The boys over at Power Line once again point out the fraud that is the Associated Press.
Saturday, December 25, 2004
Say It Ain't So, Dibs
Rob Dibble, a two-time major league All-Star relief pitcher from Southington, is out as a baseball analyst and radio announcer at ESPN. "ESPN has decided not to renew Rob Dibble's contract," ESPN spokesman Josh Krulewitz said Thursday.
Dibble was co-host of "The Dan Patrick Show" on ESPN Radio and locally on WPOP 1410. He also worked ESPN's "Baseball Tonight," which has featured a revolving cast of analysts in recent years, including Steve Phillips, John Kruk and former Mets manager and Stamford native Bobby Valentine."
Recent additions have strengthened our MLB analysts team, and radio programming is constantly evolving,"Krulewitz said. "We feel that 'The Dan Patrick Show' is best hosted solely by Dan."
Dibble, 40, won a World Series ring with Cincinnati in 1990, when he was co-MVP of the NLCS. He combined with Randy Myers and Norm Charlton to form the "Nasty Boys" bullpen, a moniker he carried into broadcasting, including a year in the Fox studio in 1997.
Dibble was co-host of "The Dan Patrick Show" on ESPN Radio and locally on WPOP 1410. He also worked ESPN's "Baseball Tonight," which has featured a revolving cast of analysts in recent years, including Steve Phillips, John Kruk and former Mets manager and Stamford native Bobby Valentine."
Recent additions have strengthened our MLB analysts team, and radio programming is constantly evolving,"Krulewitz said. "We feel that 'The Dan Patrick Show' is best hosted solely by Dan."
Dibble, 40, won a World Series ring with Cincinnati in 1990, when he was co-MVP of the NLCS. He combined with Randy Myers and Norm Charlton to form the "Nasty Boys" bullpen, a moniker he carried into broadcasting, including a year in the Fox studio in 1997.
Bearcats to Eliminate Football?
Man, they should. Check this out:
UC CONTINGENT: UC sold about 4,200 tickets to the game, but only about a hundred Bearcat fans actually attended the game.
They did beat Marshall last night, but in front of 100 fans. 100 fans?
UC CONTINGENT: UC sold about 4,200 tickets to the game, but only about a hundred Bearcat fans actually attended the game.
They did beat Marshall last night, but in front of 100 fans. 100 fans?
Friday, December 24, 2004
Now That's A Problem
The NY Times has an article today on the Democratic Party's abortion problem. Most of those interviewed think the party should stay true to their pro-abortion stance, but just hate pro-lifers less.
But I think Democratic strategist Donna Brazile sums up their problem best: "Even I have trouble explaining to my family that we are not about killing babies."
But I think Democratic strategist Donna Brazile sums up their problem best: "Even I have trouble explaining to my family that we are not about killing babies."
Self-Esteem is...
...overrated. Here's the scoop:
"Boosting people's sense of self-worth has become a national preoccupation. Yet surprisingly, research shows that such efforts are of little value in fostering academic progress or preventing undesirable behavior."
Tru dat. People who believe in themselves and their "worth" are usually either very annoying individuals or a#*holes. I think we could all use a little less self-esteem.
"Boosting people's sense of self-worth has become a national preoccupation. Yet surprisingly, research shows that such efforts are of little value in fostering academic progress or preventing undesirable behavior."
Tru dat. People who believe in themselves and their "worth" are usually either very annoying individuals or a#*holes. I think we could all use a little less self-esteem.
Yushchenko a Jew?
This is not surprising. My friend Yan is from the Ukraine and is Jewish. Jew hatred is a sport in the Ukraine...has been for centuries.
What's interesting is that in the past, it's been more of a problem in the western part of the country. Yet this piece of anti-Semitic trash originates from the east (the Russian-speaking part of the Ukraine).
I guess they're opportunistic anti-Semites.
What's interesting is that in the past, it's been more of a problem in the western part of the country. Yet this piece of anti-Semitic trash originates from the east (the Russian-speaking part of the Ukraine).
I guess they're opportunistic anti-Semites.
The Kofi Watch Continues
The expert was a Frenchman who worked at Goma airport as part of the UN’s $700 million-a-year effort to rebuild the war-shattered country. When police raided his home they discovered that he had turned his bedroom into a studio for videotaping and photographing sex sessions with young girls.
The bed was surrounded by large mirrors on three sides, according to a senior Congolese police officer. On the fourth side was a camera that he could operate from the bed with a remote control.
When the police arrived the man was allegedly about to rape a 12-year-old girl sent to him in a sting operation. Three home-made porn videos and more than 50 photographs were found.
The case has highlighted the apparently rampant sexual exploitation of Congolese girls and women by the UN’s 11,000 peacekeepers and 1,000 civilians at a time when the UN is facing many problems, including the Iraqi “oil-for-food” scandal and accusations of sexual harassment by senior UN staff in Geneva and New York.
Where's Kofi's righteous indignation over this?
The bed was surrounded by large mirrors on three sides, according to a senior Congolese police officer. On the fourth side was a camera that he could operate from the bed with a remote control.
When the police arrived the man was allegedly about to rape a 12-year-old girl sent to him in a sting operation. Three home-made porn videos and more than 50 photographs were found.
The case has highlighted the apparently rampant sexual exploitation of Congolese girls and women by the UN’s 11,000 peacekeepers and 1,000 civilians at a time when the UN is facing many problems, including the Iraqi “oil-for-food” scandal and accusations of sexual harassment by senior UN staff in Geneva and New York.
Where's Kofi's righteous indignation over this?
The Jim Tressel Watch
I've got a feeling even the OSU diehards are tiring of this stuff:
OSU FR WR Albert Dukes has been arrested on suspicion of Lewd or Lascivious battery with a 13-year old female. An arrest warrant was issued earlier in the week after authorities investigated the initial charge. I'm told Dukes turned himself in on Tuesday....he remains in jail as of 1:34pm Thursday afternoon. The rest is sketchy, and most office people have gone home for the holidays. According to the OSU media guide, Dukes is 18-years old. I am told that it appears the incident took place this past summer.
For a guy with a squeaky-clean reputation, Tressel is running a rogue program. It's going to catch up with him - and Andy Geiger - sooner rather than later.
OSU FR WR Albert Dukes has been arrested on suspicion of Lewd or Lascivious battery with a 13-year old female. An arrest warrant was issued earlier in the week after authorities investigated the initial charge. I'm told Dukes turned himself in on Tuesday....he remains in jail as of 1:34pm Thursday afternoon. The rest is sketchy, and most office people have gone home for the holidays. According to the OSU media guide, Dukes is 18-years old. I am told that it appears the incident took place this past summer.
For a guy with a squeaky-clean reputation, Tressel is running a rogue program. It's going to catch up with him - and Andy Geiger - sooner rather than later.
John Riedling, Truthteller
"I'm sad to leave Cincinnati and it is going to be weird," Riedling said. "But Florida has ownership that spends money."
"What I don't understand is that they keep saying they are going younger, but then they sign three old guys for the bullpen (David Weathers, 35; Ben Weber, 35; Kent Mercker, 36)."
"The Reds have a good staff that works hard, but there is so much the staff can't deal with, like the club not spending money. I'm going to be pitching for a team that has guys who get on base, pitching for an exciting team and pitching in front of an outstanding defense."
Amen, brother.
"What I don't understand is that they keep saying they are going younger, but then they sign three old guys for the bullpen (David Weathers, 35; Ben Weber, 35; Kent Mercker, 36)."
"The Reds have a good staff that works hard, but there is so much the staff can't deal with, like the club not spending money. I'm going to be pitching for a team that has guys who get on base, pitching for an exciting team and pitching in front of an outstanding defense."
Amen, brother.
Big Ten $$$
This breakdown of Big 10 coaching salaries is interesting:
$1.5 million: Kirk Ferentz, Iowa
$1.5 million: John L. Smith, Michigan State
$1.5 million: Glen Mason, Minnesota
$1.4 million: Jim Tressel, Ohio State
$1.35 million: Barry Alvarez, Wisconsin
$1.3 million: Joe Paterno, Penn State
$1.052 million: Lloyd Carr, Michigan
$1 million: Ron Zook, Illinois
$1 million: Joe Tiller, Purdue
$950,000: Randy Walker, Northwestern
$600,000: Terry Hoeppner, Indiana
Based on performance, I'd say Joe Tiller is a steal at $1 million per year. At this point in his career, JoPa is waaaay overpaid. Terry Hoeppner is a bargain at $600,000...the man can coach.
$1.5 million: Kirk Ferentz, Iowa
$1.5 million: John L. Smith, Michigan State
$1.5 million: Glen Mason, Minnesota
$1.4 million: Jim Tressel, Ohio State
$1.35 million: Barry Alvarez, Wisconsin
$1.3 million: Joe Paterno, Penn State
$1.052 million: Lloyd Carr, Michigan
$1 million: Ron Zook, Illinois
$1 million: Joe Tiller, Purdue
$950,000: Randy Walker, Northwestern
$600,000: Terry Hoeppner, Indiana
Based on performance, I'd say Joe Tiller is a steal at $1 million per year. At this point in his career, JoPa is waaaay overpaid. Terry Hoeppner is a bargain at $600,000...the man can coach.
The Mike Davis Watch Continues
Plavich's bucket gave IU (2-6) its sixth loss in a row. That's Indiana's longest such skid since the 1967-68 season. It also guarantees IU a losing record going into the Big Ten for the first time since the 1969-70 season. That team was 4-5 heading into conference and finished 7-17.
The Fat Guy didn't want to coach at USC; maybe he'll like Indiana.
The Fat Guy didn't want to coach at USC; maybe he'll like Indiana.
Powell Says More Troops
Secretary of State Colin L. Powell told President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair last month that there were too few troops in Iraq, according to people familiar with official records of the meeting.
Powell made his assertion during one in a series of intense discussions on Iraq between Bush and Blair this fall. Those sessions, which have largely been kept secret, indicate that there was a tough debate behind closed doors as the Bush administration reexamined its handling of Iraq in the wake of Bush's reelection victory. Less than three weeks after the White House meeting, the Pentagon announced that it would boost the U.S. military presence in Iraq by 12,000 troops, to 150,000.
It appears that everyone thinks we need more troops on the ground (former Cabinet members, politicians, commentators, etc.), except the people who actually run things on the ground - the generals. I think I'll stick with their judgment on this one...for now.
Powell made his assertion during one in a series of intense discussions on Iraq between Bush and Blair this fall. Those sessions, which have largely been kept secret, indicate that there was a tough debate behind closed doors as the Bush administration reexamined its handling of Iraq in the wake of Bush's reelection victory. Less than three weeks after the White House meeting, the Pentagon announced that it would boost the U.S. military presence in Iraq by 12,000 troops, to 150,000.
It appears that everyone thinks we need more troops on the ground (former Cabinet members, politicians, commentators, etc.), except the people who actually run things on the ground - the generals. I think I'll stick with their judgment on this one...for now.
A Confederacy of Dunces
The dunces are on the march:
A 12-year-old New Hampshire boy who wanted to jolly up his junior high dance by dressing in a Santa suit instead got a lesson in political correctness when his Scroogelike principal turned the student away, fearing he might offend his classmates.
"I go by the principal and he asked me what I was wearing. I said a Santa suit and he shakes his head,'' recalled Hampton Academy Junior High student Bryan Lafond.
To make matters worse, Principal Fred Muscara sent the preteen home from the holiday dance by himself to change into more secular attire. His mother spotted her son in the rearview mirror as she drove away.
One question: When did Santa become a religious symbol? The whole purpose of the Santa myth is to make Christmas a more secular holiday by distracting from Christ.
A 12-year-old New Hampshire boy who wanted to jolly up his junior high dance by dressing in a Santa suit instead got a lesson in political correctness when his Scroogelike principal turned the student away, fearing he might offend his classmates.
"I go by the principal and he asked me what I was wearing. I said a Santa suit and he shakes his head,'' recalled Hampton Academy Junior High student Bryan Lafond.
To make matters worse, Principal Fred Muscara sent the preteen home from the holiday dance by himself to change into more secular attire. His mother spotted her son in the rearview mirror as she drove away.
One question: When did Santa become a religious symbol? The whole purpose of the Santa myth is to make Christmas a more secular holiday by distracting from Christ.
That A Boy
WASHINGTON (AP) - Refusing to be brushed off by Democratic opposition in the Senate, President Bush plans to nominate for a second time 20 people who did not receive up or down votes on their nominations for federal judgeships.
Thursday, December 23, 2004
A Festivus for the Rest of Us
Happy Festivus! Now, for the airing of grievances and feats of strength.
Trapped!
8 to 9 inches of snow and a bunch of ice. I'll attempt to shovel out the cars later this morning, but I'm not holding out much hope.
Dope of the Day
"UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan says current attempts to end the conflict in Sudan's Darfur region are not working."
Do you think so?
Do you think so?
God 1, LA 0
Los Angeles County supervisors expressed concern Tuesday that the $700,000 estimate to replace the official seal on thousands of items might soar because the new decals haven't effectively covered the old versions.
"The original plan was just to cover up the seals," said John Musella, spokesman for Supervisor Don Knabe. "Now, they will have to pay to physically remove the old seals and put up brand new ones, which will escalate the costs greatly beyond the $700,000 estimate the Chief Administrative Office gave the board."
On Monday, county officials discovered that the tiny Christian cross on the two original seals in the Board of Supervisors' hearing room could be clearly seen through the new $1,800 seals glued on to cover up the cross. In fact, the cross is now directly over the rendering of the San Gabriel Mission, which is pictured on the new seal without a cross.
Jesus once described Paul's persecution of the church (and Him) as "kicking against the goads". I think the City of Los Angeles is "kicking against the goads" too.
"The original plan was just to cover up the seals," said John Musella, spokesman for Supervisor Don Knabe. "Now, they will have to pay to physically remove the old seals and put up brand new ones, which will escalate the costs greatly beyond the $700,000 estimate the Chief Administrative Office gave the board."
On Monday, county officials discovered that the tiny Christian cross on the two original seals in the Board of Supervisors' hearing room could be clearly seen through the new $1,800 seals glued on to cover up the cross. In fact, the cross is now directly over the rendering of the San Gabriel Mission, which is pictured on the new seal without a cross.
Jesus once described Paul's persecution of the church (and Him) as "kicking against the goads". I think the City of Los Angeles is "kicking against the goads" too.
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Best Movie of the Year?
I keep hearing great things about Clint's new movie "Million Dollar Baby." Roger Ebert has already declared it the best movie of the year. Now Roger L. Simon (a screenwriter himself) weighs in:
MILLION DOLLAR BABY"Etonnez-moi!" Diaghilev famously told Cocteau was the prescription for great art. I'm not sure Million Dollar Baby is quite that, but Clint Eastwood's film from a Paul Haggis screenplay (based on stories by F. X. Toole) did astonish me, continually taking me further than I ever expected it would. It is the complete opposite of Finding Neverland in that regard.
I admit boxing flicks tend to be predictable, so they present easy opportunities for this kind of surprise. Still you don't expect them to spend their third act dealing with the essence of father-daughter love in the face of death, but this one does. Million Dollar Baby is one of those rare films that continue to grow in impact in your imagination after you have seen it. Much credit goes to Eastwood, of course, who year after year uses his immense Hollywood power to confront bleak and powerful dramatic themes. That his directing skill grows at his age is extraordinary and almost unique. Praise is also due his actors, notably Morgan Freeman (as usual) and Hilary Swank (soon to be as usual).
Haggis's script, however, is the structure that makes this all happen. Like the film it is quite subtle, seemingly at first a rehash of ground we have trod before (Requiem for a Heavyweight), but then so much more. Rarely does it call attention to itself with flashy writing; always it moves the story forward to a new place. This is no simple thing, especially when it is based on a series of short stories. For now it sits atop my nominating list for this year's "Best Adapted Screenplay."
MILLION DOLLAR BABY"Etonnez-moi!" Diaghilev famously told Cocteau was the prescription for great art. I'm not sure Million Dollar Baby is quite that, but Clint Eastwood's film from a Paul Haggis screenplay (based on stories by F. X. Toole) did astonish me, continually taking me further than I ever expected it would. It is the complete opposite of Finding Neverland in that regard.
I admit boxing flicks tend to be predictable, so they present easy opportunities for this kind of surprise. Still you don't expect them to spend their third act dealing with the essence of father-daughter love in the face of death, but this one does. Million Dollar Baby is one of those rare films that continue to grow in impact in your imagination after you have seen it. Much credit goes to Eastwood, of course, who year after year uses his immense Hollywood power to confront bleak and powerful dramatic themes. That his directing skill grows at his age is extraordinary and almost unique. Praise is also due his actors, notably Morgan Freeman (as usual) and Hilary Swank (soon to be as usual).
Haggis's script, however, is the structure that makes this all happen. Like the film it is quite subtle, seemingly at first a rehash of ground we have trod before (Requiem for a Heavyweight), but then so much more. Rarely does it call attention to itself with flashy writing; always it moves the story forward to a new place. This is no simple thing, especially when it is based on a series of short stories. For now it sits atop my nominating list for this year's "Best Adapted Screenplay."
Liberal Secularists Replaced by Jesusland
The NY Times' Nicholas Kristof points out today that the most vociferous advocates of liberal humanitarianism are Christian conservatives:
Members of the Christian right...are the new internationalists, increasingly engaged in humanitarian causes abroad -- thus creating opportunities for common ground between left and right on issues we all care about... Liberals traditionally were the bleeding hearts, while conservatives regarded foreign aid, in the words of Jesse Helms, as "money down a rat hole." That's changing. "One cannot understand international relations today without comprehending the new faith-based movement," Allen Hertzke writes in "Freeing God's Children," a book about evangelicals leaping into human rights causes.
My how things have changed. So what is left for The Left to stand for? Nothing. Well, I shouldn't say that. They stand for anything that stands against America.
Members of the Christian right...are the new internationalists, increasingly engaged in humanitarian causes abroad -- thus creating opportunities for common ground between left and right on issues we all care about... Liberals traditionally were the bleeding hearts, while conservatives regarded foreign aid, in the words of Jesse Helms, as "money down a rat hole." That's changing. "One cannot understand international relations today without comprehending the new faith-based movement," Allen Hertzke writes in "Freeing God's Children," a book about evangelicals leaping into human rights causes.
My how things have changed. So what is left for The Left to stand for? Nothing. Well, I shouldn't say that. They stand for anything that stands against America.
More Bad News for Democrats
Trends show political and economic power shifting to Sun Belt
Robust population growth continues to sweep the nation's Southern and Western states, according to estimates released today by the Census Bureau.
If the trend continues at its current pace, states in the Northeast and Midwest that have been population powerhouses since the 19th century will lose their dominance to Sun Belt states by 2010.
New York, now the third-most-populous state, will likely be overtaken by Florida in five years. New Jersey, the 10th-largest state, could be passed by North Carolina in three.
“By 2010, none of the three most populous states will be in the North,” says Robert Lang, director of the Metropolitan Institute at Virginia Tech.
Robust population growth continues to sweep the nation's Southern and Western states, according to estimates released today by the Census Bureau.
If the trend continues at its current pace, states in the Northeast and Midwest that have been population powerhouses since the 19th century will lose their dominance to Sun Belt states by 2010.
New York, now the third-most-populous state, will likely be overtaken by Florida in five years. New Jersey, the 10th-largest state, could be passed by North Carolina in three.
“By 2010, none of the three most populous states will be in the North,” says Robert Lang, director of the Metropolitan Institute at Virginia Tech.
Hmmmm
Apparently, the mid-life crisis (or late-life crisis) is not limited to the West:
BEIJING, Dec. 17 (Xinhuanet) -- Nobel Prize laureate Chen Ning Yang, 82, will marry a 28-year-old post-graduate from south China's Guangdong Province next month, an official with Beijing-based Tsinghua University announced here Friday.
As marriage is a private matter, the official hopes people in all social sectors will respect Yang's choice.
Yang's fiancee, named Weng Fan, is working for a master degree at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies and Foreign Trade. They are expected to get married in January 2005 at the end of Yang's current semester courses at Tsinghua University.
BEIJING, Dec. 17 (Xinhuanet) -- Nobel Prize laureate Chen Ning Yang, 82, will marry a 28-year-old post-graduate from south China's Guangdong Province next month, an official with Beijing-based Tsinghua University announced here Friday.
As marriage is a private matter, the official hopes people in all social sectors will respect Yang's choice.
Yang's fiancee, named Weng Fan, is working for a master degree at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies and Foreign Trade. They are expected to get married in January 2005 at the end of Yang's current semester courses at Tsinghua University.
The Grand Experiment Is Over
The signing of third baseman Joe Randa Tuesday means a lot of things:
• It means the Austin Kearns experiment at third did not work out.
• It means the Reds are back to four starting outfielders with three available spots.
• But more than anything it means the Reds are committed to trying to win in 2005.
The move is the fourth free-agent signing in a week. All four are veteran players 35 or over with proven track records.
"It's an effort to win," Reds chief operating officer John Allen said. "We want to win. Mr. (Carl) Lindner wants to win."
Signing Joe Randa proves you want to win. What? Joe Randa? John Allen is a buffoon.
• It means the Austin Kearns experiment at third did not work out.
• It means the Reds are back to four starting outfielders with three available spots.
• But more than anything it means the Reds are committed to trying to win in 2005.
The move is the fourth free-agent signing in a week. All four are veteran players 35 or over with proven track records.
"It's an effort to win," Reds chief operating officer John Allen said. "We want to win. Mr. (Carl) Lindner wants to win."
Signing Joe Randa proves you want to win. What? Joe Randa? John Allen is a buffoon.
No Respect
Now that's no way to treat a mentor:
CHICAGO (AP) -- This is one victory Steve Alford won't savor.
Alford got his first win over former coach and mentor Bob Knight with Iowa's 83-53 rout of Texas Tech on Tuesday night, and it was just as strange as Alford imagined it would be.
"Coaches have many, many players, but players only have one college coach," Alford said. "So I'm happy for the team, I'm happy for the players. But it's a little bittersweet for me. I still much more enjoy being on coach Knight's side than going against him."
CHICAGO (AP) -- This is one victory Steve Alford won't savor.
Alford got his first win over former coach and mentor Bob Knight with Iowa's 83-53 rout of Texas Tech on Tuesday night, and it was just as strange as Alford imagined it would be.
"Coaches have many, many players, but players only have one college coach," Alford said. "So I'm happy for the team, I'm happy for the players. But it's a little bittersweet for me. I still much more enjoy being on coach Knight's side than going against him."
That Christian Nut!
I just loved this post from David Adesnik:
THAT CHRISTIAN NUT IN THE WHITE HOUSE: Isn't there anyone over at 1600 Penn. Ave who realizes that the leader of the free world shouldn't say things like this:
"Our government makes no sense unless it is founded in a deeply felt religious faith."
Or that:
"Recognition of the Supreme Being is the first, the most basic expression of Americanism.
Without God, there could be no American form of government, nor an American way of life."
Or that:
"We can stand up and hold up our heads and say: America is the greatest force that God has ever allowed to exist on his footstool. As such, it is up to us to lead this world to a peaceful and secure existence."
Or finally, that:
"Faith is evidently too simple a thing for some to recognize its paramount worth...But your husbands and brothers and fathers can testify that in the terrifying nakedness of the battlefield, the faith and the spirit of men are the keys to survival and victory."
If faith and spirit are the keys to victory, then things are looking up for the insurgents in Iraq. But what the f*** did Dwight Eisenhower know about guerrilla warfare?
Yeah, that's right: Eisenhower. Who did you think said all of those offensive things mentioned above? George W. Bush? Bill Clinton?
THAT CHRISTIAN NUT IN THE WHITE HOUSE: Isn't there anyone over at 1600 Penn. Ave who realizes that the leader of the free world shouldn't say things like this:
"Our government makes no sense unless it is founded in a deeply felt religious faith."
Or that:
"Recognition of the Supreme Being is the first, the most basic expression of Americanism.
Without God, there could be no American form of government, nor an American way of life."
Or that:
"We can stand up and hold up our heads and say: America is the greatest force that God has ever allowed to exist on his footstool. As such, it is up to us to lead this world to a peaceful and secure existence."
Or finally, that:
"Faith is evidently too simple a thing for some to recognize its paramount worth...But your husbands and brothers and fathers can testify that in the terrifying nakedness of the battlefield, the faith and the spirit of men are the keys to survival and victory."
If faith and spirit are the keys to victory, then things are looking up for the insurgents in Iraq. But what the f*** did Dwight Eisenhower know about guerrilla warfare?
Yeah, that's right: Eisenhower. Who did you think said all of those offensive things mentioned above? George W. Bush? Bill Clinton?
The Great Physicians
This is a very important story concerning faith and medicine (and good news). And here's the kicker:
Religion and the practice of medicine
Perhaps the most surprising result of the survey is that a majority of doctors (55%) said that they have seen treatment results in their patients that they would consider miraculous (45% do not). Most physicians pray for their patients as a group (51%). Even more, 59% pray for individual patients.
67% encourage their patients to pray. Of those physicians, 5% did so for God to answer their prayers, 32% for psychological benefits and 63% for both reasons. 33% did not encourage their patients to pray.
Religion and the practice of medicine
Perhaps the most surprising result of the survey is that a majority of doctors (55%) said that they have seen treatment results in their patients that they would consider miraculous (45% do not). Most physicians pray for their patients as a group (51%). Even more, 59% pray for individual patients.
67% encourage their patients to pray. Of those physicians, 5% did so for God to answer their prayers, 32% for psychological benefits and 63% for both reasons. 33% did not encourage their patients to pray.
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Quote of the Day
"The danger that people feel here is coming from terrorists and insurgents who are trying to destroy the possibility of this country becoming a democracy. Now where do we stand in that fight? We stand on the side of the democrats against the terrorists. And so when people say to me, 'Well look at the difficulties, look at the challenges,' I say, 'Well, what's the source of that challenge?' The source of that challenge is a wicked, destructive attempt to stop this man, this lady, all these people from Iraq, who want to decide their own future in a democratic way, having that opportunity. And where should the rest of the world stand? To say, 'Well, that's your problem, go and look after it,' or, 'You're better off with Saddam Hussein running the country' - as if the only choice they should have in the world is a choice between a brutal dictator killing hundreds of thousands of people or terrorists and insurgents. There is another choice for Iraq - the choice is democracy, the choice is freedom - and our job is to help them get there because that's what they want. Sometimes when I see some of the reporting of what's happening in Iraq in the rest of the world, I just feel that people should understand how precious what has been created here is."
That's from my main man Tony Blair. Maybe he could be our next president.
That's from my main man Tony Blair. Maybe he could be our next president.
Fetus...Baby...Fetus...Baby...I'm Confused
Rich Lowry of National Review on the Kansas mother murder/baby kidnapping:
During the coverage of the crime, the status of the Bobbie Jo Stinnett's unborn girl steadily changed. All at once on AOL News during the weekend, there were headlines tracking events in the case: "Woman Slain, Fetus Stolen"; "Woman Arrested, Baby Returned in Bizarre Murder"; "Infant in Good Health." Note how a "fetus" -- something for which American law and culture has very little respect -- was somehow instantly transformed into a "baby" and "infant" -- for which we have the highest respect. By what strange alchemy does that happen?
An AP story effected this magic transition all in one sentence: "Authorities said Montgomery, 36, confessed to strangling Bobbie Jo Stinnett of Skidmore, Mo., on Thursday, cutting out the fetus and taking the baby back to Kansas." At one point, when Montgomery was still at large, an Amber Alert went out about the Stinnett girl, putting news organizations in the strange position of reporting such an alert for what many of them were still calling a "fetus."
Given that fetuses are routinely destroyed in America (and legally can be destroyed up to the point of delivery), it was odd to see such an uproar about the welfare of one. Indeed, it is tempting to say that from a pure legal point of view, Lisa Montgomery simply killed the wrong victim, taking the life of the mom instead of the fetus . . .
Tru dat.
During the coverage of the crime, the status of the Bobbie Jo Stinnett's unborn girl steadily changed. All at once on AOL News during the weekend, there were headlines tracking events in the case: "Woman Slain, Fetus Stolen"; "Woman Arrested, Baby Returned in Bizarre Murder"; "Infant in Good Health." Note how a "fetus" -- something for which American law and culture has very little respect -- was somehow instantly transformed into a "baby" and "infant" -- for which we have the highest respect. By what strange alchemy does that happen?
An AP story effected this magic transition all in one sentence: "Authorities said Montgomery, 36, confessed to strangling Bobbie Jo Stinnett of Skidmore, Mo., on Thursday, cutting out the fetus and taking the baby back to Kansas." At one point, when Montgomery was still at large, an Amber Alert went out about the Stinnett girl, putting news organizations in the strange position of reporting such an alert for what many of them were still calling a "fetus."
Given that fetuses are routinely destroyed in America (and legally can be destroyed up to the point of delivery), it was odd to see such an uproar about the welfare of one. Indeed, it is tempting to say that from a pure legal point of view, Lisa Montgomery simply killed the wrong victim, taking the life of the mom instead of the fetus . . .
Tru dat.
The Wonders of Life
That pro-abortion argument is getting harder and harder to make every day:
CHICAGO (AP) - A premature infant believed to be the smallest baby ever to survive was called "a great blessing" Tuesday by her mother, who is preparing to take the little girl and her twin sister home from the hospital.
The baby, named Rumaisa, weighed 8.6 ounces when she was delivered Sept. 19 at Loyola University Medical Center - less than a can of soda. That is 1.3 ounces smaller than the previous record holder, who was born at the same the hospital in 1989, according to hospital spokeswoman Sandra Martinez.
Rumaisa, her twin sister, Hiba, and their parents were introduced Tuesday at a news conference at the hospital in suburban Maywood. The girls were wrapped in identical striped blankets.
Their mother, Mahajabeen Shaik, said she didn't "have the words to say how thankful I was" when she first got to hold her children, in their second month.
CHICAGO (AP) - A premature infant believed to be the smallest baby ever to survive was called "a great blessing" Tuesday by her mother, who is preparing to take the little girl and her twin sister home from the hospital.
The baby, named Rumaisa, weighed 8.6 ounces when she was delivered Sept. 19 at Loyola University Medical Center - less than a can of soda. That is 1.3 ounces smaller than the previous record holder, who was born at the same the hospital in 1989, according to hospital spokeswoman Sandra Martinez.
Rumaisa, her twin sister, Hiba, and their parents were introduced Tuesday at a news conference at the hospital in suburban Maywood. The girls were wrapped in identical striped blankets.
Their mother, Mahajabeen Shaik, said she didn't "have the words to say how thankful I was" when she first got to hold her children, in their second month.
Interesting
WASHINGTON -- Microsoft Corp. sold its popular Slate online magazine Tuesday to The Washington Post Co., a move that makes Slate's political commentary and quirky feature articles more broadly available across the Internet.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, though Slate editor Jacob Weisberg said the amount was "a very respectable, impressive price."
Microsoft has said Slate, with roughly 6 million readers monthly, breaks even financially but isn't consistently profitable.
Microsoft has sought a buyer since the summer. Under the sales agreement, visitors to Microsoft's MSN Web site will continue to be directed to Slate.
I'm not sure what to make of this. I mean, I get why the WaPo wants to get into the internet/blog business. But Slate? Nobody reads it. The only reason they have traffic is because Microsoft directs you there from all of its other sites.
It's as if the WaPo knew they had to make a move - which they do - but decided to acquire the one online journal that is most like them. That's a typical move from a large organization - and one that won't pay off.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, though Slate editor Jacob Weisberg said the amount was "a very respectable, impressive price."
Microsoft has said Slate, with roughly 6 million readers monthly, breaks even financially but isn't consistently profitable.
Microsoft has sought a buyer since the summer. Under the sales agreement, visitors to Microsoft's MSN Web site will continue to be directed to Slate.
I'm not sure what to make of this. I mean, I get why the WaPo wants to get into the internet/blog business. But Slate? Nobody reads it. The only reason they have traffic is because Microsoft directs you there from all of its other sites.
It's as if the WaPo knew they had to make a move - which they do - but decided to acquire the one online journal that is most like them. That's a typical move from a large organization - and one that won't pay off.
Are You A Mall Parking Lot Stalker?
Which one are you?
A. Search and destroyers. Do you roam the aisles, cruising endlessly for the perfect spot?
B. Lay and wait parkers. Do you position yourself at the end of an aisle and wait for a space to open up in what you start to believe is your territory?
C. Stalkers. Do you slowly follow shoppers leaving the store back to their parking spot?
D. See it and take it parkers. Do you not care how far you have to walk?
I'm definitely a "see it and take it" parker. Lynn's a "search and destroyer"...except when she's with me. Then she has to settle for a "lay and wait" or "stalker."
A. Search and destroyers. Do you roam the aisles, cruising endlessly for the perfect spot?
B. Lay and wait parkers. Do you position yourself at the end of an aisle and wait for a space to open up in what you start to believe is your territory?
C. Stalkers. Do you slowly follow shoppers leaving the store back to their parking spot?
D. See it and take it parkers. Do you not care how far you have to walk?
I'm definitely a "see it and take it" parker. Lynn's a "search and destroyer"...except when she's with me. Then she has to settle for a "lay and wait" or "stalker."
This is Good News for Big Blue Nation
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Billy Stull's first recruiting letter came from the University of Kentucky. So did his first scholarship offer.
In the mind of Stull, rated by Rivals.com as the No.11 pro-style quarterback prospect in the nation, it only made sense to reward the Wildcats with a commitment.
Stull said he told UK coach Rich Brooks yesterday that he plans to sign with the Cats on Feb. 2, national signing day. With the addition of Stull and Memphis lineman Jeremy Jarmon, who committed to UK over the weekend, the Cats' recruiting class of 2005 has stretched to 19.
Brooks also announced the signing of Fatu Turituri, an offensive lineman from Los Angeles Harbor College. Turituri, a native of Samoa, is expected to enroll next month and be available for UK's spring practice.
But Stull and Hopkinsville quarterback Curtis Pulley, Kentucky's Mr. Football, appear to be the jewels of this class. Pulley already has committed to UK, and Brooks has said that he wanted to sign two quarterbacks because the Cats have just two scholarship QBs returning.
In the mind of Stull, rated by Rivals.com as the No.11 pro-style quarterback prospect in the nation, it only made sense to reward the Wildcats with a commitment.
Stull said he told UK coach Rich Brooks yesterday that he plans to sign with the Cats on Feb. 2, national signing day. With the addition of Stull and Memphis lineman Jeremy Jarmon, who committed to UK over the weekend, the Cats' recruiting class of 2005 has stretched to 19.
Brooks also announced the signing of Fatu Turituri, an offensive lineman from Los Angeles Harbor College. Turituri, a native of Samoa, is expected to enroll next month and be available for UK's spring practice.
But Stull and Hopkinsville quarterback Curtis Pulley, Kentucky's Mr. Football, appear to be the jewels of this class. Pulley already has committed to UK, and Brooks has said that he wanted to sign two quarterbacks because the Cats have just two scholarship QBs returning.
Outrage!
More outsourcing of jobs....from Japan and Sweden to the U.S.
Honda's CR-V sport utility vehicle will be made for the first time in the United States at one of two Ohio plants, the production sites of five other Honda vehicles.
Honda of America Manufacturing Inc. announced Monday that it wanted to move production of the CR-V for the U.S. market from the United Kingdom closer to the SUV's buyers who mostly live in the United States.
Honda is not the only auto manufacturer bringing more production to the United States. Swedish truck maker Volvo AB had already announced that it will bring assembly of its truck engines to Hagerstown, Md., and said Monday that it may move more production to the United States if the dollar keeps weakening.
CR-V production will begin in 2006 at one of two plants northwest of Columbus, in Marysville or nearby East Liberty.
Honda's CR-V sport utility vehicle will be made for the first time in the United States at one of two Ohio plants, the production sites of five other Honda vehicles.
Honda of America Manufacturing Inc. announced Monday that it wanted to move production of the CR-V for the U.S. market from the United Kingdom closer to the SUV's buyers who mostly live in the United States.
Honda is not the only auto manufacturer bringing more production to the United States. Swedish truck maker Volvo AB had already announced that it will bring assembly of its truck engines to Hagerstown, Md., and said Monday that it may move more production to the United States if the dollar keeps weakening.
CR-V production will begin in 2006 at one of two plants northwest of Columbus, in Marysville or nearby East Liberty.
Help Those Bell Ringers
More positive press for Target from today's Cincinnati Enquirer:
As of last week, the Greater Cincinnati Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign was 10 percent short of the same time last year, said volunteer coordinator Matt Pearce. The organization hoped to raise more this year - $430,000, up $10,000 from 2003's total - but it's running out of time. The campaign ends Friday.
"These last five days," Pearce said, "are vital."
It's tough to pinpoint why donations are down, Pearce said - that can depend on anything from the economy to the weather - but one cause may be the absence of kettles at Target stores.
Target Corp. barred the bell ringers, saying it had to apply its no-solicitation policy to everyone. The loss was a blow to the Salvation Army. Nationwide, bell ringers at Target stores brought in $9 million last year, about 10 percent of all donations.
In Greater Cincinnati, they brought in more than $75,000, nearly 20 percent of the local kettle revenue.
But Target's ban had a curiously positive effect as well, Pearce said. Hearing of Target's decision, people began calling the Salvation Army to see how they could help. Some pledged not to shop at Target. Others made a special effort, as Linda Spore did Monday at Fountain Square, to find a kettle and make donations.
"With the bad came the good," Pearce said.
Whoever at Target made that decision should be canned.
As of last week, the Greater Cincinnati Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign was 10 percent short of the same time last year, said volunteer coordinator Matt Pearce. The organization hoped to raise more this year - $430,000, up $10,000 from 2003's total - but it's running out of time. The campaign ends Friday.
"These last five days," Pearce said, "are vital."
It's tough to pinpoint why donations are down, Pearce said - that can depend on anything from the economy to the weather - but one cause may be the absence of kettles at Target stores.
Target Corp. barred the bell ringers, saying it had to apply its no-solicitation policy to everyone. The loss was a blow to the Salvation Army. Nationwide, bell ringers at Target stores brought in $9 million last year, about 10 percent of all donations.
In Greater Cincinnati, they brought in more than $75,000, nearly 20 percent of the local kettle revenue.
But Target's ban had a curiously positive effect as well, Pearce said. Hearing of Target's decision, people began calling the Salvation Army to see how they could help. Some pledged not to shop at Target. Others made a special effort, as Linda Spore did Monday at Fountain Square, to find a kettle and make donations.
"With the bad came the good," Pearce said.
Whoever at Target made that decision should be canned.
Quote of the Day
"We won't do things like Notre Dame. We always have a plan."
-- University of Southern California athletic director Mike Garrett, speaking to reporters after firing Henry Bibby and before hiring Rick Majerus
Except for the fact that Majerus accepted...then backed out of the job. What now Mr. Garrett?
-- University of Southern California athletic director Mike Garrett, speaking to reporters after firing Henry Bibby and before hiring Rick Majerus
Except for the fact that Majerus accepted...then backed out of the job. What now Mr. Garrett?
Damned If You Do, Damned If You Don't
In his first term, Bush ran up huge deficits through massive spending increases in all sectors of government...and the Democrats howled. In his second term, he's pushing for minimal increases in spending to cut the size of the deficit...which will also receive howls from the Democrats.
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush said Monday he will submit a federal budget that will cut the deficit in half in five years and maintain strict spending discipline.
"We will provide every tool and resource for our military, we will protect the homeland," Bush said. He said he would "maintain strict discipline in spending tax dollars."
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush said Monday he will submit a federal budget that will cut the deficit in half in five years and maintain strict spending discipline.
"We will provide every tool and resource for our military, we will protect the homeland," Bush said. He said he would "maintain strict discipline in spending tax dollars."
"Not Free"
This is disappointing:
NEW YORK, December 20, 2004 -- Political rights and civil liberties have become so restricted in Russia that the country has been downgraded to "Not Free," Freedom House announced in a major survey of global freedom released today.
The global survey, "Freedom in the World," shows that Russia was the only country to register a negative category change in 2004, moving from Partly Free to Not Free. However, Russia was not the only country in the former Soviet Union that experienced political and civic changes: setbacks took place in Belarus and Armenia, while freedom gained in the aftermath of civic protests in Georgia and Ukraine.
"Russia's step backwards into the Not Free category is the culmination of a growing trend under President Vladimir Putin to concentrate political authority, harass and intimidate the media, and politicize the country's law-enforcement system," said Freedom House Executive Director, Jennifer Windsor. "These moves mark a dangerous and disturbing drift toward authoritarianism in Russia, made more worrisome by President Putin's recent heavy-handed meddling in political developments in neighboring countries such as Ukraine."
NEW YORK, December 20, 2004 -- Political rights and civil liberties have become so restricted in Russia that the country has been downgraded to "Not Free," Freedom House announced in a major survey of global freedom released today.
The global survey, "Freedom in the World," shows that Russia was the only country to register a negative category change in 2004, moving from Partly Free to Not Free. However, Russia was not the only country in the former Soviet Union that experienced political and civic changes: setbacks took place in Belarus and Armenia, while freedom gained in the aftermath of civic protests in Georgia and Ukraine.
"Russia's step backwards into the Not Free category is the culmination of a growing trend under President Vladimir Putin to concentrate political authority, harass and intimidate the media, and politicize the country's law-enforcement system," said Freedom House Executive Director, Jennifer Windsor. "These moves mark a dangerous and disturbing drift toward authoritarianism in Russia, made more worrisome by President Putin's recent heavy-handed meddling in political developments in neighboring countries such as Ukraine."
Maybe He Was Right
David Brooks wonders why there now exists a plausible chance for peace in the Middle East:
After all, here is a man who staffed his administration with what Juan Cole of the University of Michigan called "pro-Likud intellectuals" who went off "fighting elective wars on behalf of Tel Aviv." Under Bush, the diplomats agreed, the U.S. had inflamed the Arab world and had forfeited its role as an honest broker. . . .
And yet here we are in this hopeful moment. It almost makes you think that all those bemoaners and condemners don't know what they are talking about. Nothing they have said over the past three years accounts for what is happening now. It almost makes you think that Bush understands the situation better than the lot of them.
After all, here is a man who staffed his administration with what Juan Cole of the University of Michigan called "pro-Likud intellectuals" who went off "fighting elective wars on behalf of Tel Aviv." Under Bush, the diplomats agreed, the U.S. had inflamed the Arab world and had forfeited its role as an honest broker. . . .
And yet here we are in this hopeful moment. It almost makes you think that all those bemoaners and condemners don't know what they are talking about. Nothing they have said over the past three years accounts for what is happening now. It almost makes you think that Bush understands the situation better than the lot of them.
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