I hope this is true:
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States has been conducting secret reconnaissance missions inside Iran to help identify potential nuclear, chemical and missile targets, The New Yorker magazine reported Sunday.
The article, by award-winning reporter Seymour Hersh, said the secret missions have been going on at least since last summer with the goal of identifying target information for three dozen or more suspected sites.
But Seymour Hersh is notoriously unreliable.
Monday, January 17, 2005
Saturday, January 15, 2005
UK Dilemma
What to do:
1. Take Crawford back and take the chance of having a malcontent on the team for the remainder of the year?
2. Refuse to take Crawford back and hold him to his NLI?
3. Refuse to take Crawford back and release him from his NLI?
I'd take him back and make the best of it. The other two options set dangerous precedents.
1. Take Crawford back and take the chance of having a malcontent on the team for the remainder of the year?
2. Refuse to take Crawford back and hold him to his NLI?
3. Refuse to take Crawford back and release him from his NLI?
I'd take him back and make the best of it. The other two options set dangerous precedents.
Tressel on the Hot Seat?
Nope. OSU fans care about one thing...W's.
In Tressel's four years, 15 players have been arrested, and there is strong evidence boosters paid his players, tutors wrote papers for his players and instructors fixed grades for his players. Congratulations, Buckeyes, you have completed the transgressional hat trick. A coach can't know everything a player does off the field, but is it too much to ask for a coach to know something?
Then again, it doesn't matter to the fans. Not when Tressel has delivered them a national title and is 3-1 against Michigan."We love you, Coach," one booster called out as Tressel left the Citrus Bowl the other day.Love is blind. Almost as blind as coaches who close their eyes to the corruption around them."
In Tressel's four years, 15 players have been arrested, and there is strong evidence boosters paid his players, tutors wrote papers for his players and instructors fixed grades for his players. Congratulations, Buckeyes, you have completed the transgressional hat trick. A coach can't know everything a player does off the field, but is it too much to ask for a coach to know something?
Then again, it doesn't matter to the fans. Not when Tressel has delivered them a national title and is 3-1 against Michigan."We love you, Coach," one booster called out as Tressel left the Citrus Bowl the other day.Love is blind. Almost as blind as coaches who close their eyes to the corruption around them."
Beware of a Half-Truth...You May Get the Wrong Half
A soldier in Iraq takes the media to task for their coverage in Iraq.
The Middle East and Anti-Americanism
Something just dawned on me this morning.
Name the Middle-Eastern countries where a majority of the population hates/dislikes America? You have Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and even Kuwait and Yemen. What do these countries all have in common. America has traditionally supported the ruling dictatorial regimes.
Now, name the Middle-Eastern countries where a majority of the population likes America? Iraq, Syria, and Iran. What do these countries all have in common. America actively works against, or has deposed, the ruling regimes.
Very interesting. This would imply that the "stability" argument forwarded by the "realists" in American foreign policy (Kissinger, Bush 41, Scowcroft, et al) has actually worked against our interests in the region.
I'll have to give this some more thought.
Name the Middle-Eastern countries where a majority of the population hates/dislikes America? You have Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and even Kuwait and Yemen. What do these countries all have in common. America has traditionally supported the ruling dictatorial regimes.
Now, name the Middle-Eastern countries where a majority of the population likes America? Iraq, Syria, and Iran. What do these countries all have in common. America actively works against, or has deposed, the ruling regimes.
Very interesting. This would imply that the "stability" argument forwarded by the "realists" in American foreign policy (Kissinger, Bush 41, Scowcroft, et al) has actually worked against our interests in the region.
I'll have to give this some more thought.
Keystone Cops
So I'm traveling back from Chicago last night. As I'm standing in line to pass through the security checkpoint at O'Hare, I notice a middle-aged Arab man in front of me with his wife (head scarf included), and a white couple behind me who appeared to be in their late 60's or early 70's.
As I'm standing there, I think to myself, "If I were the TSA, who would I pull aside to search." Naturally, the old, white geezers. And that's what they did.
What about the younger, white male? No, young men never commit crimes. What about the Arab couple? Nah, what kind of threat would they present. Old, white geezers? They have "terrorist" written all over their faces.
Amazing.
As I'm standing there, I think to myself, "If I were the TSA, who would I pull aside to search." Naturally, the old, white geezers. And that's what they did.
What about the younger, white male? No, young men never commit crimes. What about the Arab couple? Nah, what kind of threat would they present. Old, white geezers? They have "terrorist" written all over their faces.
Amazing.
Just Go Ahead and Give USC the Trophy
LOS ANGELES -- Matt Leinart passed on the NFL for a chance to make history at Southern California -- and to remain a college kid for another year.
The Heisman Trophy winner will return to USC for his senior season and try to lead the Trojans to an unprecedented third straight national championship.
"I went with my gut. I went with my heart," the quarterback said.
Leinart opted to complete his eligibility rather than enter the NFL draft, where he figured to be one of the top selections in April and become an instant millionaire.
Instead, he'll have a chance to become just the second two-time Heisman winner.
Mostly, though, Leinart was just having too much fun to leave.
"I realized the opportunity right now to support my family by going to the NFL early, but to me I think college football and this whole atmosphere here and being with my friends and my teammates ... is ultimately more satisfying and will make me happier than any amount of money could make someone happy," he said.
The Heisman Trophy winner will return to USC for his senior season and try to lead the Trojans to an unprecedented third straight national championship.
"I went with my gut. I went with my heart," the quarterback said.
Leinart opted to complete his eligibility rather than enter the NFL draft, where he figured to be one of the top selections in April and become an instant millionaire.
Instead, he'll have a chance to become just the second two-time Heisman winner.
Mostly, though, Leinart was just having too much fun to leave.
"I realized the opportunity right now to support my family by going to the NFL early, but to me I think college football and this whole atmosphere here and being with my friends and my teammates ... is ultimately more satisfying and will make me happier than any amount of money could make someone happy," he said.
Friday, January 14, 2005
Now These are Maps
If you are a Civil War buff like me, you'll love perusing these Civil War era maps. Very cool.
The Lavender Army
Ok, this is really weird, but I like it. The biggest challenge for large bureaucracies is original thinking. Well, this is definitely original.
THE Pentagon considered developing a host of non-lethal chemical weapons that would disrupt discipline and morale among enemy troops, newly declassify documents reveal.
Most bizarre among the plans was one for the development of an "aphrodisiac" chemical weapon that would make enemy soldiers sexually irresistible to each other. Provoking widespread homosexual behavior among troops would cause a "distasteful but completely non-lethal" blow to morale, the proposal says.
Other ideas included chemical weapons that attract swarms of enraged wasps or angry rats to troop positions, making them uninhibitedly. Another was to develop a chemical that caused "severe and lasting halitosis", making it easy to identify guerrillas trying to blend in with civilians. There was also the idea of making troops' skin unbearably sensitive to sunlight.
The proposals, from the US Air Force Wright Laboratory in Dayton, Ohio, date from 1994. The lab sought Pentagon funding for research into what it called "harassing, annoying and 'bad guy'-identifying chemicals". The plans have been posted online by the Sunshine Project, an organisation that exposes research into chemical and biological weapons.
Spokesman Edward Hammond says it was not known if the proposed $7.5 million, six-year research plan was ever pursued.
THE Pentagon considered developing a host of non-lethal chemical weapons that would disrupt discipline and morale among enemy troops, newly declassify documents reveal.
Most bizarre among the plans was one for the development of an "aphrodisiac" chemical weapon that would make enemy soldiers sexually irresistible to each other. Provoking widespread homosexual behavior among troops would cause a "distasteful but completely non-lethal" blow to morale, the proposal says.
Other ideas included chemical weapons that attract swarms of enraged wasps or angry rats to troop positions, making them uninhibitedly. Another was to develop a chemical that caused "severe and lasting halitosis", making it easy to identify guerrillas trying to blend in with civilians. There was also the idea of making troops' skin unbearably sensitive to sunlight.
The proposals, from the US Air Force Wright Laboratory in Dayton, Ohio, date from 1994. The lab sought Pentagon funding for research into what it called "harassing, annoying and 'bad guy'-identifying chemicals". The plans have been posted online by the Sunshine Project, an organisation that exposes research into chemical and biological weapons.
Spokesman Edward Hammond says it was not known if the proposed $7.5 million, six-year research plan was ever pursued.
This is Promising
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - North Korea told a visiting U.S. Congressional delegation that it is ready to return to six-party nuclear talks and would treat the United States as a "friend" if Washington doesn't slander the rule of totalitarian leader Kim Jong Il.
The North Korean overture on Friday came shortly after a bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation concluded talks with senior communist officials in Pyongyang. The delegation called the meeting an "overwhelming success," and said in Seoul that North Korea appeared ready to negotiate within weeks.
"Our unanimous impression is that the DPRK is ready to rejoin the six-party process," said Republican Rep. Curt Weldon, vice chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, using the acronym for the North's official name, Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
The North Korean overture on Friday came shortly after a bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation concluded talks with senior communist officials in Pyongyang. The delegation called the meeting an "overwhelming success," and said in Seoul that North Korea appeared ready to negotiate within weeks.
"Our unanimous impression is that the DPRK is ready to rejoin the six-party process," said Republican Rep. Curt Weldon, vice chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, using the acronym for the North's official name, Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Thursday, January 13, 2005
You're Cut Off
Tipsy Teddy Kennedy at the National Press Club:
Kennedy also mangled the name of the Democrats' new star, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, calling him "Osama bin … Osama … Obama."
Kennedy also mangled the name of the Democrats' new star, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, calling him "Osama bin … Osama … Obama."
Bizarro World
You've got to check out my alter ego at Radio Free Newport. This guy can't be serious, can he?
I'm Scratching My Head
This is about the most bizarre ruling I've seen:
ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- A U.S. District Court judge has ruled that a school district in suburban Atlanta, Georgia, must remove an evolution disclaimer inside textbooks.
The stickers inside the Cobb County School District's science books said "Evolution is a theory not a fact."
The ruling issued by U.S. District Judge Clarence Cooper said the stickers violate the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Parents in Cobb County, a politically conservative area northwest of Atlanta, and the American Civil Liberties Union had challenged the stickers in court, arguing they violated the constitutional separation of church and state.
1. The phrase "Evolution is theory not a fact" is true. Any scientist will tell you. Now, those backing the inclusion of the statement may have different motives, but the Court is not asked to rule on motives. It must rule on the activity in question.
2. How does this scientific statement violate the Establishment Clause? What is it establishing?
3. Cobb County is indeed a "politically conservative area". But what about the American Civil Liberties Union? Is that not a "politically liberal organization"? It seems to me if you are going to label one side, you probably ought to label the other. But that would be fair and balanced, wouldn't it?
ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- A U.S. District Court judge has ruled that a school district in suburban Atlanta, Georgia, must remove an evolution disclaimer inside textbooks.
The stickers inside the Cobb County School District's science books said "Evolution is a theory not a fact."
The ruling issued by U.S. District Judge Clarence Cooper said the stickers violate the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Parents in Cobb County, a politically conservative area northwest of Atlanta, and the American Civil Liberties Union had challenged the stickers in court, arguing they violated the constitutional separation of church and state.
1. The phrase "Evolution is theory not a fact" is true. Any scientist will tell you. Now, those backing the inclusion of the statement may have different motives, but the Court is not asked to rule on motives. It must rule on the activity in question.
2. How does this scientific statement violate the Establishment Clause? What is it establishing?
3. Cobb County is indeed a "politically conservative area". But what about the American Civil Liberties Union? Is that not a "politically liberal organization"? It seems to me if you are going to label one side, you probably ought to label the other. But that would be fair and balanced, wouldn't it?
Top Ten Proposed Changes at CBS News
10. Stories must be corroborated by at least two really strong hunches.
9. "Evening News" pre-show staff cocktail hour is cancelled until further notice.
8. Reduce "60 Minutes" to more manageable 15-20 minutes.
7. Change division name from "CBS News" to "CBS News-ish"
6. If anchor says anything inaccurate, earpiece delivers an electric shock.
5. Conclude each story with comical "Boing" sound effect.
4. Instead of boring Middle East reports, more powerball drawings.
3. To play it safe, every "exclusive" story will be about how tasty pecan pie is.
2. Not sure how, but make CBS News more like "C.S.I."
1. Use beer, cash and hookers to lure Tom Brokaw out of retirement.
9. "Evening News" pre-show staff cocktail hour is cancelled until further notice.
8. Reduce "60 Minutes" to more manageable 15-20 minutes.
7. Change division name from "CBS News" to "CBS News-ish"
6. If anchor says anything inaccurate, earpiece delivers an electric shock.
5. Conclude each story with comical "Boing" sound effect.
4. Instead of boring Middle East reports, more powerball drawings.
3. To play it safe, every "exclusive" story will be about how tasty pecan pie is.
2. Not sure how, but make CBS News more like "C.S.I."
1. Use beer, cash and hookers to lure Tom Brokaw out of retirement.
Quote of the Day
"We as Democrats may be in the minority in Congress, but we speak for the majority of Americans." - Ted Kennedy
Huh?
Huh?
Aim High
If you are going to go bad, you might as well go all the way.
Sir Mark Thatcher has pleaded guilty in South Africa over his part in an alleged coup plot in Equatorial Guinea.
The son of former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was fined three million rand (£265,000) and received a four-year suspended jail sentence.
Sir Mark, who denies any knowledge of the plot, agreed a plea bargain and will now co-operate with investigators.
He admitted breaking anti-mercenary legislation in South Africa by agreeing to finance a helicopter.
It has been reported the businessman said he did not initially know the helicopter's alleged purpose - that it was to be used in the alleged coup attempt, instead believing it was to be used as an air ambulance.
But in his plea bargain statement, Sir Mark says he came to realise the helicopter was to be used for mercenary activities before the deal was finalised.
Sir Mark Thatcher has pleaded guilty in South Africa over his part in an alleged coup plot in Equatorial Guinea.
The son of former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was fined three million rand (£265,000) and received a four-year suspended jail sentence.
Sir Mark, who denies any knowledge of the plot, agreed a plea bargain and will now co-operate with investigators.
He admitted breaking anti-mercenary legislation in South Africa by agreeing to finance a helicopter.
It has been reported the businessman said he did not initially know the helicopter's alleged purpose - that it was to be used in the alleged coup attempt, instead believing it was to be used as an air ambulance.
But in his plea bargain statement, Sir Mark says he came to realise the helicopter was to be used for mercenary activities before the deal was finalised.
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
A Sad - and Common - Story
For every Kobe Bryant, there are 10 Joe Fortes.
Bottom line:
"As a player, there's no question he was ready to leave school," Wootten said. "He could not have had a better season than his sophomore year at North Carolina. The tougher question is: 'As a person, was he mature enough for the NBA?' "
..."My whole life, I had people looking out for me," Forte said. "At DeMatha I had Coach Wootten, and at North Carolina I had Coach Guthridge. Those guys took me under their watch, man. They made sure I did everything right.
"Then in the NBA, I didn't have anybody watching me. I had to make my own decisions, and I guess I wasn't totally ready for that."
Bottom line:
"As a player, there's no question he was ready to leave school," Wootten said. "He could not have had a better season than his sophomore year at North Carolina. The tougher question is: 'As a person, was he mature enough for the NBA?' "
..."My whole life, I had people looking out for me," Forte said. "At DeMatha I had Coach Wootten, and at North Carolina I had Coach Guthridge. Those guys took me under their watch, man. They made sure I did everything right.
"Then in the NBA, I didn't have anybody watching me. I had to make my own decisions, and I guess I wasn't totally ready for that."
This Kid Gets It
UK's Bobby Perry has to be a Tubby favorite.
On losing Joe Crawford …
“Joe is a great person. I chose not to say anything about Joe. I wish him the best and hope he has a great career.”
On waiting for a starting lineup position…
“Coach Smith is the kind of coach who runs a basketball program. He is not a quick-hitter, a one and done kind of guy. He runs a program and develops guys. Sometimes it’s not all about basketball it’s about life, and that’s what I like about Coach Smith. I realized coming in I was willing to learn and I had to wait my turn, I didn’t know everything right away and had a lot to learn to get in that starting line-up. I am playing behind a guy like Chuck Hayes who is an awesome player, I can only learn from him and my time will come if I keep working hard.”
On pulling together being one down going into the SEC…
“Yeah we are still going to be a great team. It’s a tough loss losing Joe, anytime you lose someone if it’s an injury or any reason its tough, but we are going to regroup and come back and try to have a strong game against a great Vanderbilt team."
On losing Joe Crawford …
“Joe is a great person. I chose not to say anything about Joe. I wish him the best and hope he has a great career.”
On waiting for a starting lineup position…
“Coach Smith is the kind of coach who runs a basketball program. He is not a quick-hitter, a one and done kind of guy. He runs a program and develops guys. Sometimes it’s not all about basketball it’s about life, and that’s what I like about Coach Smith. I realized coming in I was willing to learn and I had to wait my turn, I didn’t know everything right away and had a lot to learn to get in that starting line-up. I am playing behind a guy like Chuck Hayes who is an awesome player, I can only learn from him and my time will come if I keep working hard.”
On pulling together being one down going into the SEC…
“Yeah we are still going to be a great team. It’s a tough loss losing Joe, anytime you lose someone if it’s an injury or any reason its tough, but we are going to regroup and come back and try to have a strong game against a great Vanderbilt team."
The Wicked Witch is Dead
The main-stream media is dead. So says Howard Fineman of Newsweek (a.k.a., the main-stream media).
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