Tale of Two Accounts

Pakistan gunships kill 80 at religious school

From the AP News story today... Pakistani helicopter gunships have destroyed an Islamic school allegedly used as an Al-Qaeda-linked training camp near the Afghan border, killing up to 80 suspected militants. A local Taliban commander known as Maulvi Liaqat, who ran the madrassa and was wanted by the authorities for training terrorists was among the dead. Also among the dead was Liaquat Hussain, a cleric linked to Al Qaeda No. 2 Ayman al-Zawahiri.

The mission was carried out by Pakistan in efforts to crack down on militant training camps and "contain terrorism". HOWEVER, Siraj-ul-Haq, deputy chief minister of North West Frontier Province replied...

"This attack has been launched by America and its allies... we will protest to express solidarity with those innocent 80 students who died." (later 200 bearded Islamist students burned a US flag in the southern port city of Karachi).

Interesting how those two stories conflict.

Apple Finaly Gets to the Heart of it

I know this is late, but I just want to express how much I love the new Apple ad campaign. They finally decided to focus on the heart of what makes Macs and PCs different - and the personification is such a creative, humorous touch. This difference had even more relevance in the late 80s and early 90s when the gaphics and desktop publishing software was only available for Macs (which is part of the reason it become known as the 'artist's computer'). Back then, when Apple was dwindling, I wrote and told them they should do commecials where they go into ad agengies, publishing companies, design firms, etc. and show what was being done with Macs in the percieved "PC world". In fact, at that time PC computer magazines were being created using Macs. Ha! Well, better late than never. I'm just glad to see them finally touting the niche.

Macs are a bit more expensive, that's awlays been the case, but aside from the fact that Apple offers more stock software (like all the iApplications), the Mac offers a unique graphical user interface that some people become quite passionate about.

NJ Politics: Corruption Vs. Republicans

It's no secret that New Jersey is known for its political corruption. The recent investigation of Senator Wayne Bryant simply reinforces the need for the current ethics reform initiative.

Essentially the upcomming senate race is going to reveal where the NJ public stands on this issue. Democratic incumbent Robert Menendez's sweetheart deal as mayor of Union county has become the centerpiece of the election. It seems pretty clear he is one of the status-quo politicians. On the other hand his opponent, Tom Kean Jr., is known for a strong desire to confront curruption - having mentioned issues such as 'double-dippers in the state pension system' and 'officials who hold multiple jobs''.

So, are Jersians merely mindless partisan robots, or will they make a sensible decision that will help clean up our government and put an end the gross mismanagement and abuse of our taxpayer money? We shall see.
(visit http://www.savenj.com for info on NJ Politics).

Ding Dong the Witch is... Censored

I can not believe it! I just received an email from American Families Association stating that all the emails and phone calls to NBC had paid off - they have decided not to air the segment of Madonna mocking the crucifixion of Christ. This is a huge victory for Christians, it shows that united we have influence in the media and world we live in!

Story from TMZ.com:
Madonna: Cross Too Much To Bear
Oct 20th 2006. It looks like Madonna won't be crucified after all. After months of maintaining that she wasn't going to budge on the issue, Madonna yesterday had her controversial crucifixion scene cut by NBC (under pressure from its advertisers) from her concert special set to air next month. During the song "Live to Tell," Madonna is shown on a mirrored cross wearing a crown of thorns, a visual statement meant, she's maintained, to illustrate a theme of confession. But religious leaders from Missoula to Moscow have objected to the scene, and several church-related groups had threatened to organize a boycott of one of the advertisers on the show. And NBC, with its ratings low and layoffs just announced, decided it didn't need to deal with even more trouble, so it has "revised" the plan for the Nov. 22 broadcast.

Wow! Nice :)

iBenevolence :)

Someone once asked me who I admire most. I replied "anyone who helps those less fortunate, especially those in high places who have greater means and influence". U2's Bono is one of those people, and it appears his band's connection with iTunes has had a positive affect...

Choose the iPod Nano RED Special Edition and Apple will give $10 of the purchase price to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa...
learn more

Operation Iraq... Bleak

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Four days of sectarian slaughter killed at least 91 people by Monday in Balad, a town near a major U.S. air base an hour's drive north of the capital. Elsewhere, 60 Iraqis died in attacks and 16 tortured bodies were found.

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Black-uniformed, hooded gunmen loyal to an anti-American Shiite cleric seized the major southern city of Amarah on Friday in an audacious drive against local security forces. - AP News.

Daily headlines like this are just too much to bare any more. As a former supporter of the war in Iraq, I can't help but feel we need to admit what we had hoped for there just isn't going to happen. I'm the first one to blast the mainstream media for its bias, but there's no spin on these stories, it really is a disasterous nightmare over there. 'Staying the course' is no longer a sensible option. Bush needs to acknowledge this, if not, perhaps the liberal Democrats have been right about his IQ all along. All I know is that something's got to change, it's been four years, things just can't go on like this.

God's Canvas

This is one of the most visually spectacular times of the year! God truly IS the ultimate artist. This weekend I went on a photo shoot with the goal of getting some fall foliage pics. Here are the two of my nicest shots, but can't decide which one of them I like best. If you had to choose one, which one would you pick? Thanks!

Oh, if interested, My Photography Page

Video Killed the Radio Star

And CDs killed records (nd perhaps MP3s will mean the end of CDs).

AP News reports today that Tower Records is going out of business...

The company owes creditors about $200 million and filed for Chapter 11 reorganization in August. In its filing, Tower said it has been hurt by an industrywide decline in music sales, online vendors, music downloading, and competition from big-box stores such as Wal-Mart and Best Buy. "It's a bad day for music," Kirwan said. "It's a bad day for independent bands. ... Right from the beginning, even before we were signed with labels they carried us. They've been good to musicians." An LP or CD is "something real that's not virtual," he said. "It's like music itself. I'm not sure music is virtual. It's real and it's powerful, and I don't think you quite get the same thing from downloading." NY Store employee Ramsey Jones stated "people will miss is the deep catalog that Tower has. They can come here and find anything they want... [and] they are going to miss walking into a store and speaking to someone that is knowledgeable". Rock critic Robert Christgau said Thursday that Tower often attracted workers who knew about music because they were musicians themselves. "It doesn't make me happy to see places like Best Buy and Circuit City selling records," he said in a telephone interview. "I'd much rather records were sold at a music store."

The article pretty much says it all. Well, as they say 'That's Progress'. Many of us will never forget the 'album'. R.I.P. Tower Records!

A Modern Day 'Christmas Carol' Story

This is a topic I've been wanting to write about for a while now… the recent news story just gave me the spark I needed.

From AP News, 10.12.06 - A state jury found Thursday that Wal-Mart broke Pennsylvania labor laws by forcing employees to work through breaks and off the clock. One of the plaintiffs stated she worked an average of 8 to 12 unpaid hours a month to meet work demands. The punitive outcome of this ruling is currently pending. So, a company that earned $10 Billion in sales and profits last year has people making $8 an hour working off the clock. How greedy can you get? The answer to that is... more -

Last year the Wall Street Journal reported Wal-Mart's contribution to employee health care was 40% less than that of the average U.S. corporation, and 30% less than the rest of the wholesale/retail industry. For the average Wal-Mart employee, enrolling in a health care plan would cost 1/5 of their paycheck, so it's no surprise the WSJ report found that only 42% of Wal-Mart employees have health coverage. As a result many of these employees go without or utilize government-sponsored health care, shifting the cost of health insurance to taxpayers. Upon these findings, as you may recall, certain states stepped in and tried to mandate that Wal-Mart contribute more to employee heath care. Unfortunately the 'Retail Leaders Industry Association' filed a lawsuit stating this violated Federal law, so far preventing it from becoming legislation. You'll find more information about this here, and also do a search for 'Fair Share legislation'.

To me it's prime example of corporate greed. This subject sparked the movie “Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Prices”, and several websites. Please visit them in support of support average working class families...

http://www.walmartmovie.com/about.php
http://wakeupwalmart.com/
United Food and Commercial Workers International Union
http://www.ufcw.org/

New $899 iMac for Education

'Desktop Publishing' began on the Macintosh computer in the mid to late 80's with the software Aldus Pagemaker. As a Graphic Design major in college I've been using Macs since the mid 90's. Back then Apple's fate was uncertain, their marketshare was very niche. Then Steve Jobs came back to the company, they introduced the colored iMacs and it's been a series of successful innovations ever since. Even the staunchest critics have to admit the company seems to be a pioneer when it comes to developing trends in technology. iTunes was the first attempt at embracing the digital music revolution legitimizing music downloading - and its success has been more than anyone could have imagined.

Recently they stopped production of their 'eMac', an inexpensive all-in-one computer designed for educational institutions. Well, they've just announced an iMac model that will take its place. A nice computer (and monitor) for a decent price - $899. However, I've read the specs and I have one complaint. It only has two RAM ports and it ships with two 256k chips for a total 512 megs of Ram. Unfortunately, 512 is the minimum requirement for many current software applications (Adobe Creative Suite for example). To add more Ram you'd have to buy a 512 chip and replace one of the 256s. Stay with me here, so you'd loose 256 and gain 512, giving you a total of 768. Economically this is a poor situation to put customers in. 512s cost about $100, AND you end up with a 256 you can't use. Why can't they ship it with a 512 in one slot, leaving the other open for easy expandibility. Come on Apple, be nice to your customers.

On a side note, those in the market for a Mac on a tight budget may want to check out the Mac Mini. You can get them for $599, and if you already have a monitor it's a relatively inexpensive option (you still might want to up the stock Ram, I'd say 768 would be the minimum nowadays).

Sorry but 'Illegal Immigrant' is not Racist

Friday's incident at Columbia University illustrates the nature of the liberals in this country. For those of you that don't know, Columbia College Republicans invited Minuteman founder Jim Gilchrist to speak on the issue of illegal immigration. Moments after he began speaking members of a University sanctioned Chicano group, the university chapter of the socialists, and several other fringe groups rushed the stage and the ensuing riot abruptly ended the session. I guess 'Free Speech' only applies to them?

The 'Minuteman Project' is a civic organization that aims to assist in protecting our nations borders. Contrary to what opponents say, it operates completely within the law and is not racist or affiliated with any hate group. People who come to this country without going through the process of citizenship (like other ethnic groups before them have) are here 'illegally'. Illegal immigration is not a bias or racist term and should not be referred to as such. All Nations have borders and they are WELL within their rights to protect them. Sorry if that offends you. Those who protest this have very little grounds to go on, but they find support with the liberal left because liberals despise Nationalism. Liberals feel 'Nationalism' is a bad thing - evident in the media's rampant spin of the news to make the US look bad all the time - and they'll jump at any opportunity to attack it. Columbia University happens to be full of them, hence Friday's incident. The University needs to reprimand those responsible for this riot and make sure future speeches are safe venues for fair and balanced debate.

The Spin Hath No Bounds

The actor Mr. T will host an upcoming reality TV show called "I Pitty the Fool" set to air this year. From what I've heard and read - in it's own quirky way - it seems this show will have a very positive message...

From TV.com
The show, which is set to begin production in October, will showcase Mr. T's sensitive side as he offers help to fans in need of a little personal coaching. The muscle-bound actor will let his trademark personality shine as he takes on the role of a "motivational guru" who helps people improve their personal or professional lives. Mr. T will blend anecdotes from his own life--perhaps touching on his impoverished childhood and his battle with T-cell lymphoma--with self-improvement concepts such as "teamwork" and "determination", as he becomes what the network calls a "catalyst for change."

According to Mr. T in an interview on Bill O'Riely there will be 'no cussing' on his show, and he explains that the 'fool' notion refers to those who are making bad choices in life. I was happy to learn of this positive-themed show, and impressed by its clean natured intentions (while other shows on TV seem to be breaking boundaries with regard to explicit material).

And Now for the Media Spin
CBS's web coverage about this upcoming show reports "Mr. T. said that the 'T' stands for talking. And that's what he's going to do: 'talk it up.' ... and you're a fool if you don't take his advice."

That was basically their whole plot summary, not one mention about the positive nature of the show. Interesting, you gotta love the liberal mainstream media.

Movie With Christian Theme Snubbed

I was hoping to go see it, but the new Christian-themed movie “Facing the Giants” is not playing anywhere around! It opened last weekend and sadly it’s only showing in about 400 theaters. Yet movies like “Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning” and “Jackass 2” are showing in 1,800 theaters. I guess we shouldn’t be surprised, if you read the movie's description it mentions “God”, and as we all know, lately that’s a very offensive topic.

Facing The Giants (Destination Films, Samuel Goldwyn Films)
In his six years of coaching, Grant Taylor has never had a winning season. Even the hope of a new season is squelched when the best player on his Shiloh Eagles decides to transfer schools. After losing their first three games of the season, the coach discovers a group of fathers are plotting to have him fired. Combined with pressures at home, Coach Taylor has lost hope in his battle against fear and failure. However, an unexpected challenge finds a purpose bigger than just victories. Daring to trust God to do the impossible, Coach Taylor and the Eagles discover how faith plays out on the field-and off. With God, all things are possible.

The movie is getting good reviews all around. It’s not fair that more theaters are not carrying it. The Christian base is such a large market segment and in that there's a voice. We need to let our local theaters know our disappointment in their decision not to carry this family oriented movie.

Last Sail of the Season

I took this picture on Monday at Round Valley Reservoir. We had the day off for Rosh Hashanah. It was such a nice day, almost like summer again. That will have probably been my last sail of the season :( But next summer I look forward to lots more of it! I plan to visit some additional lakes (in PA for example), and also give racing a try.

Warning: This Will Scare You

North Korea is back in the news, testing nuclear missles again. Between them and Iran you might want to start telling those you love that you 'love them' more often, just in case.

This was a disturbing segment on 60 Minutes last year. Interestingly enough I was able to find it on the web. The information came from a Dutch Journalist who spent time in North Korean schools, the details of her report are here... If Ann Frank Only Knew

Why Christians Should Boycott NBC

A few weeks ago it was brought to my attention that NBC is planning to air a Madonna concert segment where Madonna comes down from the ceiling on a large cross wearing a crown of thorns - mocking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It should be no surprise that they're planning on airing the segment in November... you guessed it, during Sweeps Week. The thing that boggles my mind is, we would NEVER see such an incredibly negative, offensive portrayal of any other racial group or other religion. But Christianity is fair game. Why the blatant double standard?

NBC Anti-Christian Bigotry Continues
Now we learn that NBC is editing out all references of God and Jesus from the children's cartoon 'Veggie Tales' which airs on Saturday mornings. For those of you that don't know, Veggies Tales is a cartoon with little vegetable characters and their show always has a nice, family-value oriented, moral message (i.e. love one another, share, etc.).

So NBC feels that using Bible verses or referring to God may be offensive to some non-Christians. But NBC doesn't hesitate to offend Christians by showing Madonna mocking the crucifixion of Christ. I call on all Christians to boycott NBC, and if you feel so moved, contact them (like I did) and let them know your feelings (info on www.afa.net). It's time to stop being a door mat, and to start sending the message that we will not tollerate this double standard. Something like 85% of the US population are Christians. Even though many may only be nominal, still, through this large market segment we have a voice.

How Does This Guy Have Fans?

Wow, what a society we live in. People are actually buying Jim McGreevey's book, and even having him sign it. That's pathetic people, the guy is a disgrace. Not the fact that he's gay, to each his own with that kind of thing. The problem I have is with the joy and explicitness in which he describes the homosexual affairs he had while he was married. There's no need to go into the details of those accounts publicly like that. The man has a wife and daughter out there. Has he no regard for them? He proudly tells of how he was having a 'sexual liason' while his wife was in the hospital having their child. Can you imagine how this must make his wife and daughter feel? That's terrible! And people in our society are actually rewarding this man by buying his book? Have people lost their regard for common decency? If you bought this book you should be ashamed of yourself.