Conservative Corner

The Horrific of Two Views

noreply@blogger.com (tgags) — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 12:28:00 +0000

Todays news story poses two responses:

AP News, 4.14.07 BAGHDAD - A car bomb blasted through a busy bus station near one of Iraq's holiest shrines on Saturday, killing at least 56 people, police and hospital officials said. The bombing occurred about 200 yards from the Imam Hussein shrine in Karbala, where the grandson of Islam's Prophet Muhammad is buried — one of the most important sites for Shiites. State television aired footage from the scene, in which rescue workers could be seen evacuating casualties. The charred body of a child laid motionless on a stretcher. At least six children were among the dead, according to an official at Al-Hussein Hospital. Iranian and Pakistani pilgrims were also among the casualties, he said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release the information.

View # 1: My gosh we've been there for 4 years and yet suicide bombers are still able to ravage the lives of innocent iraqi citizens whose crime consists of simply going about daily activities. We should just get out of there!

View #2: What kind of a person is capable of intentionallyblowing up innocent people at a bus station?

Which view is more disturbing? To be honest, I've been feeling we should get out of Iraq but now... now I'm not so sure. I'm not sure we should leave the evil that exists over there (as seen in this story) alone. I don't think taking a defensive stance with these determined extremists is a wise decision. We have to remember they came here on 9.11 when were were not in Iraq. If you disagree I urge you to view this video: http://www.obsessionthemovie.com/

Attack of the $5,000 Bag Ladies

noreply@blogger.com (tgags) — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 16:28:00 +0000

Fashion Week, New York City, 2007
Is it just me? Or does anyone else think those fashion shows are a little out of touch. Do people actually wear clothing like that? Out in public?? (aside from halloween). Wow. It's funny, when I was a kid there was a book/cartoon story called "The Emperor's New Clothes". If you know the story you'll get the connection. If you don't, it's basically about people going along with the 'in' crowd, even when it goes against logic, reason and better judgement. Not sure who's looking up to these people but I feel a bit sorry for them. No wonder most of those models use drugs,I'd think I'd have to be on something to wear those strange, high-priced rags too.

All Brawn No Brain

noreply@blogger.com (tgags) — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 03:00:00 +0000

I originally wanted to see the new Rocky movie, now I am not so interested.

In the AP news story "Stallone attacks Mexican border fence", Stallone was quoted stating: "I support Mexicans who work in my country" as he criticized plans to build 700 miles of fence along the border as an immigration-control measure. Such a fence is "crazy" and "ridiculous," he said, arguing that nations should be able to interact without being divided by walls.

The Mexican government has also argued against the fence idea - with former President Vicente Fox comparing it to the Berlin Wall. OK, for one we do not need advice from a country where people are literally dying to get out. And two, nations are well within their right to secure their borders. People like Stallone need to get a clue. Perhaps.. Ay Yo.. he's a little more like his Rocky character than we know.

In Middle East News

noreply@blogger.com (tgags) — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 02:54:00 +0000

AP News - Assailants gunned down a Muslim preacher because of his anti-Hamas views witnesses said, moments after he exited a mosque where he delivered a sermon criticizing the Islamic group's role in a wave of Palestinian violence.

But America and Israel are the bad guys.

Thailand Adresses Morality

noreply@blogger.com (tgags) — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 15:15:00 +0000

This was interesting (and no, not for the obvious reason). In Thailand scantly clad dancing young ladies are being hired by street vendors to help generate sales (there's that sex sells thing again). They're known as 'Cyote Girls', a title inspired by the movie 'Cyote Ugly'. Recently this stirred controversy when they performed near a Buddhist temple, on one of the religion's holiest days. The Queen and Culture Ministry have stepped in and banned them from dancing in public places, particularly near Buddhist temples. - From the Article "Royal Displeasure Over `Coyote Girls'", Wednesday December 27, AP News.

And of course there were protesters who felt the Queens line of moral judgement was too hard. I guess they have Liberal Leftists there too.

Transformers Grow Up

noreply@blogger.com (tgags) — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 15:07:00 +0000

Whoa, I just viewed the trailer for the upcoming movie 'Transfomers'. I thought it was going to be something for kids, but I was wrong. This movie is in the 'Terminator' category. Looks like an exciting thrill ride if you're into the sci-fi CGI. Slated for summer '07. I'm game.

Study: Video Games Are Good

noreply@blogger.com (tgags) — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 16:36:00 +0000

The Federation of American Scientists held a summit titled "Harnessing the Power of Video Games for Learning". Here's the gist of it...

(From http://fas.org/gamesummit/)
Modern video and computer games offer a rich landscape of adventure and challenge that appeal to a growing number of Americans. Games capture and hold the attention of players for hours as they struggle to operate a successful football franchise, help Romans defeat the Gauls, or go through the strict regimen of Army basic training in virtual landscapes.
People acquire new knowledge and complex skills from game play, suggesting gaming could help address one of the nation’s most pressing needs — strengthening our system of education and preparing workers for 21st century jobs. Numerous studies of American competitiveness completed in the past few years have emphasized that America’s position in the world depends increasingly on maintaining leadership in technology. The success of complex video games demonstrates games can teach higher- order thinking skills such as strategic thinking, interpretative analysis, problem solving, plan formulation and execution, and adaptation to rapid change. These are the skills employers increasingly seek in workers. Games and simulations can also serve as powerful “hands-on” tools for teaching practical and technical skills, from automotive repair to heart surgery. To explore how the United States can harness the powerful features of digital games for learning, the Federation of American Scientists, the Entertainment Software Association, and the National Science Foundation convened a National Summit on Educational Games, on October 25, 2005 in Washington, DC. The Summit brought together nearly 100 experts to discuss ways to accelerate the development, commercialization, and deployment of new generation games for learning.

The picture above is a screenshot from "Immune Attack", one of the games unveiled at the summit. Immune Attack is a new generation video game that engages students and teaches complex biology and immunology topics. In this first person strategy game human body tissue structures serve as the playing field where immune cells face off against bacterial and viral infections. A teenaged prodigy with a unique immunodeficiency must teach his immune system how to function properly, or die trying. Using a nanobot and aided by a helpful professor, the teenager explores biologically accurate and visually detailed settings in pursuit of this goal.
Sounds Interesting! Some ammo for the die hard gamers out there :)

Redefining Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (tgags) — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 19:26:00 +0000

Sex sells - you don't have to look very far to see this marketing strategy being utilized. Sadly companies that use this tactic fuel low self esteem by portraying idyllic beauty as the norm, creating a society that is obsessed with outer perfection and generally unsatisfied with themselves. This has dramatic affects on people's health (particularly women), and has contributed to what I would call the plastic surgery revolution.

Interestingly enough, the very same venue that has created this social status plague is now seeing movements to help remedy the issue. In 2005 Dove launched their "Real Beauty" advertising campaing in which average women were used in place of supermodels. The recently released TV show "Ugly Betty" also seems directed at the issue. In the show Actress America Ferrera plays a relatively unattractive woman working in the fashion industry who achieves success via qualities such as intelligence, hard work, assertiveness and altruism. The show has sparked the soon to be launched "Be Ugly 07" Public Service campaing that will encompass appearances, website (BeUgly07.com) and various events - all promoting the theme "Be real, be smart, be passionate, be true to yourself and be ugly."

While I wouldn't say America Ferrera is ugly, I do appreciate and value the motive behind the concept. Your comments?

Offended? Too Bad!

noreply@blogger.com (tgags) — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 15:06:00 +0000

Still having a hard time with our culture's assault on public expressions of religious Christmas music and decorations. The holiday Christmas is celebrated in America because of its Christian heritage. All countries are entitled to celebrate the traditions of their heritage, and people that move there DO NOT have the right to change that. If one moves to another country surely they can not expect it to remove all public expressions of its heritage simply beacuse it's not in-line with thier own. Why why why then is it expected here? Put liberalism and litigation together and that's what you get. I'm sorry, if you are in store during the holiday season and they are playing Christmas music too bad if that offends you. Live with it! America needs to get a backbone and put its foot down. Just like every other country, it has the right to public expression of its traditions.

Three Cheers for Evel

noreply@blogger.com (tgags) — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 15:03:00 +0000

You have to love people who are not afraid to tell it like it is.

AP News | Tue Dec 12 Evel Knievel Sues Kanye West Over Video
Evel Knievel has sued the rapper Kanye West, taking issue with a music video in which the rapper takes on the persona of "Evel Kanyevel" and tries to jump a rocket-powered motorcycle over a canyon. "The guy just went too far using me to promote his filth to the world," said Knievel.

I've always said that I have no respect for people who are contributing to the moral decline of our society. The so called 'Gansta rappas' are a prime example of such people. Three cheers for people like Evel Knievel who are not afraid to go on public record to speak against the negative influence these dregs promote.

Nativity Story Two Thumbs Up

noreply@blogger.com (tgags) — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 23:19:00 +0000

Just saw the movie and enjoyed it very much. For us Christians these are visual references to the stories we have known since we were kids in Sunday School. Personally I am very happy they are making such movies.

If you're a Christian do yourself a favor and definitely go see it before Christmas. It will help put the emphasis back onto the real reason for the season :) It was exactly what my heart needed this time of year.

The Environment is Not a Partisan Issue

noreply@blogger.com (tgags) — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 21:23:00 +0000

Those that know me know I lean towards the conservative republican side and thus am not huge fan of Al Gore. But I watched his movie ‘An Inconvenient Truth’, and I must say I have a new found respect for the guy. I started writing this topic and after hours of reading and six paragraphs into it I just stopped and deleted everything. There is no need to make this complex. As industrialized nations, we are polluting our planet and working on ways to improve that is a good thing - as far as I’m concerned you don’t need scientific data to tell you that. With the issue of global warming, the data pertaining to its cause and affect has been put forth by over 700 environmental scientists worldwide. Anyone who disagrees with the seriousness of the issue is simply being a self-righteous ass (unfortunately there are quite a few of those in the world). I said it before and I’ll say it again - in fact this will probably end up on my tombstone – thank God for the right minded people in the world.

In the 80's when environmental scientists realized we were ruining the ozone the 'Montréal Protocol' was established. As the first international treaty designed to protect the atmosphere from the damage caused by people, it aimed to deminish our output of ozone depleating chemicals. It was ratified by 183 countries and ultimately did in fact actually reduce the drastic affects we were having on the ozone. The issue of global warming has recently incited a similar treaty known as the 'Kyoto Protocol'. Amazingly America (Bush) among the only two countries that will not sign it. Go figure!

Anyway, definitely check out the movie. If you're republican simply put your bias aside and forget about politics for a moment. (reread this blog entry's title)

New Jersey State Workers, Scapegoats

noreply@blogger.com (tgags) — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 17:20:00 +0000

The state of New Jersey is currently suffering from a severe budget deficit. Basically, the government has grossly mismanaged and pilfered our tax money for years and now they are scrambling for ways to fix their mess. I don’t have time to list all the incidents that support this statement – but I don't have to - the fact that our state has earned the status of the most corrupt state in the country clearly speaks for itself.

Anyway, aside from raising the state sales tax, they are now looking to squeeze money from state workers by cutting pensions and initiating contributions to health care plans. Before that happens I would demand an end to the political corruption (sweetheart special interests deals, politicians holding several state jobs (with several pensions), and I would like to see more public involvement and supervision regarding issues of state spending. Adressing this problem should start with trimming the fat, not scraping the bone.

The other thing that bothers me is how everyone keeps comparing state jobs to the ‘private sector’. These are two different entities. Yes, in the private sector employees contribute to their health plans, however, in general those jobs allow for more advancement and salary increases. Many corporations even give bonuses this time a year. Whereas state workers are more limited salary-wise and benefits have always been the balancing compensation. I guess the problem now is that NJ has become such an expensive state to live in so the state salaries had to come up to a livable wage. My gosh, how horrible. I also think it’s not a good thing to compare to the private sector because corporate greed has it just about reverting that to the pre-union industrial revolution age where workers are worked to the bone for little while the CEOs achieve billionaire status, and only they are supposed to be financially secure in retirement.

As far as schools, the State-allowed population explosion has led to the need for more schools, and thus the staff salaries that go with it. Perhaps the state should consider the long term effects of urban sprawl, rather than just see the short-term tax profits and developer kickbacks.

And finally, looking into restraining the astronomically rising cost of healthcare might not be a bad idea either.

See No Evil

noreply@blogger.com (tgags) — Sat, 02 Dec 2006 16:22:00 +0000

91 die, 40 hurt in Baghdad car bombings
(AP News 12.02.06)
BAGHDAD, Iraq - At least 91 people died and more than 40 were wounded as three parked car bombs exploded near an area packed with vendors in central Baghdad on Saturday, officials said. The bombs were about 100 yards apart in the busy al-Sadriyah shopping district and exploded nearly simultaneously, according to police Lt. Ali Muhsin. At least 10 other parked vehicles were destroyed in the area, where vendors sell fruit, vegetables and other items such as soap.

For the love of God, can anyone see the pure evil that exists in Iraq? These extremists are planting bombs in places like markets - where innocent people are merely shopping for groceries for their family.

America is there on the side of the innocent people, trying to help them make their society safe. There is right and wrong in the world. Good and evil. How anyone can't make the distinction, and sees the 'West' as the bad guy is beyond all comprehension.

Islam and the Wild West

noreply@blogger.com (tgags) — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 19:59:00 +0000

During America's 'wild west', bad people roamed the lands making up their own rules and robbing and murdering anyone they felt like. Thankfully righteous men stood up to these bad people - in the name of a civilized way of life for all. These good men established and enforced a justice system so good people could enjoy safety and security in their simple quest to live and be prosperous. What a nice thing! Anyone that can argue this is not a good thing is not fit to be part of the human race. Society MUST have a system of law and order to protect its citizens.

I can't help but see a similarity between the outlaws of the wild west and Islamic extremists. Islamic extremists set their own rules (based on their supreme being alah) and murder anyone they feel like. They are an antithesis to civility. The West are the righteous sherifs who seek to instil justice to protect its people. It's a battle between good and evil, plain as day. More people need to take a stand on this issue. Civilization depends on it.

When the Left Was Wrong

noreply@blogger.com (tgags) — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 15:29:00 +0000

Read the following excerpt and answer the question below...

From AP News, 11/17/06 Gunmen dressed like Interior Ministry commandos abducted some 150 men Tuesday from the central Baghdad office that handles academic grants and exchanges. The obducted men were handcuffed and driven away in about 20 pickup trucks. About half were released on Tuesday night and Wednesday. A Sunni who says he was among the hostages freed claimed the kidnappers broke his arm. He said he saw them kill at least three hostages after taking them to empty houses in the Sadr City Shiite slum. The mass kidnapping was widely believed to have been the work of the Mahdi Army, the heavily armed militia of anti-American Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.

Now for the question. Liberal Democrat Senator Ted Kennedy has referred to the US military as 'occupiers' not 'liberators'. After reading the above story, and the hundreds others like it, can you - with good conscience - agree with him?

Nazism Wrapped in a Burkah

noreply@blogger.com (tgags) — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 13:44:00 +0000

Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West
Wow, this has to be the scariest thing I have seen. Ever. Everyone needs to see this movie. Radical Islam has thousands and thousands of muslims stating that Islam will take over the world; that the flag of Islam will one day hang in the Whitehouse and in the Parlament in England. And they will murder anyone who gets in there way (which we see on a daily basis). Folks, this is the most important issue of our time.

Reviews...
"Obsession tells it like it is--or rather, allows the radical jihadists to tell it like it is without Western media editing. Anyone watching this film can conclude that Islamic terrorism is the main threat of our day..." Larry Schweikart, Professor of History, University of Dayton

"Riveting... Obsession is without exaggeration one of the most important films of our time... America needs to see it " Glenn Beck, The Glenn Beck Program

"In spite of us being firmly rooted in an age of terror, too many of our countrymen seem to be complacent; complacent, that is, until visited by the next vicious terrorist attack against America. Obsession connects the dots to reveal that these attacks are not isolated incidents executed by a random group of madmen; but the extreme manifestation of an ideology of madness that has tragically captured the hearts and souls of tens of thousands in the Islamic world. In our private screening, one of CORE's members said Obsession is the West's wakeup call. It is not. It's the wakeup call for anyone that believes in civilization and the peaceful advancement of man."Niger Innis, National Spokesman, CORE

"The documentary Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West is a film that every person who isn't a radical Islamic fascist (or who doesn't aspire to live under shari'a law) ought to see. Those who think it's possible to negotiate with terrorists will have their worldview shaken, and those who think they understand the enemy will learn something new about how deeply true hatred can run. I saw the Philadelphia premiere of Obsession with Skye, and we found ourselves gripped by the graphic exposition of radical Islam's nature, history, motives and intentions. The sold out 800-seat auditorium was almost completely silent during the film, except for the occasional disbelieving gasp or saddened murmur. " Joe Mariani,
Guardian WatchBlog, American Daily, ChronWatch.com, NewsByUs.com.

The scariest thing is whas the clip of president of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadineja. HE is SEEN SAYING that Islam will reign the world. And he is on the verge of getting nuclear weapons! PEOPLE NEED TO WAKE UP!!

To learn more visit the movie's website at http://www.obsessionthemovie.com/

Justice is Absolute

noreply@blogger.com (tgags) — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 13:16:00 +0000

The verdict has come in and the sentence of death by hanging has been handed down. If you're the kind of person who suddenly feels sorry for this guy do some research on his use of biological warfare on the kurds, and those feelings will quickly go away. In America people are held accountable for their crimes (well, thanks to liberal judges, for the most part, but...) this is called the "Justice System". Is this not right? Seriously, should it be any other way? In regimes it is another way, the dictator can kill whoever he wants, and in the case of Saddam, he and his bath party did just that. Sadly the accounts of the innocent Iraqi people attest to this horror.

Anyway, from AP news - the two sides react to the verdict...

In the streets of Dujail, a Tigris River city of 84,000, people celebrated and burned pictures of their former tormentor as the verdict was read.

In Tikrit, Saddam's hometown, 1,000 people defied the curfew and carried pictures of the city's favorite son through the streets. Some declared the court a product of the U.S. "occupation forces" and condemned the verdict. "By our souls, by our blood we sacrifice for you Saddam" and "Saddam your name shakes America."

Well, they are learning that justice is absolute, it's not merely an 'American' ideology. You can't just go around killing people and saying 'allah' and that makes it OK.

Tale of Two Accounts

noreply@blogger.com (tgags) — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 01:56:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (tgags) — Sat, 28 Oct 2006 14:58:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (tgags) — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 23:25:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (tgags) — Sat, 21 Oct 2006 02:50:00 +0000

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 :)

noreply@blogger.com (tgags) — Sat, 21 Oct 2006 02:18:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (tgags) — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 22:25:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (tgags) — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 21:15:00 +0000

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