Peggy Noonan's on the case:
"Salivating morons." "Scalp hunters." "Moon howlers." "Trophy hunters." "Sons of Sen. McCarthy." "Rabid." "Blogswarm." "These pseudo-journalist lynch mob people."
This is excellent invective. It must come from bloggers. But wait, it was the mainstream media and their maidservants in the elite journalism reviews, and they were talking about bloggers!
Those MSMers have gone wild, I tell you! The tendentious language, the low insults. It's the Wild Wild West out there. We may have to consider legislation.
When you hear name-calling like what we've been hearing from the elite media this week, you know someone must be doing something right. The hysterical edge makes you wonder if writers for newspapers and magazines and professors in J-schools don't have a serious case of freedom envy.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
About 15 Years Too Late
BERLIN (Reuters) - Singer George Michael said farewell to the world of pop music on Wednesday, using a candid documentary about his life to put the record straight before he "disappeared."
Howard Dean's Problem
No one can question Dean's passion or commitment. But his failed presidential run illustrated just how poorly organized and tone deaf he is. This latest incident proves the point.
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Howard Dean, the new chairman of the Democratic National Committee, requested a media blackout of a debate with top Pentagon adviser Richard Perle, then quickly changed his mind Wednesday after news agencies complained.
"DNC Chair Howard Dean has declared a news blackout of his appearance and requested the media not quote, record, and/or paraphrase his remarks," event coordinator Gabrielle Williams wrote in an e-mail sent to news agencies Wednesday morning. "We apologize for the late notice, but we were just informed of this request."
Less than two hours later, Williams called to say: "We were told just a few minutes ago that it is now open" for media coverage. The decision to open Thursday's debate came roughly 30 minutes after an inquiry by The Associated Press.
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Howard Dean, the new chairman of the Democratic National Committee, requested a media blackout of a debate with top Pentagon adviser Richard Perle, then quickly changed his mind Wednesday after news agencies complained.
"DNC Chair Howard Dean has declared a news blackout of his appearance and requested the media not quote, record, and/or paraphrase his remarks," event coordinator Gabrielle Williams wrote in an e-mail sent to news agencies Wednesday morning. "We apologize for the late notice, but we were just informed of this request."
Less than two hours later, Williams called to say: "We were told just a few minutes ago that it is now open" for media coverage. The decision to open Thursday's debate came roughly 30 minutes after an inquiry by The Associated Press.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Correction of the Day
The LA Times corrects its correction:
CNN resignation — An article in Saturday’s Section A about the resignation of CNN executive Eason Jordan said that in an April 2003 opinion piece in the New York Times, Jordan wrote that he did not allow his network to report all it had learned “during the intense early days of combat in Iraq, for fear that releasing certain confidential information would put lives in jeopardy.” Jordan’s essay was about his network’s coverage in the years and months preceding the war. A correction Tuesday erroneously said his essay referred also to his network’s coverage during the early days of the war.
CNN resignation — An article in Saturday’s Section A about the resignation of CNN executive Eason Jordan said that in an April 2003 opinion piece in the New York Times, Jordan wrote that he did not allow his network to report all it had learned “during the intense early days of combat in Iraq, for fear that releasing certain confidential information would put lives in jeopardy.” Jordan’s essay was about his network’s coverage in the years and months preceding the war. A correction Tuesday erroneously said his essay referred also to his network’s coverage during the early days of the war.
I Like It When A Plan Comes Together
The Bush plan is starting to unfold:
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (AP) -- President Bush says he has not ruled out raising taxes on those who earn more than $90,000 a year to help bolster Social Security's finances.
Under the current system, payroll taxes are paid only on the first $90,000 in wages. Bush has repeatedly said that he opposes raising taxes, but his advisers have been intentionally vague about whether he would also rule out subjecting a greater share of pay to the existing tax.
Asked directly, Bush said that he would not rule out raising that cap, though he does not want to see the payroll tax rate go up. The rate is now 12.4 percent of pay, split between workers and employers.
Step 1 was private accounts. Step 2 will be to increase the payroll tax ceiling (increase SS revenue). Step 3 will be to increase the retirement age (decrease outlays). Step 4 will be to reduce benefits for workers under 50 (decrease outlays).
All together, I think that might work.
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (AP) -- President Bush says he has not ruled out raising taxes on those who earn more than $90,000 a year to help bolster Social Security's finances.
Under the current system, payroll taxes are paid only on the first $90,000 in wages. Bush has repeatedly said that he opposes raising taxes, but his advisers have been intentionally vague about whether he would also rule out subjecting a greater share of pay to the existing tax.
Asked directly, Bush said that he would not rule out raising that cap, though he does not want to see the payroll tax rate go up. The rate is now 12.4 percent of pay, split between workers and employers.
Step 1 was private accounts. Step 2 will be to increase the payroll tax ceiling (increase SS revenue). Step 3 will be to increase the retirement age (decrease outlays). Step 4 will be to reduce benefits for workers under 50 (decrease outlays).
All together, I think that might work.
Whose Property Is It?
Here's hoping the Supreme Court puts an end to this sort of thing. The Fifth Amendment states that the government can take private property for certain public uses...and precedent says that those uses need to be pretty darn compelling. A new shopping center or office building or business complex does not meet that criteria.
Peace is Breaking Out Everywhere
After a long dry spell that had regional experts worried about continued peace talks between India and Pakistan, Reuters reports that Wednesday foreign ministers from both countries announced a series of initiatives that show the rivals are "keen to keep the thaw in relations going, having almost gone to war for a fourth time just three years ago."
The main announcement, which came during the visit of Indian Foreign Minister Natwar Singh to Islamabad, was the restoration of a bus service in the contested region of Jammu and Kashmir. This service is actually the reopening of a route that has been closed since India and Pakistan separated in 1947. The BBC calls the agreement "hugely significant," and points out that both sides had to make major concessions for it to happen.
And all this takes place under the watchful eye of the hawkish, aggressive leader off the world's lone superpower.
The main announcement, which came during the visit of Indian Foreign Minister Natwar Singh to Islamabad, was the restoration of a bus service in the contested region of Jammu and Kashmir. This service is actually the reopening of a route that has been closed since India and Pakistan separated in 1947. The BBC calls the agreement "hugely significant," and points out that both sides had to make major concessions for it to happen.
And all this takes place under the watchful eye of the hawkish, aggressive leader off the world's lone superpower.
Mmmmmmm, Coffee
WASHINGTON (AP) -- That hot cup of coffee may do more than just provide a tasty energy boost. It also may help prevent the most common type of liver cancer.
A study of more than 90,000 Japanese found that people who drank coffee daily or nearly every day had half the liver cancer risk of those who never drank coffee.
A study of more than 90,000 Japanese found that people who drank coffee daily or nearly every day had half the liver cancer risk of those who never drank coffee.
The Faith-Based Initiative Failure
What went wrong, from the man who ran it. Bottom line:
"At the end of the day, both parties played to stereotype — Republicans were indifferent to the poor and the Democrats were allergic to faith."
"At the end of the day, both parties played to stereotype — Republicans were indifferent to the poor and the Democrats were allergic to faith."
I Love the NY Times
From today's story covering Larry Summers's faculty meeting yesterday:
"Most speakers took aim at Dr. Summers for what they described as an autocratic management style that has stifled the open debate that is at the core of the university's values. While their comments were respectful, they were forceful and were greeted by strong applause."
Who is stifling whom?
"Most speakers took aim at Dr. Summers for what they described as an autocratic management style that has stifled the open debate that is at the core of the university's values. While their comments were respectful, they were forceful and were greeted by strong applause."
Who is stifling whom?
An Artistic Genius
Finally, somebody pays a huge some of money for good art.
NEW YORK (AP) _ A pair of paintings from the famed series depicting dogs playing poker fetched nearly $600,000 at auction Tuesday.
The two works _ ``A Bold Bluff'' and ``Waterloo'' _ were among 16 paintings that artist Cassius Marcellus Coolidge was commissioned to create for a Minnesota-based advertising company in 1903. Of the 16, nine are of dogs playing poker.
The two works that sold Tuesday for $590,400 capture moments in a poker game played by five dogs, among them a St. Bernard that ends up collecting the pot on a bluff.
The winning bid set a new auction record for Coolidge, whose previous top sale was $74,000, said Alan Fausel, director of paintings at Doyle New York, which handled Tuesday's sale.
The winning bidder was a private collector from New York.
Doyle had estimated that the two paintings would bring in between $30,000 and $50,000.
The sale was part of Doyle's annual ``Dogs in Art'' auction, which coincides with the Westminster Kennel Club dog show.
NEW YORK (AP) _ A pair of paintings from the famed series depicting dogs playing poker fetched nearly $600,000 at auction Tuesday.
The two works _ ``A Bold Bluff'' and ``Waterloo'' _ were among 16 paintings that artist Cassius Marcellus Coolidge was commissioned to create for a Minnesota-based advertising company in 1903. Of the 16, nine are of dogs playing poker.
The two works that sold Tuesday for $590,400 capture moments in a poker game played by five dogs, among them a St. Bernard that ends up collecting the pot on a bluff.
The winning bid set a new auction record for Coolidge, whose previous top sale was $74,000, said Alan Fausel, director of paintings at Doyle New York, which handled Tuesday's sale.
The winning bidder was a private collector from New York.
Doyle had estimated that the two paintings would bring in between $30,000 and $50,000.
The sale was part of Doyle's annual ``Dogs in Art'' auction, which coincides with the Westminster Kennel Club dog show.
Where Was Rummy on Wednesday
"TEHRAN, Iran - An unknown aircraft fired a missile on Wednesday in a deserted area near the southern city of Dailam in the province of Bushehr where Iran has a nuclear power plant, Iranian state television said."
The CBS Debacle Continues
From Drudge:
THE NEW YORK OBSERVER will report tomorrow: 'Former 60 Minutes Wednesday executive editor Josh Howard has told colleagues that before he resigns, the 23-year CBS News veteran will demand that the network retract remarks by CBS president Leslie Moonves, correct its official story line and ultimately clear his name'...
In the event of a lawsuit, Mr. Howard has told associates that he would like to see Moonves put under oath to talk about his own roles in the network's stubborn, hapless defense of the flawed segment on President Bush's National Guard service.Howard has also indicated to colleagues that he would subpoena specific CBS documents, including the e-mails of top executives.
THE NEW YORK OBSERVER will report tomorrow: 'Former 60 Minutes Wednesday executive editor Josh Howard has told colleagues that before he resigns, the 23-year CBS News veteran will demand that the network retract remarks by CBS president Leslie Moonves, correct its official story line and ultimately clear his name'...
In the event of a lawsuit, Mr. Howard has told associates that he would like to see Moonves put under oath to talk about his own roles in the network's stubborn, hapless defense of the flawed segment on President Bush's National Guard service.Howard has also indicated to colleagues that he would subpoena specific CBS documents, including the e-mails of top executives.
Very Odd
Granted, Carter was in the Navy. But the last person that comes to mind when I think of military power (and the use of it) and nuclear power (and the use of it) is Jimmy Carter.
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy will commission its newest nuclear-powered attack submarine Jimmy Carter Feb. 19, during an 11 a.m. EST ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London, Groton, Conn. The attack submarine Jimmy Carter honors the 39th president of the United States.
President Carter is the only U.S. president to have qualified in submarines.
He has distinguished himself by a lifetime of public service, and has long ties to the Navy and the submarine force. Carter graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946, served as a commissioned officer aboard submarines, and served as commander-in-chief from 1977 to 1981. Carter's statesmanship, philanthropy and sense of humanity earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy will commission its newest nuclear-powered attack submarine Jimmy Carter Feb. 19, during an 11 a.m. EST ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London, Groton, Conn. The attack submarine Jimmy Carter honors the 39th president of the United States.
President Carter is the only U.S. president to have qualified in submarines.
He has distinguished himself by a lifetime of public service, and has long ties to the Navy and the submarine force. Carter graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946, served as a commissioned officer aboard submarines, and served as commander-in-chief from 1977 to 1981. Carter's statesmanship, philanthropy and sense of humanity earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Things Can Always Change
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic Sen. John Kerry, whose baffling explanation of votes on Iraq war funding hurt his 2004 White House bid, said on Tuesday he would back President Bush's new $81.9 billion request for Iraq and Afghanistan.
"I think we're in a very different situation," Kerry told reporters. "I'm going to vote for this ... I think this money is important to our being successful and to the completion of the process."
"I think we're in a very different situation," Kerry told reporters. "I'm going to vote for this ... I think this money is important to our being successful and to the completion of the process."
Common Sense Reaches the Gay Activists
Wasn't Pat Robertson saying this sort of thing - and getting whacked for it - 15 years ago.
While many are calling for a renewed commitment to prevention efforts and free condoms, some veterans of the war on AIDS are advocating an entirely new approach to the spread of unsafe sex, much of which is fueled by a surge in methamphetamine abuse. They want to track down those who knowingly engage in risky behavior and try to stop them before they can infect others...
"Gay men do not have the right to spread a debilitating and often fatal disease," said Charles Kaiser, a historian and author of "The Gay Metropolis." "A person who is H.I.V.-positive has no more right to unprotected intercourse than he has the right to put a bullet through another person's head," he said.
While many are calling for a renewed commitment to prevention efforts and free condoms, some veterans of the war on AIDS are advocating an entirely new approach to the spread of unsafe sex, much of which is fueled by a surge in methamphetamine abuse. They want to track down those who knowingly engage in risky behavior and try to stop them before they can infect others...
"Gay men do not have the right to spread a debilitating and often fatal disease," said Charles Kaiser, a historian and author of "The Gay Metropolis." "A person who is H.I.V.-positive has no more right to unprotected intercourse than he has the right to put a bullet through another person's head," he said.
Correction of the Day
From the NY Times:
The Keeping Score column in SportsSunday on Jan. 23, about a mathematical formula for projecting the winner of the Super Bowl, misstated the application of the Pythagorean theorem, which the formula resembles. The theorem determines the length of the third side of a right triangle when the length of the two other sides is known; it is not used to determine the sum of the angles in a right triangle.
The Keeping Score column in SportsSunday on Jan. 23, about a mathematical formula for projecting the winner of the Super Bowl, misstated the application of the Pythagorean theorem, which the formula resembles. The theorem determines the length of the third side of a right triangle when the length of the two other sides is known; it is not used to determine the sum of the angles in a right triangle.
Tagged!
The Bengals have placed the franchise designation on Pro Bowl running back Rudi Johnson, preventing him from hitting the unrestricted free agent market.
Since the middle of last season, the Bengals and Johnson have been talking about a long-term contract but haven't been able to find the right numbers. Instead of potentially losing him in free agency, the Bengals decided to protect their rights and name him as their franchise player.
Johnson will be tendered a one-year contract offer at $6.23 million, the average value of the top five cap numbers at running back from last season. Any team trying to sign him in free agency would have to forfeit two first-round draft choices.
The two sides have until March 15 to work out a long-term deal; after that, there is a moratorium on teams reaching deals with franchised players until July 15. If a team does sign its franchised player during that time period, it would lose its franchise tag for the following season.
Since the middle of last season, the Bengals and Johnson have been talking about a long-term contract but haven't been able to find the right numbers. Instead of potentially losing him in free agency, the Bengals decided to protect their rights and name him as their franchise player.
Johnson will be tendered a one-year contract offer at $6.23 million, the average value of the top five cap numbers at running back from last season. Any team trying to sign him in free agency would have to forfeit two first-round draft choices.
The two sides have until March 15 to work out a long-term deal; after that, there is a moratorium on teams reaching deals with franchised players until July 15. If a team does sign its franchised player during that time period, it would lose its franchise tag for the following season.
Common Knowledge
Everyone knew about steroid use in baseball:
NEW YORK -- An FBI agent says federal investigators warned Major League Baseball about 10 years ago that some of its players were using steroids, but baseball executives failed to act on the information, the Daily News reported.
In Tuesday's editions, the Daily News reported that a special agent in Ann Arbor, Mich., told baseball security chief Kevin Hallinan that Jose Canseco and other players were using illegal anabolic steroids.
"I alerted Major League Baseball back in the time when we had a case, that Canseco was a heavy user and that they should be aware of it," Special Agent Greg Stejskal told the Daily News. "I spoke to the people in their security office, Hallinan was one of the people I spoke to."
NEW YORK -- An FBI agent says federal investigators warned Major League Baseball about 10 years ago that some of its players were using steroids, but baseball executives failed to act on the information, the Daily News reported.
In Tuesday's editions, the Daily News reported that a special agent in Ann Arbor, Mich., told baseball security chief Kevin Hallinan that Jose Canseco and other players were using illegal anabolic steroids.
"I alerted Major League Baseball back in the time when we had a case, that Canseco was a heavy user and that they should be aware of it," Special Agent Greg Stejskal told the Daily News. "I spoke to the people in their security office, Hallinan was one of the people I spoke to."
We Have an Ambassador in Syria?
Who would have thunk it.
(CNN) -- The United States announced Tuesday the recall of its ambassador to Syria in response to the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
(CNN) -- The United States announced Tuesday the recall of its ambassador to Syria in response to the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
Quote of the Day
"The blogosphere is to the media what internal affairs is to any law enforcement agency. Nobody likes them, and they are absolutely necessary." -- Unknown.
Dooooh!
The New York Yankees acknowledged that they took the word "steroids" out of Jason Giambi's contract in 2001, USA Today reported Monday.
General manager Brian Cashman had previously denied a story in the New York Times that claimed steroids language was taken out of Giambi's contract.
"The story that's out there today is how way back when, when this was done, that steroids was almost like a private conversation between the player and his agent and the New York Yankees, that you can't have that policy in there because it's obvious the club would turn their head and stick their head in the sand and still invest all this money and say, 'Yeah, we'll just take it out, it will be our little quiet secret.' That's a lot of B.S., it's hogwash, it's not true," Cashman said on ESPN Radio's Mike and Mike Show on Friday morning. "If that were the case, you'd back off and walk away."
But Yankees officials on Monday said they removed the word "steroids" because they felt they were protected by broader language regarding drugs, USA Today reported.
Check out these numbers:
Giambi's remaining salary:
2005 - $15.5 million
2006 - $19 million
2007 - $21.5 million
2008 - $21 million
2009 - $22 million (team has $5 million buyout clause)
General manager Brian Cashman had previously denied a story in the New York Times that claimed steroids language was taken out of Giambi's contract.
"The story that's out there today is how way back when, when this was done, that steroids was almost like a private conversation between the player and his agent and the New York Yankees, that you can't have that policy in there because it's obvious the club would turn their head and stick their head in the sand and still invest all this money and say, 'Yeah, we'll just take it out, it will be our little quiet secret.' That's a lot of B.S., it's hogwash, it's not true," Cashman said on ESPN Radio's Mike and Mike Show on Friday morning. "If that were the case, you'd back off and walk away."
But Yankees officials on Monday said they removed the word "steroids" because they felt they were protected by broader language regarding drugs, USA Today reported.
Check out these numbers:
Giambi's remaining salary:
2005 - $15.5 million
2006 - $19 million
2007 - $21.5 million
2008 - $21 million
2009 - $22 million (team has $5 million buyout clause)
Say What?
Here's The WaPo's description of Hezbollah:
Lebanese government officials linked Hariri's killing to mounting international pressure on Syria to withdraw its troops from Lebanon and to end its sponsorship of Hezbollah, an armed Shiite Muslim political movement that operates in the south.
That's precious.
Lebanese government officials linked Hariri's killing to mounting international pressure on Syria to withdraw its troops from Lebanon and to end its sponsorship of Hezbollah, an armed Shiite Muslim political movement that operates in the south.
That's precious.
Throw in the Towel
I think it's time to give up on this good idea:
(AP) A test of the national missile defense system failed Monday when an interceptor missile did not launch from its island base in the Pacific Ocean, the military said. It was the second failure in months for the experimental program.
A statement from the Missile Defense Agency said the cause of the failure was under investigation.
A spokesman for the agency, Rick Lehner, said the early indications was that there was a malfunction with the ground support equipment at the test range on Kwajalein Island, not with the interceptor missile itself. If verified, that would be a relief for program officials because it would mean no new problems had been discovered with the missile.
Previous failures of these high-profile, $85 million test launches have been regarded as significant setbacks by critics of the program.
(AP) A test of the national missile defense system failed Monday when an interceptor missile did not launch from its island base in the Pacific Ocean, the military said. It was the second failure in months for the experimental program.
A statement from the Missile Defense Agency said the cause of the failure was under investigation.
A spokesman for the agency, Rick Lehner, said the early indications was that there was a malfunction with the ground support equipment at the test range on Kwajalein Island, not with the interceptor missile itself. If verified, that would be a relief for program officials because it would mean no new problems had been discovered with the missile.
Previous failures of these high-profile, $85 million test launches have been regarded as significant setbacks by critics of the program.
Monday, February 14, 2005
More From Abbas
The new Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas, said in an interview this weekend that the war with the Israelis is effectively over and that the Israeli prime minister, Ariel Sharon, is speaking "a different language" to the Palestinians. Mr. Sharon's commitment to withdraw from Gaza and dismantle all Israeli settlements there and four in the West Bank, despite "how much pressure is on him from the Israeli Likud rightists," Mr. Abbas said, "is a good sign to start with" on the road to real peace.
"And now he has a partner," Mr. Abbas said.
In a 40-minute interview in his Gaza office late on Saturday night, Mr. Abbas spoke with pride about persuading the radical groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad to respect the mutual declaration of a truce that he and Mr. Sharon announced last Tuesday at their first meeting, in Sharm el Sheik, Egypt, which was the highest-level meeting between Israelis and Palestinians in four years.
Mr. Abbas said the war with the Israelis would be over "when the Israelis declare that they will comply with the agreement I made in Sharm el Sheik, and today our comrades in Hamas and Jihad said they are committed to the truce, the cooling down of the whole situation, and I believe we will start a new era."
"And now he has a partner," Mr. Abbas said.
In a 40-minute interview in his Gaza office late on Saturday night, Mr. Abbas spoke with pride about persuading the radical groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad to respect the mutual declaration of a truce that he and Mr. Sharon announced last Tuesday at their first meeting, in Sharm el Sheik, Egypt, which was the highest-level meeting between Israelis and Palestinians in four years.
Mr. Abbas said the war with the Israelis would be over "when the Israelis declare that they will comply with the agreement I made in Sharm el Sheik, and today our comrades in Hamas and Jihad said they are committed to the truce, the cooling down of the whole situation, and I believe we will start a new era."
Stand By Your Man
A campaign convenience is no more.
According to The Washington Times, Teresa Heinz, the erstwhile Teresa Heinz Kerry, has stopped using the last name of her husband, Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry, last year's Democrat presidential nominee.
Preceding its Women Who Make a Difference Awards dinner next month, the National Council for Research on Women is featuring "a conversation with Teresa Heinz," according to a release from the organization. The council failed to mention the final half of the Fox Chapel ketchup heiress' formerly elongated last name in several other references.
"I just checked and she no longer uses her (entire) last name; only during the (presidential) campaign did she use Kerry," campaign spokeswoman Tamara Rodriguez Reichberg said.
According to The Washington Times, Teresa Heinz, the erstwhile Teresa Heinz Kerry, has stopped using the last name of her husband, Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry, last year's Democrat presidential nominee.
Preceding its Women Who Make a Difference Awards dinner next month, the National Council for Research on Women is featuring "a conversation with Teresa Heinz," according to a release from the organization. The council failed to mention the final half of the Fox Chapel ketchup heiress' formerly elongated last name in several other references.
"I just checked and she no longer uses her (entire) last name; only during the (presidential) campaign did she use Kerry," campaign spokeswoman Tamara Rodriguez Reichberg said.
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Great Iraq Election News Confirmed
BAGHDAD, Iraq Feb 13, 2005 — Iraq's majority Shiite Muslims won nearly half the votes in the nation's Jan. 30 election, giving the long-oppressed group significant power but not enough to form a government on their own.
The Shiites likely will have to form a coalition in the 275-member National Assembly with the other top vote-getters the Kurds and Prime Minister Ayad Allawi's list to push through their agenda and select a president and prime minister. The president and two vice presidents must be elected by a two-thirds majority.
Also, CNN is reporting 8.5 million voted (that's 60%).
The Shiites likely will have to form a coalition in the 275-member National Assembly with the other top vote-getters the Kurds and Prime Minister Ayad Allawi's list to push through their agenda and select a president and prime minister. The president and two vice presidents must be elected by a two-thirds majority.
Also, CNN is reporting 8.5 million voted (that's 60%).
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Life Sucks for Carly
NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Ex-Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina will get a severance package worth about $21.4 million, but stands to reap another $21 million after she was forced out by the computer maker's board last week, a newspaper reported Saturday.
The additional amount reflects the estimated value of her Hewlett stock and options as well as her pension, which were not included in her severance package, the New York Times reported.
The additional amount reflects the estimated value of her Hewlett stock and options as well as her pension, which were not included in her severance package, the New York Times reported.
Best College B-Ball in the Country?
Mike Decoursey says right here:
"The difference between here and the North Carolina triangle," said Mike DeCourcy, "is that they have a lot of great basketball, but it's all the same league. Here you get the variety of the Big Ten, the SEC, Conference USA, the Atlantic 10 and even the MAC and the Horizon League if you have time for them. And next year will be even better with the Big East."
"If I moved back to Pittsburgh, where I'm from, I'd be on the road all the time. I'd either be watching Pitt or jumping on a plane. Here, I can drive to Kentucky, to Louisville, to Ohio State, to Indiana. "
"But as much as I like the geographical convenience of living here, there's nothing more important than being in a place that values college basketball. Here, I turn on the radio and if it's this time of the year, Lance (McAlister) or the Angry Guys are probably going to be talking basketball. That means something to me."
"The difference between here and the North Carolina triangle," said Mike DeCourcy, "is that they have a lot of great basketball, but it's all the same league. Here you get the variety of the Big Ten, the SEC, Conference USA, the Atlantic 10 and even the MAC and the Horizon League if you have time for them. And next year will be even better with the Big East."
"If I moved back to Pittsburgh, where I'm from, I'd be on the road all the time. I'd either be watching Pitt or jumping on a plane. Here, I can drive to Kentucky, to Louisville, to Ohio State, to Indiana. "
"But as much as I like the geographical convenience of living here, there's nothing more important than being in a place that values college basketball. Here, I turn on the radio and if it's this time of the year, Lance (McAlister) or the Angry Guys are probably going to be talking basketball. That means something to me."
Best College B-Ball in the Country?
Mike Decoursey says right here:
"The difference between here and the North Carolina triangle," said Mike DeCourcy, "is that they have a lot of great basketball, but it's all the same league. Here you get the variety of the Big Ten, the SEC, Conference USA, the Atlantic 10 and even the MAC and the Horizon League if you have time for them. And next year will be even better with the Big East."
"If I moved back to Pittsburgh, where I'm from, I'd be on the road all the time. I'd either be watching Pitt or jumping on a plane. Here, I can drive to Kentucky, to Louisville, to Ohio State, to Indiana. "
"But as much as I like the geographical convenience of living here, there's nothing more important than being in a place that values college basketball. Here, I turn on the radio and if it's this time of the year, Lance (McAlister) or the Angry Guys are probably going to be talking basketball. That means something to me."
"The difference between here and the North Carolina triangle," said Mike DeCourcy, "is that they have a lot of great basketball, but it's all the same league. Here you get the variety of the Big Ten, the SEC, Conference USA, the Atlantic 10 and even the MAC and the Horizon League if you have time for them. And next year will be even better with the Big East."
"If I moved back to Pittsburgh, where I'm from, I'd be on the road all the time. I'd either be watching Pitt or jumping on a plane. Here, I can drive to Kentucky, to Louisville, to Ohio State, to Indiana. "
"But as much as I like the geographical convenience of living here, there's nothing more important than being in a place that values college basketball. Here, I turn on the radio and if it's this time of the year, Lance (McAlister) or the Angry Guys are probably going to be talking basketball. That means something to me."
The Left's Moral Retreat Continues
More on The Left's retreat from classical liberalism (via Ross Terrill of The Boston Globe):
DEMOCRACY IS FRIEND to the common man and authoritarianism is a crutch for millionaires with a villa in Italy -- right? Maybe no longer. Lady Liberty has acquired a new dancing partner. Politics in both Europe and the United States have unhitched the left from its trusted partner, democracy. American liberals now often spurn blue collar opinion that is democracy's fuel. They mostly reject global idealism that is liberty's post-communism vocation. This has allowed a Republican president to make democracy his cause. On the dance floor of the 21st century, the right embraces Lady Liberty. . . .
What a strange moment for the left to lose faith in democracy. The Soviet Union and other Leninist dictatorships are gone in a puff of smoke. Democracy is taking root in Latin America. South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, Mongolia, and Thailand are all newly democratic. Throughout the 20th century, war and authoritarianism were inseparable. For 30 years, democracy and free markets have surged and no war has occurred anywhere on the scale ofKorea and Vietnam, let alone World War I and World War II.
Seymour Hersh recently told "Democracy Now!" radio that America was in a bad way because "eight or nine neoconservatives" have "grabbed the government." Not mentioning that Bush was elected by 51 percent of the voters, Hersh did detect a ray of hope. One "salvation may be the economy," Hersh said regrettably, "It's going to go very bad, folks. You know, if you have not sold your stocks and bought property in Italy, you better do it quick."
A left that sees a lousy economy as political salvation and frets about stocks and a villa in Italy is not the idealistic, worker-respecting left anymore. Certainly it is not a believer in democracy.
DEMOCRACY IS FRIEND to the common man and authoritarianism is a crutch for millionaires with a villa in Italy -- right? Maybe no longer. Lady Liberty has acquired a new dancing partner. Politics in both Europe and the United States have unhitched the left from its trusted partner, democracy. American liberals now often spurn blue collar opinion that is democracy's fuel. They mostly reject global idealism that is liberty's post-communism vocation. This has allowed a Republican president to make democracy his cause. On the dance floor of the 21st century, the right embraces Lady Liberty. . . .
What a strange moment for the left to lose faith in democracy. The Soviet Union and other Leninist dictatorships are gone in a puff of smoke. Democracy is taking root in Latin America. South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, Mongolia, and Thailand are all newly democratic. Throughout the 20th century, war and authoritarianism were inseparable. For 30 years, democracy and free markets have surged and no war has occurred anywhere on the scale ofKorea and Vietnam, let alone World War I and World War II.
Seymour Hersh recently told "Democracy Now!" radio that America was in a bad way because "eight or nine neoconservatives" have "grabbed the government." Not mentioning that Bush was elected by 51 percent of the voters, Hersh did detect a ray of hope. One "salvation may be the economy," Hersh said regrettably, "It's going to go very bad, folks. You know, if you have not sold your stocks and bought property in Italy, you better do it quick."
A left that sees a lousy economy as political salvation and frets about stocks and a villa in Italy is not the idealistic, worker-respecting left anymore. Certainly it is not a believer in democracy.
The Left'
More on The Left's retreat from classical liberalism (via Ross Terrill of The Boston Globe):
DEMOCRACY IS FRIEND to the common man and authoritarianism is a crutch for millionaires with a villa in Italy -- right? Maybe no longer. Lady Liberty has acquired a new dancing partner. Politics in both Europe and the United States have unhitched the left from its trusted partner, democracy. American liberals now often spurn blue collar opinion that is democracy's fuel. They mostly reject global idealism that is liberty's post-communism vocation. This has allowed a Republican president to make democracy his cause. On the dance floor of the 21st century, the right embraces Lady Liberty. . . .
What a strange moment for the left to lose faith in democracy. The Soviet Union and other Leninist dictatorships are gone in a puff of smoke. Democracy is taking root in Latin America. South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, Mongolia, and Thailand are all newly democratic. Throughout the 20th century, war and authoritarianism were inseparable. For 30 years, democracy and free markets have surged and no war has occurred anywhere on the scale ofKorea and Vietnam, let alone World War I and World War II.
Seymour Hersh recently told "Democracy Now!" radio that America was in a bad way because "eight or nine neoconservatives" have "grabbed the government." Not mentioning that Bush was elected by 51 percent of the voters, Hersh did detect a ray of hope. One "salvation may be the economy," Hersh said regrettably, "It's going to go very bad, folks. You know, if you have not sold your stocks and bought property in Italy, you better do it quick."
A left that sees a lousy economy as political salvation and frets about stocks and a villa in Italy is not the idealistic, worker-respecting left anymore. Certainly it is not a believer in democracy.
DEMOCRACY IS FRIEND to the common man and authoritarianism is a crutch for millionaires with a villa in Italy -- right? Maybe no longer. Lady Liberty has acquired a new dancing partner. Politics in both Europe and the United States have unhitched the left from its trusted partner, democracy. American liberals now often spurn blue collar opinion that is democracy's fuel. They mostly reject global idealism that is liberty's post-communism vocation. This has allowed a Republican president to make democracy his cause. On the dance floor of the 21st century, the right embraces Lady Liberty. . . .
What a strange moment for the left to lose faith in democracy. The Soviet Union and other Leninist dictatorships are gone in a puff of smoke. Democracy is taking root in Latin America. South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, Mongolia, and Thailand are all newly democratic. Throughout the 20th century, war and authoritarianism were inseparable. For 30 years, democracy and free markets have surged and no war has occurred anywhere on the scale ofKorea and Vietnam, let alone World War I and World War II.
Seymour Hersh recently told "Democracy Now!" radio that America was in a bad way because "eight or nine neoconservatives" have "grabbed the government." Not mentioning that Bush was elected by 51 percent of the voters, Hersh did detect a ray of hope. One "salvation may be the economy," Hersh said regrettably, "It's going to go very bad, folks. You know, if you have not sold your stocks and bought property in Italy, you better do it quick."
A left that sees a lousy economy as political salvation and frets about stocks and a villa in Italy is not the idealistic, worker-respecting left anymore. Certainly it is not a believer in democracy.
Friday, February 11, 2005
Steve Fields' Steak & Lobster Lounge
Here's the logo for my brother Steve's new restaurant in Dallas. Pretty cool. I think he's shooting for a March opening. If you're ever in Big D, look him up.
Quote of the Day
"I don't support an amendment to the Constitution banning gay marriage. I think it's a matter that should be left to the states. As a conservative, I don't support constitutional amendments generally unless the cause is clear and evident. The issue here, of course, is that some people think a constitutional amendment is necessary in order to preserve the rights of the states. I happen not to come down on that side of the issue and, indeed, there are many Republicans who do [not]. I think if you looked at our national convention, for example, among the prominent speakers -- Gov. Schwarzenegger, Rudy Giuliani -- feel the same way. It's not an issue that sets the Republican Party apart in one great mass. It's an issue upon which people differ." -- Lynne Cheney, on NPR's Fresh Air, February 9.
ER Update
ER is a good show, but it does push its agenda a bit too much. I'm sorry I missed last night's episode. NR Online has the recap:
ER [K. J. Lopez ] I was multitasking so not paying scene-by-scene attention, but basically the plot of last night’s ER was: Dr. Weaver met her birth mother, who was a perfectly nice woman, except for the fact she’s a Christian. The mother is an evangelical Christian who basically said “nevermind” when she found out the girl she gave up at 15 is gay. ER can typically draw you in (though to be honest, I've never been a regular viewer, just occasional), but this seemed more must-shove-an-agenda-down-your-throat than must-see-TV. Wouldn’t it have been much more dramatic to have them work through it—build a relationship despite their very different roads in life? Oh well.
THE ABORTION MOMENT [K. J. Lopez ] One more thing on ER: Dr. Weaver said to her birth mother in their first meeting, "Abortion was illegal, right?" about when she was in the womb. Who the heck asks that? Like, oh, yeah, I should have been aborted. In a saner world, I would have been aborted. Maybe she is supposed to be that messed up, but I think the reality is the writers were just too focused on making their political points.
ER [K. J. Lopez ] I was multitasking so not paying scene-by-scene attention, but basically the plot of last night’s ER was: Dr. Weaver met her birth mother, who was a perfectly nice woman, except for the fact she’s a Christian. The mother is an evangelical Christian who basically said “nevermind” when she found out the girl she gave up at 15 is gay. ER can typically draw you in (though to be honest, I've never been a regular viewer, just occasional), but this seemed more must-shove-an-agenda-down-your-throat than must-see-TV. Wouldn’t it have been much more dramatic to have them work through it—build a relationship despite their very different roads in life? Oh well.
THE ABORTION MOMENT [K. J. Lopez ] One more thing on ER: Dr. Weaver said to her birth mother in their first meeting, "Abortion was illegal, right?" about when she was in the womb. Who the heck asks that? Like, oh, yeah, I should have been aborted. In a saner world, I would have been aborted. Maybe she is supposed to be that messed up, but I think the reality is the writers were just too focused on making their political points.
Everywhere We Are Not
Scott says WAL-MART'S strategy for growth is to be "everywhere we are not." In the United States, that means edging closer to major cities, such as Los Angeles, New York and Washington, where the chain is likely to find less land, higher costs and stiffer resistance from labor unions and neighborhood activists.
What has always intrigued me about Wal-Mart is that they predominate where they're not "needed" (the prosperous suburbs), and are absent where they are most "needed" (the impoverished inner cities). The fact that the suburbs welcomes Wal-Mart may provide the reason for its prosperity; and the fact that the inner-cities refuse them may also explain its poverty.
What has always intrigued me about Wal-Mart is that they predominate where they're not "needed" (the prosperous suburbs), and are absent where they are most "needed" (the impoverished inner cities). The fact that the suburbs welcomes Wal-Mart may provide the reason for its prosperity; and the fact that the inner-cities refuse them may also explain its poverty.
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Jason "Slick Willie" Giambi Admits...Something
Giambi's song and dance didn't help. He told the fans he was sorry. He told the media he was sorry. He told his teammates he was sorry. When he showed up at Yankee Stadium on Thursday, he stopped to sign autographs. And he swore he's "working his butt off" so he can regain his status as an elite player and help the Yankees win the World Series.
But in between apologies and the commitment of hard work, the 40-minute session frustrated the hungry New York media, which got very little of what it was hoping for.
Giambi, when asked what he was apologizing for: "I can't get into specifics."
When asked what it was that he was taking "full responsibility" for: "I can't get into specifics."
When asked -- point blank -- if he used steroids: "That's something I can't talk about."
When asked why he couldn't talk about it: "I can't get into those specifics. I'm taking full responsibilities for my actions."
When asked what he told the grand jury: "I can't."
When asked why he used steroids: "I can't get into specifics. I apologize."
When asked if he understood how strange this all was, that he couldn't talk about what he was apologizing for: "I understand how the fans feel, how everybody feels. You guys have a job to do.
But because of legal matters, I can't get into specifics." The Yankees didn't have any answers either. Cashman said neither he nor any other member of Yankee management had asked Giambi about steroid use because "the answers we would have gotten are probably a lot like the ones you got today," he said.
It has been widely reported that Yankee management investigated ways to get out of Giambi's contract -- and the remaining $82 million he is owed -- due to his reported steroid admission. But doing so proved more challenging than they imagined. The only thing the Yankees have to go by is a newspaper story based on a source.
"The truth lies in sealed testimony that we can't access," Cashman said.
It made for a suspicious and uncomfortable setting. If Giambi would have admitted to the media that he used steroids, the Yankees may have had the ammo they needed to get out of his contract. But since he never admitted anything (other than his sealed testimony being true) they don't.
Neither Giambi, Tellem, nor Cashman would comment specifically if a contract issue was keeping Giambi quiet on Thursday.
But in between apologies and the commitment of hard work, the 40-minute session frustrated the hungry New York media, which got very little of what it was hoping for.
Giambi, when asked what he was apologizing for: "I can't get into specifics."
When asked what it was that he was taking "full responsibility" for: "I can't get into specifics."
When asked -- point blank -- if he used steroids: "That's something I can't talk about."
When asked why he couldn't talk about it: "I can't get into those specifics. I'm taking full responsibilities for my actions."
When asked what he told the grand jury: "I can't."
When asked why he used steroids: "I can't get into specifics. I apologize."
When asked if he understood how strange this all was, that he couldn't talk about what he was apologizing for: "I understand how the fans feel, how everybody feels. You guys have a job to do.
But because of legal matters, I can't get into specifics." The Yankees didn't have any answers either. Cashman said neither he nor any other member of Yankee management had asked Giambi about steroid use because "the answers we would have gotten are probably a lot like the ones you got today," he said.
It has been widely reported that Yankee management investigated ways to get out of Giambi's contract -- and the remaining $82 million he is owed -- due to his reported steroid admission. But doing so proved more challenging than they imagined. The only thing the Yankees have to go by is a newspaper story based on a source.
"The truth lies in sealed testimony that we can't access," Cashman said.
It made for a suspicious and uncomfortable setting. If Giambi would have admitted to the media that he used steroids, the Yankees may have had the ammo they needed to get out of his contract. But since he never admitted anything (other than his sealed testimony being true) they don't.
Neither Giambi, Tellem, nor Cashman would comment specifically if a contract issue was keeping Giambi quiet on Thursday.
A Little Sense From the NY Times
Tom Friedman lays into the Dems:
Here's the truth: There is no single action we could undertake anywhere in the world to reduce the threat of terrorism that would have a bigger impact today than a decent outcome in Iraq. It is that important. And precisely because it is so important, it should not be left to Donald Rumsfeld.
Democrats need to start thinking seriously about Iraq - the way Joe Biden, Joe Lieberman and Hillary Clinton have. If France - the mother of all blue states - can do it, so, too, can the Democrats. Otherwise, they will be absenting themselves from the most important foreign policy issue of our day.
Democrats do not favor using military force against Iran's nuclear program or to compel regime change there. That is probably wise. But they don't really have a diplomatic option. I've got one: Iraq. Iraq is our Iran policy.
Here's the truth: There is no single action we could undertake anywhere in the world to reduce the threat of terrorism that would have a bigger impact today than a decent outcome in Iraq. It is that important. And precisely because it is so important, it should not be left to Donald Rumsfeld.
Democrats need to start thinking seriously about Iraq - the way Joe Biden, Joe Lieberman and Hillary Clinton have. If France - the mother of all blue states - can do it, so, too, can the Democrats. Otherwise, they will be absenting themselves from the most important foreign policy issue of our day.
Democrats do not favor using military force against Iran's nuclear program or to compel regime change there. That is probably wise. But they don't really have a diplomatic option. I've got one: Iraq. Iraq is our Iran policy.
Proud Xavier Alum
On the night of The Crosstown Shootout, let's think about former X-man Brian Grant, voted by ESPN as the second-highest paid stiff in the NBA. Good work if you can get it.
2. Brian Grant, Los Angeles Lakers ($13,233,434)- What a wonderful world it must be ... to play 15 minutes, score three points and grab three rebounds, and collect a cool $161,383.34 for your night's work.
Let's break that down: $10,750 per minute; $53,800 a point
Wow.
Two positive notes: Grant plays especially well on Friday nights, when he averages 18 minutes, 5.7 points, 4 rebounds, and 0.5 assists. And he's the most efficient shooter on the Lakers.
2. Brian Grant, Los Angeles Lakers ($13,233,434)- What a wonderful world it must be ... to play 15 minutes, score three points and grab three rebounds, and collect a cool $161,383.34 for your night's work.
Let's break that down: $10,750 per minute; $53,800 a point
Wow.
Two positive notes: Grant plays especially well on Friday nights, when he averages 18 minutes, 5.7 points, 4 rebounds, and 0.5 assists. And he's the most efficient shooter on the Lakers.
Stinginess Update
WASHINGTON -- President Bush said yesterday he would ask Congress for $950 million for tsunami relief, nearly tripling U.S. aid pledged for victims of the monstrous seismic wave that swept the Indian Ocean in December.
The beefed-up aid proposal, to be part of a supplemental budget request to go to Congress later this week, includes money to cover emergency relief efforts as well as new funding to help rebuild bridges, roads, schools and housing destroyed in a natural disaster that took some 150,000 lives.
The beefed-up aid proposal, to be part of a supplemental budget request to go to Congress later this week, includes money to cover emergency relief efforts as well as new funding to help rebuild bridges, roads, schools and housing destroyed in a natural disaster that took some 150,000 lives.
The Carrot and Carrot Policy Didn't Work
TOKYO, Feb. 10 - In a surprising admission, North Korea's hard-line Communist government declared publicly today for the first time that it has nuclear weapons.
Thanks Jimmy. Thanks Bubba.
Thanks Jimmy. Thanks Bubba.
Wow!
Arafat never, ever, ever would have done this:
RAMALLAH, West Bank — Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas (search) fired top Gaza security commanders Thursday, Palestinian security officials said, hours after militants fired dozens of mortar shells and homemade rockets at Jewish settlements there.
The officials said on condition of anonymity that Abbas dismissed Brig. Gen. Abdel Razek Majaidie (search), chief of public security, and two other senior commanders. The officials gave no other details.
The report came after Abbas ordered security forces to stop militants from firing mortars and rockets at Jewish settlements in Gaza. Despite a cease-fire declared Tuesday, Hamas (search) militants fired more than 30 mortars and rockets at settlements Thursday, causing no casualties or damage.
RAMALLAH, West Bank — Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas (search) fired top Gaza security commanders Thursday, Palestinian security officials said, hours after militants fired dozens of mortar shells and homemade rockets at Jewish settlements there.
The officials said on condition of anonymity that Abbas dismissed Brig. Gen. Abdel Razek Majaidie (search), chief of public security, and two other senior commanders. The officials gave no other details.
The report came after Abbas ordered security forces to stop militants from firing mortars and rockets at Jewish settlements in Gaza. Despite a cease-fire declared Tuesday, Hamas (search) militants fired more than 30 mortars and rockets at settlements Thursday, causing no casualties or damage.
On Second Thought
Sergeant York would not have approved of the Budweiser soldier ad:
When Gary Cooper as Sergeant York was asked to endorse cereal or something after his heroic return from the Western Front, he said: "What we done in France we had to do. And some as done it, didn't come back. And that kind of thing ain't for buying and selling."
When Gary Cooper as Sergeant York was asked to endorse cereal or something after his heroic return from the Western Front, he said: "What we done in France we had to do. And some as done it, didn't come back. And that kind of thing ain't for buying and selling."
Known By The Quality of Your Enemies
If Hizbullah wants you killed, you must be doing something right.
Palestinian Authority security officials on Wednesday expressed fear that Hizbullah and Iran were planning to kill PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas in order to thwart attempts to revive the peace process.
The officials said the fears were based on recently-obtained evidence that Hizbullah was urging Fatah and Hamas activists in the West Bank and Gaza Strip to renew their terror campaign against Israel in a bid to undermine Abbas's authority.
I'm cautiously optimistic about Abbas and am willing to grant him quite a bit of wiggle room when it comes to his words and deeds. If only he can stay alive long enough.
Palestinian Authority security officials on Wednesday expressed fear that Hizbullah and Iran were planning to kill PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas in order to thwart attempts to revive the peace process.
The officials said the fears were based on recently-obtained evidence that Hizbullah was urging Fatah and Hamas activists in the West Bank and Gaza Strip to renew their terror campaign against Israel in a bid to undermine Abbas's authority.
I'm cautiously optimistic about Abbas and am willing to grant him quite a bit of wiggle room when it comes to his words and deeds. If only he can stay alive long enough.
Hee hee!
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - The federal appeals court that ruled the Pledge of Allegiance was an unconstitutional endorsement of religion is being sued for allegedly displaying the Ten Commandments on its seal and courthouses.
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Interesting Tidbit From Last Night's UK-Florida Game
He is different. You see it in the lines of his maple-colored face, the high hair, the drooping shorts.
You hear it by talking to him about issues of the day that aren't related to shooting percentages or slam dunks.
Joakim Noah is not your typical Division I basketball player.
Noah, the freshman Florida center, is young and developing, full of energy and promise.
Noah the person is complex, multi-cultural, thoughtful, open to new experiences and new ideas.
He is the multi-racial son of a model-turned-sculptor and a tennis professional-turned-pop music star. And when Noah checks in this afternoon off the bench when Florida plays South Carolina, it will be the continuation of a basketball education that began in France and was honed in playgrounds and gyms in New York City.
"Every game is a learning experience for me," Noah said.
So was his upbringing. Celebrity was on both sides of his family. Cecilia Rodhe, his mother, was a former Miss Sweden in 1978. His father, African-born French tennis star Yannick Noah, was a 1983 French Open champion who was recently inducted in the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
You hear it by talking to him about issues of the day that aren't related to shooting percentages or slam dunks.
Joakim Noah is not your typical Division I basketball player.
Noah, the freshman Florida center, is young and developing, full of energy and promise.
Noah the person is complex, multi-cultural, thoughtful, open to new experiences and new ideas.
He is the multi-racial son of a model-turned-sculptor and a tennis professional-turned-pop music star. And when Noah checks in this afternoon off the bench when Florida plays South Carolina, it will be the continuation of a basketball education that began in France and was honed in playgrounds and gyms in New York City.
"Every game is a learning experience for me," Noah said.
So was his upbringing. Celebrity was on both sides of his family. Cecilia Rodhe, his mother, was a former Miss Sweden in 1978. His father, African-born French tennis star Yannick Noah, was a 1983 French Open champion who was recently inducted in the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Gimel Was Whistled for Three Fouls Last Night
One of my favorite all-time UK players was at the game last night...Gimel.
What Did Nick Say?
After it happened, we were led to believe Nick Faldo would take the secret to his grave instead of his publisher. But at least now we all know. Recall that indelible moment from the 1996 Masters, when Faldo roared from six shots back Sunday to beat Greg Norman by five. As the stunning reversal concluded on the 18th green, before Faldo celebrated his thrill of victory, he acknowledged Norman's agony of defeat. These two longtime rivals, who for four hours had barely made eye contact let alone exchanged pleasantries, hugged like brothers. While the rest of the world sniffled, Faldo whispered something in Norman's ear. It was poignant. It was stirring. It was majestic. It was male bonding.
We're pretty sure there were no "Shark Shootout" references being made after the '96 Masters. Also, it was none of our business.
"What I said will remain between us," Faldo announced.
"It's private and will stay private," echoed Norman.
...For more than eight years, no matter how hard we tried, we couldn't get a straight answer. Faldo's life changed, Norman's life changed, but neither budged on unraveling the mystery of what transpired that April Sunday in 1996.
Until now. Faldo has a book out, Life Swings, wherein he reveals the thoughtful, sensitive, inspirational, delicate bon mot he delivered to Norman's lobe:
"DON'T LET THE BASTARDS GET YOU DOWN OVER THIS."
That was it. Norman recently confirmed as much to Golf Digest, adding with a laugh that Faldo didn't even have to point to the press building to explain what he meant. Faldo sparred throughout his career with writers back in the United Kingdom. Recall his speech after a British Open triumph when he thanked experts "from the heart of my bottom." Norman, too, has had bouts with the media. So, as Faldo continues in his autobiography, "After holing out for a birdie 3 and my preordained 67 - the number on my player's badge - my first thoughts were for Greg. I felt genuinely sorry for him. I have no doubt that Greg was scarred for life by the events which unfolded at Augusta that afternoon. To have the green jacket snatched away just as you are visualizing slipping your arms into the sleeves must be soul-destroying."
We're pretty sure there were no "Shark Shootout" references being made after the '96 Masters. Also, it was none of our business.
"What I said will remain between us," Faldo announced.
"It's private and will stay private," echoed Norman.
...For more than eight years, no matter how hard we tried, we couldn't get a straight answer. Faldo's life changed, Norman's life changed, but neither budged on unraveling the mystery of what transpired that April Sunday in 1996.
Until now. Faldo has a book out, Life Swings, wherein he reveals the thoughtful, sensitive, inspirational, delicate bon mot he delivered to Norman's lobe:
"DON'T LET THE BASTARDS GET YOU DOWN OVER THIS."
That was it. Norman recently confirmed as much to Golf Digest, adding with a laugh that Faldo didn't even have to point to the press building to explain what he meant. Faldo sparred throughout his career with writers back in the United Kingdom. Recall his speech after a British Open triumph when he thanked experts "from the heart of my bottom." Norman, too, has had bouts with the media. So, as Faldo continues in his autobiography, "After holing out for a birdie 3 and my preordained 67 - the number on my player's badge - my first thoughts were for Greg. I felt genuinely sorry for him. I have no doubt that Greg was scarred for life by the events which unfolded at Augusta that afternoon. To have the green jacket snatched away just as you are visualizing slipping your arms into the sleeves must be soul-destroying."
Quote of the Day
“I can’t say it strongly enough. You can’t say on one hand that you want a process of peace and on the other hand support the people who are determined to blow it up.” -- Condi on Syria
A Treasure-Trove of Stem Cells
Here's another reason to leave the embryos alone:
University of Toronto researchers have discovered a treasure-trove of stem cells that could one day help repair broken limbs and ease bone marrow transplants.
The source: a region of the umbilical cord that holds an abundant supply of connective-tissue stem cells — the basic building blocks for the body's bone, fat and ligament tissues.
The implications include a range of possible new treatments to repair torn ligaments and fractured bones, or to enhance the effectiveness of bone marrow transplants for leukemia patients.
The findings may also spur greater efforts to preserve the umbilical cords of newborns as a source of treatment in later years for the child, or possibly others.
"We're very excited by this, that's for sure," said J.E. Davies, of the UofT's Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering.
Davies is lead author of a paper describing the research, to be published this week in the journal Stem Cells.
"You can anticipate using these as a source of cells to help re-grow that bone ... or connective tissue in the knee ... which has been damaged in an accident," he said.
University of Toronto researchers have discovered a treasure-trove of stem cells that could one day help repair broken limbs and ease bone marrow transplants.
The source: a region of the umbilical cord that holds an abundant supply of connective-tissue stem cells — the basic building blocks for the body's bone, fat and ligament tissues.
The implications include a range of possible new treatments to repair torn ligaments and fractured bones, or to enhance the effectiveness of bone marrow transplants for leukemia patients.
The findings may also spur greater efforts to preserve the umbilical cords of newborns as a source of treatment in later years for the child, or possibly others.
"We're very excited by this, that's for sure," said J.E. Davies, of the UofT's Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering.
Davies is lead author of a paper describing the research, to be published this week in the journal Stem Cells.
"You can anticipate using these as a source of cells to help re-grow that bone ... or connective tissue in the knee ... which has been damaged in an accident," he said.
More Progress
I think this last sentence is most telling.
SHARM EL SHEIK, Egypt, Feb. 8 - Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, and Ariel Sharon, prime minister of Israel, held summit talks at this Egyptian resort on Tuesday - the highest-level meeting between the sides in four years - and declared a truce in hostilities.
Mr. Abbas said he and Mr. Sharon "have jointly agreed to cease all acts of violence against Israelis and Palestinians everywhere," while Mr. Sharon said they "agreed that all Palestinians will stop all acts of violence against all Israelis everywhere, and in parallel, Israel will cease all its military activity against all Palestinians everywhere."
Officials said Israel would also pull back its troops from five West Bank cities - Jericho, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Tulkarm and Qalqilya - in the next three weeks and stop the arrests and assassinations of top militants if they agree to put down their weapons.
There was an immediate reminder of the fragility of those declarations when spokesmen for the radical Palestinian group Hamas said the truce was not binding on them.
The summit meeting on the shores of the Red Sea was nonetheless filled with the symbolism of renewed hopes, as the Israeli and Palestinian leaders sat at a round table with their host, the Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak, and King Abdullah II of Jordan.
In the hall, the Israeli flag was displayed next to the Egyptian, Jordanian and Palestinian flags.
SHARM EL SHEIK, Egypt, Feb. 8 - Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, and Ariel Sharon, prime minister of Israel, held summit talks at this Egyptian resort on Tuesday - the highest-level meeting between the sides in four years - and declared a truce in hostilities.
Mr. Abbas said he and Mr. Sharon "have jointly agreed to cease all acts of violence against Israelis and Palestinians everywhere," while Mr. Sharon said they "agreed that all Palestinians will stop all acts of violence against all Israelis everywhere, and in parallel, Israel will cease all its military activity against all Palestinians everywhere."
Officials said Israel would also pull back its troops from five West Bank cities - Jericho, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Tulkarm and Qalqilya - in the next three weeks and stop the arrests and assassinations of top militants if they agree to put down their weapons.
There was an immediate reminder of the fragility of those declarations when spokesmen for the radical Palestinian group Hamas said the truce was not binding on them.
The summit meeting on the shores of the Red Sea was nonetheless filled with the symbolism of renewed hopes, as the Israeli and Palestinian leaders sat at a round table with their host, the Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak, and King Abdullah II of Jordan.
In the hall, the Israeli flag was displayed next to the Egyptian, Jordanian and Palestinian flags.
No More Low-Riding
I like this one too:
RICHMOND, Va. - Virginians who wear their pants so low their underwear shows may want to think about investing in a stronger belt.
Lawmakers passed a bill Tuesday authorizing a $50 fine for anyone who displays his or her underpants in a ''lewd or indecent manner.''
RICHMOND, Va. - Virginians who wear their pants so low their underwear shows may want to think about investing in a stronger belt.
Lawmakers passed a bill Tuesday authorizing a $50 fine for anyone who displays his or her underpants in a ''lewd or indecent manner.''
"I Didn't Make You Eat 10 Hamburgers"
This strikes me as reasonable:
ANNAPOLIS - Marylanders considering filing lawsuits against fast-food establishments for making them fat will have a difficult time under the proposed "cheeseburger law" that prohibits consumers from suing restaurants for injury or death caused by weight gain or obesity.
Del. John S. Arnick's Common Sense Food Consumption Act, also known as the "cheeseburger law," still faces a vote by the House Judiciary Committee. Arnick, D-Baltimore City, said his bill is an important step in stopping frivilous lawsuits. "I didn't make you eat 10 hamburgers," Arnick said…
ANNAPOLIS - Marylanders considering filing lawsuits against fast-food establishments for making them fat will have a difficult time under the proposed "cheeseburger law" that prohibits consumers from suing restaurants for injury or death caused by weight gain or obesity.
Del. John S. Arnick's Common Sense Food Consumption Act, also known as the "cheeseburger law," still faces a vote by the House Judiciary Committee. Arnick, D-Baltimore City, said his bill is an important step in stopping frivilous lawsuits. "I didn't make you eat 10 hamburgers," Arnick said…
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Where Was The Sideline Reporter?
Isn't the purpose of sideline reporters to find out stuff like this? Then again, I don't recall FOX having a sideline reporter. Where's Jack Arute? Where's Swanny? Where's Jill Arrington?
PHILADELPHIA -- Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb was so ill in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl that a teammate had to call a play in the huddle, three Eagles players have confirmed.
"He fought to the end," center Hank Fraley told Comcast SportsNet on Monday. "He didn't get a playcall in one time. He mumbled and (wideout) Freddie Mitchell yelled out the play we were trying to bring in. He was puking at the same time trying to hold it in."
Offensive lineman Jon Runyan also echoed Fraley's comments in the same interview aired on two local radio stations on Tuesday morning after the Comcast report.
And Mitchell confirmed to NBC 10 News in an interview that Mitchell was forced to call out a play with less than three minutes left in the game.
"He was definitely having some kind of complications," Mitchell said. "It was hard. He kind of tried to give the hand signals to the team. I knew he was thinking and I finished the play up."
McNabb was visibly shaken just before halftime when the helmet of Patriots lineman Richard Seymour struck his jaw on a tackle. Videotape shows that McNabb seem dazed after the big hit, rubbed his jaw several times on the field and looked at his hand to see if anything was on it.
PHILADELPHIA -- Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb was so ill in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl that a teammate had to call a play in the huddle, three Eagles players have confirmed.
"He fought to the end," center Hank Fraley told Comcast SportsNet on Monday. "He didn't get a playcall in one time. He mumbled and (wideout) Freddie Mitchell yelled out the play we were trying to bring in. He was puking at the same time trying to hold it in."
Offensive lineman Jon Runyan also echoed Fraley's comments in the same interview aired on two local radio stations on Tuesday morning after the Comcast report.
And Mitchell confirmed to NBC 10 News in an interview that Mitchell was forced to call out a play with less than three minutes left in the game.
"He was definitely having some kind of complications," Mitchell said. "It was hard. He kind of tried to give the hand signals to the team. I knew he was thinking and I finished the play up."
McNabb was visibly shaken just before halftime when the helmet of Patriots lineman Richard Seymour struck his jaw on a tackle. Videotape shows that McNabb seem dazed after the big hit, rubbed his jaw several times on the field and looked at his hand to see if anything was on it.
"Less Than Human" Baby...
...goes home.
MAYWOOD, Ill. (AP) -- A baby born weighing less than a soda can and believed to be the smallest ever to survive went home Tuesday after nearly six months in the hospital.
Rumaisa Rahman's prognosis "is very good," and she is expected to have normal physical and mental development, said Dr. Jonathan Muraskas, who provided care for the tiny girl and her larger twin sister, Hiba, after their births Sept. 19 at Loyola University Medical Center outside Chicago.
MAYWOOD, Ill. (AP) -- A baby born weighing less than a soda can and believed to be the smallest ever to survive went home Tuesday after nearly six months in the hospital.
Rumaisa Rahman's prognosis "is very good," and she is expected to have normal physical and mental development, said Dr. Jonathan Muraskas, who provided care for the tiny girl and her larger twin sister, Hiba, after their births Sept. 19 at Loyola University Medical Center outside Chicago.
Ward Churchill Update
From Glenn Reynolds:
University of Colorado Law Professor Paul Campos says that Churchill has problems with academic fraud:
To the extent that Churchill was hired because he claimed to be a Native American, he would seem to be guilty of academic fraud. But the situation is worse than this.
Thomas Brown, a professor of sociology at Lamar University, has written a paper that outlines what looks like a more conventional form of academic fraud on Churchill's part. According to Brown, Churchill fabricated a story about the U.S. Army intentionally creating a smallpox epidemic among the Mandan tribe in 1837, by simply inventing almost all of the story's most crucial facts, and then attributing these "facts" to sources that say nothing of the kind.
"One has only to read the sources that Churchill cites to realize the magnitude of his fraudulent claims for them," Brown writes. "We are not dealing with a few minor errors here. We are dealing with a story that Churchill has fabricated almost entirely from scratch. The lack of rationality on Churchill's part is mind-boggling."
Similar charges have been leveled against Churchill by University of New Mexico law professor John Lavelle, a Native American scholar who has documented what appear to be equally fraudulent claims on Churchill's part regarding the General Allotment Act, one of the most important federal laws dealing with Indian lands. (Lavelle also accuses Churchill of plagiarism).
At my institution, we don't hire people without reading their publications. We don't tenure people without reading them and sending them for outside review by leading scholars in the field. Yet Churchill was both hired and tenured -- and made department chair -- in the ethnic studies program at Colorado. I'm not sure what's more damning: If they didn't perform these checks first, or if they did, and if people on that faculty, and in that field, thought Churchill's work was just fine.
University of Colorado Law Professor Paul Campos says that Churchill has problems with academic fraud:
To the extent that Churchill was hired because he claimed to be a Native American, he would seem to be guilty of academic fraud. But the situation is worse than this.
Thomas Brown, a professor of sociology at Lamar University, has written a paper that outlines what looks like a more conventional form of academic fraud on Churchill's part. According to Brown, Churchill fabricated a story about the U.S. Army intentionally creating a smallpox epidemic among the Mandan tribe in 1837, by simply inventing almost all of the story's most crucial facts, and then attributing these "facts" to sources that say nothing of the kind.
"One has only to read the sources that Churchill cites to realize the magnitude of his fraudulent claims for them," Brown writes. "We are not dealing with a few minor errors here. We are dealing with a story that Churchill has fabricated almost entirely from scratch. The lack of rationality on Churchill's part is mind-boggling."
Similar charges have been leveled against Churchill by University of New Mexico law professor John Lavelle, a Native American scholar who has documented what appear to be equally fraudulent claims on Churchill's part regarding the General Allotment Act, one of the most important federal laws dealing with Indian lands. (Lavelle also accuses Churchill of plagiarism).
At my institution, we don't hire people without reading their publications. We don't tenure people without reading them and sending them for outside review by leading scholars in the field. Yet Churchill was both hired and tenured -- and made department chair -- in the ethnic studies program at Colorado. I'm not sure what's more damning: If they didn't perform these checks first, or if they did, and if people on that faculty, and in that field, thought Churchill's work was just fine.
Once Again, The Scientific (and Medical) Community is Proved Wrong
From today's NY Times:
Thousands of brain-damaged people who are treated as if they are almost completely unaware may in fact hear and register what is going on around them but be unable to respond, a new brain-imaging study suggests.
No kidding. But the close to this article is alarming:
"The most consequential thing about this is that we have opened a door, we have found an objective voice for these patients, which tells us they have some cognitive ability in a way they cannot tell us themselves," Dr. Hirsch said. The patients are, she added, "more human than we imagined in the past, and it is unconscionable not to aggressively pursue research efforts to evaluate them and develop therapeutic techniques."
Dr. Joy Hirsch is the Director of the Functional MRI Research Center at Columbia University Medical Center and the study's senior author. She also, until recently, believed brain-damaged patients were "less human" than "normal" humans.
My God, this woman's supposed to be a physician. Clearly not in the vein of the Great Physician, that's for sure.
Thousands of brain-damaged people who are treated as if they are almost completely unaware may in fact hear and register what is going on around them but be unable to respond, a new brain-imaging study suggests.
No kidding. But the close to this article is alarming:
"The most consequential thing about this is that we have opened a door, we have found an objective voice for these patients, which tells us they have some cognitive ability in a way they cannot tell us themselves," Dr. Hirsch said. The patients are, she added, "more human than we imagined in the past, and it is unconscionable not to aggressively pursue research efforts to evaluate them and develop therapeutic techniques."
Dr. Joy Hirsch is the Director of the Functional MRI Research Center at Columbia University Medical Center and the study's senior author. She also, until recently, believed brain-damaged patients were "less human" than "normal" humans.
My God, this woman's supposed to be a physician. Clearly not in the vein of the Great Physician, that's for sure.
A Man of His Word
I admire this guys integrity, but...
Rugby fan cut off his own testicles
A Welsh rugby fan cut off his own testicles after his team beat England, police confirmed today.
The man was rushed to hospital after the incident at Leigh Social Club in Caerphilly, South Wales.
A Gwent Police spokeswoman said: "We received a call from the ambulance service at approximately 9pm on the 5th to inform us of a situation at the Leigh Social Club in which a man had indeed severed his own testicles."
She said the man was taken to Heath Hospital but could not confirm his condition.
It was reported that the man told his friends: "If Wales win I'll cut my own balls off."
After the 11-9 victory in the Six Nations clash, the man is reported to have gone outside and severed his testicles before bringing them back into the club to show fellow drinkers.
A local was reported as saying that the man was on medication and should not have been drinking.
Rugby fan cut off his own testicles
A Welsh rugby fan cut off his own testicles after his team beat England, police confirmed today.
The man was rushed to hospital after the incident at Leigh Social Club in Caerphilly, South Wales.
A Gwent Police spokeswoman said: "We received a call from the ambulance service at approximately 9pm on the 5th to inform us of a situation at the Leigh Social Club in which a man had indeed severed his own testicles."
She said the man was taken to Heath Hospital but could not confirm his condition.
It was reported that the man told his friends: "If Wales win I'll cut my own balls off."
After the 11-9 victory in the Six Nations clash, the man is reported to have gone outside and severed his testicles before bringing them back into the club to show fellow drinkers.
A local was reported as saying that the man was on medication and should not have been drinking.
The Tsunami Silver Lining
COLOMBO (AFP) - The Indian Ocean tsunamis killed 31,000 people in Sri Lanka and caused unprecedented damage, but were also a blessing to its economy which had been heading for a major catastrophe, according to analysts.
A record trade deficit, balance of payment crisis driven by high crude oil prices, galloping inflation and an uncertain political climate due to tension between the government and Tiger rebels, had pushed the economy to crisis point.
The December 26 tsunamis destroyed three-quarters of the country's coastline, wrecked the road and railway network and initially left a million people homeless, but there followed an aid windfall from abroad.
Analysts said the avalanche of assistance from global lenders and the post-tsunami reconstruction across the devastated regions will kick-start economic growth now expected to cross five percent next year.
A record trade deficit, balance of payment crisis driven by high crude oil prices, galloping inflation and an uncertain political climate due to tension between the government and Tiger rebels, had pushed the economy to crisis point.
The December 26 tsunamis destroyed three-quarters of the country's coastline, wrecked the road and railway network and initially left a million people homeless, but there followed an aid windfall from abroad.
Analysts said the avalanche of assistance from global lenders and the post-tsunami reconstruction across the devastated regions will kick-start economic growth now expected to cross five percent next year.
My New Friend
The war against Islamic terror makes strange bedfellows...like me and Alan Dershowitz.
Correction of the Day
From the WaPo:
A Feb. 6 article quoted James G. Watt, interior secretary under President Ronald Reagan, as telling Congress in 1981: "After the last tree is felled, Christ will come back." Although that statement has been widely attributed to Watt, there is no historical record that he made it.
The Watt comment continues to be preached as gospel (see Bill Moyers), but it never happened. But why let the truth get in the way of slandering an evil, intolerant Republican.
A Feb. 6 article quoted James G. Watt, interior secretary under President Ronald Reagan, as telling Congress in 1981: "After the last tree is felled, Christ will come back." Although that statement has been widely attributed to Watt, there is no historical record that he made it.
The Watt comment continues to be preached as gospel (see Bill Moyers), but it never happened. But why let the truth get in the way of slandering an evil, intolerant Republican.
Get To Work, Joe
Dallas County is doing the right thing. Now, let's see if Hamilton County - led by Joe "TNT" Deters - does the right thing too.
Dallas County District Attorney Bill Hill is launching a broad criminal investigation of how Catholic Bishop Charles Grahmann and his staff have handled sexual abuse cases, officials confirmed Monday.
The goal is to determine whether the Dallas Diocese "has received any allegations of abuse by members of the clergy that have not subsequently been reported to law enforcement," said Rachel Horton, a spokeswoman for Mr. Hill.
She said two recent disclosures made prosecutors suspicious of the diocese's written insistence, in 2002, that it had no one in the ministry with "any indication of violations of state laws relating to minors."
First, a Rockwall pastor who announced his resignation Sunday had been accused in sworn statements in the early 1990s of sexually harassing boys at jobs in Dallas and Plano, The Dallas Morning News reported Monday. Accusers said they saw no sign that the diocese investigated the allegations or reported them to state authorities.
And last week, Grand Prairie police arrested a pastor on charges of possessing child pornography. The bishop's spokesman, Bronson Havard, has said the diocese had received "no other allegations of sexual misconduct involving him."
Dallas County District Attorney Bill Hill is launching a broad criminal investigation of how Catholic Bishop Charles Grahmann and his staff have handled sexual abuse cases, officials confirmed Monday.
The goal is to determine whether the Dallas Diocese "has received any allegations of abuse by members of the clergy that have not subsequently been reported to law enforcement," said Rachel Horton, a spokeswoman for Mr. Hill.
She said two recent disclosures made prosecutors suspicious of the diocese's written insistence, in 2002, that it had no one in the ministry with "any indication of violations of state laws relating to minors."
First, a Rockwall pastor who announced his resignation Sunday had been accused in sworn statements in the early 1990s of sexually harassing boys at jobs in Dallas and Plano, The Dallas Morning News reported Monday. Accusers said they saw no sign that the diocese investigated the allegations or reported them to state authorities.
And last week, Grand Prairie police arrested a pastor on charges of possessing child pornography. The bishop's spokesman, Bronson Havard, has said the diocese had received "no other allegations of sexual misconduct involving him."
John Kerry On Abortion
Kerry’s remarks came in an interview on NBC’s ‘Meet the Press’. “The discussion is not about being pro-abortion. The discussion is about how you truly value life. Valuing life is also valuing choice. Valuing life is the exception for the life of a mother or rape or incest,” he said.
Is that clear to everybody? Now, why did this guy lose the election?
Is that clear to everybody? Now, why did this guy lose the election?
Trouble in Paradise
NICK Lachey sounded fed up with his wife, Jessica Simpson, when he arrived solo at the ESPN Super Bowl party in Jacksonville.
Interviewed by Maxim Radio on Sirius, Lachey was asked what he thinks of Jessica's dog, Daisy. "She's spoiled and fat," Lachey snickered. "That's right, spoiled and fat . . . just like its mom!"
Interviewed by Maxim Radio on Sirius, Lachey was asked what he thinks of Jessica's dog, Daisy. "She's spoiled and fat," Lachey snickered. "That's right, spoiled and fat . . . just like its mom!"
Post-Election Bounce
Interesting new poll numbers:
In the January 7 survey, 42 percent of respondents said they approved of how Bush is handling the situation in Iraq, and 56 percent expressed dissatisfaction. But, last week Bush gained 8 percentage points in his approval rating [on Iraq], with 50 percent giving him a nod and 48 percent disapproving.
On the question of whether sending U.S. troops to Iraq was a mistake, 52 percent said "yes" and 47 percent said "no" during the week of January 14. But last week, the numbers flipped with 45 percent saying "yes" and 55 percent saying "no."
In the January 7 survey, 42 percent of respondents said they approved of how Bush is handling the situation in Iraq, and 56 percent expressed dissatisfaction. But, last week Bush gained 8 percentage points in his approval rating [on Iraq], with 50 percent giving him a nod and 48 percent disapproving.
On the question of whether sending U.S. troops to Iraq was a mistake, 52 percent said "yes" and 47 percent said "no" during the week of January 14. But last week, the numbers flipped with 45 percent saying "yes" and 55 percent saying "no."
The Real Deal?
SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt, Feb 8 (Reuters) - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday proclaimed a formal end to violence against Israel after more than four years of fighting.
"We have agreed with (Israeli) Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to cease all acts of violence against the Israelis and the Palestinians wherever they are," Abbas said in a statement at the completion of a landmark summit with Sharon in Egypt...
"We have agreed with (Israeli) Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to cease all acts of violence against the Israelis and the Palestinians wherever they are," Abbas said in a statement at the completion of a landmark summit with Sharon in Egypt...
A Brave New World
I firmly believe that science can produce good...but it's not inherently good. That's why this sort of thing troubles me:
The team hopes to produce cloned cells from patients with motor neurone diseaseThe creator of Dolly the sheep has been granted a licence to clone human embryos for medical research.
Professor Ian Wilmut and Kings College London scientists will clone early stage embryos to study motor neurone disease (MND).
This is the second time the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has given such permission.
Critics maintain that testing human embryos is immoral. Others question the potential benefits of the work.
The team hopes to produce cloned cells from patients with motor neurone diseaseThe creator of Dolly the sheep has been granted a licence to clone human embryos for medical research.
Professor Ian Wilmut and Kings College London scientists will clone early stage embryos to study motor neurone disease (MND).
This is the second time the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has given such permission.
Critics maintain that testing human embryos is immoral. Others question the potential benefits of the work.
Europe Fiddles as Russia Burns
From Gary Kasparov:
Illegal expropriation is becoming institutional policy. The Duma rubberstamps Putin decrees. In the criminal courts they have brought back an old Soviet law allowing the state to confiscate the property of the convicted. Not to be outdone, tax authorities can now seize money and property from corporations or individuals without a court decision.
What is remarkable is how little official reaction there has been to Russia's slide into despotism, while institutions such as the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) and human rights organizations are openly critical of Mr. Putin. It's hard to think of a time and place in which there has been such a disconnect between NGO outrage and governmental silence.
Illegal expropriation is becoming institutional policy. The Duma rubberstamps Putin decrees. In the criminal courts they have brought back an old Soviet law allowing the state to confiscate the property of the convicted. Not to be outdone, tax authorities can now seize money and property from corporations or individuals without a court decision.
What is remarkable is how little official reaction there has been to Russia's slide into despotism, while institutions such as the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) and human rights organizations are openly critical of Mr. Putin. It's hard to think of a time and place in which there has been such a disconnect between NGO outrage and governmental silence.
Monday, February 07, 2005
Eason Jordan Update
First Gergen:
Gergen confirmed that Eason Jordan did in fact initially assert that journalists in Iraq had been targeted by military "on both sides." Gergen, who has known Jordan for some 20 years, told me Jordan "realized as soon as the words had left his mouth that he had gone too far" and "walked himself back." Gergen said as soon as he heard the assertion that journalists had been deliberately targeted, "I was startled. It's contrary to history, which is so far the other way. Our troops have gone out of their way to protect and rescue journalists."
Gergen mentioned that Jordan had just returned from Iraq and was "caught up in the tension of what was happening there. It's a raw, emotional wound for him."
Gergen said he asked Jordan point blank whether he believed the policy of the U.S. military was to sanction the targeting of journalists. Gergen said Jordan answered no, but then proceeded to speculate about a few incidents involving journalists killed in the Middle East--a discussion which Gergen decided to close down because "the military and the government weren't there to defend themselves."
And then Dodd:
Senator Dodd was not on the panel but was in the audience when Mr. Jordan spoke. He – like panelists Mr. Gergen and Mr. Frank – was outraged by the comments. Senator Dodd is tremendously proud of the sacrifice and service of our American military personnel.
One of the reasons I cancelled my cable was so I didn't have to pay for crap...like, for instance, CNN. I think I made a great decision.
Gergen confirmed that Eason Jordan did in fact initially assert that journalists in Iraq had been targeted by military "on both sides." Gergen, who has known Jordan for some 20 years, told me Jordan "realized as soon as the words had left his mouth that he had gone too far" and "walked himself back." Gergen said as soon as he heard the assertion that journalists had been deliberately targeted, "I was startled. It's contrary to history, which is so far the other way. Our troops have gone out of their way to protect and rescue journalists."
Gergen mentioned that Jordan had just returned from Iraq and was "caught up in the tension of what was happening there. It's a raw, emotional wound for him."
Gergen said he asked Jordan point blank whether he believed the policy of the U.S. military was to sanction the targeting of journalists. Gergen said Jordan answered no, but then proceeded to speculate about a few incidents involving journalists killed in the Middle East--a discussion which Gergen decided to close down because "the military and the government weren't there to defend themselves."
And then Dodd:
Senator Dodd was not on the panel but was in the audience when Mr. Jordan spoke. He – like panelists Mr. Gergen and Mr. Frank – was outraged by the comments. Senator Dodd is tremendously proud of the sacrifice and service of our American military personnel.
One of the reasons I cancelled my cable was so I didn't have to pay for crap...like, for instance, CNN. I think I made a great decision.
FOX Gets Religion
Interesting piece on some Super Bowl ads that didn't air, and one that did...and then didn't.
My Man Lionel Hutz, Esquire
If you can't make fun of lawyers, who can you make fun of. From The Simpsons:
Hutz: I move for a bad court thingy.
Judge Snyder [modeled on Robert Bork]: You mean a mistrial?
Hutz: Right!! That's why you're the judge and I'm the law-talking guy.
Judge: You mean the lawyer?
Hutz: Right!
Hutz: I move for a bad court thingy.
Judge Snyder [modeled on Robert Bork]: You mean a mistrial?
Hutz: Right!! That's why you're the judge and I'm the law-talking guy.
Judge: You mean the lawyer?
Hutz: Right!
William "Deep Throat" Rehnquist?
This strikes me as plausible:
I think I know who it is: Chief Justice William Rehnquist.....
Woodward has always said that he and Bernstein and Ben Bradlee won't ever reveal til he's dead. We're now told Deep Throat is quite "ill" and Bradlee says the obit's already written.
Rehnquist was a Deputy Attorney General in the "Office of Legal Counsel" from 1969-1972 under Nixon's Deputy AG, Richard Kleindienst. Rehnquist and Kleindienst were very good friends when both were lawyers in Phoenix, and Kleindienst recruited Rehnquist into the Justice Department when Nixon got elected. Rehnquist stayed three years and then Kleindienst pushed Nixon to appoint him to the Court, which happened in January of 1972. Just six months later AG John Mitchell resigned to head Nixon's re-election committee (CREEP), and Kleindienst replaced Mitchell as AG just five days before the June '72 Watergate break-in. Kleindienst resigned in 1973 along with Haldeman, Ehrlichman and Dean, but he and Rehnquist remained close.
So: we have Rehnquist in Washington throughout the relevant time frame, in the Nixon Justice Dept. for three years, presumably maintaining numerous contacts within the Administration even after he went to the Court in January '72, and he's quite ill right now. Seven of the eight clandestine meetings Woodward describes between himself & Deep Throat in the book "All The President's Men" took place on weekends, presumably a time when Rehnquist's duties to the Court would not interfere.
Not only that, but the somewhat cryptic, elliptical, low-key style of speaking that Woodward attributes to Deep Throat in the book (and so memorably recreated in the movie by Hal Holbrook) eerily mirrors the manner in which Rehnquist speaks in real life.
Woodward, incidentally, had unprecedented access to the Supreme Court for his best-selling 1975 book, "The Brethren: Inside the Supreme Court".
I think I know who it is: Chief Justice William Rehnquist.....
Woodward has always said that he and Bernstein and Ben Bradlee won't ever reveal til he's dead. We're now told Deep Throat is quite "ill" and Bradlee says the obit's already written.
Rehnquist was a Deputy Attorney General in the "Office of Legal Counsel" from 1969-1972 under Nixon's Deputy AG, Richard Kleindienst. Rehnquist and Kleindienst were very good friends when both were lawyers in Phoenix, and Kleindienst recruited Rehnquist into the Justice Department when Nixon got elected. Rehnquist stayed three years and then Kleindienst pushed Nixon to appoint him to the Court, which happened in January of 1972. Just six months later AG John Mitchell resigned to head Nixon's re-election committee (CREEP), and Kleindienst replaced Mitchell as AG just five days before the June '72 Watergate break-in. Kleindienst resigned in 1973 along with Haldeman, Ehrlichman and Dean, but he and Rehnquist remained close.
So: we have Rehnquist in Washington throughout the relevant time frame, in the Nixon Justice Dept. for three years, presumably maintaining numerous contacts within the Administration even after he went to the Court in January '72, and he's quite ill right now. Seven of the eight clandestine meetings Woodward describes between himself & Deep Throat in the book "All The President's Men" took place on weekends, presumably a time when Rehnquist's duties to the Court would not interfere.
Not only that, but the somewhat cryptic, elliptical, low-key style of speaking that Woodward attributes to Deep Throat in the book (and so memorably recreated in the movie by Hal Holbrook) eerily mirrors the manner in which Rehnquist speaks in real life.
Woodward, incidentally, had unprecedented access to the Supreme Court for his best-selling 1975 book, "The Brethren: Inside the Supreme Court".
Why The Left Is Losing
Richard Posner comments on the Larry Summers "controversy":
No one who has spent much time around universities thinks they've ever "encourage[d] uncircumscribed intellectual explorations." The degree of self-censorship in universities, as in all institutions, is considerable. Today in the United States, most of the leading research universities are dominated by persons well to the left of Larry Summers, and they don't take kindly to having their ideology challenged, as Summers has now learned to his grief.
There is nothing to be done about this, and thoughtful conservatives should actually be pleased. As John Stuart Mill pointed out in On Liberty, when one's ideas are not challenged, one's ability to defend them weakens. Not being pressed to come up with arguments or evidence to support them, one forgets the arguments and fails to obtain the evidence. One's position becomes increasingly flaccid, producing the paradox of thought that is at once rigid and flabby. And thus the academic left today.
No one who has spent much time around universities thinks they've ever "encourage[d] uncircumscribed intellectual explorations." The degree of self-censorship in universities, as in all institutions, is considerable. Today in the United States, most of the leading research universities are dominated by persons well to the left of Larry Summers, and they don't take kindly to having their ideology challenged, as Summers has now learned to his grief.
There is nothing to be done about this, and thoughtful conservatives should actually be pleased. As John Stuart Mill pointed out in On Liberty, when one's ideas are not challenged, one's ability to defend them weakens. Not being pressed to come up with arguments or evidence to support them, one forgets the arguments and fails to obtain the evidence. One's position becomes increasingly flaccid, producing the paradox of thought that is at once rigid and flabby. And thus the academic left today.
More University Foolishness
James Taranto provides a Ward Churchill update:
A second college has canceled a planned appearance by Ward Churchill, the pro-fascist University of Colorado professor of "ethnic studies" who cheered on the Sept. 11 attacks. Like upstate New York's Hamilton College, Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Wash., is citing "safety and security" as an excuse rather than forthrightly admitting it was a mistake to invite Churchill in the first place. Stephen Jordan, EWU's president, issued a statement Friday:
"Two speakers invited to the EWU campus, Ward Churchill and Ron Jeremy, provide this university with a difficult challenge. . . .
We do not see this cancellation as a curtailment of Mr. Churchill's free speech right. Indeed, Supreme Court decisions raise legitimate question as to whether speech that incites panic or an immediate breach of the peace is protected by the First Amendment.
We are canceling an event, not an idea.
Mr. Churchill still has multiple venues for the outlet of his ideas. Neither this University nor the state's taxpayers are under any obligation to provide an appearance venue for Mr. Churchill if his presence threatens the safety and security of this campus.
Mr. Jeremy's appearance is not a security or safety issue, but we did recognize that the program, in its initial conception, inadequately served what the title Eastern Dialogues denotes, as a single viewpoint presentation is not dialogue.
With that in mind, Eastern has enhanced the discussion by providing a more comprehensive discussion of the issues at hand by giving a forum for alternate views before, during and after Mr. Jeremy's program."
So who is this Ron Jeremy fellow? The press release doesn't say, but you may remember him from such films as "Buttman at Nudes a Poppin' 7" and "What's the Lesbian Doing in My Pirate Movie?" That's right, EWU is standing up for "free speech" by bringing a porn star to campus.
A second college has canceled a planned appearance by Ward Churchill, the pro-fascist University of Colorado professor of "ethnic studies" who cheered on the Sept. 11 attacks. Like upstate New York's Hamilton College, Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Wash., is citing "safety and security" as an excuse rather than forthrightly admitting it was a mistake to invite Churchill in the first place. Stephen Jordan, EWU's president, issued a statement Friday:
"Two speakers invited to the EWU campus, Ward Churchill and Ron Jeremy, provide this university with a difficult challenge. . . .
We do not see this cancellation as a curtailment of Mr. Churchill's free speech right. Indeed, Supreme Court decisions raise legitimate question as to whether speech that incites panic or an immediate breach of the peace is protected by the First Amendment.
We are canceling an event, not an idea.
Mr. Churchill still has multiple venues for the outlet of his ideas. Neither this University nor the state's taxpayers are under any obligation to provide an appearance venue for Mr. Churchill if his presence threatens the safety and security of this campus.
Mr. Jeremy's appearance is not a security or safety issue, but we did recognize that the program, in its initial conception, inadequately served what the title Eastern Dialogues denotes, as a single viewpoint presentation is not dialogue.
With that in mind, Eastern has enhanced the discussion by providing a more comprehensive discussion of the issues at hand by giving a forum for alternate views before, during and after Mr. Jeremy's program."
So who is this Ron Jeremy fellow? The press release doesn't say, but you may remember him from such films as "Buttman at Nudes a Poppin' 7" and "What's the Lesbian Doing in My Pirate Movie?" That's right, EWU is standing up for "free speech" by bringing a porn star to campus.
Amazing Love
No comment necessary.
Rita Fedrizzi gave birth to a health baby boy three months ago, but passed away this week.
The Vatican’s newspaper (L’Osservatore Romano) says the 41 year-old woman was diagnosed with cancer about the same time she discovered she was pregnant.
Though she could have had an abortion and proceeded with the cancer treatment, Church officials applauded her for “the choice of welcoming new life, even at the cost of her own death.’’
“She was aware that if she gave birth she wouldn’t have had any hope of surviving,” the Vatican newspaper wrote. “Despite that she went through with her choice.”
The baby boy, Frederico, was born after six months of pregnancy, according to an AP report.
“Rita’s choice, which I always shared, was a choice of faith,” her husband, Enrico Ferrari, told the Italian news agency ANSA. He said Fedrizzi always considered Frederico “a gift.”
“Whenever someone recommended abortion as the only way to escape (death), she would say, ‘It’s as if they’re asking me to kill one of my other two children to save my skin,’” he said.
Rita Fedrizzi gave birth to a health baby boy three months ago, but passed away this week.
The Vatican’s newspaper (L’Osservatore Romano) says the 41 year-old woman was diagnosed with cancer about the same time she discovered she was pregnant.
Though she could have had an abortion and proceeded with the cancer treatment, Church officials applauded her for “the choice of welcoming new life, even at the cost of her own death.’’
“She was aware that if she gave birth she wouldn’t have had any hope of surviving,” the Vatican newspaper wrote. “Despite that she went through with her choice.”
The baby boy, Frederico, was born after six months of pregnancy, according to an AP report.
“Rita’s choice, which I always shared, was a choice of faith,” her husband, Enrico Ferrari, told the Italian news agency ANSA. He said Fedrizzi always considered Frederico “a gift.”
“Whenever someone recommended abortion as the only way to escape (death), she would say, ‘It’s as if they’re asking me to kill one of my other two children to save my skin,’” he said.
I'd Listen to These Guys
Rummy's spent his entire tenure as Secretary of Defense attempting to transform the armed services into a lighter, more efficient force. But much more work needs to be done.
BAGHDAD – U.S. military sources said combat units have failed to develop effective tactics required to defeat the insurgency in Iraq.
The Abu Dhabi-based Gulf News reported that senior officers from the 82nd Airborne Division have criticized leading military planners for their force protection tactics.
"The result has been a lack of mobility and failure to surprise," a military source said. "By the time, we arrive at an insurgency stronghold, half the city knows about it."
The failed U.S. military tactics are based on a strategy for force protection that require the use of armored fortresses, heavy vehicles, heavy weapons and large forces to withstand insurgency attacks, Middle East Newsline reported.
The sources said U.S. commanders have overruled junior and mid-level officers who advocate the development of streamlined light combat units to initiate stealthy attacks on insurgents. They said the commanders have also refused to allow troops to enter Iraqi communities without heavy vehicles and weapons.
"The problem is that we all sit around in our bases and just wait for them to come and blow us up," another officer said. "It didn't used to be like that. We used to go out and take the fight to them. I can only think that someone in the Pentagon is scared of what will happen if we start taking casualties."
BAGHDAD – U.S. military sources said combat units have failed to develop effective tactics required to defeat the insurgency in Iraq.
The Abu Dhabi-based Gulf News reported that senior officers from the 82nd Airborne Division have criticized leading military planners for their force protection tactics.
"The result has been a lack of mobility and failure to surprise," a military source said. "By the time, we arrive at an insurgency stronghold, half the city knows about it."
The failed U.S. military tactics are based on a strategy for force protection that require the use of armored fortresses, heavy vehicles, heavy weapons and large forces to withstand insurgency attacks, Middle East Newsline reported.
The sources said U.S. commanders have overruled junior and mid-level officers who advocate the development of streamlined light combat units to initiate stealthy attacks on insurgents. They said the commanders have also refused to allow troops to enter Iraqi communities without heavy vehicles and weapons.
"The problem is that we all sit around in our bases and just wait for them to come and blow us up," another officer said. "It didn't used to be like that. We used to go out and take the fight to them. I can only think that someone in the Pentagon is scared of what will happen if we start taking casualties."
Condi Works Fast
JERUSALEM (AP) -- The Israeli and Palestinian leaders will declare a formal end to more than four years of fighting at Tuesday's Mideast summit, both sides said Monday.
Israeli and Palestinian negotiators finalized the agreement during last-minute preparations Monday.
"The most important thing at the summit will be a mutual declaration of cessation of violence against each other," said Saeb Erekat, a Palestinian negotiator.
An Israeli government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the cease-fire agreement, adding that the deal would also include an end to Palestinian incitement.
Israeli and Palestinian negotiators finalized the agreement during last-minute preparations Monday.
"The most important thing at the summit will be a mutual declaration of cessation of violence against each other," said Saeb Erekat, a Palestinian negotiator.
An Israeli government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the cease-fire agreement, adding that the deal would also include an end to Palestinian incitement.
Good Idea
Now, can we get some forts on the border of Mexico?
MOSUL, Iraq (Army News Service, Feb. 3, 2005) -- An estimated $25 million is being spent to construct 100 new border forts along the northern borders of Iraq, as well as rehabilitate and enhance numerous points of entry.
In several northern provinces, 34 forts are currently under construction and 66 others are planned to start in the coming months.
MOSUL, Iraq (Army News Service, Feb. 3, 2005) -- An estimated $25 million is being spent to construct 100 new border forts along the northern borders of Iraq, as well as rehabilitate and enhance numerous points of entry.
In several northern provinces, 34 forts are currently under construction and 66 others are planned to start in the coming months.
Jordan Must Go
If I'm CNN, I fire Eason Jordan now. But then again, I'm not CNN.
Rep. Frank said Eason Jordan did assert that there was deliberate targeting of journalists by the U.S. military. After Jordan made the statement, Rep. Frank said he immediately "expressed deep skepticism." Jordan backed off (slightly), Rep. Frank said, "explaining that he wasn't saying it was the policy of the American military to target journalists, but that there may have been individual cases where they were targeted by younger personnel who were not properly disciplined."
Rep. Frank said he didn't pay attention to the audience reaction at the time of the panel, but recalled that Sen. Dodd was "somewhat disturbed" and "somewhat exercised" and that moderator David Gergen also said Jordan's assertions were "disturbing if true." I have a call in to Sen. Dodd's office and sent an e-mail inquiry to Gergen.
I asked Rep. Frank again if his recollection was that Jordan initially maintained that the military had a deliberate policy of targeting journalists. Rep. Frank affirmed that, noting that Jordan subsequently backed away orally and in e-mail that it was official policy, but "left open the question" of whether there were individual cases in which American troops targeted journalists.
After the panel was over and he returned to the U.S., Rep. Frank said he called Jordan and expressed willingness to pursue specific cases if there was any credible evidence that any American troops targeted journalists. "Give me specifics," Rep. Frank said he told Jordan.
Rep. Frank has not yet heard back yet from Jordan.
If Barney Frank and Chris Dodd are disturbed by what you say, then you've got major problems.
Rep. Frank said Eason Jordan did assert that there was deliberate targeting of journalists by the U.S. military. After Jordan made the statement, Rep. Frank said he immediately "expressed deep skepticism." Jordan backed off (slightly), Rep. Frank said, "explaining that he wasn't saying it was the policy of the American military to target journalists, but that there may have been individual cases where they were targeted by younger personnel who were not properly disciplined."
Rep. Frank said he didn't pay attention to the audience reaction at the time of the panel, but recalled that Sen. Dodd was "somewhat disturbed" and "somewhat exercised" and that moderator David Gergen also said Jordan's assertions were "disturbing if true." I have a call in to Sen. Dodd's office and sent an e-mail inquiry to Gergen.
I asked Rep. Frank again if his recollection was that Jordan initially maintained that the military had a deliberate policy of targeting journalists. Rep. Frank affirmed that, noting that Jordan subsequently backed away orally and in e-mail that it was official policy, but "left open the question" of whether there were individual cases in which American troops targeted journalists.
After the panel was over and he returned to the U.S., Rep. Frank said he called Jordan and expressed willingness to pursue specific cases if there was any credible evidence that any American troops targeted journalists. "Give me specifics," Rep. Frank said he told Jordan.
Rep. Frank has not yet heard back yet from Jordan.
If Barney Frank and Chris Dodd are disturbed by what you say, then you've got major problems.
Quote of the Day
When I left office, there was enough money to keep Social Security going till 2053, enough money to keep Medicare going tail 2027, through half the life of the baby boomers. I don't know what the latest numbers are going to show but they won't be good. If we don't modify the tax cut to have more tax cuts now but we reinstate fiscal responsibility over the long run, we're going to be in real trouble there. So, what's our option? If you don't like privatizing Social Security and I don't like it very much, but you want to do something to try to increase the rate of return, what are your options? Well one thing you could do is to give people one or two percent of the payroll tax, with the same options that Federal employees have with their retirement accounts; where you have three mutual funds that almost always perform as well or better than the market and a fourth option to buy government bonds, so you get the guaranteed social security return and a hundred percent safety just like you have with Social Security.
-- Bill Clinton, 2002
-- Bill Clinton, 2002
This is Progress
Two years ago, the Federal Flight Deck Officer program began training pilots who wanted to carry guns on flights to protect the cockpit.
Aviation sources tell Time that more than 4,000 pilots are authorized to carry guns, and each day they fly armed on more flights than do air marshals. The gun-toting pilots, who fly unidentified, now constitute the fourth-largest federal law-enforcement group in the U.S. Pilots in the program, as well as the Transportation Security Administration (tsa), which runs it, claim it has been a big success.
Aviation sources tell Time that more than 4,000 pilots are authorized to carry guns, and each day they fly armed on more flights than do air marshals. The gun-toting pilots, who fly unidentified, now constitute the fourth-largest federal law-enforcement group in the U.S. Pilots in the program, as well as the Transportation Security Administration (tsa), which runs it, claim it has been a big success.
I Don't Believe It
Suge Knight arrested? Nooo.
BARSTOW, California (AP) -- Rap mogul Marion "Suge" Knight was booked on suspicion of violating his parole after police found marijuana in his truck during a traffic stop, authorities said Sunday.
Knight was arrested Saturday evening in Barstow, California, and held by sheriff's officials pending his transfer next week to state prison, said sheriff's Cpl. Lorraine Riser.
BARSTOW, California (AP) -- Rap mogul Marion "Suge" Knight was booked on suspicion of violating his parole after police found marijuana in his truck during a traffic stop, authorities said Sunday.
Knight was arrested Saturday evening in Barstow, California, and held by sheriff's officials pending his transfer next week to state prison, said sheriff's Cpl. Lorraine Riser.
It's About Time
The NY Times discovers a problem...decades too late.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 - The politically charged methods that states use to draw Congressional districts are under attack by citizens groups, state legislators and the governor of California, all of whom are concerned that increasingly sophisticated map-drawing has created a class of entrenched incumbents, stifled electoral competition and caused governmental gridlock.
This district rigging has been going on for decades. Why does the NY Times feel the need to bring it to our attention now? Oh yeah, Republicans are doing it.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 - The politically charged methods that states use to draw Congressional districts are under attack by citizens groups, state legislators and the governor of California, all of whom are concerned that increasingly sophisticated map-drawing has created a class of entrenched incumbents, stifled electoral competition and caused governmental gridlock.
This district rigging has been going on for decades. Why does the NY Times feel the need to bring it to our attention now? Oh yeah, Republicans are doing it.
Big Mac or The Juice
This would be big news:
After months of talking about naming names in a tell-all book, retired slugger Jose Canseco is about to do just that.
Canseco and McGwire (far right) led the homer-bashing A's of the late 80s/early 90s.
The New York Daily News published details of Canseco's book, which is still in the editing stages, in Sunday's editions.
Canseco writes that he personally injected Mark McGwire with steroids and that he saw McGwire and Jason Giambi inject each other, according to the paper.
After months of talking about naming names in a tell-all book, retired slugger Jose Canseco is about to do just that.
Canseco and McGwire (far right) led the homer-bashing A's of the late 80s/early 90s.
The New York Daily News published details of Canseco's book, which is still in the editing stages, in Sunday's editions.
Canseco writes that he personally injected Mark McGwire with steroids and that he saw McGwire and Jason Giambi inject each other, according to the paper.
T.O.
All of the arrogant, cynical sportswriters made fun of T.O. when he claimed God had healed his ankle. Well, where are they now.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Medical science might need to do a case study on Terrell Owens. He might have made the greatest recovery from an injury in 39 years of the Super Bowl.
Just seven weeks ago, Owens broke his leg and tore a critical ligament in his right ankle. He needed surgery and his surgeon wouldn't clear him to play against the Patriots. The medical world thought he was crazy. Owens fooled them all by playing 62 of 72 offensive snaps and catching nine passes for 122 yards.
It might have been the most courageous performance in Super Bowl history. To no one's surprise, T.O. was the first off the field and the first to the podium in the postgame interview room. Even though the Eagles were the losers, 24-21, in Super Bowl XXXIX, Owens was a big winner.
He did what was considered impossible.
Terrell Owens' big day wasn't enough for the Eagles to pull off the upset."Nobody in this room knew I was going to play this game," Owens said to a swarm of reporters. "Nobody knew but me. Dr. [Mark] Myerson, I give him all the respect in the world. You guys believed what he said that I couldn't play. A lot of people in the world didn't believe I could play. It goes to show you. The power of prayer and the power of faith will take you all the way. Nothing is impossible if you got God on your side."
I've never been a T.O. fan - he's been, for the most part, a punk. But I've got to give him some props after that performance last night.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Medical science might need to do a case study on Terrell Owens. He might have made the greatest recovery from an injury in 39 years of the Super Bowl.
Just seven weeks ago, Owens broke his leg and tore a critical ligament in his right ankle. He needed surgery and his surgeon wouldn't clear him to play against the Patriots. The medical world thought he was crazy. Owens fooled them all by playing 62 of 72 offensive snaps and catching nine passes for 122 yards.
It might have been the most courageous performance in Super Bowl history. To no one's surprise, T.O. was the first off the field and the first to the podium in the postgame interview room. Even though the Eagles were the losers, 24-21, in Super Bowl XXXIX, Owens was a big winner.
He did what was considered impossible.
Terrell Owens' big day wasn't enough for the Eagles to pull off the upset."Nobody in this room knew I was going to play this game," Owens said to a swarm of reporters. "Nobody knew but me. Dr. [Mark] Myerson, I give him all the respect in the world. You guys believed what he said that I couldn't play. A lot of people in the world didn't believe I could play. It goes to show you. The power of prayer and the power of faith will take you all the way. Nothing is impossible if you got God on your side."
I've never been a T.O. fan - he's been, for the most part, a punk. But I've got to give him some props after that performance last night.
Classic Rummy
Here's Rummy smacking down Fat Russert on Meet the Press:
(Videotape, December 8, 2004):
SPC. THOMAS WILSON: Now, why do we soldiers have to dig through local landfills for pieces of scrap metal and compromised ballistic glass to up-armor our vehicles and why don't we have those resources readily available to us?
SEC'Y RUMSFELD: As you know, you go to war with the army you have, not the army you might want or wish to have at a later time. And if you think about it, you can have all the armor in the world on a tank and a tank can be blown up. And you can have an up-armored Humvee and it can be blown up.
(End videotape)
MR. RUSSERT: Now, Specialist Wilson did acknowledge he worked with a journalist in crafting that question.
SEC'Y RUMSFELD: Yeah, but wait a minute. Let me get into this a little bit.
MR. RUSSERT: Sure.
SEC'Y RUMSFELD: That was unfair and it was selectively taking out two sentences from a long exchange--there it is--that took place. And when you suggested that that's how I answered that question, that is factually wrong.
MR. RUSSERT: No, we...
SEC'Y RUMSFELD: That is not how I answered that question.
MR. RUSSERT: But, Mr. Secretary, it clearly represents the exchange and...
SEC'Y RUMSFELD: It does not.
MR. RUSSERT: All right. What is missing?
SEC'Y RUMSFELD: You want to hear the exchange? There is it. It's right here. I'll read it to you.
MR. RUSSERT: I just...
SEC'Y RUMSFELD: If you're going to quote pieces of it, I'll give you the exchange. He asked that question, and I said, "I talked to the general coming out here about the pace at which the vehicles are being armored. They have been brought from all over the world, wherever they're not needed, to places where they are needed. I'm told they are being--the Army is--I think it's something like 400 a month are being done now. And it's essentially a matter of physics. It's not a matter of money. It isn't a matter on the part of the Army's desire. It's a matter of production and capability of doing it. As you know, you go to the war with the Army you have. They're not the Army you might want or wish to have at a later time.
"Since the Iraq conflict began, the Army has been pressing ahead to produce armor necessary at a rate that they believe--it's a greatly expanded rate from what existed previously but a rate that they believe is the rate that can be accomplished. I can assure you that General Schumacher and the leadership of the Army and certainly General Whitcomb are sensitive to the fact that not every vehicle has the degree of armor that would be desirable to have, but that they're working at it at a good clip.
"It's interesting. I've talked a great deal about this with a team of people who've been working hard at the Pentagon. And if you think about it, you can have all the armor in the world on a tank and the tank could still be blown up. And you can have an up-armored Humvee and it can be blown up. And you can go down and the vehicle--the goal we have is to have many of those vehicles as is humanly possible with the appropriate level of armor available for the troops. And that's what the Army's been working on. And, General Whitcomb, is there anything you want to add?"
And then he spoke. Now, that answer is totally different from picking out two lines. And I think it's an unfair representation and it's exactly what some of the newspapers around the country did. Now, let's go back to Susan Collins' comment, Senator Collins...
(Videotape, December 8, 2004):
SPC. THOMAS WILSON: Now, why do we soldiers have to dig through local landfills for pieces of scrap metal and compromised ballistic glass to up-armor our vehicles and why don't we have those resources readily available to us?
SEC'Y RUMSFELD: As you know, you go to war with the army you have, not the army you might want or wish to have at a later time. And if you think about it, you can have all the armor in the world on a tank and a tank can be blown up. And you can have an up-armored Humvee and it can be blown up.
(End videotape)
MR. RUSSERT: Now, Specialist Wilson did acknowledge he worked with a journalist in crafting that question.
SEC'Y RUMSFELD: Yeah, but wait a minute. Let me get into this a little bit.
MR. RUSSERT: Sure.
SEC'Y RUMSFELD: That was unfair and it was selectively taking out two sentences from a long exchange--there it is--that took place. And when you suggested that that's how I answered that question, that is factually wrong.
MR. RUSSERT: No, we...
SEC'Y RUMSFELD: That is not how I answered that question.
MR. RUSSERT: But, Mr. Secretary, it clearly represents the exchange and...
SEC'Y RUMSFELD: It does not.
MR. RUSSERT: All right. What is missing?
SEC'Y RUMSFELD: You want to hear the exchange? There is it. It's right here. I'll read it to you.
MR. RUSSERT: I just...
SEC'Y RUMSFELD: If you're going to quote pieces of it, I'll give you the exchange. He asked that question, and I said, "I talked to the general coming out here about the pace at which the vehicles are being armored. They have been brought from all over the world, wherever they're not needed, to places where they are needed. I'm told they are being--the Army is--I think it's something like 400 a month are being done now. And it's essentially a matter of physics. It's not a matter of money. It isn't a matter on the part of the Army's desire. It's a matter of production and capability of doing it. As you know, you go to the war with the Army you have. They're not the Army you might want or wish to have at a later time.
"Since the Iraq conflict began, the Army has been pressing ahead to produce armor necessary at a rate that they believe--it's a greatly expanded rate from what existed previously but a rate that they believe is the rate that can be accomplished. I can assure you that General Schumacher and the leadership of the Army and certainly General Whitcomb are sensitive to the fact that not every vehicle has the degree of armor that would be desirable to have, but that they're working at it at a good clip.
"It's interesting. I've talked a great deal about this with a team of people who've been working hard at the Pentagon. And if you think about it, you can have all the armor in the world on a tank and the tank could still be blown up. And you can have an up-armored Humvee and it can be blown up. And you can go down and the vehicle--the goal we have is to have many of those vehicles as is humanly possible with the appropriate level of armor available for the troops. And that's what the Army's been working on. And, General Whitcomb, is there anything you want to add?"
And then he spoke. Now, that answer is totally different from picking out two lines. And I think it's an unfair representation and it's exactly what some of the newspapers around the country did. Now, let's go back to Susan Collins' comment, Senator Collins...
Complaining About Their Government - The First Right of a Free People
Encouraging signs from Iraq:
BAGHDAD Through 22 months of occupation and war, the word "America" was usually the first word to pass through the lips of an Iraqi with a gripe. Why can't the Americans produce enough electricity? Why can't the Americans guarantee security? Why can't the Americans find my stolen car?
Last week, as the euphoria of nationwide elections washed over this country, a remarkable thing happened: Iraqis, by and large, stopped talking about the Americans.
With the ballots still being counted, the Iraqi candidates retired to the back rooms to cut political deals, leaving the Americans, for the first time, standing outside. In Baghdad's tea shops and on its street corners, the talk turned to which of those candidates might form the new government, to their schemes and stratagems and to Iraqi problems and Iraqi solutions.
And for the United States, the assessments turned measured.
"We have no electricity here, no water and there's no gasoline in the pumps," said Salim Muhammad Ali, a tire repairman who voted in the Jan. 30 election. "Who do I blame? The Iraqi government, of course. They can't do anything."
Asked about the U.S. military presence, Ali chose his words carefully.
"I think the Americans should stay here until our security forces are able to do the jobs themselves," Ali said, echoing virtually every senior U.S. officer in Iraq. "We Iraqis have our own government now, and we can invite the Americans to stay."
BAGHDAD Through 22 months of occupation and war, the word "America" was usually the first word to pass through the lips of an Iraqi with a gripe. Why can't the Americans produce enough electricity? Why can't the Americans guarantee security? Why can't the Americans find my stolen car?
Last week, as the euphoria of nationwide elections washed over this country, a remarkable thing happened: Iraqis, by and large, stopped talking about the Americans.
With the ballots still being counted, the Iraqi candidates retired to the back rooms to cut political deals, leaving the Americans, for the first time, standing outside. In Baghdad's tea shops and on its street corners, the talk turned to which of those candidates might form the new government, to their schemes and stratagems and to Iraqi problems and Iraqi solutions.
And for the United States, the assessments turned measured.
"We have no electricity here, no water and there's no gasoline in the pumps," said Salim Muhammad Ali, a tire repairman who voted in the Jan. 30 election. "Who do I blame? The Iraqi government, of course. They can't do anything."
Asked about the U.S. military presence, Ali chose his words carefully.
"I think the Americans should stay here until our security forces are able to do the jobs themselves," Ali said, echoing virtually every senior U.S. officer in Iraq. "We Iraqis have our own government now, and we can invite the Americans to stay."
The Ivory Tower
If your child was a student at the University of Colorado, would you pay for this. I didn't think so.
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