Conservative Corner

The Horrific of Two Views

2007-04-14T05:28:00.000-07:00

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

2007-02-10T08:28:00.000-08:00

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

2007-01-05T19:00:00.000-08:00

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

2007-01-05T18:54:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-28T07:15:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-28T07:07:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-27T08:36:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-23T11:26:00.000-08:00

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!

2006-12-13T07:06:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-13T07:03:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-09T15:19:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-09T13:23:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-09T09:20:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-02T08:22:00.000-08:00

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

2006-11-18T11:59:00.000-08:00

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

2006-11-18T07:29:00.000-08:00

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

2006-11-05T05:44:00.000-08:00

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

2006-11-05T05:16:00.000-08:00

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

2006-10-30T17:56:00.000-08:00

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

2006-10-28T07:58:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-27T16:25:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-20T19:50:00.000-07:00

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 :)

2006-10-20T19:18:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-20T15:25:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-16T14:15:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-14T07:01:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-13T15:01:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-08T16:31:00.000-07:00

'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

2006-10-07T20:24:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-07T07:31:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-04T18:49:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-04T18:44:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-04T18:35:00.000-07:00

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

2006-10-02T07:23:00.000-07:00

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?

2006-10-01T11:46:00.000-07:00

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.

Super Cala Fragilistic.. Hypo Allergenic Cats!

2006-09-30T19:17:00.000-07:00

Well I'll be. Hypoallergenic Cats! I never heard of this, but if it's not news to you just ignore my infatuation. From their site:

ALLERCA has produced the world's first scientifically hypoallergenic cats. These cats allow some of the millions of people with feline allergies to finally enjoy the love and companionship of a household pet without suffering from allergic symptoms. The cat allergen is a potent protein secreted by the cat’s skin and salivary glands. While some breeds of cats have been promoted as having less allergen than others, scientists have shown that all cats, regardless of breed, produce allergens. ALLERCA has focused on naturally occurring genetic divergences (GD) already present in cats that do no harm to the cats in any way. [The technique] was developed using proprietary methods under pending patents. The resulting ALLERCA GD hypoallergenic cats improve the health and quality of life for millions of cat-allergy sufferers. The cats come in all coat colors and patterns. The coat is medium-long with low maintenance and minimal shedding.

Well I'll be! Oh, I said that already. I'm just in such awe. I don't even have cat allergies and I want one! Just not sure about the "naturally occurring genetic divergences" with patents pending. Is this going to spark a movie called 'Cats', similar to Hitchcock's 'Birds'?... ;)

Read more about it at http://www.allerca.com/

Ad Radio Comming to a School Bus Near You

2006-09-29T18:53:00.000-07:00

NJ has become the 11th state to begin allowing radio station broadcasting specifically designed for school buses.

The Washington Post reports... Every morning and every afternoon on their way to and from school, kids across the country will be listening to the dynamic programming of Bus [specific] radio providing advertiser's with a unique and effective way to reach the highly sought after teen and tween market. The radio network plays music, public-service announcements, contests and, of course, ads, aimed at kids. The [idea] is the brainchild of Michael Yanoff and Steven Shulman, the same two executives who created 'Cover Concepts', a company that has provided schools with millions of free book covers -- full of bold, colorful ads for Kellogg's, McDonald's, Calvin Klein, Nike and other major national advertisers. Now owned by comic-book king Marvel Enterprises, Cover Concepts says it reaches 30 million school-age children in 43,000 U.S. public schools

Advocates of the program say it ensures kid-safe content, while those against it say school should be a non commercialized environment, not seen and used as a place for marketing companies to reach our children. Personally I think the 'kid-safe content' aspect is a good thing, I've heard a lot of non-appropriate content on regular radio stations played on buses. However, at the same time I think it's not right for businesses (or schools) to capitilize on the 'target market' factor that's inherently created with school buses. Hmmm, honestly, this is a tough one. What are your thoughts?

Kill Those EVIL School Children and Teachers!!

2006-09-29T15:50:00.000-07:00

Source: National Education Association (NEA) Today Magazine, October 2006

In Afganistan more then 120 schools have been set on fire and another 200 forced to close [due to attacks] by Islamic Extremists. Forty sutdents and teachers have been killed this year. The insurgents claim educating girls is anti-islam, and they oppose government run schools because they teach subjects other than religion. One 14 year old boy told the Associated Press "[The Taliban] want us illiterate so we have nothing else to do but pick up a gun."

Funny, the 14 year old boy is wiser than half the people in the United States. How the liberal left can hear strories like this and STILL say Bush is the bad guy is truly beyond logic and reason. I am seriously thinking about getting that book "Unholy Alliance: Radical Islam and the American Left"... In this tour de force on the most important issue of our time, David Horowitz confronts the paradox of how so many Americans, including the leadership of the Democratic Party, could turn against the War on Terror. He finds an answer in a political Left that shares a view of America as the "Great Satan" with America’s radical Islamic enemies"

The Liberal leftists like to go on shopping sprees in their cadilac escalades while on their cell phones, not giving a care in the world to the tragedies going on in other nations. Well, some people do. And in this case, the issue happens to also involve our safety here at home. These are the same people who have doing acts of terrorism since the 80s, 90's and 9/11.

The Good, The Bad and The Derranged

2006-09-29T15:29:00.000-07:00

This guy gives a speech criticizing Bush, all while being proud of the horrific violence that is going on in Iraq in the name of the Jihad. The number of innocent civilians being slain in Iraq is nausiating. I just saw a story about an elderly woman who was murdered by a "Death Squad", just because as a Shiite she is viewed by the Sunnis as a supporter of the West. So they drove by and *deliberately* shot this *innocent* old woman *6* times. And this guy Al-Zawawi, or whatever the heck his name is, sits there and condems Bush for seeking peace, stability and free will for the people there. And this GUY says the Christian religion is false?? Sees nothing wrong with muslims murdering innocent people - it's 'Christians and Westerners' who are wrong. What a severely derranged person! Surely normal people can see who the bad people are here. If you think it's Bush, you have some serious screws loose.

MY STANCE ON BUSH
I think we made a mistake going into Iraq. We should have focused on Afghanistan, where the Taliban are (the people responsible for 9/11). Right now that region is very unstable even though NATO is there. We should be there in full force, not so much Iraq. Sadam was evil, but what is going on there now is by far not an improvement for the people there. However, I support Bush because I definitely think we do need to be taking an offensive stance in the War on Terror, for our safety and survival. If you don't feel this way then you are either in 'bipartisan denial', or simply in the dark about the threat of Islamic Exremism.

Can You Say "Armageddon"

2006-09-28T18:15:00.000-07:00

“Israel should be wiped off the face of the map!”
“America is the great satan”
“We want nuclear technology… for energy”
“I will share our nuclear technology with fellow Arab countries”

AP News, 9/28/06
"Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stood firm on his insistence that Iran has a right to pursue its atomic program and showed no sign of compromise over the U.N. Security Council's demand that his government suspend uranium enrichment."

This is the beginning of the end, right here. Nuclear weapons in the hands of the Middle East is our civilization's worst nightmare. The liberal left and many in the general population are in denial, though in this particular case ignorance isn't bliss. 9/11 showed us that the derranged islamic extremists can and will use ANY means to attack us. They've since admitted 9/11 was a failure, stating the next attack must be bigger and more effetive in destroying us so we cannot retaliate. They lust for nuclear weapons capability, it’s the utlimate solution to their cause. And soon they will have it. Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is an evil man, he has publicly stated Israel should be 'wiped off the face of the map', and he has referred to us as the 'great satan'. Hence nuclear weapons ending up in the hands of terrorists is imminent. The extremists just recently announced they will not stop until Islam takes over the world. Folks, the picture can't get any clearer than this. Wakey wakey!

The UN gave several deadlines, yet Russia and China are against sanctions stating that 'diplomacy has not been exhausted'. Has not been exhausted? Which planet are they on? Well mucho dinero is flowing into their pockets from Iran, so we all know we can’t count on them for our safety. Lets just hope someone in the international community has the kahonas to see the threat we are facing and take necessary action if needed. The Middle East conflict is an area were we must remain on the offensive, if we want to live.

Pope Tells it Like it Is

2006-09-17T06:14:00.000-07:00

Last week Pope Benedict XVI, in a speech to university professors during a pilgrimage to his native Germany, quoted the words of a Byzantine emperor who characterized some of the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, Islam's founder, as "evil and inhuman."

"The emperor comes to speak about the issue of jihad, holy war... He said I quote, 'Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached."

Personally I give the Pope credit here. He's doing what no other person in the world spotlight will do — pointing out the source of violence in the Muslim religion. Muslims keep telling us that Islam is a "religion of peace", yet every day we hear about Shiites and Sunis murdering each other, and groups like Taliban and Hamas speaking of 'Jihad' and 'infadels'. It's hard for us to hear one thing but see another. The Pope has gone and pointed out something to us all. We should not let this one hide behind political correctness. I just hope he doesn't get assassinated now.

Polar Bears Drowning

2006-09-17T05:42:00.000-07:00

OSLO (Reuters) 9.15.06
Polar bears are drowning and receding Arctic glaciers have uncovered previously unknown islands in a drastic 2006 summer thaw widely blamed on global warming. Signs of wrenching changes are apparent around the Arctic region due to unusual warmth - three new islands this year have been uncovered because the glaciers have retreated. "On a trip this summer we saw a couple of polar bears in the sea east of Svalbard - one of them looked to be dead and the other one looked to be exhausted," said Julian Dowdeswell, head of the Scott Polar Research Institute in England. "The bears had apparently been stranded at sea due to the melting ice". Smith concluded that the shrinking ice should be a wake-up call for governments to cut emissions of greenhouse gases which most scientists say are causing global warming.

This is one area where the liberal Left and I agree—we really need to be more concerned our environment. I've read several articles about Global Warming and it is a VERY SERIOUS issue. This is another area where people just like to put their heads in the sand (particularly the selfish people in their million dollar homes and their Hummers who don't care about the future generations of this planet). Hopefully we'll all pull together as a human race and do something before it's too late. Some recognize the severity of this issue. For the rest, please stop being selfish for one minute and elucidate youself on this issue — you can start here

Off to the Races!

2006-09-15T17:56:00.000-07:00

I'm hoping to race next Saturday. I just received the following info from Hunterdon Sailing Club...

Lake Nockamixon Open Regatta Sat 9/23 - all boats invited. Skippers meeting 10:00 am. This is one of four yearly invitational regatta open to any boat; scored with the Portsmouth Handicap system. Lake Nockamixon is particularly nice this time of the year, as the forested shores are showing fall color from several species of trees. Hope to see you there!

I have never been to this lake so I am especially excited about the opportunity. As explained on the Lake's website: "the 1,450-acre Lake is surrouned by the 5,283-acre Nockamixon State Park along PA 563, just off of PA 313, five miles east of Quakertown and nine miles west of Doylestown.

Sounds great!!

Democrats Don't Get it

2006-09-09T09:43:00.000-07:00

Nearing the 5th anniversary of 9/11, president Bush in his speech Monday talked about the threat that America (and the world) still faces. He attributes the lack of any further terrorist attacks on our soil to the pro-active stance we've taken...

"We are safer because we've taken action to protect our homeland. We are safer because we are on the offense against our enemies overseas. We're safer because of the skill and sacrifice of the brave Americans who defend our people.

As president, I took an oath to protect this country. And I will continue using every element of national power to pursue our enemies and to prevent attacks on the United States of America. Over the past five years, we have waged an unprecedented campaign against terror at home and abroad.

Because we're on the offensive, it's more difficult for Al Qaida to transfer funds through the international banking system. Because we're on the offensive, Al Qaida can no longer communicate openly without fear of destruction. And because we're on the offense, Al Qaida can no longer move about widely"

Sadly the democrats don't understand that this translates to our safety. Even more scary is that they view concern about the terrorists as 'propaganda'. Folks, we must not let such ignorant partisanism affect the safety of our country - for us and for our future generations.

Liberals Strike America's Safety Again

2006-09-09T07:48:00.000-07:00

President Bush’s bill authorizing his wiretapping program stalled while going through the Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday. Once again partisan quibbles put Americans safety at risk.

I just don’t get it people. This is a National Security Agency's surveillance program (created after the Sept. 11 attacks) which monitors phone calls and e-mails between *terrorism suspects* overseas and those on American soil. Folks, they're not listening in on your steamy phone calls with your lover overseas, or your holiday wishes to grandma in France, they are monitoring for terrorist related activities. Terrorists, you know, those evil people who blow up innocent men, women and children indiscriminately. This is one of the things our government is doing to help protect us against this new threat we face - a threat which has reached us and seeks inexorably to do so again. The fact that news reports in December disclosed the program is pathetic enough, but trying to stop it is akin to treason. It has me so upset because it ultimately can affect the safety of me and my family.

This is simply lunacy on the part of a few Liberals in our government system. Everyone acknowledges the possibility of another terrorist attack. Even Democratic Senator Joe Biden said “The al-Qaida terrorist network clearly wants to strike the United States again, perhaps with an attack on the scale of Sept. 11, 2001... I believe they're planning something as large and complex as 9/11... if you look at their modus operandi, that's how they have proceeded, that's how they have worked... And, I believe that's what they're doing. These folks are in it for the long haul.” (source - AP news)

So why the opposition to a National Security plan to help prevent it? It just doesn’t make sense, but that’s Liberals for you. (notice, the guy's hiding his face in the photo).

ADDENDUM
Another example of lunacy. Everyone knows about the "9/11 Commision Report", right? It's out there all over the place in the media. It's a study of how our government 'failed to protect us' from the terrorists attack on 9.11. However, here we have the wiretap issue, where those same people are trying to hinder our government's ability to protect us. Hello?? Logic? Reason? Are you there???

Come Mr. Taliban

2006-09-04T18:58:00.000-07:00

Whack!.. Whack!.. "I'll teach you to forget your Burkah!" ..Whack!

"Scores of Taliban Fighters Killed in NATO Offensive"
Well, we know one group of people who are particularly happy about yesterdays news headline - Afghan women. The Taliban are widely criticized by Western countries for their oppression of women. Women rights are strictly limited and their physical abuse is permitted. They must cover up their skin in public, failure to do so could attract a public beating (as above). Young women are not allowed to attend school, and they can be beaten for appearing in public without a male escort. But they are allowed to go out for water alone. - Source: Wikipedia.com

Boy, that muslim religion just has so many perks I tell ya... beat women, raise your child to become a suicide bomb, kill infadels - such an admirable way of life. We Westerners just don't know what we're missing.

The above photograph is a clip from footage filmed by the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan. The video can be seen at www.rawa.us/movies/beating.mpg

So Long to A Good Friend

2006-09-04T12:54:00.000-07:00

Stingray kills 'Crocodile Hunter' Irwin
(from AP news)CAIRNS, Australia - Steve Irwin, the hugely popular Australian television personality and conservationist known as the "Crocodile Hunter," was killed Monday by a stingray while filming off the Great Barrier Reef. He was 44. Irwin was at Batt Reef, off the remote coast of northeastern Queensland state, shooting a segment for a series called "Ocean's Deadliest" when he swam too close to one of the animals, which have a poisonous barb on their tails, his friend and colleague John Stainton said. "He came on top of the stingray and the stingray's barb went up and into his chest and put a hole into his heart," said Stainton, who was on board Irwin's boat at the time. Crew members aboard the boat, 'Croc One', called emergency services in the nearest city, and administered CPR as they rushed the boat to nearby Low Isle to meet a rescue helicopter. Medical staff pronounced Irwin dead when they arrived a short time later.

A sad day. I watched many of his shows with my nephew. He had a dynamic, animated personality and truly cared about the well being of Australia's wildlife. Thanks for brightening our days Steve, we'll miss you.

How Twisted Can You Get????

2006-09-03T11:40:00.000-07:00

Thousands of Iraqis have been kidnapped in recent months amid a rising tide of sectarian violence and the bodies of murdered torture victims are found daily in Baghdad's streets and waterways... and Bush planned it!!! What the... ?

"The newest U.S. strategy: Iraqis kill each other instead of the Marines"
(Recent news article on the Al Jazeera Magazine site)
Bush’s administration is now sowing the seeds of strife and civil war, to entice hatred and fuel the tension between Iraq’s ethnic groups so as to have them do the fighting and kill themselves instead of the U.S. Marines. Washington has become a participant in the “match of terror” going on in Iraq. Several news reports [have] hinted at the fact that the U.S. army, part of a change in strategy, has abandoned traditional military means it had pursued against Iraqi resistance and is now flaming sectarian strife... a cheaper weapon [which] the U.S. has decided to use. By turning Iraqi ethnic groups against each other [it] will leave no faction capable or equipped to fight the occupation forces.

Whoa! I'm serious - this is recent news article on the Al Jazeera Magazine site. These are the kind of stories that are promulgated by terrorist-supporting media. Everything reported on that site is so spun with anti-American and anti-Israel bias, I can’t believe it’s even permitted as journalism.

This article captures the twisted propaganda that is being spewed out over there. I guess insane, biased conspiracy theories are covered under 'freedom of the press'. Amazing. Oh, and I recognized some of the editor's names there from the NY Times ;)

Hatred on Display

2006-09-03T10:39:00.000-07:00

Iran's response to the offensive Muslim cartoons in the Danish newspaper with an 'exhibition' of Holocaust-offensive cartoons in Tehran is downright despicable. That's a response one would expect from a dejected racist adolescent, not the leaders of a country. But unfortunately we can understand this coming from a president who has stated “Israel should be wiped off the map” and that the Holocaust was a “myth”. And a place where the foreign ministry spokesman - Hamid Reza Asefi - followed up those commets by stating “I have seen those [concentration] camps myself… and in my opinion, there has been a lot of exaggeration going on."

AGAIN the world is shown the anti-zionist, evil hatred that exists over there. More facts for the Left to cast to the wind.

*** UPDATE ***
From AP News, 9/3/06: Iran has announced it will hold a conference, to determine 'the truth' behind the Holocaust.

Wow. That doesn't even need my comment.

American Psycho

2006-09-02T21:38:00.000-07:00

(AP News)
CAIRO, Egypt - American Adam Yehiye Gadahn, a 28-year-old American who the FBI believes attended al-Qaida training camps in Pakistan appeared in a videotape with the terror group's deputy leader Saturday and called on his countrymen to convert to Islam...

"To the American people and the people of the West in general ... God sent his Prophet Muhammad with guidance and the religion of truth ... and sent him as a herald.... It is time for the Christians, Jews, Buddhists and atheists to cast off the cloak of the spiritual darkness which enshrouds them and emerge into the light of Islam"

He denounced Christianity as a "hollow shell of a religion, whose followers cling to an empty faith and a false conviction in their own salvation." "It is time for the unbelievers to discard these incoherent and illogical beliefs," he said. "We invite all Americans and other unbelievers to Islam, wherever they are."

Sorry dude but I think I prefer my 'hollow shell' religion to one that promotes beheading people.
But don't worry, I'm sure you'll get lots of followers.

To Each His Own?

2006-09-02T11:46:00.000-07:00

Teaching children to kill, awe, isn't that cute.

There is an Evil out there, why so many in the West are ignoring it is beyond me. I know you have important cell phone conversations and shopping at Bloomingdales to do - and we don't want to offend muslims by being concerned about this - but I'm sorry, worrying about it after another 9/11 will be too late. So please, go outside your comfort microcosm for a second and get this...

Education Turned Brainwashing
Tens of thousands of religious schools, or 'madrassas', throughout the Islamic world, have been overtaken by radical Islamists and turned into schools of jihad. As poverty remains extreme throughout the Islamic world, madrassas often are the only sources education. However, these schools substitute arms training and religious indoctrination in place of practical education. According to Pakistani accounts, over the last two decades, hundreds of these schools have become jihad training camps in disguise. The textbooks that were prescribed for 6-year olds in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan are an example of this type of education. First grade language lessons included the following text: “Ahmed has a sword. He performs Jihad with his sword. My uncle has a weapon. He performs Jihad with his weapon. Jihad is an obligation for everyone. Anyone who wants to do the will of God should start jihad under the flag of Islam against the infidels.”

Children as young as 8 are taught about Kalashinkov rifles and how many people can be killed with a hand grenade. Other well-known examples of this kind of mis-education include the Palestinian Authority’s K-12 guerilla training summer camps, the practice of wrapping five- and six year olds in suicide bomber belts in street processions, and Palestinian TV Sesame Street-like programs, television commercials and school textbooks promoting suicide attacks.

source: http://wwwc.house.gov/international_relations/108/cohe1029.htm

OK, you can go back to watchin Desperate Housewives now.

Only 3 Days Left

2006-08-30T11:03:00.000-07:00

3 Days until the 'Revelation Generation' concert – the second largest outdoor Christian music concert in the USA. (CreationFest being the first)

After seeing Nichole Nordeman and Sonic Flood this summer, I am excited to go to additional Christian music concerts. If you live in the tri-state area and like upbeat, positive music and outdoor fun, you will not want to miss this event! My Focus group is planning on attending. However, the weather reports Tropical Storm Ernesto may travel up the coast and bring heavy rain. If it does get cancelled, there is also Autumn Blaze at the end of September. But lets pray for nice weather! :)

Plot to Destroy U.S. Revealed

2006-08-28T18:14:00.000-07:00

Someone once said 'great countries are not destroyed from the outside, they are destroyed from within'. You might wonder how that could happen, then you hear stories like these and it suddenly becomes clear...

Recently, a Christian-based program called 'Inner Change', which ministers to prison inmates, has been halted as a result of a lawsuit brought on by the 'Americans United for Separation of Church and State'. The organization claims that the program violates the constitution because prisons are state institutions. Inner Change is a product of Prison Fellowship®, an organization that ministers to prisoners, ex-prisoners and their families seeking to help restore peace to our communities endangered by crime.

In a similar story, in 2005 the ACLU sued to halt a Teen Abstinence program because it had a Christian basis. Hundreds of teens were opting for virtues and pledging "abstinence until mariage" - but the ACLU saw it as a bad thing because they felt it was “promoting" Christianity.

Most people would agree that these programs are not only innocuous, but also positive and beneficial to our society. So I ask: Since when are things that are good for people and society bad??? WHAT is going on here. Don't we live in a Democracy? Isn’t democracy a majority rule-based society? Why then are citizens not getting representation in these issues? Why are these rouge organizations allowed to speak on everyone's behalf?????? Frankly I'm tired of it. It's not right. If you feel the same I urge you to follow the Prision Felowship appeal and be willing to voice your feelings and act if needed. We must stop these assaults on our culture.

Here is the link: Prison Ministry

New Jersey and You!

2006-08-27T14:12:00.000-07:00

Just a quick mention (OK this is a self promo but hey, I can do that ;)
Besides blogging, one of my other hobbies is photography. I love landscapes - particularly farms and old barns. Here's a link to my 'photos' page, all were taken within about a 20 mile radius from where I live here in central New Jersey (you know, just around the bend from the Turnpike... ;)

Click Here

They're Changing Everything

2006-08-24T08:10:00.000-07:00

Well, change really is the only constant. Ready for this: Pluto is no longer considered a 'planet' (so yes, instead of our solar system having nine planets, it now only has eight). Not kidding. From AP News...

24. August 2006 - PRAGUE, Czech Republic - Leading astronomers declared Thursday that Pluto is no longer a planet under historic new guidelines that downsize the solar system from nine planets to eight. After a tumultuous week of clashing over the essence of the cosmos, the International Astronomical Union stripped Pluto of the planetary status it has held since its discovery in 1930. The new definition of what is — and isn't — a planet fills a centuries-old black hole for scientists who have labored since Copernicus without one.

I wonder how this is going to go over in elementary schools... all those posters of the solar system...

'Cable Choice' Will Give Parents Control Over TV Content

2006-08-19T21:58:00.000-07:00

I hope you will find it as intriguing as I do. This would mean you would no longer have to support channels you feel show inappropriate material - by being able to pick and choose for your basic cable selection. Let's support this one across the nation!!

(From "The Parents Television Council")

LOS ANGELES "The Parents Television Council™ joined with Congressmen Dan Lipinski (D-IL) and Tom Osborne (R-NE) to support providing families with cable choice, the ability to take and pay for only the cable channels they want and called on the cable industry to support this plan. The following are excerpts from a speech given at a press conference today by L. Brent Bozell, president of the PTC™. 'Everyone knows that entertainment television is rapidly becoming a trash dump of indecency and in recent years this has become an issue of national concern. Day after day and night after night, families are assaulted by graphic violence and murder; explicit sexual situations, even including depictions of brutal rape, incest, pedophilia, and the like; and filthy gutter language until recently never heard on television.'

This year, Congress finally acted to increase the fines against those broadcasters who violate broadcast decency law. The broadcast airwaves are owned by the public, and community standards of decency must be protected. But cable is a different matter altogether, and another solution to the problem must be found."

Read more about it at ParentsTV.org

'World Trade Center' Movie Hits Home

2006-08-19T21:46:00.000-07:00

‘Never Forget’. Every once in a while I see that somewhere – on a bumper, t-shirt, flyer, conservative website, etc. – and it always hits home. I assume it does for most Americans. We can recall the unfolding of events that day very clearly, from the morning onward. And as we begin to remember a certain eerie, quietness kicks in. It’s a highly emotional memory, and for that reason some choose not to go there. That’s understandable. I have complete respect for that sentiment. However, please understand that by remembering, you are honoring those people who were murdered so unexpectedly and so horribly that day. Simply putting it out of our minds does them an injustice, it devalues their existence. ‘Never Forget’, that’s what it means. That's why I put the photo in. It’s not a bad thing people. Remember that day and those people. Don’t be afraid to shed a tear for them. Let them know you understand what they went through, and that you haven’t given up the resolve to see justice. Don’t we owe them at lease that much?

I saw the movie a week after it’s been out and the theater was full. Thankfully I think that indicates those people who feel the movie is ‘propaganda’ are very few and far between. What’s that? Oh, yea, no really, there really are people who think that. What? Yes, they are Americans, and yes, they do claim to be human. What? Yes, yes, I know, it really happened, we were attacked. I know. Please don’t get me started about the Liberal Left, it’s too upsetting.

Where was I… Well as you may or may not know the movie focuses on two Port Authority police officers who become trapped in the tower when it collapses. It’s their (real) story. It was very good. I got a little choked up a time or two, but hey, when something happens to a friend, or family member, you listen to their story out of sympathy and respect. Think of it that way.

Miata Fever

2006-08-18T12:58:00.000-07:00

Another automaker has succumb to the 2-seater sport convertible craze. Although this style can be traced back to the MGs of the 1920’s, Mazda is attributed with the revival of interest when it introduced the Miata at the Chicago Auto Show in 1989. Dubbed by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's best-selling sports car, one-by-one automakers have been jumping on this roadster bandwaggon. The most recent entry is the Saturn Sky, so new it states “limited availability in 2006”. I must say this is a sporty, cool looking little car. The $25k base model sports a 177 hp, 2.4L engine, while an additional $3,000 (and hefty insurance surcharge if you live in NJ) gets you a turbocharged version that puts out 260 hp - imagine that in that little car! Porsche has nothing on this speed racer! Visit the Saturn website for additional specs and photo gallery. Hmmmm, I wonder who will be next to enter this market – Toyota? Chevy?

(unfortunately, I’ll be keeping my Honda CRV, it’s halfway paid off, good on gas, and I need the space for when I take my dogs hiking :)

NSA Program Unconstitutional?

2006-08-18T12:37:00.000-07:00

I was going to title this topic "the face of terror supporters" and put a picture of U.S. District Judge Anna Diggs Taylor.

NSA stands for "National Security Agency" folks. For the liberal leftists I'll translate: that means the security of our Nation, which ultimately includes its citizens (that's me, you, our families, etc).

People, you realy need to get a grasp of the enemy we are facing. Monitoring international phone calls just may be the means to preventing another horrible attack such as 9/11. It's not an "abuse of power", it's a form of protection. As much as I love this great nation, I am not happy with the ability of one person (such as a judge) to make an illogical decision on my behalf which compromises my safety. Personally I'm praying that right minds prevail and the appeal is successful.

I welcome your comments.

2006-08-15T21:41:00.000-07:00

OK, I have figured a few things out. But I am tired and need to go to sleep. So for now... still "UNDER CONSTRUCTION"
(almost there :)

2006-08-12T11:30:00.000-07:00

Hello, this is my first post. This will be a place for right-minded Americans to discuss the political and moral issues we face each day.
Now I just need to figure out how this blog thing works ;)