Saturday, March 05, 2005
Quote of the Day
"David Wells' curveball needs work. His mouth is in midseason form." -- Howard Ulman, AP sports reporter
Middle East Report...
...from inside the Bush Administration (via Rich Lowry of National Review).
Just talked to someone in-the-know about administration Middle East policy. I took a quick tour of the region with him.
He warned against giddiness, but says things are definitely heading in the right direction. He says attacks against Americans in Iraq are ebbing near an all-time low since the insurgency really got going. Attacks against Iraqis, of course, continue unabated. But the public seems to be turning increasingly against the insurgency, especially in Baghdad, partly under the influence of a nightly anti-insurgency television program. We're locking up more of the bad guys, which means we need more prisons (something we should have taken care of a long time ago).
Overall we seem to be at--to use a terrible cliche--a potential “tipping point” in Iraq. The elections changed the entire atmosphere, although if the process of choosing a prime minister goes on much longer it will begin to test the patience of the Iraqi public and squander good will.
In Afghanistan, Taliban attacks on both Americans and the government have hit an all-time low.
Of course, events in Lebanon have been stunning. The administration is using every possible lever against the Syrians--pushing them in a serious, serious way. That the Saudis have gotten on board is a sign that they know which way the tide is headed and that it is no longer sustainable to look the other way over an Arab country's occupation of another Arab country. There has been a useful convergence of interests between the US and France over Syria, prompted by Chirac's personal relationship with Hariri and outrage at his assassination.
On Iran, the administration seems to be coming to the conclusion that the EU3 approach will fail one way or another, so it is better if the US is part of the process so it can't be conveninetly blamed when it doesn't work. We may see the administration dangling some carrots Tehran's way. If (when) this doesn't work, perhaps we will apply the lesson we are learning with Syria--pressure works.
In general, people shouldn't be unrealistic. There will still be plenty of bad news in the future. But the tectonic plates have shifted in the Middle East the last few weeks and there's no pushing them back.
Just talked to someone in-the-know about administration Middle East policy. I took a quick tour of the region with him.
He warned against giddiness, but says things are definitely heading in the right direction. He says attacks against Americans in Iraq are ebbing near an all-time low since the insurgency really got going. Attacks against Iraqis, of course, continue unabated. But the public seems to be turning increasingly against the insurgency, especially in Baghdad, partly under the influence of a nightly anti-insurgency television program. We're locking up more of the bad guys, which means we need more prisons (something we should have taken care of a long time ago).
Overall we seem to be at--to use a terrible cliche--a potential “tipping point” in Iraq. The elections changed the entire atmosphere, although if the process of choosing a prime minister goes on much longer it will begin to test the patience of the Iraqi public and squander good will.
In Afghanistan, Taliban attacks on both Americans and the government have hit an all-time low.
Of course, events in Lebanon have been stunning. The administration is using every possible lever against the Syrians--pushing them in a serious, serious way. That the Saudis have gotten on board is a sign that they know which way the tide is headed and that it is no longer sustainable to look the other way over an Arab country's occupation of another Arab country. There has been a useful convergence of interests between the US and France over Syria, prompted by Chirac's personal relationship with Hariri and outrage at his assassination.
On Iran, the administration seems to be coming to the conclusion that the EU3 approach will fail one way or another, so it is better if the US is part of the process so it can't be conveninetly blamed when it doesn't work. We may see the administration dangling some carrots Tehran's way. If (when) this doesn't work, perhaps we will apply the lesson we are learning with Syria--pressure works.
In general, people shouldn't be unrealistic. There will still be plenty of bad news in the future. But the tectonic plates have shifted in the Middle East the last few weeks and there's no pushing them back.
Tubby's Tikes
Two interesting quotes: one about Rondo, the other from Morris:
"He [Rondo] does such a good job controlling that team," Tennessee coach Buzz Peterson said. "Just from watching film of Kentucky, it looks like there was a point where Tubby just decided to let him go. He's got the athleticism and quickness to take over, and you can see now that he's thriving."
And from Randolph Morris: "The biggest thing I've learned is you can't demand the ball every time like you did in high school. There has to be a continuity to the offense."
"He [Rondo] does such a good job controlling that team," Tennessee coach Buzz Peterson said. "Just from watching film of Kentucky, it looks like there was a point where Tubby just decided to let him go. He's got the athleticism and quickness to take over, and you can see now that he's thriving."
And from Randolph Morris: "The biggest thing I've learned is you can't demand the ball every time like you did in high school. There has to be a continuity to the offense."
Rudy On Trading Block
From Bengals.com:
The Bengals confirmed a visit by Bears running back Anthony Thomas.
Hmmm. Is Rudy on the way out? Or, are they so disappointed with Perry that they just might cut him?
The Bengals confirmed a visit by Bears running back Anthony Thomas.
Hmmm. Is Rudy on the way out? Or, are they so disappointed with Perry that they just might cut him?
More Good News Out Of Syria
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is expected to announce a redeployment of Syrian troops in Lebanon when he addresses his parliament today, say Lebanese politicians.Mr Assad's speech, which the Syrian press agency said would deal with "current political developments" follows unprecedented international pressure on Damascus to withdraw its 15,000 troops and its secret services from Lebanon.
After talks with Sergei Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister, in Moscow yesterday, Walid al-Muallim, Syrian's deputy foreign minister, said Damascus would soon reveal what he called "an agreement between Syria and Lebanon" which he said would meet the approval of the United Nations Security Council.
Mr Lavrov said he was "satisfied" that Syria would take steps to "correspond" with UN resolution 1559, which calls for all foreign troops to leave Lebanon.
After talks with Sergei Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister, in Moscow yesterday, Walid al-Muallim, Syrian's deputy foreign minister, said Damascus would soon reveal what he called "an agreement between Syria and Lebanon" which he said would meet the approval of the United Nations Security Council.
Mr Lavrov said he was "satisfied" that Syria would take steps to "correspond" with UN resolution 1559, which calls for all foreign troops to leave Lebanon.
Friday, March 04, 2005
Duh?
From the WaPo's Howard Kurtz:
By the way, I've seen nothing in the major papers, and only a few mentions on cable, of Robert Byrd appearing to liken GOP tactics to Hitler, which he now denies, even though Jewish groups have demanded an apology ("Hideous" and "outrageous," says the ADL.) Why is the press giving Byrd a pass?
Oh, I don't know? Maybe because they're agenda-driven Leftists who ignore the lunatics in their own back yard.
By the way, I've seen nothing in the major papers, and only a few mentions on cable, of Robert Byrd appearing to liken GOP tactics to Hitler, which he now denies, even though Jewish groups have demanded an apology ("Hideous" and "outrageous," says the ADL.) Why is the press giving Byrd a pass?
Oh, I don't know? Maybe because they're agenda-driven Leftists who ignore the lunatics in their own back yard.
This Is Called Maturity
LONDON (Reuters) - "Wanna be an anarchist?"
At least one of the Sex Pistols, now middle-aged and a father of two, no longer does.
Former Pistols bassist Glen Matlock has called for swearing on British television to be curbed, nearly 30 years after the provocative punk rockers sent shock waves through Britain by using derivations of the dreaded "f"-word on live TV.
At least one of the Sex Pistols, now middle-aged and a father of two, no longer does.
Former Pistols bassist Glen Matlock has called for swearing on British television to be curbed, nearly 30 years after the provocative punk rockers sent shock waves through Britain by using derivations of the dreaded "f"-word on live TV.
Mea Culpa?
This is shocking. Daniel Schorr, resident socialist at NPR, ponders the unthinkable: Bush may have had it right.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Bashar Assad - A Man Without Friends
When the Saudi's are calling you to the carpet, you know you've got problems.
CAIRO, Egypt - Saudi officials told Syrian President Bashar Assad on Thursday that he must soon begin fully withdrawing troops from Lebanon or face strains in Saudi-Syrian ties, an official said. Assad promised only to study the idea of a partial withdrawal by later this month.
CAIRO, Egypt - Saudi officials told Syrian President Bashar Assad on Thursday that he must soon begin fully withdrawing troops from Lebanon or face strains in Saudi-Syrian ties, an official said. Assad promised only to study the idea of a partial withdrawal by later this month.
Hell Just Froze Over
The WaPo finally gets it:
“The 8 million Iraqis who turned out to vote, the Palestinians who have overwhelmingly supported the cease-fire with Israel, and the tens of thousands of Lebanese who have been marching and camping in the center of Beirut have all proved more potent than assassinations and suicide bombs. If Mr. Assad will not yield to the new political realities they are creating, he will place his own regime at risk.”
“The 8 million Iraqis who turned out to vote, the Palestinians who have overwhelmingly supported the cease-fire with Israel, and the tens of thousands of Lebanese who have been marching and camping in the center of Beirut have all proved more potent than assassinations and suicide bombs. If Mr. Assad will not yield to the new political realities they are creating, he will place his own regime at risk.”
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
The Confederacy Of Dunces Marches On
Is there anyone out there who would actually pay to send their child to Harvard. Anyone? Anyone? How about now? Anyone? Anyone?
You've Got to Love FOX
FOX'S "Stars Without Makeup" special that aired on Channel 5 last Thursday raised more than a few eyebrows among sharp-eyed viewers. "There were five or six credits at the end," observed an insider. "It was the regular credits, for producer, director, writer — except that every name was fake. No one wanted any retribution from celebrities or their agents, so they refused to use their real names." For example, the "writer" was credited as "Damien Thorn" — which happens to be the name of the devil spawn in the horror movie classic, "The Omen." In addition, our eagle-eyed insider added: "No Fox stars were used. It would have caused a revolt if they were." Instead, celebs like Cher, Melanie Griffith and Ryan O'Neal were featured. We also hear this may not be the last of the show that proudly billed itself as "unmasking" Oscar winners. The ratings were so good, we hear Fox may do it again. A rep for the network didn't return calls.
I'm sure the producer was Amanda Huginkiss.
I'm sure the producer was Amanda Huginkiss.
My Kind of Mayor
MOSCOW, Russia (CNN) -- Moscow's weather has been catching people off guard recently: snow in spring, a flood in summer, a hurricane closer to fall, sun in winter.
Russians thrive on their four seasons, but Moscow's mayor doesn't like surprises.
To ensure it doesn't rain on his parade on City Day, Mayor Yuri Luzhkov dispatches cloud-seeding planes to the skies.
Now he's taking accountability to new heights -- proposing fining the city-funded weathermen when their forecasts are wrong.
"The situation is crazy, just crazy," he told his Cabinet. "They say lah, lah, lah, we can do the job, we always do. If instead, we get -- excuse my non-parliamentary parlance -- crap, they should pay a fine."
Could you see Charlie Luken heading over to Fox 19 to serve Rich Apuzzo with a fine? That would be priceless.
Russians thrive on their four seasons, but Moscow's mayor doesn't like surprises.
To ensure it doesn't rain on his parade on City Day, Mayor Yuri Luzhkov dispatches cloud-seeding planes to the skies.
Now he's taking accountability to new heights -- proposing fining the city-funded weathermen when their forecasts are wrong.
"The situation is crazy, just crazy," he told his Cabinet. "They say lah, lah, lah, we can do the job, we always do. If instead, we get -- excuse my non-parliamentary parlance -- crap, they should pay a fine."
Could you see Charlie Luken heading over to Fox 19 to serve Rich Apuzzo with a fine? That would be priceless.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
National Fat League
Who needs steroids when you can just get fat:
CHICAGO (AP) -- It's no secret that size matters in the National Football League, but a new study suggests that a whopping 56 percent of NFL players would be considered obese by some medical standards.
CHICAGO (AP) -- It's no secret that size matters in the National Football League, but a new study suggests that a whopping 56 percent of NFL players would be considered obese by some medical standards.
The Best Ratherisms
The best of Dan Rather. Pick your favorite Ratherism and post it in the comment section.
My favorite:
“Stay with CBS now for more news, including: Is there a pall over the mall as holiday shoppers think small?”— Previewing an upcoming segment on the CBS Evening News, December 2, 1991.
Courage.
My favorite:
“Stay with CBS now for more news, including: Is there a pall over the mall as holiday shoppers think small?”— Previewing an upcoming segment on the CBS Evening News, December 2, 1991.
Courage.
The Wisdom of "King of the Hill"
PEGGY: Oh, give me a break. I don't see how having a girl on the team would ruin it. Did a woman judge ruin the Supreme Court?
HANK: Yes, and that woman's name was Earl Warren.
If you can't take a shot at Earl Warren, who can you take a shot at.
HANK: Yes, and that woman's name was Earl Warren.
If you can't take a shot at Earl Warren, who can you take a shot at.
Quote of the Day
From Justice Kennedy's ruling that executing individuals under the age of 18 is unconstitutional:
"When a juvenile offender commits a heinous crime, the state can exact forfeiture of some of the most basic liberties, but the state cannot extinguish his life and his potential to attain a mature understanding of his own humanity."
"A mature understanding of his own humanity"? What the hell does that mean. So when the 17-year old gang banger caps a little girl on the street corner, he gets to live and come to a mature understanding of his own humanity while the little girl doesn't. Unbelievable.
"When a juvenile offender commits a heinous crime, the state can exact forfeiture of some of the most basic liberties, but the state cannot extinguish his life and his potential to attain a mature understanding of his own humanity."
"A mature understanding of his own humanity"? What the hell does that mean. So when the 17-year old gang banger caps a little girl on the street corner, he gets to live and come to a mature understanding of his own humanity while the little girl doesn't. Unbelievable.
Those Crazy Kids...And Crazier Lawyers
So the kids in Orlando are jumping from the top of a six-story parking garage to a neighboring parking garage...and a few have fallen. How to stop it? Yep, a lawsuit.
Apparently the parking garages are at fault because they haven't erected 10 foot fences to prevent the little geniuses from playing Super Man. And what if the 10 foot fences don't work? Lawsuit.
Apparently the parking garages are at fault because they haven't erected 10 foot fences to prevent the little geniuses from playing Super Man. And what if the 10 foot fences don't work? Lawsuit.
Oscar Thoughts
I thought these observations on the Oscars were very good:
Has anyone ever had a weirder Hollywood career than Hilary Swank? Here's an actress who's managed to pull down two Academy Awards in six years -- and yet apart from her Million Dollar Baby and Boy's Don't Cry turns, she hasn't been in a single good movie in that span. (And even the quality of MDB and BDC is, well, debatable.) Her oeuvre ranges from the mediocre-but-tolerable (Insomnia, The Gift) to the astonishingly dreadful (The Core, The Affair of the Necklace) . . . but all you have to do is put her horsey good looks into a gender-blurring role (transvestite, female boxer), make sure she's physically brutalized during the course of the film, and bingo -- she's Hepburn and Streep rolled into one!
More generally, it was a pretty uninteresting Oscar show -- well-suited for a weak year in movies. What struck me, watching, was how flawed all the films were, even the ones I somewhat liked, like The Aviator and Eternal Sunshine. The only real exception to this rule (without opening the can of worms that is The Passion) was The Incredibles, which was almost perfectly executed -- and so I was glad to see it recognized, even in the deeply lame "Best Animated Film" category. It was also nice to see what Charlie Kauffman really looks like, hear Jaime Foxx talk about his grandmother, and watch Chris Rock make fun of Jude Law. (I predict that he will not be invited back -- Rock, I mean, not Law.)
Other than that, well -- two cheers for euthanasia? It seems slightly odd in a year when Christopher Reeve was on the "In Memoriam" List . . . but then, that's why I'm not a voting member of the Academy, I guess.
Has anyone ever had a weirder Hollywood career than Hilary Swank? Here's an actress who's managed to pull down two Academy Awards in six years -- and yet apart from her Million Dollar Baby and Boy's Don't Cry turns, she hasn't been in a single good movie in that span. (And even the quality of MDB and BDC is, well, debatable.) Her oeuvre ranges from the mediocre-but-tolerable (Insomnia, The Gift) to the astonishingly dreadful (The Core, The Affair of the Necklace) . . . but all you have to do is put her horsey good looks into a gender-blurring role (transvestite, female boxer), make sure she's physically brutalized during the course of the film, and bingo -- she's Hepburn and Streep rolled into one!
More generally, it was a pretty uninteresting Oscar show -- well-suited for a weak year in movies. What struck me, watching, was how flawed all the films were, even the ones I somewhat liked, like The Aviator and Eternal Sunshine. The only real exception to this rule (without opening the can of worms that is The Passion) was The Incredibles, which was almost perfectly executed -- and so I was glad to see it recognized, even in the deeply lame "Best Animated Film" category. It was also nice to see what Charlie Kauffman really looks like, hear Jaime Foxx talk about his grandmother, and watch Chris Rock make fun of Jude Law. (I predict that he will not be invited back -- Rock, I mean, not Law.)
Other than that, well -- two cheers for euthanasia? It seems slightly odd in a year when Christopher Reeve was on the "In Memoriam" List . . . but then, that's why I'm not a voting member of the Academy, I guess.
Monday, February 28, 2005
Wow!
Lebanon's Prime Minister Omar Karami has announced he and his government are resigning, two weeks after the murder of former PM Rafik Hariri.
The move came as crowds protested in Beirut, calling for Syrian troops to leave the country.
The move came as crowds protested in Beirut, calling for Syrian troops to leave the country.
My Main Man
I still think Howard Dean was a Karl Rove plant.
On abortion specifically, he said, the party must commit to making abortions "safe, legal and rare" while maintaining women's rights to choose.
"The issue is not abortion," Dean told the closed-door fund-raiser. "The issue is whether women can make up their own mind instead of some right-wing pastor, some right-wing politician telling them what to do."
And Dean told the Hiebert fund-raiser that gay marriage was a Republican diversion from discussions of ballooning deficits and lost American jobs. That presents an opportunity to attract moderate Republicans, he said.
"Moderate Republicans can't stand these people (conservatives), because they're intolerant. They don't think tolerance is a virtue," Dean said, adding: "I'm not going to have these right-wingers throw away our right to be tolerant."
And concluding his backyard speech with a litany of Democratic values, he added: "This is a struggle of good and evil. And we're the good."
On abortion specifically, he said, the party must commit to making abortions "safe, legal and rare" while maintaining women's rights to choose.
"The issue is not abortion," Dean told the closed-door fund-raiser. "The issue is whether women can make up their own mind instead of some right-wing pastor, some right-wing politician telling them what to do."
And Dean told the Hiebert fund-raiser that gay marriage was a Republican diversion from discussions of ballooning deficits and lost American jobs. That presents an opportunity to attract moderate Republicans, he said.
"Moderate Republicans can't stand these people (conservatives), because they're intolerant. They don't think tolerance is a virtue," Dean said, adding: "I'm not going to have these right-wingers throw away our right to be tolerant."
And concluding his backyard speech with a litany of Democratic values, he added: "This is a struggle of good and evil. And we're the good."
More UN Atrocities
This is shocking...not.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.N. officials fear the sex-abuse scandal among peacekeepers in Africa is far more widespread and appears to be a problem in each of the global body's 16 missions around the world.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.N. officials fear the sex-abuse scandal among peacekeepers in Africa is far more widespread and appears to be a problem in each of the global body's 16 missions around the world.
Those Crazy Neocons May Not Have Been So Crazy
More unreported news from Iraq.
More encouraging signs from Lebanon:
BEIRUT: Lebanon's Syrian-backed government banned protests planned for Monday (local time) but a main opposition figure vowed the Lebanese would take to the streets to demand who killed former prime minister Rafik al-Hariri.
Interior minister Suleiman Franjieh called on security forces in a statement on Sunday "to take all necessary steps to preserve security and order and prevent demonstrations and gatherings on Monday".
Opposition groups have called a protest at the central Martyrs Square by Hariri's grave and a one-day strike to coincide with a parliamentary debate on the killing that for many recalled Lebanon's bitter 1975-90 civil war.
Government and Syrian loyalists, meanwhile, planned to descend on central Beirut to protest against US deputy secretary of state David Satterfield's visit to Lebanon as part of growing international pressure.
Clashes between the two sides were feared.
Even more encouraging news from Bahrain:
The Arab world must shun extremism which breeds violence, His Majesty King Hamad urged yesterday.
Extremism and violence are alien to the principles of Islam, he said in an address read out at the opening of a regional forum held in Bahrain.
"The region has a civilised and open-minded heritage that is based on the respect of people's rights and aspirations by promoting insight and sound guidance in line with the teachings of the Holy Quran," said the King. . . . He said that Bahrain was hosting the forum at a time when its ceiling of political and intellectual freedom had increased and the channels for dialogue were open for everyone.
More encouraging signs from Lebanon:
BEIRUT: Lebanon's Syrian-backed government banned protests planned for Monday (local time) but a main opposition figure vowed the Lebanese would take to the streets to demand who killed former prime minister Rafik al-Hariri.
Interior minister Suleiman Franjieh called on security forces in a statement on Sunday "to take all necessary steps to preserve security and order and prevent demonstrations and gatherings on Monday".
Opposition groups have called a protest at the central Martyrs Square by Hariri's grave and a one-day strike to coincide with a parliamentary debate on the killing that for many recalled Lebanon's bitter 1975-90 civil war.
Government and Syrian loyalists, meanwhile, planned to descend on central Beirut to protest against US deputy secretary of state David Satterfield's visit to Lebanon as part of growing international pressure.
Clashes between the two sides were feared.
Even more encouraging news from Bahrain:
The Arab world must shun extremism which breeds violence, His Majesty King Hamad urged yesterday.
Extremism and violence are alien to the principles of Islam, he said in an address read out at the opening of a regional forum held in Bahrain.
"The region has a civilised and open-minded heritage that is based on the respect of people's rights and aspirations by promoting insight and sound guidance in line with the teachings of the Holy Quran," said the King. . . . He said that Bahrain was hosting the forum at a time when its ceiling of political and intellectual freedom had increased and the channels for dialogue were open for everyone.
Those Sophisticated, Tolerant Europeans
If Americans fled this country because it was being overrun by Hispanics, how would Europe react? They'd call us bigots, hay seeds, fools.
I wonder what they think about this?
I wonder what they think about this?
Saturday, February 26, 2005
BTK Arrested
BTK has been caught. Reading another story about the suspect, Dennis Rader, reminded me of this story recounted by Chuck Colson.
In the course of research for [the book] Loving God, I discovered a dearth of contemporary writings on sin. After a long search, however, an unlikely source–Mike Wallace of "60 Minutes" furnished just what I was looking for.
Since Christians are not accustomed to gleaning theological insights from network TV, I'd better explain.
Introducing a recent story about Nazi Adolf Eichmann, a principal architect of the Holocaust, Wallace posed a central question at the program's outset: "How is it possible . . . for a man to act as Eichmann acted? . . . Was he a monster? A madman? Or was he perhaps something even more terrifying: was he normal?"
Normal? The executioner of millions of Jews normal? Most self-respecting viewers would be outraged at the very thought.
The most startling answer to Wallace's shocking question came in an interview with Yehiel Dinur, a concentration camp survivor who testified against Eichmann at the Nuremburg trials. A film clip from Eichmann's 1961 trial showed Dinur walking into the courtroom, stopping short, seeing Eichmann for the first time since the Nazi had sent him to Auschwitz eighteen years earlier. Dinur began to sob uncontrollably, then fainted, collapsing in a heap on the floor as the presiding judicial officer pounded his gavel for order in the crowded courtroom.
Was Dinur overcome by hatred? Fear? Horrid memories?
No; it was none of these. Rather, as Dinur explained to Wallace, all at once he realized Eichmann was not the godlike army officer who had sent so many to their deaths. This Eichmann was an ordinary man. "I was afraid about myself," said Dinur. ". . . I saw that I am capable to do this. I am . . . exactly like he."
Wallace's subsequent summation of Dinur's terrible discovery–"Eichmann is in all of us"–is a horrifying statement; but it indeed captures the central truth about man's nature. For as a result of the Fall, sin is in each of us–not just the susceptibility to sin, but sin itself.
In the course of research for [the book] Loving God, I discovered a dearth of contemporary writings on sin. After a long search, however, an unlikely source–Mike Wallace of "60 Minutes" furnished just what I was looking for.
Since Christians are not accustomed to gleaning theological insights from network TV, I'd better explain.
Introducing a recent story about Nazi Adolf Eichmann, a principal architect of the Holocaust, Wallace posed a central question at the program's outset: "How is it possible . . . for a man to act as Eichmann acted? . . . Was he a monster? A madman? Or was he perhaps something even more terrifying: was he normal?"
Normal? The executioner of millions of Jews normal? Most self-respecting viewers would be outraged at the very thought.
The most startling answer to Wallace's shocking question came in an interview with Yehiel Dinur, a concentration camp survivor who testified against Eichmann at the Nuremburg trials. A film clip from Eichmann's 1961 trial showed Dinur walking into the courtroom, stopping short, seeing Eichmann for the first time since the Nazi had sent him to Auschwitz eighteen years earlier. Dinur began to sob uncontrollably, then fainted, collapsing in a heap on the floor as the presiding judicial officer pounded his gavel for order in the crowded courtroom.
Was Dinur overcome by hatred? Fear? Horrid memories?
No; it was none of these. Rather, as Dinur explained to Wallace, all at once he realized Eichmann was not the godlike army officer who had sent so many to their deaths. This Eichmann was an ordinary man. "I was afraid about myself," said Dinur. ". . . I saw that I am capable to do this. I am . . . exactly like he."
Wallace's subsequent summation of Dinur's terrible discovery–"Eichmann is in all of us"–is a horrifying statement; but it indeed captures the central truth about man's nature. For as a result of the Fall, sin is in each of us–not just the susceptibility to sin, but sin itself.
NASCAR and TV
From the AP:
The USA Network's coverage of the recent Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show drew better TV ratings than last spring's NHL Stanley Cup finals.
Last Sunday's NBA All-Star ratings were down 3% from last year, down to an all-time low.
NASCAR: Eight of the top-10 metered markets posted double-digit percentage increases compared to last year's race, and all of the nation's top five markets delivered their best rating ever for a Daytona 500 on FOX.
Numerous major markets posted big year-to-year increases for the 500, with many of those markets located outside of NASCAR's traditional southeast US footprint. CLEVELAND was FOX's most impressive growth market for Daytona, up +49%. Following close behind were DETROIT +47%, NEW ORLEANS +40%, SAN FRANCISCO +32%, and ATLANTA +28%.
The USA Network's coverage of the recent Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show drew better TV ratings than last spring's NHL Stanley Cup finals.
Last Sunday's NBA All-Star ratings were down 3% from last year, down to an all-time low.
NASCAR: Eight of the top-10 metered markets posted double-digit percentage increases compared to last year's race, and all of the nation's top five markets delivered their best rating ever for a Daytona 500 on FOX.
Numerous major markets posted big year-to-year increases for the 500, with many of those markets located outside of NASCAR's traditional southeast US footprint. CLEVELAND was FOX's most impressive growth market for Daytona, up +49%. Following close behind were DETROIT +47%, NEW ORLEANS +40%, SAN FRANCISCO +32%, and ATLANTA +28%.
When Does A Series Of Events Become A Trend
This may be nothing...or it may be something. Iraq, Israel/Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and now Egypt. The ground in the Middle East appears to be shifting.
CAIRO, Egypt (AP) -- Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak ordered the constitution changed to allow multi-candidate presidential elections in September, making a surprise reversal Saturday that could pit him against a challenger for the first time since taking power in 1981.
The announcement followed increasing opposition calls within Egypt for political reform and historic Iraqi and Palestinian elections that brought a taste of democracy to a region.
It also came amid a sharp dispute with the United States over Egypt's arrest of one of the strongest proponents of multi-candidate elections.
CAIRO, Egypt (AP) -- Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak ordered the constitution changed to allow multi-candidate presidential elections in September, making a surprise reversal Saturday that could pit him against a challenger for the first time since taking power in 1981.
The announcement followed increasing opposition calls within Egypt for political reform and historic Iraqi and Palestinian elections that brought a taste of democracy to a region.
It also came amid a sharp dispute with the United States over Egypt's arrest of one of the strongest proponents of multi-candidate elections.
What It Means to Wear Kentucky On Your Chest
This is what the Wildcats face every single game. It ain't easy.
Kentucky also faces a familiar obstacle. The opponent has circled the wagons and put maximum effort on beating the Cats.
"It's huge," Shelton said of the game. "It's all everybody's been talking about for probably three or four weeks. They don't worry about who we're playing. They want to know, 'What about the Kentucky game?' "
In today's case, UK faces the only SEC team with an unbeaten home record (13-0).
Then again, Kentucky snapped Alabama's school-record 28-game home winning streak in 2003, the last time the Cats played in Tuscaloosa.
Kentucky also faces a familiar obstacle. The opponent has circled the wagons and put maximum effort on beating the Cats.
"It's huge," Shelton said of the game. "It's all everybody's been talking about for probably three or four weeks. They don't worry about who we're playing. They want to know, 'What about the Kentucky game?' "
In today's case, UK faces the only SEC team with an unbeaten home record (13-0).
Then again, Kentucky snapped Alabama's school-record 28-game home winning streak in 2003, the last time the Cats played in Tuscaloosa.
Governor Swannie
I never cheer for Steelers, but I could make an exception in this case.
HARRISBURG -- Former Steelers wide receiver Lynn Swann has a new team to play for -- Team 88, a campaign committee he set up this week as evidence of his increasing seriousness about exploring a run for governor in 2006.
Swann, who lives in Sewickley and works as a college football analyst on ABC-TV, filed papers with the state Department of Elections to create Team 88, named after his number with the Steelers.
Formation of the political committee will allow Swann to begin raising and spending money as he decides whether to compete for the Republican gubernatorial nomination next year.
HARRISBURG -- Former Steelers wide receiver Lynn Swann has a new team to play for -- Team 88, a campaign committee he set up this week as evidence of his increasing seriousness about exploring a run for governor in 2006.
Swann, who lives in Sewickley and works as a college football analyst on ABC-TV, filed papers with the state Department of Elections to create Team 88, named after his number with the Steelers.
Formation of the political committee will allow Swann to begin raising and spending money as he decides whether to compete for the Republican gubernatorial nomination next year.
She Dresses Like A He...But Is A She...But Likes A She...Oh, I Give Up
It's refreshing to see a school board show some backbone. But I fully expect them to cave once this becomes a bigger story.
GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. -- After a spirited discussion over a photo of a girl wearing a tuxedo at Thursday's Clay County School Board meeting, the principal's decision to ban the picture from the Fleming Island High School yearbook stands.
The banned photo of Kelli Davis.Kelli Davis, 18, had her senior class photo taken in a tuxedo top and bow-tie outfit provided for boys rather than the gown-like drape and pearls provided for girls. The school's principal decided it could not appear in the yearbook because she didn't follow the dress code.
Kelli, a straight-A student with no discipline problems, is a self-proclaimed lesbian. She said she was uncomfortable to have her chest exposed in the photo.
"Because that's me, you know. That represents me. The drape does not," Davis said. "They're not accepting me, that's the whole reason we're here."
Davis denies it's about her sexual orientation, just about a student not following the rules.
"There's a dress code to follow -- a dress code expected for senior pictures in the yearbook, and she chose not to follow them. It's just that simple," Clay School Superintendent David Owens said.
How could they be so narrow minded as to expect a girl to dress like a girl.
GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. -- After a spirited discussion over a photo of a girl wearing a tuxedo at Thursday's Clay County School Board meeting, the principal's decision to ban the picture from the Fleming Island High School yearbook stands.
The banned photo of Kelli Davis.Kelli Davis, 18, had her senior class photo taken in a tuxedo top and bow-tie outfit provided for boys rather than the gown-like drape and pearls provided for girls. The school's principal decided it could not appear in the yearbook because she didn't follow the dress code.
Kelli, a straight-A student with no discipline problems, is a self-proclaimed lesbian. She said she was uncomfortable to have her chest exposed in the photo.
"Because that's me, you know. That represents me. The drape does not," Davis said. "They're not accepting me, that's the whole reason we're here."
Davis denies it's about her sexual orientation, just about a student not following the rules.
"There's a dress code to follow -- a dress code expected for senior pictures in the yearbook, and she chose not to follow them. It's just that simple," Clay School Superintendent David Owens said.
How could they be so narrow minded as to expect a girl to dress like a girl.
Friday, February 25, 2005
Why Do Movies Today Stink?
Popcorn!
If The Big Picture has a flaw, it is that Epstein does not explore the question of why one era produced better movies than the other. Part of the answer revolves around the popcorn economy that Epstein details so authoritatively. Once the studios divested themselves of their theaters, theater-owners needed a way to make their businesses solvent, and concessions were the solution. Today popcorn sales keep movie theaters afloat. Adolescents are the primary popcorn consumers and the group most likely to see a film in its first week of release. These two facts create pressure for teen-friendly films with intentionally short shelf-lives. A recipe for junk.
If The Big Picture has a flaw, it is that Epstein does not explore the question of why one era produced better movies than the other. Part of the answer revolves around the popcorn economy that Epstein details so authoritatively. Once the studios divested themselves of their theaters, theater-owners needed a way to make their businesses solvent, and concessions were the solution. Today popcorn sales keep movie theaters afloat. Adolescents are the primary popcorn consumers and the group most likely to see a film in its first week of release. These two facts create pressure for teen-friendly films with intentionally short shelf-lives. A recipe for junk.
The Pope's Life...Or Clinging To It
Andrew Sullivan nails it:
We have been informed that the pontiff's current suffering and persistence against multiple illnesses and debilities is sending a message about the dignity of suffering and the importance of life. There is indeed a great truth to that.
But there is also a point at which clinging to life itself becomes a little odd for a Christian, no? Isn't the fundamental point about Christianity that our life on earth is but a blink in the eye of our real existence, which begins at death and lasts for eternity in God's loving presence? Why is the Pope sending a signal that we should cling to life at all costs - and that this clinging represents some kind of moral achievement? Isn't there a moment at which the proper Christian approach to death is to let it come and be glad?
Or put it another way: if the Pope is this desperate to stay alive, what hope is there for the rest of us?
Paul said "to live is Christ; to die is gain." He was cool with life or death. The Pope should be cool with it too.
We have been informed that the pontiff's current suffering and persistence against multiple illnesses and debilities is sending a message about the dignity of suffering and the importance of life. There is indeed a great truth to that.
But there is also a point at which clinging to life itself becomes a little odd for a Christian, no? Isn't the fundamental point about Christianity that our life on earth is but a blink in the eye of our real existence, which begins at death and lasts for eternity in God's loving presence? Why is the Pope sending a signal that we should cling to life at all costs - and that this clinging represents some kind of moral achievement? Isn't there a moment at which the proper Christian approach to death is to let it come and be glad?
Or put it another way: if the Pope is this desperate to stay alive, what hope is there for the rest of us?
Paul said "to live is Christ; to die is gain." He was cool with life or death. The Pope should be cool with it too.
No More Being Mean
FRANKFORT -- A bill aimed at curbing bullying in schools won House passage Thursday despite concerns it was so broadly written that it could apply to football players.
The bill would require school districts to have conduct codes prohibiting the "harassment, intimidation or bullying" of students. Schools would be expected to have policies to promptly investigate reports of bullying and to protect those lodging complaints from retaliation.
"It will promote respect for each student and hold accountable those students who bully other children," said Rep. Mike Cherry, D-Princeton, the bill's sponsor.
Is it currently ok to harass, intimidate and bully other students in school? Maybe it's just me, but I was under the impression that this sort of thing is already prohibited. Somebody clear things up for me, please.
The bill would require school districts to have conduct codes prohibiting the "harassment, intimidation or bullying" of students. Schools would be expected to have policies to promptly investigate reports of bullying and to protect those lodging complaints from retaliation.
"It will promote respect for each student and hold accountable those students who bully other children," said Rep. Mike Cherry, D-Princeton, the bill's sponsor.
Is it currently ok to harass, intimidate and bully other students in school? Maybe it's just me, but I was under the impression that this sort of thing is already prohibited. Somebody clear things up for me, please.
Wittman the Man?
Ever since Bob Knight left Indiana, the conventional wisdom was that Steve Alford would take over once Mike Davis got run out of town. Well, with Alford on the verge of being axed at Iowa, that doesn't seem plausible any more.
So who will replace Davis (who most certainly will be fired at years end)?
Rumors persist that Timberwolves assistant coach Randy Wittman is headed to alma mater Indiana if Mike Davis isn't retained as the Hoosiers' coach.
So who will replace Davis (who most certainly will be fired at years end)?
Rumors persist that Timberwolves assistant coach Randy Wittman is headed to alma mater Indiana if Mike Davis isn't retained as the Hoosiers' coach.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
"He Has No Need Of Spin"
A BBC reporter's blog entry on Bush's European trip:
The president is wonderfully un-European - refreshingly so in the view of those of us who have worked in Brussels.
He is unsmooth. He stumbles over his sentences. He uses short, plain, sometimes almost babyish words, while the sophisticated multilingual Euro crowd prefer obfuscatory long ones.
And he gets a clear message across, like it or not. He has no need of spin.
It was interesting that on the White House bus back into town, the journalists did not need to compare notes or discuss the president's words and what they meant.
On the other hand, for Chirac and Schroeder there was a discussion that would have made an old-style Kremlinologist blush. . . .
Some people think Schroeder said one thing about Nato and some think he actually meant another. Others claim that Chirac really believes Schroeder wanted to say... etc etc.
Welcome to Europe, Mr Bush.
The president is wonderfully un-European - refreshingly so in the view of those of us who have worked in Brussels.
He is unsmooth. He stumbles over his sentences. He uses short, plain, sometimes almost babyish words, while the sophisticated multilingual Euro crowd prefer obfuscatory long ones.
And he gets a clear message across, like it or not. He has no need of spin.
It was interesting that on the White House bus back into town, the journalists did not need to compare notes or discuss the president's words and what they meant.
On the other hand, for Chirac and Schroeder there was a discussion that would have made an old-style Kremlinologist blush. . . .
Some people think Schroeder said one thing about Nato and some think he actually meant another. Others claim that Chirac really believes Schroeder wanted to say... etc etc.
Welcome to Europe, Mr Bush.
The Patron Saint of the Internet?
Peggy Noonan has an idea:
St. Isidore of Seville, inventor of the encyclopedia, is said to be the leading contender for the title, but I hope he doesn't get it. The obvious patron saint of the internet is St. Joseph Cupertino. St. Joseph was a great man of the 17th century, and is my second favorite saint.
Many saints were deeply intelligent, and some were geniuses, but St. Joseph Cupertino, God bless him, was a bit of an idiot. Great saints like Teresa of Avila (my favorite: her common sense had a kind of genius to it) wrote books. St. Joseph Cupertino couldn't even read them. He had a low IQ. He was accepted to the priesthood only when a small miracle occurred: His big final test question dealt with the one part of the Bible he'd managed to fully memorize.
What was so special about St. Joseph? His intellectual dullness left him modest; the fact that no one seems ever to have loved him left him not angry but humble; the violence inflicted on him by others left him sympathetic to their frustrations. He thought nothing of himself, and God knew. He loved God with pure and complete ardor, and God knew that too. And God filled him with what most others could not be filled with because they were so full of themselves, and that was love. God poured so much love into St. Joseph that he was lit with it, floated with it. It literally left him airborne.
St. Joseph would pray, and then have visions, and soon he would begin to float. He would come to and find himself in the top of a tree and climb down with great embarrassment. It angered his superiors--who is this idiot to be so filled with love? Smarter people deserved visions! They also resented the fact that the local peasants began to follow him, for they and not the monks and nuns could see something special, the man was a saint. (He was: he'd be sent out to beg for food for the monastery and wind up giving the poor peasants his shoes and cloak instead. One cold winter day he came back naked.) Instead of wearing his shoes, the peasants saved them as relics.
Animals too seemed to understand St. Joseph. They felt the love within him like a mighty vibration. Maybe it was the exact opposite of an earthquake vibration dogs are said to feel. They didn't run from him but to him, and were quiet when they were with him, and put their heads on his knee. Birds would follow him. He'd tell them to shoo but they wouldn't, and he'd laugh. They flew all around his head. He died in obscurity after finally having been assigned never to leave his cell. The best essay on him is in "Saints for Sinners" by Alban Goodier.
Why is St. Joseph Cupertino the obvious patron saint of the Internet? Because he flew through the air, lifted by truth. Because no establishment could keep him down. Because he empowered common people. Because they in fact saw his power before the elites of the time did. And because it could not be an accident that the center of the invention of the Internet, ground zero of Silicon Valley, is Cupertino, Calif., named for the saint centuries ago.
Was God in this? Of course. Does God do such things for no reason? He does not. Has the church recognized St. Joseph Cupertino as patron saint of the Internet? No. But the church was always slow to give him his due. If you want to tell the pope that St. Joseph should be patron saint, you can reach him at john_paul_II@vatican.va.
St. Isidore of Seville, inventor of the encyclopedia, is said to be the leading contender for the title, but I hope he doesn't get it. The obvious patron saint of the internet is St. Joseph Cupertino. St. Joseph was a great man of the 17th century, and is my second favorite saint.
Many saints were deeply intelligent, and some were geniuses, but St. Joseph Cupertino, God bless him, was a bit of an idiot. Great saints like Teresa of Avila (my favorite: her common sense had a kind of genius to it) wrote books. St. Joseph Cupertino couldn't even read them. He had a low IQ. He was accepted to the priesthood only when a small miracle occurred: His big final test question dealt with the one part of the Bible he'd managed to fully memorize.
What was so special about St. Joseph? His intellectual dullness left him modest; the fact that no one seems ever to have loved him left him not angry but humble; the violence inflicted on him by others left him sympathetic to their frustrations. He thought nothing of himself, and God knew. He loved God with pure and complete ardor, and God knew that too. And God filled him with what most others could not be filled with because they were so full of themselves, and that was love. God poured so much love into St. Joseph that he was lit with it, floated with it. It literally left him airborne.
St. Joseph would pray, and then have visions, and soon he would begin to float. He would come to and find himself in the top of a tree and climb down with great embarrassment. It angered his superiors--who is this idiot to be so filled with love? Smarter people deserved visions! They also resented the fact that the local peasants began to follow him, for they and not the monks and nuns could see something special, the man was a saint. (He was: he'd be sent out to beg for food for the monastery and wind up giving the poor peasants his shoes and cloak instead. One cold winter day he came back naked.) Instead of wearing his shoes, the peasants saved them as relics.
Animals too seemed to understand St. Joseph. They felt the love within him like a mighty vibration. Maybe it was the exact opposite of an earthquake vibration dogs are said to feel. They didn't run from him but to him, and were quiet when they were with him, and put their heads on his knee. Birds would follow him. He'd tell them to shoo but they wouldn't, and he'd laugh. They flew all around his head. He died in obscurity after finally having been assigned never to leave his cell. The best essay on him is in "Saints for Sinners" by Alban Goodier.
Why is St. Joseph Cupertino the obvious patron saint of the Internet? Because he flew through the air, lifted by truth. Because no establishment could keep him down. Because he empowered common people. Because they in fact saw his power before the elites of the time did. And because it could not be an accident that the center of the invention of the Internet, ground zero of Silicon Valley, is Cupertino, Calif., named for the saint centuries ago.
Was God in this? Of course. Does God do such things for no reason? He does not. Has the church recognized St. Joseph Cupertino as patron saint of the Internet? No. But the church was always slow to give him his due. If you want to tell the pope that St. Joseph should be patron saint, you can reach him at john_paul_II@vatican.va.
I Love This Game!
I love the NBA - both the play on the court and the antics off. Bill Simmons agrees, and files this report from All-Star Weekend in Denver.
Three more things about the NBA Players Association party that you need to know:
1. Everyone had to pass through a metal detector on the way in.
2. This was my first party with "Courvousier ($12)" on the main drink menu at every bar, right alongside "Beer ($4)," "Wine ($6)" and "Mixed drinks ($8)."
3. In one of the men's bathrooms, at 1:45 in the morning, there were guys throwing dice against the wall and betting on every roll.
(The NBA ... it's FANNNNNNNN-tastic! I love this game!)
Three more things about the NBA Players Association party that you need to know:
1. Everyone had to pass through a metal detector on the way in.
2. This was my first party with "Courvousier ($12)" on the main drink menu at every bar, right alongside "Beer ($4)," "Wine ($6)" and "Mixed drinks ($8)."
3. In one of the men's bathrooms, at 1:45 in the morning, there were guys throwing dice against the wall and betting on every roll.
(The NBA ... it's FANNNNNNNN-tastic! I love this game!)
Wedded Bliss?
Here are two phrases you never want to see associated with a marriage:
1. "stabbed with a broken wineglass"
2. "back shaved by topless strippers"
CHRISTIAN Slater has finally called it a day. The "True Romance" star yesterday filed for divorce from his wife of five years, Ryan Haddon (above). The two have had a tumultuous relationship — Haddon once stabbed Slater with a broken wineglass and also flew into a rage two years ago when he was caught in the couple's Vancouver rental home getting his back shaved by topless strippers. A friend of Haddon said the model now will live in London with the couple's two children and that "they are still friends — they just can't stay together."
1. "stabbed with a broken wineglass"
2. "back shaved by topless strippers"
CHRISTIAN Slater has finally called it a day. The "True Romance" star yesterday filed for divorce from his wife of five years, Ryan Haddon (above). The two have had a tumultuous relationship — Haddon once stabbed Slater with a broken wineglass and also flew into a rage two years ago when he was caught in the couple's Vancouver rental home getting his back shaved by topless strippers. A friend of Haddon said the model now will live in London with the couple's two children and that "they are still friends — they just can't stay together."
More Good Signs From Abbas
RAMALLAH, West Bank Feb 24, 2005 — The Palestinian parliament on Thursday approved a new Cabinet dominated by professional appointees, a major move toward long-sought reform.
The Cabinet lineup was approved by 54 of 85 legislators approve the lineup.
The vote ended days of wrangling between rebellious legislators and Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia, who initially sought to reappoint political cronies from the Arafat era.
On Wednesday, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas intervened in the dispute between parliament and his prime minister, and persuaded legislators from his Fatah Party to support a Cabinet largely consisting of ministers chosen for their expertise, not political loyalty.
The Cabinet lineup was approved by 54 of 85 legislators approve the lineup.
The vote ended days of wrangling between rebellious legislators and Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia, who initially sought to reappoint political cronies from the Arafat era.
On Wednesday, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas intervened in the dispute between parliament and his prime minister, and persuaded legislators from his Fatah Party to support a Cabinet largely consisting of ministers chosen for their expertise, not political loyalty.
Million Dollar Baby Review
From Mike Potemra at National Review:
I finally saw it. To the extent that it rises above (or sinks below) the level of a formulaic boxing movie, it is a film that combines right-wing Nietzscheanism with left-wing Nietzscheanism in a strong brew of despair and dehumanization. Enough has probably been said about the film’s depiction, in its final scenes, of bioethical issues. What does need pointing out, I think, is the extent to which the final scenes are not tacked on, but rather are a natural outgrowth of the rest of this pernicious film. The movie from the very beginning uses boxing as a metaphor for life: The people who have dignity are the fighters. This is an easy metaphor to get away with, because--in its fallen condition--mankind does indeed tend to lose sight of its true source of dignity, and seek its redemption on an individual basis: being better, stronger, tougher, faster, smarter, wittier, more famous, etc., than the next person. But acquiescing in this metaphor of struggle can carry a prohibitive moral cost, which is abundantly on display in this ugly film. The movie’s chief villains are the woman boxer’s female relatives: They are depicted as without any redeeming virtue, a bunch of thugs and welfare cheats who live off others without any gratitude. The film does not use the old Nazi phrase “useless eaters” to describe them, but the idea comes through loud and clear. No wonder, then, that when the heroine—remember, she is tough, famous, pretty, and noble; in short, someone who deserves to be alive—faces the possibility of life as just such a “useless eater,” she, like the film, chooses death. This is a dull movie, punctuated by a handful of emotionally effective moments, and carries a degrading message. It is a not an analysis of what sin has done to humanity; it is a symptom.
I finally saw it. To the extent that it rises above (or sinks below) the level of a formulaic boxing movie, it is a film that combines right-wing Nietzscheanism with left-wing Nietzscheanism in a strong brew of despair and dehumanization. Enough has probably been said about the film’s depiction, in its final scenes, of bioethical issues. What does need pointing out, I think, is the extent to which the final scenes are not tacked on, but rather are a natural outgrowth of the rest of this pernicious film. The movie from the very beginning uses boxing as a metaphor for life: The people who have dignity are the fighters. This is an easy metaphor to get away with, because--in its fallen condition--mankind does indeed tend to lose sight of its true source of dignity, and seek its redemption on an individual basis: being better, stronger, tougher, faster, smarter, wittier, more famous, etc., than the next person. But acquiescing in this metaphor of struggle can carry a prohibitive moral cost, which is abundantly on display in this ugly film. The movie’s chief villains are the woman boxer’s female relatives: They are depicted as without any redeeming virtue, a bunch of thugs and welfare cheats who live off others without any gratitude. The film does not use the old Nazi phrase “useless eaters” to describe them, but the idea comes through loud and clear. No wonder, then, that when the heroine—remember, she is tough, famous, pretty, and noble; in short, someone who deserves to be alive—faces the possibility of life as just such a “useless eater,” she, like the film, chooses death. This is a dull movie, punctuated by a handful of emotionally effective moments, and carries a degrading message. It is a not an analysis of what sin has done to humanity; it is a symptom.
The Next Domino To Fall
Leaders of Lebanon's banking, industrial and commercial sectors said they would shut down next Monday to demand the country's pro-Syrian government resign and that a "neutral" one replace it.
The strike would coincide with an expected vote of confidence in parliament, two weeks after the murder of former premier Rafiq Hariri in a bomb blast for which the opposition has pinned blame on the government and its Syrian backers.
The strike would coincide with an expected vote of confidence in parliament, two weeks after the murder of former premier Rafiq Hariri in a bomb blast for which the opposition has pinned blame on the government and its Syrian backers.
Bush In Germany
From Der Spiegel:
President Ronald Reagan's visit to Berlin in 1987 was, in many respects, very similar to President George W. Bush's visit to Mainz on Wednesday. Like Bush's visit, Reagan's trip was likewise accompanied by unprecedented security precautions. A handpicked crowd cheered Reagan in front of the Brandenburg Gate while large parts of the Berlin subway system were shut down. And the Germany Reagan was traveling in, much like today's Germany, was very skeptical of the American president and his foreign policy. When Reagan stood before the Brandenburg Gate -- and the Berlin Wall -- and demanded that Gorbachev "tear down this Wall," he was lampooned the next day on the editorial pages. He is a dreamer, wrote commentators. Realpolitik looks different.
But history has shown that it wasn't Reagan who was the dreamer as he voiced his demand. Rather, it was German politicians who were lacking in imagination -- a group who in 1987 couldn't imagine that there might be an alternative to a divided Germany. Those who spoke of reunification were labelled as nationalists and the entire German left was completely uninterested in a unified Germany. . . .
When the voter turnout in Iraq recently exceeded that of many Western nations, the chorus of critique from Iraq alarmists was, at least for a couple of days, quieted. Just as quiet as the chorus of Germany experts on the night of Nov. 9, 1989 when the Wall fell.
President Ronald Reagan's visit to Berlin in 1987 was, in many respects, very similar to President George W. Bush's visit to Mainz on Wednesday. Like Bush's visit, Reagan's trip was likewise accompanied by unprecedented security precautions. A handpicked crowd cheered Reagan in front of the Brandenburg Gate while large parts of the Berlin subway system were shut down. And the Germany Reagan was traveling in, much like today's Germany, was very skeptical of the American president and his foreign policy. When Reagan stood before the Brandenburg Gate -- and the Berlin Wall -- and demanded that Gorbachev "tear down this Wall," he was lampooned the next day on the editorial pages. He is a dreamer, wrote commentators. Realpolitik looks different.
But history has shown that it wasn't Reagan who was the dreamer as he voiced his demand. Rather, it was German politicians who were lacking in imagination -- a group who in 1987 couldn't imagine that there might be an alternative to a divided Germany. Those who spoke of reunification were labelled as nationalists and the entire German left was completely uninterested in a unified Germany. . . .
When the voter turnout in Iraq recently exceeded that of many Western nations, the chorus of critique from Iraq alarmists was, at least for a couple of days, quieted. Just as quiet as the chorus of Germany experts on the night of Nov. 9, 1989 when the Wall fell.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Bob Dylan Speaks
Bob's not too keen on the kids:
"I know there are groups at the top of the charts that are hailed as the saviours of rock'n'roll and all that, but they are amateurs. They don't know where the music comes from," he wrote, adding, “I wouldn't even think about playing music if I was born in these times... I'd probably turn to something like mathematics. That would interest me. Architecture would interest me. Something like that."
But remember, never trust anyone over 30.
"I know there are groups at the top of the charts that are hailed as the saviours of rock'n'roll and all that, but they are amateurs. They don't know where the music comes from," he wrote, adding, “I wouldn't even think about playing music if I was born in these times... I'd probably turn to something like mathematics. That would interest me. Architecture would interest me. Something like that."
But remember, never trust anyone over 30.
Librarians Are Nuts
Case in point:
CULVER CITY, Calif.- Francesca Lia Block's Los Angeles is a glittering dream world of "stained-glass Marilyn Monroes shining in the trees, leopard-spotted cars, gardens full of pink poison oleander," where the pollution makes for extra-beautiful sunsets. It is also the home of Weetzie Bat, the heroine of Ms. Block's highly successful books for young adults.
Weetzie Bat wears vintage clothes decorated with sparkles. She has a boyfriend she calls "My Secret Agent Lover Man." They live with Dirk, Weetzie's gay best friend, his lover, Duck, and Weetzie's daughter, Cherokee, possibly conceived during group sex with Dirk and Duck. There is also Witch Baby, Lover Man's child with a witch. The family works in the movie business. And they become involved with seamier elements of Los Angeles: rough sex, pimps and drugs.
This may not seem like a conventional young-adult book or something to be promoted by your local library. But in January, the Young Adult Library Services Association of the American Library Association announced that Ms. Block was being given the Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement, sponsored by School Library Journal. The award's web site (www.ala.org) says it "recognizes an author's work in helping adolescents become aware of themselves and addressing questions about their role" in society.
"Hers is a voice so unique that nobody will ever be able to imitate it," said Cindy Dobrez, a public school librarian and chairwoman of the award committee.
CULVER CITY, Calif.- Francesca Lia Block's Los Angeles is a glittering dream world of "stained-glass Marilyn Monroes shining in the trees, leopard-spotted cars, gardens full of pink poison oleander," where the pollution makes for extra-beautiful sunsets. It is also the home of Weetzie Bat, the heroine of Ms. Block's highly successful books for young adults.
Weetzie Bat wears vintage clothes decorated with sparkles. She has a boyfriend she calls "My Secret Agent Lover Man." They live with Dirk, Weetzie's gay best friend, his lover, Duck, and Weetzie's daughter, Cherokee, possibly conceived during group sex with Dirk and Duck. There is also Witch Baby, Lover Man's child with a witch. The family works in the movie business. And they become involved with seamier elements of Los Angeles: rough sex, pimps and drugs.
This may not seem like a conventional young-adult book or something to be promoted by your local library. But in January, the Young Adult Library Services Association of the American Library Association announced that Ms. Block was being given the Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement, sponsored by School Library Journal. The award's web site (www.ala.org) says it "recognizes an author's work in helping adolescents become aware of themselves and addressing questions about their role" in society.
"Hers is a voice so unique that nobody will ever be able to imitate it," said Cindy Dobrez, a public school librarian and chairwoman of the award committee.
Trading In Korn For The King
This is rather surprising:
Korn guitarist Brian "Head" Welch has parted ways with the hard rock act. Welch broke the news Sunday on Bakersfield, Calif., station KRAB-FM, citing a recent religious awakening. "I had it in my heart to come here and explain to you," Welch said. "I'm good friends with Korn. I love those guys, and they love me, and they're very happy for me."
Addressing the aggressive tone of the music he made with Korn, Welch said, "Anger is a good thing, and if kids want to listen to Korn, good, but there's happiness after the anger. I'm going to show it through my actions how much I love my fans."
Welch added that he would be appearing at a local church on Sunday (Feb. 27), during which time he would "speak [about] how I got to this place in my life, and I'll answer all your questions."
On its official Web site, Korn's remaining members said they respect Welch's wishes and hope "he finds the happiness he is searching for." The group is in the studio working on a new album, due in September, which will be its first since fulfilling its contract with Epic last year.
For now, no replacement for Welch has been named, nor has a new label home for the band.
Korn guitarist Brian "Head" Welch has parted ways with the hard rock act. Welch broke the news Sunday on Bakersfield, Calif., station KRAB-FM, citing a recent religious awakening. "I had it in my heart to come here and explain to you," Welch said. "I'm good friends with Korn. I love those guys, and they love me, and they're very happy for me."
Addressing the aggressive tone of the music he made with Korn, Welch said, "Anger is a good thing, and if kids want to listen to Korn, good, but there's happiness after the anger. I'm going to show it through my actions how much I love my fans."
Welch added that he would be appearing at a local church on Sunday (Feb. 27), during which time he would "speak [about] how I got to this place in my life, and I'll answer all your questions."
On its official Web site, Korn's remaining members said they respect Welch's wishes and hope "he finds the happiness he is searching for." The group is in the studio working on a new album, due in September, which will be its first since fulfilling its contract with Epic last year.
For now, no replacement for Welch has been named, nor has a new label home for the band.
The Boys Are Back In Town
If you thought new Newport had completely replaced old Newport, think again.
It was a rough-and-tumble weekend among teens in Newport, where police say three boys were assaulted with everything from a slingshot and a steak knife to brass knuckles and a baseball bat.
Newport police arrested two boys -- one 12, the other 13 -- on felony assault charges after allegedly attacking two 13-year-old boys in separate incidents Friday and Saturday. No arrests were made in connection with a third assault on an 18-year-old Cincinnati teen Friday afternoon.
In that incident, Walter J. Harris, told Newport police that someone began shooting rocks from a slingshot at him and his friends as they walked along Ann Street about 1 p.m. When Harris told the stranger to stop firing rocks, he told police that three men emerged from a house on the west side of the street and attacked him. Harris told investigators that one of the assailants beat him in the head with brass knuckles.
Harris was treated at St. Luke Hospital East in Fort Thomas for cuts and bruises. He told police his assailants were white men with medium builds and facial hair. He said one wore a New York Yankees ball cap and all three came from a home about four or five houses down from the Ninth Street intersection.
A few hours later police say another fight broke out on Liberty Street between 12- and 13-year-old brothers at odds over who would get to go online next. Newport police said the case of sibling rivalry turned violent when the younger boy tried to cut in line at the computer by cutting his big brother with a steak knife.
The 12-year-old boy then allegedly ran outside and tossed the knife into the sewer before police arrived. The victim was not badly hurt, but suffered a cut to his left side. His younger brother, who was not identified because of his age, is charged with second-degree assault.
The final teen-aged tussle of the weekend occurred Saturday just after 8 p.m., when Newport police say a 13-year-old Thornton Street boy was beaten with a baseball bat by another 13-year-old boy outside his home.
The victim's father, Christopher Iles, told Newport police he and his teen-age son went to their front door Saturday night after a large group of kids gathered on their porch and began kicking the door. Iles told police that his son moved toward a boy in the crowd he expected to fight when he was struck in the head with a broken baseball bat. The victim was treated at St. Luke Hospital East in Fort Thomas for a head wound. His accused assailant -- a seventh-grader at Newport Middle School -- is charged with second-degree assault.
It was a rough-and-tumble weekend among teens in Newport, where police say three boys were assaulted with everything from a slingshot and a steak knife to brass knuckles and a baseball bat.
Newport police arrested two boys -- one 12, the other 13 -- on felony assault charges after allegedly attacking two 13-year-old boys in separate incidents Friday and Saturday. No arrests were made in connection with a third assault on an 18-year-old Cincinnati teen Friday afternoon.
In that incident, Walter J. Harris, told Newport police that someone began shooting rocks from a slingshot at him and his friends as they walked along Ann Street about 1 p.m. When Harris told the stranger to stop firing rocks, he told police that three men emerged from a house on the west side of the street and attacked him. Harris told investigators that one of the assailants beat him in the head with brass knuckles.
Harris was treated at St. Luke Hospital East in Fort Thomas for cuts and bruises. He told police his assailants were white men with medium builds and facial hair. He said one wore a New York Yankees ball cap and all three came from a home about four or five houses down from the Ninth Street intersection.
A few hours later police say another fight broke out on Liberty Street between 12- and 13-year-old brothers at odds over who would get to go online next. Newport police said the case of sibling rivalry turned violent when the younger boy tried to cut in line at the computer by cutting his big brother with a steak knife.
The 12-year-old boy then allegedly ran outside and tossed the knife into the sewer before police arrived. The victim was not badly hurt, but suffered a cut to his left side. His younger brother, who was not identified because of his age, is charged with second-degree assault.
The final teen-aged tussle of the weekend occurred Saturday just after 8 p.m., when Newport police say a 13-year-old Thornton Street boy was beaten with a baseball bat by another 13-year-old boy outside his home.
The victim's father, Christopher Iles, told Newport police he and his teen-age son went to their front door Saturday night after a large group of kids gathered on their porch and began kicking the door. Iles told police that his son moved toward a boy in the crowd he expected to fight when he was struck in the head with a broken baseball bat. The victim was treated at St. Luke Hospital East in Fort Thomas for a head wound. His accused assailant -- a seventh-grader at Newport Middle School -- is charged with second-degree assault.
A Must-Read For All Parents
Sports has become one of our culture's Gods, but it's taking a considerable toll on our kids. And here's more:
Around the country, doctors in pediatric sports medicine say it is as if they have happened upon a new childhood disease, and the cause is the overaggressive culture of organized youth sports.
"They are overuse injuries pure and simple," Dr. James Andrews, a nationally prominent sports orthopedist, said. "You get a kid on the operating table and you say to yourself, 'It's impossible for a 13-year-old to have this kind of wear and tear.' We've got an epidemic going on."
...Dr. Andrews advocates a laundry list of changes. It begins with stopping year-round play in one sport. "At least three months off," he said. For baseball and softball pitchers, he would also ban the radar gun.
"That thing has wrecked more arms," he said. "I'm sick of seeing these kids being torn apart."
Around the country, doctors in pediatric sports medicine say it is as if they have happened upon a new childhood disease, and the cause is the overaggressive culture of organized youth sports.
"They are overuse injuries pure and simple," Dr. James Andrews, a nationally prominent sports orthopedist, said. "You get a kid on the operating table and you say to yourself, 'It's impossible for a 13-year-old to have this kind of wear and tear.' We've got an epidemic going on."
...Dr. Andrews advocates a laundry list of changes. It begins with stopping year-round play in one sport. "At least three months off," he said. For baseball and softball pitchers, he would also ban the radar gun.
"That thing has wrecked more arms," he said. "I'm sick of seeing these kids being torn apart."
Quote of the Day
From the WaPo:
The leader of this Lebanese intifada [for independence from Syria] is Walid Jumblatt, the patriarch of the Druze Muslim community and, until recently, a man who accommodated Syria's occupation. But something snapped for Jumblatt last year, when the Syrians overruled the Lebanese constitution and forced the reelection of their front man in Lebanon, President Emile Lahoud. The old slogans about Arab nationalism turned to ashes in Jumblatt's mouth, and he and Hariri openly began to defy Damascus...
"It's strange for me to say it, but this process of change has started because of the American invasion of Iraq," explains Jumblatt. "I was cynical about Iraq. But when I saw the Iraqi people voting three weeks ago, 8 million of them, it was the start of a new Arab world." Jumblatt says this spark of democratic revolt is spreading. "The Syrian people, the Egyptian people, all say that something is changing. The Berlin Wall has fallen. We can see it."
The leader of this Lebanese intifada [for independence from Syria] is Walid Jumblatt, the patriarch of the Druze Muslim community and, until recently, a man who accommodated Syria's occupation. But something snapped for Jumblatt last year, when the Syrians overruled the Lebanese constitution and forced the reelection of their front man in Lebanon, President Emile Lahoud. The old slogans about Arab nationalism turned to ashes in Jumblatt's mouth, and he and Hariri openly began to defy Damascus...
"It's strange for me to say it, but this process of change has started because of the American invasion of Iraq," explains Jumblatt. "I was cynical about Iraq. But when I saw the Iraqi people voting three weeks ago, 8 million of them, it was the start of a new Arab world." Jumblatt says this spark of democratic revolt is spreading. "The Syrian people, the Egyptian people, all say that something is changing. The Berlin Wall has fallen. We can see it."
How Do You Define Wussy?
Larry Summers:
After five weeks of mea culpas for his remarks about women in the sciences, Dr. Summers issued yet another apology. He promised professors that they would no longer experience the intimidation, anger and hurt feelings that many of them have reported in his three-and-a-half-year tenure.
After five weeks of mea culpas for his remarks about women in the sciences, Dr. Summers issued yet another apology. He promised professors that they would no longer experience the intimidation, anger and hurt feelings that many of them have reported in his three-and-a-half-year tenure.
Nevermind
Inequality still exists:
The findings drew immediate criticism from some feminist groups and scholars.
"This reminds me of that saying, 'lies, damn lies and statistics," said Kim Gandy, president of the National Organization for Women. "There's no question that boys and girls have disadvantages in different ways, but the variables they have chosen seem designed to show girls are doing better."
The findings drew immediate criticism from some feminist groups and scholars.
"This reminds me of that saying, 'lies, damn lies and statistics," said Kim Gandy, president of the National Organization for Women. "There's no question that boys and girls have disadvantages in different ways, but the variables they have chosen seem designed to show girls are doing better."
The Boys Are Alright
The WaPo breaks a story that we already knew:
Contradicting both sides in the long-running debate on whether boys or girls have it better in America, the most comprehensive examination of the overall well-being of male and female children has found that the sexes are faring about equally. Although boys have the advantage in some areas and girls score better in others, they are doing about the same in a broad array of measures assessing essential dimensions of life, such as health, safety, economics and education, the researchers found.
Contradicting both sides in the long-running debate on whether boys or girls have it better in America, the most comprehensive examination of the overall well-being of male and female children has found that the sexes are faring about equally. Although boys have the advantage in some areas and girls score better in others, they are doing about the same in a broad array of measures assessing essential dimensions of life, such as health, safety, economics and education, the researchers found.
The Return of Gluttony
Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee has lost 110 pounds. Read about it here. Why did he do it?
"If my body belonged to the Lord, I was not following the design of the Designer," said the governor.
It is a matter of the divine ownership of the body, said Huckabee.
"I was living in a way that made my body unfit as a temple where He might live. It was not only unhealthy. It was sinful," said Huckabee.
Ah, yes, gluttony. One of the seven deadly sins, yet largely ignored as a spiritual issue in today's culture. But it is. Our weight, like our sex lives and integrity and attitude, is a reflection of our obedience to God.
The worst part about the sin of gluttony is that it is - usually - out there for all the world to see. It's difficult to hide 100 extra pounds.
"If my body belonged to the Lord, I was not following the design of the Designer," said the governor.
It is a matter of the divine ownership of the body, said Huckabee.
"I was living in a way that made my body unfit as a temple where He might live. It was not only unhealthy. It was sinful," said Huckabee.
Ah, yes, gluttony. One of the seven deadly sins, yet largely ignored as a spiritual issue in today's culture. But it is. Our weight, like our sex lives and integrity and attitude, is a reflection of our obedience to God.
The worst part about the sin of gluttony is that it is - usually - out there for all the world to see. It's difficult to hide 100 extra pounds.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Still Kicking
John Paul continues to fight the good fight of faith. He is truly a voice crying in the wilderness.
ROME (Reuters) - Homosexual marriages are part of "a new ideology of evil" that is insidiously threatening society, Pope John Paul says in a new book published Tuesday.
In "Memory and Identity," the Pope also calls abortion a "legal extermination" comparable to attempts to wipe out Jews and other groups in the 20th century.
ROME (Reuters) - Homosexual marriages are part of "a new ideology of evil" that is insidiously threatening society, Pope John Paul says in a new book published Tuesday.
In "Memory and Identity," the Pope also calls abortion a "legal extermination" comparable to attempts to wipe out Jews and other groups in the 20th century.
Like It Or Not...
...NASCAR is here to stay. Check out these HUGE ratings from Sunday's Daytona 500.
A Universe Entirely of Ourselves
Andrew Sullivan laments our technology-obsessed world...of which he is a part. The bottom line:
Technology has given us a universe entirely for ourselves — where the serendipity of meeting a new stranger, hearing a piece of music we would never choose for ourselves or an opinion that might force us to change our mind about something are all effectively banished.
Technology has given us a universe entirely for ourselves — where the serendipity of meeting a new stranger, hearing a piece of music we would never choose for ourselves or an opinion that might force us to change our mind about something are all effectively banished.
Ward Churchill Update
The University of Colorado made their bed; now they must sleep in it.
University of Colorado officials rushed to award tenure to Ward Churchill in 1991, thinking he had been offered a full professorship in American Indian studies at a California university.
But a former official in the California system says no such offer was ever made.
"He wasn't really a serious candidate because of his lack of credentials," said George Wayne, a former vice president for student academic services at California State University, Sacramento.
"The lack of a doctorate was one factor," Wayne said Monday. "Also, he wasn't writing learned articles - they were advocacy articles that could appear anywhere."
University of Colorado officials rushed to award tenure to Ward Churchill in 1991, thinking he had been offered a full professorship in American Indian studies at a California university.
But a former official in the California system says no such offer was ever made.
"He wasn't really a serious candidate because of his lack of credentials," said George Wayne, a former vice president for student academic services at California State University, Sacramento.
"The lack of a doctorate was one factor," Wayne said Monday. "Also, he wasn't writing learned articles - they were advocacy articles that could appear anywhere."
The Drumbeat Continues
Instead of isolated incidents, these now seem to be the trend in the Middle East.
About 500 protesters gathered outside Cairo University Monday to urge Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to abstain from seeking a fifth term.
The protest was organized by the Egyptian Movement for Change, which warned Mubarak against grooming his son, Jamal, "to inherit him."
The protesters shouted anti-Mubarak slogans and called for amending the constitution to allow the election of the president by universal suffrage instead of a referendum on a single candidate approved by Parliament.
Here's more on Lebanon, from Amir Taheri:
UNTIL a week ago, the courtyard of the Muhammad Ali-Amin Mosque in central Beirut was a quiet place where elderly citizens took time off to feed the pigeons. Yesterday, however, it held the largest gathering Lebanon has ever seen.
This was the culmination of a week in which an endless flow of people from all walks of life and different faiths had continued in and out of the mosque united by a single purpose: to call for a restoration of Lebanon's freedom and independence as a nation. . . .
Did Damascus see Hariri as the only politician capable of uniting the Lebanese opposition against Syria's continued domination of virtually all aspects of Lebanon's life?
If so, it was correct — but only in the context of Lebanon's elite-dominated politics. Yet Hariri's murder has ended elite politics by bringing into the picture a new element.
That element is people power, the same force that swept away the totalitarian regimes of Central and Eastern Europe in the 1990s and, more recently, led Ukraine into a second liberation.
About 500 protesters gathered outside Cairo University Monday to urge Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to abstain from seeking a fifth term.
The protest was organized by the Egyptian Movement for Change, which warned Mubarak against grooming his son, Jamal, "to inherit him."
The protesters shouted anti-Mubarak slogans and called for amending the constitution to allow the election of the president by universal suffrage instead of a referendum on a single candidate approved by Parliament.
Here's more on Lebanon, from Amir Taheri:
UNTIL a week ago, the courtyard of the Muhammad Ali-Amin Mosque in central Beirut was a quiet place where elderly citizens took time off to feed the pigeons. Yesterday, however, it held the largest gathering Lebanon has ever seen.
This was the culmination of a week in which an endless flow of people from all walks of life and different faiths had continued in and out of the mosque united by a single purpose: to call for a restoration of Lebanon's freedom and independence as a nation. . . .
Did Damascus see Hariri as the only politician capable of uniting the Lebanese opposition against Syria's continued domination of virtually all aspects of Lebanon's life?
If so, it was correct — but only in the context of Lebanon's elite-dominated politics. Yet Hariri's murder has ended elite politics by bringing into the picture a new element.
That element is people power, the same force that swept away the totalitarian regimes of Central and Eastern Europe in the 1990s and, more recently, led Ukraine into a second liberation.
Monday, February 21, 2005
Go, W, Go!
The thing I most like about W is that he just doesn't care what the sniveling, chattering classes think. Most thought he was traveling to Europe on the defensive, yet he continues to play offense.
President Bush and French President Jacques Chirac said Monday they had patched up their differences over Iraq as Bush appealed for European unity in helping to spread democracy across the Middle East.
At the same time, Bush prodded Russia to reverse a crackdown on political dissent, suggesting Moscow's efforts to join the World Trade Organization could hinge on it. He said he would press the point when he meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin later in the week.
"I intend to remind him that if his interests lie West, that we share values and that those values are important," Bush said. "They're not only important for people who that live within Russia, they're important to have good relations with the West."
He also demanded that Iran end its nuclear ambitions and told Syria to get out of Lebanon.
President Bush and French President Jacques Chirac said Monday they had patched up their differences over Iraq as Bush appealed for European unity in helping to spread democracy across the Middle East.
At the same time, Bush prodded Russia to reverse a crackdown on political dissent, suggesting Moscow's efforts to join the World Trade Organization could hinge on it. He said he would press the point when he meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin later in the week.
"I intend to remind him that if his interests lie West, that we share values and that those values are important," Bush said. "They're not only important for people who that live within Russia, they're important to have good relations with the West."
He also demanded that Iran end its nuclear ambitions and told Syria to get out of Lebanon.
Jim Bunning May Be Crazy, But I Like How He Votes
Go here to find out how liberal or conservative your Congressional representatives are...as judged by The National Journal.
It's About Time
I've always ridiculed NKU for its open enrollment policy. That is, let anybody in regardless of academic performance as long as they pay the tuition. Apparently, that is changing. This is a small change, but it's a start.
And I Thought NOW Had Become Irrelevant
The National Organization for Women has called for the resignation of Harvard University President Lawrence Summers.
Summers offended feminists last week when he suggested that "innate" differences in men and women may help explain why men dominate math, sciences and engineering.
But according to NOW, the long history of male domination in these fields is attributable to "sexism" and other social constructs.
In response, I call for the President of NOW to resign.
Summers offended feminists last week when he suggested that "innate" differences in men and women may help explain why men dominate math, sciences and engineering.
But according to NOW, the long history of male domination in these fields is attributable to "sexism" and other social constructs.
In response, I call for the President of NOW to resign.
Tru Dat
As much as I dislike Vitale, I think he's right:
Strongest comments: 1. Though No. 3 Kentucky drubbed Mississippi State on Saturday night 94-78, ESPN's Dick Vitale said the Wildcats have "overachieved to be 20-3."
Strongest comments: 1. Though No. 3 Kentucky drubbed Mississippi State on Saturday night 94-78, ESPN's Dick Vitale said the Wildcats have "overachieved to be 20-3."
The Hits Just Keep On Coming
We haven't even gotten to the big stuff yet, and already top UN officials are resigning.
The U.N.'s top refugee advocate resigned Sunday amid a festering controversy over allegations that he sexually harassed several female employees at the U.N. refugee agency. . . .
U.N. diplomats said Lubbers had become a political liability for an organization already striving to demonstrate its willingness to hold senior officials accountable after damaging scandals involving corruption in a U.N. humanitarian program in Iraq and sexual misconduct by U.N. peacekeepers in Congo.
Annan is bracing for a report next month by a U.N.-appointed panel probing allegations of influence peddling in the U.N.-administered oil-for-food program in Iraq by his son, Kojo Annan. Those charges have triggered calls for Annan's resignation from some legislators, including Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.), chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee's Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.
The U.N.'s top refugee advocate resigned Sunday amid a festering controversy over allegations that he sexually harassed several female employees at the U.N. refugee agency. . . .
U.N. diplomats said Lubbers had become a political liability for an organization already striving to demonstrate its willingness to hold senior officials accountable after damaging scandals involving corruption in a U.N. humanitarian program in Iraq and sexual misconduct by U.N. peacekeepers in Congo.
Annan is bracing for a report next month by a U.N.-appointed panel probing allegations of influence peddling in the U.N.-administered oil-for-food program in Iraq by his son, Kojo Annan. Those charges have triggered calls for Annan's resignation from some legislators, including Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.), chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee's Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.
Wheeling and Dealing
This is interesting.
U.S. diplomats and intelligence officers are conducting secret talks with Iraq's Sunni insurgents on ways to end fighting there, Time magazine reported on Sunday, citing Pentagon and other sources.
The magazine cited a secret meeting between two members of the U.S. military and an Iraqi negotiator, a middle-aged former member of Saddam Hussein's regime and the senior representative of what he called the nationalist insurgency.
"We are ready to work with you," the Iraqi negotiator said, according to Time.
Iraqi insurgent leaders not aligned with al Qaeda ally Abu Mousab al-Zarqawi told the magazine several nationalist groups composed of what the Pentagon calls "former regime elements" have become open to negotiating. The insurgents said their aim was to establish a political identity that can represent disenfranchised Sunnis.
If a deal is struck, where would this leave Zarqawi? On an island.
U.S. diplomats and intelligence officers are conducting secret talks with Iraq's Sunni insurgents on ways to end fighting there, Time magazine reported on Sunday, citing Pentagon and other sources.
The magazine cited a secret meeting between two members of the U.S. military and an Iraqi negotiator, a middle-aged former member of Saddam Hussein's regime and the senior representative of what he called the nationalist insurgency.
"We are ready to work with you," the Iraqi negotiator said, according to Time.
Iraqi insurgent leaders not aligned with al Qaeda ally Abu Mousab al-Zarqawi told the magazine several nationalist groups composed of what the Pentagon calls "former regime elements" have become open to negotiating. The insurgents said their aim was to establish a political identity that can represent disenfranchised Sunnis.
If a deal is struck, where would this leave Zarqawi? On an island.
Sunday, February 20, 2005
R's On The Decline
This is a positive trend.
Despite moral watchdogs lamenting Hollywood's vile tendencies, the studios have actually been cleaning up their act. R-rated films, once the studios' mainstay, are on the decline, both in numbers and in lure. In the last five years, R-rated pics have dwindled from 212 in 1999 to just 147 last year.
Perhaps even more startling is the fact that in 2004, PG films outgrossed R pics for the first time in two decades: $2.3 billion to $2.1 billion. The last time PG was bigger business than R was 1984, the year the Motion Picture Assn. of America introduced the PG-13 rating.
Despite moral watchdogs lamenting Hollywood's vile tendencies, the studios have actually been cleaning up their act. R-rated films, once the studios' mainstay, are on the decline, both in numbers and in lure. In the last five years, R-rated pics have dwindled from 212 in 1999 to just 147 last year.
Perhaps even more startling is the fact that in 2004, PG films outgrossed R pics for the first time in two decades: $2.3 billion to $2.1 billion. The last time PG was bigger business than R was 1984, the year the Motion Picture Assn. of America introduced the PG-13 rating.
Daytona 500
I'm only a casual NASCAR fan, but I always watch the Daytona 500. Today's race about took my breath away. Four lead changes in the last nine laps...all at 193 miles per hour and three or four wide on the track. Unbelievable.
Friday, February 18, 2005
Exxon is King
Sorry Ed, but you're #2 now:
Feb. 18 (Bloomberg) -- Exxon Mobil Corp. overtook General Electric Co. as the world's biggest company by market value, underscoring the emergence of energy stocks as leaders amid surging oil prices.
Exxon Mobil, the largest publicly traded oil producer, was valued at $385.8 billion as of 2:30 p.m. in New York, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The figure surpassed the $378.59 billion value of GE, whose 11 units include financial services, health care and the NBC television network.
Feb. 18 (Bloomberg) -- Exxon Mobil Corp. overtook General Electric Co. as the world's biggest company by market value, underscoring the emergence of energy stocks as leaders amid surging oil prices.
Exxon Mobil, the largest publicly traded oil producer, was valued at $385.8 billion as of 2:30 p.m. in New York, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The figure surpassed the $378.59 billion value of GE, whose 11 units include financial services, health care and the NBC television network.
What Has Taken So Long?
This is a no-brainer. Blockbuster is totally full of you-know-what on this one. I'm just surprised it's taken this long for somebody to call them on it.
NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - New Jersey Attorney General Peter Harvey sued Blockbuster Inc. Friday, claiming the video rental chain is deceiving customers with its new 'No More Late Fees' rental policy.
The lawsuit accused the movie rental chain of deceptive advertising and violating the state's consumer fraud laws.
"Blockbuster boldly announced its 'No More Late Fees' policy, but has not told customers about the big fees they are charged if they keep videos or games for more than a week after they are due," the attorney general said in a statement.
Under Blockbuster's (Research) new policy, put into effect on Jan. 1, customers can keep a rental for one week past the due date at no additional charge. After that, they are charged a restocking fee of $1.25. And if the overdue item is kept for more than 30 days, Blockbuster will charge the customer the retail value of the item.
NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - New Jersey Attorney General Peter Harvey sued Blockbuster Inc. Friday, claiming the video rental chain is deceiving customers with its new 'No More Late Fees' rental policy.
The lawsuit accused the movie rental chain of deceptive advertising and violating the state's consumer fraud laws.
"Blockbuster boldly announced its 'No More Late Fees' policy, but has not told customers about the big fees they are charged if they keep videos or games for more than a week after they are due," the attorney general said in a statement.
Under Blockbuster's (Research) new policy, put into effect on Jan. 1, customers can keep a rental for one week past the due date at no additional charge. After that, they are charged a restocking fee of $1.25. And if the overdue item is kept for more than 30 days, Blockbuster will charge the customer the retail value of the item.
Now I Know
I've always wondered what a military base costs. Now I know.
IRVINE, California (AP) -- A giant homebuilder won an online auction of a former Marine base, agreeing to pay $1.05 billion for the Orange County tract once pegged for an airport.
Lennar Corp. will build 3,400 homes on part of the 3,718 acres, and another section of the land is slated to become one of the nation's largest urban parks. The rest will be used for retail centers and industrial parks, the Miami-based developer said.
IRVINE, California (AP) -- A giant homebuilder won an online auction of a former Marine base, agreeing to pay $1.05 billion for the Orange County tract once pegged for an airport.
Lennar Corp. will build 3,400 homes on part of the 3,718 acres, and another section of the land is slated to become one of the nation's largest urban parks. The rest will be used for retail centers and industrial parks, the Miami-based developer said.
Those Crazy Kids
This sounds like fun:
EMERGENCY PLANNING MEETING to Protest Summers & SexismTODAY (Friday) 2:30 pm - Loker Commons
Larry Summers' remarks on women in science at the NBERConference are now publicly released. National media attention isfocused on Harvard -- in this climate a student protest has the potentialto capture major news coverage and impact national publicdiscourse.
WE MUST SEIZE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK OUT AGAINSTSEXISM.
* The dining hall workers union is organizing against the hostile environment created by his comments.
* Yale students demonstrated on Thursday in solidarity.
* Senior faculty are challenging him and suggesting his resignation.
IT'S TIME FOR HARVARD STUDENTS TO JOIN IN RAISING OURVOICES!
Students and alumnae are planning a demonstration before the faculty meeting next Tuesday afternoon -- when professors convene to discuss a vote of "no confidence" in Summers.
What issues will we raise? From resignation, to childcare for Harvard workers, to a women's center, to finals clubs, let's get planning and put together an agenda!
Join us if you're concerned about improving the climateof this campus for women and about a feminist agenda at Harvard.
EMERGENCY PLANNING MEETING to Protest Summers & SexismTODAY (Friday) 2:30 pm - Loker Commons
Larry Summers' remarks on women in science at the NBERConference are now publicly released. National media attention isfocused on Harvard -- in this climate a student protest has the potentialto capture major news coverage and impact national publicdiscourse.
WE MUST SEIZE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK OUT AGAINSTSEXISM.
* The dining hall workers union is organizing against the hostile environment created by his comments.
* Yale students demonstrated on Thursday in solidarity.
* Senior faculty are challenging him and suggesting his resignation.
IT'S TIME FOR HARVARD STUDENTS TO JOIN IN RAISING OURVOICES!
Students and alumnae are planning a demonstration before the faculty meeting next Tuesday afternoon -- when professors convene to discuss a vote of "no confidence" in Summers.
What issues will we raise? From resignation, to childcare for Harvard workers, to a women's center, to finals clubs, let's get planning and put together an agenda!
Join us if you're concerned about improving the climateof this campus for women and about a feminist agenda at Harvard.
Dukies Go Down
BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) -- Zabian Dowdell and his Virginia Tech teammates talked a lot about not being intimidated by Duke and forgetting their lopsided loss on the Blue Devils' home court just 18 days earlier.
The Hokies took the message to heart, and when Dowdell made a 3-pointer with 14.6 seconds to play, Virginia Tech stunned No. 7 Duke 67-65 Thursday night.
Duke has trouble winning away from the friendly confines of Cameron Indoor...and the friendly officiating that it provides.
The Hokies took the message to heart, and when Dowdell made a 3-pointer with 14.6 seconds to play, Virginia Tech stunned No. 7 Duke 67-65 Thursday night.
Duke has trouble winning away from the friendly confines of Cameron Indoor...and the friendly officiating that it provides.
My Kind of Newspaper
From my view, the Christian Science Monitor is the best paper out there. It's mildly biased to the left, but produces detailed, in-depth articles on stories most of the other papers generally ignore.
Check it out here.
Check it out here.
"It Looks Like a Barber's Pole"
Didn't this happen in Porky's?
THE most lurid testimony to be heard in Michael Jackson's looming child molestation trial could concern the bizarre appearance of his penis.
Private investigator Ernie Rizzo, who was hired by the family of the boy who accused Jackson of molestation in 1993, predicts that Jackson's latest alleged victim could provide damning testimony about the pop oddball's uniquely marked manhood.
Rizzo, a former Chicago police detective who has seen photographs of Jackson's genitals taken by cops in 1993, claims that because Jackson "bleaches" his body twice a week, distinctive markings on his penis are visible when he is aroused.
"It looks like a barber's pole," Rizzo tells PAGE SIX. "That's exactly what it looks like. The first kid and all the other kids who have seen his penis know that there are brown circles around it.
THE most lurid testimony to be heard in Michael Jackson's looming child molestation trial could concern the bizarre appearance of his penis.
Private investigator Ernie Rizzo, who was hired by the family of the boy who accused Jackson of molestation in 1993, predicts that Jackson's latest alleged victim could provide damning testimony about the pop oddball's uniquely marked manhood.
Rizzo, a former Chicago police detective who has seen photographs of Jackson's genitals taken by cops in 1993, claims that because Jackson "bleaches" his body twice a week, distinctive markings on his penis are visible when he is aroused.
"It looks like a barber's pole," Rizzo tells PAGE SIX. "That's exactly what it looks like. The first kid and all the other kids who have seen his penis know that there are brown circles around it.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
NHL Player/Owner Sides With Owners
Interesting comment from Super Mario:
Lemieux is the first owner-player in modern American pro sports history, but there never was a chance he would side with the players, despite being the NHL's best-known star.
"A few years ago, I thought the owners were making a lot of money and were hiding some under the table, but then I got on this side and saw the losses this league was accumulating," he said.
Lemieux is the first owner-player in modern American pro sports history, but there never was a chance he would side with the players, despite being the NHL's best-known star.
"A few years ago, I thought the owners were making a lot of money and were hiding some under the table, but then I got on this side and saw the losses this league was accumulating," he said.
Bad News From Comair
Rank-and-file Comair mechanics have rejected a five-year contract proposal that would have awarded them a 2 percent pay raise.
The development might kill the airline's plan to add 35 new jets, a plan that was contingent on labor deals with all three of its unions.
Joe Tiberi, a spokesman for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, said union officials will talk with its 400 members at Comair to determine what the sticking points were. They'll then head back to the bargaining table with management, he said.
The development might kill the airline's plan to add 35 new jets, a plan that was contingent on labor deals with all three of its unions.
Joe Tiberi, a spokesman for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, said union officials will talk with its 400 members at Comair to determine what the sticking points were. They'll then head back to the bargaining table with management, he said.
God Wants Your Money
Another urban legend bites the dust:
Televangelists devote less time to fundraising than commercial television does airing commercials. That is the latest finding of Stephen Winzenburg, a communications professor at Grand View College in Des Moines, Iowa. He just released his eighth independently funded survey of religious programs.
On average, televangelists use 17 percent of their airtime fundraising and promoting their programs, while commercial television devotes 28 percent.
Winzenburg has been studying television ministries for 25 years and takes televangelists to task for some practices (like refusing to reveal financial statements), but his studies have consistently found that fundraising is a different matter. "The criticism so often is that TV preachers spend so much time asking for money," Winzenburg said. "To be honest, they don't."
The programs of Jerry Falwell, Billy Graham, and Paul Crouch were among the least focused on financial appeals, spending less than 2 percent of airtime fundraising.
Televangelists devote less time to fundraising than commercial television does airing commercials. That is the latest finding of Stephen Winzenburg, a communications professor at Grand View College in Des Moines, Iowa. He just released his eighth independently funded survey of religious programs.
On average, televangelists use 17 percent of their airtime fundraising and promoting their programs, while commercial television devotes 28 percent.
Winzenburg has been studying television ministries for 25 years and takes televangelists to task for some practices (like refusing to reveal financial statements), but his studies have consistently found that fundraising is a different matter. "The criticism so often is that TV preachers spend so much time asking for money," Winzenburg said. "To be honest, they don't."
The programs of Jerry Falwell, Billy Graham, and Paul Crouch were among the least focused on financial appeals, spending less than 2 percent of airtime fundraising.
I'm Beginning to Get This Feeling Too
From ESPN's Andy Katz:
2. Which big-name team will be an early NCAA flameout?This is the Stanford category. We here at ESPN.com got all over the Cardinal a year ago as Stanford looked like it had the ingredients to make a title run. Not quite. Alabama ran all over Stanford in the second round and snuffed out the Cardinal early.
So, which team could be this year's early loser?
Fans who want to discount Boston College would love to see the Eagles fall out early in the tournament, but the Eagles shouldn't be considered a big-time name in this category. That spot could be reserved for Kentucky.
The Wildcats are still young in key spots and Tuesday night's loss at South Carolina exposed Kentucky's erratic offense. Kentucky shot 26 percent on 3s in the loss to South Carolina and had only nine assists on 18 field goals. The Wildcats had 19 turnovers and weren't crisp offensively.
Kentucky will get a No. 1, 2 or 3 seed in the field and could be ripe for an upset in the second round. The Wildcats are playing in an SEC that is simply not as good as the Big East or ACC at the top and that ultimately could end up hurting the 'Cats in the tourney.
2. Which big-name team will be an early NCAA flameout?This is the Stanford category. We here at ESPN.com got all over the Cardinal a year ago as Stanford looked like it had the ingredients to make a title run. Not quite. Alabama ran all over Stanford in the second round and snuffed out the Cardinal early.
So, which team could be this year's early loser?
Fans who want to discount Boston College would love to see the Eagles fall out early in the tournament, but the Eagles shouldn't be considered a big-time name in this category. That spot could be reserved for Kentucky.
The Wildcats are still young in key spots and Tuesday night's loss at South Carolina exposed Kentucky's erratic offense. Kentucky shot 26 percent on 3s in the loss to South Carolina and had only nine assists on 18 field goals. The Wildcats had 19 turnovers and weren't crisp offensively.
Kentucky will get a No. 1, 2 or 3 seed in the field and could be ripe for an upset in the second round. The Wildcats are playing in an SEC that is simply not as good as the Big East or ACC at the top and that ultimately could end up hurting the 'Cats in the tourney.
That Will Teach You
Kyoto protest beaten back by inflamed petrol traders
WHEN 35 Greenpeace protesters stormed the International Petroleum Exchange (IPE) yesterday they had planned the operation in great detail.
What they were not prepared for was the post-prandial aggression of oil traders who kicked and punched them back on to the pavement.
“We bit off more than we could chew. They were just Cockney barrow boy spivs. Total thugs,” one protester said, rubbing his bruised skull. “I’ve never seen anyone less amenable to listening to our point of view.”
Another said: “I took on a Texan Swat team at Esso last year and they were angels compared with this lot.” Behind him, on the balcony of the pub opposite the IPE, a bleary-eyed trader, pint in hand, yelled: “Sod off, Swampy.”
WHEN 35 Greenpeace protesters stormed the International Petroleum Exchange (IPE) yesterday they had planned the operation in great detail.
What they were not prepared for was the post-prandial aggression of oil traders who kicked and punched them back on to the pavement.
“We bit off more than we could chew. They were just Cockney barrow boy spivs. Total thugs,” one protester said, rubbing his bruised skull. “I’ve never seen anyone less amenable to listening to our point of view.”
Another said: “I took on a Texan Swat team at Esso last year and they were angels compared with this lot.” Behind him, on the balcony of the pub opposite the IPE, a bleary-eyed trader, pint in hand, yelled: “Sod off, Swampy.”
Motherhood - According to Newsweek
This is awful. A sampling:
"Women today mother in the excessive, control-freakish way that they do in part because they are psychologically conditioned to do so. But they also do it because, to a large extent, they have to. Because they are unsupported, because their children are not taken care of, in any meaningful way, by society at large. Because there is right now no widespread feeling of social responsibility—for children, for families, for anyone, really—and so they must take everything onto themselves."
"Instead of blaming society, moms today tend to blame themselves. They say they've chosen poorly. And so they take on the Herculean task of being absolutely everything to their children, simply because no one else is doing anything at all to help them. Because if they don't perform magical acts of perfect Mommy ministrations, their kids might fall through the cracks and end up as losers in our hard-driving winner-take-all society."
"In general, we need to alleviate the economic pressures that currently make so many families' lives so high-pressured, through progressive tax policies that would transfer our nation's wealth back to the middle class. So that mothers and fathers could stop running like lunatics, and start spending real quality—and quantity—time with their children. And so that motherhood could stop being the awful burden it is for so many women today and instead become something more like a joy."
"Women today mother in the excessive, control-freakish way that they do in part because they are psychologically conditioned to do so. But they also do it because, to a large extent, they have to. Because they are unsupported, because their children are not taken care of, in any meaningful way, by society at large. Because there is right now no widespread feeling of social responsibility—for children, for families, for anyone, really—and so they must take everything onto themselves."
"Instead of blaming society, moms today tend to blame themselves. They say they've chosen poorly. And so they take on the Herculean task of being absolutely everything to their children, simply because no one else is doing anything at all to help them. Because if they don't perform magical acts of perfect Mommy ministrations, their kids might fall through the cracks and end up as losers in our hard-driving winner-take-all society."
"In general, we need to alleviate the economic pressures that currently make so many families' lives so high-pressured, through progressive tax policies that would transfer our nation's wealth back to the middle class. So that mothers and fathers could stop running like lunatics, and start spending real quality—and quantity—time with their children. And so that motherhood could stop being the awful burden it is for so many women today and instead become something more like a joy."
Adam Dunn, Work-A-Holic
Wow, what a guy.
SARASOTA, Fla. -- Adam Dunn showed up at the Ed Smith Stadium Complex Wednesday, well ahead of the Monday reporting date for position players.
And while Dunn would rather be back in Texas fishing - he caught a 9-pound, 2-ounce bass Tuesday - there was work to be done in Florida.
"I wanted to get here so I could work one-on-one with (Chris Chambliss)," Dunn said.
So let's get this straight. Adam Dunn arrives four days early to spring training in SARASOTA, FLORIDA...IN FEBRUARY...TO PLAY BASEBALL...FOR OVER $4 MILLION. Is arriving four days early really a big deal? Is there anyone out there who wouldn't do this for free? Is there anyone out there who wouldn't pay money to do this? I didn't think so.
SARASOTA, Fla. -- Adam Dunn showed up at the Ed Smith Stadium Complex Wednesday, well ahead of the Monday reporting date for position players.
And while Dunn would rather be back in Texas fishing - he caught a 9-pound, 2-ounce bass Tuesday - there was work to be done in Florida.
"I wanted to get here so I could work one-on-one with (Chris Chambliss)," Dunn said.
So let's get this straight. Adam Dunn arrives four days early to spring training in SARASOTA, FLORIDA...IN FEBRUARY...TO PLAY BASEBALL...FOR OVER $4 MILLION. Is arriving four days early really a big deal? Is there anyone out there who wouldn't do this for free? Is there anyone out there who wouldn't pay money to do this? I didn't think so.
It's OK, He Was Drunk
The priesthood ain't what it used to be...or maybe it is.
CHELSEA -- A Roman Catholic priest charged with soliciting sex from a 12-year-old girl and her mother while dining last month at a Chelsea restaurant told police he may have made ''inappropriate" remarks to them but was too drunk to remember, according to a police report.
The Rev. Jerome Gillespie, 55, who will be arraigned today in Chelsea District Court, said he remembered two females sitting near his booth at Floramo's restaurant and apologized for his behavior to Chelsea police, the report states.
''Gillespie . . . said that he had too much to drink and may have said some inappropriate things," according to the report. He ''stated he does not remember what he had said."
Gillespie resigned as pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Swampscott three days after the Jan. 25 incident. He is charged with one count each of enticement of a child under age 16, solicitation of sex for a fee, and accosting a person of the opposite sex, according to the Suffolk district attorney's office.
CHELSEA -- A Roman Catholic priest charged with soliciting sex from a 12-year-old girl and her mother while dining last month at a Chelsea restaurant told police he may have made ''inappropriate" remarks to them but was too drunk to remember, according to a police report.
The Rev. Jerome Gillespie, 55, who will be arraigned today in Chelsea District Court, said he remembered two females sitting near his booth at Floramo's restaurant and apologized for his behavior to Chelsea police, the report states.
''Gillespie . . . said that he had too much to drink and may have said some inappropriate things," according to the report. He ''stated he does not remember what he had said."
Gillespie resigned as pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Swampscott three days after the Jan. 25 incident. He is charged with one count each of enticement of a child under age 16, solicitation of sex for a fee, and accosting a person of the opposite sex, according to the Suffolk district attorney's office.
Good Point
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Mike Greenwell, 1988 American League MVP?
The former Boston Red Sox outfielder said Jose Canseco's admission that he took steroids raises questions about the legitimacy of the award that season.
"Where's my MVP?" Greenwell told the Fort Myers News-Press. "(Canseco's) an admitted steroid user. I was clean. If they're going to start putting asterisks by things, let's put one by the MVP."
Canseco hit .307 with 42 home runs, 124 RBI and 40 stolen bases for the Oakland A's in 1988 and was unanimously voted the league's MVP. Greenwell, who hit .325 with 22 home runs, 119 RBI and 16 stolen bases that season, finished second in the balloting.
"I do have a problem with losing the MVP to an admitted steroids user," Greenwell told the News-Press, adding that not winning the award likely cost him millions of dollars.
The former Boston Red Sox outfielder said Jose Canseco's admission that he took steroids raises questions about the legitimacy of the award that season.
"Where's my MVP?" Greenwell told the Fort Myers News-Press. "(Canseco's) an admitted steroid user. I was clean. If they're going to start putting asterisks by things, let's put one by the MVP."
Canseco hit .307 with 42 home runs, 124 RBI and 40 stolen bases for the Oakland A's in 1988 and was unanimously voted the league's MVP. Greenwell, who hit .325 with 22 home runs, 119 RBI and 16 stolen bases that season, finished second in the balloting.
"I do have a problem with losing the MVP to an admitted steroids user," Greenwell told the News-Press, adding that not winning the award likely cost him millions of dollars.
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