I Love the English Language

Again, drawing from a post at Wicked Thoughts I found some sentences that proved a very clever usage of the language.

A man like him is hard to find.

It seemed her career was just taking off.

We generally found him loaded with work to do.

He could not care less about the number of hours he had to put in.

You would indeed be fortunate to get this person to work for you.

I can assure you that no person would be better for the job.

I would urge you to waste no time in making this candidate an offer of employment.

All in all, I cannot say enough good things about this candidate or recommend him too highly.

I most enthusiastically recommend this candidate with no qualifications whatsoever.

Her true ability was deceiving.

He's an unbelievable worker.

Every sentence above is an example of employment recommedations for rotten candidates. They describe employees that are often absentees, drunks, lazy, useless, or liars. And yet they sound so politically correct.

Wicked Thoughts to ponder.

-I used to eat a lot of natural foods until I learned that most people die of natural causes.

-The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement.

-Have you noticed since everyone has a camcorder these days no one talks about seeing UFOs like they used to?

-In the 60's, people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird and people take Prozac to make it normal.

-How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?

-If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a song about him?

-Why do people point to their wrist when asking for the time, but don't point to their crotch when they ask where the bathroom is?

-If quizzes are quizzical, what are tests?

-If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, then what is baby oil made from?

-Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him on a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?

Salt Lake Tribune - 3 Utahns try to open door for polygamy

First of all: "Utahns?" Is that really the term?

Anyway:

Until 1963, interracial marriages were illegal in Utah. Residents who suffered chronic epileptic seizures and were not sterilized also were barred from marrying in the state.

And, until 1993, anyone who had syphilis, gonorrhea or HIV could not make that walk down the aisle.

Now, in 2005, three Utahns who want to unite as husband, wife and wife say their preferred form of marriage also should be allowed.

They are asking the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reverse a federal judge's rejection of their challenge to state prohibitions against bigamy and polygamy.

"The fact [that] much of American legal culture is based on monogamy does not justify a ban on polygamy," their attorney, Brian Barnard, of Salt Lake City, wrote in a brief filed this month with the Denver-based appeals court.

Bush Has Gone to the Dark Side

Todd & Lance: To arms, to arms.

John Hinderaker of PowerLine quotes Paul Hellyer, Canada’s Defence Minister from 1963-67, "The United States military are preparing weapons which could be used against the aliens, and they could get us into an intergalactic war without us ever having any warning. He stated, "The Bush administration has finally agreed to let the military build a forward base on the moon, which will put them in a better position to keep track of the goings and comings of the visitors from space, and to shoot at them, if they so decide."

Whaddayagonnado?

(H.T. The Good Lieutenant.)

Old Dog Learning New Tricks!

I had thought that many of my established philosophies had become deeply ingrained and established to a level that had made them almost impervious to change. However, as I pointed out here, change is possible.

Today as well, my deeply rooted foundations received another quaking of high Richteral magnitude. This time it was proven to me beyond any doubt that global warming it true, but Dr. Ray's research did not indicate that it was all that dangerous to life on Mother Earth.

According to Ray's calculations global warming is a certainty as can be easily shown from data collected within the last 85 years as shown in this graph:

Riding Tail-Gunner on a Bread Delivery Truck

According to Wicked Thoughts, Being Irish means...

* you swear very well

* at least one of your cousins holds political office

* you think you sing very well
* you don't know the words but that doesn't stop you from singing

* you have no idea how to make a long story short
* you can't wait for the other guy to stop talking so you can start talking

* you're strangely poetic after a few beers
* you're poetic a lot

* you will be punched for no good reason...a lot
* some punches directed at you are legacies from past generations
* your sister will punch you because your brother punched her

* many of your sisters are Catherine, Elizabeth or Mary...and one is Mary Catherine Elizabeth

* someone in your family is incredibly cheap
* it is more than likely you

* there wasn't a huge difference between your last wake and your last kegger party

* you are, or know someone, named "Murph"
* if you don't know Murph, then you know "Mac"
* if you don't know Murph or Mac, then you know "Sully"
* you'll probably also know Sully McMurphy

However, lest we think the Irish a closed fraternal society, Common Sense and Wonder gives definitive proof that it is not. The Irish have assimilated aspects of their culture from some exotic places that you might find surprising. Almost every Irishman practices Hatha Yoga imported from India. Please take note of identical techniques practiced in the following:


Pictured here is Apu in his spare time between 'The Simpsons' takes:



And here is Sully McMurphy relaxing on a break between city council sessions:

Herbert E. Meyer

Herbert E. Meyer writes a powerfully germane open letter in the American Thinker. The last third is posted below.

"To put it bluntly, your attitude stinks. You are so determined to be proven right that you are unhelpful at best, and at worst you are actively working to insure our defeat."

"I am not suggesting that all politics be stopped, or that our democracy be suspended for the duration. Rather, I am suggesting that you recognize how much we are all at risk, and that right now you focus your energy, your experience, and your expertise on helping us to win. So, if you are a member of Congress, instead of cruising the talk-show circuit to say “Bush lied” as often as you can, get in touch with Sunni leaders in Iraq and urge them to stop fighting with the new government there and start working with it. Or pass word to Syria and Iran that while you disagree with the President’s policies, you will support his efforts to stop these countries from infiltrating terrorists over the border into Iraq. And instead of whining that the new Iraqi constitution is imperfect – which is obvious, for crying out loud – provide whatever expertise you have to those brave Iraqi politicians who are literally risking their lives to make the new constitution work. And if you are just an ordinary American who believes the President has made a terrible mistake, keep in mind that while you have every right to demonstrate against the war these demonstrations play directly into our enemies’ hands."

"Your help, or your behavior, could make all the difference, not just in terms of practical assistance but in broader terms of showing our adversaries around the world that right now, despite our different judgments, Americans are united. This by itself would almost do as much to demoralize our enemies as the accomplishments of our wonderful Soldiers and Marines in the back alleys of Mosul or Falluja."

"Don’t tell me that you cannot change your attitude, or that it’s your right and solemn duty as the loyal opposition to oppose the President however you can. The War on Terrorism isn’t just another Bush Administration initiative, like the No Child Left Behind program or his proposal to reform the structure of Social Security. In this war, our very existence hangs in the balance, and national unity is more important than political advantage—or personal ambition. We are all in this together, as Americans, and we must all do whatever we can to help make the President’s policy work, whether we like that policy or not." (Emphasis mine)

"And if you think that asking you to change your attitude is asking too much, give a moment’s thought to what we are asking of the Iraqi people. After all, the President’s entire policy rests on a change of attitude within the world of Islam itself. We are asking the Iraqis, and others in the Mideast, to abandon their tribal, if-you-win-then-I-must-lose way of thinking; to shift from oppressing other ethnic groups to co-operating with them; to move from totalitarianism to democracy. In short, we are asking them to make a mental leap from the Middle Ages to the modern world – fast."

"That’s a huge change in attitude to ask for, and the very least that you can do would be to set a good example."

Meyer uses an example earlier in his letter concerning marriage. I would like to add my own scenario.

If my wife and I were having a serious argument in our home and an armed intruder entered our home to perform mayhem, we would set aside our differences while she went for her Taurus and I grabbed my Ruger to defend our home as well as those of our neighbors. Our differences were not in the least bit settled, but were superceded by a greater danger. We would not shoot at each other. (At least not until the intruder was subdued or dead.)

(H.T. The Discerning Texan.)

Wicked Thoughts shares some about the French.

(Disclaimer: My humor directed at the French is really directed at the political leadership and the zeitgeist emanating from the Parisian culture. It is my understanding that many Frenchmen disdain Parisians as well. Also, in most of these clever lines one could substitute 'Leftist' for 'French/France' without losing meaning or humor.)

I would rather have a German division in front of me than a French one behind me." - General George S. Patton.

Going to war without France is like going deer hunting without your accordion." - Norman Schwartzkopf.

"We can stand here like the French, or we can do something about it." - Marge Simpson

"As far as I'm concerned, war always means failure" - Jacques Chirac, President of France
"Well as far as France is concerned, you're right." - Rush Limbaugh

"You know why the French didn't want to get Saddam Hussein? Because he hates America, he loves mistresses and wears a beret. He is so French." - Conan O'Brien

"I don't know why people are surprised that France won't help us get Saddam out of Iraq. After all, France wouldn't help us get Hitler out of France either" - Jay Leno.

"The last time the French asked for 'more proof' it came marching into Paris under a German flag." - David Letterman

The only thing worse than a Frenchman is a Frenchman who lives in Canada. - Ted Nugent.

War without France would be like ... uh ... World War II. - Tom Brokaw.

"What do you expect from a culture and a nation that exerted more of its national will fighting against DisneyWorld and Big Macs than the Nazis?" - Dennis Miller.

"It is important to remember that the French have always been there when they needed us." - Alan Kent

"Somebody was telling me about the French Army rifle that was being advertised on eBay the other day -- the description was, 'Never shot. Dropped once.' - Roy Blunt

"Do you know it only took Germany three days to conquer France in WWII? And that's because it was raining." - John Xereas, Manager, DC Improv.

French Ban Fireworks at Euro Disney: The French Government announced today that it is imposing a ban on the use of fireworks at Euro Disney. The decision comes the day after a nightly fireworks display at the park, located just 30 miles outside of Paris, caused the soldiers at a nearby French Army garrison to surrender to a group of Czech tourists.

The Joy of Senescence

Phyllis Schlafly writes about the modern enlightenment of the NEA.

The National Education Association, held its annual convention this summer in Los Angeles and its "American Citizens Handbook" received a tweaking.

Called "The American Citizens Handbook," this nearly-600-page book was intended to promote good citizenship among public school students. It includes essays on citizenship, brief biographies of "heroes and heroines of American democracy," and reprints of historical documents that are the "great charters of American democracy."

Resolutions passed by the NEA convention that have nothing to do with education included a call to boycott Wal-Mart, statehood for the District of Columbia, affirmative action, opposition to private accounts in Social Security, opposition to capital punishment, gun control, "single-payer health care" (i.e., government medicine), and endorsement of the International Criminal Court and the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights.

The book unabashedly celebrates old-fashioned virtue and patriotism. One section entitled "A Golden Treasury for the Citizen" offers passages suitable for memorization by children.

NEA resolutions pertaining to education called for the teaching of global, multicultural, suicide, environmental and bilingual education. Somehow, resolutions about the need for improvement in the teaching of phonics or basic math didn't make the cut.

This NEA civics handbook embraces "the creation of national unity" and "Americanization" as explicit tasks for the public schools. The book states, "It is important that people who are to live and work together shall have a common mind - a like heritage of purpose, religious ideals, love of country, beauty, and wisdom to guide and inspire them."

NEA resolutions endorsed all feminist goals, including abortion, comparable worth, the Equal Rights Amendment and taking over the baby-sitting of children "from birth through age 8." The gay lobby's influence extends even over these infants, whom the NEA wants to provide with "diversity-based curricula" and "bias-free screening devices."

Numerous Old and New Testament selections are included, including the Ten Commandments and the Lord's Prayer. The golden rule, the Boy Scouts oath, national songs and uplifting poems appear along with geography facts and a household budget.

In another manifestation of hypocrisy about educational diversity, the NEA resolved that "home-schooled students should not participate in any extracurricular activities in the public schools." At the same time, the NEA demands that home-schooled students should be taught only by people who are "licensed" by the state and use a curriculum approved by the state.

In re-reading and editing this post, I seemed unable to overcome a severe case of contextual dyslexia. It's funny what happens over the age of 50.

One early afternoon while I was walking the dog, I passed by Adams Elementary School. One group of children was nearby jumping rope. It reminded me of an old song of quite a long time ago. I don't know who wrote or performed it, but I believe it was titled, 'Skip-a-Rope.'

"Listen to your children while they play... Ain't it kind of funny what the children say... Skip-a-rope,.. Skip-a-rope..."

Since the dog decided to assault a fire hydrant and its surrounding ecosystem, I thought that I would get closer to listen to the group's jump rope game.

One of the players who wanted to enter the twirling rope would say, "Who's your daddy?" One of the ropers would ask, "Category?" The jumper would leap into the moving rope and indicate a category. The twirler would name a person in that category and the jumper would 'name his or her daddy' as poetically as possible. I'm not quite sure how they kept score, but I think accepted answers moved the particular jumper up a grade.

"Who's your daddy?"
"Category?"
"Sports."
"Pedro Martinez."
"Pedro, who's your daddy? The Yankees of New York hit you like a dork!"
"You pass!"

"Who's your daddy?"
"Category?"
"The media!"
"The New York Times!"
"NY Times, who's your daddy? The Yugo more than Mazda, your mentor is from Pravda."
"You pass!"

"Who's your daddy?"
"Category?"
"Politicians."
"Teddy Kennedy."
"Teddy Kennedy, who's your daddy? For the revenuers, you must watch, 'cause your daddy's bootleg Scotch!"
"You pass!"

"Who's your daddy?"
"Category?"
"Politicians."
"John Kerry."
"John Kerry, who's your daddy? Eee-yew, eee-yew, it's so gross, your home-boy daddy is George Soros!"
"You pass!"

"Who's your daddy?"
"Category?"
"Sports."
"Chicago Bears."
"Chicago Bears, who's your daddy? With your record you feel marv, but your daddy is still Bret Favre!"
"You pass, twice!"

"Who's your daddy?"
"Category?'
"Movie stars."
"Michael Moore."
"Michael Moore, who's your daddy? Ain't got none, that's the word, 'cause you're a dirty, lying tird!"

The bell rang and the kids scrambled back into the school building. The dog had finished creating a rain forest, so we continued our walk. I decided along the route that if anyone were to 'diss' this next generation, I would just smile and ask, "Who's your daddy?"

Rerevising Revisionist History

It is not unusual that a statement loses its original meaning over time. One great example of this change over the ages is a famous assertion by Rene Descarte in 17th Century France. The phrase, 'Cogito ergo sum', is correctly translated, 'I think, therefore, I am'. But, had you been around France within that era of the Enlightenment, you would know that this phrase is really just a common abbreviation of Cartesian philosophy.

The original statement was, 'Cogito ergo sum politicus conservare.' Accurately translated from the Latin, this yields, 'I think, therefore, I am a political conservative.'

I normally don't like to share this information in public. Usually, when I do, there are several Leftists present that claim that Descarte is just another example of a Northern European White male (W.A.S.P. was popular 30 years ago) attempting to justify and validate the dominance of Northern European White males over women and minorities.

Teddy Kennedy, Sportscaster

If the sports media followed the methods of Leftist Congressmen or the MSM reporters and editors we might be regaled with something like this:

"Although the visiting Patriots lead the resurgent Raiders 87-26 with 1:43 remaining in the 4th quarter, they must realize that the game is lost. They cannot win this game. They should retreat back to the locker room and quickly return to New England."

We Must Pull Out of the War Now!

We were lied to in order to get us involved. Our intelligence was misinformed. We went in without a discernable strategy.

Yes, there have been elections, but the people that we 'freed' have not the experience nor the will to live free. The supposed training given them have brought them no closer to self-sufficiency. Our courageous men and women in the field are unable to bring or hold victory.

If we have not the courage to admit our mistake and withdraw now, we must require of our federal government a reasonable exit strategy. The insurgent capitalistic terrorists have so far thwarted every attempt to bring them under our control.

Our War on Poverty has gone on for over 40 years and still we've seen no success. The cost has been incalculable. It is a quagmire. Let us cut and run.

John Ray again takes issue with researchers inane conclusions. In this instance he cites an Australian news article concerning a study of the cognitive cost of being a twin.

The news article states, "Twins may be livewires but they are certainly not bright sparks, according to new research showing that they have lower IQs than single children."

Well, there is certainly no debate there! Dr. Ray, however, gives his own logic as to why this is true:

"These guys [researchers] must know twins only via columns of numbers about them. Anybody who has helped bring up twins -- as I have -- will know perfectly well what the problem is -- and it is "none of the above". What happens is that twins do not need others for social support as much as singletons do, so they develop language skills primarily to talk to one-another. But because of their similar age and situation, even dizygotic (fraternal) twins tend to understand one-another with a much reduced use of adult language. They to a degree develop a private and largely non-verbal language of their own. So they have much less incentive to develop adult language skills and are therefore slower to develop such skills. And language skills are a central part of IQ development."

Now I understand why Todd and Lance regularly complain about the obtuseness of my writing. I simply must encourage them to develop adult language skills. I guess I just never really understood how much they had actually retarded one another.

My apologies, guys!

Congress Swallows the 'Poison Pill'

After considerable congressional investigation, it became clear that professional sports was not able to control its members' usage of performance enhancing drugs. Congress, wanting to make a difference and save our culture from this menace, acted swiftly. Identical Anti-P.E.D. bills were introduced in both the House and the Senate. The House passed the measure with its amendments quickly. The usually slow moving Senate was not far behind. The measure was deemed acceptable and the amendments were being read and voted on.

"Amendment #1. Be it resolved that the Pacific Ocean shall hereforth be named the Pelo Sea." Voice vote pass.

"Amendment #2. Be it resolved that the term for the female of the dog breed, Boxer, be named Queen instead of Bitch." Voice vote pass. (Not by greater numbers, but by sheer volume and shrillness.)

"Amendment #3. Be it resol... "

Senator Kerry broke in, "Mr. Chairman, I motion that the amendments be passed en masse. The lives of our children are at stake and we cannot delay this measure."

"I second the motion," slurred Senator Kennedy, "The rain forest is nearly destroyed and the ozone layer nearly depleted." (And besides, both of my hip flasks are almost empty.)

Voice vote pass.
--------
As the legislation reached the president's desk, he mused, "I think I will veto this inane crap."

Karl Rove spoke up, "Mr. President... no. We set it up exactly this way. If you read the last two amendments, you will see couched within the Latin phrases and high moral tone that the whole of Congress and their staffers are subject to this law. And so are all members of the mainstream press."

"Karl, please hand me that pen."
--------
Washington D.C. was in an uproar.

A spokesperson for The Washington Post stated, "Why, they can't do that! Haven't they heard of the First Amendment? Freedom of the press? It's in the Constitution that we can do anything we want!"

Senator Kerry was overheard saying, "They can't do that, I have diplomatic immunity! I'm calling the French Consulate immediately!"

"Eeyahh, eeyahIs Scotch on the list?" staggered Teddy. "No matter, I ain't takin' no pee test."

"No problem, sir," replied a D.O.J. representative, "We can get a sample of your urine from any corner of the Capitol Building."
--------
"Mr. President?"

"Yes, Karl?"

"May I go home to let my dog out?" "Then I will need to take the bitc... er.. queen for a walk in the park and play catch. Say, you don't happen to have a ball we can use, do you?"

"No, I don't, but maybe one of the Republican Senators.... Oh, wait... No, I know for sure they don't have any balls."

Quiz: Superhero or Household Cleaner?

Geez, I only got 13 out of 20.

Just Too Funny to Pass Up!

(H.T. Dr. Sanity. However, I do not know to whom creative credit is due.)

You Call Yourself a Real Packer Fan?

Check this out only if you have the testicular fortitude!

(H.T. Wicked Thoughts.)

Humane Anti-Torture Principles

The cultural environment within which the latest anti-torture rhetoric is batted around is quite ironic and telling of the zeitgeist of the times. One the one hand, there are those who think that torture in and of itself is wrong under any and all circumstances. On the other hand, there are those who are more concerned about our status and reputation in the world. As this logic goes, if we allow the torture or mistreatment of any prisoners, our enemies will be emboldened to reciprocate, but also, we would turn friends against us. (And my psyche couldn't possibly withstand even one more of the slightest critical comments from the French.)

The McCain provision calls for banning the use of "cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment" against anyone in U.S. government custody.

After all, what human with even minimal sentience would favor cruel or degrading treatment? Like so much of the cheaply formed rhetoric of our day, it gives the appearance of erudition and morality, but it really is so thin that a blind man couldn't even detect it with his white-tipped cane. Who wants to starve old people or children? Who wants poisoned water and air? Who wants poverty and homelessness? Lance Burri laments this style of argumentation in a post concerning the concealed carry legislation in the state of Wisconsin. Lance must be too ignorant to know that his own children would soon become bullet-riddled victims from the crossfire by all the Old West style shootouts that will occur if concealed carry is passed in Wisconsin. Therefore, we can conclude that Lance hates his children.

It is said that the power to define is the power to control. In these types of debates, defining the terms is 3/4 of the battle. If one does not agree with another's assertion, then he is a racist, sexist, homophobe, polluter, etc. It has all the sophistication of an argument on a third grade playground, but is often effective in garnering public support, especially among all those third graders who can now vote.

In this anti-torture discussion how does one define cruel, inhuman, or degrading? Does any sheriff, warden, or interrogater want every little word and action to be scrutinized by a judge or court without specific definitions of cruel, inhuman, and degrading? What could not in some way be rationalized to fall within the penembra of the elastic, living umbrella of the meanings of cruelty or degradation? I can easily envision an Islamofascist run on mail order law degrees about now along with application requests for employment with the ACLU.

The St. Petersburg Times, Oct. 16: "... conferees have an obligation to rise above partisanship and uphold principles that should be beyond debate in a civilized society." Obligation to rise above... principles beyond debate...Wow, that's heavy! Oooo... deep! Principles? It is an unpardonable sin to put women's underwear over a naked, dog-collared prisoner's head or to get a copy of the Koran wet.

Imagine if the pictures smuggled out of an American run foreign prison had included something even more graphic. Imagine a formerly participating professional had 'blown the whistle' on American behavior with video documentation. Imagine the video, narrated by the whistle-blower, had shown a naked prisoner in a confined space with guards thrusting a spear-like device into his cell. The captive is shown dodging the deadly intruder to the best of his limited and weakened ability and finally is shown to succumb to the thrusts as the weapon hits its bloody mark again and again. Although the video itself has no sound, one can see the face of the prisoner with mouth wrenched open in an agonizing, mute scream as his deadly situation concludes.

Oh, wait... that video has been available for more than a decade. It's called 'The Silent Scream' and narrated by Dr. Bernard Nathanson. It is an actual video ultra-sound of a baby during a suction abortion being torn limb from limb. But, never mind! Heady principles must be compartmentalized and the living and elastic meaning of the word limits it to certain areas only.

But we must 'rise above partisanship and uphold principles that should be beyond debate in a civilized society' and forbid American interrogators anywhere and anytime from mixing an Islamofacist with Victoria's Secret. After all, if Victoria can keep her secrets, so may a murderous enemy to our way of life. Principle!

I don't know very much about the faith of these terrorists. I do know, however, that they believe in a religion of works. They work to earn points to garner the favor of their god. Suffering and death for the cause earn many brownie points. If any are merely captured, having not yet honored themselves through murder/suicide, we should at least show them mercy and consideration for their beliefs by earning them points through suffering. Keeping the torture card on the table will give them hope, knowing that even if they are too timid for murder/suicide glory, the mean American infidels may help them earn that glory. They may turn themselves in by the busload.

Update: Joe Carter, in Evangelical Outpost, explores the similarities of the anti-torture provision with the euthanizing of nursing home patients before Hurricane Katrina.

Since Mr. Pterodactyl apparently missed it, here's a tidbit from Tuesday Morning Quarterback:

Last spring, students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology staged what was billed as the first convention for time travelers. Cleverly, they declared it would be the only time-travelers' convention ever needed, since anyone who missed the event could just travel backward in time to attend.

The chances of time travel are vanishingly small. First there is the problem that there would have to exist an infinite number of interwoven universes, each representing an instant in time, in order for there to be destinations to which time-travelers could journey. No one can prove there are not an infinity of universes each forever locked in an instant of time, but what are the odds? Second are the obvious causality paradoxes. If you went backward in time and prevented your parents from meeting, you would cease to exist; but if you ceased to exist, then you could not have traveled backward in time to prevent the meeting. Third is the already-altered problem -- if a future person went into the past and altered history, this would have already happened from our perspectives; history would already be altered and thus the current condition would be the normal condition, that is, not altered. The clincher is the free-will problem. If any future person with a time machine is debating whether to travel into the past, he or she would have no free choice in the matter, because from the standpoint of the past the journey has already either occurred or not occurred. For the theological flip side of this argument -- God cannot know the future because if the future is already determined then God has no free will -- see my favorite philosopher, Charles Hartshorne.

Species Reclassification as the Infallible Proof of Evolution

The outdoor view from my place of work is that of the Oakhill Cemetery. I call it Union Boot Hill as I contend that both Jesse James and Jimmy Hoffa are actually buried there. Nevertheless, it is quite a beautiful place. The grounds are rife with old growth oak, maple, walnut, hickory, and evergreen trees. I am still hoping to see an endangered spotted owl, but have not as of yet, probably because we are not allowed to shoot all the feral cats.

At just about any moment of the day, I can look out and see anywhere from one to two dozen squirrels busily going about their lives. They move about at high speeds throughout the arboreal highway, travelling from tree to tree commuting to their favorite hunting grounds. After incurring minor tiffs of road rage they each hit the turf in search of squirrel treasure. On the ground they root around in the dirt among the forest's flotsam and jetsam searching for only one thing, their prized nuts. It is what sustains them and dominates a great portion of their lives.

As I continued watching them, it became apparent to me that in reality I was witnessing something else entirely. I was watching the MSM method of creating the news; a gaggle of critters, out of their trees, rooting around in the dirt and debris for the nuts that alone appease their ideological appetites and dominate their lives. At the approach of anything contrary, they scurry back to the safety of their trees, go out on a limb, and beller like tiny wounded buffalo.

Then the epiphany struck me like bolting a shot of white lightning-- Evolution is true. It was occurring right before my eyes. Not only was there species-hopping, but also kingdom, phyla, class, order, family, and genus swapping as well. The lack of fossil evidence became irrelevant, evolution was happening within our short lifetimes.

I immediately recognized that the present system of taxonomic classification would be thrown into chaos. It had become antiquated and no longer applied to the variety of life existing before us. The technical vernacular of biology would be thrown into a wild state of flux. Binomial nomenclature now needed to adapt as rapidly as teenage idiomatic lingo.

Most of those formerly classified as Homo sapiens including most MSM reporters and editors, liberal politicians, and leftist Hollywood stars, totally evolved from one order to another. Previously they were of the order Primate, but now they had naturally selected into the order Rodentia. Many were subclassified as Muridae, rats, while the rest were Sciuardae, squirrels. This is an easy classification in that the word rodent is from the Latin rodere, meaning to gnaw. In these cases they continually gnaw away at the truth to wear it down.

Michael Moore and Teddy Kennedy have evolved into Balaenoptera musculus, Blue Whales. They are both very rotund blue-staters, krill strainers, with gigantic blow holes. Kennedy also apparently is a very good swimmer.

Howard Dean has evolved into a Crocuta crocuta, a Spotted Hyena. His speech and screaming personality place him squarely within this genus. He also habitually steals the work of others and battles Vultures for the right to ingest putrifying carrion.

John Kerry has been the most difficult to classify. I would tend to place him in Kingdom Plantae as a Dionaea muscipula, a Venus Flytrap, as he opens his mouth wide without saying anything substantive and generally closes his mouth immediately upon the entrance of his own foot. However, my taxonomic conflict rose to a head with Kerry's apparent characteristics (along with the French political leadership) of the Odocoileus virginianus, a Whitetail Deer, by rapid flight at the first sign of a troubling truth with his white flag tail in full erection. (Also because the species name ends in '-anus'.) I will have to touch base with other leading modern taxonomists to help solve this dilemma.

So, by definitively proving evolution to be true, I expect any and all disputes with the Intelligent Design crowd will be permanently solved. They have not yet evolved past Neanderthals.

Lawsuit

My sources (that shall remain unnamed, even under the threat of imprisonment) have revealed to me that a major American legal firm is preparing a discrimination suit against the NFL and the NFL Rules Committee on behalf of disabled Americans under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The suit claims that NFL rules discriminate in their sideline pass completion rules. They claim that it is discriminatory for a one-legged receiver to be required to 'get two feet inbounds' for a catch to be ruled a legal pass reception.

It sounds like they have a good case, especially if they can get it to the Supreme Court before Alito replaces Sandra Day-Oh.

One highly positioned lawyer was overheard at the bar (no pun intended) that, "The NFL is a deep pockets and should succumb to being extorted out of a huge settlement to avoid appearing insensitive. I learned that from Jesse Jackson and the Rainbow Coalition. So... We're in the money... we're in the money..."

This Guy Should Change His Name to Einsteyn

Mark Steyn:

"It’s remarkable to me how many European commentators cling to the old delusions — mocking Bush for being in thrall to his own Texan version of Osama-like fundamentalism. I look on religion like gun ownership. That’s to say, New Hampshire has a high rate of firearms possession, which is why it has a low crime rate. You don’t have to own a gun and there are sissy Dartmouth College arms-are-for-hugging types who don’t. But they benefit from the fact that their crazy stump-toothed knuckle-dragging neighbours do. If you want to burgle a home in the Granite State, you’d have to be awfully certain it was the one-in-a-hundred we-are-the-world pantywaist’s pad and not some plaid-clad gun nut who’ll blow your head off before you lay a hand on his $70 TV. That’s the way it is with religion. A hyper-rationalist might dismiss the whole God thing as a lot of apple sauce, but his hyper-rationalism is a lot more vulnerable in a society without a strong Judaeo-Christian culture. American firearms owners have a popular slogan: ‘If you outlaw guns, only outlaws will have guns.’ Likewise, if you marginalise religion, only the marginalised will have religion. That’s why France’s impoverished Muslim ghettos display more cultural confidence than the wealthiest enclaves of the capital."

Apparently Mark is so smart that his writing can be understood by only 2 or 3 other MSM writers and Leftist spokesmen in the whole world... if even that many.

(H.T. The Discerning Texan.)

Cold Case Forensics Solves Another Murder

David ben Jesse convicted!

"JERUSALEM - Archaeologists digging at the purported biblical home of Goliath have unearthed a shard of pottery bearing an inscription of the Philistine's name, a find they claimed lends historical credence to the Bible's tale of David's battle with the giant.

While the discovery is not definitive evidence of Goliath's existence, it does support the Bible's depiction of life at the time the battle was supposed to have occurred, said Dr. Aren Maeir, a professor at Bar-Ilan University and director of the excavation."

The Goliath Family is seeking reparations from Israel.

I'm Glad that Someone is Watching Our Backs and Protecting Us from those Dastardly Dominionists

Jim Brown and Jody Brown:
"As part of Governor Jeb Bush's "Just Read, Florida!" program, students are being encouraged to read The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe in conjunction with the December release of a Disney movie based on the book. The director of the program, Mary Laura Openshaw, tells the Palm Beach Post that the goal of the program is "to get kids reading" -- and that state officials did not approach the reading program to help Disney or the promoter of the film, Walden Media.

But it is not the commercial aspect of the venture that bothers the group Americans United for Separation of Church and State, which is arguing that the contest violates the First Amendment because it promotes a "religious story." Barry Lynn, director of Americans United (AU), tells the Post that the Florida contest is "just totally inappropriate" because of the themes of the book. "It is simply a retelling of the story of Christ," says Lynn."

(H.T. to Greg Jones in World Views.)

And Mark Bergin in World:
"Robert Robinson believes deeply that all things happen for a reason. He believes his two trips to prison—in 2000 for assault and 2002 for drug dealing—were gifts from God. And he believes his encounter with the InnerChange Freedom Initiative (IFI) prison ministry program saved his life. "I'd been shot twice and stabbed," the 25-year-old Iowa welder told WORLD. "If I hadn't gone to IFI, I'd be dead right now."

Despite numerous success stories similar to that of Mr. Robinson, Americans United for the Separation of Church and State has filed suit against IFI and the Iowa Department of Corrections for what it deems a violation of the Constitution's Establishment Clause. Americans United president Barry Lynn called IFI "a government-funded conversion program," and argued that "no American should be strong-armed by the government to adopt a particular religious viewpoint."

Inmates involved in the program are separated from the rest of the prison and taught core values such as integrity, responsibility, and productivity. IFI is explicitly evangelical but does not require a profession of faith in Christ for graduation. Jews, Muslims, and even atheists have completed the program successfully."

I'm sure glad that these insidious, backward programs will no longer be allowed to de-secularize our sophisticated culture.

Limbaugh and Bates on Postmodern Leftism

The other Limbaugh writes:
"The following is a non-exhaustive sampling of certain important precepts one must believe, pretend to believe, or advocate in order to be in the Democratic leadership fraternity, that bizarre cadre of partisan creatures dedicated to destroying President Bush personally as an alternative to devising a coherent, politically viable policy agenda:

Nazi and Communist propagandists were on to something in teaching that if you repeat a lie -- even an outrageous one -- often enough people will begin to believe it.
This principle holds true even if you are guilty of precisely the same thing as those you accuse (talking up Saddam's WMDs) and your complicity is conclusively demonstrated on audiotape and videotape.

When your obvious duplicity in this affair is illuminated by reference to the uncontroverted fact that when you made similar claims about Saddam's WMDs you had access to the same intelligence as the administration, you simply say the president pressured the intelligence community to doctor the data.

When this specious assertion is contradicted by unequivocal findings of bipartisan investigative commissions, you simply demand, with righteous indignation, more investigations.

In the meantime, you also charge that President Bush cherry-picked certain intelligence and deliberately relied on other discredited intelligence in order to bolster his case for war against Iraq. And you do that knowing that it is you who are retrospectively cherry-picking the evidence and presenting it as irrefutable proof that Bush lied."

Les Bates also:
"They have an idea, it is to replace the society of social and economic consent that we live in with the social and economic primacy of the parasites over the productive."

I used to wonder how the rich Leftists would fit into this scenario, but no longer do. The rich Leftists like Kennedy and Kerry desire to parasitize the power reserved to the states and the people by that great obstacle, the Constitution. (That is not to claim that they aren't lusting for more wealth as well.)

(H.T. to John Ray for both.)

Twins! First, there was Brad & Brian.
Second, came Brent & Blain.
Then, Todd & Lance.
Finally, saving the best for last-- Kim & Matt!

Happy 21st Birthday, Kimberly & Matthew!

Often it would prove wise that during our daily activities and thoughts we stop and remember history. Much of the recent debate concerning the war on terror tends to do just that in its frequent recollection of the barbarity of 9/11. If the speakers of emphasis within our nation were generally trying to keep our morale high to continue this war, in all probability remembrance of 9/11 would be all we would need. But most of the highly publicized debate is in direct attempt to dissolve American resolve to defeat these murderers. We, therefore, need to remember (and remember often) more than that one incident in our political debates.

Back in the 1960's and early 1970's we were involved in a controversial 'police action' in Viet Nam. Even in setting aside that war's value or morality for the moment, we must remember the actions of an ideology in America and its effects at that time. They aided, abetted, and gave comfort to our enemy by their words and actions. This pictorial display featured in Winter Soldier gives a good reminder into the times:

"On Memorial Day, May 31, 2004, Vietnam Vets for the Truth broke an extraordinary story about a photograph hanging in the Vietnamese Communist War Remnants Museum (formerly known as the "War Crimes Museum") in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). The photograph, displayed in a room dedicated to foreign activists who contributed to the Communist victory over America in the Vietnam War, shows Senator John Kerry being greeted by Comrade Do Muoi, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam."(emphasis mine)

When the enemy recognizes your countrymen's contribution to their cause, one can gain a greater understanding of the stabbing pain between the scapulae.

It is the same situation today through the impudent speeches by the leftist politicians and protestors. It is the same today as demonstrated by the slanted news of an ideological press. I hope that someday they are NOT featured in a bin Laden museum as contributing to the success of Al Qaeda's victories.

Moonbat dissenters: Get like-minded people elected and change the situation by means afforded us all by the Constitution. At present you are acting like 'thieves in the night', or perhaps more akin to child molesters, taking advantage of the unsuspecting by talking up a bogus moral theme.

Carlos Alberto Montaner's commentary published on Real Clear Politics has two extremely succinct summary sentences that tersely define modern leftist ideology.

"After the fall of the Berlin Wall and the disappearance of the Soviet Union, the Left everywhere stopped offering options for governance or serious theories about development and equity and sought refuge in protest."

"The Left today is nothing but circus and street violence."

Ladies and gentlemen... welcome to Clinton & Kerry's three ring big top. Today, as yesterday, we will astound you, we will amaze you, with raging wild beasts, busloads of clowns, magic words that never actually do anything, and lots and lots of poop! So step right up (but, watch where you step) and prepare yourselves for the entertainment extravaganza of a lifetime.

(H.T. to John Ray of Dissecting Leftism, or A Western Mind, or Greenie Watch, or...)

PARIS-- French President Jacques Chirac announced today that the French will withdraw from Paris by the end of the month. Their investigation determined that the Parisian freedom fighters did not have WMD's nor any link with Al Qaeda proving that the Bush administration lied again. Chirac stated that no atrocities were found to have been committed by the insurgents.

The French occupation forces will withdraw with their noses held high and with their tails tucked firmly and neatly between their legs according to longstanding French tradition. One French general's only complaint was that they wouldn't be allowed to take any wine out with them.

Previous negotiations offering Andorra as a substitute for Paris had failed.

The new Parisian Government said that some landmarks are to be renamed. Visitors to Paris will now be photographing Saddam's Tower and the Arc d' Defeat.

Representatives also warned the Bush administration to keep out of Parisian internal affairs. If they ignored this warning, they would be in for 'The Mother of All Battles.' Chirac agreed, adding also that U.S. interference would spur the French to resist the U.S. with 'The Mother of All Snooty Rhetorical Posturing'.

When asked whether the newly formed nation would join the European Union, a representative said that this had indeed been their plan all along. He stated that they soon will take steps to annex Spain, Portugal, Belgium, The Netherlands, Denmark, and the other Scandanavian countries, followed by Germany and Austria. Italy's reluctance will be overcome by showing several Italian beheadings on the TV program, "Akbar's Funniest Jihad Videos". Britain, Poland, and Switzerland will shortly be the only remaining infidel resistance.

The leadership of the U.N. has not yet made public comment, but by most reports there is a mad flurry of activity with lots of cash changing hands very discreetly.

Senator John Kerry hailed the French decision as 'Peace in our Time' and said that this was similar to the 'plan' he intimated during his presidential bid. Senator Kennedy gave a big thumbs up as he chugged on a bottle of Scotch topped with a rubber nipple.

Cindy Sheehan, chained to the Statue of Liberty, chanted, "Bush lied, and people died," as Michael Moore filmed her for his new fact-filled documentary, "Hitler Escaped the Bunker, Got a Nosejob and Changed his Name To George Walker Bush." They were cheered on by thousands of supporters, all of whom were MSM reporters and photographers. There was also a group of Japanese tourists present, rolling their eyeballs and making 'air circles' with their index fingers near the sides of their heads. We were assured by the NY Times Asian correspondent (who had never actually been west of Philadelphia) that this was ancient Japanese sign language meaning, 'Get out of Iraq Now!'

The Bush White House made no comment.

Religious Principles Influencing the Development of Leftist Postmodernism

One of the great rungs up the ladder of human liberation has been the acceptance of postmodernism. Darwinian Evolution was a first great step in removing Northern European culture from the oppressive yoke of the Protestant Ethic. However, before too long it became apparent that evolution and its incumbent materialism were not producing the desired effects toward human liberty and development. Materialism in itself proved too confining to the human spirit and shackled it within the confines of finite nature. In response to this, the introduction of postmodernism enabled Man to begin to escape from within the laws of nature and creatively define reality in his own terms. Nature no longer defined man. Man was free to define many of his own verities. Truth now was to be found in the 'eye of the beholder'.

In many ways this was a positive step. The 'hard' sciences were so limited in their abilities to say anything at all about so much of the human experience. Love as simply a chemical reaction explained very little and satisfied virtually no one. Initially, then, postmodernism reopened life beyond the atomic, material level.

Naked postmodernism is only confined by the creativity of the individual. By itself it will not prohibit Hitler or Stalin, nor would it necessarily encourage Mother Theresa. It cannot differentiate Martin Luther King from a KKK Grand Poobah. Existing culture limits postmodernism and affects the outcome.

Even with the door wide open, paradigm shifts in cultural develop slowly. Postmodernism's reactive effects depended greatly upon the quality and character of the cultural substratum; the total environment into which it was implanted. Although there had been numerous smaller shifts along the way, America still had a basic Christian tradition and had retained a good deal of the outward trappings inherent in that tradition. But as the culture changes, postmodern effects are also changed.

During the 1960's many American youth, dissatisfied by the restraints and demands of even the residual Christian shadow, began looking East for new inspiration and meaning and introduced bits and pieces of Buddism and Hinduism into American culture. Much of the drug culture existed for the same purpose as well; to expand and open the mind beyond the walls of what was inculcated by our oppressive culture.

Although relatively few actually became Buddists or Hindus, many foreign thought forms and teachings did take root here and have produced some hybrid fruit (and nuts) that we are most familiar with today as expressed by fringe Leftist ideology and rhetoric.

One eastern idea that is reflected in Leftist thought is that of Nirvana. Primarily, the Left desires to annihilate the individual self and fit each person as a selfless cog in a socialist society. Much of their rhetoric concerns the poor and homeless, not as individuals, but as statistics and symbols used to help upgrade and fuel the machine. Individualists and capitalists inspire competition and judgment according to merit that tends to counter the the development of their machine.

Leftists talk a great deal about tolerence, acceptance, and inclusiveness. These are sermons, not directed to the socialist choir, but to those selfish individuals who refuse to tolerate, accept, and include themselves within the Left's mission and worldview. Anytime they call for bipartisan support, it means that the infidels abandon their own principles to submit to the machine.

Oddly, a skewed version of Nirvana also lays a foundation for pro-abortion politics. Abortion actually demonstrates compassion. Killing of an unborn child frees the child from the natural suffering of life. Further, being an unwanted child, being poor, or having a birth defect adds to the suffering so aborting these is even of a higher spirituality.

Leftism has also incorporated the idea of a caste system among its philosophy. All leftists are spiritually born Brahmans or Kshatriyas making them the class of priests, intellectuals, and rulers. The rest of society, the unwashed masses, are of the remaining two castes as well as the outcasts. This latter group includes merchants, farmers, servants, and peasants. The ubiquitous venom issuing from the leftists shows their frustration with the democratic process that has denied them their rightful place of politico-religious authority.

Leftist upper castes apparently serve the god Brahma who continually creates the newest reality. They also act under the auspices of Vishnu (Krishna) to preserve the creation's new order and defend its righteous decrees and religious rites by forcing right thinking, speech, and actions.

The inferior castes and 'untouchables' serve only the lower purposes of Shiva who promotes the destruction of Brahman's creation and exalts in the vulgar, base aspects of life.

The Leftists, therefore, see their higher calling as overseeing and protecting the Earth and controlling the ignorant, destructive people of the lower castes.

It's no small wonder that the Moonbats loathe George W. Bush so much. He is from Texas and of the lower castes and has no right to rule. In all probability he is even an untouchable since he claims to be a child of God, a Harijan. Therefore, even allowing his shadow to touch you is considered to be polluting by the intellectual, ruling priests. As a Texan, his disdain for the superior castes is shown in his use of Brahma. He pronounces it Bray-mer and correlates it with beef cattle. He also enjoys trying to ride the bulls like a punk.

Such is the syncretism of western culture with eastern through the prism of postmodernism. Syncretism, indeed! Leftism sounds more like the product of syncretinism to me.

Ooomm....oooommmm... I meditate on nothingness, and in my mind's eye I see Michael Moore, Buddha of the Left, sitting in the lotus postion. His eyes are closed 'cause there's nothing in this world to see. Oooomm-my!

Emily Moses reports in The Daily Collegian:


"MEDFORD - Massachusetts Senator John Kerry began the 2006 grassroots campaign for in-state Democrats by meeting with college Democrats yesterday in Paige Hall at Tufts University."

"Kerry concluded by giving the students a little lesson in politics.
"All politics is a reaction to felt needs. You need to get people to feel the need. Our job is to make sure the right felt need is taken into consideration.""

Wow! That's what I call 'up front', although he could have said, "If I want your opinion, I'll tell you what it is and then I'll beat it out of you." Kerry is still such a goober.

(H.T. John Ray)

According to Tuesday Morning Quarterback, Brett Favre was credited with a 4 yard rush and an 11-yard pass on the same play - the final play of their loss to the Bengals:

Ed Stubenrauch of Cincinnati notes the Gamebook of the Bengals/Packers contest records the final play like this: '(:05) (No Huddle) B.Favre to CIN 26 for 4 yards. B.Favre pass to B.Franks to CIN 15 for 11 yards (O.Thurman). Penalty on GB-B.Favre, Illegal Forward Pass, declined.' According to this line, Brett Favre both rushed for 4 yards and passed for 11 yards on the same play, getting statistical credit for both because the Bengals declined the penalty. Had the Bengals accepted the penalty, the game would still have been over, but Favre would only get credit for his rush.

Now, if only Favre could both play well and win a game at the same time...

Beer's hops seen to inhibit tumor growth:

CORVALLIS, Ore., Nov. 7 (UPI) -- Research at Oregon State University shows that beer contains a micronutrient that inhibits cancer-causing enzymes.

The compound, xanthohumol, was first isolated by Oregon State 10 years ago and an increasing number of laboratories across the world have begun studying the compound, said Fred Stevens, an assistant professor of medicinal chemistry at Oregon State's College of Pharmacy.

The substance comes from the hops plant used to give beer its aroma and flavor, ABC News reported.

Most beers made today are low on hops, however, and so don't contain much xanthohumol. But beers such as porter, stout and ales have much higher levels of the compound.

Mice studies show that the compound is metabolized quickly by the body, so it's hard to get a large amount in the body at one time, Stevens said.

"It clearly has some interesting chemo-preventive properties, and the only way people are getting any of it right now is through beer consumption," he said.

Letter From Faithful Readers

Dear Steve,

We read your posts faithfully and consider them our sole lifeline to sanity in this world. Every morning we jump out of our beds early with great anticipation, just like Christmas morning, to see if you have again stuffed our computer stocking with your great wit and wisdom. We have never been disappointed. You are our hero.

We know that we can seek from you answers to any questions or problems that we have, since you are a great cyberfriend. At present, we are in a quandary. We are true Sci-Fi nerds and seek your great understanding concerning our 'technical' problem.

How do we set our laser printers to 'stun'?

We know you can help.

Sincerely,
Nathaniel and Christopher


Dear Nat and Chris,

I am not sure about the answer, but I can direct you to some other nerds so dedicated to the craft that they really should be labeled 'geeks' or even 'spazzes'. So please try to contact either Lance Burri or Todd Pterodactyl for accurate answers to your query.

Back atcha,
Steve

The Fringe Left: Maybe They Really Do Get It

Jerry Scharf of Commom Sense & Wonder quoting from an article by Michelle Malkin in the NY Post in regard to "... remnant of Democratic incivility, destruction, and rage: Smashed windows. Slashed tires. Bloody noses. Burnt lawns. Bullet holes."

"The liberal media elite treat these assaults as jokes. They greeted an October 2004 cream-pie attack on author Ann Coulter with with sickening glee. Left-wing Vanity Fair writer James Wolcott posted a vulgar exultation on his blog: "The skank can shift ass on a dime." A post on the Web site Democrats.com gloated: "It would take a lot more than one cream pie to sweeten this miserable sourpuss up! We hear she kills rats with her teeth and eats broken bottles for breakfast!""

Shift ass on a dime? Kills rats with her teeth and eats broken bottles for breakfast? By jiminy, someone needs to go back to insulting school! If anyone wanted to insult me by calling me a hybrid of Barry Sanders and Dick Butkus, they may be extremely disappointed that my feelings weren't hurt. With enemies like that, who needs friends?

Man,... and I thought Pet Rocks and Mood Rings were dumb.

Ryan Clancy in USA Today tells about a latest fad:

"Che Guevara is everywhere these days. Not literally. He is, after all, dead. But 38 years after meeting his demise in the Bolivian jungle, the communist revolutionary has re-emerged as a pop culture icon. In dorm rooms, on the runways of Paris and on merchandising kitsch, the legendary Alberto Korda image of a beret-clad Guevara is the epitome of cool. Don't be surprised if during tonight's trick-or-treating, Che shows up among the goblins. He's that ubiquitous."

"If Che's world vision had prevailed, it's safe to say that Apple founder Steve Jobs would have never brought us the iPod. After all, it's tough to innovate when you're stuck behind a donkey farming turnips for the proletariat."

"Most historians agree upon one fact, however, that can shape our understanding of Che. He was a loser. Big time. I'm talking McGovern in '72, Saddam in '91 and the Chicago Cubs every year since '08."

"So, instead of Che being held up as a beacon of peace and justice, let us hereafter revel in his futility. He'll be an exemplar of the idea that hard work does not always pay off. In fact, I already have a new shirt in mind. Take the same iconic picture of Che and just add the heading, "I tried to conquer the evil Yankee imperialists and all I got was this stupid T-shirt.""

Isn't capitalism wonderful? It can even make money from its dead enemies.

(H.T. Dr. Santy.)

Often while perusing blogs, I get a big kick out of some of the side blurbs extolling the virtues and prowess of a particular blogger.

”I gotta love a guy whose blogroll is categorized in Latin.” Infinite Monkeys (concerning The Evangelical Outpost's Joe Carter)

"Superb, peerless, matchless"- Roget's Thesaurus (I don't remember who this was for, but it was pretty funny.)

"She's smarter than me." – Glenn Reynolds (concerning Ann Althouse)

It seems Mr. Reynolds does a lot of promoting for others' blogs.

"Remind me to never get this guy mad at me." Instapundit, Glenn Reynolds (concerning John Ray of Dissecting Leftism)

So, when I saw this outburst of fury by Dr. Ray recently, I herded the family and critters into the '50's bomb shelter in the back yard and instructed them to remove all sharp objects from their pockets, place their hands behind their heads, bend over and kiss their butts goodbye: (surprisingly the dog and cats followed those instructions!)

"Well, pish."

When I finally mustered the courage to open my eyes and see that we were not yet rendered piles of dust, I returned to his blog and read the rest, muttering something about Reynolds being a quack.

Ray was responding to an article by Francis Fukuyama in the Opinion Journal relating to the rise of Islamic terrorism and possible solutions to the present situation. Ray concluded:
"Every radical philosophy of the past - the French revolutionary creed, Communism, Fascism, and whatever the Baader-Meinhof gang believed - was hatched and nurtured not among the oppressed but among the privileged, the people with leisure. "Idleness," as Hippocrates noted, "and lack of occupation tend - nay are dragged - towards evil."

(I was doubly alerted here due to my experience with the Baader-Meinhof gang alongside the Munich Massacre in and around 1972. Those guys threatened to kill sweet-li'l-ol'-me!)

So, according to John Ray, today's Biden-Moveonhof gang, al-Kennedy/Kerryda, and the other fringe leftist, little rascal gangs will never respond to assimilation attempts.

Is John Jay Ray the re-incarnation of Senator Joe McCarthy? Have you ever seen a picture of them together? Huh? See!?

Is Ann Althouse really smarter than Glenn Reynolds? Is Curly really funnier than Shemp?

Achhh! This modern world is sooo confusing.

Or maybe, just maybe, the Austrailan term 'Pish' doesn't actually mean doing nasty things to someone else with fresh kangaroo poo, as I originally had thought. Perhaps we are indeed separated by a common language.

More from Wicked Thoughts.

ALERT LEVELS

"As many are aware, the French government recently announced a raise in its terror alert from "Run" to "Hide". The normal level is "General Arrogance", and the only two higher levels in France are "Surrender" and "Collaborate". The rise was precipitated by a recent fire that destroyed France's white flag factory, effectively paralysing the country's military capability."

This prompted some readers to comment that list membership was perhaps biased against France (and what's wrong with that?), and so, in order to promote a more balanced view, here is the latest from around the world: It's not only the French that are on heightened level of alert:

Italy has increased the alert level from "Shout loudly and excitedly" to "Elaborate military posturing". Two more levels remain, "Ineffective combat operations" and "Change sides".

The Germans also increased their alert state from "Disdain" to "Dress in uniform and sing marching songs". They have two higher levels: "Invade a neighbour" and "Lose".

The British are also feeling the pinch in relation to recent bombings and have raised their security level from "Miffed" to "Peeved". Soon though, security levels may be raised yet again to "Irritated" or even "A bit cross". Londoners have not been "A bit cross" since the Blitz in 1940 when tea supplies all ran out. Terrorists have been re-categorized from "Tiresome" to "Bloody Nuisance". The last time the British issued a "Bloody Nuisance" warning level was during the Great Fire of 1666.

We could have some fun with American alert levels, particularly those of the American fringe left.

Any takers?

A MAN WHO KNEW HIS HISTORY

A man, his wife, and mother-in-law went on vacation to Jerusalem. While they were there the mother-in-law passed away.

The undertaker told them, "You can have her shipped home for $5,000, or you can bury her here in the Holy Land for $150. The man thought about it and told him he would just have to take her home.

The undertaker asked: "Why would you spend $5,000 to ship your mother-in-law home when it would be wonderful to be buried here and you would spend only $150.

The man replied, "Long ago a man died here, was buried here, and three days later he rose from the dead. I just can't take that chance."

Stolen from Wicked Thoughts.

Rosa Parks- "The Symbol of the Civil Rights Movement" & "The Mother of the Civil Rights Movement"

After the death of Rosa Parks, I found myself inexplicably ambivalent about the accolades given her as well as her selection to 'Lie in State' in the U.S. Capitol. There just seemed to be no logical reasoning behind my inner, troubled feelings. Then, after a good deal of internal wrestling and external reading, at last came the dawn. All honors given to and spoken of Mrs. Parks are absolutely fitting. I often become teary-eyed with emotion when people honor other people in this way. I am in total agreement with the honors given this wonderful woman. It is the 'honorers' that trouble me so.

When Rosa Parks is referred to as 'the symbol', or as the symbolic 'mother' of the Civil Rights Movement, she has been stripped of her humanity and has become an object; the ball with which the game is played. We must differentiate Rosa Parks, the person, from rosa parks, the political piece of meat.

Rosa Parks real greatness did not begin with her refusal to give up her seat to a white man on that Montgomery bus in 1955. Her greatness was already established, but not as yet well known. Dr. Martin Luther King, new to Montgomery in 1955, stated that, "Mrs. Parks, ... was regarded as one of the finest citizens of Montgomery—not one of the finest Negro citizens—but one of the finest citizens of Montgomery." Parks was securely married, employed, possessed a quiet demeanor and was politically savvy.1

In her work with youth, all would have said, "Mrs. Parks said always do what was right."2

As her life unfolded,

"Parks has met many renowned leaders and has traveled throughout the world receiving honors and awards for her efforts toward racial harmony. She is appreciative and honored by them but exhibits little emotion over whom she has met or what she has done. Her response to being called "the Mother of the Civil Rights Movement" is modest. "If people think of me in that way, I just accept the honor and appreciate it," she says. In Quiet Strength, however, Parks is careful to explain that she did not change things alone. "Four decades later I am still uncomfortable with the credit given to me for starting the bus boycott. I would like [people] to know I was not the only person involved. I was just one of many who fought for freedom.""3

"Despite the violence and crime in our society, we should not let fear overwhelm us. We must remain strong."4

These are outward expressions of a woman of high character.

But there are also statements and actions made or taken by Mrs. Parks that to which I am diametrically opposed:

"And this young man that's taking over the NAACP, Kweisi Mfume, I admire him a great deal,"5

About Louis Farrakhan, the leader of the Black Muslims, she says, "Well, I don't know him personally, but I think it was great that he spearheaded the million man march."6

In August 1994, Parks was attacked in her home by a young man who wanted money from her. Of the event, she writes, "I pray for this young man and the conditions in our country that have made him this way."7 (emphasis mine)

She served as a member of the Board of Advocates of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.8

No problem. I can still celebrate and honor fully the life of the person, Rosa Parks.

The symbol, rosa parks, began as soon as the seating incident occurred.

"On Monday, December 5, 1955,... 50 leaders of the African American community, headed by Dr. King, gathered to discuss the proper actions to be taken as a result of Mrs. Parks' arrest. E.D. Nixon said, "My God, look what segregation has put in my hands!" Parks was the ideal plaintiff for a test case against city and state segregation laws."9 (emphasis mine)

From person to symbol... but like this post-for-nerds by Lance Burri, it was a strategic move, a trade off, for the 'good of the many'. So perhaps not really so bad.

Nonetheless, as the symbol arose and Rosa declined things would occur that prompted this particular response from Rosa's niece:

"...Parks' niece, Rhea McCauley, said in an Associated Press interview. "As a family, our fear is that during her last days Auntie Rosa will be surrounded by strangers trying to make money off of her name."10(emphasis mine)

This final illustration really brought the idea home to me. The fact is that Rosa Parks was not the first to do this sort of thing in resisting segregation on public transportation. Jackie Robinson was court martialled for the same offense in 1944.11 Irene Morgan's refusal in 1945 caused the Supreme Court to overturn state segregation laws in interstate bus travel.12 Claudette Colvin, a 15 year old, refused to give up her seat in March 1955 in Montgomery, but the local NAACP decided that she was 'an unsuitable symbol' for their case.13

None of that diminishes Rosa Parks' courageous actions one iota, however. but THIS just says it all about the present day use of the symbol:

"A scene in the 2002 film Barbershop, where characters discuss earlier instances of African-Americans refusing to give up their bus seats, caused activists Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton to launch a boycott against the film. The scene showed a barber arguing that many other African Americans before Parks had resisted giving up their seats; but because of her status as an NAACP secretary, she received undeserved fame."14 (emphasis mine)

For Sharpton and Jackson the transformation of Rosa Parks into the symbol rosa parks is complete. For those and all like them, she (it) serves only to promote their narcissistic self-promotions.

Now, I am freed from all ambivalence. I can joyously celebrate the life of Rosa Parks, but also hope such usage of the 'Symbol of the Civil Rights Movement' rots in Hell.