« June 2007 | Main | August 2007 »
July 31, 2007
Fatwah Worthy...
If your opponent is quick to anger, seek to irritate him - Sun Tzu
This year's Eidenburgh Fringe Festival should do that nicely:
Featuring songs like "I wanna be like Osama" ...
There's also a lovely little ditty about a cowardly french terrorist titled "Turned and Ran." The plot also features "Foxy Redstate," a jouralist who uncovers the plot, and encourages her terrorist friend Sayid to keep her in the loop in the hope that such an exclusive will propel her to media stardom.
Yannow, I can almost forgive them for their swipes at conservatism. Almost.
Posted by LindaSoG at 08:59 AM | Comments (3)
July 28, 2007
Report from Lebanon
One of the two kidnapped IDF soldiers in Lebanon are dead, according to estimates by German security sources, who were quoted in the Lebanese newspaper, An-Nahar, Saturday.
“Security forces understood that one of the kidnapped soldiers is still alive, however, the other is dead,” An-Nahar reported.
Nasrallah of course, denies this report, telling Al-Jazeera “I’m the only one authorized to give information about their condition.” and he's not giving any information.
Nothing like a little psychological warfare, just like last month, when we suffered through reports that Gilad Shalit was in dire need of medical attention. There was no international outcry or outrage, no pressure put on Hamas to give him the medical attention he needs. The State of Israel and the rest of the world shrugged it off.
Time marches on, the world continues to pressure Israel to make concessions to these terrorists even as it turns its back on Ehud Goldwasser, Eldad Regev and Gilad Shalit, indifferent as to whether they are alive, or dead. I look at the remains of their humvee, and I wonder.
Were they alive when captured, were they injured? And if so, who treated their injuries, what medicines were they given by the animals who took them? I look at that humvee, and I believe that they were injured, and I know that they were likely just bandaged up and left to live or die on their own. And I know that every additional day of captivity makes it more likely that they will never be free.
Their lives matter only to those who love them. To the terrorists, they are pawns, bargaining chips. To their country, they are an inconvenience. And to the rest of the world, their lives mean nothing. I hope and I pray for them, but I expect the worst, and with good reason. One year later, their names and their faces are fading from the news, and soon, the world will forget they ever existed, as they have forgotten other Israeli soldiers who have disappeared into the hands of terrorists, never to be seen or heard from again:
Three soldiers, captured by terrorists during a battle with Syrian and Palestinian forces near the Lebanese village of Sultan Yaqub. June 11, 1982. Twenty-five years ago, over 9,000 days.
Two soldiers captured with them were released in prisoner exchanges with Syria and Achmed Jibril's PFLP-GC (Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command). Every once in a while, their names come up (including the 1988 Amnesty International Report and the 1993 Amnesty International December Update) but reports are conflicting and nothing is verifiable. Zachary Baumel is an American citizen.
Israeli air-force navigator Ron Arad was taken captive after his F-4 Phantom warplane went down over Lebanon. October 16, 1982. Twenty-four years ago, over 8,000 days.
Ron Arad was taken captive by Amal, a Lebanese Shi’ite militia group lead by Nabih Berri, who today is the speaker of the Lebanese Parliament. In 1987, Arad’s family received several letters and a photo of Arad confirming that the missing navigator was alive and in Amal’s hands. Mustafa Dirani, the Amal security chief who allegedly captured Ron Arad when his plane crashed in Lebanon, reportedly broke away from the terrorist group in 1987, taking Arad with him. It is believed that Dirani then "sold" Arad to either Hizbullah or Iranian elements.
According to Israeli newspaper Yediot Aharonot, as recently as 2003, three former Iranian diplomats and intelligence officials living in Europe claimed that Ron Arad is alive and being held in a prison near Tehran. But these reports cannot be verified.
Twenty years later, we know nothing about the fate of Ron Arad, although I have my own thoughts on that.
Guy Hever, a soldier in the Israeli Army who was reportedly last seen standing at the Katzabiya junction, just a kilometer away from the Syrian border. He disappeared, and has not been heard of since. August 17, 1997. Ten years ago, over 3,500 days.
Does anyone remember these men today? Sadly, no, most people don't remember them, if they ever knew about them in the first place. Disappearing Jews don't make headlines.
Two years ago, we gave up the Gush as a show of good faith. And in return, we got thousands of rockets raining down on Israeli civilians, women, children, schools.
Last year, Israel should have fought until these men were released or until every single square inch of Lebanon and Gaza was buried under rubble. Hezbollah, Hamas, and Fatah should have been destroyed, completely destroyed.
Instead, Israel gave up and accomplished nothing, and now, Israel has again released palestinian terrorists from its prisons in exchange for nothing, calling it a show of good faith to the evil bastards who hold these men captive. Originally, the plan was to negotiate the release of prisoners in exchange for the release of Gilad Shalit, but in the end, they just let the terrorists go free.
The Israeli government has again closed its eyes to what happens when you appease terrorists and negotiate with evil:
These are the faces of 177 Jews, all of whom were murdered by palestinian terrorists after the terrorists were released from Israeli prisons.
I look at those faces, and I want to cry.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again... my solution would be to take the terrorists locked up in Israeli jails and execute them, one by one, until all our soldiers are released, or I run out of prisoners.
That way, the end result is a good one, either way.
But, that's just me.
Posted by LindaSoG at 10:44 PM | Comments (8)
July 27, 2007
Shabbat Shalom
Our Father in Heaven, Rock and Redeemer of Israel, bless the State of Israel, the first manifestation of the approach of our redemption. Shield it with Your loving kindness, envelop it in Your peace, and bestow Your light and truth upon its leaders, ministers, and advisors, and grace them with Your good counsel. Strengthen the hands of those who defend our holy land, grant them deliverance, and adorn them in a mantle of victory.
Ordain peace in the land and grant its inhabitants eternal happiness. Lead them, swiftly and upright, to Your city Zion and to Jerusalem, the abode of Your Name, as is written in the Torah of Your servant Moses: “Even if your outcasts are at the ends of the world, from there the Lord your God will gather you, from there He will fetch you. And the Lord your God will bring you to the land that your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it; and He will make you more prosperous and more numerous than your fathers.”
Draw our hearts together to revere and venerate Your name and to observe all the precepts of Your Torah, and send us quickly the Messiah son of David, agent of Your vindication, to redeem those who await Your deliverance.
Manifest yourself in the splendor of Your boldness before the eyes of all inhabitants of Your world, and may everyone endowed with a soul affirm that the Lord, God of Israel, is king and his dominion is absolute.
Amen
Posted by LindaSoG at 06:15 PM | Comments (1)
What if?
What if enriched weapons-grade uranium and other equipment including including plutonium was loaded on two ships in Korea and sent out on the high seas, headed for Iran? Would such a thing bring Iran's nuclear bomb program closer to fruition, bring them closer perhaps by at least a year? How much would that be worth to Iran? Perhaps a cool $500 million?
What if the terms of sale were agreed upon but delivery had to be accelerated because, well, perhaps there were some UN nuclear inspectors scheduled to visit Pyongyang to confirm the dismantling of its nuclear facilities and the motherlode had to be moved out fast?
What if US intelligence was tracking the freighters? What if there were detected signs of radioactivity, indicating the presence of nuclear materials aboard? Is that kind of technology available? Maybe it is, maybe not.
What if that North Korean ship was getting close to an area patrolled by Iran?
What if the President ordered US Marines to sink the bastards rather than seize the ships, because, well, it would be better to just sink them and avoid explanations and... why expose our troops to possible radiation contaminiation?
What if, after the attack, a few lifeboats were spotted, with a bunch of sorry assed North Korean soldiers aboard, all dying or already dead, and all evidencing radioactive contamination?
What if everyone involved just kept their mouths shut, after all, no one wants or needs a major international incident now, Korean doesn't need anymore sanctions against it and Iran isn't ready for war with America, at least not yet.
What if? Nah. Such a thing could never happen.
Posted by LindaSoG at 06:50 AM | Comments (8)
July 26, 2007
Faith Under Fire
During the 33 days of War with Lebanon last year, my heart was turned to the State of Israel, waiting, hoping, fearing, and praying for the safety of my people and my friends. As the bombs rained down on the Holy City of Tsfas, a voice reached out to me over the internet through my friend Chana, and her emails told revealed a story of a people bound together by faith in G-d and love for one another even as the terrorists tried to take away their faith, their hopes, their dreams and their very lives. I shared some of Chana's emails with you, here, and now, one year later, there is...
33 days...3,699 missiles...500,000 Jewish refugees...Infinite faith and uncounted miracles.
One year ago missiles rained down on Israel's North and began an unprecedented war whose consequences are still felt today. From her "safe corner" in Tzefat the author gives us riveting real-time emails, stories, diaries, and prayers from ordinary people living under constant fire during the war, and records the endless miracles and chessed during those fateful danger-filled days. Includes contributions from leading Jewish leaders and educators: the Bostoner Rebbe, HaRav Mordechai Twerski, and Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller.
I am going through my second reading now, because the first time, I read it too fast, and I went through so many emotions the first time. I know that when I do that, I miss things, they don't sink in, so I'm reading it again, and I already know that I'll soon be reading it yet again. It's simply that good.
And no, this is not an advertisement for the book, this is a recommendation of the book, from me, to you, and I make it now because the publisher is offering the book at a 20% discount through the end of July. So, if you are interested, now would be a good time to get it.
Let me know if you do, I'd like to hear your thoughts.
Posted by LindaSoG at 06:57 AM | Comments (2)
Awww...
That put a smile on my face. Not the contest really, but all them pictures.
Posted by LindaSoG at 06:26 AM | Comments (1)
July 25, 2007
Today's Bumper Sticker
WASHINGTON - Airport security officers around the nation have been alerted by federal officials to look out for terrorists practicing to carry explosive components onto aircraft, based on four curious seizures at airports since last September.
The unclassified alert was distributed on July 20 by the Transportation Security Administration to federal air marshals, its own transportation security officers and other law enforcement agencies.The seizures at airports in San Diego, Milwaukee, Houston and Baltimore included "wires, switches, pipes or tubes, cell phone components and dense clay-like substances," including block cheese, the bulletin said. "The unusual nature and increase in number of these improvised items raise concern."
Security officers were urged to keep an eye out for "ordinary items that look like improvised explosive device components."
The four seizures were described this way:
• San Diego, July 7. A U.S. person — either a citizen or a foreigner legally here — checked baggage containing two ice packs covered in duct tape. The ice packs had clay inside them rather than the normal blue gel.
• Milwaukee, June 4. A U.S. person's carryon baggage contained wire coil wrapped around a possible initiator, an electrical switch, batteries, three tubes and two blocks of cheese. The bulletin said block cheese has a consistency similar to some explosives.
• Houston, Nov. 8, 2006. A U.S. person's checked baggage contained a plastic bag with a 9-volt battery, wires, a block of brown clay-like minerals and pipes.
• Baltimore, Sept. 16, 2006. A couple's checked baggage contained a plastic bag with a block of processed cheese taped to another plastic bag holding a cellular phone charger.
Remember... there is no terrorist threat.
Posted by LindaSoG at 07:00 AM | Comments (4)
Today's Anti-Semetic Moment
Brought to you by Mexico:
Posted by LindaSoG at 06:41 AM | Comments (6)
July 23, 2007
Tisha B'Av
and I'll be gone for a bit... While I'm gone...
Our Father in Heaven, Rock and Redeemer of Israel, bless the State of Israel, the first manifestation of the approach of our redemption. Shield it with Your loving kindness, envelop it in Your peace, and bestow Your light and truth upon its leaders, ministers, and advisors, and grace them with Your good counsel. Strengthen the hands of those who defend our holy land, grant them deliverance, and adorn them in a mantle of victory.
Ordain peace in the land and grant its inhabitants eternal happiness. Lead them, swiftly and upright, to Your city Zion and to Jerusalem, the abode of Your Name, as is written in the Torah of Your servant Moses: “Even if your outcasts are at the ends of the world, from there the Lord your God will gather you, from there He will fetch you. And the Lord your God will bring you to the land that your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it; and He will make you more prosperous and more numerous than your fathers.”
Draw our hearts together to revere and venerate Your name and to observe all the precepts of Your Torah, and send us quickly the Messiah son of David, agent of Your vindication, to redeem those who await Your deliverance.
Manifest yourself in the splendor of Your boldness before the eyes of all inhabitants of Your world, and may everyone endowed with a soul affirm that the Lord, God of Israel, is king and his dominion is absolute.
Amen
Posted by LindaSoG at 06:11 PM | Comments (1)
Its called SB-529
and it works!
Music to my ears: "Immigration laws have left them no choice but to go back to Mexico" and "people are leaving Georgia for more hospitable states." Guess what? That was exactly the intent!
And one of those more hospitable states.... Connecticut, where they give illegal immigrants ID cards and bank accounts. I wonder, is there a limit of one per customer, or can they get one for each social security number they've stolen? An estimated 3,000 to 5,000 illegal immigrants live in the city of 124,000 people, many from Mexico, Ecuador and Guatemala, but whaddya wanna bet that number is about to skyrocket?
The sheriff's department has developed a remarkably effective — and controversial — way of catching illegal immigrants: Deputies in patrol cars pull up to a construction site in force, and watch and see who runs.
Those who take off are chased down and arrested on charges such as trespassing, for cutting through someone else's property, or loitering, for hiding out in someone's yard, or reckless driving, for speeding off in a car.
U.S. immigration authorities are then given the names of those believed to be in this country illegally.
Dozens of these raids over the past three months, more than 500 people reported to immigration officials since November. End result:
Mexican illegal immigrant Jose Madrid, 28, said he has been unable to find a construction job over the past six weeks because of the crackdown, and hasn't been able to send money to his parents and his 7-year-old son back home.
"We immigrants, we are leaving Panama City. People are afraid they will be deported," he said. "The companies don't want to hire illegal people. Now they're only hiring those with papers."
Meanwhile, here in Miami, Clinton and Obama speak to La Raza, and promise them... amnesty.
Posted by LindaSoG at 06:17 AM | Comments (4)
July 22, 2007
Sigh
that was... perfect.
Posted by LindaSoG at 12:35 AM | Comments (6)
July 20, 2007
Shabbat Shalom
Our Father in Heaven, Rock and Redeemer of Israel, bless the State of Israel, the first manifestation of the approach of our redemption. Shield it with Your loving kindness, envelop it in Your peace, and bestow Your light and truth upon its leaders, ministers, and advisors, and grace them with Your good counsel. Strengthen the hands of those who defend our holy land, grant them deliverance, and adorn them in a mantle of victory.
Ordain peace in the land and grant its inhabitants eternal happiness. Lead them, swiftly and upright, to Your city Zion and to Jerusalem, the abode of Your Name, as is written in the Torah of Your servant Moses: “Even if your outcasts are at the ends of the world, from there the Lord your God will gather you, from there He will fetch you. And the Lord your God will bring you to the land that your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it; and He will make you more prosperous and more numerous than your fathers.”
Draw our hearts together to revere and venerate Your name and to observe all the precepts of Your Torah, and send us quickly the Messiah son of David, agent of Your vindication, to redeem those who await Your deliverance.
Manifest yourself in the splendor of Your boldness before the eyes of all inhabitants of Your world, and may everyone endowed with a soul affirm that the Lord, God of Israel, is king and his dominion is absolute.
Amen
Posted by LindaSoG at 05:13 PM | Comments (3)
See No Evil
and if you do, you better keep quiet about it...
Congressional Democrats today failed to include a provision in homeland security legislation that would protect the public from being sued for reporting suspicious behavior that may lead to a terrorist attack, according to House Republican leaders.
"This is a slap in the face of good citizens who do their patriotic duty and come forward, and it caves in to radical Islamists," said Rep. Peter T. King, New York Republican and ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee.
"Democrats are trying to find any technical excuse to keep immunity out of the language of the bill to protect citizens, who in good faith, report suspicious activity to police or law enforcement," Mr. King said. "I don't see how you can have a homeland security bill without protecting people who come forward to report suspicious activity."
House Republican Leader John Boehner yesterday warned Democrats of a public backlash if the "John Doe" provision is removed.
“That language was put into this bill with broad bipartisan support making it clear that having Americans protected from silly lawsuits if they notice suspicious behavior and report it is just plain common sense," Mr. Boehner said. "And why would they remove that language and I think they are asking for serious trouble if the language is in fact taken out.”
I wish someone could explain to me why the democrats are so determined to hand this country over to the islamic bastards who want to destroy America and kill us. Because that's what this amounts to. They are not even pretending anymore.
Mr. Pearce said Democrats made a choice as to "whether they are going to side with the American people or with the terrorists."
Florida Rep. Adam Putnam, chairman of the House Republican Conference, said failure to enact the provision will hold "the threat of endless litigation over the heads of the American people."
"Democrats are discouraging citizens from reporting suspicious behavior. And that, simply, leaves America vulnerable to terrorist attacks," Mr. Putnam said.
I don't know if this country can survive this congress and that scares the hell out of me.
Posted by LindaSoG at 07:32 AM | Comments (3)
July 19, 2007
Nothing to see here
Because there is no terrorist threat!
Federal sources told Dallas CBS affiliate KTVT that law enforcement officers have confiscated a large cache of weapons found in an apartment near the federal building in downtown Dallas.
Sources say a maintenance man entered the apartment to work on some plumbing. Once inside, authorities say, the man found the weapons.
According to sources, among the weapons discovered were two AK-47 rifles, an Uzi 9 millimeter submachine gun, a TEC-9 submachine gun, a 40 millimeter ordnance launcher, a handheld ordnance launcher, and about 500 rounds of ammunition.
Authorities have not yet arrested anyone, but were searching for the tenant of the apartment. Authorities told the television station that the tenant travels to the Middle East frequently and just returned from there this morning.
I'm sure it has nothing to do with the Holy Land Foundation trial starting in that nearby federal building, where jury selection is not going well at all.
Posted by LindaSoG at 07:08 AM | Comments (4)
July 18, 2007
Put an end to gun violence
H/T: HWT
Posted by LindaSoG at 05:55 AM | Comments (3)
July 17, 2007
Kumbaya
It started about midnight on June 16 when a group of friends was finishing a dinner of marinated steaks and jumbo shrimp on the back patio of a District of Columbia home. That's when a hooded man slid through an open gate and pointed a handgun at the head of a 14-year-old girl.
"Give me your money, or I'll start shooting," he said, according to D.C. police and witnesses.
Everyone froze, including the girl's parents. Then one guest spoke.
"We were just finishing dinner," Cristina "Cha Cha" Rowan, 43, told the man. "Why don't you have a glass of wine with us?"
The intruder had a sip of their Chateau Malescot St-Exupery and said, "Damn, that's good wine."
The girl's father, Michael Rabdau, 51, told the intruder to take the whole glass, and Rowan offered him the whole bottle.
The robber, with his hood down, took another sip and a bite of Camembert cheese. He put the gun in his sweatpants.
The story then turns even more bizarre.
"I think I may have come to the wrong house," he said before apologizing. "Can I get a hug?"
Rowan, who works at her children's school and lives in Falls Church, Va., stood up and wrapped her arms around the armed man. The four other guests followed.
"Can we have a group hug?" the man asked. The five adults complied.
The man walked away a few moments later with the crystal wine glass in hand. Nothing was stolen, and no one was hurt.
I can just hear the liberals now...
Okay then, let's open the prisons and set those people free, with a hug and crystal glass full of wine. We won't need the police or jails or the death penalty, if we would just be nicer to the people who put guns to the heads of our children and threaten their lives to coerce us into giving them whatever they want. Because really, they don't mean any harm, they are just reacting to our evil capitalist society that oppresses them and forces them to steal what others work for. Inside, they're good people who just need a hug.
Instead of letting the wolf walk away with a gun, somewhere in the middle of that hug, they should have pinned that bastard down, snatched that gun, and got the police there before he walked away. If they had, well, maybe they might have saved the life of his next victim.
Because sure as G-d made apples, there will be a next victim.
Posted by LindaSoG at 12:01 AM | Comments (4)
July 16, 2007
Here we go again!
Concourse F at Miami International Airport was being evacuated this morning, and the bomb squad was being called to the scene to investigate a report of a possible explosive device. Hundreds of people reportedly were removed from the concourse.
The evacuation began shortly after 6 a.m., according to early reports.
Miami television stations are reporting that authorities found what appeared to be an explosive device in an X-ray machine. Several hundred passengers can be seen outside Terminal F with their luggage.
Concourse F runs Aerolineas Argentinas, Lufthansa, Mexicana and United.
UPDATE: Local radio is reporting that the all clear has been given and Fox is breaking news that its not a bomb. Its probably just a hair dryer, or maybe some stupid shit put together by a troubled youth.
Posted by LindaSoG at 07:23 AM
July 13, 2007
Shabbat Shalom
Our Father in Heaven, Rock and Redeemer of Israel, bless the State of Israel, the first manifestation of the approach of our redemption. Shield it with Your loving kindness, envelop it in Your peace, and bestow Your light and truth upon its leaders, ministers, and advisors, and grace them with Your good counsel. Strengthen the hands of those who defend our holy land, grant them deliverance, and adorn them in a mantle of victory.
Ordain peace in the land and grant its inhabitants eternal happiness. Lead them, swiftly and upright, to Your city Zion and to Jerusalem, the abode of Your Name, as is written in the Torah of Your servant Moses: “Even if your outcasts are at the ends of the world, from there the Lord your God will gather you, from there He will fetch you. And the Lord your God will bring you to the land that your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it; and He will make you more prosperous and more numerous than your fathers.”
Draw our hearts together to revere and venerate Your name and to observe all the precepts of Your Torah, and send us quickly the Messiah son of David, agent of Your vindication, to redeem those who await Your deliverance.
Manifest yourself in the splendor of Your boldness before the eyes of all inhabitants of Your world, and may everyone endowed with a soul affirm that the Lord, God of Israel, is king and his dominion is absolute.
Amen
Posted by LindaSoG at 07:08 PM | Comments (3)
Quick - cover your eyes!
A US publisher has decided not to publish a series by children's book author Rotraut Susanne Berner. The problem? Cartoon breasts and a half-millimeter-long willy.
Oh noes! boobies:
and... and... a willy!
Horrors! Ban the book! Do it for the children!
Sheesh.
Posted by LindaSoG at 10:45 AM | Comments (7)
For my friend
Posted by LindaSoG at 07:04 AM | Comments (1)
July 12, 2007
All those AKs
were just lying around. Innocent like. Our troops never shoot anyone other than innocent civilians, Iraq is full of innocent civilians, who just happen to be surrounded by AKs just lying around.
Yeah, all those AKs just lying around all over Iraq, which is full of innocent people who have nothing to do with it, who would never think of using all those AKs that were just lying around to shoot at our troops. no, all those AKs were lying around because, um... lying around for... um... all those AKs lying around were not used to shoot anyone, they were just AKs that happen to be lying around, they were lying around so all those innocent people could... um... not to shoot... um they were used for... um... all those AKs were just lying around, mkay?
OMG! That's terrible! I can't believe such things happen! For crying out loud, our troops never should have gotten out and shot that kid. They should have stayed under cover and shot him.
A sad story of an innocent Iraqi and an evil AK that was just lying around after being planted by our troops, you know that AK musta just jumped into his hands and started shooting at our troops, eh? Yeah, sure, that was another innocent peace loving iraqi with an AK in his hands and our troops shot him for no good reason at all.
Is this supposed to make me feel bad? It doesn't. I don't care how old the bastard was, he shot at our troops, he gets deadly force in return.
There are people who want to kill us, just because we're Americans, and because we don't believe what they believe. They will use any and all ways and means to do, and yes, that includes women and children. They are counting on our humanity and compassion to help them kill us. They give their children guns and explosives and send them to kill and be killed.
What a hunk of shit. Every soldier quoted in this article should lose not only their military benefits, but they should lose their citizenship as well. Send them to the third world country of their choice. I hear Iran is nice this time of year.
Posted by LindaSoG at 07:40 AM | Comments (1)
Ain't love grand?
Bride Attacks Groom With Stiletto Shoe
LONDON — Scottish bride Teresa Brown's dream of a perfect wedding day probably did not include attacking the groom with her stiletto shoe and spending the weekend in a cell.
Police arrested the 33-year-old in the couple's hotel room in April while her wedding reception continued downstairs, prosecutor Alan Townsend said Tuesday at Aberdeen Sheriff Court. She spent the rest of her wedding weekend in a cell.
The distraught groom, Mark Allerton, 40, staggered to the front desk, clutching a bloody towel to his head, Townsend said.
"He indicated that his wife had struck him over the head with a stiletto heel," the prosecutor said.
Police found Brown, a real estate agent's assistant, sitting on the hotel room bed, surrounded by broken glass.
Brown told police she and her husband had "been accusing each other of different things," the prosecutor said, without going into details. Brown said she hit him on the head because he had taken a hold of her, he added.
Brown's lawyer Stuart Beveridge said the newlyweds began throwing things at each other after an argument in their room turned physical. He said Brown had been on antidepressants at the time and had been drinking.
"She and her husband are still together although this incident has not helped," he said, adding she is receiving counseling.
Sheriff James Tierney let Brown off on the assault charge with a warning and fined her 250 pounds ($505) for damaging the hotel room and ordered her to pay the hotel 500 pounds ($1,150) in compensation.
Hilton Treetops said in a statement that they were happy the case has closed.
"This has been a very unusual case," the hotel said.
Posted by LindaSoG at 05:31 AM | Comments (1)
The Real Rudy
Calling himself "America's Mayor," Rudy is looking to climb to the top on his 9/11 record. In this video, firefighters speak out about that record, and what Rudy is responsible for, pre-9/11 and post-9/11.
They want to call this "swiftboating" like its a bad thing. If "swiftboating" means finding a way to get the truth out to the American public, then this is swiftboating at its finest.
I wasn't planning on voting for Rudy before I saw it, and I have been against a Rudy presidency right from the get-go.
I'm no fan of unions, I was married to an IBEW member, I know what they're about and I know how they operate. I'm sure the union has its own agenda in releasing this. But, whatever the union's agenda is, its either true, or its not. If it is true, then it stands as a indictment against Rudy Guliani, who I believe is a liar, and a cheat. If its not true, then Rudy should be able to shut it down quickly and have the statements retracted. I remember all too well watching Rudy brush off emergency workers to give his attention to the media, and I remember when he made them stop looking for the fallen. I think it is true.
Reality is, we no longer have to rely on the distortions, errors and omissions of the mainstream media when it comes to information. Now we get to know what we need to know to make an informed decision.
Posted by LindaSoG at 05:22 AM | Comments (3)
July 11, 2007
There's always room for improvement
and Rodger is a genius when it comes to improving things...
I read him every day. and I mean every day.
Posted by LindaSoG at 08:22 PM | Comments (1)
Today's Good News
SAN DIEGO (AP) - The government's case against a Marine accused of fatally shooting Iraqi civilians in the town of Haditha lacks sufficient evidence to go to a court-martial and should be dropped,
The murder charges were brought against Lance Cpl. Justin L. Sharratt for killing three Iraqi brothers in November 2005.
The hearing officer, Lt. Col. Paul Ware, wrote in a report released by the defense Tuesday that those charges were based on unreliable witness accounts, insupportable forensic evidence and questionable legal theories. He also wrote that the case could have dangerous consequences on the battlefield, where soldiers might hesitate during critical moments when facing an enemy.
"The government version is unsupported by independent evidence," Ware wrote in the 18-page report. "To believe the government version of facts is to disregard clear and convincing evidence to the contrary."
Prosecutors allege Sharratt and other members of his battalion carried out a revenge-motivated assault on Iraqi civilians that left 24 dead after a roadside bomb killed a fellow Marine nearby.
Sharratt contends the Iraqi men he confronted were insurgents and at least one was holding an AK-47 rifle when he fired at them.
In addition to Sharratt, two other enlisted men are charged with murder and four officers are accused of failing to investigate the incident—the largest single Iraqi civilian death case of the war. Sharratt's case is the first among the three charged with murder to go to a hearing known as an Article 32 investigation, the military equivalent of a grand jury.
"Whether this was a brave act of combat against the enemy or tragedy of misperception born out of conducting combat with an enemy that hides among innocents, Lance Corporal Sharratt's actions were in accord with the rules of engagement and use of force," Ware wrote.
He said further prosecution of Sharratt could set a "dangerous precedent that ... may encourage others to bear false witness against Marines as a tactic to erode public support of the Marine Corps and its mission in Iraq."
"Even more dangerous is the potential that a Marine may hesitate at the critical moment when facing the enemy," he said.
Ware deemed the witness accounts and testimony given by other Marines unreliable.
-----------
Semper Fi!
Posted by LindaSoG at 01:46 PM
I hope it hurts
Leave it to the AP to insert the word "allegedly" in there... as if they didn't pull him out of the burning vehicle.
EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) -- A suspect in the failed terror attack on Scotland's busiest airport was unlikely to survive his severe burn injuries, a doctor who treated him said Tuesday.
Khalid Ahmed, 27, is in a Scottish hospital with burns suffered after allegedly crashing a Jeep Cherokee into the Glasgow airport a day after police found two unexploded car bombs in central London.
"The prognosis is not good and he is not likely to survive," a member of the medical team that treated him at the Royal Alexandra Hospital near Glasgow said on condition of anonymity because details about patients' condition are not to be made public.
"He has third-degree burns over most of his torso and limbs. It is beyond repair and because he has lost so much skin he is now vulnerable to infection and won't be able to fight it."
It would appear that he is suffering that which he intended to inflict upon others. I hope he has at least one lucid moment where he realizes how foresaken he really is.
Unfortunately, third degree burns destroy the nerve endings, but hey, he's gotta have some first and second degree burns as well, and those should hurt something terrible.
I hope they do everything possible to keep this man alive for as long as possible.
Posted by LindaSoG at 07:12 AM | Comments (5)
July 10, 2007
By the way...
Giuliani has the support of 30% of “Republicans and Republican leaners,” vs. 28% a month ago; Thompson comes in with 20%, vs. 19% in June; McCain has 16%, vs. 18% a month earlier.
Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney remains in fourth, at 9% vs. 7% in June.
The current numbers for the rest of the Republicans included in the survey: Former House speaker Newt Gingrich, 6%; former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, 2%; Rep. Duncan Hunter, 2%; Rep. Tom Tancredo, 2%; Sen. Sam Brownback, 1%; Sen. Chuck Hagel, 1%; former Wisconsin governor Tommy Thompson, 1%. Neither former Virginia governor Jim Gilmore nor Rep. Ron Paul registered any support.
Neither former Virginia governor Jim Gilmore nor Rep. Ron Paul registered any support.
Posted by LindaSoG at 09:02 PM | Comments (1)
Flight 93 - the Terrorist Memorial
They said they changed it, but they didn't. They changed the name from "crescent of embrace" to "bowl of embrace and they added a few more trees. The old design is on the left, and the new design is on the right.
Its still a fucking outdoor mosque and a tribute to islam.
They know what is in the design and just make excuses for it. "It has to be exact," Project Superintendent Joanne Hanley told me in April 2006, explaining why she wasn't worried about the giant crescent, oriented almost exactly on Mecca: "That's one we talked about. It has to be exact."
Left image: a traditional Islamic sundial (photo © Germán Moreno, 2006). The shadow has just reached the outer curved vertical, indicating time for Islamic afternoon prayers. The image on the right is the Tower of Voices portion of the planned Flight 93 Memorial. It is also an Islamic sundial. Shadow calculations confirm that, on any day of the year, when the Tower shadow reaches the inner arc of trees, it will be time for Islamic afternoon prayers.
This is just one of many Islamic and jihadist features hidden (and not so hidden) in what was originally called the Crescent of Embrace design.
Mosque design involves about a dozen typical mosque features. All are realized in the original Crescent of Embrace design, all on the same epic scale as the Tower of Voices minaret-sundial. All remain completely unchanged in the superficially altered Bowl of Embrace redesign.
The memorial honors the islamic murderers rather than the those murdered in the name of islam. Its just another step down the road towards islamification of the United States of America.
What the hell has happened to America?
Posted by LindaSoG at 07:18 AM | Comments (8)
July 09, 2007
Conversations with a Ron Paul Republican
So, my sister met a guy. "He's a republican," she said.
For the record, politically, my sister is not much like me, I think of her as a centrist, somewhere in the middle of the road. We had more than quite a few "discussions" during the 2004 election. She didn't like Bush, and she didn't like Kerry either. But, for the most part, we leave politics out of our conversations and, she worries about my activism, the street protests and what not. Although she denies it, I believe she thinks of me as a "right wing nut job." And if she does, well, she's probably right.
So, she meets this guy, and politics came up, and lo... he says he's a republican. Except... he's not really, he's a Ron Paultard. "Oh no," said I. "He's not a republican, he's a freak" and I could almost hear her thinking... "right wing nut job." and she said "I told him about you."
Next thing I know, he's writing me.
It started out normal enough, he visited this place, and wrote to say "Heard all about you from your sister Laura, interesting website." I said "I hope I didn't scare you," and off we went. We discussed Hannity, and Rush, and discovered that we had a common interest, investments and commodities, so we talked about that for an email or two.
I'm thinking, okay, this is not so bad, he sounds normal enough. and then somewhere in the middle of all that... he slips in "Basially I've been politically active since 1991, was born and raised a liberal Long Islander (20 years), staunch republican (15 years), realized that both parties are one in the same about 7 years ago." Uh oh.
and then he popped the question. "Had to ask you, what do you think of Ron Paul...or why are you not a fan? Inquiring minds want to know."
I was torn between the short answer, which begins with "Ron Paul is one brain cell shy of being a moron" and the long answer, which is a detailed explanation of why Ron Paul's political platform is an impossibility in this modern world, just facts, with no bad words, and no insults. When dealing with Paultards on the internet, I prefer to use the short answer because it discourages dialogue with them. If I've learned one thing about talking politics over the years, it is that you should only try to sway the uncommitted, and never try to sway the should be committed. Ron Paul supporters fall into the second category, and while its fun to poke them now and again, mostly, its just tedious.
Still, because my sister was kinda involved, I opted for the long answer, ending my email with...
"To return to those less complicated days of Monroe and Jackson is a lofty idea, but the world is much more complicated now then it was then. What worked then will not work now.
When thought through, Paul's platform and his goals are unsustainable in the modern world and as to foreign policy, they amount to national suicide. If he gets elected, that power vacuum will be filed by our enemies, who would then destroy us.
On a more basic level, I am deeply troubled by his "blame America" attitude. I simply do not believe that if we withdraw from the rest of the world, they won't come here looking to kill us.
I am also deeply troubled by his relationship with the truthers. It reflects an unsoundness of mind and thought process.
In my humble opinion, he is the republican version of kucinich, and if he had a chance to win, he would be a very dangerous man.
But, he has no chance to win. So, I anticipate that he will be nothing more than an amusement during this election cycle."
and as expected, I received in return a long ramble of Ron Paul talking points, which conveniently talk only about what should be, and never mention what the consequences would be if those ideas come to fruition.
So, losing patience, I cut to the chase and asked... "with all due respect, what you have written here has absolutely nothing to do with the reality of what a Ron Paul presidency would mean to this country. Talking points aside, really, do you believe the 9/11 truthers? Do you believe that if we withdraw from the international community, we will be safer? Do you believe that we should dismantle our military and trust our safety to a few surface to air missiles? I don't."
And in reply I received more talking points about the divide between the rich and the poor, and WMDs not in Iraq, and Ron Paul being a "put American first" patriot and his candidacy being about waking people up to the inconsistancy of both sides.
And mixed up in the middle was this little gem:
As far as the 9/11 truth movement, I absolutely agree with them, just as I agree that the 2 unexploded bombs pulled out of the Murah building Oklahoma City were put there by criminals inside our government at the time.
I immediately went into "Ack" mode, actually, I went into "Ack Ack Ack" mode and forwarded it to my sister... with sirens blaring. "Dump him! Dump him!" said I, and then sat back in my chair thinking... whew. I should have just used the Ron Paul short answer.
But, perhaps it was worth it, as my sister replied "OMG! What a yutz!"
Ah. I just love Yiddish, it's just so... expressive!
As for a Ron Paul Presidency... well... That's not going to happen. And I'd bet every cent in my pocket too!
and... this just in on a tip from DoubleU...
heh. I love Frank J.
Posted by LindaSoG at 06:03 AM | Comments (24)
July 08, 2007
The latest in Urban Warfare
"The Tavor is the latest assault rifle to enter on the world stage of weapon systems. It posesses the fire power of the M-16 but is smaller. Designed specifically for close quarter combat, but it is as accurate as a sniper rifle."
The new rifle is very different from other rifles. Its body is made from alloy-like metal substitutes; it is extremely lightweight, is a dark green color, and is very well insulated, so that it does not heat up after prolonged firing.
The Tavor was not equipped with the normal metal sight that requires closing one eye for shooting. Instead, the Tavor has an optical sight known as a "red dot." The soldier looking through the sight sees both his target and the red dot. When the red dot aligns with the target, the bullets fired will make exact hits.
The rifle can also be equipped with a dual-purpose sight: at the press of a button, the sight can be adjusted to a laser finder, so that the rifle can be fired from hip height, using the laser to illuminate the target.
The Tavor is also designed for night fighting. Night goggles can be taken from the soldier's helmet and attached to the rifle, making the red dot system effective also at night. The entire rifle was designed to be user-friendly.
The design of the Tavor is based largely on lessons learned during military operations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip during the 34-month-old Al Aqsa intifada.
"The Tavor would be useful anywhere where close quarters battle is the rule, and from vehicles," said Charles Cutshaw, firearms editor at Jane's International Defense Review Magazine.
H/T: JChannel
Posted by LindaSoG at 08:19 AM | Comments (7)
July 07, 2007
Two Weeks in May
In the Israeli town of Sderot.
Israel is the only place in the world where it is acceptable to bomb civilian towns, schools, homes, places of worship, provided of course, that its the Israelis that are being bombed.
Posted by LindaSoG at 11:54 PM | Comments (1)
July 06, 2007
Shabbat Shalom
Our Father in Heaven, Rock and Redeemer of Israel, bless the State of Israel, the first manifestation of the approach of our redemption. Shield it with Your loving kindness, envelop it in Your peace, and bestow Your light and truth upon its leaders, ministers, and advisors, and grace them with Your good counsel. Strengthen the hands of those who defend our holy land, grant them deliverance, and adorn them in a mantle of victory.
Ordain peace in the land and grant its inhabitants eternal happiness. Lead them, swiftly and upright, to Your city Zion and to Jerusalem, the abode of Your Name, as is written in the Torah of Your servant Moses: “Even if your outcasts are at the ends of the world, from there the Lord your God will gather you, from there He will fetch you. And the Lord your God will bring you to the land that your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it; and He will make you more prosperous and more numerous than your fathers.”
Draw our hearts together to revere and venerate Your name and to observe all the precepts of Your Torah, and send us quickly the Messiah son of David, agent of Your vindication, to redeem those who await Your deliverance.
Manifest yourself in the splendor of Your boldness before the eyes of all inhabitants of Your world, and may everyone endowed with a soul affirm that the Lord, God of Israel, is king and his dominion is absolute.
Amen
Posted by LindaSoG at 07:13 PM | Comments (2)
ZombieTime: Anti-American Fourth
The SanFran Moonbats have outdone themselves this year:
From the District that gave us Nancy Pelosi, a very apt portrait of herself, don't ya think?
Posted by LindaSoG at 01:22 PM | Comments (3)
Friday's Not-so-Funny Funny
Posted by LindaSoG at 06:43 AM | Comments (2)
Dogs Against Romney
Hello to all you dogs out there.
As I am sure you know from listening to your humans, there is a very important election coming up in 2008, to decide who will be the president of these United States of America that we live in. There are quite a few men running, and one very scary woman. But, my human is working her fingers to the bone to keep that scary woman out of the White House, and as dogs, well, for now, all we have to do is remember to pee on any cars with her bumper sticker on it.
That said, there is this other guy though, from mAssachusetts, who wants to be president, his name is Mitt Romney. Although he looks human to me, my human calls him a rhino and she spits every time she hears his name. I don't think she is just marking her territory and I admit to being a little confused about that, although anyone from mAssachusetts is persona non grata in my territory just on general principles.
But then I found out what Mitt Romney did to his dog! He stuck the poor guy in a crate and then he tied the crate to the roof of his car and then he drove for hundreds of miles without letting the poor guy out for a rest, and then somewhere along the way, he got a hose and sprayed the poor guy with water and then he kept going! And his family bragged about it later! What a bastard! Me, now, I wouldda bit him but I could certainly understand if his dog was too beaten down from the drive to bite the bastard himself.
Anyone who has a decision making process that includes this kind of torture of a helpless animal is not fit to be in charge of garbage collection, much less the entire country. Of course, he is from mAssachusetts, so I guess its no more than what we can expect of him.
So. We are dogs and because we are dogs, you might think that there is nothing we can do to keep this man out of the White House. Well, we may be dogs, but we are American dogs! and, I am happy to tell you that there is something we can do to help save this Country from a Mitt Romney Presidency.
I am writing to urge you to raise your voice against this man and become a Dog Against Romney. It may not seem like much, but it is something that we dogs can do to help. A really good dog named Rusty started this thing, and its growing in leaps and bounds as dogs throughout America stand up for what's good and right for this Country and its dogs. I'm joining up and you can too, its easy.
All you have to do is get your human to post your picture and your feelings on Mitt Romney, and link the post back to Dogs Against Romney. Hopefully, they will post it for the world to see.
Please join me in the campaign to keep Mitt Romney out of the White House! Spread the word!
I am MuShu and I approve this message.
Posted by LindaSoG at 06:03 AM | Comments (2)
July 05, 2007
Today's Snark
And before you ask, no, I wouldn't have an islamic doctor. I wouldn't have an islamic anything.
Posted by LindaSoG at 01:13 PM | Comments (4)
July 04, 2007
Defining Patriotism
|
Every true American has felt it: that shudder of joy so vast it can hardly be contained, that heart-pounding pride at the sight of the American flag. It is a sense of belonging to something greater than oneself, of belonging to a great nation. It floods us as we listen to the National Anthem with tears stinging, throat choking, pride and triumph welling up within. And although describing any such great emotion is difficult, we embody this feeling in one word: patriotism.
Nathan Hale felt this grand emotion when he declared his now famous words, standing firm on the British gallows, awaiting the wreath of death about his neck: I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country! His loyal words ring loud and fierce to this day, for such love transcends the boundaries of physical reach. Patriotism is the only power that allows us to encompass the amber waves of grain and purple mountain majesties which no human arms could embrace without.
It soars and bursts forth from us in a dazzling show of fireworks, blazing trumpets, and marching rhythms. When some outside force looms threatening upon us, we all become patriots. We unite and endure. A patriot will not accept defeat.
And so we have followed his words, dedicated our lives to America because of that omnipresent, vast force called patriotism. One moment on the fields of Lexington and Concord—celebrated on Patriot's Day—changed the entire world. But each time we shudder, feel our tears stinging and throats choking at the sight of Old Glory soaring high, we know Patriot's Day is every day. Patriotism compels us to persevere, sustains our nation, and ensures its success into eternity. What is a Patriot?
It is a privilege to live in the United States. The flag and National Anthem represent what we believe in. I believe that as a good patriot it is my job to take care of them. We are lucky to have the freedom of speech and the right to practice any religion. There are many laws and rules made by our government, to obey them is to be a good patriot. Being a patriot makes me feel great and it is not hard to do at all." Alden Neslon, Age 11 Patriotism is looking at the flag of the United States of America, and seeing beyond the cloth, the colors and seeing what our The Flag of the United States of America represents freedom, truth, honor, justice. All of the things this country stands for and is based upon is depicted in one symbol - our Flag. Patriotism is knowing the difference between freedom of expression, art, and desecration of our Flag. Patriotism is looking at our Flag and seeing the faces of all those who gave their lives to defend our way of life. Patriotism is loving your country as you would love a family member.
Patriotism is knowing the Pledge of Allegiance, what it means, and believing it. Patriotism is like having that feeling in your heart on Independence Day all year round. Patriotism is being asked your nationality and proudly saying that you are an American. Patriotism is knowing that the American Dream still exists, and is attainable, but that you will have to work hard to achieve it.
Patriotism is respecting the beliefs and interests of other peoples while holding true to our own. Patriotism is giving back to your community, your country. Patriotism is respecting the will of the people, not the special interests. Patriotism is exercising your right to vote, understanding the platforms of the candidates, and making an informed decision based on the good of all Americans.
Patriotism is having a desire for peace on Earth, but realizing that there are those on this Earth who would do harm to us and we must protect/defend ourselves from them.
Patriotism is appreciating The United States Armed Forces not just during times of war, and appreciating the sacrifices they make to defend our way of life during times of peace as well as times of war. Patriotism is not nationalism; it is not a religion; it is not politics; it is not an attachment to political parties or political personalities. Patriotism is not limited in time or space. It is not connected with personal gain, or personal suffering. Patriotism is a feeling, a sense of connectedness with and a love for, something that is deeply your own. Patriotism is a sincere, indivisible and incorruptible dedication to this great country we call home, the United States of America. Patriotism is to have love for our own stones, our mountains, our lakes and our rivers - with all its dust, its dirt and its cleanliness, with all its forests, meadows and fertile fields, with its bridges, quays, factories, schools and the places where the Gods of its people dwell. True patriotism is a part of one's soul and one's conscience. It is a belonging. "Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime." Adlai E. Stevenson |
Patriotism is born of our passion and love for our country. It makes us fear for her, defend her, sacrifice for her.
Patriotism keeps us alive. It inspires us on the battlefield to fight to the death. It challenges us, dares us to strive for superiority, drives us on as the Olympic torch flames, and commands us to achieve the highest of achievements. Patriotism inspires us to not only live in America, but to live for America. As John Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country."
"I believe as a patriot that I am responsible to be well informed on how my government works and who the people that represent me are. I believe my grandfathers are patriots because they risked their lives to fight for our country. Any soldiers that trained for or fought in a war are patriots.
Flag embodies.
Patriotism is looking at the American Flag and feeling part of something greater than any one of us individually.
Patriotism is going to work and being a productive member of society.
Patriotism does not mean we are better than others, but it does mean we are damn proud of what we have accomplished in this country - and that we have no intentions of giving it up.
Patriotism is understanding that the freedoms we enjoy come with a price, and if necessary, being willing to defend it with your life.
Happy Birthday America!! USA! USA!! USA!!!
Posted by LindaSoG at 07:11 AM | Comments (9)
July 03, 2007
Meet Howard Zinn
He was once a Hero, but now he's a "progressive asshole"
On this July 4, we would do well to renounce nationalism and all its symbols: its flags, its pledges of allegiance, its anthems, its insistence in song that God must single out America to be blessed.
Is not nationalism -- that devotion to a flag, an anthem, a boundary so fierce it engenders mass murder -- one of the great evils of our time, along with racism, along with religious hatred?
We need to refute the idea that our nation is different from, morally superior to, the other imperial powers of world history.
We need to assert our allegiance to the human race, and not to any one nation.
Howard, thank you for your service to this great Country during WWII. Now, do this Country a favor, and shut the fuck up. If we did things your way during WWII, we would all be speaking German, and we do things your way now, we'll all be wearing burkas and beards.
The United States of the America is the greatest country in the world!! USA!!! USA!!! USA!!!
May God Bless America, Land of the Free, thanks to the Brave!
USA! USA!! USA!!!
Posted by LindaSoG at 09:35 PM | Comments (5)
Teach your children well
WTF? Am I the only one who thinks teaching 16 years to handle dynamite is a bad idea?
Posted by LindaSoG at 09:05 PM | Comments (4)
Press One for English
Posted by LindaSoG at 08:47 PM
Joke of the day
No. Fucking. Way. I wouldn't give them 61 cents. But... he might get a blank card with one of these tucked inside:
I've got a long memory. And I never forget a betrayal.
Posted by LindaSoG at 07:27 PM | Comments (3)
July 02, 2007
Presented without Commentary
Posted by LindaSoG at 10:04 PM | Comments (1)
Voyage of the Rubber Duckies
10 JANUARY 1992: Somewhere in the middle of the Pacific Ocean nearly 29,000 First Years bath toys, including bright yellow rubber ducks, are spilled from a cargo ship in the Pacific Ocean.
16 NOVEMBER 1992: Caught in the Subpolar Gyre (counter-clockwise ocean current in the Bering Sea, between Alaska and Siberia), the ducks take 10 months to begin landing on the shores of Alaska.
EARLY 1995: The ducks take three years to circle around. East from the drop site to Alaska, then west and south to Japan before turning back north and east passing the original drop site and again landing in North America. Some ducks are even found In Hawaii. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) worked out that the ducks travel approximately 50 per pent faster than the water in the current.
1995 - 2000: Some intrepid ducks escape the Subpolar Gyre and head North, through the Bering Straight and into the frozen waters of the Arctic. Frozen into the ice the ducks travel slowly across the pole, moving ever eastward.
2000: Ducks begin reaching the North Atlantic where they begin to thaw and move Southward. Soon ducks are sighted bobbing in the waves from Maine to Massachusetts.
2001: Ducks are tracked in the area where the Titanic sank.
JULY TO DECEMBER 2003: The First Years company offers a $100 savings bond reward for the recovery of wayward ducks from the 1992 spill. To be valid ducks must be sent to the company and must be found in New England, Canada or Iceland. Britain is told to prepare for an invasion of the wayward ducks as well.
2003: A lawyer called Sonali Naik was on holiday in the Hebrides in north-west Scotland when she found a faded green frog on the beach marked with the magic words 'The First Years'. Unaware of the significance of her find she left it on the beach. It was only when she was chatting to other guests at her hotel that she realised what she had seen.
And now they are heading straight for Britain. At some point this summer they are expected to be spotted on beaches in South-West England.
Sorry, but I really like stories like this. Go duckies Go!
Posted by LindaSoG at 01:15 PM | Comments (5)
Earth to Hillary... Earth to Hillary...
I can't believe she opened that can of worms:
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Taking a swipe at a potential GOP presidential rival, Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton on Saturday criticized Fred Thompson for suggesting illegal Cuban immigrants pose a terrorist threat
"I was appalled when one of the people running for or about to run for the Republican nomination talked about Cuban refugees as potential terrorists," Clinton told Hispanic elected officials. "Apparently he doesn't have a lot of experience in Florida or anywhere else, and doesn't know a lot of Cuban-Americans."
Yeah. Except... we remember all too well how the Clinton Administration treated Cuban refugees:
And... thanks to the internet, we can hear from Fred himself about Cuba, a full two days before Hillary's remarks.
Posted by LindaSoG at 06:00 AM | Comments (3)
Does he have a crystal ball?
This cartoon is one year old today:
Posted by LindaSoG at 05:40 AM
I've been Tagged
Gah! I hate it when that happens. But, since I was tagged by Ocean Guy, who is someone I admire greatly, I'm going to do it.
The Rules are: Each player lists 8 facts/habits about themselves.The rules of the game are posted at the beginning before those facts/habits are listed.At the end of the post, the player then tags 8 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.
Of course, it just had to be something personal.
So, here are eight things about me you didn't know (and probably didn't want to know but I'll tell you anyway, only because OceanGuy is making me).
#1 - I won first place in a swimming race when I was in seventh grade. No really, I did!
#2 - I was a bank teller for a while, at the Greenwich Bank for Savings on Wall Street in New York. I was 17 years old and I wanted to be "The Lady in Green." Does anyone but me remember the Lady in Green?
#3 - I own at least 50 pairs of shoes, and I keep buying new ones, but I always seem to wear the same shoes over and over again. And, I have an equal number of purses, but I've used the same one for years and its too small for all that I carry.
#4 - I don't like driving on ramps that go in circles, no, that's an understatement. My heart jumps in my throat every time.
#5 - I don't like beer. Not even a little.
#6 - I collect little anatomically correct karma sutra carvings of ivory and bone.
#7 - I have always wanted to paint. Really paint, as in pictures. And G-d help the art world, one day, I will.
#8 - Once upon a time.... I was married to a liberal democrat. No, really!
Whew. That was harder than you might think. Now... I'll just tag a few ladies of the Cotillion.... RightGirl; Raven; Beth; Wild Thing; Merri; Greta; Jody; and Kat.
Posted by LindaSoG at 05:24 AM | Comments (4)
July 01, 2007
Hey Ma... what's for dinner?
All profits go to the USO.
Posted by LindaSoG at 11:35 PM
Gay Rights
Includes the right to self defense.
The Way Of The Gun
A Gay Liberal Explores Ohio Gun Culture By Taking Matters - And Weapons - Into His Own Hands
By Brian Thornton
In a nondescript business complex off Interstate 77 in Broadview Heights, across the street from Radio Disney and a block away from a daycare, I've got my hands wrapped around a piece, finger on the trigger. When I awoke this morning, my irrational anxieties led me to dress as heterosexually as possible. After all, what do you wear to your first time at the range? I've chosen jeans, an orange ringer T and a green zip-up sweatshirt, a combination seemingly straight enough to pull off this charade.
To my right, in the next stall, a weapon fires powerfully, a sound that pierces through both my headphones and earplugs. I have no idea if the comically small revolver I'm gripping will create the same blast, but I'm about to find out. With my feet spread wide and arms rigidly stretched forward, I — a show tune-loving, Democrat-voting homosexual — am mere seconds from pulling the trigger on this instrument of death, something I vowed I would never do.
Its all part of a lesson most of us learned in the schoolyard, when you are tired of being a victim, you learn to fight back, to protect yourself. As a Jewish girl growing up in Brooklyn, that was a lesson I learned early and never, ever forgot.
I'm an adult now, and I face greater dangers than the gangs of Italian girls, or Puerto Rican girls, or Black girls, or Christian girls, all of whom had one thing in common, they thought it was great fun to beat up on the Jewish girl. Back then, the danger I faced was a black eye or a bloody nose, or a fat lip, and I both had my share, and gave my share. Today, I face... other dangers. Back then, I was ready to fight for my dignity, today, I'm ready to fight for my life. I refuse to be a victim. That's why I'm armed.
IT'S SATURDAY NIGHT, and I'm driving downtown toward Cleveland to meet friends for drinks. I send a text message to one to find out where he is. His boyfriend responds: "Dan and I were attacked. I'm at Lutheran. I'm OK. Just getting checked out."
Through text messages and phone calls, I learn that my friends were attacked by a group of teenagers as they tried to get into their car. Eddie has pains in his ribs and a scrape on his leg. Dan is just shaken up. Eddie's wallet is gone.
As I drive, I am suddenly overcome with a mix of anger, fear and frustration — emotions that again make me reevaluate my position. More friends affected by crime, and no way to protect ourselves.
But there is a way we could protect ourselves, something Jim helped me learn just weeks before: We could all start carrying guns.
It seems irrational, but fear is irrational. And I begin to understand how that fear could drive people to arm themselves. I'm not on either "side" like Toby Hoover or Jim Irvine. I, like so many Ohioans, fall somewhere in the middle. Guns still feel like the ultimate solution, something I'm not ready to embrace yet.
But if the police won't or can't protect me and my friends, taking matters into my own hands doesn't seem irrational anymore.
Read the rest, and pass it along.
Posted by LindaSoG at 09:16 AM | Comments (7)
