Hedgehogs humble McDonald's
Up to now the opening in the container has been large enough for hedgehogs to get their heads into for a lick of the left-over dessert -- a trap they have then been unable to withdraw from, so dying of starvation in untold numbers.
But from September 1, the wide-mouthed opening in the lid of the McFlurry containers will be reduced in size, making them too small for the sugar-loving animals to get their heads into.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Woman Fulfills Stereotype of Asian Drivers
Woman crashes when teaching dog to drive
BEIJING -- A woman in Hohhot, the capital of north China's Inner Mongolia region, crashed her car while giving her dog a driving lesson, the official Xinhua News Agency said Monday. No injuries were reported although both vehicles were slightly damaged, it said.
The woman, identified only be her surname, Li, said her dog "was fond of crouching on the steering wheel and often watched her drive," according to Xinhua.
"She thought she would let the dog 'have a try' while she operated the accelerator and brake," the report said. "They did not make it far before crashing into an oncoming car."
BEIJING -- A woman in Hohhot, the capital of north China's Inner Mongolia region, crashed her car while giving her dog a driving lesson, the official Xinhua News Agency said Monday. No injuries were reported although both vehicles were slightly damaged, it said.
The woman, identified only be her surname, Li, said her dog "was fond of crouching on the steering wheel and often watched her drive," according to Xinhua.
"She thought she would let the dog 'have a try' while she operated the accelerator and brake," the report said. "They did not make it far before crashing into an oncoming car."
Monday, August 28, 2006
I really really really hope this is true!
Saddam's cartoon capers
Former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein is being made to watch his appearance in cult cartoon South Park while he is behind bars.
The deposed leader on trial in Iraq was featured in the movie spin-off as the lover of the devil. South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut featured Hussein and Satan attempting to take over the world together.
Speaking at the Edinburgh International Television Festival, South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone said US Marines guarding the former dictator during his trial for genocide were making him watch the movie "repeatedly".
"I have it on pretty good information from the Marines on detail in Iraq that they showed him the movie last year. That's really adding insult to injury. I bet that made him really happy," Stone said.
The Human Rights Watch has denounced this treatment as tantamount to torture . . .
Equal Marriage Rights for All!
Sound familiar? Well, this is where it's heading . . .
Teens defend polygamy at Utah rally
Calling their lives blessed, more than a dozen children and young adults from polygamist families in Utah spoke at a rally Saturday, calling for a change in state laws and the right to live the life and religion they choose.
"Because of our beliefs, many of our people have been incarcerated and had their basic human rights stripped of them, namely life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," said a 19-year-old identified only as Tyler. "I didn't come here today to ask for your permission to live my beliefs. I shouldn't have to."
Teens defend polygamy at Utah rally
Calling their lives blessed, more than a dozen children and young adults from polygamist families in Utah spoke at a rally Saturday, calling for a change in state laws and the right to live the life and religion they choose.
"Because of our beliefs, many of our people have been incarcerated and had their basic human rights stripped of them, namely life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," said a 19-year-old identified only as Tyler. "I didn't come here today to ask for your permission to live my beliefs. I shouldn't have to."
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Interesting on Forbes.com
Careers and Marriage
Point: Don't Marry Career Women - By Michael Noer - How do women, careers and marriage mix? Not well, say social scientists.
vs.
Counterpoint: Don't Marry A Lazy Man - By Elizabeth Corcoran - Studies aside, modern marriage is a two way street. Men should own up to their responsibilities, too.
Of course this doesn't apply to EVERY case, but it seems to me that the guy's article is fairly accurate with studies to back it up. It's a shame the woman can't come up with an argument that's not just based on anecdotal evidence, opinion or general marriage advice. Sorry, but men and women ARE different and that's OK!
Point: Don't Marry Career Women - By Michael Noer - How do women, careers and marriage mix? Not well, say social scientists.
vs.
Counterpoint: Don't Marry A Lazy Man - By Elizabeth Corcoran - Studies aside, modern marriage is a two way street. Men should own up to their responsibilities, too.
Of course this doesn't apply to EVERY case, but it seems to me that the guy's article is fairly accurate with studies to back it up. It's a shame the woman can't come up with an argument that's not just based on anecdotal evidence, opinion or general marriage advice. Sorry, but men and women ARE different and that's OK!
Saturday, August 26, 2006
How did that get in there? That's not mine!
Evidence ruled sufficient in penis pump case
The female airport security guard held the small, black, squeezable rubber object she'd just plucked out of Mardin Amin's backpack, and eyed it suspiciously.
Standing next to his mother, an embarrassed Amin whispered out of one corner of his mouth that it was a "pump" -- as in a penis pump. The guard misunderstood the Iraqi man and thought she heard the word "bomb," Amin's attorney told a Cook County judge Wednesday.
The female airport security guard held the small, black, squeezable rubber object she'd just plucked out of Mardin Amin's backpack, and eyed it suspiciously.
Standing next to his mother, an embarrassed Amin whispered out of one corner of his mouth that it was a "pump" -- as in a penis pump. The guard misunderstood the Iraqi man and thought she heard the word "bomb," Amin's attorney told a Cook County judge Wednesday.
Puppy purse
That doesn't even look comfortable! That puppy's cute, tho!
Puppy purse the ultimate accessory for pooch lovers
It's the ultimate fashion accessory for people who "love their dogs a bit too much."
Imported from the United States, these colourful and stylish "doggie bags" enable devoted dog owners to carry their puppies and little pooches wherever they go.
Designed to be "lightweight" with an adjustable strap, the "PuppyPurse" is exactly as it sounds. ...
"PuppyPurse makes it easier to take your dog with you, whether you're shopping, fly fishing or just taking a walk and nothing gets in the way of snuggling and kissing your baby whenever you want to," said Miss Sherman.
Puppy purse the ultimate accessory for pooch lovers
It's the ultimate fashion accessory for people who "love their dogs a bit too much."
Imported from the United States, these colourful and stylish "doggie bags" enable devoted dog owners to carry their puppies and little pooches wherever they go.
Designed to be "lightweight" with an adjustable strap, the "PuppyPurse" is exactly as it sounds. ...
"PuppyPurse makes it easier to take your dog with you, whether you're shopping, fly fishing or just taking a walk and nothing gets in the way of snuggling and kissing your baby whenever you want to," said Miss Sherman.
Friday, August 25, 2006
I knew CNN was biased, but ...
It looks like CNN's newest prime time anchor is Osama bin Laden and he's doing quite well in the ratings:
CABLE NEWS RATINGS
WED., AUG. 24, 2006
VIEWERS
FOXNEWS O'REILLY 2,219,000
CNN BIN LADEN 2,164,000
FNC HANNITY/COLMES 1,815,000
FNC GRETA 1,631,000
FNC BRIT HUME 1,329,000
FNC SHEP SMITH 1,302,000
CNN COOPER 1,185,000
CNN LARRY KING 787,000
CNN LOU DOBBS 723,000
CNNHN NANCY GRACE 674,000
CNN BLITZER 613,000
MSNBC OLBERMANN 440,000
MSNBC HARDBALL 385,000
MSNBC SCARBOROUGH 371,000
P.S. CNN had a special show on bin Laden that night
CABLE NEWS RATINGS
WED., AUG. 24, 2006
VIEWERS
FOXNEWS O'REILLY 2,219,000
CNN BIN LADEN 2,164,000
FNC HANNITY/COLMES 1,815,000
FNC GRETA 1,631,000
FNC BRIT HUME 1,329,000
FNC SHEP SMITH 1,302,000
CNN COOPER 1,185,000
CNN LARRY KING 787,000
CNN LOU DOBBS 723,000
CNNHN NANCY GRACE 674,000
CNN BLITZER 613,000
MSNBC OLBERMANN 440,000
MSNBC HARDBALL 385,000
MSNBC SCARBOROUGH 371,000
P.S. CNN had a special show on bin Laden that night
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Oh, if he were a tenth of the mayor Guliani was!
New Orleans Mayor Takes Swipe At NYC
On a tour of the decimated Ninth Ward, Nagin tells Pitts the city has removed most of the debris from public property and it’s mainly private land that’s still affected – areas that can’t be cleaned without the owners' permission. But when Pitts points to flood-damaged cars in the street and a house washed partially into the street, the mayor shoots back. "That’s alright. You guys in New York can’t get a hole in the ground fixed and it’s five years later. So let’s be fair."
That's pretty uncalled for, especially considering Ground Zero was cleaned up well within a year, they just haven't decided on a memorial design to build on it.
On a tour of the decimated Ninth Ward, Nagin tells Pitts the city has removed most of the debris from public property and it’s mainly private land that’s still affected – areas that can’t be cleaned without the owners' permission. But when Pitts points to flood-damaged cars in the street and a house washed partially into the street, the mayor shoots back. "That’s alright. You guys in New York can’t get a hole in the ground fixed and it’s five years later. So let’s be fair."
That's pretty uncalled for, especially considering Ground Zero was cleaned up well within a year, they just haven't decided on a memorial design to build on it.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
This is pretty badass
Former Marine takes down man after clerk is hit
As he went outside, Sjostrom said he saw the man standing over the clerk, who was kneeling over on the ground, as if he were going to punch her again. When the man saw Sjostrom coming at him, he took a swing at him, too.
But the attacker quickly found out he was no match for the bulky Sjostrom.
Sjostrom is a former Marine who taught hand-to-hand combat and currently teaches a course on Russian kettlebells, or the martial art of strength training, at the Sports Mall in Murray.
"I grabbed him, threw him on the ground, put his hands behind his back, sat on him and waited for the cops to come," Sjostrom said.
In just a matter of a few seconds Sjostrom had the man pinned. When the man realized he had no chance, Sjostrom said he became "pretty quiet."
"Anybody would have done the same thing," he said. "Another guy in the store said he was in the Army and asked if I needed any help."
With a grin, Sjostrom replied to the man, "The Marines got here first."
Although police don't normally encourage people to go after bad guys themselves, in this case, "The guy did something that was great," he said.
As he went outside, Sjostrom said he saw the man standing over the clerk, who was kneeling over on the ground, as if he were going to punch her again. When the man saw Sjostrom coming at him, he took a swing at him, too.
But the attacker quickly found out he was no match for the bulky Sjostrom.
Sjostrom is a former Marine who taught hand-to-hand combat and currently teaches a course on Russian kettlebells, or the martial art of strength training, at the Sports Mall in Murray.
"I grabbed him, threw him on the ground, put his hands behind his back, sat on him and waited for the cops to come," Sjostrom said.
In just a matter of a few seconds Sjostrom had the man pinned. When the man realized he had no chance, Sjostrom said he became "pretty quiet."
"Anybody would have done the same thing," he said. "Another guy in the store said he was in the Army and asked if I needed any help."
With a grin, Sjostrom replied to the man, "The Marines got here first."
Although police don't normally encourage people to go after bad guys themselves, in this case, "The guy did something that was great," he said.
Great, something new to fear that I hadn't even thought of!
Nearly half of women fear life as a bag lady
A "startling" 90 percent of women say they feel financially insecure, according to a survey of almost 1,925 women released yesterday by Allianz, a Minnesota-based life insurance company.
Almost half are troubled by a "tremendous fear of becoming a bag lady" -- 46 percent of women overall, and 48 percent of those with an annual income of more than $100,000. An additional 57 percent are sorry they had not learned more about money matters in school. ...
"Bag lady syndrome is a fear many women share that their financial security could disappear in a heartbeat, leaving them homeless, penniless and destitute," MSN money columnist Jay McDonald wrote in January. "Lily Tomlin, Gloria Steinem, Shirley MacLaine and Katie Couric all admit to having a bag lady in their anxiety closet."
A "startling" 90 percent of women say they feel financially insecure, according to a survey of almost 1,925 women released yesterday by Allianz, a Minnesota-based life insurance company.
Almost half are troubled by a "tremendous fear of becoming a bag lady" -- 46 percent of women overall, and 48 percent of those with an annual income of more than $100,000. An additional 57 percent are sorry they had not learned more about money matters in school. ...
"Bag lady syndrome is a fear many women share that their financial security could disappear in a heartbeat, leaving them homeless, penniless and destitute," MSN money columnist Jay McDonald wrote in January. "Lily Tomlin, Gloria Steinem, Shirley MacLaine and Katie Couric all admit to having a bag lady in their anxiety closet."
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
It's nice that he was willing to break his "color rule"
Osama Bin Laden 'Obsessed' With Whitney Houston (Hat tip, dad)
The New York Post’s Page Six reports that bin Laden is apparently "obsessed” with the one-time chart-topping pop diva, who is married to troubled entertainer Bobby Brown.
Bin Laden, according to novelist Kola Boof who claims to have been the terrorist mastermind’s "sex slave,” considered Houston to be "the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen,” and even talked about having her husband (Brown) killed so he could make Houston one of his wives.
"He [Bin Laden] said he wanted to give [her] a mansion that he owned in a suburb of Kartoum,” Boof told the Post. "He explained to me that to possess Whitney he would be willing to break his color rule and make her one of his wives.”
Bin Laden is apparently "dismissive of black women,” but he was so taken by Houston’s beauty, that he reportedly carried photographs of the singer from Star magazine in his briefcase.
The New York Post’s Page Six reports that bin Laden is apparently "obsessed” with the one-time chart-topping pop diva, who is married to troubled entertainer Bobby Brown.
Bin Laden, according to novelist Kola Boof who claims to have been the terrorist mastermind’s "sex slave,” considered Houston to be "the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen,” and even talked about having her husband (Brown) killed so he could make Houston one of his wives.
"He [Bin Laden] said he wanted to give [her] a mansion that he owned in a suburb of Kartoum,” Boof told the Post. "He explained to me that to possess Whitney he would be willing to break his color rule and make her one of his wives.”
Bin Laden is apparently "dismissive of black women,” but he was so taken by Houston’s beauty, that he reportedly carried photographs of the singer from Star magazine in his briefcase.
From the "conservative" party
France Campaign Trail Paved With Condoms
Vacationers visiting France's beaches are getting some unusual promotional goodies - such as condoms stamped with the logo of the ruling conservative political party.
Vacationers visiting France's beaches are getting some unusual promotional goodies - such as condoms stamped with the logo of the ruling conservative political party.
This kid will probably turn out to be the antiChrist
Face of Jesus seen in baby scan
The 20-year-old from Worcestershire told the Sun: "I was thrilled with the scan that showed Joshua sucking his thumb. Then someone pointed out the face and I nearly fainted. It's kind of spooky but beautiful and we will always treasure it. I think someone is watching over us."
They don't call them crackberries for nothing
Blackberry addiction 'similar to drugs'
Blackberry email devices can be so addictive that owners may need to be weaned off them with treatment similar to that given to drug users, experts warned today.
They said the palmtop gadgets, which have been nicknamed 'crackberries' because users quickly become hooked on them, could be seriously damaging to mental health.
The study, carried out by New Jersey's Rutgers University School, claims the Blackberry is fuelling a rise in email and internet addiction, with sufferers able to survive only a few minutes without checking for new mail.
Blackberry email devices can be so addictive that owners may need to be weaned off them with treatment similar to that given to drug users, experts warned today.
They said the palmtop gadgets, which have been nicknamed 'crackberries' because users quickly become hooked on them, could be seriously damaging to mental health.
The study, carried out by New Jersey's Rutgers University School, claims the Blackberry is fuelling a rise in email and internet addiction, with sufferers able to survive only a few minutes without checking for new mail.
Monday, August 21, 2006
This is one time I'll listen to the pope
Pope: Don't work too hard
"We have to guard ourselves, the saint observed, from the dangers of excessive activity, regardless of the office one holds, because too many concerns can often lead to hardness of heart," the pope said.
"We have to guard ourselves, the saint observed, from the dangers of excessive activity, regardless of the office one holds, because too many concerns can often lead to hardness of heart," the pope said.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Bus Driver Nagin Blames Everyone But Himself
Mayor Blames Racism for Slow Katrina Aid
New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin on Friday blamed racism and government bureaucracy for hamstringing his city's ability to weather Hurricane Katrina and recover from the disaster that struck the Gulf Coast nearly a year ago.
So is he calling himself a racist since he was a big part of the problem?
...
"We are being strangled, and they're using the money to set local policies to try to take control of the city to do things that they had in mind all along, and that's to shrink the footprint, get a bunch of developers in the city, and try to do things in a different way," Nagin said.
God forbid they bring in developers and try to correct the mistakes that led to Katrina!
"We're not going to let that happen. They're going to give us our money, and we're going to rebuild this city."
New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin on Friday blamed racism and government bureaucracy for hamstringing his city's ability to weather Hurricane Katrina and recover from the disaster that struck the Gulf Coast nearly a year ago.
So is he calling himself a racist since he was a big part of the problem?
...
"We are being strangled, and they're using the money to set local policies to try to take control of the city to do things that they had in mind all along, and that's to shrink the footprint, get a bunch of developers in the city, and try to do things in a different way," Nagin said.
God forbid they bring in developers and try to correct the mistakes that led to Katrina!
"We're not going to let that happen. They're going to give us our money, and we're going to rebuild this city."
Friday, August 18, 2006
Just say no
Woman accused of heroin-soaked panties
BEIJING (Reuters) - A Chinese woman has appeared in court accused of transporting panties and long johns soaked in heroin, state media said Friday.
Wang Zhiqin, 42, from Wuhan, capital of China's central province of Hubei, was charged with transporting 1.44 kg (3.2lb) of heroin soaked into 15 items of underwear, the China Daily said.
"Drug tests apparently detected heroin on them and Wang was arrested after a tip-off," the China Daily said.
BEIJING (Reuters) - A Chinese woman has appeared in court accused of transporting panties and long johns soaked in heroin, state media said Friday.
Wang Zhiqin, 42, from Wuhan, capital of China's central province of Hubei, was charged with transporting 1.44 kg (3.2lb) of heroin soaked into 15 items of underwear, the China Daily said.
"Drug tests apparently detected heroin on them and Wang was arrested after a tip-off," the China Daily said.
Brings new meaning to the phrase wearing a rubber
Making condoms stylish for everyoneCondoms are very much in style as a fashion accessory at the International AIDS Conference in Toronto, showing up on strait-laced men, shy teenagers and African grandmothers.
"There's a great need to de-stigmatize condoms around the world, especially in Africa," said Franck DeRose, executive director of The Condom Project, which aims to get people comfortable about condoms, especially those living in countries where the little piece of latex is considered taboo.
To do that, the project has a program that gets people making their own condom art pin. It all starts with a craft table, packaged condoms, scraps of colored paper, candy and other double-sided tape.
Now that's what I call pork!
It's art, says the naked woman who'll hug a dead pig on stage (Warning: link goes to story with picture of naked woman with pig)
Kira O'Reilly will provide her own answer today by spending four hours naked, hugging a dead pig - at the taxpayer's expense.
The controversial Irish performance artist will invite one person at a time to watch her sit in a specially-constructed set and perform a 'crushing slow dance' with the carcass in her arms.
...
For once PETA gets it right:
Anita Singh, spokesman for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, said: 'This seems to be a desperate cry for help that merits visits from mental health counsellors, not voyeurs.
'As Miss O'Reilly seems to depend on the shock value of using a murdered pig as a prop, perhaps lacking the talent to make it as a proper artist, may we suggest she take up a day job instead to pay the bills. This is not entertainment - this is sick.'
...
Gallery director James Green defended the show as a 'very personal piece of work'. He said: 'This is a challenging piece of work and exactly the kind of show we should be delivering. Clearly
Kira O'Reilly will provide her own answer today by spending four hours naked, hugging a dead pig - at the taxpayer's expense.
The controversial Irish performance artist will invite one person at a time to watch her sit in a specially-constructed set and perform a 'crushing slow dance' with the carcass in her arms.
...
For once PETA gets it right:
Anita Singh, spokesman for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, said: 'This seems to be a desperate cry for help that merits visits from mental health counsellors, not voyeurs.
'As Miss O'Reilly seems to depend on the shock value of using a murdered pig as a prop, perhaps lacking the talent to make it as a proper artist, may we suggest she take up a day job instead to pay the bills. This is not entertainment - this is sick.'
...
Gallery director James Green defended the show as a 'very personal piece of work'. He said: 'This is a challenging piece of work and exactly the kind of show we should be delivering. Clearly
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Snakes on a Plane!
'Snakes on a Plane' Not Just a Movie
Monty Coles thought he was alone in his four-seat Piper Warrior when he took off from Charleston, W. Va., over Memorial Day weekend. Until he saw a tiny head poke out of his instrument panel. When a 4-foot black snake slithered out, he tried to hit it with a handheld radio, and "it fell on my feet," says the kitchen and bathroom salesman, 62. "I grabbed him behind the head, and he coiled up around my right arm and started squeezing."
...
•In July, Dutch customs officials at the Amsterdam airport thought they were looking at a plastic snake in a parcel marked "toys" being sent from Hong Kong. Wrong. It was a live poisonous Fea's viper sent airmail to a Netherlands collector. Luckily, no one was bitten.
•A copperhead emerged from a heat vent on a helicopter flying near Rock Hill, S.C., in 1991. The pilot tried to step on the snake, lost control of the copter and was severely injured in the crash, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
...
And a snake once slipped aboard an airliner, taking shelter in an overhead bin and later dropping onto the lap of a terrified female passenger, recalls Joel Chusid, a former airline executive who is chairman of the Association of Travel Marketing Executives.
Monty Coles thought he was alone in his four-seat Piper Warrior when he took off from Charleston, W. Va., over Memorial Day weekend. Until he saw a tiny head poke out of his instrument panel. When a 4-foot black snake slithered out, he tried to hit it with a handheld radio, and "it fell on my feet," says the kitchen and bathroom salesman, 62. "I grabbed him behind the head, and he coiled up around my right arm and started squeezing."
...
•In July, Dutch customs officials at the Amsterdam airport thought they were looking at a plastic snake in a parcel marked "toys" being sent from Hong Kong. Wrong. It was a live poisonous Fea's viper sent airmail to a Netherlands collector. Luckily, no one was bitten.
•A copperhead emerged from a heat vent on a helicopter flying near Rock Hill, S.C., in 1991. The pilot tried to step on the snake, lost control of the copter and was severely injured in the crash, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
...
And a snake once slipped aboard an airliner, taking shelter in an overhead bin and later dropping onto the lap of a terrified female passenger, recalls Joel Chusid, a former airline executive who is chairman of the Association of Travel Marketing Executives.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
This is wrong on so many levels
Iran Opens Exhibition Mocking Holocaust
The display, showing 204 entries from Iran and abroad, was strongly influenced by the views of Iran's hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who drew widespread condemnation last year for calling the Holocaust a "myth" and saying Israel should be destroyed.
...
Hamshahri said it wanted to test the West's tolerance for drawings about the Nazi killing of 6 million Jews in World War II.
Well, we aren't rioting and killing people over the cartoons, but I hope Iran doesn't interpret our "mild" response as a go-ahead for the holocaust that they are planning.
The entries on display came from nations including United States, Indonesia and Turkey.
...
"I came to learn more about the roots of the Holocaust and the basis of Israel's emergence," said 23-year-old Zahra Amoli.
The perfect place to learn about the Holocaust - at a display of cartoons mocking it!
The display, showing 204 entries from Iran and abroad, was strongly influenced by the views of Iran's hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who drew widespread condemnation last year for calling the Holocaust a "myth" and saying Israel should be destroyed.
...
Hamshahri said it wanted to test the West's tolerance for drawings about the Nazi killing of 6 million Jews in World War II.
Well, we aren't rioting and killing people over the cartoons, but I hope Iran doesn't interpret our "mild" response as a go-ahead for the holocaust that they are planning.
The entries on display came from nations including United States, Indonesia and Turkey.
...
"I came to learn more about the roots of the Holocaust and the basis of Israel's emergence," said 23-year-old Zahra Amoli.
The perfect place to learn about the Holocaust - at a display of cartoons mocking it!
Fiction CAN be fun . . .
And the Democrats were accusing Cheney of playing politics with terror?
Democrats See Security as Key Issue for Fall
...
A video Monday on the Web site of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee showed footage of Osama bin Laden, referred to an increase in terror attacks, highlighted illegal immigration and pointed out the nuclear aspirations of Iran and North Korea.
“Feel safer?” it concludes. “Vote for change.”
As if the Dems have good policies on any of those issues!
...
“The president told us that the British attacks are a stark reminder that the nation is at war with Islamic fascists who will use any means to destroy those of us who love freedom,’’ Mr. Ford said, “yet his administration has dismantled the very infrastructure that is responsible for catching those terrorists.”
How did Mr. Ford say this with a straight face?!
Is Bush trying to "kill" the Patriot Act?
Is he trying to free terrorists from Gitmo?
Is he exposing our secret intelligence activities?
Is he refusing to track phone calls and financial activities of terror suspects?
No, that would be the liberals and Democrats!
Only Democrats would say the successful foiling of a terrorist plot is a failure for Bush
Democrats See Security as Key Issue for Fall
...
A video Monday on the Web site of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee showed footage of Osama bin Laden, referred to an increase in terror attacks, highlighted illegal immigration and pointed out the nuclear aspirations of Iran and North Korea.
“Feel safer?” it concludes. “Vote for change.”
As if the Dems have good policies on any of those issues!
...
“The president told us that the British attacks are a stark reminder that the nation is at war with Islamic fascists who will use any means to destroy those of us who love freedom,’’ Mr. Ford said, “yet his administration has dismantled the very infrastructure that is responsible for catching those terrorists.”
How did Mr. Ford say this with a straight face?!
Is Bush trying to "kill" the Patriot Act?
Is he trying to free terrorists from Gitmo?
Is he exposing our secret intelligence activities?
Is he refusing to track phone calls and financial activities of terror suspects?
No, that would be the liberals and Democrats!
Only Democrats would say the successful foiling of a terrorist plot is a failure for Bush
Important article
Our “Grievance” Problem
Some “root-cause” talk will get you nowhere.
By Emanuele Ottolenghi
...
Western impulses to explain away the threat of terror and seek a solution to the problem are empowering in a way. We have a diagnosis and we have a cure. But they are also misleading. For why should it be logical or even understandable that Muslim anger at Western foreign policy solicits terrorism? Should anger at high taxes, inefficient health care, poor environmental standards, or disagreeable op-eds solicit “understandable” similar responses? Should we condone people blowing up airliners because they think the highest tax bracket should not be higher than, say, 30 percent? Should we “address their grievances”? By, say, lowering taxes? What if someone decides to blow up, say, the Guardian because they are fed up with the political inclination of its Comment section? Should the Guardian address their grievances by becoming right-wing? Can we not call it blackmail, instead, as it should be the case? Can we not say that differences of opinion are only legitimate when voiced in the peaceful forms amply provided by the open societies we are part of? That what makes people angry is no excuse for killing people?
...
Some “root-cause” talk will get you nowhere.
By Emanuele Ottolenghi
...
Western impulses to explain away the threat of terror and seek a solution to the problem are empowering in a way. We have a diagnosis and we have a cure. But they are also misleading. For why should it be logical or even understandable that Muslim anger at Western foreign policy solicits terrorism? Should anger at high taxes, inefficient health care, poor environmental standards, or disagreeable op-eds solicit “understandable” similar responses? Should we condone people blowing up airliners because they think the highest tax bracket should not be higher than, say, 30 percent? Should we “address their grievances”? By, say, lowering taxes? What if someone decides to blow up, say, the Guardian because they are fed up with the political inclination of its Comment section? Should the Guardian address their grievances by becoming right-wing? Can we not call it blackmail, instead, as it should be the case? Can we not say that differences of opinion are only legitimate when voiced in the peaceful forms amply provided by the open societies we are part of? That what makes people angry is no excuse for killing people?
...
Excesses of Western culture save woman from anti-Western terrorists
Breast implants save woman after Hezbollah attack
One Israeli woman has received an unexpected boost from her breast implants during the Lebanon war -- the silicone embeds saved her life during a Hezbollah rocket attack, a doctor said.
"This is an extraordinary case, but it's a fact that the silicone implants prevented her from a more serious and deeper wound," Jacky Govrin, of the hospital in Nahariya that treated the woman, told army radio Tuesday.
"The young woman went through surgery two years ago to have a larger chest," he said. "During the war she was wounded in the chest by shrapnel" that got stuck in the implants instead of penetrating further.
The woman did not emerge from her ordeal completely unscathed, however.
"The shrapnel was removed but the implant had to be replaced," Govrin said. Aw, so maybe the terrorists won after all
One Israeli woman has received an unexpected boost from her breast implants during the Lebanon war -- the silicone embeds saved her life during a Hezbollah rocket attack, a doctor said.
"This is an extraordinary case, but it's a fact that the silicone implants prevented her from a more serious and deeper wound," Jacky Govrin, of the hospital in Nahariya that treated the woman, told army radio Tuesday.
"The young woman went through surgery two years ago to have a larger chest," he said. "During the war she was wounded in the chest by shrapnel" that got stuck in the implants instead of penetrating further.
The woman did not emerge from her ordeal completely unscathed, however.
"The shrapnel was removed but the implant had to be replaced," Govrin said. Aw, so maybe the terrorists won after all
On a (somewhat) lighter note . . .
Angry Woman Gets Revenge at McDonald's
Melinda Ann Thomas, 34, and Linda Ann Thomas, 51, were standing in a crowded line around 8:30 a.m. Saturday as they waited to order breakfast, police said. A cashier opened a new line and they stepped to the front of it - a move that angered another customer who was waiting to order.
According to the report, the unidentified woman started yelling at them and threatened to kill them.
The woman then left the restaurant before the Thomases and stayed in the parking lot, sitting in her dark blue Jeep Cherokee, witnesses told police. As the Thomases made their way to their car, witnesses said the woman pulled out of her parking space and sped toward the women, striking them both with the passenger side of the Jeep.
Melinda Ann Thomas, 34, and Linda Ann Thomas, 51, were standing in a crowded line around 8:30 a.m. Saturday as they waited to order breakfast, police said. A cashier opened a new line and they stepped to the front of it - a move that angered another customer who was waiting to order.
According to the report, the unidentified woman started yelling at them and threatened to kill them.
The woman then left the restaurant before the Thomases and stayed in the parking lot, sitting in her dark blue Jeep Cherokee, witnesses told police. As the Thomases made their way to their car, witnesses said the woman pulled out of her parking space and sped toward the women, striking them both with the passenger side of the Jeep.
Good article on CNN bias against Israel
CNN Int'l snubs Israeli civilians
Highly unbalanced report mostly ignores plight of Israeli civilians, portrays Israelis as soldiers and politicians in suits, while coverage from Lebanon features in-depth interviews with Lebanese civilians and images of children and ruins; no mention of large number of Israelis displaced from their homes in north
Highly unbalanced report mostly ignores plight of Israeli civilians, portrays Israelis as soldiers and politicians in suits, while coverage from Lebanon features in-depth interviews with Lebanese civilians and images of children and ruins; no mention of large number of Israelis displaced from their homes in north
Monday, August 14, 2006
Could common sense be allowed to influence policy?
Muslims face extra checks in new travel crackdown
THE Government is discussing with airport operators plans to introduce a screening system that allows security staff to focus on those passengers who pose the greatest risk.
Focus on passengers who pose the greatest risk? That's crazy!
... the highest-ranking Muslim police officer in Britain gave warning that profiling techniques based on physical appearance were already causing anger and mistrust among young Muslims. Tarique Ghaffur, an assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, said: “We must think long and hard about the causal factors of anger and resentment."
He seems to be implying that racial profiling will beget more terrorism: "I'll show that baggage screener a thing or two for checking my suitcase for explosives. We'll see what he thinks when I blow up the whole airport!"
Maybe they could turn that anger and resentment on the terrorists that are giving Islam a bad name and forcing us to defend ourselves?
Not every Muslim is an Islamofacist terrorist, but every Islamofacist terrorist is a Muslim.
THE Government is discussing with airport operators plans to introduce a screening system that allows security staff to focus on those passengers who pose the greatest risk.
Focus on passengers who pose the greatest risk? That's crazy!
... the highest-ranking Muslim police officer in Britain gave warning that profiling techniques based on physical appearance were already causing anger and mistrust among young Muslims. Tarique Ghaffur, an assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, said: “We must think long and hard about the causal factors of anger and resentment."
He seems to be implying that racial profiling will beget more terrorism: "I'll show that baggage screener a thing or two for checking my suitcase for explosives. We'll see what he thinks when I blow up the whole airport!"
Maybe they could turn that anger and resentment on the terrorists that are giving Islam a bad name and forcing us to defend ourselves?
Not every Muslim is an Islamofacist terrorist, but every Islamofacist terrorist is a Muslim.
Friday, August 11, 2006
When Animals Attack!
Angler speared by a giant fish
14ft blue marlin leapt out of the water across the vessel and speared Mr Card through the chest with its spiked bill. The impact of the 800lb fish knocked him overboard into the Atlantic off Bermuda.
Then, with a thrash of its tail and with the 32-year-old still impaled and bleeding profusely, it dragged him underwater.
Terribly injured, he somehow stayed conscious as he struggled to pull himself free of the marlin's 3ft razor-sharp spike before he drowned.
Finally, he wrenched himself away and was rescued by his companions on the boat - who included his 58-year-old father Alan.
Man Missing After Pulled Into Ocean By Turtle
A graduate student from the University of Central Florida is missing after he was pulled underwater by a large sea turtle, according to Local 6 News.
Squirrel Attacks Anger Winter Park Residents
Residents in Winter Park, Fla., are angered over the city's response to a squirrel that attacked at least seven people this month, according to a report.
14ft blue marlin leapt out of the water across the vessel and speared Mr Card through the chest with its spiked bill. The impact of the 800lb fish knocked him overboard into the Atlantic off Bermuda.
Then, with a thrash of its tail and with the 32-year-old still impaled and bleeding profusely, it dragged him underwater.
Terribly injured, he somehow stayed conscious as he struggled to pull himself free of the marlin's 3ft razor-sharp spike before he drowned.
Finally, he wrenched himself away and was rescued by his companions on the boat - who included his 58-year-old father Alan.
Man Missing After Pulled Into Ocean By Turtle
A graduate student from the University of Central Florida is missing after he was pulled underwater by a large sea turtle, according to Local 6 News.
Squirrel Attacks Anger Winter Park Residents
Residents in Winter Park, Fla., are angered over the city's response to a squirrel that attacked at least seven people this month, according to a report.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Aw, what a guy!
Iranian Leader Speaks To Mike Wallace
Speaking about President Bush's failure to answer his 18-page letter that criticized U.S. foreign policy, Ahmadinejad said, "Well, (with the letter) I wanted to open a window towards the light for the president so that he can see that one can look on the world through a different perspective. … We are all free to choose. Except for the people who choose Christianity or Judiasm, then they must be put to death. But please give him this message, sir: Those who refuse to accept an invitation will not have a good ending or fate. That sounds like a threat. You see that his approval rating is dropping every day. Hatred vis-à-vis the president is increasing every day around the world. Wow, he's stealing the Democrats' talking points! For a ruler, this is the worst message that he could receive. Rulers and heads of government at the end of their office must leave the office holding their heads high."
On what the "conducive conditions" would be for Iran to establish relations with the U.S., the president said, "Well, please look at the makeup of the American administration, the behavior of the American administration. See how they talk down to my nation. And this recent resolution passed about the nuclear issue, look at the wording. They have given us — presented us with a package which we are studying right now. We even gave them a date for our response. Ignoring that, they passed a resolution. They want to build an empire. And they don't want to live side-by-side in peace with other nations. Well that's the pot calling the kettle black! The American government, sir, it is very clear to me they have to change their behavior and everything will be resolved. And by this he means we must convert to Islam - read the letter, that's what it says (George W. Bush) believes that his power emanates from his nuclear warhead arsenals. The time of the bomb is in the past, it's behind us. Today is the era of thoughts, dialogue and cultural exchanges." Maybe we would consider taking this statement seriously if you stopped trying to build a nuke!!!
I especially enjoyed one of the reader comments posted by danlnick at 08:26 PM : Aug 09, 2006 that began with:
Sounds like the president of Iran is a reasonable man, unlike our current president who has shown to be unreasonable and lacking integrity and honesty. ...
Yeah, that Iranian dictator is such a great guy, why can't we get presidents like him?!
Speaking about President Bush's failure to answer his 18-page letter that criticized U.S. foreign policy, Ahmadinejad said, "Well, (with the letter) I wanted to open a window towards the light for the president so that he can see that one can look on the world through a different perspective. … We are all free to choose. Except for the people who choose Christianity or Judiasm, then they must be put to death. But please give him this message, sir: Those who refuse to accept an invitation will not have a good ending or fate. That sounds like a threat. You see that his approval rating is dropping every day. Hatred vis-à-vis the president is increasing every day around the world. Wow, he's stealing the Democrats' talking points! For a ruler, this is the worst message that he could receive. Rulers and heads of government at the end of their office must leave the office holding their heads high."
On what the "conducive conditions" would be for Iran to establish relations with the U.S., the president said, "Well, please look at the makeup of the American administration, the behavior of the American administration. See how they talk down to my nation. And this recent resolution passed about the nuclear issue, look at the wording. They have given us — presented us with a package which we are studying right now. We even gave them a date for our response. Ignoring that, they passed a resolution. They want to build an empire. And they don't want to live side-by-side in peace with other nations. Well that's the pot calling the kettle black! The American government, sir, it is very clear to me they have to change their behavior and everything will be resolved. And by this he means we must convert to Islam - read the letter, that's what it says (George W. Bush) believes that his power emanates from his nuclear warhead arsenals. The time of the bomb is in the past, it's behind us. Today is the era of thoughts, dialogue and cultural exchanges." Maybe we would consider taking this statement seriously if you stopped trying to build a nuke!!!
I especially enjoyed one of the reader comments posted by danlnick at 08:26 PM : Aug 09, 2006 that began with:
Sounds like the president of Iran is a reasonable man, unlike our current president who has shown to be unreasonable and lacking integrity and honesty. ...
Yeah, that Iranian dictator is such a great guy, why can't we get presidents like him?!
Eats shoots and leaves
Giant panda gives birth to giant cub
A giant panda in China has given birth to the heaviest cub born in captivity after the longest period in labor and elsewhere twin pandas each gave birth to twins, Xinhua news agency reported.
Six-year-old Zhang Ka delivered the baby on Monday at the Wolong Giant Panda Research Center in the mountainous southwest, Xinhua said.
The cub weighed just 218 grams (half a pound), but was still the heaviest panda ever born in captivity, where most cubs are born at between 83 and 190 grams, Xinhua said.
I can't quite decide if this is cute or not
A giant panda in China has given birth to the heaviest cub born in captivity after the longest period in labor and elsewhere twin pandas each gave birth to twins, Xinhua news agency reported.
Six-year-old Zhang Ka delivered the baby on Monday at the Wolong Giant Panda Research Center in the mountainous southwest, Xinhua said.
The cub weighed just 218 grams (half a pound), but was still the heaviest panda ever born in captivity, where most cubs are born at between 83 and 190 grams, Xinhua said.
I can't quite decide if this is cute or not
Now the panda is eating her baby
That Cynthia McKinney's a fighter alright!
Attacks not limited to policemen anymore...
McKinney Supporters, Media Scuffle
As McKinney walked outside her campaign headquarters after losing her reelection bid to Hank Johnson, a boom microphone carried by a photographer struck members of McKinney's entourage. In the confusion, McKinney staffers struck an 11Alive photographer and knocked his camera equipment to the ground.
A short time later, the 11Alive news desk called 9-1-1 after some people followed an 11Alive staff member into the station's satellite truck outside the McKinney headquarters.
...
"That's right, and I'll touch you again, if you do it again," the staffer told 11Alive.
She went in fighting and goes out fighting ...
McKinney Supporters, Media Scuffle
As McKinney walked outside her campaign headquarters after losing her reelection bid to Hank Johnson, a boom microphone carried by a photographer struck members of McKinney's entourage. In the confusion, McKinney staffers struck an 11Alive photographer and knocked his camera equipment to the ground.
A short time later, the 11Alive news desk called 9-1-1 after some people followed an 11Alive staff member into the station's satellite truck outside the McKinney headquarters.
...
"That's right, and I'll touch you again, if you do it again," the staffer told 11Alive.
She went in fighting and goes out fighting ...
Gee, Thanks, I think?
SHOCK: Liberal McCarthyism: Bigotry and hate aren't just for right-wingers anymore
My brief and unhappy experience with the hate and vitriol of bloggers on the liberal side of the aisle comes from the last several months I spent campaigning for a longtime friend, Joe Lieberman.
...
I came to believe that we liberals couldn't possibly be so intolerant and hateful, because our ideology was famous for ACLU-type commitments to free speech, dissent and, especially, tolerance for those who differed with us. Haha! He must not have been speaking to any liberals in the last 30 years!
...
Mr. Lamont and all other liberal Democrats should remember the McCarthy era and not fall into the trap of the hypocrisy of the double standard--that it's not OK when Ann Coulter dispenses her venomous hatred, but it is OK when our side's versions of Ann Coulter do.
My brief and unhappy experience with the hate and vitriol of bloggers on the liberal side of the aisle comes from the last several months I spent campaigning for a longtime friend, Joe Lieberman.
...
I came to believe that we liberals couldn't possibly be so intolerant and hateful, because our ideology was famous for ACLU-type commitments to free speech, dissent and, especially, tolerance for those who differed with us. Haha! He must not have been speaking to any liberals in the last 30 years!
...
Mr. Lamont and all other liberal Democrats should remember the McCarthy era and not fall into the trap of the hypocrisy of the double standard--that it's not OK when Ann Coulter dispenses her venomous hatred, but it is OK when our side's versions of Ann Coulter do.
Monday, August 07, 2006
You can come up with your own title
Charity wants people to lend a hand...
Hundreds of Britons are being urged to attend what is being branded as Europe's first "Masturbate-a-thon," a leading British reproductive healthcare charity said Friday.
...
"We want to get people talking about safer sex, masturbation and to lift taboos."
Participants, who have to be over 18, can bring any aids they need and can take part in four different rooms -- a comfort area, a mixed area, along with men and women only areas.
However, the rules on the event's Web site states there can be no touching of other participants nor are people allowed to fake orgasms.
"The amount you raise will be determined by how many minutes you masturbate and/or how many orgasms you achieve," the Web site said.
Hundreds of Britons are being urged to attend what is being branded as Europe's first "Masturbate-a-thon," a leading British reproductive healthcare charity said Friday.
...
"We want to get people talking about safer sex, masturbation and to lift taboos."
Participants, who have to be over 18, can bring any aids they need and can take part in four different rooms -- a comfort area, a mixed area, along with men and women only areas.
However, the rules on the event's Web site states there can be no touching of other participants nor are people allowed to fake orgasms.
"The amount you raise will be determined by how many minutes you masturbate and/or how many orgasms you achieve," the Web site said.
So cute!
And this little piggy...sunbathed all day long
Percy, the miniature pig, who weighed less than a pound at birth, put his feet up at Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh, much to the delight of passers-by.
Al Reuters Update
Reuters withdraws all photos by freelancer
Reuters withdrew all 920 photographs by a freelance Lebanese photographer from its database on Monday after an urgent review of his work showed he had altered two images from the conflict between Israel and the armed group Hizbollah.
Reuters withdrew all 920 photographs by a freelance Lebanese photographer from its database on Monday after an urgent review of his work showed he had altered two images from the conflict between Israel and the armed group Hizbollah.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Rush doesn't call them Al Reuters for nothing
Reuters admits altering Beirut photo
Reuters withdraws photograph of Beirut after Air Force attack after US blogs, photographers point out 'blatant evidence of manipulation.' Reuters' head of PR says in response, 'Reuters has suspended photographer until investigations are completed into changes made to photograph.' Photographer who sent altered image is same Reuters photographer behind many of images from Qana, which have also been subject of suspicions for being staged
Fake picture:
Reuters withdraws photograph of Beirut after Air Force attack after US blogs, photographers point out 'blatant evidence of manipulation.' Reuters' head of PR says in response, 'Reuters has suspended photographer until investigations are completed into changes made to photograph.' Photographer who sent altered image is same Reuters photographer behind many of images from Qana, which have also been subject of suspicions for being staged
Fake picture:
Real picture:
For more on Qana, go here
Thursday, August 03, 2006
The ACLU is useless
National ACLU accuses black mayor of racial profiling
“We have 26 people that have been killed in Jackson this year. We have 300,000 people killed across America each year. The majority of them are African American and it's time to do something different,” Melton said. “I want to know what the ACLU wants to do besides criticize. Besides that, the hell with them.”
(Amen, brotha!)
...
Lambright accused law enforcement officers of racial profiling in poorer communities by either targeting black youths or maintaining a heavy police presence.
The city's population of 184,256 is nearly 71 percent black. The population living below the poverty level is 23.5 percent.
(How do you racial profile or 'target' black people when most of the city is black anyway?!)
“We have 26 people that have been killed in Jackson this year. We have 300,000 people killed across America each year. The majority of them are African American and it's time to do something different,” Melton said. “I want to know what the ACLU wants to do besides criticize. Besides that, the hell with them.”
(Amen, brotha!)
...
Lambright accused law enforcement officers of racial profiling in poorer communities by either targeting black youths or maintaining a heavy police presence.
The city's population of 184,256 is nearly 71 percent black. The population living below the poverty level is 23.5 percent.
(How do you racial profile or 'target' black people when most of the city is black anyway?!)
It's a sick sick sick world
A New Civil Right is Invented Every Day...
Ohio Man Claims Right To Have Sex With Boys
A suburban Cleveland man accused of sexually assaulting nine disabled boys told a judge Wednesday that his apartment was a religious sanctuary where smoking marijuana and having sex with children are sacred rituals protected by civil rights laws.
...
He told the judge, "I'm a pedophile. I've been a pedophile for 20 years. The only reason I'm charged with rape is that no one believes a child can consent to sex. The role of my ministry is to get these cases out of the courtrooms."
...
"Not all pedophilia is bad, and sex [with boys] can be healthy," Distasio told the court.
Ohio Man Claims Right To Have Sex With Boys
A suburban Cleveland man accused of sexually assaulting nine disabled boys told a judge Wednesday that his apartment was a religious sanctuary where smoking marijuana and having sex with children are sacred rituals protected by civil rights laws.
...
He told the judge, "I'm a pedophile. I've been a pedophile for 20 years. The only reason I'm charged with rape is that no one believes a child can consent to sex. The role of my ministry is to get these cases out of the courtrooms."
...
"Not all pedophilia is bad, and sex [with boys] can be healthy," Distasio told the court.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
It's a mad mad mad world
Doctors offer to maim beggars
Secretly filmed footage taken by the CNN-IBN news channel and broadcast Saturday showed one of the doctors asking for 10,000 rupees (about $215) to amputate a lower leg, leaving a stump that may draw sympathy -- and a few rupees -- from passersby.
...
"Believe me if there are two beggars in front of you and one of them is lame, you will give the money to the lame beggar," the station recorded him as saying in Hindi.
Chuck Norris Bridge Leads Vote for Name
A new bridge in Hungary could be named after Hollywood action movie actor Chuck Norris unless the trend turns in an Internet vote organised by the Economy Ministry.
(If they named the bridge "Jack Bauer," no one would dare cross it - oooooooh, snap!)
Secretly filmed footage taken by the CNN-IBN news channel and broadcast Saturday showed one of the doctors asking for 10,000 rupees (about $215) to amputate a lower leg, leaving a stump that may draw sympathy -- and a few rupees -- from passersby.
...
"Believe me if there are two beggars in front of you and one of them is lame, you will give the money to the lame beggar," the station recorded him as saying in Hindi.
Chuck Norris Bridge Leads Vote for Name
A new bridge in Hungary could be named after Hollywood action movie actor Chuck Norris unless the trend turns in an Internet vote organised by the Economy Ministry.
(If they named the bridge "Jack Bauer," no one would dare cross it - oooooooh, snap!)
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