The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth EditionCopyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
a·li·en (ā'lē-ən, āl'yən)
n.
1. An unnaturalized foreign resident of a country. Also called noncitizen.
2. A person from another and very different family, people, or place.
3. A person who is not included in a group; an outsider.
4. A creature from outer space: a story about an invasion of aliens.
5. Ecology An organism, especially a plant or animal, that occurs in or is naturalized in a region to which it is not native.
Bill would mandate nicer term for illegals
"I personally find the word 'alien' offensive when applied to individuals, especially to children," said Sen. Frederica Wilson, D-Miami. "An alien to me is someone from out of space."
She has introduced a bill providing that: "A state agency or official may not use the term 'illegal alien' in an official document of the state." There would be no penalty for using the words.
...
"There are students in our schools whose parents are trying to become citizens and we shouldn't label them," she said. "They are immigrants, through no fault of their own, not aliens."
So, just because she thinks there is only one meaning for the word alien, we can't call illegals that? What's next, substituting undocumented for illegal?
Wilson said the first word isn't as bad as the second."'Illegal,' I can live with, but I like 'undocumented' better," she said.
Here's an idea: Maybe instead of coming up with new laws legislating euphemisms for illegal aliens, we can enforce existing laws to mitigate the illegal alien problem.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Don't let them tell you Iraq doesn't matter, it's not part of the war on terrorism:
VP Pool Report
At Cheney's luncheon with Karzai, the Afghan leader told a story of meeting with tribal leaders and trying to get them to cooperate. "The only question they wanted to ask me, was, 'Is the United States with you?" Karzai said, according to this account.
People are concerned about the US commitment to the region, and Democrats in DC talking about withdrawal from Iraq make them concerned - though that debate back home had no bearing on the VP's decision to come here, sao said. "That would have devastating consequences to what we're trying to do" in this part of the world.
Karzai was reportedly "upbeat" - with all the money and troops that the US is committing to Afghanistan, the sao said, "It's all taken as a sign" of commitment.
"They worry about that... If they see weakness on the part of the US... They worry about our commitment."
The proposals of people in the US to withdraw from Iraq have "consequences in this part of the world," the official said. "The al Qaeda strategy is based on the notion that they can break the will of the American people."
At Cheney's luncheon with Karzai, the Afghan leader told a story of meeting with tribal leaders and trying to get them to cooperate. "The only question they wanted to ask me, was, 'Is the United States with you?" Karzai said, according to this account.
People are concerned about the US commitment to the region, and Democrats in DC talking about withdrawal from Iraq make them concerned - though that debate back home had no bearing on the VP's decision to come here, sao said. "That would have devastating consequences to what we're trying to do" in this part of the world.
Karzai was reportedly "upbeat" - with all the money and troops that the US is committing to Afghanistan, the sao said, "It's all taken as a sign" of commitment.
"They worry about that... If they see weakness on the part of the US... They worry about our commitment."
The proposals of people in the US to withdraw from Iraq have "consequences in this part of the world," the official said. "The al Qaeda strategy is based on the notion that they can break the will of the American people."
Friday, February 23, 2007
"Senior citizens, while slow and dangerous behind the wheel, can serve a purpose!"
(-Jim Carrey in Dumb and Dumber before being robbed by a sweet old lady in a motorized cart)
I bet muggers in Costa Rica will think twice next time!
U.S. Tourist in Costa Rica Kills Mugger
A tour bus of U.S. senior citizens defended themselves against a group of alleged muggers, sending two of them fleeing and killing a third in the Atlantic coast city of Limon, police said on Thursday.
One of the tourists - a retired member of the U.S. military aged about 70 - put assailant Warner Segura in a head lock and broke his clavicle after the 20-year-old and two other men armed with a knife and gun held up their tour bus Wednesday, said Luis Hernandez, the police chief of Limon, 80 miles east of San Jose.
I bet muggers in Costa Rica will think twice next time!
U.S. Tourist in Costa Rica Kills Mugger
A tour bus of U.S. senior citizens defended themselves against a group of alleged muggers, sending two of them fleeing and killing a third in the Atlantic coast city of Limon, police said on Thursday.
One of the tourists - a retired member of the U.S. military aged about 70 - put assailant Warner Segura in a head lock and broke his clavicle after the 20-year-old and two other men armed with a knife and gun held up their tour bus Wednesday, said Luis Hernandez, the police chief of Limon, 80 miles east of San Jose.
Science imposed by government
Does anyone else find it suspicious that politicians are firing scientists for disagreeing with the global warming theory?
Is it the job of the government to determine science? Then why are we letting them have that power?
It's the global warming fear-mongerers that have put this into politics and not in science where it belongs - when they can't win fair and square, they cheat and force their theories upon us.
State distances itself from climatologist
Gov. Ruth Ann Minner has directed Delaware's state climatologist to stop using his title in public statements on climate change, citing a clash of views on global warming and confusion over the position's ties to the administration.
...
"Your views on climate change, as I understand them, are not aligned with those of my administration," Minner wrote.
...
Similar dustups have occurred in Virginia and Oregon recently, as state climatologists there came under criticism for active "contrarian" stands on climate change and -- in Virginia -- for taking donations from fossil-fuel-using power companies.
Is it the job of the government to determine science? Then why are we letting them have that power?
It's the global warming fear-mongerers that have put this into politics and not in science where it belongs - when they can't win fair and square, they cheat and force their theories upon us.
State distances itself from climatologist
Gov. Ruth Ann Minner has directed Delaware's state climatologist to stop using his title in public statements on climate change, citing a clash of views on global warming and confusion over the position's ties to the administration.
...
"Your views on climate change, as I understand them, are not aligned with those of my administration," Minner wrote.
...
Similar dustups have occurred in Virginia and Oregon recently, as state climatologists there came under criticism for active "contrarian" stands on climate change and -- in Virginia -- for taking donations from fossil-fuel-using power companies.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Global Warming as the new boogeyman
Global warming concerns are keeping children awake at night
Half of young children are anxious about the effects of global warming, often losing sleep because of their concern, according to a new report today.
A survey of 1,150 youngsters aged between seven and 11 found that one in four blamed politicians for the problems of climate change.
Hmmm, who puts these ideas into such little children's heads? Maybe it's the media and the schools with their environmentalist activism and the showing of Al Bore's "documentary" as if it is indisputable scientific fact?
One in seven of those questioned by supermarket giant Somerfield said their own parents were not doing enough to improve the environment.
The most feared consequences of global warming included poor health, the possible submergence of entire countries and the welfare of animals.
It is irresponsible for the media and school system to use fearmongering to try to scare kids into badgering their parents to "save the planet." These kids are too young understand the global warming theory - of course they're going to be scared! Plus, they're still at that stage where they believe everything authority figures tell them without being too critical.
..."While many adults may look the other way, this study should show that global warming is not only hurting the children of the future, it's affecting the welfare of kids now." Uh, who's fault is the latter?
By raising awareness amongst today's young, hopefully we are improving our chances of reaching a solution.''
See? The environmentalist wackos are admitting that their strategy is to indoctrinate children to advance their causes - and they don't care that the kids are being hurt along the way!
Half of young children are anxious about the effects of global warming, often losing sleep because of their concern, according to a new report today.
A survey of 1,150 youngsters aged between seven and 11 found that one in four blamed politicians for the problems of climate change.
Hmmm, who puts these ideas into such little children's heads? Maybe it's the media and the schools with their environmentalist activism and the showing of Al Bore's "documentary" as if it is indisputable scientific fact?
One in seven of those questioned by supermarket giant Somerfield said their own parents were not doing enough to improve the environment.
The most feared consequences of global warming included poor health, the possible submergence of entire countries and the welfare of animals.
It is irresponsible for the media and school system to use fearmongering to try to scare kids into badgering their parents to "save the planet." These kids are too young understand the global warming theory - of course they're going to be scared! Plus, they're still at that stage where they believe everything authority figures tell them without being too critical.
..."While many adults may look the other way, this study should show that global warming is not only hurting the children of the future, it's affecting the welfare of kids now." Uh, who's fault is the latter?
By raising awareness amongst today's young, hopefully we are improving our chances of reaching a solution.''
See? The environmentalist wackos are admitting that their strategy is to indoctrinate children to advance their causes - and they don't care that the kids are being hurt along the way!
Just Manny being Manny!
Manny Reporting Late to Attend Car Show
Ramirez Used Mother's Illness as Excuse for Tardiness
Manny Ramirez, who received permission from the Red Sox to report late to spring training for family reasons, was scheduled to attend a car auction in Atlantic City on Saturday, according to the promoter of the auction.
Ramirez Used Mother's Illness as Excuse for Tardiness
Manny Ramirez, who received permission from the Red Sox to report late to spring training for family reasons, was scheduled to attend a car auction in Atlantic City on Saturday, according to the promoter of the auction.
My Celebrity Look-alikes
I don't think I really look like these people, but oh, well.
Thanks to Kate for introducing me to this.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
News tidbits
Official: Anna Nicole's Body Decomposing
Come on, we already knew this woman wasn't a saint, you don't have to rub it in!
Denmark to pull troops from Iraq
Did anyone even know Demark troops were in Iraq?
Hornets hit France and could reach Britain
Global warming has largely been blamed for the survival and spread of the Asian Hornet, Vespa velutina, which is thought to have arrived in France from the Far East in a consignment of Chinese pottery in late 2004.
Can't be France's fault for not inspecting their imports thoroughly enough, must blame it on global warming, and vis-a-vis America.
9/11 attacks 'an incident'
Come on, we already knew this woman wasn't a saint, you don't have to rub it in!
Denmark to pull troops from Iraq
Did anyone even know Demark troops were in Iraq?
Hornets hit France and could reach Britain
Global warming has largely been blamed for the survival and spread of the Asian Hornet, Vespa velutina, which is thought to have arrived in France from the Far East in a consignment of Chinese pottery in late 2004.
Can't be France's fault for not inspecting their imports thoroughly enough, must blame it on global warming, and vis-a-vis America.
9/11 attacks 'an incident'
From "French far-right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen" who also said:
The far-right leader was convicted of Holocaust denial after he declared in 1987 that the gas chambers used by Nazi Germany to exterminate Jews were a "detail in the history of World War II".
Flow of illegal immigrants to U.S. starts to slow
Mexico border fence and Guardsmen complicate crossings
Border Patrol commanders argue the slackening flow of migrants belies the conventional wisdom that it is impossible to stem illegal migration along a 2,000 mile, or 3,200 kilometer, border. Many veteran officers in the force are now beginning to believe that with sufficient resources, it can be controlled.
The new measures range from simply putting more officers out on patrol to erecting stadium lights, secondary fences and barriers of thick, steel poles to stop smugglers from racing across the desert. The Border Patrol has deployed hundreds of new guards to watch rivers, man surveillance cameras and guard fences.
...
The U.S. government has also begun punishing migrants with prison time from the first time they enter illegally in some areas. For instance, along the 210 mile border covered by the Del Rio office of the Border Patrol, everyone caught crossing illegally is charged in federal court and sentenced to at least two weeks in prison.
That is an enormous break with past practice, when most Mexican migrants were simply taken back to the border and let go.
Gee, imagine that! Enforcing the law discourages breaking it! (Love to say it: Told ya so!)
Military deaths during war not much higher than during peace time
U.S. Active Military Deaths 1980-2004
Isn't it amazing that we are suffering fewer deaths in the Iraq War than many years in the 1980's and comparably few more than during the "peaceful" 1990's?
You wouldn't know it the way the media is reporting this war.
Isn't it amazing that we are suffering fewer deaths in the Iraq War than many years in the 1980's and comparably few more than during the "peaceful" 1990's?
You wouldn't know it the way the media is reporting this war.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
The coalition of the easily offended continues to grow:
Suicide-Prevention Group Criticizes GM Ad
Yet another Super Bowl marketer is swimming in hot water.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has sent a letter to General Motors criticizing an ad that shows a perfectionist assembly line robot dreaming about jumping off a bridge after dropping a bolt. The group said the spot may encourage people to consider suicide as a solution to their problems. The group demanded that GM apologize, not air the spot again and remove it from its website.
"We wouldn't see this ad around cancer or heart disease," says Robert Gebbia, executive director. "Why's it OK to make fun of mental illness or depression?"
…
GM should drop the ad now, says former Energy secretary Donald Hodel, who also was Interior secretary in the Reagan administration. Hodel's teenage son committed suicide 23 years ago.
"They should never have run that commercial, and they shouldn't run it again," says Hodel, who says he and his wife were shocked when they saw it. "If I had a child who committed suicide some time after watching that ad, I'd seriously consider consulting a lawyer and suing GM."
Yet another Super Bowl marketer is swimming in hot water.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has sent a letter to General Motors criticizing an ad that shows a perfectionist assembly line robot dreaming about jumping off a bridge after dropping a bolt. The group said the spot may encourage people to consider suicide as a solution to their problems. The group demanded that GM apologize, not air the spot again and remove it from its website.
"We wouldn't see this ad around cancer or heart disease," says Robert Gebbia, executive director. "Why's it OK to make fun of mental illness or depression?"
…
GM should drop the ad now, says former Energy secretary Donald Hodel, who also was Interior secretary in the Reagan administration. Hodel's teenage son committed suicide 23 years ago.
"They should never have run that commercial, and they shouldn't run it again," says Hodel, who says he and his wife were shocked when they saw it. "If I had a child who committed suicide some time after watching that ad, I'd seriously consider consulting a lawyer and suing GM."
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
From the Coalition of the Easily Offended:
Snickers ad pulled after complaints from gays
A commercial for Snickers candy bars launched in the Super Bowl broadcast was benched after its maker got complaints that it was homophobic.
...
The Human Rights Campaign and the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation complained to the maker of Snickers, Hackettstown-based Masterfoods USA, a division of Mars Inc., which also makes M&M’s and other candies.
The Web site also featured video of players from the Super Bowl teams reacting to the kiss.
“This type of jeering from professional sports figures at the sight of two men kissing fuels the kind of anti-gay bullying that haunts countless gay and lesbian school children on playgrounds all across the country,” Human Rights Campaign president Joe Solmonese said in a statement.
A commercial for Snickers candy bars launched in the Super Bowl broadcast was benched after its maker got complaints that it was homophobic.
...
The Human Rights Campaign and the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation complained to the maker of Snickers, Hackettstown-based Masterfoods USA, a division of Mars Inc., which also makes M&M’s and other candies.
The Web site also featured video of players from the Super Bowl teams reacting to the kiss.
“This type of jeering from professional sports figures at the sight of two men kissing fuels the kind of anti-gay bullying that haunts countless gay and lesbian school children on playgrounds all across the country,” Human Rights Campaign president Joe Solmonese said in a statement.
Troubled times at NASA
Astronaut charged in bizarre love triangle
Best line:
Nowak raced from Houston to Orlando wearing diapers in the car so she wouldn't have to stop to go to the bathroom, authorities said. Astronauts wear diapers during launch and re-entry.
Best line:
Nowak raced from Houston to Orlando wearing diapers in the car so she wouldn't have to stop to go to the bathroom, authorities said. Astronauts wear diapers during launch and re-entry.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
This is ouuuuuuuuuuuur country!
Now I have to take issue with John Edwards because he's always saying there are 2 Americas. So, which of the two is claiming to be "our country"? I'll take the other one.
Candidates Pick Tunes at DNC Meeting
Everyone needs a soundtrack - even politicians.
The presidential candidates who addressed the Democratic National Committee's winter meeting Friday got to choose their tunes, and it was an eclectic mix that reflected personal favorites and not-so-subtle messages.
Some candidates requested two songs, one that blared as they approached the stage and another that played as they left the podium.
The selections:
_John Edwards: "This Is Our Country" by John Mellencamp.
_Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut: "Get Ready (Cause Here I Come)" by the Temptations and "Reach Out," also by the Temptations.
_Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York: "Right Here, Right Now," by Jesus Jones and "Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" by Bachman-Turner Overdrive.
_Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio: "America the Beautiful"
Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois decided against using any music in keeping with the somber tone he sought to convey.
Wesley Clark, who hasn't indicated whether he will run, entered to Johnny Cash's "I Won't Back Down."
Candidates Pick Tunes at DNC Meeting
Everyone needs a soundtrack - even politicians.
The presidential candidates who addressed the Democratic National Committee's winter meeting Friday got to choose their tunes, and it was an eclectic mix that reflected personal favorites and not-so-subtle messages.
Some candidates requested two songs, one that blared as they approached the stage and another that played as they left the podium.
The selections:
_John Edwards: "This Is Our Country" by John Mellencamp.
_Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut: "Get Ready (Cause Here I Come)" by the Temptations and "Reach Out," also by the Temptations.
_Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York: "Right Here, Right Now," by Jesus Jones and "Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" by Bachman-Turner Overdrive.
_Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio: "America the Beautiful"
Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois decided against using any music in keeping with the somber tone he sought to convey.
Wesley Clark, who hasn't indicated whether he will run, entered to Johnny Cash's "I Won't Back Down."
What did we tell you about that slippery slope!
Swiss may expand assisted suicide law
A ruling by Switzerland's highest court released Friday has opened up the possibility that people with serious mental illnesses could be helped by doctors to take their own lives.
Switzerland already allows physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients under certain circumstances. The Federal Tribunal's decision puts mental illnesses on the same level as physical ones.
A ruling by Switzerland's highest court released Friday has opened up the possibility that people with serious mental illnesses could be helped by doctors to take their own lives.
Switzerland already allows physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients under certain circumstances. The Federal Tribunal's decision puts mental illnesses on the same level as physical ones.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Paging the Dr. of Democracy
Landmark Legal Foundation Nominates Rush Limbaugh for 2007 Nobel Peace Prize
Limbaugh, whose daily radio show is heard by more than 20 million people on more than 600 radio stations in the United States and around the world, was nominated for the prestigious award for his "nearly two decades of tireless efforts to promote liberty, equality and opportunity for all humankind, regardless of race, creed, economic stratum or national origin. These are the only real cornerstones of just and lasting peace throughout the world," said Landmark President Mark R. Levin.
"Rush Limbaugh is the foremost advocate for freedom and democracy in the world today," explained Levin. "Everyday he gives voice to the values of democratic governance, individual opportunity and the just, equal application of the rule of law -- and it is fitting that the Nobel Committee recognize the power of these ideals to build a truly peaceful world for future generations."
To all you haters, I don't want to hear anything! Come on, Al Gore is nominated this year, Cindy Sheehan last year and both Yasser Arafat and Jimmy Carter have WON!
Limbaugh, whose daily radio show is heard by more than 20 million people on more than 600 radio stations in the United States and around the world, was nominated for the prestigious award for his "nearly two decades of tireless efforts to promote liberty, equality and opportunity for all humankind, regardless of race, creed, economic stratum or national origin. These are the only real cornerstones of just and lasting peace throughout the world," said Landmark President Mark R. Levin.
"Rush Limbaugh is the foremost advocate for freedom and democracy in the world today," explained Levin. "Everyday he gives voice to the values of democratic governance, individual opportunity and the just, equal application of the rule of law -- and it is fitting that the Nobel Committee recognize the power of these ideals to build a truly peaceful world for future generations."
To all you haters, I don't want to hear anything! Come on, Al Gore is nominated this year, Cindy Sheehan last year and both Yasser Arafat and Jimmy Carter have WON!
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