Hekmatyar founded the Hezbi Islami in the 1970s largely consisting of Pashtun tribesmen from eastern Afghanistan. Since that time, Hezbi Islami has been a major player in the many armed conflicts in Afghanistan, fighting the Russians, the Mujaheedin, and the current government. Back in the 1990s, Hekmatyar's forces turned Kabul into a ghost city through a devastating series of rocket volleys. An estimated 2,000 people were killed while 500,000 fled.

So, by any measure, the Hezbi Islami is a major military element in the country. However, it has also been a prime political and ethnic leader for the large Pashtun segment of the Afghan population (42 percent). Consequently, by laying down arms and ending hostilities, Hekmatyar's commanders have given heightened authenticity and authority to the democratic Afghan government.

In my opinion, the fact that Gulbiddin Hekmatyar’s Hezbi Islami has chosen to become part of the new Afghanistan should be heralded by the international media as a major step toward pulling the country into the 21st Century. It should also be heralded as a win in the battle against backwardness, and a victory for freedom and democracy. So far, the elite media hasn't mentioned it. Maybe I'm making too big a deal about it.

Tipped by Captain's Quarters.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/10/2005 01:28:00 PM

New Indictment for Counselor Accused of Sex with Boy

(Bayonne, New Jersey) A 50-year-old former guidance counselor at Bayonne High School, Diane West, has been "re-indicted" by a Hudson County grand jury for allegedly having sex with a 15-year-old male student.

West was initially indicted in November 2004 on several charges, including aggravated sexual assault, however, due to complications raised by the defense attorney, the prosecution decided to file a "superseding" indictment, taking precedence over the original indictment.

According to Hudson County Prosecutor Edward DeFazio, West will be arraigned in 3 to 4 weeks.


[Update 10/10/06]

Bayonne School System being sued for failing to protect students from Diane West.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/10/2005 08:56:00 AM

Celebrating Hunter S. Thompson's Suicide

Blasting Hunter S. Thompson from a cannon seems appropriate both for those who loved him and those who hated him.

From The Courier-Journal:

A meadow near Aspen, Colo., is being prepped with a Statue of Liberty-sized tower containing a cannon that will pepper the sky next month with the cremated remains of Hunter S. Thompson, a Louisville native.

A Beverly Hills, Calif., events planner hired by actor Johnny Depp -- a native of Owensboro, Ky. -- is pulling together details of the private send-off that will culminate in Thompson's ashes being blasted from the top of a 150-foot temporary tower behind Thompson's Owl Farm home in Woody Creek near Aspen. The event will take place Aug. 20, the six-month anniversary of Thompson's suicide.

Although I have serious reservations regarding the celebration of suicide, I could be placated if Johnny Depp crawled into the cannon with Thompson's ashes. Depp may have retracted his anti-American comments, but I believe he only did it because people got mad and he knew it would affect his popularity at the box office.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/10/2005 07:23:00 AM

Backlash: Incidents in Britain, New Zealand

In addition to the following, there likely will be more reports of incidents of backlash against Muslims, adding challenges to law enforcers who already have their hands full.

From The Statesman:

Fire broke out in a mosque in Leeds and a Gurdwara in Kent, amid the first indications of a possible backlash against British Muslims as police said tension in the country was increasing. About 70 incidents against minorities have been reported across the country since yesterday, police said, adding they ranged from the fires in the prayer halls to two possible assaults, cases of verbal abuse and threatening calls. Kent Police are investigating two assaults on Muslim men in Dartford.

Interestingly, Britain's Sikh and Hindu communities are weary of possible attacks due to being mistaken for Muslims as happened after 9/11.

(Auckland, New Zealand) Prime Minister Helen Clark and other government officials condemned "mindless and stupid vandalism" which has occurred at about 14 Islamic places of worship in Auckland between Thursday and today.

From National Nine News:

Auckland's Muslim community found six mosques vandalised and walls tagged in graffiti with the message 'Londoners RIP' following the terrorist bombings in London that killed more than 50 people.

In what appeared to be a coordinated series of attacks in central, south and west Auckland, vandals smashed glass windows and doors and left variations of the same message in black paint on walls facing the street.

There are about 40,000 Muslims in New Zealand out of a total population of over 4 million.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/10/2005 06:41:00 AM

Bombing at Baghdad Recruiting Center

From Reuters:

A suicide bomber with explosives strapped to his body has attacked an Iraqi army recruitment centre in western Baghdad, killing 21 people and wounding more than 30.

The same bombing reported by Yahoo! News:

In the deadliest blast Sunday, a man strapped with explosives blew himself up at a west Baghdad airfield now used as a military recruiting center, police said. Early casualty reports varied, with a hospital official saying at least 16 died while a Defense Ministry employee reported up to 25 killed.

The explosion occurred just before 9 a.m. at the recruiting center, which had been hit several times before by suicide attackers. About 400 would-be recruits jammed the gate Sunday before the bomber detonated himself, police Sgt. Ali Hussein said.

There was another suicide attack on a police convoy in Mosul which killed four policemen and wounded three. Lastly, on a highway in Kirkuk, a Mercedes was used in a suicide bombing which specifically targeted civilians. Three were killed and 16 were wounded.

It's hard to stop people who are hell-bent on blowing themselves up.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/09/2005 05:41:00 PM

Terror Threat in Birmingham, England

From Sky News:

Thousands of people are being evacuated from Birmingham city centre after police issued a terror warning.

West Midlands Police said no vehicles are being allowed past the inner ring road.

Around 200 bars, restaurants and clubs are being emptied and searched

A spokeswoman said: "West Midlands Police are issuing a public warning to people after they received intelligence to suggest a threat to the city centre.

"Our response needs to be proportionate in the actions we are taking and informing the public.

"We are not closing bars, restaurants or clubs but we are asking for them to be searched and for people entering the premises to be searched."

It appears to be generally chaotic in the city center with many out-of-town visitors being told to evacuate in an unfamiliar setting. An estimated 30,000 people have left the city's entertainment district.

From the BBC:

Birmingham resident Kenneth Kelsall told the BBC: "There is a lot of confusion, there appears to be no chance of anyone moving back into the city - but people are remaining quiet."

West Midlands Police announced they had received intelligence of a possible threat to the area around 2015BST.

Initially people were told to be on their guard and that bars and restaurants were being searched. Motorists were also told not to come into the city centre.

Cable news is indicating that the city center is clear of people and the police are searching.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/09/2005 04:36:00 PM

Jessica Simpson as Daisy Duke Protested

Some people are protesting the latest video featuring Jessica Simpson, calling it "slutty."

A Christian group 'The Resistance' is calling for Jessica Simpson to re-shoot her video for 'These Boots are Made for Walking' featured on the new Dukes of Hazzard movie being released August 5th 2005. In the music video, Jessica Simpson dances like a stripper, grinding her butt on old men, and kisses Willie Nelson. "She should be ashamed of her self" says John Conner, spokesperson for 'The Resistance' and author of 'The Resistance Manifesto.'

"It's disappointing to have Jessica, a pastor's daughter and Christian role model, join the ranks of the 'singing strippers' such as Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera" explains Connor. "She has one of the most beautiful voices, and is a very beautiful girl, but it's sad to see her whore herself out like this. What's worse is that pastor, Joe Simpson is Jessica's manager, as well as her father.

 
Jessica Simpson as Daisy Duke
(Vidcaps courtesy of NBC5.com)
I haven't seen the video but, based on the still shots, it sure doesn't seem to be any worse than what's already being carried on the multitude of cable and broadcast channels. It's understandable that the video would not suit everyone, however, I can't imagine that most people would be offended.

Trackback to Wizbang COTT.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/09/2005 10:01:00 AM

Woman Accused of Sex with Boy

(West Chester, Ohio) In this town just north of Cincinnati, a 35-year-old woman, Jodie Lyn Drake, has been accused of having an extended sexual relationship with a 15-year-old boy from October 2004 to February of this year.


Jodie Lyn Drake
Drake was indicted last month on two felony counts of sex with a minor, however, the boy's family contends the sex happened at least 50 times. Apparently, they were caught when a relative walked in on the two as they were fornicating. Drake was released from jail after posting a $10,000 bond.


[Update 06/27/06]

Drake sentenced to two years in prison.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/09/2005 07:46:00 AM

Muslim Cleric Sought in London Bombings

(London) While rescuers hold on to threads of hope that they may still find survivors, they wearily struggle to access rat-infested Underground tunnels, threatening to collapse. Police and emergency workers continue to warn of possible additional victims as citizens desperately search for about 25 missing friends and relatives. In the meantime, there's some breaking news on the investigation of who is responsible for the terrorist acts.

Chad Evans at In The Bullpen has the scoop on a group called Abu Hafs al-Masri Brigades which claims to have awoken sleeper cells for the bombings.

In the group's communique asking their European sleeper cells to wake up (get active), they reference Fes which I concluded at the time must be a reference to a Moroccan prison where it is reasonable to assume there are members of Abu Hafs Brigades in prison.

Where it gets interesting though in relation to Morocco is that the primary suspect at this point in time is Mohammed Guerbouzi who is from Morocco. Guerbouzi is believed to be the leader of a Moroccan terror cell which has been broken up in the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Spain and France.

So, currently in the investigation, there are two groups claiming responsibility, Abu Hafs al-Masri Brigades and The Secret Organization of Al Qaeda in Europe, while law enforcers are looking for a cleric named Guerbouzi (aka Garbuzi). Thus, we have this next report.

From ABCNews Online:

Although investigators have not pinpointed any suspects sought in connection with the worst attack London has known since World War II, media reports say police have requested European counterparts seek out information on radical Moroccan cleric Mohammed al Garbuzi.

Garbuzi is leader of the Moroccan Islamic Combatant Group (GICM) and lived in Britain for 16 years, before vanishing from his north London home last year.

It is believed he may have travelled to France.

His group is blamed for attacks that killed 45 people in the Moroccan city of Casablanca in May 2003.

London police have refused to comment on reports they are hunting Garbuzi, but British dailies the Daily Mail and the Independent say in their Saturday editions that police have made "a Europe-wide request for information" on the 45-year-old awarded asylum in Britain a decade ago.

The Independent says Garbuzi is linked to Abu Qatada, a Palestinian cleric based in London who is considered the spiritual head of Al Qaeda in Europe.

Let's hope one of these leads pan out.

Current status of the casualty count is more than 50 dead and 22 people remain in serious or critical condition. About 100 injured were hospitalized for a second night.

Two Underground lines remain closed while most of the city's transportation network is back to normal.

[Update] GeoBandy writes that a Moroccan court convicted Garbuzi in absentia and sentenced him to 20 years in prison for the Casablanca bombing in 2003. Moroccan authorities sought extradition from Britain but, for some unknown reason, the UK did not comply.

If Garbuzi is implicated in the London bombings, it will be difficult to explain away the aforementioned.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/09/2005 06:27:00 AM

A Kid in a Cult

There have been dozens and dozens and dozens of cults exposed in recent decades and, each time, it tears at my viscera. Charles Manson, Heaven's Gate, Jim Jones, Aum Shinri Kyo, and other names are all too familiar. Without intervention, each customarily degenerates into multiple murders and/or suicides. To me, the word 'cult' is synonymous with evil and deep corruption.

All that said, it's torturous to break from a cult. The psychological enslavement is like a steel clamp, seldom overcome. The actual personal stories of those who find freedom, returning to the realm of thinking individuals, are not told often enough. Chris Short helps in that regard. As a young boy forced into a cult life, he's "been there, done that" and tells the story.

Go visit Our Life for Chris Short's candid personal account of being a kid in a cult. He's already kicked the tires on the Center for Purposeful Living. Now, thankfully, we don't have to.


[Update 7/14/05]

Another personal story has emerged in Chris Short's ongoing investigation and analysis of the Center for Purposeful Living. See Continuing the Cult Discussion.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/09/2005 05:25:00 AM

The Secret History of Frank and Glenn

Spending years and years reading all kinds of material, little-publicized facts become lodged in one's long-term memory, only to present themselves at a most opportune moment. One of the facts I've held subconsciously was triggered to the surface of my thinking upon being reminded that Frank J. of IMAO is celebrating his third anniversary as a blogger.

In the basement of a midwestern university, among dusty archives, were stacks and stacks of weekly news magazines which, for some odd reason, I spent time browsing through. One story from decades ago was seared in my memory due to its strangeness. It was reported that doctors were in a quandary of what to do with conjoined twin boys who were physically sharing one penis and three testicles. While planning to surgically separate them, medical and ethics professionals couldn't decide which infant, Frank or Glenn, was to get only one testicle. Then they hit on an idea. Whichever infant was chosen to have a lighter pouch would be compensated by giving him the greater amount of flesh when the conjoined penis was divvied up.

Here we are many years hence and the medical records are still sealed at the request of the family. And, the question continues to be unanswered. Between the formally conjoined Frank and Glenn, who's the bigger prick?

Happy Blogoversary!
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       Following Entry Posted 7/08/2005 05:48:00 PM

Lodi Terror Investigation Grows

(Lodi, California) The Lodi mosque connection to al-Qaeda story broke last month with the arrest of two Muslims, Hamid and Umer Hayat, accused of lying to federal agents. Since that time, investigators have been busy building a case for prosecution. However, as a consequence, several new suspects are being investigated for the possibility that they attended terrorist training camps in Pakistan in addition to Hamid Hayat.

From the SacBee:

According to federal court documents obtained by The Bee, Hamid Hayat and his father, Umer, claimed the suspected Lodi jihadists reported to Muhammed Adil Khan and Shabbir Ahmed, two imams they say came to the Lodi Muslim Mosque from Pakistan to groom students for terrorist training camps.

Khan and Ahmed are being held for allegedly violating immigration laws, and through their attorney have denied being involved in terrorist activities.

The court documents apparently describe Hamid Hayat's transformation into a holy warrior, a jihadist.

In the documents, the Hayats are said to have outlined the following chain of command:

The alleged Lodi-area jihadists "would take their direction" from Shabbir Ahmed, who answered to his former madrassah (religious school) teacher in Pakistan, Adil Khan. Khan, in turn, took orders from the operator of the terrorist training camp near Rawalpindi, Fazler Rehman - whose "boss" is Osama bin Laden.

Of course, lawyers are saying that the suspects are all men of peace. Yeah! Men of peace who take orders from Osama bin Laden, according to court documents.

The Hayat's trial is scheduled to start Aug. 23, however, the government filed a motion on Wednesday to have it postponed to allow investigators to review the mountain of files and data that were seized during a search of the Hayat Lodi residence. The prosecutors are looking for violations of the Patriot Act. Interestingly, the reporting thus far on the update to the Lodi story has indicated a possible six additional suspects, but only two have been named, Adil Khan and Shabbir Ahmed.

Chad Evans at In The Bullpen is also following this story.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/08/2005 04:32:00 PM

U.S. Officials: Syria Stepped Up Jihadi Aid in Iraq

According to the Washington Times, Syria has stepped up its efforts to help jihadis enter Iraq including building barrack style housing for foreign jihadists (via Jihad Watch). This despite numerous calls and warnings by the United States and Iraq.

A U.S. official said recent intelligence shows that Syria is the home to Web sites that exhort militants to come to the country for preparation to fight and die in Iraq.

Syrians also are providing barracks-like housing as the recruits from Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Morocco and other Muslim countries prepare for a jihad, or holy war. The fighters also receive weapons, training and money in Syria.

[snip]

The Web sites and housing are why U.S. commanders, in hearings last month, referred to Syria's capital of Damascus as the "hub" for foreigners entering Iraq and carrying out daily suicide car bombings.

Previously, officials have said that terrorists receive phony identification cards and passports in Syria and that they use the papers to cross Iraq's porous border. But fresh intelligence reports show that the staging in Syria is becoming more elaborate, the official said.

U.S. officials say privately that they think it is impossible for hundreds of jihadists to move in and out of Syria on a weekly basis without the government's approval.

If there are indeed barrack style housing in Syria for these jihadists, it would be impossible for the Syrian government not to know because of the numbers of foreign-born radical Islamists whom are entering Iraq. Syria though of course denies this accusation and they will continue to, but evidence continues to mount that Syria is complicent in the violence in Iraq.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/08/2005 03:11:00 PM

Rumors of U.S. Military Base in Paraguay

(Asuncion, Paraguay) There's a rumor that 500,000 GIs will be going to South America for joint military maneuvers with Paraguay and the possible creation of a military base at a semi-secret airport in El Chaco. The Paraguayan Defense and Foreign Affairs Ministries stated there is no agreement with the U.S.

This story comes from one of Fidel Castro's propaganda organs, the Latin American News Agency, so it must be viewed with skepticism. That's disregarding the ridiculous contention that the U.S. has 500,000 troops standing by for orders to go on maneuvers. However, the idea of having an American military base in the heart of South America does have appeal.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/08/2005 09:11:00 AM

Female Teacher Accused of Sex with Male Student

(Redwood City, California) A 27-year-old Spanish teacher at Redwood Baptist School, Joan Marie Marquez-Sladky (aka Joan Marie Sladky), was arrested Wednesday morning and appeared in San Mateo County Superior court on Wednesday afternoon on criminal sex charges. She pleaded not guilty.


Joan Marie Sladky
(Student sketch - Photo unavailable)
Sladky is specifically charged with four counts of unlawful sexual intercourse, penetration with a foreign object, and oral copulation in connection with the alleged relationship with a 16-year-old male student.

The relationship was exposed when Sladky confided with another teacher followed by both going to the school's pastor who, by law, must report school sexual peccadilloes to the police. A court review date of July 13 and a preliminary hearing date of July 19 are scheduled.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/08/2005 08:29:00 AM

The Long-Armed Governor

(Phoenix, Arizona) Apparently, the state government of Arizona cannot function properly without the direct, everyday control of the governor.

From The Arizona Republic:

Is the governor still the governor when she is out of Arizona?

Yes, says Democratic Gov. Janet Napolitano. She expects to take all the powers of her office with her when she heads to Russia on Sunday for a two-week trip, even though the Arizona Constitution says the secretary of state takes control while the governor's gone.

No, says Republican Secretary of State Jan Brewer, an increasingly outspoken rival of the governor. Under the law, Brewer asserts, she will clearly be the acting governor for the next two weeks, whether Napolitano likes it or not.

Rawr! To hell with the state constitution. Rawr!

I've always believed that the true test of the effectiveness of a leader is how well the organization functions when the leader is absent. Apparently, Gov. Napolitano has no confidence in her organization. Unfortunately, if a situation arises in Arizona within the next two weeks that requires hands-on leadership and authority, tough feces. I foresee people saying, "I don't work for you."
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       Following Entry Posted 7/08/2005 07:44:00 AM

Woman Accused of Raping Boy

(Washington, Pennsylvania) A 25 year-old woman, Virginia Ellen (Dolly) Johns, charged with raping a 12-year-old boy, claims that her husband, James Edward Johns, 26, forced her to engage in the sex to fulfill a fantasy. In addition to rape, Virginia Johns is charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and indecent assault.

James Johns is charged with criminal solicitation to commit rape of a child, criminal solicitation to commit involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and criminal solicitation to commit indecent assault.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Johns are free on $25,000 bond.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/08/2005 06:57:00 AM

Scotland Yard Press Conference

Scotland Yard Commissioner Ian Blair, with Asst. Commissioners Andy Hayman and Peter Clark, is presently (0615 EDT) conducting a press conference broadcast live via the television networks. Salient points made:

- Fatalities number more than 50 with total casualties currently at 700,

- 350 injured stayed in the hospital overnight, one person died at the hospital,

- There were only four explosions, three in the tubes, one on a bus,

- No evidence found of suicide bomber but can't rule it out,

- Each bomb contained less than 10 pounds of explosives,

- Bomb placement was on the floors of the trains - On the bus, it could have been on the seat,

- Evidence gathering is underway and expected to be time-consuming, review of closed-circuit television footage has commenced.

- The public is asked to call the terrorist hotline (0800-789-321) with any possible information that would help the investigation,

- Although all appearances indicate that al Qaeda may be responsible, London Police have no specific supporting evidence thus far.

Consistent with reports from virtually all media sources, Scotland Yard praised the response actions of the police, emergency medical teams, and Londoners.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/07/2005 11:16:00 PM

International Media Respond to London Bombings

Here's a sampling of what others are saying.

The al Qaeda link to the bombings is called phony according to Aljazeera.com:

A group calling itself "The Secret Organization of Al Qaeda in Europe" posted a statement on an internet site, claiming responsibility for the deadly attacks that hit London on Thursday.

But MSNBC TV translator Jacob Keryakes said that the statement in which the group claimed responsibility for the attacks contained an error in one of the Qura'nic verses it cited. That suggests that the claim is phony, he said.

"This is not something Al Qaeda would do," he said.

The Islamist movement, Hizb ut-Tahrir, is quoted by Aljazeera.net:

"Condemnation with scant information will only aid the leaders of the West who want to use fear as a tool as well as allow them to arrest more Muslims unjustly under draconian terror laws," it said in a statement on Thursday.

"Yes, the rules of Islam do not allow the harming of innocent civilians, but at the same time the rules of Islam do not allow us to condemn Muslims with little evidence in order to remove the pressure from ourselves."

The organisation criticised the Group of Eight leaders meeting in Gleneagles, Scotland.

"The world's leaders congregating at the G8 summit in Gleneagles have quickly taken the opportunity to further their rhetoric to justify their 'war on terror'," the statement said.

From an editorial in the Arab News:

What the murderers yesterday in London and Iraq seem not to understand is that their cowardly and barbarous attacks produce only profound anger and contempt, not despair and fear. Their bombs destroy not only innocent lives but any possible claim they have to be taken as anything other than bloodstained criminals.

From Lebanon, The Daily Star asserts:

The ramifications of the terrorist attacks in London will undoubtedly be far-reaching and will be felt around the globe. They are also likely to further inspire a wave of international counter-terrorist cooperation between governments and security agencies, thus wasting valuable resources - time, money, but most importantly good will - that would have otherwise gone toward more productive endeavors.

From an op-ed in The News International, Pakistan:

The bombings are a chilling new reminder that the "First World" is just as vulnerable to terrorism as the Third, the difference being the degree of vulnerability. The London attack has brought the war home that Britain has so far been fighting in far off Iraq.

And the seven blasts may yet jolt the G8 leaders in Gleneagles into pondering over the fact that poverty and global injustice are the root causes of terrorism in the world.

Although it seems all sources currently condemn the bombings, the level of condemnation ranges from very strong to rather mild. My take is that it won't be long before we start seeing people justifying the bombings as a legitimate response to any of a handful of grievances. Just in the examples above, we see complaints about poverty and global injustice, wasting valuable resources, and "draconian terror laws." That last one is perplexing. If not draconian, what should terror laws be? Permissive?

Readers can form their own opinions.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/07/2005 08:30:00 AM

INTEL: North Korea-Iran Nuke Collusion

This just confirms what many have suspected.

From The Korea Times:

Nuclear cooperation between North Korea and Iran has increased appreciably in recent months, according to a new intelligence report, setting off alarms at the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) headquarters in Vienna.

Reuters news agency said it obtained an intelligence report from a non-U.S. diplomat in the Austrian capital noting "a significant improvement in relations between Iran and North Korea over the past few months."

The report cited a secret masters course run by a Tehran university in which senior North Korean scientists and atomic technicians gave lectures.

"This nuclear cooperation between the two countries has apparently increased significantly during the past year as seen in the arrival of an academic delegation from North Korea in Iran and the existence of this special course," it said. "It seems Iran is taking another step to promote its military nuclear project by exploiting North Korea’s extensive technological information in the nuclear sphere."

All along, South Korea has been hoping that the NORKS would return to the negotiation table, however, this latest report indicates that Kim Jong-il remains a belligerent.

My take is that North Korea has no intentions of working any peaceful agreement with the rest of the world since it would cause the ultimate downfall of its regime. It has to remain a Stalinist rogue state to exist.

Companion post at In The Bullpen.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/07/2005 06:50:00 AM

Kidnapped American Released in Philippines

(Iloilo City, Philippines) An unnamed retired American Civil Service employee with a Filipina companion were kidnapped by three unidentified men Monday at a beach resort on the island of Panay. They were released six hours later after a $30,000 ransom was paid. The kidnappers also stole their car and some jewelry.

This incident is not major news, but it is a prime example of a common crime throughout the islands of the Philippines. Kidnapping for ransom is regularly practiced by several well-known Filipino criminal gangs and that's likely what occurred to the American. However, some of the many gangs have ties to al-Qaeda cells and that fact makes them worth watching very closely.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/07/2005 05:19:00 AM

London Subway Explosions

Breaking news from the BBC:

Several people have been injured after explosions blamed on a power surge led to the whole London Underground network being closed down.

British Transport Police said some of the power surges had caused explosions.

Surges took place at Aldgate, Edgware Road, King's Cross, Old Street and Russell Square stations.

A spokesman said there were "walking wounded" at Liverpool Street station but one person's life was reported to be "at risk."

Reports indicate that traffic congestion has resulted from fire and ambulance services crowding the streets. Only anecdotal reports of injuries have been received so far.

[Update 0630 EDT]

From the BBC:

A police spokesman said there were "quite a large number of casualties" at Aldgate Tube Station.

And Scotland Yard confirmed one of several reports of explosions on buses in the city - in Tavistock Place - but said the cause was not yet known.

One caller to BBC Five said his friend had seen "the bus ripped open like a can of sardines and bodies everywhere."

Number 10 said it was "still unsure" whether the explosions were a terrorist attack and although casualties were reported, no further details were yet available.

From the Guardian Unlimited:

Many people were hurt today in a "major incident" on London transport as suspected terrorist attacks caused multiple explosions on tube trains and buses and plunged London's transport network into chaos.


London Tube Explosion
Several eyewitnesses reported that a bus had been ripped apart by a bomb near Russell Square. Police confirmed the explosion. Union officials said they had received reports of two more bus explosions, but details were not immediately available. All London hospitals are on major incident alert.

Laura Matthews, a press officer at Universities UK, with offices in Tavistock Square, said there were bodies lying around the bus explosion, some without arms or legs. "Get people down here quickly," she sobbed. She thought a bomb had gone off and was trying to evacuate her office.

From network news, two deaths have been reported, presumably from the bus explosion. Six total explosions are said to have occurred.

In all incidents of this type, terrorism is suspected, however, there's no indication so far. The subway and the bus explosions are being reported as coincidental. I personally don't believe coincidental explosions occur.

[Update 0730 EDT]

From various sources:

In a quick press announcement at 7am, PM Tony Blair calls for calm and vows to defeat those that committed the "barbaric" terrorist acts. Blair will leave the G8 Summit and travel to London.

The BBC has reported from Arab sources that the explosions were likely the work of al-Qaeda.

All public transportation in and around London has been suspended.

Rescue operations are underway in six locations.

There is an unconfirmed report that Scotland Yard received a warning before the explosions. It's probably false.

At least 100 people (unconfirmed) are injured. Royal London Hospital reports 95 injured, 1 fatality.

A suspicious package believe to be an unexploded device has been found. Also, London police said traces of explosive have been found at one site.

An unknown group (Italian?) claims responsibility for the attacks in the name of al-Qaeda. Possibly bogus.

[Update 0900 EDT]

From Sky News:

A terror group linked to al Qaeda says it carried out a series of terror attacks on London that have left a number of people dead and hundreds injured.

A previously unknown group calling itself "Secret Organisation al Qaeda in Europe" said it carried out the attacks as revenge for British "military massacres" in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Two London hospitals have reported a total of 185 wounded after a series of blasts hit locations across the city on buses and Tube stations.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair said there was evidence of explosives at at least two of the six sites.

Bus 'Ripped Apart'
Shortly after 0800 EDT, Tony Blair read a joint statement from the G8 leaders, stating that the attack on London was an "attack on all nations" and violence will not change societies or values.

Scotland Yard reports that seven explosions occurred and there was no prior warning. Government officials have closed the underground system for the day. Currently, the only vehicles operating in London are cars, taxis, and bicycles.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/06/2005 08:44:00 PM

Former Teacher's Aide Gets 3 Years for Sex with Students

(Inverness, Florida) After pleading guilty last month to sexual offenses with a victim between the ages of 12 and 15, and sexual battery on a victim age 16 or 17, former teacher's aide, Tammy Lee Huggins, 36, was sentenced yesterday to three years in prison.


Tammy Lee Huggins
Huggins, originally arrested in January, will also be required to serve 12 years as a registered sex offender after her release from prison. Because Huggins cooperated with the police and because some of the victims were willing participants, Circuit Judge Ric Howard did not sentence her to the maximum, 30 years in prison and $20,000 in fines.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/06/2005 07:46:00 PM

About 50 Illegals Arrested at Air Force Base

(Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C.) According to Sue Brown, spokeswoman for the U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, about 50 workers, tradesmen and laborers, have been arrested on immigration violations. The workers were hired by contract firms, not the base, and they came from Mexico, Ukraine, Honduras, and El Salvador.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/06/2005 04:34:00 PM

EU Lawmaker Wants UN Forces in Iraq

Senior EU parliamentarian Giorgos Dimitrakopoulos called for U.S. troops in Iraq to be replaced by a United Nations force.

From Aljazeera.com:

"The problem is that foreign troops are still in the country. I think it is going to be critical that they be replaced by a UN peacekeeping force," he [Dimitrakopoulos] told the EU assembly, while he acknowledged that such a feat could not be done overnight.

So, the problem is that foreign troops are in Iraq and he wants to solve the problem by putting different foreign troops in Iraq.

Oh.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/06/2005 02:40:00 PM

Ethics Training at the New York Times

According to this report, Sol Watson, senior VP at the Times, sent an email to all reporters to remind them that they are required to be trained in Business Ethics. The Newspaper Guild advised the Times reporters to delay taking the training.

No doubt about it, ethics is a controversial issue at the New York Times. Sadly, it's been that way for quite some time.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/06/2005 01:58:00 PM

Five Suspected U.S. Traitors in Iraq

Rusty Shackleford has the breaking news at The Jawa Report. Here's an excerpt:

They were captured separately and don't appear to have ties to one another, spokesman Bryan Whitman said. He declined to identify them, citing a Pentagon policy that prohibits identification of detainees.

Three of those being detained are Iraqi-Americans; another is an Iranian-American; the fifth is a Jordanian-American, Whitman said. The three Iraqi-Americans were captured in April, May and June, officials said. The Iranian-American was captured May 17, one official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the cases.

One of the Iraqi-Americans allegedly had knowledge of planning for an attack, and another was possibly involved in a kidnapping, Whitman said. The third was "engaged in suspicious activity," he said, declining to be more specific.

Thus far, the only name that's been mentioned anywhere is the Iranian-American, Cyrus Kar, a documentary film maker. As a journalist, he's gotten the attention of the French-based Reporters Without Borders (RWB). Last week, RWB called for the governments of Iraq and the U.S. to account for Kar and his Iranian cameraman, Farshid Faraji. Both were arrested on May 2.

Also, check out the entries at:

In The Bullpen,
Say Anything,
Wizbang.

Americans on the battlefield fighting Americans is treason. If any of the suspects are guilty, the penalty should be execution.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/06/2005 12:54:00 PM

The Boots of the Father of Texas

With the fiery controversy over illegal immigration being a prominent American political issue, it's easy to overlook the fact that Mexico once had a significant problem with immigrants from the United States. Back in the 1820s, 300 immigrant families from the U.S. (known as colonists at the time) arrived in Mexico to legally settle land granted by the government. They were led by Stephen F. Austin and they became known as the "Old 300." Ultimately, thousands more arrived and fought a war for independence from Mexico to become the Republic of Texas.

From The Facts:

ANGLETON -- Like Humpty Dumpty after his legendary fall, pieces of a statue await workers and equipment to assemble the 72-foot-tall cement likeness of the Father of Texas, which will soon watch over drivers along Highway 288.

An 18-wheeler carrying six statue pieces -- representing the boots and legs of Stephen F. Austin-- arrived at the statue site, south of Highway 35 off Highway 288, about 11:15 a.m. Tuesday. Once assembled, the pieces will stand about 23 feet tall, said Sehon Warneke, president of the Stephen F. Austin 500.

Nine more pieces of the statue will be on their way to Angleton soon, he said.

To reiterate for emphasis, Stephen F. Austin was a legal immigrant in Mexico.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/06/2005 10:41:00 AM

O.J. Never Called the Police on Nicole

(Kendall, Florida) Acquitted murder suspect O.J. Simpson continues to have female problems. It's being reported that on Monday O.J.'s periodic girlfriend, Christie Prody, got so angry that she commenced scratching and slapping both Simpson and a friend. Neither Simpson nor his friend Steve Dockendorf fought back, however, Dockendorf did call the police, saying "She was like a wild animal."

From the Miami Herald:

"At first, [Simpson] was mad at me for calling the police on her, but I told him: 'O.J., you have to document this kind of behavior for your own protection,'" Dockendorf said. "He told me later that's what he should have done with [former wife] Nicole. He said he never called police on her."

I don't know why that thought would cross his mind nor what importance it could possibly have. But, it's interesting.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/06/2005 09:08:00 AM

2012 Olympics Go to London

London has been selected as the site for the 2012 Olympic Games, narrowly winning a vote over Paris by the International Olympic Committee meeting in Singapore. Paris had been considered a favorite and French President Jacques Chirac had his fingers crossed until his glutei became puckered by the selection of London.

Sacre bleu!
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       Following Entry Posted 7/06/2005 08:31:00 AM

Arizona Targets Fake IDs

Since Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano is customarily timid on issues regarding illegal aliens, her latest initiative to have law enforcers target the makers and distributors of fake identification is viewed as a bald political ploy leading up to next week's state immigration summit. With a goal of preventing illegal aliens from obtaining fake IDs to get jobs, Napolitano hopes her plan will stem human smuggling.

From The Arizona Republic:

"Anything that we can do to stop human trafficking and prevent the use of fake IDs to assist smugglers from bringing illegal aliens into the country is a step in the right direction," said Leesa Berens Morrison, director of the state Department of Liquor Licenses and Control who is leading the project. "Our officers are experts at ascertaining what's fake and what is not. We started finding more and more that people are using fake Mexican voter-ID cards."

This is insulting. Sure Arizona has lots of desert and lots of sand but that doesn't mean the rest of the world has its head stuck in it. Apparently, some officials want everyone to believe that the use of fake IDs is a recent practice and, only now, experts have confirmed it. Holy moly! Swing a dead cat in any major U.S. city and you'll find a seller of fake IDs.

In a related issue, Napolitano spokeswoman Jeanine L'Ecuyer said:

[T]he governor today would also announce an "unprecedented partnership" aimed at reducing incidents where local police "catch and release" undocumented immigrants because understaffed federal authorities are either unwilling or unable to take custody.

If the incidents of catch and release are to be reduced, then there will have to be fewer catches, fewer releases, or both. Fewer catches can be achieved easily. Don't arrest illegal aliens for being illegal aliens. I think that philosophy is in effect and it doesn't work. Fewer releases means putting the illegals in prison or sending them back for another try. Sending them back to Mexico doesn't work and the prisons are already overcrowded.

Given the circumstances, I don't see how anything will work unless the border is closed to foreign national citizens without a passport. And, Gov. Napolitano doesn't have the resources nor the desire to take on the responsibility of protecting the international border of the United States. In a nutshell, bailing water with a teacup won't save a ship with a massive hole in it.

Companion post at Diggers Realm.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/06/2005 01:51:00 AM

Free 'Martyr Kit' With Deposit

We all knew that even with a big sponsor for the families of suicide bombers in Israel was disposed of power, Saddam Hussein, the trend would continue. The Arab Bank, the largest bank "serving the Arab world," has masked payments to the families of suicide bombers coming from large endowments from Saudi Arabia according to the New York Post (via LGF).

To get its money, Hbeishe's [ed. a suicide bomber] family was most likely contacted by the so-called "social welfare arm" of Hamas and instructed to open up an Arab Bank account. Then representatives of Hamas would use the information in the martyrs' kit to provide the bank with the name of the attacker and the beneficiaries getting checks.

The Saudi charities — called relief committees — that provide the funding for the terrorists make no secret of their activities, even taking out full-page ads in newspapers. One such ad listed more than 1,000 individuals who had been wounded or captured by the Israelis during the intifada and whose families were eligible for benefits.

Funding of terrorist acts often masquerades as charity to families of lost loved ones, but it is only funding the attacks and giving yet another reason for a Palestinian, in this case, to carry out a terrorist attack. Strangley, this news comes one month after the Arab Bank announced it will open up a new branch to specialize in financing tourism. Therefore, if you travel to the Arab world, you may be putting the money directly into the hands of terrorists. That is unless you heed the travel advisory to Iraq.

Posted by Chad Evans
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       Following Entry Posted 7/05/2005 03:33:00 PM

Another Mother of All Battles

(Mexico City) Mexican President Vincente Fox has vowed the "Mother of All Battles" against drug kingpins, so federal authorities were justifiably excited this past weekend with the arrest of a man they thought was most-wanted drug lord Vicente Carrillo Fuentes. Unfortunately, DNA and fingerprint analysis indicated that they had arrested the wrong man. Oh, darn!

From the Houston Chronicle:

The determination that the detained man was not Vicente Carrillo Fuentes dashed hopes for a rare instance of good news for Mexico's anti-narcotics forces amid an upsurge of violence.

It was also the second high-profile error in the last two weeks.

What!? Second error? Darn again!

In June, Mexican federal authorities detained a British citizen of Lebanese descent on suspicion that he was connected to terrorist organizations behind the Sept. 11 attacks. But he turned out to be a tourist.

Terrorist, tourist -- hmmm -- they do sound similar but nobody is looking for excuses right now. The Mexican authorities are under significant pressure to achieve results in stemming the flow of drugs into the U.S. while clamping down on the level of gang violence along the border. This year alone, drug-related violence has claimed more than 600 lives, many along the border.

Bodies are turning up almost daily from Tijuana to Cancun, many of them bearing marks of torture and mutilation that are the calling cards of organized crime.

Unfortunately, a troublesome aspect of arresting drug lords is that it usually results in a territorial battle among other gangs which increases the level of violence. Evidently, as long as there exists a mountain of money to be made in the drug trade, there will be people lining up to get a piece of the action. They'll use violence to get the action and they'll use violence to keep it.

It should be noted that the last guy to fight the "Mother of All Battles" lost, quickly and decisively. That was Saddam Hussein. Hopefully, President Fox will be more successful.

Companion post at Diggers Realm.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/05/2005 08:58:00 AM

Africans Demand Permanent Seats on UN Security Council

(Syrte, Libya) The African Union (AU) Summit opened yesterday in the coastal city of Syrte. Before the day was over, a resolution was passed to demand that two permanent UN Security Council seats be allocated to AU countries.

From The Courier-Mail:

The final text of the declaration and the resolution has not yet been made public, but according to a draft resolution obtained by AFP, the African states intended to call for the allocation of "two permanent seats with full privileges including veto rights ... and five non-permanent seats on the Security Council." Eight countries have officially declared themselves candidates for the two Security Council seats that Africa may or may not get in the framework of a broader reform of the UN.

The Syrte meeting is expected to steer clear of the thorny issue of who fills the two potential African seats for fear of igniting regional rivalries.

Somewhat predictably, the demand by the African Union for UN Security Council seats marches on the heels of last week's similar demand by the Organization of Islamic Conference.

So, the situation appears to be that the African Union, through initiatives at the G-8 Summit in Scotland, favors not having to pay any of their bills while, at the same time, it wants two seats on the UN Security Council to help determine who should get loans. That would be consistent with the way the UN has been operating.

And, consistent with the cliche that there is no honor among thieves, the African Union is reluctant to reveal the names of countries being considered until they can work out a scheme where everybody is promised enough goodies not to complain. It's business as usual.

Companion post at In The Bullpen.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/05/2005 08:12:00 AM

Osama bin Laden Hiding Report (UPDATED)

Anyone who follows the news will likely attest to the fact that Osama bin Laden has been speculatively confirmed to be hiding in several places at once. Got that? Okay, here's the latest hiding report.

From The Australian:

AL-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden and his close allies might be hiding in southern Afghanistan, which has seen a sharp rise in militant violence in recent weeks, a Pakistani minister said in remarks published today.

The whereabouts of bin Laden, architect of the September 11 attacks, and top militants such as his deputy, Ayman al-Zawahri, and Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar, are not known but they are suspected of hiding along the rugged Afghan-Pakistani border.

[ ... ]

Afghan and US officials there also say bin Laden is not in Afghanistan, suggesting he must be in Pakistan. Pakistani officials insist he is not in their country.

Pakistani Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao again ruled out the possibility that bin Laden was in Pakistan and said the fugitive leader and his allies might be hiding in Afghanistan's restive south.

Well, obviously, nobody has solid evidence but there's some logic to pointing at southern Afghanistan. Historically, it's been a stronghold for the Taliban and various warlords and it's never been under firm government control.

Interestingly, the official Pakistani position is that bin Laden isn't in Pakistan and the official Afghan position is that he isn't in Afghanistan. You'd imagine that if bin Laden were as unpopular as official government pronouncements make him out to be, he would have been found by now.

[Update 0930 EDT] A justifiably skeptical Chad Evans has a report at In The Bullpen that bin Laden is now in Kashmir, which probably means Pakistan but could mean India. Obviously, bin Laden is some sort of apparition, a six-foot, eight-inch tall apparition carrying a dialysis machine.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/05/2005 07:36:00 AM

Women's Rights Activist and Daughter Murdered

(Dir, Pakistan) The manager of the local Aurat Foundation resource center, a non-governmental women's rights group, was gunned down in her home last week. Zubaida Baigum died immediately while her 19-year-old daughter, Shamaila, was seriously wounded, only to die four days later at a hospital in Peshawar.

Local officials expressed outrage and demanded an immediate investigation and "ruthless action against the culprits." Unfortunately, the police have no suspects.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/05/2005 07:01:00 AM

Mars and Snickers Bars Recalled Due to Extortion Scheme

(New South Wales, Australia) Threatening letters were sent Masterfoods, maker of Mars and Snickers bars, indicating that its candy bars had been tampered with. As a result, the company recalled all Mars and Snickers bars from vending machines and candy stores throughout New South Wales. The current plan is to destroy the candy.

Presently they don't know how the bars were tampered with or with what substance yet they are preparing to destroy the whole lot. Frankly, it would seem prudent to investigate and apprehend the culprit in this scheme before they destroy the product which, by the way, is also evidence.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/05/2005 06:21:00 AM

Chirac Insults Everybody

It was giggles and belly laughs as French President Jacques Chirac entertained his dinner companions, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and Russian President Vladimir Putin, with insults directed toward the British. Yuck-yuck! Unfortunately, their private conversation was recorded by a journalist and published.

From the UK Telegraph:

Anglo-French tensions heightened last night after Jacques Chirac delivered a series of insults to Britain as London and Paris fought to secure the 2012 Olympic Games and faced fresh disagreement at the G8 summit.

The president, chatting to the German and Russian leaders in a Russian cafe, said: "The only thing [the British] have ever given European farming is mad cow." Then, like generations of French people before him, he also poked fun at British cuisine.

They must be rolling on the floor on Downing Street. Old Jacques wasn't through, though.

"You can't trust people who cook as badly as that," he said. "After Finland, it's the country with the worst food."

What did the Finnish do to old Jacques? Would it be appropriate to suggest that he pretty much hates anything that's not French? But wait, there's more.

"But what about hamburgers?" said Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, referring to America.

"Oh no, hamburgers are nothing in comparison," Mr Chirac said.

Mr Putin and Gerhard Schroeder, the German chancellor, laughed. Mr Chirac then recalled how George Robertson, the former Nato secretary general and a former defence secretary in Tony Blair's Cabinet, had once made him try an "unappetising" Scottish dish, apparently meaning haggis.

"That's where our problems with Nato come from," he said.

Mr Schroeder and Mr Putin laughed again.

My gut hurts. Jacques, you're killing me. France opposes NATO because you were asked to try haggis. Hey, don't give this guy any Rocky Mountain Oysters. He'll start a war.

The fact that Chirac jokes about NATO by making a correlation between foreign policy and the lunch menu provides some explanation why even Chirac's own people are less and less fond of him. If I were French, I'd be embarrassed by Chirac's statements and then I'd emigrate.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/05/2005 05:08:00 AM

Flushing Pharmaceuticals

We've got rumblings of an emerging environmental issue on the horizon.

From the Washington Post:

Academics, state officials and environmental advocates are starting to question whether massive amounts of discarded pharmaceuticals, which are often flushed down the drain, pose a threat to the nation's aquatic life and possibly to people.

In waterways from the Potomac to the Brazos River in Texas, researchers have found fish laden with estrogen and antidepressants, and many show evidence of major neurological or physiological changes.

[ ... ]

Thomas White, an environmental consultant for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), said industry studies indicate there are "no appreciable human health risks" and no "appreciable impacts on the aquatic environment" linked to drugs in the water.

In recent months, however, scientists have issued a series of findings suggesting that discarded drugs, which pass through municipal wastewater systems and into rivers, lakes and streams, could affect the environment. In 2002, a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) study found these kinds of contaminants in 80 percent of the 139 streams it sampled in 30 states. Other researchers suspect that hormones and medicines in the water may be responsible for effects on wildlife that include feminizing male fish and making others sluggish or uninterested in eating.

The fact that people are flushing unused pharmaceuticals is a given. As to whether there are massive amounts being flushed hasn't been proven and it seems unlikely that sufficient quantities are being flushed by average citizens to dramatically alter the ecological balance of streams and rivers. Scientific methods of analysis have matured to the degree that minute traces of foreign elements are detectable which means that just about anything conceivable can be found in the water, but that doesn't mean there is reason for alarm.

In any event, there are people who believe that the issue's profile needs to be raised so that additional funds will be allocated for further study. And, disturbingly, some officials want a mandated program, paid for by drug makers, to have the public return unused pharmaceuticals to the manufacturer for disposal. I'm not sure that's such a good idea. Nonetheless, the activists efforts have not been very successful thus far.

In conclusion, we can probably expect the environmental activists to focus on raising the alarm level by continuously reminding us that our tuna, salmon, and shellfish have been exposed to antibiotics, steroids, and painkillers. Personally, since all the drugs have been tested and approved for human use, you'd think that trace amounts in fish wouldn't be harmful.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/04/2005 03:43:00 PM

Anti-Rape Device

This story has been in and out of the news for the past month, however, it doesn't seem to have gotten much exposure.

A South African woman, Sonette Ehlers, invented and patented a tampon-like device for use in curbing the plague of rapes that occur in the country every year. The device has microscopic hooks which fold around the penis. The mechanical action is painfully noticed by even the most single-minded rapist, thereby terminating the sexual assault. Additionally, once engaged, the anti-rape device has to be surgically removed.

There are critics that assert Ehlers just hates men, however, she denies it and contends that "Something needs to be done."

Lisa Vetten, of the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR) said it was "a terrifying thought that women are being made to adapt to rape by wearing these devices."

Ms Ehlers's critics argue that it would be better to educate men not to rape in the first place, rather than just to catch them after the deed.

But the inventor insisted: "I'm not an educator - I will go for those they can't educate."

So, Ehlers believes she is just providing a practical solution to a significant problem. In my opinion, her device may be practical but it surely is fraught with problems.

First of all, I can't imagine that her device was actually tested on any guys, primarily because it's beyond reasonable to expect a man to insert his penis into a gizmo which is arguably a cross between Chinese handcuffs and a wood chipper.

Secondly, having a device inserting hooks into a penis would undoubtedly elicit a hugely spasmodic response from the hookee who likely would grab a frying pan and beat the skull of the woman, possibly killing her.

Thirdly, hooks stuck in the penis will normally cause severe bleeding, making the event potentially life-threatening for the rapist.

Lastly, it would seem that someone should be made liable for any maiming or death that could occur by using the device. Typically, a government or professional agency would review these types of concerns prior to allowing a penis trap on the market. Apparently that's not how it is in South Africa since the device is on sale in pharmacies for about 15 cents.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/04/2005 01:07:00 PM

Bras Across the Cuyahoga

(Cleveland, Ohio) It's certain that the Northern Ohio Breast Cancer Coalition Fund enjoys all the publicity about its latest project. Women were encouraged to give up a bra with a donation pinned to it.


Bras Across the Cuyahoga
(WKYC.com photo)
After the fund-raising stunt, the bras are said to be destined for a cleaning and then given to area women's shelters.

"Blanche, my dear. You do look fetching in your unmentionables."

"Oh, Stanley. You noticed. It's the Cuyahoga River look. Imported from Cleveland, where I always can rely upon the kindness of strangers."

Cleaned or not, I can't imagine that many women would be interested in a bra that's been stretched across, and possibly submerged at least once, in the Cuyahoga River.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/04/2005 12:32:00 PM

Driver Dead After Being Shot on I-70

(Columbus, Ohio) Police closed a portion of Interstate 70 last night after a man was shot while driving.

From NBC4i.com:

Police said Dannie May III, 38, was shot at about 8 p.m. while driving westbound on I-70. The man lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a guard rail.

May was transported to Grant Medical Center in critical condition. He died about an hour later.

Two males driving a green four-door 1990 or 1991 Chevrolet Corsica or Lumina are being sought by police.

Shots from one vehicle at another while cruising on the Interstate sounds like road rage.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/03/2005 04:13:00 PM

Wind Power Kills Thousands of Birds

(Altamont, California) Sometimes it seems virtually impossible to satisfy the environmentalists.

From Inland Southern California:

At a time when demand is rising for greener energy sources, the Altamont Pass has become one of the nation's leading producers of wind power, generating about 820 million kilowatt hours of pollution-free electricity annually enough to power 120,000 homes for a year.

But the Altamont, where more than 5,000 windmills line the hilltops, has also become a death trap for thousands of migrating birds that get chopped up in fast-rotating turbine blades as they fly through or hunt for prey in this mountainous region between the San Francisco Bay area and the San Joaquin Valley.

An estimated 1,700 to 4,700 birds are killed each year in the 50-square-mile Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area. Of those fatalities, between 880 and 1,300 are federally protected raptors such as burrowing owls, red-tailed hawks and golden eagles, according to a study released last year by the California Energy Commission.

"Altamont is killing more birds of prey than any other wind farm in North America," said Jeff Miller, a wildlife advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity. "Incredible numbers of raptors are being killed there, and it's hard to believe it's not having effects on the populations."

So, the environmentalists are now suing the energy companies to stop the wind turbines from killing birds after having successfully forced the energy companies to start using wind turbines for electricity generation. Understandably, the environmentalists are puckered because they've succeeded in jerking themselves in a circle and proving once again that it's impossible to have a society and environment functioning harmoniously while eliminating all risk.

[Update 07/08/05] Yesterday, the Alameda County supervisors agreed to a plan to replace all existing wind generating units with something that doesn't kill as many birds. The time frame has been set at 13 years to reduce the bird kill by 50 percent. For now, the environmentalists and animal lovers appear to be satisfied. I personally don't think that their complacency will endure and predict that there will be new protests and lawsuits within 5 years.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/03/2005 03:17:00 PM

Former Teacher Arrested for Sex with Student

(Augusta County, Virginia) A 49-year-old former music teacher at Beverley Manor Middle School, Shelby Sue Shelton, has been arrested and charged with two counts of carnal knowledge of a minor and two counts of taking indecent liberties with a child.

Shelton has been accused by a former female student of engaging in multiple sexual encounters in the 1990s at Beverley Manor, at other locations in the county, and in the city limits of Staunton. According to Augusta County Sheriff Randy Fisher, the student made the allegations "because it was the right thing to do and she did not want to see this happen to another child."

Shelton, now living in California, is jailed in Sacramento County and awaits extradition to Virginia.


[Update 01/14/06]

Shelton found guilty.


[Update 06/04/06]

Shelton sentenced to four and one-half years in prison.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/03/2005 09:33:00 AM

Saudi Al-Qaeda Chief Killed

(Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) A fierce gun battle today in Riyadh has resulted in security forces killing the leader of al-Qaeda in Saudi Arabia.

From Aljazeera.Net:

Yunis Muhammad Ibrahim al-Hayari, a Moroccan, was killed during a raid on Sunday by security forces on an area where suspected militants were hiding, an Interior Ministry official was quoted by Saudi Press Agency (SPA) as saying.

The clashes took place in the Rawdah district, an upscale neighbourhood in eastern Riyadh, said Interior Ministry spokesman Brigadier Mansour al-Turki.

The unidentified official, quoted by SPA, said al-Hayari headed Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida network in the kingdom, which has been ravaged by attacks during more than two years of violence.

Interestingly, al-Hayari led the list of most wanted terrorists issued by the Saudi Interior Ministry on Tuesday. It's likely that the issuance of the list, along with a generous offer of rewards for information, led to the raids which resulted in al-Hayari's one-way ticket to the 72 virgins in fundamentalist Islamic heaven.

Could it be that average Saudi citizens, lured by reward money and disgusted by the indiscriminate killing of innocent bystanders, are now regularly notifying the authorities with information about the terrorists?

Companion post at The Jawa Report.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/03/2005 08:24:00 AM

1000 Women for the Nobel Peace Prize 2005

Over the years, the Nobel Peace Prize Committee in Oslo has trended toward awarding the prize more to people who advocate a liberal political philosophy than to people who work for actual peace on earth. This trend is demonstrated nicely by this year's twist in the way of conducting business, apparently resulting from complaints that the award has historically been awarded primarily to men. Since the inception of the prize in 1901, only 12 women have received it. Consequently, this year's prize will be awarded to a person selected from 1,000 female nominees and "nearly 200 other nominees" who are presumed to be men.

The skewing of the process by giving one group of people preferential consideration to achieve gender equality is an affirmative action program. As such and as with any affirmative action program, one has to wonder whether this year's Nobel Peace Prize will be awarded based first on merit or first on the shape of the nominee's skin. Also, it would seem reasonable to assume that, at some point in the future, other non-merit based criteria such as skin color or sexual orientation will be included in the mix of factors considered when picking a winner.

Interestingly, a review of a sampling of the nominees' bios indicates that many of the nominated women are noteworthy for their radical feminist ideology or their socialist advocacy, both of which seem more adept at creating conflict than fostering peace. Many nominees who advocate socialist wealth distribution apparently see themselves acting in concert with the myth and legend of Robin Hood, failing to realize that, first and foremost, Robin Hood was a thief. Typically, if the first act in a series of eventualities is theft, attitudes take on a less-than-peaceful demeanor.

Nevertheless, the Gender Diversity Nobel Peace Prize could have been predicted by simply reviewing recent recipients of the award. The committee in Oslo used the prize to showcase its strong leftist political agenda in the Anti-American Bumper-Sticker Nobel Peace Prize given to former president Jimmy Carter and the Earth-Is-My-Mother Nobel Peace Prize given to Kenyan tree-planter Wangari Maathai. So, the Gender Diversity Nobel Peace Prize simply follows as another marquee on the street leading to the Nobel Prize Committee's desired goal of global socialism.

In conclusion, the Nobel Peace Prize has degenerated into a high-profile object used largely for leftist political activism and, with more than a five to one advantage in total nominees, only a foolish gambler would bet against a woman receiving this year's prize.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/02/2005 07:30:00 AM

Paroled Sex Offender Murders Woman

(White Plains, New York) A 43-year-old convicted rapist, Phillip Grant, spent 23 years in Sing Sing prison before mandatory parole in 2003. As a Level 3 (high risk) Sex Offender, he was required per Megan's law to check in with the police every 90 days which he did, however, having parole supervision by an officer checking on him lasted for only two months after his release.

Shortly after 1PM on Wednesday, at the Galleria Mall municipal parking garage in White Plains, Grant stabbed 56-year-old legal secretary, Concetta Russo Carriero, with a 5-inch steak knife. Carriero was pronounced dead less than an hour later at the White Plains Hospital. Grant was arrested moments after the stabbing based on an eyewitness description.

Grant, who is black, told police that he had planned to kill a white woman. Consequently, the Westchester County District Attorney, Jeanine Pirro, is contemplating prosecuting Grant for a hate crime in addition to murder.

As a reminder, Jeanine Pirro recently announced that she won't seek reelection as District Attorney, preferring to pursue a more prominent political office. She's been mentioned as the possible Republican opponent against incumbent Senator Hillary Clinton. Pirro will have the opportunity to raise her political image with a high-profile murder case. Expect it to happen.

By odd chance, Grant's murder case is the perfect vehicle for enhanced media exposure for Pirro. If Grant, a black man, is charged with a hate crime against a white woman, the sensitivities of civil rights advocates are sure to be ignited, thereby assuring television face time for many people in addition to Jeanine Pirro. Historically, civil rights activists haven't entertained the notion that hate crimes can be committed by black people.

Finally, questions beg answers. How could a high-risk sex offender be released on mandatory parole and not have anybody checking on him? Grant had been judged as a danger to society, so it would seem necessary to watch him all of the time. And, what in the world makes parole mandatory when the convict is still deemed a threat? More prudent would be mandatory incarceration.

Oh, by the way, Grant had been denied parole nine times before his release. I believe the denials totaled at least one too few.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/01/2005 06:29:00 PM

Hells Angels Ruled a 'Criminal Organization'

(Barrie, Ontario) There were gasps in the courtroom as the ruling was announced.

From the Toronto Star:

In a case testing Canada's anti-gang laws, a judge has ruled Hells Angels is a criminal organization, a finding that leaves members of the motorcycle gang open to longer prison terms for crimes they commit.

Madam Justice Michele Fuerst found Woodbridge Hells Angels Steven (Tiger) Lindsay, 40, and Ray Bonner, 35, guilty of extortion and of committing that crime "in association" with a criminal organization.

Those convicted under the law face the possibility of an additional 14 years in prison.

Although Quebec Hells Angels individually have been found to be members of criminal organizations, this is the first case in which the Hells Angels of Canada as an entity has been declared a criminal organization.

Under the banner of the Hells Angels, Lindsay and Bonner were convicted of threatening violence against a Barrie businessman in an extortion scheme. In doing so, Justice Fuerst ruled that they "presented themselves not as individuals, but as members of a group with a reputation for violence and intimidation." A sentencing date will be determined on July 15.

The fact that the Hells Angels is a criminal organization shouldn't surprise anyone. It's simple geography. If they're in the vicinity, the crime rate increases. I speak with experience from being with a biker gang myself. I was with the Spring Street Spokers and we would tape duplicate baseball cards to the frames of our Schwinns to make loud, flapping noises when we rode. Neighbors frequently called the police and we were collared for disturbing the peace. My dad once even took my bike away. Like I said, when biker gangs are around, crime increases.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/01/2005 01:20:00 PM

"Sgrena was Right About the Napalm"

Remember the Communist former Italian hostage in Iraq named Guiliana Sgrena? She was the one who was freed by Italian agents, mistakenly shot by U.S. soldiers at a checkpoint when her car didn't stop and then she blamed the U.S. for intentionally trying to kill her. Now you all remember her.

Well, in case you didn't know, she also accused the United States of dropping Napalm bombs in Fallujah. Naturally she had no proof, only a hypothesis, but as all 'good' journalists do today, they run with the story as if it were fact.

Today Donald Sensing receives word from a reader concerning the action in Iraq. The reader talks to a military doctor who does in fact confirm that Napalm is being used in Iraq so everyone owes Sgrena a huge apology.

Spoke to a retired Marine O-6 yesterday while out job hunting. He had visited Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio. Brook among other things is the military’s preeminent burn treatment center. The terrorist US forces are facing in Iraq have started adding home made napalm to the explosives from Sadam’s ammo dumps in their IEDs. There are lots of kids coming back with burn injuries in addition to those from blast and fragmentation. Burns are probably the hardest battle field injuries to treat.

Wait a minute. Napalm is being used by terrorists in their bombs and not the other way around. Ah. Now I got it. Silly Communist, anti-American journalists. They are getting harder to separate daily.

Posted by Chad Evans
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       Following Entry Posted 7/01/2005 07:17:00 AM

Chirac's Popularity Slides Lower

Last month, on the heels of the French electorate rejecting the EU Constitution, French President Jacques Chirac's popularity nose-dived to a mere 26 percent. Apologetic analysts said it was because of a general discontent with politicians that had been developing for several years. Alternatively, leading sociologist Gerard Mermet had this to say.

"France is paralysed by its fear, handicapped by its national shortsightedness, lacking imagination, numb, closed off, depressed. We refuse to adapt," he said. "Compared with our neighbours, we are not open to reality. Rather than accepting the facts, we prefer to ignore them, deny them or twist them. A masochistic, even a suicidal tendency is developing."

I don't buy the "general discontent" explanation at all. Mr. Mermet, however, is on to something. But, that's all last month's news.

From The Scotsman:

President Jacques Chirac, whose popularity has been steadily falling, now has the approval of only 21% of French voters, with more than seven French in 10 saying they did not have confidence in the head of state, according to a poll published today.

Of course, since the poll numbers were released today, Chirac's leftist apologists haven't had time to imagine a new explanation.

To see a drop in popularity of five percentage points in a month is substantial in any political venue. More telling, though, is the fact that only about one in five of Chirac's fellow Frenchmen approve of him. I have a feeling that Chirac will do something exceedingly bright or exceedingly dumb in the near future in an attempt to bolster his popularity. And, whatever it is, it will be something dramatic that cannot be ignored.

Obviously, I'm guessing, but I can't see Chirac letting his popularity languish at 21 percent with the chance that it may slide further.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/01/2005 06:03:00 AM

Peepholes at Victoria's Secret

(Joliet, Illinois) Via peepholes, an unknown number of eyeballs feasted on an unknown number of women in their underwear at the Victoria's Secret lingerie store in Westfield Shoppingtown Louis Joliet Mall.

From the Herald News:

It was a customer shopping in the lingerie store Tuesday evening who first found the peepholes and alerted management.

The customer, a 24-year-old Lemont woman, was changing in one of the stalls when she noticed a black mark on the dressing room mirror. She changed to a second stall and found a similar mark, police said, and closer scrutiny revealed scraped drywall on the other side of the mirror.

The woman then alerted store management. Management contacted mall security, and security alerted police.

According to Deputy Police Chief Fred Hayes, police discovered six peepholes made with a punch tool through the drywall and by scratching off the backing from the dressing room mirrors. Behind the mirrors is a storeroom for a jewelry store, currently being renovated. It's not known how long the peepholes had been used nor how many people are involved. However, it is known that contractors, engineers, janitors, and employees of other stores had access. The police are investigating.

Fortunately, my privacy will not be compromised in a similar circumstance since I don't try on my unmentionables before I make a purchase. In fact, I've never even thought of trying on my underwear before buying, but if it crosses my mind, I'll be looking closely for scratches on the dressing room mirror.

Trackback to The Jawa Report.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/01/2005 04:32:00 AM

Saudis Issue 'Wanted Terrorist List'

(Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) A list of 36 wanted terrorist suspects along with a schedule of financial rewards has been issued by the Saudi Arabian Interior Ministry. Fifteen of the suspects are believed to be in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Twenty-eight of the 36 are Saudi citizens while the rest are scattered among Chad, Yemen, Kuwait, Mauritania, and Morocco. According to a statement released by the ministry, all 36 are al-Qaeda members wanted for terrorist acts inside the kingdom.

The reward scheme announced is generous.

Anyone providing information on any of the suspects that leads to the arrest of a suspect will receive SR 1million (US$266,000). If more than one suspect is arrested, the reward will be SR 5million (US$1. 3million). Reward for information that helps stop a terrorist operation is SR 7million (US$1.86 million).

To collect, one needs only to provide information that "leads to an arrest." There's no mention of prosecution or conviction.
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       Following Entry Posted 7/01/2005 01:37:00 AM

Slanting The News

(Miami-Dade County, Florida) The following headline at Local10.com is irksome:

Woman Fatally Wounded While Driving SUV

The story indicates that the police have no idea whether Jazmina Calero, 45, was targeted or if she was hit by a stray bullet. Nevertheless, it seems totally irrelevant that she was driving an SUV. Calero could have been driving a golf cart and the outcome would have been the same.

So, why is the SUV mentioned in the headline? Easy, the liberal media seize every conceivable opportunity to put stink on SUVs. I apologize to Local10.com for pointing out its eco-weenie bias, but only because I could very well pick any media outlet and find an equivalent example. The entire MSM are guilty of surreptitiously putting an anti-SUV slant in the news.
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