From The Blogroll: Things You Shouldn't Miss...

Zombie has some brand new digs and it looks great over there...making it even easier to find just the right pic of that crazy protester.

From Jules Crittenden:
"Great Year! Putin was the Person of It. Gore was the Peace Nobelist of It. Now, Illegal Immigrant is the Texan of It... Read the whole post.

Sgt. Freedom has his last rant for 2007 posted.

AFSis is quite disappointed with Huckabee's statements regarding ex-Premier Benazir Bhutto.

Heartless Libertarian must shed the BDU's for "civilian business attire" and (though it pains him) is asking for some fashion help. I love that.

Over at Hummers & Cigarettes you can read about the Holiday Blues and see your not alone to be down in this transitional time between Christmas and the New Year.

Skye met Joey Vento and has the story and pics here. Why didn't I? Well the radio station never emailed me back as to whether there was room on the bus. I heard on the news it was only half full. Grrrr.

tesco posted a bunch of Talk Talk songs in response to a commenter of his that claimed they were boring.

Twisted Chick made me laugh again.

I didn't realize Mrs. Earp was expecting! Go say Congrats to our Local Gun Fighter. Another regular here has a wife expecting their first...but I don't know if I'm allowed to divulge yet.

Better Late...

I know it's past Christmas, but in case you missed Rosanne's birthday message to Jesus...

"Happy birthday Jesus!

hope you like the gift we got you: war, hatred, christian inquisition, muslim holy war and jewish jihad, mass materialism, poisoning the planet, locking every one up and letting working class people go broke and move to tent cities, starvation, and more billionaires than ever, and the pope forgiving child molesters, and screwing their victims out of settlement money! Just what you wished for right? Great, we thought so!!! enjoy our gifts in good health!" (source)

There's also a handy little "Impeach" email list, AND...She's also selling "Gore/Edwards" shirts on her page --She's trying to get the "movement started." <-- so many good jokes could follow that ;)

(H/T: KB)

In Case You Want to Clone Me...

The Recipe For ALa

3 parts Intellect 2 parts Grace 1 part Pride Splash of Magnetism Finish off with a little umbrella and straw

What's the Recipe for Your Personality?

"Global Warming" Will Wipe Out The Right

...I guess you can't blame the Left for wanting a rebuttal to the "The Left is aborting all their future voters" line of thinking.

This article touts the destruction of the Red States as the "silver lining" to Global Warming. Priceless.

"...Say what you will about the looming catastrophe facing the world as the pace of global heating and polar melting accelerates. There is a silver lining.

Look at a map of the US.

The area that will by completely inundated by the rising ocean—and not in a century but in the lifetime of my two cats—are the American southeast, including the most populated area of Texas, almost all of Florida, most of Louisiana, and half of Alabama and Mississippi, as well as goodly portions of eastern Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. While the northeast will also see some coastal flooding, its geography is such that that aside from a few projecting sandbars like Long Island and Cape Cod, the land rises fairly quickly to well above sea level. Sure, Boston, New York and Philadelphia will be threatened, but these are geographically confined areas that could lend themselves to protection by Dutch-style dikes. The West Coast too tends to rise rapidly to well above sea level in most places. Only down in Southern California towards the San Diego area is the ground closer to sea level.

So what we see is that huge swaths of conservative America are set to face a biblical deluge in a few more presidential cycles...

...There will be much work to be done to help the earth and its residents—human and non-human—survive this man-made catastrophe, and we can’t have these future refugee troglodytes, should their personal disasters still fail to make them recognize reality, mucking things up again.

It should be considered acceptable, in this stifling new world, to say, “Shut up. We told you this would happen.” (You Have to Read the Whole Thing)

But, What can you expect...look at the guy:










("Save a Tree" t-shirt available at Right Wing Stuff)

Imagine If This Had Been A Mosque...

...or a Muslim memorial.

"...The Zionist Organization of America condemned the U.S. government's Office for Civil Rights on Wednesday for failing to protect Jewish students it says have been subject to a series of anti-Semitic provocations on the campus of the University of California, Irvine.

The ZOA alleged that Muslim students on campus have given anti-Semitic speeches, distributed Judeophobic literature, and used intimidation tactics against Jewish students. The university's failure to take disciplinary action constitutes discrimination against Jewish students, the ZOA charges.

The Office of Civil Rights, which operates under the auspices of the Department of Education, said in a report released last week that some Muslim student activities were offensive to Jewish students.

But the report concludes the speeches, marches and other activities were based on opposition to Israeli policies, not the national origin of Jewish students.

"In its decision, OCR disregarded the fact that a Holocaust memorial was destroyed; that swastikas repeatedly defaced property on the campus; that a rock was thrown at a Jewish student; and that other Jewish students were harassed and verbally threatened with such statements as 'slaughter the Jews,' 'dirty Jew,' 'go back to Russia,' 'burn in hell,' and 'f_ _king Jew,'" the ZOA said in a press release..." (source)

Constitutionally Protected

"..."I have never felt threatened like that in a classroom before," said Jacobson.

The 17-year-old is talking about an incident in her English class two weeks ago during a class presentation.

"This boy got up and his visual aid was a Bible and a book. And he got up and started his speech by saying 'Now, this piece of crap' and pointed to the Bible."

Jacobson said that she quickly felt threatened.

"He took the Bible and he said, 'I'm going to do this because I can. I'm going to do something that your stupid, little minds aren't going to be able to comprehend and he took the Bible and started ripping out pages."

School officials said that they know about the incident.

"We take this extremely seriously," said Dr. Karen Schulte, Janesville School District safety and security coordinator.

Officials said that they will not confirm whether the boy was suspended.

"We do an assessment of this situation and students involved to ensure the safety of every student and staff at that school," said Schulte.

Officials said that ripping up a Bible is constitutionally protected, adding the punishment has nothing to do with the student's Freedom of Speech demonstration.

"Any actions that were taken in this case were because of behavior separate from the Bible," said Parker High Principal Dale Carlson..." (source)

I would have a problem with this if it had been the teacher, but who really cares what some punk kid does --that is if the same "constitutional protection" would have been afforded to students who felt compelled to shred holy books from other religions...

What's In Your Desk?

"...A samurai sword and a stuffed fox were among the strange items found in the country's office desks.

A firm of relocation specialists has also been asked to move everything from a single banana to a grand piano.

A racing car, a display case said to contain the bones of saints and a collection of empty soft drink bottles were also highlighted.

The top 10 list of strange pieces in the workplace was compiled by Aberdeen-based Space Solutions.

The other leading items were a two-tonne drill bit, a voodoo doll and pornography.

Mr Brandie said it was the most normal offices which produced some of the most bizarre finds.

He said: "At an oil and gas company someone had been fermenting wine in a drawer, which was rather strange.

"And at another firm we were asked to remove a stuffed fox and other stuffed animals which the managing director had in his office."

He added that one customer was a sponsor of Formula 3 which had a racing car as a display piece in the company's reception.

Mr Brandie said: "Another time we had to transport ancient bones from a museum.

"We weren't aware of what the relics were until we did a risk assessment and realised they were the remains of saints.

"We have been asked to move some very strange things." (source)

After reading this I was trying to remember if I ever kept anything in my desk that others would deem as weird. I don't think so. Pictures of The Man and I and lots of snacks...

Why the Right AND the Left Should Be Rooting for Thompson

We made fun of Kerry relentlessly for 'flip-flopping', but all politicians have done it. Reagan did, Hillary has, Giuliani and Romney have. It's the nature of the beast --that's why politicians are deemed slimy. It's really not their fault though. You need money to win and effect change and you need to adopt the positions of the big groups to get that money. A pro-life Dem would be forfeiting NOW, NARAL and Planned Parenthood's cash flow. An Anti-gun Republican would flounder without the NRA's support.

BUT, if a candidate comes along that TRULY believes in the sanctity of the Constitution...their personal views become less significant. This is why I don't understand why Fred Thompson isn't getting support from ALL Americans. Even if he doesn't personally condone abortion, gay marriage (or any number of hot button issues) it won't matter. He doesn't believe it's Constitutional for the federal government (or the Supreme Court) to hand down decisions like that. He is a firm believer in State's Rights. How refreshing. A Presidential candidate that would adhere to the wishes of the founding fathers regardless of his personal convictions.

The left rarely complains about judicial activism because in the past it's always seemed to work in their favor, but what if the tide changed? All Americans should be concerned about 9 or 12 making binding legal decisions for all of us. America is not an oligarchy. A President that believes in the nomination of strict Constructionist judges should be a a requirement of all IMO.

GO HERE to sign up and make phone calls for Fred in Iowa! Help spread the message that astute political bloggers already know...FDT should be the nominee!!!

A Reminder For Us All...

This was an Amber Alert that was issues last night:

Police said they are searching for a car that was stolen Wednesday night as two children were sleeping in the back seat.

The car was reported stolen at about 7 p.m. from the 3300 block of Baring Street in the Powelton section of Philadelphia, police said.

Police in the 16th District said it's believed that the vehicle was left running when it was stolen, and investigators were asking the public to look outside of their homes.

The missing vehicle was described as a silver, 2005 X-5 BMW SUV with Pennsylvania tags GDF-1692. It was last seen on its way toward Interstate 76 (the Schuylkill Expressway).

The sleeping children were identified as a 3-year-old girl and a 6-year-old boy, both white.

The children's names are George and Kaliope Hionas (H/T: Free Republic).

Thankfully, the two children were found unharmed in the vehicle about two hours later.

I know everyone's first instinct is to freak out that the parent's left these kids in the car (my first reaction), but I'd be lying if I said I'd never done that. The old -I'll only be a second thing- though I would never do it in Center City and I lock mine in...

I can't even imagine all the beating up of themselves these parents are going through...if only, what if, why did I...etc.

This is a good reminder for everyone --horrible things can happen 'in a second.'

Caption It...

Are you a U.S. citizen? PROVE IT!

If you are pulled over for a traffic violation in Scottsdale, AZ, you will be required to prove your residency status. The article says citizenship, but you don't have to be a U.S. citizen to be in the country legally.

My thought as I read this was, first, "Good, about time." Then I wondered, "If I was pulled over, how would I prove I was in the U.S. legally?"

I don't have anything in my truck that proves my citizenship or residency status. I have a driver's license. Would this be acceptable? What about my CCW permit?

What about my father-in-law, who lives with me? A very Indio looking Mexican man who has been a naturalized U.S. citizen for over 40 years. He doesn't carry a "naturalized" certificate.

49 More Years?!

You Will Die at Age 85

Congratulations! You take good care of yourself. You're poised to live a long, healthy life.

What Age Will You Die?

Merry Christmas To All...

My wish this year is that each and every one of you take time out from the stress, deadlines, baking, shopping and crowds to really enjoy the time you have with your families. Sit in the dark with your other and enjoy the tree lights. Enjoy the faces of the ones you love when they see that you listened to them during the year and remembered something they had said they wanted and open that perfect gift. Enjoy all the home cooking and baking.

That's what I plan to do--so I probably won't be around until Wednesday or Thursday. Merry Christmas to all of you!!!

Merry Christmas Madalyn Murray O’Hair (Wherever You Are)

Atheist icon Madalyn Murray O’Hair has, during this Christmas season, something very few of us get the benefit of. She has perspective. In 1995 she was kidnapped and killed by the office manager for “American Atheists”, David Roland Waters. Her body did not turn up until 2001. She had been cut up into a dozen pieces by her fellow Atheist and left in a shallow Texas grave as food for critters that sport an exoskeleton as well as apathy for the personal politics of the carcass that is providing them sustenance.

Only two people know what Madalyn’s last moments were like; Waters, and Murray O’Hair herself. Death was a certainty, and the best she could hope for (if her personal beliefs were correct) was a quick passage into non-existence, and the return or her earthly remains to the bottom of the food chain.

How depressing a thought is that? If you’re an atheist, your BEST case scenario after a short life is non-existence, and that is only IF you are right. No wonder atheists are so crabby. What is actually worse for these folks is that not all Atheists are actually true Atheists. Many, even possibly Madalyn Murray O’Hair, hold a very deep belief in God, but they hate him. Her actions, as well as the ones of those who followed her, are the acts of people who are trying to prosecute a war against their Creator.

Regardless of our beliefs, we will all taste death, what happens after that seems to be the bone of contention. In the Atheist rhetoric, people get seventy or eighty short years, and then nothingness. If this was something they actually believed, most of them would not care if there is a cross at the Soledad National War Memorial, prayer in school, or an acknowledgement of God in the Pledge of Allegiance. Believers could pray to Jesus, Buddha, or Mr. Bubble, it would simply be irrelevant to the atheist. It is obvious though, they do care very deeply who you pray to.

Atheists seem very quiet when Federal, State, and City funds or facilities are used for religions that are not Christian. There is no outcry of “separation of church and state” when the Dali Lama speaks at a public college or university. Very little is also said by the atheists when New York public school students were taken to a Mosque as a field trip and they really didn’t seem to care about the “Muslim week” in the CA public schools. The “no prayers in school” didn’t seem to apply when kids were forced to pray to Allah. They do have a fit if a high school student bows their head before lunch and gives thanks to God. They demand that kids who wear crosses or bring bibles to school either get rid of the offending object or be sent home (in some cases suspended). Atheists are now supporting the banning of private Bible Studies in the private of dorm rooms of students who happen to attend public colleges. In short, atheists point their aggression towards the one religion they seem scared to death of, Christianity.

Last time I checked, Christians were not performing “drive by” baptisms against atheists. There is no persecution of anyone who doesn’t wear a cross. Christianity should not pose any tangible threat to these people. Despite this, they seem determined to spend their very few years of existence bitterly fighting something which does not try to harm them.

Atheists in the Western World live in a civilization where they can fill their lives with every type of pleasure imaginable. In a short life that ultimately results in nothingness, a true atheist would live for their own transient happiness, because that is all they really have. If they were intellectually honest, they would use the energy they expend in a futile fight against Christianity in the west and direct it against the Muslim faith that is practiced in third world countries. This is a sect that would, if given the chance, deny them the sort of pleasure that we take granted, and seriously limit the quality of their short existence. They don’t believe in Allah, though. He is no more real to them than Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy. To them, fighting against Allah would be like shadow boxing, but because they believe in the Christian God, and don’t want any reminders of certain uncomfortable inevitable events, they must do their best to wipe society clean of all symbols of Christianity. Christmas, and all its religious imagery tops this list of things that must go.

Christmas is hard on atheists. If they actually believed the “truth” that there is no God, and nothing beyond this life, they would simply shrug the whole thing off, and take advantage of the holiday sales. Even though that mother they pass in the store, holding the hand of her four year old, and humming “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” obviously hasn’t bought into the “truth”, the thought of a Savior born in Bethlehem makes her happy. Her end will be the same as the atheists, so no harm, no foul, right? Once again, this only works if these folks really don’t believe in God.

To the atheist, Christmas is the outward expression and amplification of all the fears and doubts they won’t publicly acknowledge. In those private moments, those solitary moments, those laying in bed and thinking at three in the morning moments, there is that tiny little voice that talks about death and it just won’t shut up. It is the feeling of hopeless doubt and fear that grips the mind and just won’t let go until you drown it out with the television, a stiff drink, or an entire bag of Oreos. Most Christians remember those moments. Christmas is the celebration of the silencing of this voice and the laying impotent of this fear.

There is a joy to Christmas that atheists simply, voluntarily, opt out of. To them the holiday is just something from “Target” wrapped in pretty paper that is soon forgotten. To Christians it is the gift of a child that ensures our best case scenario is better than a shallow grave in Texas and nonexistence (not to mention the nullifying of a worst case scenario that is beyond imagination). Christians celebrate out of gratitude for what our creator has bestowed upon us, but Christmas is actually more for that atheist who is suing school children for bringing a bible to class, than it is for the Christian. Christians enjoy Christmas, atheists need Christmas. The child it celebrates acts as a constant lifeline that is available to them whether they want it or not. Oddly, though, that seems to be the part they resent the most.

We know why atheists try to ruin Christmas for everyone else. It is out of fear and sheer hate of a God they believe in. The last few years have not been kind to their efforts, and reversal of legal fortunes has ensured that the lifeline for the atheist is still visible, especially at this time of year. Even Wal-Mart has bowed to public pressure and gome back to “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Holidays” or some drivel about a solstice.

We now live in an atmosphere where going out and caroling has become an act of defiance, many Christians are getting war-weary of fighting the annual holiday battle (as well as fighting the other shoppers, the logistics of family, the snow, frustrated hunters who will settle for shooting an arrow into your light-up deer when they have failed to kill a real one, etc), for them I leave these simple words as a reminder of what the whole thing is all about: “Mild he lays his glory by; born that man no more may die; born to raise the sons of earth born to give them second birth”

Merry Christmas

These Are the Primaries That Never End...

No Clear Frontrunner in the GOP:
"...Two weeks before the Iowa caucus, the race for president, while tightening among Democrats, is wide open on the Republican side, highlighting the unusual fluidity of the first campaign for the White House in over a half-century that doesn't include an incumbent president or vice president.

A new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll shows that Rudy Giuliani has lost his national lead in the Republican field after a flurry of negative publicity about his personal and business activities, setting the stage for what could be the party's most competitive nomination fight in decades..." (source)

MacCain's Numbers Are Rising:
"...John McCain was left for dead earlier this summer, his presidential campaign having squandered its money and conservative support.

But the former Vietnam prisoner of war is nothing if not a survivor. He stuck to the campaign trail and is now mounting a comeback. Polls show McCain surging in New Hampshire. If he wins the Jan. 8 primary, even critics concede he'll be a top contender again..." (source)

Fred Thompson on illegal immigration:
"Republican Fred Thompson said Thursday there should be few if any exceptions when it comes to enforcing U.S. immigration laws, or the flow of illegal immigrants would continue.
Thompson said the legal immigration system in the U.S. has inefficiencies and people get caught up in the bureaucracy. But he said the rule of law must be the top priority.

"We have to look out No. 1 for what is right, what is the law. If you're coming and saying 'It's against the law, but,' I think you've got to have a very good reason, and I very seldom see a reason that justifies the 'but' if it's against the law."

Thompson said the U.S. is capable of making changes to immigration laws that allow employers to meet their work force demands..." (source)

FDT and Mitt Spar Over McCain-Feingold:
"[Fred Thompson] said he supported [McCain-Feingold's] ban on the unlimited donations to political parties, known as soft money, but called the law’s provisions restricting ads by outside groups “a mistake.”

“That was an error, I was wrong, I wouldn’t do that again,” he told about 75 people at a morning stop on his bus tour through Iowa, which kicks off the presidential race on Jan. 3.

Questioned later by a reporter about criticism of his campaign finance stance by some unnamed campaign rivals, Thompson quickly jumped on Mitt Romney.

“Mitt Romney has changed his position on that just as he has on so many other things,” he said of the former Massachusetts governor, who has publicly changed his stance on abortion to become a staunch opponent of abortion rights.

He said Romney supported McCain-Feingold at the time and “he supported public financing in Massachusetts, which no one that I know of who supported McCain-Feingold has gone that far.” (source)

Clinton Now Using Bush to Attack Obama:
"Clinton dismissed questions about the likability gap between her and Obama by stressing her record--and reminding viewers that they once liked Dubya, too. "We've gone through trying to decide, who would you rather have a beer with, and look at the results," she said. Warming to the theme, Clinton dropped another Bush bomb on Obama today on the trail, this time echoing the day's theme--Iraq and foreign affairs--and questioning Obama's capacity to serve as Commander-in-Chief. "It's tempting any time things seem quieter on the international front to think that we don't need a president who's up to speed on foreign affairs and military matters," she said. "Well, that's the kind of logic that got us George Bush in the first place." (source)

These primaries have magnified for me just how uninformed the general public is. Almost every conservative blogger out there (the people who read, watch, and listen to all sides of the news every day) are throwing their support behind Fred Thompson...but I still meet people who don't even know he's running... Frustrating to say the least.

Worth Repeating

"...Over 400 prominent scientists from more than two dozen countries recently voiced significant objections to major aspects of the so-called "consensus" on man-made global warming. These scientists, many of whom are current and former participants in the UN IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), criticized the climate claims made by the UN IPCC and former Vice President Al Gore.

The new report issued by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee’s office of the GOP Ranking Member details the views of the scientists, the overwhelming majority of whom spoke out in 2007.

Even some in the establishment media now appear to be taking notice of the growing number of skeptical scientists. In October, the Washington Post Staff Writer Juliet Eilperin conceded the obvious, writing that climate skeptics "appear to be expanding rather than shrinking." Many scientists from around the world have dubbed 2007 as the year man-made global warming fears “bite the dust.” (source) In addition, many scientists who are also progressive environmentalists believe climate fear promotion has "co-opted" the green movement. (source)"

Senate Report Here

Murtha Under Oath...?

"...The defense for a Marine accused in the deaths of 24 Iraqi civilians said Wednesday it wants to depose a Pennsylvania congressman to determine whether a general told him that the accused and his squad killed in cold blood.

Jack Zimmermann, an attorney for Lance Cpl. Stephen B. Tatum, told judge Lt. Col. Eugene Robinson that he also wants a deposition from Gen. Michael Hagee, former commandant of the Marine Corps now retired, to find out what he may have said to Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., and to Marines serving in Iraq..." (source)

I'm glad to see these Marines and their Attorneys aren't letting this rest. Murtha, as a former Marine and a Congressman, should be held accountable for his statements accusations.

Caption It...

The Maid & The Madame

Maid: Madam, I would like a raise.

The Madam was very upset about this.

Madam: Now Maria, why do you think you deserve an increase?"

Maid: Well, Madam, there are three reasons. First, I iron better than you.

Madam: Who said you iron better than I?

Maid: The Master said so.

Madam: Oh.

Maid: The second reason is that I am a better cook than you.

Madam: Nonsense, who said you are a better cook than I?

Maid: The Master said so.

Madam: Oh.

Maid: My third reason is that I am a better lover than you.

Madam (very upset now): Did the Master say so as well?

Maid: No, Madam, the gardener did.


SHE GOT THE PAY RAISE!!

Finally, Some Equality Under Sharia Law

A mouthpiece of Allah in Iran has declared that women that will not wear the hijab should be put to death. This is hardly surprising news from the "religion that respects women", BUT what is shocking is that he believes their husband's (and fathers) should be killed too. Actually, I guess that does make perfect sense. What kind of man couldn't keep control of his own property...that would be a disgrace! Allah Ahkbar!

"...A top Muslim cleric in Iran, Hojatolislam Gholam Reza Hassani said on Wednesday that women in Iran who do not wear the hijab or Muslim headscarf, should die.

"Women who do not respect the hijab and their husbands deserve to die," said Hassani, who leads Friday prayers in the city of Urumieh, in Iranian Azerbaijan.

"I do not understand how these women who do not respect the hijab, 28 years after the birth of the Islamic Republic, are still alive," he said.

"These women and their husbands and their fathers must die," said Hassani, who is the representative of the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in eastern Azerbaijan..." (source)

John Edwards' Love Child?

Wow, and here I thought putting his wife through the grueling rigors of a Presidential campaign was cruel enough...

"...Presidential candidate John Edwards is caught up in a love child scandal, a blockbuster ENQUIRER investigation has discovered.

The ENQUIRER has learned exclusively that Rielle Hunter, a woman linked to Edwards in a cheating scandal earlier this year, is more than six months pregnant — and she's told a close confidante that Edwards is the father of her baby!

The ENQUIRER's political bombshell comes just weeks after Edwards emphatically denied having an affair with Rielle, who formerly worked on his campaign and told another close pal that she was romantically involved with the married ex-senator.

The ENQUIRER has now confirmed not only that Rielle is expecting, but that she's gone into hiding with the help of a former aide to Edwards. The visibly pregnant blonde has relocated from the New York area to Chapel Hill, N.C., where she is living in an upscale gated community near political operative Andrew Young, who's been extremely close to Edwards for years and was a key official in his presidential campaign.

And in a bizarre twist, Young — a 41-year-old married man with young children — now claims HE is the father of Rielle's baby! But others are skeptical, wondering if Young's paternity claim is a cover-up to protect Edwards.

Meanwhile, Edwards' cancer-stricken wife Elizabeth has joined him on the campaign trail..." (Read all the Sordid details)

This is much juicier than Brittney Spears' 'Zoey 101' 16 year old sister being pregnant. Can you believe their mother actually wrote a book about PARENTING. Thankfully it's been "delayed."

(H/T: Perez Hilton)

Bad News for Tea Totallers...

"...The silicon content of beer may protect against the deleterious effects of aluminium on brain health, suggests a new study with mice from Spain.

The research taps into beer's silicon content, and reports that moderate consumption cut the uptake in the digestive tract of aluminium, a neurotoxin and recently linked as a possible causal factor for Alzheimer's.

The study, published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology, reports that "moderate beer consumption… could perhaps be taken into account as a component of the dietary habits of the population." (source)

The Man and I used to wonder about the banning (since rescinded) of silicone breast implants --considering there's silicone in tons of stuff we eat...

So, there you go, recent studies proving homework has less value than playing and relaxing when kids get home from school, that women should have 2-4 cups of coffee a day, that dark chocolate is beneficial and now that beer may decrease the risk of Alzheimer's. I'm waiting for the one that proves smoking menthol cuts congestion in your lungs and then I'll be all good ;)

Fan Mail

Subject: Thank you so much for this blog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now you can really feel like you're doing the rest of us a fucking favor. Bravo.

I hate how fucking noble you try and make your blog to be, like you're so damn exceptional that your thoughts should be broadcast to the entire world! People are dying to know what you think about various news topics!

You don't provide news. You don't provide debate. You don't provide anything, except the fanatical meanderings of a republican reiterating the same views Savage and Coulter have already expressed.

And "blonde sagacity" that is sooo clever! Did you come up with that yourself?
How utterly pretentious to use the word "sagacity" in reference to yourself.


Just a quick note to thank YOU for creating a meaningless and one-sided blog!

Here's to clogging up the internet tubes!

Loyal Reader,
Matt Carter of America

Best Story of the Week

I realize it's only Tuesday, but I find it hard to believe there's going to be a story to top this one:

"An east London electrician accused of having terror ties claimed he was not attending training camps but hunting for the Loch Ness Monster during a trip to Scotland with other terror suspects, the Scottish Daily Record reported Saturday.

Kader Ahmed, 20, who faces three counts of attending a place used for terrorist training, told a U.K. court that he visited Inverness and Loch Ness three years ago with a group organized by preacher Mohammed Hamid, the Daily Record reported. Four members of this group have been convicted in the July 21, 2005 London bomb plot.

Ahmed, who went on paintball and other camping excursions with Hamid’s group, said he believed it was harmless fun “like Scouts or Cadets,” and that he did not believe the group was breaking the law." (source)

We're sorry sir, we didn't realize all that explosive equipment was meant for tracking the elusive Nessie and not to carry out Allah's will...

When "Policies" Run Amuck...

I completely understand the need for caution in schools when it comes to weapons in the building, but I would also hope that the college-educated staff would incorporate common sense into their day-to-day enforcement of those policies:

"...A 10-year old Ocala,[FL] girl brought her lunch to school and a small kitchen knife to cut it. She now faces a felony charge after being arrested. The school and the sheriff's office disagree on the reason for the arrest.

School officials say the 5th grader was brown-bagging it. She brought a piece of steak for her lunch, but she also brought a steak knife. That's when deputies were called.

It happened in the cafeteria at Sunrise Elementary School. The 10-year-old used the knife to cut the meat.

"She did not use it inappropriately. She did not threaten anyone with it. She didn't pull it out and brandish it. Nothing of that nature," explained Marion County School Spokesman Kevin Christian.

But a couple of teachers took the utensil and called the sheriff. When deputies arrived, they were unable to get the child's parents on the phone, so they arrested her and took her to the county's juvenile assessment center.

School officials said it doesn't matter what the knife was being used for. They said they had no choice.

"Anytime there's a weapon on campus, yes, we have to report it and we aggressively report it because we don't want to take any chances, regardless," Christian said.

But the sheriff's office said the extreme measures in what some may say was a harmless incident had to do with school policy, not theirs.

"But once we're notified, we have to take some type of action," Pogue explained..." (source)

How scared was this little girl I wonder? Mom or Dad packs her a knife to cut her food and next thing she's being arrested and her parents can't be reached? ...And when they say a "kitchen" knife, I assume they mean a butter knife?

Chauvinistic and Mean

Yeah, it pains me but I must stick up for Hillary again.

This is a screen shot of the right-hand side of Drudge's page yesterday:


Why is it only Hillary that is singled out for appearance? Huckabee is a weird looking dude -almost disturbingly so. Giuliani has a off-putting speech impediment that makes his mouth look strange when he talks. Chris Dodd has eyebrows that make Brooke Shields look like Whoopie Goldberg. Barack is just plain odd looking and we won't even go into Ron Paul or Dennis Kucinich...both of whom could have been cast in Peter Jackson's Shire...

If she had gotten botox or a mini-lift, they'd be all over her for that too. She's 61 years old, what is she supposed to look like? Hillary's experience is nil, her past is wrought with missteps and her policies just plain suck. That should be all we need to defeat her...

Don't Mess With Philly Broads...

We may have just usurped New York's "toughest" reputation -thanks to that Philly reporter with the gorgeous name...

"...According to the police complaint, the Emmy-winning anchor yelled at the female police officer, "I don't give a f--- who you are, I'm a f---ing TV reporter, you f---ing dyke," according to Philadelphiawilldo.com, a Philadelphia Weekly blog.

The Daily News exclusively reported Alycia Lane's arrest yesterday on PhillyGossip.com. She was nabbed at 2:04 a.m. at 17th Street and 9th Avenue in lower Manhattan, said New York City police spokesman Sgt. Carlos Nieves.

Lane, 35, her current honey, Q102 morning host Chris Booker, and another couple were in a cab behind a slow-moving unmarked cop car, the New York Post reported. One of the males jumped out and headed to the police vehicle, screaming, "I don't care if you're a cop, drive faster!" the newspaper said.

The officers got out and identified themselves to Lane and company, and Lane began to take photos, according to the paper. The female cop asked her to step back and that's when Lane lost it, according to the Post.

A station source said Lane's iPhone was confiscated by cops as evidence.

Lane was charged with one count of assault with intent to cause physical injury to an officer, Nieves said.

The 10th Precinct officer suffered laceration wounds to her face, Nieves said..." (source)

First off (and most important), how cool is it that the inkies are now using BLOGS as their sources. You gotta love it -and they have to hate it. Congrats to Daniel McQuade of PWD on that.

Truthfully, I'm not sure why everyone is making such a big deal over this. Naomi Campbell has freaked, Russell Crowe and Rosie O'Donnell have lost it on people. Alycia Lane may not be proper movie star, but she's well known here and she's cute -so I'm sure her ego is out of control. No surprise to me that she's a dreadful diva.

The moral of the story is: Don't mess with us Philly girls. We won't stand for it or back down no matter how small our physical stature. And don't drive slow when we're in a hurry -that *is* grounds for assault here. ;)

GOP Primary News Sweep

Huckabee:

RedState has a great article detailing Huckabee's "left-wing" criticisms of President Bush.

Mitt says Huckabee is just "another Bill Clinton".

Additional attacks on Huckabee highlight his record on taxes in Arkansas and his 180 on illegal immigration (he supported in-state tuition benefits for illegals) "We used to call him our pro-life, pro-gun liberal." (source)

Something I didn't know: "As governor of Arkansas five years ago, Mike Huckabee joined a bipartisan chorus of politicians who concluded that the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba was bad for businesses." (source)

Romney:

I have to be honest, I don't really dig guys that cry in public --or weep in private.

On Meet the Press Romney claimed that he was endorsed by the NRA...but he wasn't.
And, of course, another article I found interesting about Mormanism and Christianity.

Townhall.com thinks this is "Romney's race to lose."






Paul:

Holy Crap, Ron Paul raised $6 million dollars in 24 hours in a "tea party re-enactment"...

The man that has raised over $10 million for Paul, Trevor Lyman, is a disgruntled former Democrat (in name only considering he's never voted) that was drawn to Paul after the new Democratic Congress didn't pull our troops from Iraq.

Giuliani:

Unfortunately for Giuliani, it looks like it will be hard for him to get the 'woman's vote' (didn't take a rocket scientist). More women are willing to forgive Monica Lewinsky than Judith Giuliani. Women don't want a 'homewrecker' in the White House.

Other bad news for a man running on his 9/11 performance: NY Firefighters are planning to "swift boat" him. (A new political term has taken birth on our watch...)

Thompson:

Tom Puzzo, who has served in the Air Force under eight Presidents, says, "FRED THOMPSON is the best person to lead this country. He is a true conservative and has been his entire life. All one has to do is check his record to see this." This is a great article.

Thompson knows that Iowa is a make-or-break state for his campaign.

FDT may not be winning top numbers in the polls, but he is definitely leading in the OpEd wars. There are more positive pieces out there about him than other candidates. Here's another great one:
"...Fred Thompson may not have double-digit numbers in the polls. He may not say a whole lot. He seems laid back and not a "go-getter," but listen to what he says and how he says it. He knows his government and politics. He is in touch with the "real people" and not the same kind of money-makers Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and Mayor Rudy Giuliani stroke..." (source)

Discipline Pays Off...

"...After catching his 15-year-old smoking pot, a father sold the hard-to-get "Guitar Hero III" video game he bought his son for 90 dollars for Christmas at an online auction, fetching 9,000 dollars.

The sale took place after the father spent two weeks searching for the video game for the Nintendo Wii gameboard.

"So I was so relieved in that I had finally got the Holy Grail of Christmas presents pretty much just in the nick of time. I couldn't wait to spread the jubilance to my son," the father wrote on the eBay website.

"Then, yesterday, I came home from work early and what do I find? My innocent little boy smoking pot in the back yard with two of his delinquent friends."

The sale was a boon for the family's bank account, since the game the father purchased for 90 dollars (US) was finally sold to an Australian who plunked down 9,100 dollars for it..." (source)

I guess now this guy has to be a little pumped that the kid was smoking pot ;)
My mom was just asking me what the "hot toys" were this Christmas...and I guess we can now safely assume Guitar Hero III (which has Slow Ride) is one of them. $9,000!!!

(H/T: Army Girl)

From AB to Jpck...

My sister had to call me twice yesterday while I was making dinner to insist that I post something to Jpck rubbing in the Philadelphia Eagles 10-6 win over the dallas cowboys on their own turf.

If there isn't a puck involved, I'm not that interested...but a strange Philly phenomenon dictates that you feel a rush of glee when Dallas gets beat, even if you're not a football fan.

Caption It...

Speaking of Edwards...Elizabeth is "scared of Republicans."

From the Blogroll: Things You Shouldn't Miss

I *heart* this man...the "biggest obstacle to education?" The NEA. Amen Fred!

Dana at Common Sense Political Thought is talking about National Review's Mitt Romney endorsement and some of the discrepancies their explanation has.

Teflon Don, from Acute Politics, has been home for a few months now and in the process of readjusting. His last entry is about driving here in the States after driving in Fallujah.

American Soldier is back and wondering what people think about soldiers that continue their blogs when they come home...and what direction those blogs should take. An interesting question actually...

Robbie, from Urban Grounds, wants to know; If We Win the War, but the MSM Doesn’t Report it, How Will We Know? I have been seeing little stories about decreased violence, etc. linked over at Free Republic, but haven't seen anything to that effect reported by the MSM.

Common Folk Using Common Sense reminds us that today is Bill of Rights Day (Declared by FDR in 1941).

Wyatt over at SYLG seems pretty upset over news that Jessica Alba is pregnant...

Captain America, of First In!, has some pics posted of the new fire boat in Philadelphia -one that may actually get to the fire because it goes about 40MPH. I'm not sure if he went to the dedication yesterday, but 92alpha was there and was pretty shocked by a comment made by our illustrious Mayor Street. He said (and I paraphrase) that we were lucky to have a President that understands how important it is to protect our country and that because of his programs the funds for this new boat. A Philadelphia politician saying something positive about George Bush? Maybe it is the end...

Twisted Chick has a post up that I have actually read twice now. I want to print it and put it on my fridge and re-read it anytime I have something that's momentarily more important than my kids.

SoHos had the same reaction The Man and I did when she heard he kids walking around the house singing "Bow Chicka Wow Wow."

tesco has an entire play list of songs posted that "pays respect to the Les Paul." Go listen before the Beastie Boys decide to get his blog closed for posting MP3s again...

No Wonder I Can't Think of Anything to Write...

You Are 77% Burned Out

You are very burned out. You need a huge break from your responsibilities, starting as soon as possible. And you need this time to reevaluate what you really want out of your life. Because you're working hard and going no where... and that would burn anyone out!

Are You Burned Out?

Meeting Maureen Faulkner

Last night I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Maureen Faulkner, the widow of Officer Daniel Faulkner. For those of you living in a box (*ahem*), Daniel was shot in the face while on duty in Philadelphia and killed by Mumia Abu-Jamal (aka Wesley Cook) in 1981. Jamal has since become a Cause-Celeb for all the usual suspects.

Local radio talk show host (and guest host for Bill O'Reilly) Michael Smerconish and Maureen Faulkner wrote a book detailing the her struggle for justice over the past 25 years. From being spit at during the trials and appeals to the pain of having celebrities throw their money to the man that murdered her husband in cold blood.

The line in Barnes and Noble was unbelievable. Cops from all the surrounding areas showing up in droves to support a man killed 25 years ago -a man they never knew. Living in an area like this you feel like you're the only sane one, but an event like this is heartening. I thought I might be one of only a few to show up, but I have never seen so many people packed into a store in my life...

This book comes at an important time in the never-ending Mumia saga. "New pictures" have miraculously surfaced that don't dispute evidence but are being used to elicit yet another appeal. Smerconish was the first person to make the entire court transcript available online and has tirelessly offered his legal services and voice to Maureen.

Even for those of us who have always upheld Jamal's guilt...this book offers new insights that cement those feelings. Smerconish does a flawless job of presenting the case succinctly and with no hyperbole...using the transcripts, eye witness accounts and Mumia's own words.

I read most of the book waiting in line last night (I was there for almost 4 hours and drank three large Starbuck's coffees...) and was honestly riveted. I have read so much about this case over the years, but never like this. Never so personal. Never so tightly worded that even the most devout Mumia supporter would have trouble finding something to rebut.

I strongly recommend you read this. This isn't a "Philly issue" -it's taken a life of its own. Smerconish's forward is superb and I wish The Beastie Boys and Susan Surandon would read just that if nothing else. I have read 'the other side' and I wish they'd do the same... All monies from the sale of this book go to the Daniel Faulkner fund which is used to combat all the money coming in from Jamal's Hollywood cache.

You can Read Chapter One here

And Buy the Book here.

Caption It...

Where the Left and Right Should Meet...

Presidential primaries.

I know I have written about this plenty of times in the past, but this is a subject I feel strongly about.

Primaries should ALL be held on the same day. Full stop.

The left should agree because staggered primaries left them with John Kerry...and could leave them with Barack this time around. They could leave us on the right with whomever is catching everyone's fancy that day too...

Having all the primaries on the same day and having everyone vote who they truly want and not hedging bets by what Iowa and New Hampshire did is the only way to get a true candidate. Now I know it shouldn't matter... Who the hell cares how people in Iowa or New Hampshire voted? I mean, what can we credit New Hampshire for beside Mary Baker Eddy and Triple H...gee thanks, could have done without either of those.

Can someone tell me why this isn't the case? Why do we turn something as serious as Presidential Primaries into a silly game...?

When Islam and The West Collide: Religion of Peace News

Muhammad Parvez, a 57 year old father in Toronto, has been charged with attacking and killing his 16 year old daughter. The beating seems to have been prompted by ongoing clothing/culture disputes. Aqsa Parvez, a 11th grader at Applewood Heights Secondary School in Mississauga, wanted to dress "Western" and resented having to wear her hijab. Apparently having her hair exposed warranted her brutal death...

"...Peel Regional Police have charged Muhammad Parvez, 57, with murder - a specific degree will be determined later.

He made a brief court appearance Tuesday morning and was remanded in custody pending another court appearance Wednesday.

On Monday, Peel police received a 911 call just before 8 a.m. from a man claiming to have killed his daughter. The 57-year-old father will make a court appearance today..." (source)

The victim's brother, Waqas Parvez, 26, was arrested and charged with obstructing police.

I guess they've done Allah proud...one less insubordinate woman to contend with.

You Might Get Sued For What You Say...In Your Own Home!

Dawn Herb's toilet was overflowing and leaking down into her kitchen-- and (like any number of us) this prompted her to utter some loud profanities...near an open window. Her neighbor, an off-duty police officer, called the police and she was charged with disorderly conduct.

"...The citation accuses the defendant of using obscene language or gestures “with intent to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm or recklessly (creating) a risk ...”

“There was no intent to do anything,” Ms. Herb said. “I just feel so violated and irritated ... I don’t even have a criminal record..."

If convicted, Herb faces up to 90 days in jail and a $300 fine. ...For cursing in her own house!

This sucks... I have to agree with the ACLU on this one:

"...The use of obscene language or gestures is an offense under the state criminal code. But cursing at a police officer isn’t a punishable offense, said Mary Catherine Roper, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union based in Philadelphia.

“It cannot be the basis for a citation. You can’t prosecute somebody for swearing at a cop or a toilet,” she said. “We bring one of these cases a year and sue some police departments because they do not remember that they are not the language police.” (source)

A judge heard the case yesterday, but no decision has been rendered.

Support Joey Vento in Philly!

Dom Giordano Bus Trip: Support Joey Vento In Court

Support Geno’s Steaks owner Joey Vento as he has his day in court with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations to keep his controversial sign. On Friday, December 14th, 2007 at 11am, The Big Talker 1210 AM’s Dom Giordano will take a bus full of listeners and supporters to Geno’s Steaks for lunch and then to Joey Vento’s court appearance with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations.

Get on the bus with The Big Talker 1210, and show your support for Joey Vento in court . This event is now FREE so book your bus seat today since there is limited room on the bus. Once you book your seat you will receive an e-mail or telephone call confirming your reservation.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE BUS TRIP

The Trip Includes:
Round-trip bus transportation from The Big Talker 1210 AM Studios in Bala Cynwyd, PA .
An intimate chat with Dom Giordano and Joe Vento over lunch at Geno Steaks
1210 AM & Geno’s Steaks T-shirts and other goodies

Trip Itinerary:
11:00am: Bus leaves Big Talker 1210 AM Studio Parking Lot
11:30am: Lunch at Geno’s Steaks
1:30pm: Support Joey In Court
Back to 1210 AM Studios after Joey Vento’s Court Appearance

Why Are Women So Damn Desperate?

Is "being alone" really that bad that we have to read story after story of women and their children being abused and/or killed by some loser boyfriend?! I guess in all fairness I must concede that I have never faced the dating hardships of a single mom/divorced mom. I don't know if/how fast guys hightail it out of a relationship when they hear you have kids. BUT, that being said I would hope that I wouldn't let my 'needs' put my child in danger...

!!!You HAVE to watch this video!!!

This woman has two teenage daughters. She meets some guy, 'falls in love' and after a year and a half he proposes. Soon after she receives a call from his friend informing her that the boyfriend is in jail...caught on Dateline. Bringing condoms and jack Daniels to a 14 yr. old's house after chatting with her and sending her pictures of his penis for two weeks. What does this mother do? She ELOPES with him while he's out on bail. She's "more upset about the cheating than the fact that the girl was 14", and she 'doesn't think it had anything to do with the age, just an opportunity to have sex'. Apparently her daughters support her decision to stay with him (he got two 10 year sentences) and she "would absolutely trust him to be alone with them." Good Lord. My sister and I were on the phone while this aired yesterday morning and if I had taped the conversation and what was being yelled at the screen...well, it wouldn't be work-safe.

The local news came on following this brain-dead woman and the leading story? Ninth-grade honors student Ebony Dorsey's body had been found in a plastic tub. Her mother's abusive, crack-head boyfriend being held by police...and evidence that he sexually assaulted her after he killed her.

"...Montgomery County First Assistant District Attorney Risa said that 48-year-old Mark O'Donnell confessed overnight to Whitpain Police.

Ferman said autopsy results showed Ebony Dorsey was beaten and strangled, and her pajamas were found wrapped around her neck...

"What I knew of him I did not like," says Evan Dorsey [Ebony's father]. He says he warned his daughter of O'Donnell and had his suspicions even before police found the body. "'Trust your father. If I tell you someone's no good, it's because I know. Not everybody who claims to be your friend or be trustworthy is such." (source)

NJ's Death Penalty is on Death Row

"...The New Jersey Senate voted Monday to make the state the first in the country to repeal the death penalty since the United States Supreme Court allowed executions to resume in 1976 and established the nation’s current system of capital punishment.

Passage in the Senate was seen as the bill’s biggest obstacle, and in the end it was approved 21 to 16, receiving the bare minimum number of votes required.

Legislators on both sides of the debate expect the measure to pass easily on Thursday in the Assembly, where the Democrats enjoy a 50-to-30 majority, .

Gov. Jon S. Corzine, a staunch opponent of the death penalty, has repeatedly said he would sign a measure ending executions..." (source)

There are currently 8 people sitting on Death Row in the Garden State. The most notorious being the pedophile rapist and murderer of little Megan Kanka in 1994 (namesake of "Megan's Law"). Megan's parents, Richard and Maureen Kanka, have pleaded with legislatures not to abolish the death penalty in a letter:

“The inmates currently on death row are the worst of the worst in our society, and to offer them the opportunity of life is a disgrace,” the letter said. “No one on that commission had the right to make any recommendation regarding the life or death of any death row inmate.” (source)

Jersey lawmakers are saying that the death penalty will be replaced by 'lifetime without the possibility of parole.' Some of you might be surprised to know that if the "without the possibility of parole" is ACTUALLY the case...as in NEVER, EVER step foot out of the prison until they are being carried out in a box...I don't have that much problem with it. With the endless litany of appeals filed, the executions never take place anyway.

Though, even if this is passed and signed by the Governor, Jesse K. Timmendequas should still be put to death on principle. The NJ Supreme Court upheld his death sentence twice. He should be grandfathered into execution by the State if you will...

Lower Than Low

A couple walked into the WaWa (this area's superior convenience store) at Tyson & Brous, cut the cord that held a donation bucket to the counter, and walked out of the store with all the money that had been donated to Officer Chuck Cassidy's family. (source)

Even worse than that...another donation jar for Officer Cassidy's family was stolen from the SAME Dunkin Donuts where he was murdered. The low life crawled right in the store through the drive-thru window, took the cash and went back out! (source)

Unbelievable.

You're NEVER "Ready" for Kids

I always laugh when couples site their reason for holding off on kids as "we're just not ready." Whether it be financially, emotionally or mentally --I've got some bad news...you're never ready. Even if you think you've covered all the bases, there is a new dilemma that will arise almost everyday to remind you of just how unprepared you were. And there's no manual. And there's tons of people to give you advice, but then you take a look at their little terrors and realize you don't really want their input... So you trudge through this dark wilderness of raising children that you hope will someday become productive and adjusted adults through trial and error...just hoping that yelling at them for downloading a game that gave you a virus won't assure them a profile on A&E's Intervention some day.

The Man and I pretty much agree on all the big "life" issues: We'll match what they save for their first car, but they'll pay their own insurance. There will be no "family plan" cell phones, they can have one when they can pay for the minutes. There will be no "college fund" -they'll do it like we did and get scholarships and loans and they can live here for free as long as they're in school. Once they are old enough to 'work' (even if it's cutting Mum Mum's grass) we will not be handing them money with abandon. There will always be curfews and rules while they live here and there will never be girlfriends sleeping over. On all this we are in sync...

...It's the smaller, every day things that trip us up. Like whether the kids have to eat when they're "not hungry" or we're having something they don;t like. I say "no" and he says "yes." Here's the thing, if we had picky eaters (God forbid) I would understand that, but our kids eat more variety and will try more than most adults I know. So why can't they have stuff they don't like? We also argue over the "pick your battles" thing. He thinks I let them "get away" with too much, but I KNOW that they're just kids acting like kids. Nothing wrong with that IMO -no need for an ADHD diagnosis and Ridilin because boys like to pretend they're flying by jumping off the picnic table and the top of the swing set 100 times. He only has one younger brother and has never been around any other kids but ours. I am the oldest of 5 plus 15+ foster kids AND I teach and volunteer in the school --I KNOW our kids are angels compared to most and I wish he had a glimpse at how most kids act...

It's these little daily dilemmas that you're never "ready" for. That you can't foresee, so you never think to discuss ahead of time. Sometimes I look at my boys and it's overwhelming...how can I possibly be responsible to raise two little men when it feels like just yesterday I was sneaking in my parent's house drunk, underage and after curfew...?

(Note to my parents: That last line was purely for a dramatic ending to the post...I never actually drank when I was underage or memorized which floorboards creaked or the patterns of your snoring so I could sneak in undetected...)

Freedom's Watch Ads: Ongoing Saga

Thankfully AFSis sent out an email this weekend detailing what happened with Freedom's Watch and NBC...until her email I was blissfully unaware.

"...NBC has nixed holiday advertisements meant to thank troops for serving overseas in opposition to the inclusion of a non-profit's Web address.

The ads, paid for by the non-profit Freedom's Watch, are a simple thank you, the group says, with people shown paying gratitude to members of the military and the final frame showing the group's Web address, www.freedomswatch.org.

NBC is refusing to air the ads as long as the address is included, according to an e-mail exchange between NBC and the group, which Freedom's Watch provided to FOX News.

"Per my previous email, the www.freedomswatch.org website will have to be redacted from the commercials for approval. This comes from Alan Wurtzel and Rick Cotton," according to one of the notes. Wurtzel is president of research at NBC. Rick Cotton is general counsel for NBC Universal.

Speaking with FOX on Friday, Wurtzel said NBC has no problem with the content of the ad, specifically the well-wishes to troops. However, he said, the link to the website violates their policy on controversial issue advertising because it encourages political action and other activities. He said the policy is applied consistently across the board and this group was not targeted in any way.

Freedom's Watch President and CEO Bradley Blakeman told FOX on Friday that this is not the first time NBC has turned down his group's ads and believes it has a specific objection to his group's support for the War on Terror. NBC also objected to using images including military uniforms and vehicles and asked for proof of government approval for the group's use of the images in its ads..."

Contained in this post are the ads that apparently "violate NBC's policy on controversial issue advertising because they encourages political action and other activities":



Newsbusters then reported that the lawyer that blocked the ads is a heavy contributor to the Democratic Party.

Newsbusters has also updated their site to reflect NBC's decision to air the Thank yous. The drive-by media is nonplussed by the decision:
"...the Associated Press which in its article concerning this u-turn chose to depict Freedom's Watch as "a group backed by wealthy Republican fundraisers" that is "critical of liberals..."

An Inconvenient Speech...

...and even more Al-pocrisy.

"...Al Gore has come under fire for making personal gain from his mission to save the planet – after charging £3,300 ($6,705) a minute to deliver a poorly received speech.

Many of the audience at last month's Fortune Forum summit were restless as Mr Gore, who has won both a Nobel Peace Prize and an Oscar for his campaigning work this year, delivered the half-hour speech that netted him £100,000 ($203,207).

Even some of the charities benefiting from the event were unhappy with the actions of 59-year-old Mr Gore and his entourage..." (source)

And Noel Sheppard (who always has the goods) directs our attention to the little fact that Gore, on his way to talk up Global Warming, yet again left a unnecessary carbon footprint:

"...Here the climate conscious Al Gore takes the public train, but his luggage is transported in a Mercedes

Picture caption: Peace Prize laureate Al Gore and his wife Tipper are having a nice trip on the airport express train. On the motorway, their luggage is being whisked to Oslo in a Mercedes van..." (source)

All this is transpiring while reports are coming out of NASA confirming what the non-alarmists have been saying all along:

"...A team of NASA and university scientists has detected an ongoing reversal in Arctic Ocean circulation triggered by atmospheric circulation changes that vary on decade-long time scales. The results suggest not all the large changes seen in Arctic climate in recent years are a result of long-term trends associated with global warming..." (Read the entire story)

The Clintonista War Room

Okay, before I start I should say that sometimes my nerdiness even takes me by surprise so bear with me here. While reading please overlook the fact that I not only ordered, paid money for, watched and now own "The War Room", but I re-watched it Saturday morning. Of course it should be FRED THOMPSON'S CAMPAIGN MANAGERS that are watching it and not me, but I'll convey what I learned. I watched it again because it's an inside look at the 1992 Clinton Presidential campaign. A fly-on-the-wall glimpse at how things were run and I figured it would be good research to see how things might go this time around with Hillary.

For the most part the documentary is a pat on the back fest between George Stephanopolous and James Carville...

However, there were some interesting things that FDT's campaign could take note of though:

1) "Keep repeating it to anyone that talks to you, 'Bush was on the defensive, Bush was on the defensive, Bush was on the defensive,'" demanded James Carville of his staff. Carville was the king of the 'bumper sticker' slogans from that campaign. "It's the economy stupid." The left accused Bush 43 of that (saying the right needed small, uncomplicated thoughts), but when you watch this film it's clear Carville was the originator...and it worked.

2) The MOST IMPORTANT thing IMO: "Make [the press] trust you, make them think they're your friend, so they will come to us when they have questions and not their research departments," Carville barks at staffers.
Ingenious tactic for sure. If you can get the press close enough to you, you can feed them anything you want and they think they're getting the inside scoop. They'll take what you tell them as fact instead of researching and possibly digging up dirt.

Other Random tidbits: It was odd watching a movie about a Democratic campaign without having Karl Rove's name uttered once. Roger Ailes was their enemy and you could have interchanged things said about him with what's been said about Rove. Meanwhile the film ends with George Stephanopolous threatening a staffer from Perot's campaign who was about to break the story of Clinton's illegitimate Black son... "I don't care if you have names and addresses. If you go ahead with this story -I am telling you right now --you will never work in Democratic politics again."