Hot off today's Little Green Footballs:
9/11 conspiracy nut on Democratic Underground tries to debunk tower collapse with burning rabbit coop
I would just love to see Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman take on this goofball. (And, in all fairness, the commenters at DU were pretty merciless, too.)
Conspiracy theory #723: BUSTED!!
Friday, July 07, 2006
Monday, July 03, 2006
Back in the saddle soon
The GGB is on Day 10 of a 12-day hiatus from work, blogging and regular life in general. Rich and I have spent some time on the road and are looking forward to a wonderful Fourth of July in the 'Ham.
Blogging shall resume post-festivities. :)
Blogging shall resume post-festivities. :)
Monday, June 19, 2006
And now for something light 'n' fun.
Mini Sushi Bracelet
Note to the Dixie Chicks: Yes, some of us Red Staters actually do know what sushi is.
Note to the Dixie Chicks: Yes, some of us Red Staters actually do know what sushi is.
Dissin' the Chicks
A choice bit of hagiography from the Telegraph:
Telegraph Entertainment How the Chicks survived their scrap with Bush
I thought their "scrap" was more with country music fans than the prez himself, but I digress. Here are some snippets (with inevitable commentary by yours truly):
Will it be the salmon teriyaki with organic greens, or asparagus tempura and tuna sashimi? As the waiter hovers with pencil poised, the Dixie Chicks debate the menu with the practised air of professional restaurant critics. The Chicks have traditionally been branded a country band, but clearly it's some time since their diet consisted of ribs, tacos and pancakes.
Oh, puke. Here we go again. Once again, the Eurosnobs show their ignorance. "The only thing country music fans (read: Red Staters) eat are chitlins, grits and pork rinds." Give me a break.
Sisters Emily Robison and Martie Maguire project a polished Fifth Avenue elegance, and vocalist Natalie Maines is a vision of sculpted cheekbones and smoky eye-shadow.
And looks like a punk Leprechaun in the photo accompanying the article. And I've never seen her with a decent hairdo.
Yet within days [of Maines' comment in London about George Bush], their music vanished from the charts and the airwaves, apoplectic rednecks crushed piles of their CDs with tractors, and the FBI was feverishly monitoring death threats against the trio.
Now, death threats are beyond the pale, but notice the "rednecks" comment! All you guys who found Maines' comments insulting and made a little theater out of it are rednecks! Oh, the horror of being called a redneck by the Telegraph. I might have to go lie down.
"It was the bullying and the scare factor," shudders banjo and guitar player Robison. "It was like the McCarthy days, and it was almost like the country was unrecognisable."
Excuse me while I wipe coffee off the computer monitor. Yeah, right. You guys were hauled in front of Congress, it got so bad. (BTW, McCarthy was right about Communists infiltrating the government, according to declassified Soviet cables, but that's for another post.)
"A lot of pandering started going on, and you'd see soldiers and the American flag in every video [by other country performers]. It became a sickening display of ultra-patriotism."
And you weren't pandering to the London crowd by slamming your own country in front of a foreign audience?
"The entire country may disagree with me, but I don't understand the necessity for patriotism," Maines resumes, through gritted teeth. "Why do you have to be a patriot? About what? This land is our land? Why? You can like where you live and like your life, but as for loving the whole country… I don't see why people care about patriotism."
This is precisely why you couldn't predict that your slamming the president before a foreign audience would ignite such a brushfire back home. And you apparently still cannot put 2 and 2 together, which perhaps explains why you wore that hideous plaid skirt and Leprechaun tights onstage.
There can be no rational explanation of how Maines's remark came to drive a red-hot poker into America's divided soul ...
The Telegraph is equally clueless.
Early concerns about the premature demise of the Chicks' career subsided when the furiously unapologetic single Not Ready to Make Nice became the most downloaded track on iTunes, despite a lack of radio airplay.
No mention of their canceling concert dates left and right. :)
Telegraph Entertainment How the Chicks survived their scrap with Bush
I thought their "scrap" was more with country music fans than the prez himself, but I digress. Here are some snippets (with inevitable commentary by yours truly):
Will it be the salmon teriyaki with organic greens, or asparagus tempura and tuna sashimi? As the waiter hovers with pencil poised, the Dixie Chicks debate the menu with the practised air of professional restaurant critics. The Chicks have traditionally been branded a country band, but clearly it's some time since their diet consisted of ribs, tacos and pancakes.
Oh, puke. Here we go again. Once again, the Eurosnobs show their ignorance. "The only thing country music fans (read: Red Staters) eat are chitlins, grits and pork rinds." Give me a break.
Sisters Emily Robison and Martie Maguire project a polished Fifth Avenue elegance, and vocalist Natalie Maines is a vision of sculpted cheekbones and smoky eye-shadow.
And looks like a punk Leprechaun in the photo accompanying the article. And I've never seen her with a decent hairdo.
Yet within days [of Maines' comment in London about George Bush], their music vanished from the charts and the airwaves, apoplectic rednecks crushed piles of their CDs with tractors, and the FBI was feverishly monitoring death threats against the trio.
Now, death threats are beyond the pale, but notice the "rednecks" comment! All you guys who found Maines' comments insulting and made a little theater out of it are rednecks! Oh, the horror of being called a redneck by the Telegraph. I might have to go lie down.
"It was the bullying and the scare factor," shudders banjo and guitar player Robison. "It was like the McCarthy days, and it was almost like the country was unrecognisable."
Excuse me while I wipe coffee off the computer monitor. Yeah, right. You guys were hauled in front of Congress, it got so bad. (BTW, McCarthy was right about Communists infiltrating the government, according to declassified Soviet cables, but that's for another post.)
"A lot of pandering started going on, and you'd see soldiers and the American flag in every video [by other country performers]. It became a sickening display of ultra-patriotism."
And you weren't pandering to the London crowd by slamming your own country in front of a foreign audience?
"The entire country may disagree with me, but I don't understand the necessity for patriotism," Maines resumes, through gritted teeth. "Why do you have to be a patriot? About what? This land is our land? Why? You can like where you live and like your life, but as for loving the whole country… I don't see why people care about patriotism."
This is precisely why you couldn't predict that your slamming the president before a foreign audience would ignite such a brushfire back home. And you apparently still cannot put 2 and 2 together, which perhaps explains why you wore that hideous plaid skirt and Leprechaun tights onstage.
There can be no rational explanation of how Maines's remark came to drive a red-hot poker into America's divided soul ...
The Telegraph is equally clueless.
Early concerns about the premature demise of the Chicks' career subsided when the furiously unapologetic single Not Ready to Make Nice became the most downloaded track on iTunes, despite a lack of radio airplay.
No mention of their canceling concert dates left and right. :)
This is so wrong. On so many levels.
Connie Chung bids farewell after the cancellation of her and her husband's television program on MSNBC.
"Thanks for the Memories"
Roseanne's rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" was worse. But not by much. Nice evening gown, tho'.
"Thanks for the Memories"
Roseanne's rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" was worse. But not by much. Nice evening gown, tho'.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
And your point is?
I'm still trying to figure out the point of this editorial, on the Fox News site, of all places:
FOXNews.com - Ahmadinejad and Bush: The Nuclear Shadowboxers - Iran
The author, John Moody, draws all these "parallels" between Bush and Ahmadinejad -- like they both talk about "God" a lot. I don't know if he's trying for some sort of moral equivalency, but this quote is telling:
"In the U.S. and much of Europe — in short, the traditional center of the Christian world — Ahmadinejad comes across as an out-of-control anti-Semite who wants Israel destroyed and who would risk his country’s survival on a gamble that the world will not and cannot stop him from producing a nuclear weapons arsenal."
Cough ... sputter ... excuse me? Comes across as? That's like saying Al-Zarqawi came across as a homicidal maniac.
FOXNews.com - Ahmadinejad and Bush: The Nuclear Shadowboxers - Iran
The author, John Moody, draws all these "parallels" between Bush and Ahmadinejad -- like they both talk about "God" a lot. I don't know if he's trying for some sort of moral equivalency, but this quote is telling:
"In the U.S. and much of Europe — in short, the traditional center of the Christian world — Ahmadinejad comes across as an out-of-control anti-Semite who wants Israel destroyed and who would risk his country’s survival on a gamble that the world will not and cannot stop him from producing a nuclear weapons arsenal."
Cough ... sputter ... excuse me? Comes across as? That's like saying Al-Zarqawi came across as a homicidal maniac.
Monday, June 12, 2006
If only they came with mute buttons
There’s a little keychain gadget you can buy on the Internet that will turn off almost any TV set. If only they made one for turning off kids. I don’t know when parents decided it was charming to subject strangers to indiscriminate blasts of decibels from their progeny, but I’m getting tired of kids who are louder than 747s.
Rich and I were at Buffalo Wild Wings on Saturday for lunch. Granted, BWW isn’t exactly an intimate bistro, but our conversation was stopped dead several times by shrieks from a table of kids six feet away. Saturday night, we were at a Chinese buffet. The evening was punctuated by ear-splitting screeches from a couple of kindergarteners. I hope the parents were embarrassed when the entire restaurant fell silent and glared.
Kids are exuberant; I know. I also know there is “inside voice,” “outside voice” and “banshee howl that is best reserved for kidnappings and grizzly bear attacks.” Last summer, I regularly heard blood-curdling screams from the neighboring condo complex – often after dark when the little monsters should have been in their jammies. They were playing in the pool. If I hadn’t known that, I would have called 911.
Yeah, I know. I don’t have kids. But I once was a kid and was not allowed to behave like that. Parents, if people stare at you in public when your kid decides it’s time for a hollerfest, they’re too loud. When strangers can’t tell the difference between a playful shout of glee and a scream that says, “I’m being eaten by fire ants,” it’s time to have a sit-down with little Jason or Ashley.
And when they finally do make a gadget that mutes a screeching kid, don’t blame me when I use it on your little brat.
Rich and I were at Buffalo Wild Wings on Saturday for lunch. Granted, BWW isn’t exactly an intimate bistro, but our conversation was stopped dead several times by shrieks from a table of kids six feet away. Saturday night, we were at a Chinese buffet. The evening was punctuated by ear-splitting screeches from a couple of kindergarteners. I hope the parents were embarrassed when the entire restaurant fell silent and glared.
Kids are exuberant; I know. I also know there is “inside voice,” “outside voice” and “banshee howl that is best reserved for kidnappings and grizzly bear attacks.” Last summer, I regularly heard blood-curdling screams from the neighboring condo complex – often after dark when the little monsters should have been in their jammies. They were playing in the pool. If I hadn’t known that, I would have called 911.
Yeah, I know. I don’t have kids. But I once was a kid and was not allowed to behave like that. Parents, if people stare at you in public when your kid decides it’s time for a hollerfest, they’re too loud. When strangers can’t tell the difference between a playful shout of glee and a scream that says, “I’m being eaten by fire ants,” it’s time to have a sit-down with little Jason or Ashley.
And when they finally do make a gadget that mutes a screeching kid, don’t blame me when I use it on your little brat.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
A grape night!
Yesterday's beastly date -- 6/6/6 -- didn't bother me none.
It was Rich's and my "semianniversary" (or, if you will, "six-month-a-versary"). Yep. It was Dec. 6 of last year when Rich walked his handsome Teutonic-ness into Sumo and we spent two-and-a-half hours enjoying exquisite sushi and discovering that we had practically everything in common.
Last night, we spent the same amount of time in leisurely goodness at The Grape. There are two locations in Birmingham -- The Summit and Five Points South -- and if you haven't tried it, I highly recommend it. Rich, being the wine conoisseur that he is, steered us through four courses and a sampling of about seven different wines right into gastronomic Paradise. Course #3 was cheese. The aged Gouda was to die for. Course #4 was chocolate fondue with a Vignonier (sp?). Whiffs of apricot and honey. Unbelievable.
Unfortunately, the GGB came down with another @#$% migraine on the 45-minute drive home. (Dadgum 280 traffic.) I laid on the couch while my sweetie un-decorated my Christmas tree. (I know. For shame. It's June and the damn tree is still up.) But that, my friends, is Real Love. Putting up with a migraine-y female while you unload a crispy evergreen at 11 o'clock at night.
It was Rich's and my "semianniversary" (or, if you will, "six-month-a-versary"). Yep. It was Dec. 6 of last year when Rich walked his handsome Teutonic-ness into Sumo and we spent two-and-a-half hours enjoying exquisite sushi and discovering that we had practically everything in common.
Last night, we spent the same amount of time in leisurely goodness at The Grape. There are two locations in Birmingham -- The Summit and Five Points South -- and if you haven't tried it, I highly recommend it. Rich, being the wine conoisseur that he is, steered us through four courses and a sampling of about seven different wines right into gastronomic Paradise. Course #3 was cheese. The aged Gouda was to die for. Course #4 was chocolate fondue with a Vignonier (sp?). Whiffs of apricot and honey. Unbelievable.
Unfortunately, the GGB came down with another @#$% migraine on the 45-minute drive home. (Dadgum 280 traffic.) I laid on the couch while my sweetie un-decorated my Christmas tree. (I know. For shame. It's June and the damn tree is still up.) But that, my friends, is Real Love. Putting up with a migraine-y female while you unload a crispy evergreen at 11 o'clock at night.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Self-reliance: What a concept!
Finally.
The government is advising people that you cannot always expect the government to pull your arse out of harm's way:
New York Times: As Hurricane Season Looms, States Aim to Scare
"This save-yourselves approach comes after government agencies were overwhelmed by pleas for help after last year's storms and strongly criticized as not responding swiftly or thoroughly enough to the public need. Now, officials have said repeatedly, only the elderly, the poor and the disabled should count on the government to help them escape a hurricane or endure its immediate aftermath."
Now, if we can just instill this attitude on about 1,578 other issues, we'll be doing good.
(Hat tip: Drudge)
The government is advising people that you cannot always expect the government to pull your arse out of harm's way:
New York Times: As Hurricane Season Looms, States Aim to Scare
"This save-yourselves approach comes after government agencies were overwhelmed by pleas for help after last year's storms and strongly criticized as not responding swiftly or thoroughly enough to the public need. Now, officials have said repeatedly, only the elderly, the poor and the disabled should count on the government to help them escape a hurricane or endure its immediate aftermath."
Now, if we can just instill this attitude on about 1,578 other issues, we'll be doing good.
(Hat tip: Drudge)
Friday, May 26, 2006
This week's Bad Taste in Men Award
A juror who sent Scott Peterson to death row is now his pen pal. She describes him as "charming" and sez he showers her with compliments.
Sweetie, let me tell you something. You gotta watch out for those super-handsome charming types. At the very least, they tend to be full of themselves. At the very worst they, well ... they tend to be Scott Peterson.
FOXNews.com - Former Laci Peterson Case Juror Now Pen Pals With Scott
Sweetie, let me tell you something. You gotta watch out for those super-handsome charming types. At the very least, they tend to be full of themselves. At the very worst they, well ... they tend to be Scott Peterson.
FOXNews.com - Former Laci Peterson Case Juror Now Pen Pals With Scott
Thursday, May 25, 2006
A little Happy Bunny citizen action is in order
I have this magnet on my refrigerator:
I know. It's rude and juvenille. It's also called for after the cosmically STUPID action taken by a majority of the Senate today.
Both of my senators -- Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions (who's been a GODSEND in all this immigration reform nonsense) -- voted against the steaming pile of poo that was the senate version of the immigration bill. They can keep their jobs, for now.
I just wish I lived in Arizona so I could try to vote that pinhead John McCain out of office at my first opportunity. The idea of McCain getting the GOP presidential nomination makes me want to hurl. McCain versus Hillary. It's like having to choose between having hot coals shoved into your eye sockets and a hydrochloric acid enema.
I know. It's rude and juvenille. It's also called for after the cosmically STUPID action taken by a majority of the Senate today.
Both of my senators -- Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions (who's been a GODSEND in all this immigration reform nonsense) -- voted against the steaming pile of poo that was the senate version of the immigration bill. They can keep their jobs, for now.
I just wish I lived in Arizona so I could try to vote that pinhead John McCain out of office at my first opportunity. The idea of McCain getting the GOP presidential nomination makes me want to hurl. McCain versus Hillary. It's like having to choose between having hot coals shoved into your eye sockets and a hydrochloric acid enema.
Got some fries to go with that whopper?
"Since the beginning of my administration, the government of Mexico has promoted the establishment of a new system that regulates the movement of people across our border in a manner which is legal, safe and orderly."
-- Mexican President Vicente Fox, speaking in Utah
This is the same government of Mexico that has published booklets on how to cross the border illegally. Read more:
BREITBART.COM - Fox Says Immigration Challenges Friendship
-- Mexican President Vicente Fox, speaking in Utah
This is the same government of Mexico that has published booklets on how to cross the border illegally. Read more:
BREITBART.COM - Fox Says Immigration Challenges Friendship
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Note to Madonna: Aren't you getting a little old for this?
And this woman writes children's books?
Madonna concert review: 'Even the bouncers looked scared' the Daily Mail
Snort warning: Put down your coffee before reading. It's hilarious.
(Hat tip: Drudge)
Madonna concert review: 'Even the bouncers looked scared' the Daily Mail
Snort warning: Put down your coffee before reading. It's hilarious.
(Hat tip: Drudge)
Monday, May 22, 2006
Grateful for small favors
For all we know, the two Saudi men who boarded a school bus in Tampa could have, truly, been confused, thinking they were boarding a public bus.
However, after lying about their nationality and telling about ten different stories about why they boarded the bus, the GGB guesses that these two were up to no good but were too stupid to work out a cover story in advance.
Behold, Tweedle Al-Dee and Tweedle Bin-Dum:
If these guys are jihadis, one only hopes that the rest of 'em are as equally knuckleheaded.
However, after lying about their nationality and telling about ten different stories about why they boarded the bus, the GGB guesses that these two were up to no good but were too stupid to work out a cover story in advance.
Behold, Tweedle Al-Dee and Tweedle Bin-Dum:
If these guys are jihadis, one only hopes that the rest of 'em are as equally knuckleheaded.
Friday, May 19, 2006
With apologies to Adam Savage
Read David Limbaugh on how politicians and pundits are out of touch with the Amerian public on the illegal immigration issue.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
And now from the "No S--t, Sherlock" department ...
"If I heard the Lord right about 2006, the coasts of America will be lashed by storms."
-- Televangelist Pat Robertson
Robertson also revealed that July will be hot, someone will blow something up in the Middle East, and either Katharine McPhee or Taylor Hicks will win American Idol.
Read the whole thing: Pat Robertson Predictions, Evangelist Says God Told Him Tsunami Might Hit U.S. This Year - CBS News
-- Televangelist Pat Robertson
Robertson also revealed that July will be hot, someone will blow something up in the Middle East, and either Katharine McPhee or Taylor Hicks will win American Idol.
Read the whole thing: Pat Robertson Predictions, Evangelist Says God Told Him Tsunami Might Hit U.S. This Year - CBS News
Friday, May 12, 2006
Taylor is in the 'Ham!!!
The Taylor Hicks parade was earlier today right outside my office. Got pix and video.
It's gonna take me awhile to come down from this one, folks! I'm a little starstruck.
More later.
UPDATE: Photos I took are here. Video is here. (Video should open automatically in Windows Media Player but might take two tries.)
It's gonna take me awhile to come down from this one, folks! I'm a little starstruck.
More later.
UPDATE: Photos I took are here. Video is here. (Video should open automatically in Windows Media Player but might take two tries.)
Monday, May 08, 2006
The GGB Quote of the Day
"Needing to show up or tune in at a specific time for media is so 1998."
-- Rich at Brain Squeezings on the appeal of asynchronous media
-- Rich at Brain Squeezings on the appeal of asynchronous media
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
For all you children of the 80s out there ... whoo!!!!
Taylor Hicks Pacman.
No lie.
Don't get me wrong. I love our hometown boy Taylor. :) But that is dang funny.
And check this out:
Taylor Hicks Dancing Game
No lie.
Don't get me wrong. I love our hometown boy Taylor. :) But that is dang funny.
And check this out:
Taylor Hicks Dancing Game
Monday, May 01, 2006
And I really liked tamales, too ...
Dad gummit. I hate it when politics gets in the way of my enjoying all things international.
I shouldn't even have to defend myself this way, but I'm gonna. I really love stuff and people from other countries. Always have. Credit my natural curiosity or the multicultural flavor of Generation X children's shows like Sesame Street, but I've always appreciated the exotic, the unknown, the different.
I was in middle school when I became fast friends with an American-born classmate of Ecuadorian and Cuban immigrant parents. I heard about how the Communists in Ecuador stripped their family bare, and they came to the United States for another chance at a good life. I watched as her mother -- a divorced woman with two girls -- learned English and got an education and leaned on her faith in God and her family's love. I watched as they moved from a small but neat apartment in the local government housing project to a pretty home in a middle class neighborhood. Both of the girls -- who had lived abroad as children and didn't speak a lick of English when they moved to Birmingham -- got excellent grades and went on to college and lives of their own. The American dream at work. Cool!
I also sat amazed at holiday gatherings where the adults congregated in the kitchen, speaking rapid-fire Spanish, while we youngsters watched MTV in the playroom. I ate tamales. I worked on my Spanish. I saw how they loved each other and loved a good party and loved freedom. They were true Americans but with a unique flavor that added to my own experience.
It was an instructive time and part of the reason why I went on to study Spanish in high school and college, earning entry into the National Spanish Honor Society. I learned the thrill of communicating entirely in another language, became friends with a Mexican exchange student, worked on a mission trip in Mexico and gained a deep appreciation for the spirit and character that define what it is to be Latino.
And now, I find myself getting sick.
My Ecuadorian pals came to my homeland, brought something unique to share with us gringos but also embraced the best of what America has to offer. They were American and Hispanic; loyal to their country but fond of the homeland; assimilated but not homogenized.
Now, as I watch angry protests and hear bitter slander of America as a supposedly racist and hostile country ("we hate you, but let us have your money and services"), I wonder what in the world happened. What, was I wrong? There's nothing good about being American? Learning English is tantamount to ethnic cleansing? You can't love America and be true to your heritage at the same time?
The rewriting of the national anthem was a blow to the gut. It makes me ill because it is a repudiation of everything that America -- fallen and erring as it is -- has tried to be for the wanderer and the oppressed. All we ask is that you give as well as take. Give our culture a chance as we are continually lectured on respecting other people's cultures.
I realize that lazy governing and sleazy business practices have put us in this jam. Hey, I've seen Mexico -- and not the touristy part. It festers with poverty and truncated opportunity. If I had a chance to escape to America, work for what amounts to an exorbitant wage by Mexican standards without paying taxes and with free social services to boot, I don't know that I'd turn it down.
Yet I am not willing to just lie back and take this abuse without protest. Call me a racist if you want -- I think I've demonstrated that I'm hardly a xenophobe and probably more multiculturally aware than the average nortemericano. But if I have to just open my wallet and bend over with no protest to avoid being called something nasty, NO THANK YOU. I refuse to piss on my country, and as long as some "activists" are doing the same, you can forget my support.
Two years ago, I was on an airplane next to a Mexican-born American woman in her 60s. We were in Houston, waiting to pull away from the concourse. I noticed she wore a red, white and blue scarf with a Liberty Bell print. True to her culture, she actively engaged me in conversation, telling me all about the grandchildren she was flying to visit. A couple of men a few rows back were chatting in Spanish -- hardly uncommon in Houston. I didn't pay them any particular mind, but she watched them for a moment, turned back to me and sniffed, "English is not that hard to learn! I don't see why they don't learn to speak English."
We talked more, and I learned she was an eager consumer of the American dream and damn proud of it -- but again, hardly homogenized or stripped of her Hispanic flavor. I wonder what she thinks of these protests. I could guess. And I hope she's not the only one.
I shouldn't even have to defend myself this way, but I'm gonna. I really love stuff and people from other countries. Always have. Credit my natural curiosity or the multicultural flavor of Generation X children's shows like Sesame Street, but I've always appreciated the exotic, the unknown, the different.
I was in middle school when I became fast friends with an American-born classmate of Ecuadorian and Cuban immigrant parents. I heard about how the Communists in Ecuador stripped their family bare, and they came to the United States for another chance at a good life. I watched as her mother -- a divorced woman with two girls -- learned English and got an education and leaned on her faith in God and her family's love. I watched as they moved from a small but neat apartment in the local government housing project to a pretty home in a middle class neighborhood. Both of the girls -- who had lived abroad as children and didn't speak a lick of English when they moved to Birmingham -- got excellent grades and went on to college and lives of their own. The American dream at work. Cool!
I also sat amazed at holiday gatherings where the adults congregated in the kitchen, speaking rapid-fire Spanish, while we youngsters watched MTV in the playroom. I ate tamales. I worked on my Spanish. I saw how they loved each other and loved a good party and loved freedom. They were true Americans but with a unique flavor that added to my own experience.
It was an instructive time and part of the reason why I went on to study Spanish in high school and college, earning entry into the National Spanish Honor Society. I learned the thrill of communicating entirely in another language, became friends with a Mexican exchange student, worked on a mission trip in Mexico and gained a deep appreciation for the spirit and character that define what it is to be Latino.
And now, I find myself getting sick.
My Ecuadorian pals came to my homeland, brought something unique to share with us gringos but also embraced the best of what America has to offer. They were American and Hispanic; loyal to their country but fond of the homeland; assimilated but not homogenized.
Now, as I watch angry protests and hear bitter slander of America as a supposedly racist and hostile country ("we hate you, but let us have your money and services"), I wonder what in the world happened. What, was I wrong? There's nothing good about being American? Learning English is tantamount to ethnic cleansing? You can't love America and be true to your heritage at the same time?
The rewriting of the national anthem was a blow to the gut. It makes me ill because it is a repudiation of everything that America -- fallen and erring as it is -- has tried to be for the wanderer and the oppressed. All we ask is that you give as well as take. Give our culture a chance as we are continually lectured on respecting other people's cultures.
I realize that lazy governing and sleazy business practices have put us in this jam. Hey, I've seen Mexico -- and not the touristy part. It festers with poverty and truncated opportunity. If I had a chance to escape to America, work for what amounts to an exorbitant wage by Mexican standards without paying taxes and with free social services to boot, I don't know that I'd turn it down.
Yet I am not willing to just lie back and take this abuse without protest. Call me a racist if you want -- I think I've demonstrated that I'm hardly a xenophobe and probably more multiculturally aware than the average nortemericano. But if I have to just open my wallet and bend over with no protest to avoid being called something nasty, NO THANK YOU. I refuse to piss on my country, and as long as some "activists" are doing the same, you can forget my support.
Two years ago, I was on an airplane next to a Mexican-born American woman in her 60s. We were in Houston, waiting to pull away from the concourse. I noticed she wore a red, white and blue scarf with a Liberty Bell print. True to her culture, she actively engaged me in conversation, telling me all about the grandchildren she was flying to visit. A couple of men a few rows back were chatting in Spanish -- hardly uncommon in Houston. I didn't pay them any particular mind, but she watched them for a moment, turned back to me and sniffed, "English is not that hard to learn! I don't see why they don't learn to speak English."
We talked more, and I learned she was an eager consumer of the American dream and damn proud of it -- but again, hardly homogenized or stripped of her Hispanic flavor. I wonder what she thinks of these protests. I could guess. And I hope she's not the only one.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Helen Thomas' worst nightmare
As I'm sure you've heard by now, Fox News anchor and commentator Tony Snow has been tapped as the new White House press secretary. I've always loved Snow's genial persona and his sense of humor. This morning on the news, I also heard he has a rock band. :-) I love this guy!
Priceless quote from Snow's latest column:
"Helpful correspondents have told me where to go, what to use to fill various orifices, which pack animal I most closely resemble and my next-world destination."
Priceless quote from Snow's latest column:
"Helpful correspondents have told me where to go, what to use to fill various orifices, which pack animal I most closely resemble and my next-world destination."
Friday, April 21, 2006
The big reveal
Contrary to eHarmony's TV ads, yes you CAN meet your soulmate on those competitor dating sites.
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you "R", better known as Rich. Rich is the brainchild behind Brain Squeezings, a consoisseur of all things geeky and perhaps the best thing to happen to me since ... uh ... ever.
I do not exaggerate.
How in the world I found someone as quirky as me who actually holds down a job and is normal in all the right ways is beyond me but very well may be evidence of Divine Grace. I know for sure I've done nothing myself to deserve a man who is gentle, thoughtful, brilliant, hilarious, sensitive, brave, considerate, passionate, moral, handsome, creative, affectionate, tender and, of course, geeky. But God is in his Heaven and all is well with the GGB.
Although more updates are to come, I reckon this to be the final leg of the journey to Happily Ever After. No more frogs, please. The Prince has arrived. :)
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you "R", better known as Rich. Rich is the brainchild behind Brain Squeezings, a consoisseur of all things geeky and perhaps the best thing to happen to me since ... uh ... ever.
I do not exaggerate.
How in the world I found someone as quirky as me who actually holds down a job and is normal in all the right ways is beyond me but very well may be evidence of Divine Grace. I know for sure I've done nothing myself to deserve a man who is gentle, thoughtful, brilliant, hilarious, sensitive, brave, considerate, passionate, moral, handsome, creative, affectionate, tender and, of course, geeky. But God is in his Heaven and all is well with the GGB.
Although more updates are to come, I reckon this to be the final leg of the journey to Happily Ever After. No more frogs, please. The Prince has arrived. :)
Thursday, April 20, 2006
I'm blogging again! Alert the media!
Geez Louise. No posts since March 4. You'd think I was involved with a man or something ....
Oh! I am. Yes, folks, "R" is still VERY much in the picture. I was even in Pennsylvania over the Easter weekend to visit R's parents and sundry relatives and friends. This is the first time I've ever plunked down money for airfare to meet a boyfriend's progenitors, so mark this one down as a Big Deal. We are not formally and officially engaged, but there is talk of bling, and I've already sent him some JPEGs of particularly desirable bling. :)
I speculate that a generally happy life leads to less blogging. I am having a harder time getting cranky about Iraq or Hillary Clinton or the immigration issue -- although that last one can give me a headache-and-a-half if I think about it too much. In fact, lately the biggest thing I get worked up over is why American Idol's Kellie Pickler insists on being such a ditz.
(Yes, folks. During my horrendous case of sinusitis in February, Fox was the only TV channel I could pick up clearly in my old bedroom back at the parents' house. AI sucked me in like a wind tunnel and I haven't been able to reach escape velocity. Even R and I watch the shows together. Taylor Hicks' spasmodic rendition of "Takin' It To The Streets" had us crying in hysterics. Good bonding time.)
Would the GGB readers like to know who "R" is? He has a blog himself, ya know. Perhaps it's time for the reveal. :)
Oh! I am. Yes, folks, "R" is still VERY much in the picture. I was even in Pennsylvania over the Easter weekend to visit R's parents and sundry relatives and friends. This is the first time I've ever plunked down money for airfare to meet a boyfriend's progenitors, so mark this one down as a Big Deal. We are not formally and officially engaged, but there is talk of bling, and I've already sent him some JPEGs of particularly desirable bling. :)
I speculate that a generally happy life leads to less blogging. I am having a harder time getting cranky about Iraq or Hillary Clinton or the immigration issue -- although that last one can give me a headache-and-a-half if I think about it too much. In fact, lately the biggest thing I get worked up over is why American Idol's Kellie Pickler insists on being such a ditz.
(Yes, folks. During my horrendous case of sinusitis in February, Fox was the only TV channel I could pick up clearly in my old bedroom back at the parents' house. AI sucked me in like a wind tunnel and I haven't been able to reach escape velocity. Even R and I watch the shows together. Taylor Hicks' spasmodic rendition of "Takin' It To The Streets" had us crying in hysterics. Good bonding time.)
Would the GGB readers like to know who "R" is? He has a blog himself, ya know. Perhaps it's time for the reveal. :)
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Bert goes berserk
OK ... on most levels, this is so not funny.
A University of North Carolina grad plowed into a crowd of students today with an SUV in attempt to "avenge the deaths or murders of Muslims around the world." Fortunately, Mohammed Reza Taheri-azar, an Iranian, is apparently a crummy would-be avenger and managed to seriously injure no one, although several were treated for minor injuries, and he faces nine counts of attempted murder.
The FBI is looking into this as a possible terrorist attack, but I think I have the answer to that question.
Look at this photo of Taheri-azar:
Now, look at these guys:
Terrorist link confirmed. Taheri-azar is a deranged Muppet and is in cahoots with Osama.
A University of North Carolina grad plowed into a crowd of students today with an SUV in attempt to "avenge the deaths or murders of Muslims around the world." Fortunately, Mohammed Reza Taheri-azar, an Iranian, is apparently a crummy would-be avenger and managed to seriously injure no one, although several were treated for minor injuries, and he faces nine counts of attempted murder.
The FBI is looking into this as a possible terrorist attack, but I think I have the answer to that question.
Look at this photo of Taheri-azar:
Now, look at these guys:
Terrorist link confirmed. Taheri-azar is a deranged Muppet and is in cahoots with Osama.
Friday, March 03, 2006
A GGB must-read
Spring is coming, trees are starting to blossom and birds are warbling incessantly ...
... but when I read essays such as this one, things turn a little more somber. But the truth shall set you free, and this essay is an absolute must-read for today:
Thrutch: All For One
The article explains why Islamism is picking apart Western society block by block and how our governments are abdicating their sacred duty to protect law-abiding citizens. A particularly choice quote about the Salman Rushdie affair:
"Apart from some feigned outrage, Western governments did nothing but engage in ?diplomacy? and then proclaim that we must ?tolerate? differences of opinion and respect the ?feelings? of those who would murder us. And the result? Rushdie went into prolonged hiding, a Japanese translator was stabbed and killed in Tokyo, an Italian translator was beaten and stabbed in Milan, a Norwegian publisher was shot and severely wounded, 37 people were incinerated in Turkey as executioners burned down the hotel of a translator, and publishing houses and bookstores in the US were firebombed to destruction. Those were just the direct results. Indirectly, westerners learned that freedom of speech only applied if it were directed against lawful, peaceful targets. There would be no protection for discourse about Islam or any doctrine whose adherents backed it up with violence. Moreover, it set the precedent of foreign nations placing bounties on the heads of Western citizens with impunity, which would encourage similar behavior by every ardent fundamentalist given that the tactic had proven effective and without any risk to the issuer."
The article is excellent. Read it; read it now. But I must add one contary comment to the following quote:
"But along with all the advantages of an individual-based society comes one inherent risk. In delegating his use of force, and forsaking adherence to any gang or tribe, each individual is disarmed and essentially helpless should his government fail to act on his behalf."
That's why we have the Second Amendment. No US citizen should ever be "disarmed and helpless" in the face of an incompetent or disinterested government.
... but when I read essays such as this one, things turn a little more somber. But the truth shall set you free, and this essay is an absolute must-read for today:
Thrutch: All For One
The article explains why Islamism is picking apart Western society block by block and how our governments are abdicating their sacred duty to protect law-abiding citizens. A particularly choice quote about the Salman Rushdie affair:
"Apart from some feigned outrage, Western governments did nothing but engage in ?diplomacy? and then proclaim that we must ?tolerate? differences of opinion and respect the ?feelings? of those who would murder us. And the result? Rushdie went into prolonged hiding, a Japanese translator was stabbed and killed in Tokyo, an Italian translator was beaten and stabbed in Milan, a Norwegian publisher was shot and severely wounded, 37 people were incinerated in Turkey as executioners burned down the hotel of a translator, and publishing houses and bookstores in the US were firebombed to destruction. Those were just the direct results. Indirectly, westerners learned that freedom of speech only applied if it were directed against lawful, peaceful targets. There would be no protection for discourse about Islam or any doctrine whose adherents backed it up with violence. Moreover, it set the precedent of foreign nations placing bounties on the heads of Western citizens with impunity, which would encourage similar behavior by every ardent fundamentalist given that the tactic had proven effective and without any risk to the issuer."
The article is excellent. Read it; read it now. But I must add one contary comment to the following quote:
"But along with all the advantages of an individual-based society comes one inherent risk. In delegating his use of force, and forsaking adherence to any gang or tribe, each individual is disarmed and essentially helpless should his government fail to act on his behalf."
That's why we have the Second Amendment. No US citizen should ever be "disarmed and helpless" in the face of an incompetent or disinterested government.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Talk about your coitus interruptus
TheMilwaukeeChannel.com: Couple Found Dead In Car In Garage
I'm not up on Wisconsin law, but that probably was a hell of a way to sidestep a statutory rape charge.
I'm not up on Wisconsin law, but that probably was a hell of a way to sidestep a statutory rape charge.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
The latest buzz
Hi, folks! Sorry for the unintended hiatus -- I'm just now recovered from the Grandmother of All Sinus Infections.
Heard the latest "buzz" in the war on drugs? Some municipalities are trying to ban "hemp-flavored" candy and other confections that supposedly mimic the flavor of marijuana but, in fact, do not contain marijuana or THC because that would be, you know, illegal.
I've seen plenty of hemp-containing products marketed with that instantly recognizable pot leaf silhouette, products by mainstream companies such as The Body Shop and California Tan. T-shirt manufacturer Crazy Shirts has a hemp-dyed T-shirt imprinted with designs suggesting that you run contraband on the weekends. The appeal to the real or wannabe ganga-smoking crowd certainly is nothing new.
Do I think it's appropriate to market candy that suggests alcohol or drug use to children? No, but it's not like these candymakers are buying airtime during The Higglytown Heroes. Last I checked, adults eat candy, too, and so long as there is truth in packaging and parents are -- you know -- doing their job and monitoring what their kids eat, I don't see the problem.
But making lollipops criminal -- good flippin' grief.
Heard the latest "buzz" in the war on drugs? Some municipalities are trying to ban "hemp-flavored" candy and other confections that supposedly mimic the flavor of marijuana but, in fact, do not contain marijuana or THC because that would be, you know, illegal.
I've seen plenty of hemp-containing products marketed with that instantly recognizable pot leaf silhouette, products by mainstream companies such as The Body Shop and California Tan. T-shirt manufacturer Crazy Shirts has a hemp-dyed T-shirt imprinted with designs suggesting that you run contraband on the weekends. The appeal to the real or wannabe ganga-smoking crowd certainly is nothing new.
Do I think it's appropriate to market candy that suggests alcohol or drug use to children? No, but it's not like these candymakers are buying airtime during The Higglytown Heroes. Last I checked, adults eat candy, too, and so long as there is truth in packaging and parents are -- you know -- doing their job and monitoring what their kids eat, I don't see the problem.
But making lollipops criminal -- good flippin' grief.
Friday, February 17, 2006
We interrupt this otherwise lovely Friday for ...
... some news that'll curl your hair: For once, I agree with Chuck Schumer.
When I first read about the deal to put control of six major ports under the authority of a state-owned company based in Dubai, my first reaction was a big ol' Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. Then I read Scott McClellan's assurance that the deal had been thoroughly vetted by all relevant national security review processes, and I felt better for about nine nanoseconds.
Then my reaction was back to: WTF???????
Apparently, Chuckie had the same reaction, along with other lawmakers from both parties, nearly the entire blogosphere and, I'd guess, my two-year-old niece if she could understand international relations and Elmo were involved.
This. Makes. No. Sense. Whatsoever.
Michelle Malkin has much more detail than I could elaborate on here. But suffice it to say that I think the White House is smoking crack.
When I first read about the deal to put control of six major ports under the authority of a state-owned company based in Dubai, my first reaction was a big ol' Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. Then I read Scott McClellan's assurance that the deal had been thoroughly vetted by all relevant national security review processes, and I felt better for about nine nanoseconds.
Then my reaction was back to: WTF???????
Apparently, Chuckie had the same reaction, along with other lawmakers from both parties, nearly the entire blogosphere and, I'd guess, my two-year-old niece if she could understand international relations and Elmo were involved.
This. Makes. No. Sense. Whatsoever.
Michelle Malkin has much more detail than I could elaborate on here. But suffice it to say that I think the White House is smoking crack.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Sweetness and light
Gosh, was that a bummer of a V-Day post yesterday or what?
As an antidote to all the ugliness going on in the world, I am cheerfully sipping on a Mountain Dew and listening to the bubblegum bliss of "Mmm-Bop" by Hanson. Sometimes you just gotta dive deep into the shallow end.
I finally got out of the house today and it's 70 degrees. Yeah! R. and I are planning an apres-work rendezvous at a restaurant somewhere. He was supposed to treat me to a home-cooked meal last night, but because I was puny we just had pizza and watched movies. R. has been quite attentive and sweet during my illness. He brought me Mexican and Chinese takeout when I was craving spicy food. For a man who has called me a fashion diva, he hasn't been repelled by limp, slept-in hair and no makeup. And he must have the constitution of an ox -- so far he hasn't caught whatever it is I'm fighting, and trust me, he's had ample opportunity.
So, happy Wednesday everyone.
As an antidote to all the ugliness going on in the world, I am cheerfully sipping on a Mountain Dew and listening to the bubblegum bliss of "Mmm-Bop" by Hanson. Sometimes you just gotta dive deep into the shallow end.
I finally got out of the house today and it's 70 degrees. Yeah! R. and I are planning an apres-work rendezvous at a restaurant somewhere. He was supposed to treat me to a home-cooked meal last night, but because I was puny we just had pizza and watched movies. R. has been quite attentive and sweet during my illness. He brought me Mexican and Chinese takeout when I was craving spicy food. For a man who has called me a fashion diva, he hasn't been repelled by limp, slept-in hair and no makeup. And he must have the constitution of an ox -- so far he hasn't caught whatever it is I'm fighting, and trust me, he's had ample opportunity.
So, happy Wednesday everyone.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Happy Valentine's Day (achoo!)
Hi, folks. Sorry for the dearth of posts, but the GGB is down with a cold or sumthin. But I'd like to wish all my readers -- especially R. -- a very happy Saint Valentine's Day.
Yeah ... with all the teddy bear and underwear ads, we often forget that this holiday rightly began to commemorate the martyrdom of a Christian saint. (The exact origins are a bit murky -- the Catholic Church recognizes three saints named Valentine or Valentinus.)
Which brings me to the War on Cartoons. If you think this is just about cartoons, you're on crack. "Hardline Hindus and radical Muslims" have recently taken out their rage on Valentine's Day in India, saying it's a decadent Western holiday that spreads immorality. Of course if they realized the Christian origins of Valentine's Day, there might really be a mob scene, considering the brutal treatment minority Christians get in many places in the world.
All to say that the War on Cartoons is not about cartoons -- it's about being Western. Whether you're just a Valentine card-giving, KFC-eating secular American or a devout Christian or Jew, a significant segment of the Islamic world just doesn't like you. You cannot be a non-Muslim and not offend them.
Chew on that while you munch on your chocolate candy today.
Yeah ... with all the teddy bear and underwear ads, we often forget that this holiday rightly began to commemorate the martyrdom of a Christian saint. (The exact origins are a bit murky -- the Catholic Church recognizes three saints named Valentine or Valentinus.)
Which brings me to the War on Cartoons. If you think this is just about cartoons, you're on crack. "Hardline Hindus and radical Muslims" have recently taken out their rage on Valentine's Day in India, saying it's a decadent Western holiday that spreads immorality. Of course if they realized the Christian origins of Valentine's Day, there might really be a mob scene, considering the brutal treatment minority Christians get in many places in the world.
All to say that the War on Cartoons is not about cartoons -- it's about being Western. Whether you're just a Valentine card-giving, KFC-eating secular American or a devout Christian or Jew, a significant segment of the Islamic world just doesn't like you. You cannot be a non-Muslim and not offend them.
Chew on that while you munch on your chocolate candy today.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Bush = Ayatollah?
From Drudge:
This morning on ABC's Good Morning America, Democratic National Committee Chair Howard Dean attacked President Bush for turning the United States into Iran. Dean: "All we ask is that we not turn into a country like Iran where the President can do anything he wants."
I guess the "Bush is a Nazi" slur got a little stale and the Dems needed fresh material.
This morning on ABC's Good Morning America, Democratic National Committee Chair Howard Dean attacked President Bush for turning the United States into Iran. Dean: "All we ask is that we not turn into a country like Iran where the President can do anything he wants."
I guess the "Bush is a Nazi" slur got a little stale and the Dems needed fresh material.
Nothing to see here ... move along
Nine church fires in recent days in Alabama have been ruled arson.
The racial makeup of these churches is split right down the middle -- five were predominantly black, four predominantly white. They were all Baptist although not all Southern Baptist, but that might not mean anything since you can't throw a rock without hitting a Baptist church down here.
The investigation is still very much under way, and at least according to media reports, they have no suspects. However, Governor Bob Riley and the local ATF are already playing down the apparent anti-religion motivation of these attacks: Riley says he sees no evidence of a "grand conspiracy" against religion or Baptists. Jim Cavanaugh, regional director of the federal Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agency, said there could be a "thrill motive" behind the arsons.
Oh really? Whoever did this meant business.
These are churches, not abandoned warehouses. Several news reports have said the fires started at or near the pulpit. You don't have to be a theologian to understand the symbolic significance. One Baptist newspaper in Texas reported that in one fire, the ignition sites were the pulpit, the American flag and the communion table.
Hello! People!
I'm not paranoid; I don't think this means that the pogroms are coming. But I do wish these church burnings were prompting the sort of public outry that attacks against other groups would.
The racial makeup of these churches is split right down the middle -- five were predominantly black, four predominantly white. They were all Baptist although not all Southern Baptist, but that might not mean anything since you can't throw a rock without hitting a Baptist church down here.
The investigation is still very much under way, and at least according to media reports, they have no suspects. However, Governor Bob Riley and the local ATF are already playing down the apparent anti-religion motivation of these attacks: Riley says he sees no evidence of a "grand conspiracy" against religion or Baptists. Jim Cavanaugh, regional director of the federal Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agency, said there could be a "thrill motive" behind the arsons.
Oh really? Whoever did this meant business.
These are churches, not abandoned warehouses. Several news reports have said the fires started at or near the pulpit. You don't have to be a theologian to understand the symbolic significance. One Baptist newspaper in Texas reported that in one fire, the ignition sites were the pulpit, the American flag and the communion table.
Hello! People!
I'm not paranoid; I don't think this means that the pogroms are coming. But I do wish these church burnings were prompting the sort of public outry that attacks against other groups would.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Hillary Babels
A little fun with Alta Vista's Babel Fish. I translated my post below into Japanese and then back into English. :)
"Today, ho! Hillary Rodham where is that (as for ack! ) The Clinton here. As today said in the automobile factory worker where I am connected, why it did not capture the person where we Afghanistan are highest I who have been grasped pass the time of balance. Because know, to be good as everything as for Osama ' me center Taliban ' and of and the garlic smell doing faintly is walking with clear vision of Allah and everyone who attach the T shirt which is said to the body. If simple work obtains and is... -, there to be I.Q. of 2 in the bush, in the influenza of Halliburton, hurricane Katrina and the bird and rear of the disappearance of Natalee Holloway. "
"Today, ho! Hillary Rodham where is that (as for ack! ) The Clinton here. As today said in the automobile factory worker where I am connected, why it did not capture the person where we Afghanistan are highest I who have been grasped pass the time of balance. Because know, to be good as everything as for Osama ' me center Taliban ' and of and the garlic smell doing faintly is walking with clear vision of Allah and everyone who attach the T shirt which is said to the body. If simple work obtains and is... -, there to be I.Q. of 2 in the bush, in the influenza of Halliburton, hurricane Katrina and the bird and rear of the disappearance of Natalee Holloway. "
Hillary speaks
"Hi, ho! It's Hillary Rodham (ack!) Clinton here.
"Like I told the United Auto Workers today, I'm having a hard time figuring out why we haven't captured the tallest man in Afghanistan. Because as well all know, Osama is walking around in plain sight of Allah and everyone wearing a T-shirt that says 'I heart the Taliban' and smelling faintly of goats and garlic. Should be a piece of cake ... er, baklava ... but we all know that Bush has an IQ of 2 and is also behind Halliburton, Hurricane Katrina, the bird flu and the Natalee Holloway disappearance."
It's gettin' ugly, folks
A South Carolina radio host has received death threats in relation to the Mohammed cartoons:
http://www.commonvoice.com/article.asp?colid=4082 (Hat tip: Vodkapundit.)
The FBI has been called in. I'm guessing they'll be able to find out at least one of the perpetrators. If I were the FBI rather than the GGB? I have no idea what is supposed to happen to foreign nationals who commit crimes, but I'd deport their butts out of here faster than you can say babaghanouj.
http://www.commonvoice.com/article.asp?colid=4082 (Hat tip: Vodkapundit.)
The FBI has been called in. I'm guessing they'll be able to find out at least one of the perpetrators. If I were the FBI rather than the GGB? I have no idea what is supposed to happen to foreign nationals who commit crimes, but I'd deport their butts out of here faster than you can say babaghanouj.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
I knew this was going to happen
Our president attends the funeral of a leading citizen and is shat upon by a Jesse Jackson wannabee and the lousiest president ever to (dis)grace the White House.
Drudge has details. The look on Laura Bush's face is priceless. She looks like she's dying to bitchslap the "Reverend" Joseph Lowery, and I admire her restraint.
All I can say is I am old enough to remember the Carter years even though I was six when he took office. I still remember the evening news marking yet another day that our citizens were held hostage in Iran. The disastrous rescue mission. The soaring inflation. Double-digit unemployment. And Ronnie Reagan kicking Jimmy Carter's booty all over the electoral college map in 1980. (Carter won only two states: Georgia and Hawaii.)
Carter couldn't effectively lead a Rotary Club meeting, much less a nation, and he has the audacity to bash the president ... at a funeral ... as a former president. Hideous. Disgusting. I guess he deep down realizes what a lame excuse for a chief executive he was and how he damn near ruined this country and he's practicing a little projection. Only reason he got elected to begin with was because of the taint of the Nixon administration on Gerald Ford.
If I ever had any doubt that Carter is pathetic, I don't now.
All right. I've got to stop getting all twisted like this. I've got to get back to blogging gadgets. Y'all have a great afternoon.
Drudge has details. The look on Laura Bush's face is priceless. She looks like she's dying to bitchslap the "Reverend" Joseph Lowery, and I admire her restraint.
All I can say is I am old enough to remember the Carter years even though I was six when he took office. I still remember the evening news marking yet another day that our citizens were held hostage in Iran. The disastrous rescue mission. The soaring inflation. Double-digit unemployment. And Ronnie Reagan kicking Jimmy Carter's booty all over the electoral college map in 1980. (Carter won only two states: Georgia and Hawaii.)
Carter couldn't effectively lead a Rotary Club meeting, much less a nation, and he has the audacity to bash the president ... at a funeral ... as a former president. Hideous. Disgusting. I guess he deep down realizes what a lame excuse for a chief executive he was and how he damn near ruined this country and he's practicing a little projection. Only reason he got elected to begin with was because of the taint of the Nixon administration on Gerald Ford.
If I ever had any doubt that Carter is pathetic, I don't now.
All right. I've got to stop getting all twisted like this. I've got to get back to blogging gadgets. Y'all have a great afternoon.
Monday, February 06, 2006
How to pick a winning Super Bowl team
R and I literally had to discuss which team we'd root for in the Super Bowl, considering the fact that we're both less-than-nominal football fans and have no real investment in either team.
This picture basically sums up our discussion and why we decided to cheer on Pittsburgh.
(Hat tip: Vodkapundit.)
This picture basically sums up our discussion and why we decided to cheer on Pittsburgh.
(Hat tip: Vodkapundit.)
Pick a side, world
The ubiquitous They say that not all Muslims are radical, violent, fascist and bloodthirsty. And while I believe that is absolutely true, after the events of the past few weeks (and, for that matter, the past four decades), I also believe it is a moot point.
Let's face it: The fruitcake wing of Islam is in charge.
From the chaos in Palestine to Iran's saber-rattling to the frighteningly ridiculous backlash against cartoons, the face of Islam is getting increasingly ugly. Whether it's radical imams or street youth, the bullies are calling the shots. In places like Iran, they're the de juris powers that be. In places like England, they enjoy a de facto power that is getting more ominous every day. In fact, I don't think they care too much whether it's a Muslim or infidel in charge, as long as said infidel cowers to threats and intimidation and therefore lets the Muslims rule by proxy.
When you have protesters blatantly calling for a bloodbath in the streets of Great Britain -- and they've already bombed your country once -- and you give them a police escort rather than handcuffs and deportation, then the thugs are in charge and you shouldn't be surprised the next time they make good on their threats.
I mean, can you think of any other group possibly getting away with pubicly endorsing murder? Can you imagine the (rightful) shrieking if the protesters were calling for the extermination of blacks or gays or -- gasp! -- Muslims?
The Islamic doctrine of dhimmification is working right before our very eyes. When is the free world going to put its foot down and refuse to take orders from thugs? Who has to be murdered next? Which freedom is next to go? Are we going to say no when media offices are firebombed? What about when they start murdering priests and preachers and rabbis?
It's time to pick a side. The Muslims have thrown down the gauntlet. This is not about liking or hating Bush or agreeing or disagreeing with US foreign policy. Islam is currently being run by homicidal maniacs. We have two choices: capitulate or fight. Pick one.
Let's face it: The fruitcake wing of Islam is in charge.
From the chaos in Palestine to Iran's saber-rattling to the frighteningly ridiculous backlash against cartoons, the face of Islam is getting increasingly ugly. Whether it's radical imams or street youth, the bullies are calling the shots. In places like Iran, they're the de juris powers that be. In places like England, they enjoy a de facto power that is getting more ominous every day. In fact, I don't think they care too much whether it's a Muslim or infidel in charge, as long as said infidel cowers to threats and intimidation and therefore lets the Muslims rule by proxy.
When you have protesters blatantly calling for a bloodbath in the streets of Great Britain -- and they've already bombed your country once -- and you give them a police escort rather than handcuffs and deportation, then the thugs are in charge and you shouldn't be surprised the next time they make good on their threats.
I mean, can you think of any other group possibly getting away with pubicly endorsing murder? Can you imagine the (rightful) shrieking if the protesters were calling for the extermination of blacks or gays or -- gasp! -- Muslims?
The Islamic doctrine of dhimmification is working right before our very eyes. When is the free world going to put its foot down and refuse to take orders from thugs? Who has to be murdered next? Which freedom is next to go? Are we going to say no when media offices are firebombed? What about when they start murdering priests and preachers and rabbis?
It's time to pick a side. The Muslims have thrown down the gauntlet. This is not about liking or hating Bush or agreeing or disagreeing with US foreign policy. Islam is currently being run by homicidal maniacs. We have two choices: capitulate or fight. Pick one.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Waking up in the Matrix, part 2
From London's Daily Telegraph.
Muslim protests are incitement to murder, say Tories
The Conservatives last night called on the police to arrest militant Muslims who threatened Westerners with violence during protests in London over newspaper cartoons that mocked the Prophet Mohammed.
Good, good.
As fanatics - some dressed as suicide bombers - staged more protests yesterday, David Davis, the shadow home secretary, said the police should take action against what were clearly offences of incitement to murder.
Good again.
Mr Davis said last night: "Clearly some of these placards are incitement to violence and, indeed, incitement to murder - an extremely serious offence which the police must deal with and deal with quickly.
Ya think? But don't get your hopes up ...
Scotland Yard said a decision not to arrest protesters was taken because of public order fears.
Translation: We're impotent twits.
It confirmed that police had received more than 100 complaints from the public about the protesters' behaviour.
Only 100? What is the population of London, several million? Sheesh.
Yesterday, more than 1,000 demonstrators staged a second protest outside the embassy. The only arrests made were of two men found carrying cartoons of Mohammed. Police said they had been detained "to prevent a breach of the peace".
Unreal. Friggin' unreal.
On Friday police provided a motorcycle and helicopter escort for the protesters. Video cameras recorded the events.
Hopefully to help them identify the suspects later for a round of arrests and deportations, but I'm not holding my breath.
This is insane.
Muslim protests are incitement to murder, say Tories
The Conservatives last night called on the police to arrest militant Muslims who threatened Westerners with violence during protests in London over newspaper cartoons that mocked the Prophet Mohammed.
Good, good.
As fanatics - some dressed as suicide bombers - staged more protests yesterday, David Davis, the shadow home secretary, said the police should take action against what were clearly offences of incitement to murder.
Good again.
Mr Davis said last night: "Clearly some of these placards are incitement to violence and, indeed, incitement to murder - an extremely serious offence which the police must deal with and deal with quickly.
Ya think? But don't get your hopes up ...
Scotland Yard said a decision not to arrest protesters was taken because of public order fears.
Translation: We're impotent twits.
It confirmed that police had received more than 100 complaints from the public about the protesters' behaviour.
Only 100? What is the population of London, several million? Sheesh.
Yesterday, more than 1,000 demonstrators staged a second protest outside the embassy. The only arrests made were of two men found carrying cartoons of Mohammed. Police said they had been detained "to prevent a breach of the peace".
Unreal. Friggin' unreal.
On Friday police provided a motorcycle and helicopter escort for the protesters. Video cameras recorded the events.
Hopefully to help them identify the suspects later for a round of arrests and deportations, but I'm not holding my breath.
This is insane.
Friday, February 03, 2006
Moonwalkin'
OK. Fashion question of the day: Moon boots?
And the product description for these boots includes this warning: "This footwear not designed for space travel." I kid you not. Of course, I would not want to wear these ugly things anywhere else besides the moon where it's just me and Burt Rutan hangin' out.
Anyway ... Overstock.com has 'em for the bargain price of $56.99 (original price: $149.99). Get 'em while there, uhm, hot.
And the product description for these boots includes this warning: "This footwear not designed for space travel." I kid you not. Of course, I would not want to wear these ugly things anywhere else besides the moon where it's just me and Burt Rutan hangin' out.
Anyway ... Overstock.com has 'em for the bargain price of $56.99 (original price: $149.99). Get 'em while there, uhm, hot.
Waking up in the Matrix
I think I passed into an alternate universe somewhere during the middle of the night. Maybe my cell phone was too close to my head when that text message came in, alerting me that the Zen Vision M was up for auction on eBay, but anyway ... here was the headline:
US blasts cartoons of Prophet Mohammed
"These cartoons are indeed offensive to the beliefs of Muslims," State Department spokesman Justin Higgins said when queried about the furor sparked by the cartoons which first appeared in a Danish newspaper.
"We all fully recognize and respect freedom of the press and expression but it must be coupled with press responsibility," Higgins told AFP.
"Inciting religious or ethnic hatreds in this manner is not acceptable. We call for tolerance and respect for all communities and for their religious beliefs and practices."
Oh, really? Like you called for tolerance and respect when foul rapper Kanye West posed as Jesus Christ on the cover of Rolling Stone ... or when The Book of Daniel was put on the air ... or when Jesus Christ and Christianity are mocked, lampooned and ridiculed any number of times any given day in the media.
But never mind, I've got my big-girl panties on. Living in a free society means some days people are going to say and do things that piss you off. The fact that the State Department feels compelled to preach about tolerance in the face of the RoP's "International Day of Anger" speaks for itself.
(Hat tip: Michelle Malkin)
US blasts cartoons of Prophet Mohammed
"These cartoons are indeed offensive to the beliefs of Muslims," State Department spokesman Justin Higgins said when queried about the furor sparked by the cartoons which first appeared in a Danish newspaper.
"We all fully recognize and respect freedom of the press and expression but it must be coupled with press responsibility," Higgins told AFP.
"Inciting religious or ethnic hatreds in this manner is not acceptable. We call for tolerance and respect for all communities and for their religious beliefs and practices."
Oh, really? Like you called for tolerance and respect when foul rapper Kanye West posed as Jesus Christ on the cover of Rolling Stone ... or when The Book of Daniel was put on the air ... or when Jesus Christ and Christianity are mocked, lampooned and ridiculed any number of times any given day in the media.
But never mind, I've got my big-girl panties on. Living in a free society means some days people are going to say and do things that piss you off. The fact that the State Department feels compelled to preach about tolerance in the face of the RoP's "International Day of Anger" speaks for itself.
(Hat tip: Michelle Malkin)
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Cube party!!!
A coworker of mine collects The Cubes (R) playsets. Today -- a particularly hard day -- she decided we needed a little Cube People Party:
I'm delighted to see the return of breakdancing! W00t!
I'm delighted to see the return of breakdancing! W00t!
Am I too old for this? I don't think so.
It's a gadget, and the GGB is all about gadgets, even if the target audience is 13-year-olds:
ThoughtSafe
Hat tip: Shiny Shiny
OK, this rocks, too: Simply Scarlet USB Flash Drive
ThoughtSafe
Hat tip: Shiny Shiny
OK, this rocks, too: Simply Scarlet USB Flash Drive
Humor break
From the GGB's bookmark collection, for your jocular enjoyment:
www.awfulplasticsurgery.com
www.churchsigngenerator.com
www.engrish.com
http://gofugyourself.typepad.com
www.awfulplasticsurgery.com
www.churchsigngenerator.com
www.engrish.com
http://gofugyourself.typepad.com
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
A glimpse behind the scenes at Chez GGB
The scene: "R" and the GGB at the GGB's home watching Fox News' coverage of the SOTU and the Democrat response by Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine (D).
Brit Hume: "And now we go live to the governor's mansion in Richmond, Virginia."
R: "I've been right on those steps." (R is a former resident of Virginia.)
GGB: "Oooh, a fireplace. Looks like he's going to read us a bedtime story."
Kaine: "Hi, I'm Tim Kaine, governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. And there is a better way."
R: "What is up with this guy's eyebrow?"
GGB: "The government's going to take care of you, we're going to pay for everything, blah dee blah blah blah."
Kaine: "There is a better way."
R: "Creepy, creepy."
GGB: "I feel like I'm watching an informercial. Like he's going to sell us power tools. No, he's not (grunting sound) enough to sell us power tools."
R: "Maybe kitchen appliances."
Kaine: "There is a better way."
GGB: "You didn't vote for this guy, did you?"
R: (looking absolutely horrified) "Hell no!"
Kaine: "Thereisabetterwaythereisabetterywaythereisabetterway. God bless America."
Brit Hume: "Let's go now to our panel and discuss how they go about choosing someone to offer the Democratic response and why they would pick such a person. Mort?"
GGB: "Want another beer?"
R: "Absolutely."
UPDATE: Something else had been bothering me about Kaine, and I finally figured it out. He eerily reminds me of "Larry," a guy I went out with about a year ago who (1) was on lithium, (2) couldn't take no for an answer (especially when I objected to being clumsily felt up on our third date), and (3) HAS THE SAME EYEBROW WEIRDNESS.
Eeewww. Icky.
Brit Hume: "And now we go live to the governor's mansion in Richmond, Virginia."
R: "I've been right on those steps." (R is a former resident of Virginia.)
GGB: "Oooh, a fireplace. Looks like he's going to read us a bedtime story."
Kaine: "Hi, I'm Tim Kaine, governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. And there is a better way."
R: "What is up with this guy's eyebrow?"
GGB: "The government's going to take care of you, we're going to pay for everything, blah dee blah blah blah."
Kaine: "There is a better way."
R: "Creepy, creepy."
GGB: "I feel like I'm watching an informercial. Like he's going to sell us power tools. No, he's not (grunting sound) enough to sell us power tools."
R: "Maybe kitchen appliances."
Kaine: "There is a better way."
GGB: "You didn't vote for this guy, did you?"
R: (looking absolutely horrified) "Hell no!"
Kaine: "Thereisabetterwaythereisabetterywaythereisabetterway. God bless America."
Brit Hume: "Let's go now to our panel and discuss how they go about choosing someone to offer the Democratic response and why they would pick such a person. Mort?"
GGB: "Want another beer?"
R: "Absolutely."
UPDATE: Something else had been bothering me about Kaine, and I finally figured it out. He eerily reminds me of "Larry," a guy I went out with about a year ago who (1) was on lithium, (2) couldn't take no for an answer (especially when I objected to being clumsily felt up on our third date), and (3) HAS THE SAME EYEBROW WEIRDNESS.
Eeewww. Icky.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
The NEW man in black
Ladies and gentlemen, as you well know, we now have an all-male Supreme Court. Judge Samuel Alito is now Justice Alito and ... excuse me ... this just in ...
Ruth Bader Ginsburg is actually female.
My bad. But that's what the ACLU will do to you. (Get that woman a gift certificate to Sephora stat.)
Anyhoo ... going to watch the SOTU tonight with R, some pizza and R's home-brewed beer. Of course, the real fun won't happen until the Dems' post-address griping. I'm thinking R and I should play a drinking game and quaff every time the Dems say one of the following phrases:
"A woman's right to choose."
"Right-wing extremist."
"Quagmire."
"We support the troops, but ..."
"Running the Congress like the plantation." (Oops ... already taken.)
I'll be looped within five minutes.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg is actually female.
My bad. But that's what the ACLU will do to you. (Get that woman a gift certificate to Sephora stat.)
Anyhoo ... going to watch the SOTU tonight with R, some pizza and R's home-brewed beer. Of course, the real fun won't happen until the Dems' post-address griping. I'm thinking R and I should play a drinking game and quaff every time the Dems say one of the following phrases:
"A woman's right to choose."
"Right-wing extremist."
"Quagmire."
"We support the troops, but ..."
"Running the Congress like the plantation." (Oops ... already taken.)
I'll be looped within five minutes.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
You say it's your birthday?
The GGB is 36 today. But they say the 40s are the new 30s, therefore the 30s must be the new 20s, which means I'm only 26.
Nah. I like 36 more than 26. Granted, I wish I had the bod I did at 26, but I otherwise do not miss the insecurity, stupidity and general lack of "doneness" I had a decade ago. I needed to simmer for awhile to achieve my full flavor, and I think I'm just about right.
Meanwhile, the GGB has hit the motherlode in the Internet dating world. (And no, you cannot see my profile.) I discovered the secret is to hunt within your own species; that is, I went specifically looking for geeks. And they came looking for me. Note Exhibit A:
These arrived yesterday at my office from "R." Too early in the game to share with you all the gory details about R. Let's just say that he scored several points with the fleurs and with the angus filet mignon he fixed last night. And he got me installments III and IV of the Myst series. What a gent.
Nah. I like 36 more than 26. Granted, I wish I had the bod I did at 26, but I otherwise do not miss the insecurity, stupidity and general lack of "doneness" I had a decade ago. I needed to simmer for awhile to achieve my full flavor, and I think I'm just about right.
Meanwhile, the GGB has hit the motherlode in the Internet dating world. (And no, you cannot see my profile.) I discovered the secret is to hunt within your own species; that is, I went specifically looking for geeks. And they came looking for me. Note Exhibit A:
These arrived yesterday at my office from "R." Too early in the game to share with you all the gory details about R. Let's just say that he scored several points with the fleurs and with the angus filet mignon he fixed last night. And he got me installments III and IV of the Myst series. What a gent.
Monday, January 23, 2006
I can't believe I ate the whole thing
OK ... now I know why this stuff is $400 a pound.
Tasted my first Beluga caviar last night. (Domestic farm-raised, my friends. Imported Beluga is banned.)
OMG. That salty stuff you get in jars in the canned meat aisle alongside the Spam and tinned herring? Fuhgettaboutit. Beluga is amazing. Literally gave me shivers. Straight outta the jar on a wafer was an experience in gastronomic bliss unequaled by few other things.
Tasted my first Beluga caviar last night. (Domestic farm-raised, my friends. Imported Beluga is banned.)
OMG. That salty stuff you get in jars in the canned meat aisle alongside the Spam and tinned herring? Fuhgettaboutit. Beluga is amazing. Literally gave me shivers. Straight outta the jar on a wafer was an experience in gastronomic bliss unequaled by few other things.
MP3 musings
Let me just say: Napster rocks. Now that I've finally ditched Norton (thank you, Rich) and gone with McAfee's Internet Security Suite, my Napster connection is running like a song.
Currently playing on my Samsung 1GB player: the Super Workout Mix. (Which I'm listening to while typing. Ha!)
Right now: "Solsbury Hill" by Peter Gabriel
Up next: "El Elem Alla" by Amr Diab
Embarrassing but true: "Bad Boys" by Inner Circle (Yeah ... the theme from COPS)
Always a classic: "Think" by Aretha Franklin
80s rush: "Stand" by R.E.M.
Love it but wish I could sing it: "One Week" by Barenaked Ladies
Currently playing on my Samsung 1GB player: the Super Workout Mix. (Which I'm listening to while typing. Ha!)
Right now: "Solsbury Hill" by Peter Gabriel
Up next: "El Elem Alla" by Amr Diab
Embarrassing but true: "Bad Boys" by Inner Circle (Yeah ... the theme from COPS)
Always a classic: "Think" by Aretha Franklin
80s rush: "Stand" by R.E.M.
Love it but wish I could sing it: "One Week" by Barenaked Ladies
Friday, January 13, 2006
Random thoughts
It is a weary, dreary day here in the 'Ham. Not terribly cold but rainy and overcast. It's the Friday before a holiday weekend, and your humble correspondent is not much closer to full functionality than she was at precisely 8:04 a.m. when she dragged her weary bod out of bed, despite the intake of (1) full-strength Mountain Dew, (1) full-strength cup of Starbucks' Sumatra with a generous dash of Coffee-mate Hazelnut, and (1) full-strength Coke.
Zzzzzzzzzzzz .......................
::: sound of head hitting the desk :::
Oh! Sorry, folks. Random thoughts ...
- Ted Kennedy is a jerk.
- Not that I need yet another form of amusement, but check this out: http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/games/7b24/
- I do not want to see Jake Gyllenhaal play a gay cowboy. I just don't. Call me a redneck, I don't care what the critics are saying, I just can't go there. Hurts my head to think about it.
- I did a double-take today. I think Harriet Miers clubbed Chancellor Angela Merkel in a Berlin alley and is now running Germany. C'mon, look at this photo. Have you ever seen Miers and Merkel in the same room?
- Pat Robertson. Also a jerk.
- Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are visiting Haiti and .....
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Zzzzzzzzzzzz .......................
::: sound of head hitting the desk :::
Oh! Sorry, folks. Random thoughts ...
- Ted Kennedy is a jerk.
- Not that I need yet another form of amusement, but check this out: http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/games/7b24/
- I do not want to see Jake Gyllenhaal play a gay cowboy. I just don't. Call me a redneck, I don't care what the critics are saying, I just can't go there. Hurts my head to think about it.
- I did a double-take today. I think Harriet Miers clubbed Chancellor Angela Merkel in a Berlin alley and is now running Germany. C'mon, look at this photo. Have you ever seen Miers and Merkel in the same room?
- Pat Robertson. Also a jerk.
- Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are visiting Haiti and .....
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Green ham and eggs
Ladies and gentlemen, it's the second half of the first decade of the 21st century, and we have glow-in-the-dark green pigs:
Monday, January 09, 2006
Babs & Harry at it again
Headlines read today that Harry Belafonte is calling W "the world's greatest terrorist" while hob-nobbing it with Hugo down in Venezuela, and Babs Streisand is "urging caution over Iran."
::: snort :::
Does anyone take these guys seriously? Or do they make headlines so that people like me out here in Jesusland can laugh our arses off? Considering that I saw these two headlines on Drudge, I hope it's the latter.
Happy Monday, everyone. Hope to be blogging more in 2006.
::: snort :::
Does anyone take these guys seriously? Or do they make headlines so that people like me out here in Jesusland can laugh our arses off? Considering that I saw these two headlines on Drudge, I hope it's the latter.
Happy Monday, everyone. Hope to be blogging more in 2006.
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Next, we ban bad people
"Utopia is a small town in upstate New York; different zip code than the criminal courts building."
-- Steven Hill as "Adam Schiff" in Law & Order
UN nuclear watchdog chief Mohamed ElBaradei declared today that the 27,000 nuclear warheads in existence worldwide are "27,000 too many" and pondered: "The hard part is how do we create an environment in which nuclear weapons -- like slavery or genocide -- are regarded as a taboo and a historical anomaly?"
Oh, I don't know, Mr. ElBaradei, pass a law against bad people? And by the way, have you visited Sudan lately?
ElBaradei and a Japanese shared this year's Nobel Peace Prize, designated by Alfred Nobel in his will in 1895 to go to whoever had done most for the "abolition of standing armies." In other words, whoever has done the most to make the world more dangerous.
In a choice bit of unintended humor, ElBaradei said the world is "nowhere near that goal" of having no standing armies.
::: crickets :::
-- Steven Hill as "Adam Schiff" in Law & Order
UN nuclear watchdog chief Mohamed ElBaradei declared today that the 27,000 nuclear warheads in existence worldwide are "27,000 too many" and pondered: "The hard part is how do we create an environment in which nuclear weapons -- like slavery or genocide -- are regarded as a taboo and a historical anomaly?"
Oh, I don't know, Mr. ElBaradei, pass a law against bad people? And by the way, have you visited Sudan lately?
ElBaradei and a Japanese shared this year's Nobel Peace Prize, designated by Alfred Nobel in his will in 1895 to go to whoever had done most for the "abolition of standing armies." In other words, whoever has done the most to make the world more dangerous.
In a choice bit of unintended humor, ElBaradei said the world is "nowhere near that goal" of having no standing armies.
::: crickets :::
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Oh, just HUSH!!!
Pat Robertson needs a chill pill:Pat Robertson Warns Pa. Town of Disaster
An attempt to introduce intelligent design into the Dover, Pa., School System curricula was defeated when school board members who supported the measure were ousted in elections Tuesday.
Usually I'm a little skeptical of news stories that make evangelicals look bad, but Pat Robertson has made so many looney-tune prognostications over the years, I'm betting that this quote is accurate:
"I'd like to say to the good citizens of Dover: If there is a disaster in your area, don't turn to God. You just rejected him from your city."
That'll teach 'em, Pat. You might threaten to yank The 700 Club off the local channels in Dover while you're at it. Oh, wait ... they might like that ...
Somebody explain this to me: Why do people like Robertson want to mandate curricula that is friendly to Christianity while the Southern Baptist Convention simultaneously urges the faithful to remove their children from the public school system? Helloooo ... you can't have it both ways!
In the meanwhile, Pat? Put a sock in it.
Haven for criminals
Yoo hoo! Calling all criminals!!
If you want some easy pickin's, head on over to San Francisco. Mugging, home invasion, rape and murder ... you won't meet much resistance.
And if San Franscisco is shut down by an earthquake, even better!! Riots and looting for everyone.
If you want some easy pickin's, head on over to San Francisco. Mugging, home invasion, rape and murder ... you won't meet much resistance.
And if San Franscisco is shut down by an earthquake, even better!! Riots and looting for everyone.
Monday, October 31, 2005
Sick, sick, sick
*** READER ADVISORY -- GRAPHIC IMAGE ***
I've just about had it up to here with the sicko dealth cult of Islamofascism and their sycophants in the media. Exhibit A:
Indonesia boosts security after girls beheaded
To sum it up for you: A group of sicko bastards ambushed five innocent schoolgirls on Saturday. Three were beheaded. But the way Al Reuters puts it, you'd think this was just another skirmish in some sort of civil war between Muslims and Christians:
Muslim-Christian clashes in the Poso area killed 2,000 people from 1998 through 2001, when a peace deal was agreed.
Can we get just one thing straight?? Indonesian Christians have not been going around cutting off Muslims' heads, okay?? The violence has been against Christians, not between Muslims and Christians. In fact, Indonesia -- the world's most populous Islamic nation -- is one of the riskiest places in the world to be a professing Christian believer.
In fact, check out just how risky it is. My apologies for disturbing anyone's comfort zone, but I think you need to see this:
Someone didn't get the "Religion of Peace" memo. This has GOT to stop.
I've just about had it up to here with the sicko dealth cult of Islamofascism and their sycophants in the media. Exhibit A:
Indonesia boosts security after girls beheaded
To sum it up for you: A group of sicko bastards ambushed five innocent schoolgirls on Saturday. Three were beheaded. But the way Al Reuters puts it, you'd think this was just another skirmish in some sort of civil war between Muslims and Christians:
Muslim-Christian clashes in the Poso area killed 2,000 people from 1998 through 2001, when a peace deal was agreed.
Can we get just one thing straight?? Indonesian Christians have not been going around cutting off Muslims' heads, okay?? The violence has been against Christians, not between Muslims and Christians. In fact, Indonesia -- the world's most populous Islamic nation -- is one of the riskiest places in the world to be a professing Christian believer.
In fact, check out just how risky it is. My apologies for disturbing anyone's comfort zone, but I think you need to see this:
Someone didn't get the "Religion of Peace" memo. This has GOT to stop.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Monday, October 24, 2005
"Supreme" Halloween costume idea
I am sooooo tempted to buy a royal blue suit, sensible shoes, a short frosted-blonde wig and mega black eyeliner and go as Harriet Miers for Halloween this year.
Would I frighten small children? Inquiring minds wanna know.
Would I frighten small children? Inquiring minds wanna know.
Saturday, October 22, 2005
The Man in Black returns
The GGB is beside herself with excitement at the upcoming 20th Century Fox biopic Walk the Line. I've been a Johnny Cash fan for 30 years. (And I'm 35, so you do the math.) What in the world a five-year-old found appealing about "Folsom Prison Blues" or "Sunday Morning Coming Down" is beyond me, but there I was with my little red Radio Shack 8-track player and a couple of JC cassettes to keep me happy. I mean, come on, the guy did a stint on The Muppets. Anyone who appears on The Muppet Show has got to be OK.
I saw Johnny around 1995 at City Stages in Birmingham when he had his comeback. Man, what a show. I'm so glad I was able to see my idol, especially now that Johnny is no longer with us.
If you haven't watched the trailer, check it out here. I've read excellent pre-release reviews about the movie and about Joaquin Phoenix' and Reese Witherspoon's performances. I think they both look a little "pretty" to be playing June 'n' Johnny. (In fact, Joaquin is downright luscious, whereas Johnny looked much more road-worn, even in his 20s, but we'll see how it goes. He's just about got the voice down pat. His rendition of "Ring of Fire" is pretty darn good.)The GGB will follow up with a review next month when the flick is released.
In the meanwhile, check out the official Johnny Cash Web site here.
Johnny Cash
1932 - 2003
And hopefully one day, they'll cost 50 cents
Jollyblogger discovers a vending machine for iPods at Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
You guys are no fun
The venerable Somali movie industry took a hit this week:
Somali Islamic militias raid movie studio (CNN)
"The courts consider watching movies, listening to music, dancing and many other forms of entertainment un-Islamic."
Some have noted that fundamentalists of all stripes tend to have a problem with fun. ;) But before we lump the Somali movie critics in with the Amish, let's not forget one important distinction: Christian fundamentalists generally burn their own books, movies and CDs. Islamic fundamentalists burn other people's property and other people while they're at it. (Cue tape of the bombing in Bali.)
Some would argue it's only a matter of degree, but it'd be interesting to ask Hollywood: Who would you rather have criticizing your films, Jerry Falwell or the Somali militia?
Somali Islamic militias raid movie studio (CNN)
"The courts consider watching movies, listening to music, dancing and many other forms of entertainment un-Islamic."
Some have noted that fundamentalists of all stripes tend to have a problem with fun. ;) But before we lump the Somali movie critics in with the Amish, let's not forget one important distinction: Christian fundamentalists generally burn their own books, movies and CDs. Islamic fundamentalists burn other people's property and other people while they're at it. (Cue tape of the bombing in Bali.)
Some would argue it's only a matter of degree, but it'd be interesting to ask Hollywood: Who would you rather have criticizing your films, Jerry Falwell or the Somali militia?
Blog break
Sorry for the dearth of posts, friends. 2005 is speeding toward its close and taking the GGB right along with it. Will post as able.
Friday, October 14, 2005
Friday, October 07, 2005
Who you gonna trust?
The Jollyblogger has a very lucid post about why George Bush's "trust me" mantra doesn't quite cut it, and evangelics who repeat the mantra are being a little disingenous.
The Borg-ization of America
Lately, I've been seeing people walk around with these wireless headsets like this:
"Hi ... I'm Bob, and I look like a complete dork."
I'm not talking about wearing them at their desks or while driving a car, I'm talking about in and out of elevators, walking down the street, taking a smoke break -- when they're not actually on the phone.
The GGB is a passionate technophile, but I draw the line at having gizmos attached to my head unless absolutely necessary. I had enough of gizmos attached to my head during second grade when I had to wear an orthodontic headgear to correct a vicious overbite. (The photo below is not me but it gives you an idea of what it's like walking around with enough metal on your head and face to contact Mars.)
I'm afraid that if this trend is allowed to continue, we'll all look like this in seven or eight years:
Only Patrick Stewart could make Borg-ization sexy.
So, please, folks, for the love of aesthetics and your own social life, get the gizmos out of your ears and look like a real member of the human race. Walking around with those headsets just looks stupid, m'kay?
"Hi ... I'm Bob, and I look like a complete dork."
I'm not talking about wearing them at their desks or while driving a car, I'm talking about in and out of elevators, walking down the street, taking a smoke break -- when they're not actually on the phone.
The GGB is a passionate technophile, but I draw the line at having gizmos attached to my head unless absolutely necessary. I had enough of gizmos attached to my head during second grade when I had to wear an orthodontic headgear to correct a vicious overbite. (The photo below is not me but it gives you an idea of what it's like walking around with enough metal on your head and face to contact Mars.)
I'm afraid that if this trend is allowed to continue, we'll all look like this in seven or eight years:
Only Patrick Stewart could make Borg-ization sexy.
So, please, folks, for the love of aesthetics and your own social life, get the gizmos out of your ears and look like a real member of the human race. Walking around with those headsets just looks stupid, m'kay?
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Bono: Ambassador of grace
I haven't always agreed with his politics ... or the fact that his band played for barely two hours at Legion Field in Birmingham in 1992 ... but I've always loved U2 and the musical glories of their frontman, Bono. (Not to mention the fact that he's really, really sexy. ;^)I'll never forget the summer I spent listening to The Joshua Tree over and over and over again, never losing the feeling that I was tripping through heaven with each replay on my Walkman. Even now, "Red Hill Mining Town" has a way of lifting me into the third heaven like few other pieces of music can -- be they sacred or secular.
And now, after reading this article in Christianity Today, my respect for the brooding Irishman has gone up about 100 notches:
Bono: Grace Over Karma
His humility and apt articulation of grace are beautiful:
I love the idea of the Sacrificial Lamb. I love the idea that God says: Look, you cretins, there are certain results to the way we are, to selfishness, and there's a mortality as part of your very sinful nature, and, let's face it, you're not living a very good life, are you? There are consequences to actions. The point of the death of Christ is that Christ took on the sins of the world, so that what we put out did not come back to us, and that our sinful nature does not reap the obvious death. That's the point. It should keep us humbled… . It's not our own good works that get us through the gates of heaven.
Time to go play Achtung Baby.
OK bomber update
News organizations in Oklahoma are uncovering fairly clear indications that Joel Henry Hinrichs III, the 21-year-old who detonated himself outside a Sooners football game Saturday, could have been a wannabe jihadist. He had a cache of explosives in his apartment and apparent conncections to the local Muslim community ... not to mention a hideous beard.
<--- Voted Most Likely to Go Out with a Bang??
A good place to start on continuing updates would be Michelle Malkin's coverage of this goon.
As you can tell, this story is getting me cranky. Leaves me in a right awkward position, too, regarding my religion, which says: "Love your enemies."
Right now, I can honestly say I despise this guy and I despise people who want to blow up discos and pizza joints and airliners. And, by extension, I'm becoming suspicious of anyone who is Muslim.
No, I'm not even considering violent or hateful action toward anyone who is Muslim. I know a few Muslims who I like very much. One in particular comes to mind. Amiable guy. Gives me the Arab double-cheek-kiss whenever I see him.
But I also know he treats his wife like doo-doo.
It's crap like that -- from treating women like property to blowing yourself up outside a football stadium -- that makes me want to say, "Will you guys just get with the 21st century or LEAVE???" In fact, forget the 21st century thing. Just leave. Go. Get out of my country and go be uncivilized somewhere else.
I guess there is nothing redemptive about ultimatums, and I don't have any good answers to "WWJD?" But the command to "love your enemies" is something I'm having a real hard time with. I could love them better if I didn't have to deal with them. And I guess that's the point.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
It's getting kohl'd in here
For your inspection:
"Mindfreak" illusionist Criss Angel:
Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers:
That's all I'm going to say about it.
"Mindfreak" illusionist Criss Angel:
Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers:
That's all I'm going to say about it.
Monday, October 03, 2005
It's got a good beat, it's in Farsi, I give it a 10!
And the hits just keep on comin':
In recent days, Iran's airwaves have been buzzing with two new tunes apparently designed to rally public support for the clerical regime's increasingly tense stand-off with the West over its nuclear ambitions.
The first song is entitled "Oriental Sun, Nuclear Science", and sung to a backdrop of military-style marching music by Ali Tafreshi. The second similarly catchy tune is "Nuclear Know-How" by Reza Shirazi.
Now, the GGB has more than a passing familiarity with Middle Eastern pop music, and I guaran-damn-tee you that anything with a military beat is not currently playing in the iPods of the young and the restless on the streets of Tehran.
Reminds me of those gosh-awful music videos of pre-liberation Iraq where mustachioed guys in leisure suits sang pop songs extoling Saddam.
Blech. Give me the liberal media over government-run media any day of the week and twice at Ramadan.
In recent days, Iran's airwaves have been buzzing with two new tunes apparently designed to rally public support for the clerical regime's increasingly tense stand-off with the West over its nuclear ambitions.
The first song is entitled "Oriental Sun, Nuclear Science", and sung to a backdrop of military-style marching music by Ali Tafreshi. The second similarly catchy tune is "Nuclear Know-How" by Reza Shirazi.
Now, the GGB has more than a passing familiarity with Middle Eastern pop music, and I guaran-damn-tee you that anything with a military beat is not currently playing in the iPods of the young and the restless on the streets of Tehran.
Reminds me of those gosh-awful music videos of pre-liberation Iraq where mustachioed guys in leisure suits sang pop songs extoling Saddam.
Blech. Give me the liberal media over government-run media any day of the week and twice at Ramadan.
Clooney: He's starting to get it.
Well, sort of.
My favorite liberal actor, George Clooney, is starting to get it: Celebrity endorsements do not help get candidates elected, so he's vowing to keep quiet in the next round of elections. Unfortunately, Gorgeous George fails to grasp exactly why this is:
"My father ran for congress last year (04). I couldn't campaign for him and I knew I couldn't, because I'd hurt him. They tried to get me to get on the JOHN KERRY train and I said, 'We'll hurt him. They'll use us as 'liberal'.'
"Now, I would argue that (throughout) American history, it's pretty hard to find a time when liberals were on the wrong side of an issue. We thought that the conservative view was, 'Witches should be burned at the stake.' Moderate view was: 'Well, just in case,' and the liberal view was, 'There's no such thing as witches.'
"We thought women should be able to vote and blacks should be allowed to sit at the front of the bus and Vietnam was wrong. We haven't really been on a lot of wrong sides for us to be sort of used as this bad word.
I hate to break it to ya, George, but it's ugly caricatures of conservatives as witch-burners and Klansmen that turn people off.
(Not to mention the fact that your assertions are not entirely true. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 had greater Republican than Democratic support, and let's not forget that the segregationist South was largely Democratic. Visual aid: Sen. Robert Byrd.)
We really don't begrudge you speaking your mind about issues or making politically-charged (but artistically excellent) films such as Three Kings and Confessions of a Dangerous Mind. It's the broad-brush stereotyping (so prevalent in Hollywood) that makes us grab our remotes.
By the way, hope your back is doing better. Love the villa. :)
My favorite liberal actor, George Clooney, is starting to get it: Celebrity endorsements do not help get candidates elected, so he's vowing to keep quiet in the next round of elections. Unfortunately, Gorgeous George fails to grasp exactly why this is:
"My father ran for congress last year (04). I couldn't campaign for him and I knew I couldn't, because I'd hurt him. They tried to get me to get on the JOHN KERRY train and I said, 'We'll hurt him. They'll use us as 'liberal'.'
"Now, I would argue that (throughout) American history, it's pretty hard to find a time when liberals were on the wrong side of an issue. We thought that the conservative view was, 'Witches should be burned at the stake.' Moderate view was: 'Well, just in case,' and the liberal view was, 'There's no such thing as witches.'
"We thought women should be able to vote and blacks should be allowed to sit at the front of the bus and Vietnam was wrong. We haven't really been on a lot of wrong sides for us to be sort of used as this bad word.
I hate to break it to ya, George, but it's ugly caricatures of conservatives as witch-burners and Klansmen that turn people off.
(Not to mention the fact that your assertions are not entirely true. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 had greater Republican than Democratic support, and let's not forget that the segregationist South was largely Democratic. Visual aid: Sen. Robert Byrd.)
We really don't begrudge you speaking your mind about issues or making politically-charged (but artistically excellent) films such as Three Kings and Confessions of a Dangerous Mind. It's the broad-brush stereotyping (so prevalent in Hollywood) that makes us grab our remotes.
By the way, hope your back is doing better. Love the villa. :)
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Oklahoma "suicide bombing"
The blogosophere is abuzz about Saturday evening's "apparent" suicide-by-explosives 100 yards outside the OU football stadium where 84,000 fans were gathered. The intrepid Michelle Malkin is covering the story.
The victim in question is a 21-year-old engineering major named Joel Henry Hinrichs. Not exactly the moniker of a suicide bomber, but it begs the question: Did he intend to take some Sooner fans with him but his timer wasn't working?
Nutjob or would-be suicide bomber, no one knows, but this is one story that bears following.
The victim in question is a 21-year-old engineering major named Joel Henry Hinrichs. Not exactly the moniker of a suicide bomber, but it begs the question: Did he intend to take some Sooner fans with him but his timer wasn't working?
Nutjob or would-be suicide bomber, no one knows, but this is one story that bears following.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Good grief, not again
You Birminghamians out there might remember Hank Erwin, former host of WDJC's afternoon talk show. Erwin was a fairly popular figure in the '90s among the local evangelical community -- much to my chagrin. Now a state senator, he's making headlines again, claiming Katrina was God's judgment on the sin-filled Gulf Coast.
(As Neal Boortz acidly commented, that explains all the hurricanes in Las Vegas.)
I'll be honest with you, full disclaimer here: I have very little respect for Erwin and have tangled with him from time to time. I might agree with him on many topics in principle, but his vitriol-filled rants interspersed with loony Biblical exegesis have left me wanting to punch a hole in the radio more than once.
One time, I nearly fell out of my chair when he advised a caller that the wine Jesus created at the Cana wedding was, indeed, wine ... it just wasn't intoxicating! (I was tempted to call in and ask if Jesus whipped up some o' that non-intoxicating wine for the Last Supper, but I resisted.) And now, Erwin is cloaking himself with a prophet's mantle and claiming to know God's ultimate purposes behind the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina.
Erwin, IMHO, is making the same sort of buffoonish statements as Falwell did in the post 9/11 days. This issue is not whether God judges sin but whether it is our prerogative to announce God's judgment whenever extreme tragedy befalls our neighbors. I suppose, according to Erwin's logic, we might as well tour the cancer wards and the ICUs and say, "Hey there, friend! What sort of vile sin put you here, huh? You some kind a pervert?"
(And by the way, Hank, have you read the Book of Job lately?)
Furthermore, Erwin talks about "godliness" and "churchgoing" and "godly living" but never mentions Jesus, the only sinless person and the only one who can save us from sin and judgment, hurricanes or no. And then he recommends these things so we'll be under "divine protection" from Mother Nature's wrath.
(Again, Hank, read the Book of Job lately?)
As for why Katrina did happen, I'm inclined to agree with the Methodist bishop quoted in the article:
"I have no idea what sort of senator or politician Mr. Erwin is, but he's sure no theologian," William Willimon, bishop of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church, told the News. "I'm certainly against gambling and its hold on state government in Mississippi, but I expect there is as much sin, of possibly a different order, in Montevallo as on the Gulf Coast. If God punished all of us for our sin, who could stand?"
Indeed.
(As Neal Boortz acidly commented, that explains all the hurricanes in Las Vegas.)
I'll be honest with you, full disclaimer here: I have very little respect for Erwin and have tangled with him from time to time. I might agree with him on many topics in principle, but his vitriol-filled rants interspersed with loony Biblical exegesis have left me wanting to punch a hole in the radio more than once.
One time, I nearly fell out of my chair when he advised a caller that the wine Jesus created at the Cana wedding was, indeed, wine ... it just wasn't intoxicating! (I was tempted to call in and ask if Jesus whipped up some o' that non-intoxicating wine for the Last Supper, but I resisted.) And now, Erwin is cloaking himself with a prophet's mantle and claiming to know God's ultimate purposes behind the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina.
Erwin, IMHO, is making the same sort of buffoonish statements as Falwell did in the post 9/11 days. This issue is not whether God judges sin but whether it is our prerogative to announce God's judgment whenever extreme tragedy befalls our neighbors. I suppose, according to Erwin's logic, we might as well tour the cancer wards and the ICUs and say, "Hey there, friend! What sort of vile sin put you here, huh? You some kind a pervert?"
(And by the way, Hank, have you read the Book of Job lately?)
Furthermore, Erwin talks about "godliness" and "churchgoing" and "godly living" but never mentions Jesus, the only sinless person and the only one who can save us from sin and judgment, hurricanes or no. And then he recommends these things so we'll be under "divine protection" from Mother Nature's wrath.
(Again, Hank, read the Book of Job lately?)
As for why Katrina did happen, I'm inclined to agree with the Methodist bishop quoted in the article:
"I have no idea what sort of senator or politician Mr. Erwin is, but he's sure no theologian," William Willimon, bishop of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church, told the News. "I'm certainly against gambling and its hold on state government in Mississippi, but I expect there is as much sin, of possibly a different order, in Montevallo as on the Gulf Coast. If God punished all of us for our sin, who could stand?"
Indeed.
This avian flu thing is for the birds
Got a health e-newsletter today with this apocalyptic headline:
"Officials Predict Global Bird Flu Epidemic"
The GGB is still reading up on a recent outbreak of avian flu in Asia (which, so far, has mostly affected -- you guessed it -- birds). However, I find it hard to work up a sweat when I read pronouncements like this:
Avian flu can be lethal when transmitted to humans, and has killed dozens in Asia to date.
Dozens? We're not even up to a hundred yet? Don't more people die from choking on popcorn? The GGB will investigate further. In the meanwhile, wake me up when there's real news to report.
"Officials Predict Global Bird Flu Epidemic"
The GGB is still reading up on a recent outbreak of avian flu in Asia (which, so far, has mostly affected -- you guessed it -- birds). However, I find it hard to work up a sweat when I read pronouncements like this:
Avian flu can be lethal when transmitted to humans, and has killed dozens in Asia to date.
Dozens? We're not even up to a hundred yet? Don't more people die from choking on popcorn? The GGB will investigate further. In the meanwhile, wake me up when there's real news to report.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Boobs for peace ... yeah, that's the ticket
Anti-war protesters got nekkid in front of the White House as part of Cindy Sheehan's Mother-Love-Salvation Show.
It was not a pretty sight, but check out these links from Little Green Footballs if you need a good laugh.
And they accuse conservatives of being deranged? Color me modest, but I'm smart enough to know which body parts not to expose in public.
It was not a pretty sight, but check out these links from Little Green Footballs if you need a good laugh.
And they accuse conservatives of being deranged? Color me modest, but I'm smart enough to know which body parts not to expose in public.
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Guffaw of the day
It never ceases to amuse me when people who are obviously contemptuous of Christians and Christianity attempt to lecture the masses on who is and who is not a "real" Christian.
Exhibit A: British MP George Galloway on Politically Incorrect.
Is it just me, or does Bill Maher's face look like marzipan?
CORRECTION: Bill Maher's program is called Real Time.
Exhibit A: British MP George Galloway on Politically Incorrect.
Is it just me, or does Bill Maher's face look like marzipan?
CORRECTION: Bill Maher's program is called Real Time.
Rita throws a tantrum
Alabama is getting hit by a rash of tornadoes today from the remnants of Hurricane Rita, which is now just a low pressure system.
Earlier today, we were outlooked by the Storm Prediction Center for a minor risk of severe weather, but our local weather forecasters have been on the air in wall-to-wall severe weather coverage since at least 3 p.m. CDT today.
A Tornado Watch for the Birmingham area, which originally was to expire at 7 p.m., has been extended to 1 a.m. Monday.
At least we're getting some much-needed rain!!
Earlier today, we were outlooked by the Storm Prediction Center for a minor risk of severe weather, but our local weather forecasters have been on the air in wall-to-wall severe weather coverage since at least 3 p.m. CDT today.
A Tornado Watch for the Birmingham area, which originally was to expire at 7 p.m., has been extended to 1 a.m. Monday.
At least we're getting some much-needed rain!!
Media Center XP rocks
The GGB has been a total slug this weekend.
Between two hurricanes and a major business initiative at my place of employment, I am just about worn out. Tired of being in emergency mode!
My antidote this weekend has been to play with the Media Center functions on my PC. I don't care what all you Linux snobs say (and you know who you are!!), Media Center XP rocks.
I explored the Online Spotlight feature and downloaded two films via Movielink. Way, way cool. A Streetcar Named Desire and White Noise played flawlessly. I felt utterly cool recording JFK on cable while watching downloaded films. And via the Media Center guide, you can set the system to record TV programs and movies and a future date whenever they are scheduled to be aired.
I love living in the 21st century!!
Between two hurricanes and a major business initiative at my place of employment, I am just about worn out. Tired of being in emergency mode!
My antidote this weekend has been to play with the Media Center functions on my PC. I don't care what all you Linux snobs say (and you know who you are!!), Media Center XP rocks.
I explored the Online Spotlight feature and downloaded two films via Movielink. Way, way cool. A Streetcar Named Desire and White Noise played flawlessly. I felt utterly cool recording JFK on cable while watching downloaded films. And via the Media Center guide, you can set the system to record TV programs and movies and a future date whenever they are scheduled to be aired.
I love living in the 21st century!!
Adding insult to injury
Some Katrina evacuees in Tuscaloosa County, Ala., living in FEMA-supplied trailers have gotten hit by a tornado -- a spinoff from Hurricane Rita.
OUCH.
OUCH.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Friday, September 16, 2005
QotD
"Many in every age have disturbed society by stirring up the poor against the rich, and by preaching the popular doctrine that all men ought to be equal. But so long as the world is under the present order of things this universal equality cannot be attained. Those who speak against the vast inequality of men's fates will doubtless never lack an audience; but so long as human nature is what it is, this inequality cannot be prevented.
"Take all the property in our country by force this very day, and divide it equally among the inhabitants. Give every man above the age of twenty an equal portion. Let everyone share and share alike, and begin the world over again. Do this, and see where you would be at the end of fifty years. You would have just come back around to the point where you began. You would find things just as unequal as before. Some would have worked, and some would have been lazy. Some would have always been careless, and some always scheming. Some would have sold, and others would have bought. Some would have wasted, and others would have saved. And the end would be that some would be rich and others poor."
-- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) in Practical Religion
"Take all the property in our country by force this very day, and divide it equally among the inhabitants. Give every man above the age of twenty an equal portion. Let everyone share and share alike, and begin the world over again. Do this, and see where you would be at the end of fifty years. You would have just come back around to the point where you began. You would find things just as unequal as before. Some would have worked, and some would have been lazy. Some would have always been careless, and some always scheming. Some would have sold, and others would have bought. Some would have wasted, and others would have saved. And the end would be that some would be rich and others poor."
-- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) in Practical Religion
Monday, September 12, 2005
Reason to avoid Internet dating, #279
Married doctor woos two women, telling them he was married to them in a past life:
Ah, the old "married in a previous life" trick (Reuters)
Ah, the old "married in a previous life" trick (Reuters)
Crescent controversy
The GGB is back from a weekend in Atlanta and a virtual news blackout. Thus, I missed Friday's news about the unveiling of the plans for the Flight 93 memorial. In case you, like me, have been out of the loop, here's an artist's rendering of the memorial design:
"Alex, I'll take 'Things that remind you of Islam' for $500."
Michelle Malkin has tons of coverage here about the so-called "Crescent of Embrace." Even the name is creepy. Lord help us.
"Alex, I'll take 'Things that remind you of Islam' for $500."
Michelle Malkin has tons of coverage here about the so-called "Crescent of Embrace." Even the name is creepy. Lord help us.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
A much-needed humor break
I can take only so much of the foamy-mouthed rantings of Celion Dion, Angelina Jolie and Al Sharpton. For all who feel my pain, here's some medicine:
http://www.livejournal.com/users/mightyrikimaru/44935.html?mode=reply
(Hat tip: Boar's Head Tavern)
http://www.livejournal.com/users/mightyrikimaru/44935.html?mode=reply
(Hat tip: Boar's Head Tavern)
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Emergency Alert System -- asleep at the wheel
The GGB did a little research and discovered this USA Today article from 2003 and this Wired News article from just last year about major problems with the Emergency Alert System (EAS).
According to Wired, the EAS did not activate on Sept. 11 in New York City, nor did it activate to warn Southern Californians of deadly fires last year. And USA Today says that the "blanket" coverage of EAS is not what the FCC would have you believe.
If the president needed to warn the nation of an impending nuclear attack, he would have access to thousands of TV and radio stations to do so. But for state and local emergencies, the system is spotty at best. Even if the president were to activate the system nationally — something no president has done — he would reach only those people tuned in to a TV or radio network.
And here's a gem:
Michael Brown, the undersecretary for emergency preparedness and response, says the department isn't going to "jump in with both feet" [to develop a new national warning system]. He says the public will rely on news media for information during major disasters.
Will rely or should rely? Of course, apparently even Brown doesn't have cable in his particular section of Cluelessville. Here are some chilling words from the Wired article:
... many experts conclude [that] the Emergency Alert System is a mess. And as federal officials begin to launch efforts to expand emergency alerts to cell phones and the internet, critics say they need to spend time and money to preserve the creaky existing system and, perhaps more importantly, put someone in charge nationally.
"Unfortunately, I think it will take a major catastrophe where hundreds of thousands of people are killed for people to understand what (we) have been saying," said Jim Gabbert, who oversees California's Emergency Alert System and serves on a national advisory committee that's been sounding the alarm about alerts for two years.
Makes me feel all secure, doesn't it you?
UPDATE: In searching further for articles about the EAS, I'm turning up far more articles about the EAS being used in conjuction with AMBER Alerts than I am stories about it being used for weather or civil emergencies. I don't want to sound unsympathetic, but emergencies that threaten public safety are more urgent than missing children and should have the whole force of the EAS behind them.
UPDATE II: EAS not activated during San Diego firestorm of 2003. But it worked swimmingly to recover three abducted girls in Texas in 2004.
According to Wired, the EAS did not activate on Sept. 11 in New York City, nor did it activate to warn Southern Californians of deadly fires last year. And USA Today says that the "blanket" coverage of EAS is not what the FCC would have you believe.
If the president needed to warn the nation of an impending nuclear attack, he would have access to thousands of TV and radio stations to do so. But for state and local emergencies, the system is spotty at best. Even if the president were to activate the system nationally — something no president has done — he would reach only those people tuned in to a TV or radio network.
And here's a gem:
Michael Brown, the undersecretary for emergency preparedness and response, says the department isn't going to "jump in with both feet" [to develop a new national warning system]. He says the public will rely on news media for information during major disasters.
Will rely or should rely? Of course, apparently even Brown doesn't have cable in his particular section of Cluelessville. Here are some chilling words from the Wired article:
... many experts conclude [that] the Emergency Alert System is a mess. And as federal officials begin to launch efforts to expand emergency alerts to cell phones and the internet, critics say they need to spend time and money to preserve the creaky existing system and, perhaps more importantly, put someone in charge nationally.
"Unfortunately, I think it will take a major catastrophe where hundreds of thousands of people are killed for people to understand what (we) have been saying," said Jim Gabbert, who oversees California's Emergency Alert System and serves on a national advisory committee that's been sounding the alarm about alerts for two years.
Makes me feel all secure, doesn't it you?
UPDATE: In searching further for articles about the EAS, I'm turning up far more articles about the EAS being used in conjuction with AMBER Alerts than I am stories about it being used for weather or civil emergencies. I don't want to sound unsympathetic, but emergencies that threaten public safety are more urgent than missing children and should have the whole force of the EAS behind them.
UPDATE II: EAS not activated during San Diego firestorm of 2003. But it worked swimmingly to recover three abducted girls in Texas in 2004.
This is only a test
In response to an Instapundit blog post about the things we've learned from Katrina, a reader posited a very important question:
I haven't heard anything about the Emergency Alert System in relation to Katrina. Was it on? Did it work? Did it provide any useful information? I would think that a system that's been tested weekly since the 50's would have been pretty reliable.
According to the FCC's Web site on the subject, the EAS can broadcast an emergency message on all AM, FM and broadcast TV stations and on any cable system with more than 10,000 subscribers. The EAS was developed so that the president could directly communicate with the nation in the event of a national crisis, but since 1963, the system is authorized for local and state use as well.
Thus the question: Was the EAS activated?
I've actually heard people interviewed who claimed they weren't aware of the impending danger of Hurricane Katrina. I find that difficult to believe. On the other hand, plenty of people can't tell you who the vice president is, so it's entirely possible to live in an information vacuum, even in the information age.
Here in Birmingham, our civil defense siren system is activated for tornado warnings. However, if you cannot hear the siren and (A) do not have a weather radio that can be activated by the National Weather Service or (B) are not tuned in to local TV, you could very well be unaware that a tornado is approaching. If you're watching MTV or The Golf Channel, you will miss the warning unless your cable provider interrupts the broadcast or scrolls a message across the screen.
Seems to me that if we're spending money on the EAS, then every time an event such as a tornado or hurricane threatens public health and safety, the EAS should activate and transmit a message across all radio, TV and cable signals.
Our local meterologists constantly preach on the necessity of a weather radio with an alert feature so that you can be warned of severe weather at night during sleep. (Weather radios can be activated for civil emergencies as well.) But for those who aren't plugged in to NOAA or the local news, "we interrupt this broadcast" ought to become a familiar phrase.
I haven't heard anything about the Emergency Alert System in relation to Katrina. Was it on? Did it work? Did it provide any useful information? I would think that a system that's been tested weekly since the 50's would have been pretty reliable.
According to the FCC's Web site on the subject, the EAS can broadcast an emergency message on all AM, FM and broadcast TV stations and on any cable system with more than 10,000 subscribers. The EAS was developed so that the president could directly communicate with the nation in the event of a national crisis, but since 1963, the system is authorized for local and state use as well.
Thus the question: Was the EAS activated?
I've actually heard people interviewed who claimed they weren't aware of the impending danger of Hurricane Katrina. I find that difficult to believe. On the other hand, plenty of people can't tell you who the vice president is, so it's entirely possible to live in an information vacuum, even in the information age.
Here in Birmingham, our civil defense siren system is activated for tornado warnings. However, if you cannot hear the siren and (A) do not have a weather radio that can be activated by the National Weather Service or (B) are not tuned in to local TV, you could very well be unaware that a tornado is approaching. If you're watching MTV or The Golf Channel, you will miss the warning unless your cable provider interrupts the broadcast or scrolls a message across the screen.
Seems to me that if we're spending money on the EAS, then every time an event such as a tornado or hurricane threatens public health and safety, the EAS should activate and transmit a message across all radio, TV and cable signals.
Our local meterologists constantly preach on the necessity of a weather radio with an alert feature so that you can be warned of severe weather at night during sleep. (Weather radios can be activated for civil emergencies as well.) But for those who aren't plugged in to NOAA or the local news, "we interrupt this broadcast" ought to become a familiar phrase.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
QotD
You gotta laugh or you'll just cry ...
... Sen. Mary Landrieu, who seems to think she’s cute when she’s mad, even threatened on national television to punch out the president — a felony, by the way, even as a threat. Mayor Nagin, who you might think would be looking for a place to hide, and Gov. Blanco, nursing a bigtime snit, can’t find the right word of thanks to a nation pouring out its heart and emptying its pockets. Maybe the senator should consider punching out the governor, only a misdemeanor.
-- columnist Wesley Pruden
... Sen. Mary Landrieu, who seems to think she’s cute when she’s mad, even threatened on national television to punch out the president — a felony, by the way, even as a threat. Mayor Nagin, who you might think would be looking for a place to hide, and Gov. Blanco, nursing a bigtime snit, can’t find the right word of thanks to a nation pouring out its heart and emptying its pockets. Maybe the senator should consider punching out the governor, only a misdemeanor.
-- columnist Wesley Pruden
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