BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- A CBS stringer has been arrested as a suspected insurgent, U.S. military officials said Friday.
The video cameraman was wounded during a firefight in northeastern Mosul between U.S. troops and insurgents Tuesday.
U.S. military officials said the man's camera held footage of a number of roadside bomb attacks against American troops, and they believe he was tipped off to those attacks.
I knew CBS employees supported the insurgents, but I never thought they were actually part of it.
Saturday, April 09, 2005
Is This News?
NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Kiss that merit raise goodbye.
Good-looking, slim, tall people tend to make more money than their plain-Jane counterparts, according to a study released this month by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, with researchers finding that beautiful people tend to earn 5 percent more an hour than their less comely colleagues.
After variables like education and experience are factored out, Fed researchers said the "beauty premium" exists across all occupations, and that jobs requiring more interpersonal contact have higher percentages of above-average-looking employees.
For example, the study found there was a higher beauty premium among private sector lawyers than their government-supported counterparts since private attorneys need to attract and keep clients.
If that weren't enough, the Fed also discovered a "plainness penalty," punishing below-average-looks with earnings of 9 percent less an hour.
I've parlayed my good looks into huge salaries over the years. I thought this was obvious.
Good-looking, slim, tall people tend to make more money than their plain-Jane counterparts, according to a study released this month by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, with researchers finding that beautiful people tend to earn 5 percent more an hour than their less comely colleagues.
After variables like education and experience are factored out, Fed researchers said the "beauty premium" exists across all occupations, and that jobs requiring more interpersonal contact have higher percentages of above-average-looking employees.
For example, the study found there was a higher beauty premium among private sector lawyers than their government-supported counterparts since private attorneys need to attract and keep clients.
If that weren't enough, the Fed also discovered a "plainness penalty," punishing below-average-looks with earnings of 9 percent less an hour.
I've parlayed my good looks into huge salaries over the years. I thought this was obvious.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Murderers Welcome
How in the hell did Mugabe score an invite to the funeral?
Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe has arrived in Rome for the Pope's funeral on Friday despite a European Union travel ban.
Italy is obliged to let him enter under accords with the Vatican, which is legally a separate state.
Mr Mugabe is a Catholic and often attends Mass in Harare's cathedral.
Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe has arrived in Rome for the Pope's funeral on Friday despite a European Union travel ban.
Italy is obliged to let him enter under accords with the Vatican, which is legally a separate state.
Mr Mugabe is a Catholic and often attends Mass in Harare's cathedral.
This Is Great
Thomas P. Budnick says his lawyer's incompetence was to blame for his assault conviction. The funny thing is he was representing himself.
He took his case before the state Appeals Court on Wednesday, arguing that the trial judge never should have allowed Budnick to defend himself against charges of trying to poison a friend by lacing a bottle of beer with nitric acid.
Budnick once filed mining claims on Mars and threatened to sue NASA for trespassing. Such antics should have been enough to make the judge question his competence to waive counsel, his new court-appointed lawyer said.
"This was a guy who had just come out of Bridgewater," said Linda Harvey, referring to the state mental hospital.
Budnick was charged in 2002 with trying to poison friend Ryan Gauthier by spiking a 40-ounce bottle of beer.
Budnick, who claimed he had accidentally given Gauthier a bottle of acid he kept in his garage for cleaning his collection of meteorites, was convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon and sentenced to two years in prison.
He took his case before the state Appeals Court on Wednesday, arguing that the trial judge never should have allowed Budnick to defend himself against charges of trying to poison a friend by lacing a bottle of beer with nitric acid.
Budnick once filed mining claims on Mars and threatened to sue NASA for trespassing. Such antics should have been enough to make the judge question his competence to waive counsel, his new court-appointed lawyer said.
"This was a guy who had just come out of Bridgewater," said Linda Harvey, referring to the state mental hospital.
Budnick was charged in 2002 with trying to poison friend Ryan Gauthier by spiking a 40-ounce bottle of beer.
Budnick, who claimed he had accidentally given Gauthier a bottle of acid he kept in his garage for cleaning his collection of meteorites, was convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon and sentenced to two years in prison.
Will The Vatican Abandon Taiwan?
Two days before the Pope's death, Cardinal Godfried Daneels was ushered into the tightly guarded compound next to the Forbidden City, which houses China's top leaders.
The meeting in the Zhongnanhai compound last Thursday between the Belgian cardinal and Hui Liangyu, a Chinese vice-premier, was one of the highest-level face-to-face meetings on Chinese soil between a prominent Catholic churchman and Beijing in decades.
Relations have been effectively frozen since 1951, when Beijing expelled foreign priests. Since then, attempts to restore ties have foundered on two issues - Beijing's anger at the Holy See's diplomatic recognition of Taiwan and the Vatican's demand that it retain control over bishops, anathema in a system that genuflects to a higher authority, the Communist party.
Cardinal Daneels cut short his China trip once the Pope's condition began to deteriorate but his presence in Beijing is evidence of the Vatican's desire to build bridges with the mainland.
The Vatican's position - that it may consider cutting ties with Taiwan in return for greater freedom for the Church to operate inside China - was repeated by Bishop Joseph Zen, the head of the Hong Kong diocese, yesterday. "The Vatican is planning to give up Taiwan. There's no other way," Bishop Zen, a critic of Beijing, told Hong Kong media.
The meeting in the Zhongnanhai compound last Thursday between the Belgian cardinal and Hui Liangyu, a Chinese vice-premier, was one of the highest-level face-to-face meetings on Chinese soil between a prominent Catholic churchman and Beijing in decades.
Relations have been effectively frozen since 1951, when Beijing expelled foreign priests. Since then, attempts to restore ties have foundered on two issues - Beijing's anger at the Holy See's diplomatic recognition of Taiwan and the Vatican's demand that it retain control over bishops, anathema in a system that genuflects to a higher authority, the Communist party.
Cardinal Daneels cut short his China trip once the Pope's condition began to deteriorate but his presence in Beijing is evidence of the Vatican's desire to build bridges with the mainland.
The Vatican's position - that it may consider cutting ties with Taiwan in return for greater freedom for the Church to operate inside China - was repeated by Bishop Joseph Zen, the head of the Hong Kong diocese, yesterday. "The Vatican is planning to give up Taiwan. There's no other way," Bishop Zen, a critic of Beijing, told Hong Kong media.
I Found This Interesting
Here's everything you ever wanted to know about the Lefebvre Schism within the Roman Catholic Church.
Bo Doesn't Know Steroids
This is how an innocent man reacts to charges that he used steroids:
CHICAGO -- Bo Jackson filed a defamation lawsuit Wednesday against a California newspaper that quoted a dietary expert who said the former two-sport star used steroids.
The lawsuit was filed in Cook County against the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, MediaNews Group Inc., MediaNews Group Interactive, Inc., sports editor Jim Mohr and three other employees of the newspaper.
"I've got nothing to hide," Jackson said at a news conference before the White Sox's game against the Cleveland Indians. "If anyone wants to check into my medical past, go get blood tests, go check up on those blood tests and see if there was any anabolic steroids in it. You're more than welcome."
This is also why I think those accused by Canseco are guilty. Wouldn't you do everything in your power to protect your integrity? Bo is.
CHICAGO -- Bo Jackson filed a defamation lawsuit Wednesday against a California newspaper that quoted a dietary expert who said the former two-sport star used steroids.
The lawsuit was filed in Cook County against the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, MediaNews Group Inc., MediaNews Group Interactive, Inc., sports editor Jim Mohr and three other employees of the newspaper.
"I've got nothing to hide," Jackson said at a news conference before the White Sox's game against the Cleveland Indians. "If anyone wants to check into my medical past, go get blood tests, go check up on those blood tests and see if there was any anabolic steroids in it. You're more than welcome."
This is also why I think those accused by Canseco are guilty. Wouldn't you do everything in your power to protect your integrity? Bo is.
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
This Is Just Swell
[B]aby boomers' children and grandchildren face massive tax increases. Social Security and Medicare spending now equals 14 percent of wage and salary income, reports Bell. By 2030, using the trustees' various projections, that jumps to 26 percent. Of course, payroll taxes don't cover all the costs of Social Security and Medicare. Still, these figures provide a crude indicator of the economic burden, because costs are imposed heavily on workers via some tax (including the income tax), government borrowing (a.k.a. the deficit) and cuts in other government programs.
Thanks W...and the Republican Congress.
Thanks W...and the Republican Congress.
A Different View of Pope John Paul
Andrew Sullivan unloads on the Pope:
Last night on Hardball, I said what I think needs to be said. Under John Paul II (and his predecessors), the Roman Catholic church presided over the rape and molestation of thousands of children and teenagers. Under John Paul II, the church at first did all it could to protect its own and to impugn and threaten the victims of this abuse. Rome never acknowledged, let alone take responsibility for, the scale of the moral betrayal. I was staggered to see Cardinal Bernard Law holding press conferences in Rome this week, and appearing on television next to the man who announced the Pope's death. But that was the central reaction of the late Pope to this scandal: he sided with the perpetrators, because they were integral to his maintenance of power. When you hear about this Pope's compassion, his concern for the victims of society, his love of children, it's important to recall that when it came to walking the walk in his own life and with his own responsibility, he walked away. He all but ignored his church's violation of the most basic morality - that you don't use the prestige of the church to rape innocent children. Here was a man who lectured American married couples that they could not take the pill, who told committed gay couples that they were part of an "ideology of evil," but acquiesced and covered up the rape of minors. When truth met power, John Paul II chose truth. When truth met his power, John Paul II defended his own prerogatives at the expense of the innocent. Many have forgotten. That's not an option for the victims of this clerical criminality.
I think many commentators have overlooked the horrific actions of the Catholic Church regarding the priest abuse scandal - a scandal that was largely fueled by this Pope. Viewed as a whole, his life was well lived. But this was definitely a sad chapter.
Last night on Hardball, I said what I think needs to be said. Under John Paul II (and his predecessors), the Roman Catholic church presided over the rape and molestation of thousands of children and teenagers. Under John Paul II, the church at first did all it could to protect its own and to impugn and threaten the victims of this abuse. Rome never acknowledged, let alone take responsibility for, the scale of the moral betrayal. I was staggered to see Cardinal Bernard Law holding press conferences in Rome this week, and appearing on television next to the man who announced the Pope's death. But that was the central reaction of the late Pope to this scandal: he sided with the perpetrators, because they were integral to his maintenance of power. When you hear about this Pope's compassion, his concern for the victims of society, his love of children, it's important to recall that when it came to walking the walk in his own life and with his own responsibility, he walked away. He all but ignored his church's violation of the most basic morality - that you don't use the prestige of the church to rape innocent children. Here was a man who lectured American married couples that they could not take the pill, who told committed gay couples that they were part of an "ideology of evil," but acquiesced and covered up the rape of minors. When truth met power, John Paul II chose truth. When truth met his power, John Paul II defended his own prerogatives at the expense of the innocent. Many have forgotten. That's not an option for the victims of this clerical criminality.
I think many commentators have overlooked the horrific actions of the Catholic Church regarding the priest abuse scandal - a scandal that was largely fueled by this Pope. Viewed as a whole, his life was well lived. But this was definitely a sad chapter.
The Talk Czar
Bill Bennet is the only radio talker that I enjoy. The rest are either obnoxious, arrogant - or both.
Here's why I like Bill.
Here's why I like Bill.
Can Criminals Be Rehabilitated?
Interesting article entitled "Rethinking Rehabilitation." The authors say, for the most part, no.
Fat California
We all imagine California as a state full of health fanatics - the opposite could not be more true, according to a new report which says that overweight and obesity is costing the state over $22 billion per year. The report was commissioned by the California Dept of Health Services.
Over 50% of all Californians are classed as either overweight or obese, says the report. California is rapidly climbing up the league tables of fat states. Officials say the ‘problem' is getting worse. The main reasons for California's rising obesity rates, say experts are:
-- Physical inactivity. People are just not doing enough exercise.
-- Bad eating habits.
Compared to other developed countries, California (and most of the USA) has an incredible number of fast food restaurants.
According to the report, if Californians lost 5% of their weight and did 5% more exercise the state would save over $6 billion a year. It seems employers are feeling the effects as well in lost productivity (obesity $3.4 billion - inactivity $7 billion).
Over 50% of all Californians are classed as either overweight or obese, says the report. California is rapidly climbing up the league tables of fat states. Officials say the ‘problem' is getting worse. The main reasons for California's rising obesity rates, say experts are:
-- Physical inactivity. People are just not doing enough exercise.
-- Bad eating habits.
Compared to other developed countries, California (and most of the USA) has an incredible number of fast food restaurants.
According to the report, if Californians lost 5% of their weight and did 5% more exercise the state would save over $6 billion a year. It seems employers are feeling the effects as well in lost productivity (obesity $3.4 billion - inactivity $7 billion).
Quote of the Day
"I don't own a cell phone or a pager. I just hang around everyone I know, all the time. If someone needs to get a hold of me they just say "Mitch," and I say "What?" and turn my head slightly ..." -- comedian Mitch Hedberg. That's me.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
First It Was The Lovers of Themselves
Now the polyamorists are on the march. It's all so predictable.
Great News Out of Iraq
BAGHDAD - Iraq's squabbling factions reached agreement on Tuesday on the country's next president and vice presidents, leading politicians said, in a key step toward overcoming a political stalemate and forming a new government.
Leaders of the main political blocs said veteran Kurdish politician Jalal Talabani would be named president at a parliament meeting on Wednesday, more than nine weeks after millions of Iraqis braved insurgent bombs to vote.
The Kurds rock!
Leaders of the main political blocs said veteran Kurdish politician Jalal Talabani would be named president at a parliament meeting on Wednesday, more than nine weeks after millions of Iraqis braved insurgent bombs to vote.
The Kurds rock!
A Bad Day...Or Three
Delivery Man Stuck in Elevator for Three Days
NEW YORK (Reuters) -- A Chinese food delivery man was found trapped in a broken elevator Tuesday, more than three days after he was reported missing, police said.
NEW YORK (Reuters) -- A Chinese food delivery man was found trapped in a broken elevator Tuesday, more than three days after he was reported missing, police said.
Good Move By W
BUSH PASSED OVER CARTER IN POPE FUNERAL PICK
President Bush selected his father and Bill Clinton over Jimmy Carter for the official delegation attending the funeral of Pope John Paul II, the Carter Center claimed late Tuesday.
"President Carter expressed to the White House a desire to attend the Pope's funeral," an official said. Carter "was informed that the official delegation would be limited to just five people, and there were also others who were eager to attend."
"The Carters always relish the memories of Pope John Paul II being a delightful personal guest at the White House in 1979, on a pope's only visit to our nation's capital city. Subsequently, they visited with His Holiness in the Vatican."
President Bush selected his father and Bill Clinton over Jimmy Carter for the official delegation attending the funeral of Pope John Paul II, the Carter Center claimed late Tuesday.
"President Carter expressed to the White House a desire to attend the Pope's funeral," an official said. Carter "was informed that the official delegation would be limited to just five people, and there were also others who were eager to attend."
"The Carters always relish the memories of Pope John Paul II being a delightful personal guest at the White House in 1979, on a pope's only visit to our nation's capital city. Subsequently, they visited with His Holiness in the Vatican."
The Horror
These monsters must be caught.
The big scoop in Covington this week ... is missing.
In fact, the whole 4-foot-tall, delectably electrified ice-cream cone at the Latonia Dairy Queen has disappeared from its securely bolted perch in the popular spot's Decoursey Avenue parking lot.
Sadly, the ice cream icon's abduction might have been - gasp - somebody's idea of a joke: A DQ employee said the super-sized soft serve was swiped last Friday - April Fool's Day.
The frosty-hearted thief left little for investigators to go on.
"Four-foot ice cream ... cone was in the lot of the business," the police offense report reads coldly.
"Cone was yellow in color, with a white top. Person had to loosen up four bolts, then cut the electrical wires to it to remove it. It is valued at $750."
The figure, of course, is only monetary. A DQ devotee might say such an item is priceless.
The big scoop in Covington this week ... is missing.
In fact, the whole 4-foot-tall, delectably electrified ice-cream cone at the Latonia Dairy Queen has disappeared from its securely bolted perch in the popular spot's Decoursey Avenue parking lot.
Sadly, the ice cream icon's abduction might have been - gasp - somebody's idea of a joke: A DQ employee said the super-sized soft serve was swiped last Friday - April Fool's Day.
The frosty-hearted thief left little for investigators to go on.
"Four-foot ice cream ... cone was in the lot of the business," the police offense report reads coldly.
"Cone was yellow in color, with a white top. Person had to loosen up four bolts, then cut the electrical wires to it to remove it. It is valued at $750."
The figure, of course, is only monetary. A DQ devotee might say such an item is priceless.
He's Not Ready
I know his old man's in jail, but this would be very foolish.
ST. LOUIS - Kentucky's leading scorer this past season, Kelenna Azubuike, plans to place his name in the NBA Draft.
UK Coach Tubby Smith confirmed that open secret yesterday. Smith added that he would counsel Azubuike not to retain an agent so the player can keep the option of returning to Kentucky next season.
"Let's not go out and get an agent," Smith said he told Azubuike. "Don't do anything you'd regret."
Azubuike, a 6-foot-5 junior guard, led the Cats in scoring and was the team's second-best rebounder this past season.
Smith noted the experience of former UK guard Keith Bogans. Bogans entered the NBA Draft after his junior season, learned at the league's Chicago Pre-Draft Camp that he was not a hot commodity and then elevated his status with a standout senior season.
"We've had players where it's been pretty beneficial" to test the NBA waters, Smith said.
The UK coach suggested that Azubuike could gain similar insight into his strengths and weaknesses.
"What he does with it, that's what concerns me," Smith said.
Early in his UK career, Azubuike said that his father's legal problems would not be a factor in a decision about early entry. His father, Ken Azubuike, was convicted on 41 counts of fraud earlier this season and has been sentenced to 48 months in prison.
Jim Mitchell, a Lexington-based scout for the Los Angeles Clippers, advised Azubuike to return to UK next season.
"He plays in spurts, he scores in spurts," Mitchell said. "Basically, I think he has the talent. But I don't know if he's into the game."
ST. LOUIS - Kentucky's leading scorer this past season, Kelenna Azubuike, plans to place his name in the NBA Draft.
UK Coach Tubby Smith confirmed that open secret yesterday. Smith added that he would counsel Azubuike not to retain an agent so the player can keep the option of returning to Kentucky next season.
"Let's not go out and get an agent," Smith said he told Azubuike. "Don't do anything you'd regret."
Azubuike, a 6-foot-5 junior guard, led the Cats in scoring and was the team's second-best rebounder this past season.
Smith noted the experience of former UK guard Keith Bogans. Bogans entered the NBA Draft after his junior season, learned at the league's Chicago Pre-Draft Camp that he was not a hot commodity and then elevated his status with a standout senior season.
"We've had players where it's been pretty beneficial" to test the NBA waters, Smith said.
The UK coach suggested that Azubuike could gain similar insight into his strengths and weaknesses.
"What he does with it, that's what concerns me," Smith said.
Early in his UK career, Azubuike said that his father's legal problems would not be a factor in a decision about early entry. His father, Ken Azubuike, was convicted on 41 counts of fraud earlier this season and has been sentenced to 48 months in prison.
Jim Mitchell, a Lexington-based scout for the Los Angeles Clippers, advised Azubuike to return to UK next season.
"He plays in spurts, he scores in spurts," Mitchell said. "Basically, I think he has the talent. But I don't know if he's into the game."
The NEXT Black Pope
I keep hearing that the cardinals may appoint the "first" black pope. Turns out there have already been black popes (at least one, anyway).
Go here.
Go here.
Oh, To Be Named Rick James
April 3, 2005 -- A HATTIESBURG, Miss., policewoman and her husband found out the hard way how popular Dave Chappelle's Comedy Central show is - especially his catch phrase, "I'm Rick James, bitch!" Diane James' husband, Rick James, is running for Hattiesburg City Council. She wrote to Comedy Central: "Due to the popularity of the Dave Chappelle show, people keep stealing our 'Vote Rick James' yard signs ... we would appreciate a small campaign donation for more signs, as we are working-class people and financing this campaign out of our own pockets. Each time a sign is stolen, it costs us $4.75! Every time a 'Rick James' piece runs on your show, we stand to lose dozens of signs overnight, which end up decorating people's front yards and dorm rooms ... the yard signs have been spotted at least 100 miles from our home by truckers ... Also, young children on bikes scream, 'I'm Rick James, bitch!' as we drive by in our car with our 'Rick James' car signs ... People even drive by our home and scream, 'Super Freak.'" No word on whether Comedy central will pitch in for more signs.
Monday, April 04, 2005
The Great Democratic Crackup?
Many reasonable Dems are trying to save their party. I fear they'll fail.
In an "open letter" to their party last month, 17 DLC members led by Sen. Evan Bayh of Indiana said Democrats had "to make clear to the American people that winning the war on jihadist extremism will be the Democratic Party's first priority this year and every year until the danger recedes."
Although they acknowledged that for many anti-war Democrats "Iraq remains a difficult issue," they said, "It is essential that partisan enmity not obscure America's vital interest in helping the newly elected Iraqi government succeed."
But party liberals last week dismissed the DLC's advice as warmed-over Republicanism. "I can't tell the difference between the positions the DLC puts forward and Republican policy," said Jack Blum, counsel for the liberal Americans for Democratic Action.
"I've read this before and I am not carried away by it. Nobody in the Democratic Party, and that most especially includes the liberals in the Americans for Democratic Action, opposes fighting the terrorists."
In an "open letter" to their party last month, 17 DLC members led by Sen. Evan Bayh of Indiana said Democrats had "to make clear to the American people that winning the war on jihadist extremism will be the Democratic Party's first priority this year and every year until the danger recedes."
Although they acknowledged that for many anti-war Democrats "Iraq remains a difficult issue," they said, "It is essential that partisan enmity not obscure America's vital interest in helping the newly elected Iraqi government succeed."
But party liberals last week dismissed the DLC's advice as warmed-over Republicanism. "I can't tell the difference between the positions the DLC puts forward and Republican policy," said Jack Blum, counsel for the liberal Americans for Democratic Action.
"I've read this before and I am not carried away by it. Nobody in the Democratic Party, and that most especially includes the liberals in the Americans for Democratic Action, opposes fighting the terrorists."
The P-Man Returns to the Diamond
The boy has his first practice of the season tonight. This is his last year of machine pitch. We've been working hard on his fielding...he looks pretty good. Not sure about his hitting. We need to get to the batting cage soon.
Who Appointed this Fool?
Excerpts from a speech Ruth Bader Ginsburg gave on Friday to the American Society of International Law:
"Judges in the United States are free to consult all manner of commentary."
"The notion that it is improper to look beyond the borders of the United States in grappling with hard questions has a certain kinship to the view that the U.S. Constitution is a document essentially frozen in time as of the date of its ratification."
"Even more so today, the United States is subject to the scrutiny of a candid world. What the United States does, for good or for ill, continues to be watched by the international community, in particular by organizations concerned with the advancement of the rule of law and respect for human dignity."
"Judges in the United States are free to consult all manner of commentary."
"The notion that it is improper to look beyond the borders of the United States in grappling with hard questions has a certain kinship to the view that the U.S. Constitution is a document essentially frozen in time as of the date of its ratification."
"Even more so today, the United States is subject to the scrutiny of a candid world. What the United States does, for good or for ill, continues to be watched by the international community, in particular by organizations concerned with the advancement of the rule of law and respect for human dignity."
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