Thursday, March 08, 2007
How liberals respond to laws they just don't like.
Panel tells Mich. how to bypass Prop 2: "A report by the Michigan Civil Rights Commission released Wednesday offers a roadmap for skirting Proposal 2 rather than a guidebook for complying with the new law, say critics, one of whom threatened to sue if the state follows the panel's recommendations."
» Sentences From Third-Rate SF Stories
» Sentences From Third-Rate SF Stories: "6> As one, the Spacemarines stood up, raised their spacerifles in salute, then marched out the spacedoors to the spacedock, where their spaceship was waiting to boldly take them where they’d all been before: Space! "
iowahawk: Let's Tone It Down, People
iowahawk: Let's Tone It Down, People: "ANN: I couldn't agree more Bill, you syphillitic commie scumnozzle. Because whether they are normal patriotic Americans or mincing San Francisco fudgepackers, all citizens of this country need to think first before using words intended to hurt or offend others."
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Mark Steyn :: How Gore's massive energy consumption saves the world
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Mark Steyn :: How Gore's massive energy consumption saves the world: "And, in fact, in the Reverend Al's case it's even better than that. Al buys his carbon offsets from Generation Investment Management LLP, which is 'an independent, private, owner-managed partnership established in 2004 and with offices in London and Washington, D.C.,' that, for a fee, will invest your money in 'high-quality companies at attractive prices that will deliver superior long-term investment returns.' Generation is a tax-exempt U.S. 501(c)3. And who's the chairman and founding partner? Al Gore."
Impeach those who fire federal prosecutors?
Amazing how tough it was to Google any mention of Clinton's mass firing of federal prosecutors.... or any analysis of his motives.
JWR Sowell archives 9-15-98
By firing all U.S. Attorneys shortly after becoming president -- something no other president had ever done before -- Bill Clinton got rid of the U.S. Attorney in Arkansas who was investigating the Whitewater-Madison Guaranty scandals and replaced him with Paula Casey, a Clinton protege and one of his political campaign workers.
The entire article:
Hillary Rodham Crook?
AFTER FINISHING HIS WORK on potentially impeachable offenses growing out of the Lewinsky scandal, Kenneth Starr is still investigating other activities by the president and others, which could add to the list of potentially impeachable offenses by the president and criminal indictments against others.
Billary: Like husband, like wife?Or is it the other way around? Let's go back to square one. This all started with the appointment of a special prosecutor to look into financial frauds in Arkansas, in institutions connected with Hillary and Bill Clinton.
The Clintons were partners with Jim and Susan McDougal in the Whitewater Development Corporation, whose accounts were kept in the Madison Guaranty Savings & Loan, run by Jim McDougal, with Hillary Clinton as an attorney. Federal bank examiners testified that Madison Guaranty was a "politically corrupt institution that routed millions of dollars to politically connected Arkansans."
In the more reserved language of an official report, Madison Guaranty was the scene of "embezzlement," "money laundering," "falsification of loan records and board minutes," "wire fraud" and "illegal campaign contributions" -- among other crimes.
Part of the money looted by Jim McDougal found its way into the Whitewater account and into Bill Clinton's political campaign funds. These frauds left the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to pay more than $60 million to depositors with accounts in Madison Guaranty. That was more than all the years of Kenneth Starr's investigations cost.
Why was a special prosecutor necessary? Because the Clintons had used their political clout to obstruct the investigations and corrupt the normal processes of government, at both the state and federal levels. This was not just Bill Clinton's method of operation when dealing with scandals in "his private sex life." It was a technique used by both Clintons in matters having nothing to do with sex, long before anyone ever heard of Monica Lewinsky.
When both state and federal investigators first moved in, Hillary Clinton was able to stop the state officials from closing down Madison Guaranty. She was more than just another lawyer appearing before state officials. She was the wife of the governor who appointed those officials.
The Clintons could not interfere with the feds, however -- at least not until they were in the White House. By then, Madison Guaranty had been closed down and federal investigators were on the trail of the frauds. By firing all U.S. Attorneys shortly after becoming president -- something no other president had ever done before -- Bill Clinton got rid of the U.S. Attorney in Arkansas who was investigating the Whitewater-Madison Guaranty scandals and replaced him with Paula Casey, a Clinton protege and one of his political campaign workers.
The president's Arkansas appointee had no experience as a prosecutor, but she had political ties to the people being investigated -- including the Clintons and Arkansas governor Jim Guy Tucker.
Other federal authorities who sent information to Ms. Casey for criminal investigations of Tucker and the Clintons got nowhere. She officially declined the criminal referrals. She even kept the information from reaching Justice Department headquarters in Washington, until others went over her head to tell the top brass at Justice in D.C.
Other investigators in another federal agency were told that higher-ups would take "a dim view" of their pursuing the Whitewater-Madison affair. When these investigators failed to take the hint, they were put on administrative leave in August 1994, without warning and without explanation.
Meanwhile, White House lawyers and the Clintons' private attorneys were being briefed repeatedly on how much dirt the feds had dug up on the Clintons back in Arkansas. It was a complete violation of the rules and practices for federal investigators to reveal what they had found out to those who were being investigated.
All that kept this cover-up and obstruction of justice from succeeding was the appointment of a special prosecutor. Kenneth Starr could not be put on administrative leave. He got more than 20 felony convictions out of an Arkansas jury in an overwhelmingly Democratic state, despite later White House spin that this was all just Republican "partisanship."
Against this background, it is easy to see why various records showing Hillary Clinton's work for Madison Guaranty were destroyed and others stolen by Webster Hubbell and "lost" in the White House.
JWR Sowell archives 9-15-98
By firing all U.S. Attorneys shortly after becoming president -- something no other president had ever done before -- Bill Clinton got rid of the U.S. Attorney in Arkansas who was investigating the Whitewater-Madison Guaranty scandals and replaced him with Paula Casey, a Clinton protege and one of his political campaign workers.
The entire article:
Hillary Rodham Crook?
AFTER FINISHING HIS WORK on potentially impeachable offenses growing out of the Lewinsky scandal, Kenneth Starr is still investigating other activities by the president and others, which could add to the list of potentially impeachable offenses by the president and criminal indictments against others.
Billary: Like husband, like wife?Or is it the other way around? Let's go back to square one. This all started with the appointment of a special prosecutor to look into financial frauds in Arkansas, in institutions connected with Hillary and Bill Clinton.
The Clintons were partners with Jim and Susan McDougal in the Whitewater Development Corporation, whose accounts were kept in the Madison Guaranty Savings & Loan, run by Jim McDougal, with Hillary Clinton as an attorney. Federal bank examiners testified that Madison Guaranty was a "politically corrupt institution that routed millions of dollars to politically connected Arkansans."
In the more reserved language of an official report, Madison Guaranty was the scene of "embezzlement," "money laundering," "falsification of loan records and board minutes," "wire fraud" and "illegal campaign contributions" -- among other crimes.
Part of the money looted by Jim McDougal found its way into the Whitewater account and into Bill Clinton's political campaign funds. These frauds left the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to pay more than $60 million to depositors with accounts in Madison Guaranty. That was more than all the years of Kenneth Starr's investigations cost.
Why was a special prosecutor necessary? Because the Clintons had used their political clout to obstruct the investigations and corrupt the normal processes of government, at both the state and federal levels. This was not just Bill Clinton's method of operation when dealing with scandals in "his private sex life." It was a technique used by both Clintons in matters having nothing to do with sex, long before anyone ever heard of Monica Lewinsky.
When both state and federal investigators first moved in, Hillary Clinton was able to stop the state officials from closing down Madison Guaranty. She was more than just another lawyer appearing before state officials. She was the wife of the governor who appointed those officials.
The Clintons could not interfere with the feds, however -- at least not until they were in the White House. By then, Madison Guaranty had been closed down and federal investigators were on the trail of the frauds. By firing all U.S. Attorneys shortly after becoming president -- something no other president had ever done before -- Bill Clinton got rid of the U.S. Attorney in Arkansas who was investigating the Whitewater-Madison Guaranty scandals and replaced him with Paula Casey, a Clinton protege and one of his political campaign workers.
The president's Arkansas appointee had no experience as a prosecutor, but she had political ties to the people being investigated -- including the Clintons and Arkansas governor Jim Guy Tucker.
Other federal authorities who sent information to Ms. Casey for criminal investigations of Tucker and the Clintons got nowhere. She officially declined the criminal referrals. She even kept the information from reaching Justice Department headquarters in Washington, until others went over her head to tell the top brass at Justice in D.C.
Other investigators in another federal agency were told that higher-ups would take "a dim view" of their pursuing the Whitewater-Madison affair. When these investigators failed to take the hint, they were put on administrative leave in August 1994, without warning and without explanation.
Meanwhile, White House lawyers and the Clintons' private attorneys were being briefed repeatedly on how much dirt the feds had dug up on the Clintons back in Arkansas. It was a complete violation of the rules and practices for federal investigators to reveal what they had found out to those who were being investigated.
All that kept this cover-up and obstruction of justice from succeeding was the appointment of a special prosecutor. Kenneth Starr could not be put on administrative leave. He got more than 20 felony convictions out of an Arkansas jury in an overwhelmingly Democratic state, despite later White House spin that this was all just Republican "partisanship."
Against this background, it is easy to see why various records showing Hillary Clinton's work for Madison Guaranty were destroyed and others stolen by Webster Hubbell and "lost" in the White House.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Steve has passed away.
County commissioner Steve Wisniewski passed away today, Monday, March 5, 2007.
A very good man. An irreplaceable County Commissioner. A wonderful father and husband. He will be missed. Rest in peace, Steve.
(in Monday's Muskegon Chronicle)
Commissioner, ill, bids farewell
Dear constituents, fellow commissioners and friends,
As I believe you are all aware, I have been battling a rare, fast-growing cancer for the last 20 months. During much of that time, I was able to continue working and representing the needs of the White Lake area at the county. As your elected county representative, I feel you deserve to know the current status of my health. After having had a bone marrow transplant and more chemotherapy, I have recently learned that my lymphoma is aggressively growing again and my prognosis is terminal.
To my constituents: As a lifelong resident of the White Lake area I remain devoted to its well-being. I have enjoyed getting to know so many of you through my previous business and as your commissioner. I am deeply saddened that my service to you as county commissioner from the 1st District is coming to an end. Thank you for electing me three times to represent you. Representing the "Jewel of the County" has been a privilege and an honor.
To my fellow commissioners: It has been a pleasure to be a member the board of commissioners with you. I am proud of our many accomplishments in the last four years and wish you continued success as you work toward the betterment of the county. You have my respect and admiration and I am pleased to count you among my friends. It is a joy to work with people so dedicated to public service.
To my many friends: Thank you for your support over the recent months. Thank you particularly for the warm greetings you extended when I was able to make a public appearance and for the support you have given Judy and me. It has been a great pleasure to be able to count so many of you among my friends. I wish I could tell each of you personally how much you mean to me.
I am grateful for so many things -- my wonderful family and friends, this beautiful area in which we live, and the opportunities life has presented me. I wish you all the same blessings in your lives.
Steve Wisniewski
Muskegon County Commissioner
1st District
Montague
A very good man. An irreplaceable County Commissioner. A wonderful father and husband. He will be missed. Rest in peace, Steve.
(in Monday's Muskegon Chronicle)
Commissioner, ill, bids farewell
Dear constituents, fellow commissioners and friends,
As I believe you are all aware, I have been battling a rare, fast-growing cancer for the last 20 months. During much of that time, I was able to continue working and representing the needs of the White Lake area at the county. As your elected county representative, I feel you deserve to know the current status of my health. After having had a bone marrow transplant and more chemotherapy, I have recently learned that my lymphoma is aggressively growing again and my prognosis is terminal.
To my constituents: As a lifelong resident of the White Lake area I remain devoted to its well-being. I have enjoyed getting to know so many of you through my previous business and as your commissioner. I am deeply saddened that my service to you as county commissioner from the 1st District is coming to an end. Thank you for electing me three times to represent you. Representing the "Jewel of the County" has been a privilege and an honor.
To my fellow commissioners: It has been a pleasure to be a member the board of commissioners with you. I am proud of our many accomplishments in the last four years and wish you continued success as you work toward the betterment of the county. You have my respect and admiration and I am pleased to count you among my friends. It is a joy to work with people so dedicated to public service.
To my many friends: Thank you for your support over the recent months. Thank you particularly for the warm greetings you extended when I was able to make a public appearance and for the support you have given Judy and me. It has been a great pleasure to be able to count so many of you among my friends. I wish I could tell each of you personally how much you mean to me.
I am grateful for so many things -- my wonderful family and friends, this beautiful area in which we live, and the opportunities life has presented me. I wish you all the same blessings in your lives.
Steve Wisniewski
Muskegon County Commissioner
1st District
Montague
HDTV tips from Kim Komando
KILLER TIP--THE WEEKLY QUESTION SENT IN FROM PEOPLE LIKE YOU!I want to purchase a high-definition television set. But each time I go to the store, I get confused by all the choices. Can you tell me what I should look for?Ron in Nashville, TN, listening on WWTN 99.7 FMBuying a television used to be fairly simple. But these days, it helps to have a degree in rocket science.
First, let me explain HDTV. High definition television simply refers to the resolution of an image. HDTV resolution is either 1920x1080 (1080i and 1080p) or 1280x720 (720p).
The second number (1080 or 720) refers to the number of rows of pixels. Theoretically, the more pixels, the clearer the picture. But you won’t notice a difference between 1080 and 720. (Standard televisions can show 330 rows of pixels. You will notice a difference from that!)
P stands for progressive; i is interlaced. In progressive resolutions, the rows of pixels are refreshed electronically in a series (1,2,3,4, etc.) Interlaced screens skip lines when they refresh (1,3,5,7, etc., then 2,4,6,8, etc.) Either way works. Don’t worry about it. Some signals are broadcast in 720p, others in 1080i. (There are no 1080p signals, yet.) The type of broadcast is immaterial. Televisions convert signals to the proper resolution. Again, you need not worry about it.
Televisions are measured diagonally. HDTVs range from about 15 inches to over 100 inches. Additionally, most HDTVs are 16:9s—they measure 16 units (inches, if you like) horizontally to every 9 vertically. Standard TVs are 4:3—4 units horizontally to every 3 vertically.
The majority of high-definition broadcasts are 16:9. They are still in the minority; most broadcasts are standard 4:3. You can watch standard broadcasts on 16:9 HDTVs. They will leave bars on the sides. You can zoom the picture to fill the 16:9 opening. That slices off the bottom and top of the picture. But that usually isn’t a problem.
Now, in order for a television to pick up stations, it requires a tuner. To pick up high-def stations, it requires an HDTV tuner. Most HDTV sets include tuners. Some, called monitors, do not.
A tuner is necessary to receive over-the-air signals. You usually grab them with a roof antenna. If you have cable or satellite, a monitor will suffice. You’ll rent a cable or satellite box with the HD tuner. Sets without HDTV tuners are significantly cheaper. But you may have trouble finding monitors in stores. They’re available on the Internet, though.
Now, let’s look at the types of HD sets. They’re all good, but they all have their drawbacks. They fall into four categories: Projection, plasma, LCD and CRT.
Projection TVs are large and relatively inexpensive. They are also bulkier than plasma and LCD, so you can’t hang them on the wall. There are several types: DLP (digital light processing), LCoS (liquid crystal on silicon), LCD (liquid crystal display) and CRT (cathode ray tube).
DLP is probably the most common. These sets use mirrors mounted on a chip, along with a light, to create the picture. You may also see a rainbow effect. This is when you see the colors separate on the screen. Check the TV carefully in the store before buying.
Personally, I prefer plasma or LCD. They are much less bulky, and can be mounted on a wall. Both historically have had drawbacks, but makers have solved or mitigated them.
LCD sets are rapidly growing in popularity. They’re lighter than plasmas and use less power. Until recently, though, they had a problem with smearing. Motion would appear blurry on the screen. Newer sets don’t suffer this.
If you go with an LCD set, look at the response time carefully. This is the time it takes for the pixels to go on and off. I would aim for 8ms (milliseconds) or less. You’re much less likely to get smearing with a fast set.
LCDs also have a problem with black levels. If a show is dimly lit, gradations of black can be difficult to see.
You can pick up a smaller LCD for well under $1,000. But larger models are more expensive than plasma sets.
Plasmas have lovely pictures, although some experts consider LCDs superior. You won’t find plasmas under 37 inches. If you need something smaller, look at LCDs.
Plasma displays have a problem with reflections. So they work better in a dark room. Plasmas also have suffered from burn in, historically. A static image displayed too long would become permanently visible on the screen. Newer models are less likely to have this problem.
The fourth type of set is the CRT. These are similar to traditional televisions. They range up to 34 inches. Many consider CRT pictures the best of all. But this technology is dying.
Why? The sets are massive. Typically, the tube is about two feet deep on large sets. And the weight will approach 200 pounds. So, think carefully about where you will put such a set before buying.
HDTV prices are coming down rapidly. Lesser known brands are cutting prices deeply to gain market share. Everybody is suffering but the consumer! If you were put off by HDTV prices in the past, check again. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
For more pricing information for HDTVs, visit my Buying Guide. I've got more tips on my site that will interest you:
• Make sure your TV is HDCP-compliant• Play your games in high-def• Want a big screen but don’t have the room? Try a projector
First, let me explain HDTV. High definition television simply refers to the resolution of an image. HDTV resolution is either 1920x1080 (1080i and 1080p) or 1280x720 (720p).
The second number (1080 or 720) refers to the number of rows of pixels. Theoretically, the more pixels, the clearer the picture. But you won’t notice a difference between 1080 and 720. (Standard televisions can show 330 rows of pixels. You will notice a difference from that!)
P stands for progressive; i is interlaced. In progressive resolutions, the rows of pixels are refreshed electronically in a series (1,2,3,4, etc.) Interlaced screens skip lines when they refresh (1,3,5,7, etc., then 2,4,6,8, etc.) Either way works. Don’t worry about it. Some signals are broadcast in 720p, others in 1080i. (There are no 1080p signals, yet.) The type of broadcast is immaterial. Televisions convert signals to the proper resolution. Again, you need not worry about it.
Televisions are measured diagonally. HDTVs range from about 15 inches to over 100 inches. Additionally, most HDTVs are 16:9s—they measure 16 units (inches, if you like) horizontally to every 9 vertically. Standard TVs are 4:3—4 units horizontally to every 3 vertically.
The majority of high-definition broadcasts are 16:9. They are still in the minority; most broadcasts are standard 4:3. You can watch standard broadcasts on 16:9 HDTVs. They will leave bars on the sides. You can zoom the picture to fill the 16:9 opening. That slices off the bottom and top of the picture. But that usually isn’t a problem.
Now, in order for a television to pick up stations, it requires a tuner. To pick up high-def stations, it requires an HDTV tuner. Most HDTV sets include tuners. Some, called monitors, do not.
A tuner is necessary to receive over-the-air signals. You usually grab them with a roof antenna. If you have cable or satellite, a monitor will suffice. You’ll rent a cable or satellite box with the HD tuner. Sets without HDTV tuners are significantly cheaper. But you may have trouble finding monitors in stores. They’re available on the Internet, though.
Now, let’s look at the types of HD sets. They’re all good, but they all have their drawbacks. They fall into four categories: Projection, plasma, LCD and CRT.
Projection TVs are large and relatively inexpensive. They are also bulkier than plasma and LCD, so you can’t hang them on the wall. There are several types: DLP (digital light processing), LCoS (liquid crystal on silicon), LCD (liquid crystal display) and CRT (cathode ray tube).
DLP is probably the most common. These sets use mirrors mounted on a chip, along with a light, to create the picture. You may also see a rainbow effect. This is when you see the colors separate on the screen. Check the TV carefully in the store before buying.
Personally, I prefer plasma or LCD. They are much less bulky, and can be mounted on a wall. Both historically have had drawbacks, but makers have solved or mitigated them.
LCD sets are rapidly growing in popularity. They’re lighter than plasmas and use less power. Until recently, though, they had a problem with smearing. Motion would appear blurry on the screen. Newer sets don’t suffer this.
If you go with an LCD set, look at the response time carefully. This is the time it takes for the pixels to go on and off. I would aim for 8ms (milliseconds) or less. You’re much less likely to get smearing with a fast set.
LCDs also have a problem with black levels. If a show is dimly lit, gradations of black can be difficult to see.
You can pick up a smaller LCD for well under $1,000. But larger models are more expensive than plasma sets.
Plasmas have lovely pictures, although some experts consider LCDs superior. You won’t find plasmas under 37 inches. If you need something smaller, look at LCDs.
Plasma displays have a problem with reflections. So they work better in a dark room. Plasmas also have suffered from burn in, historically. A static image displayed too long would become permanently visible on the screen. Newer models are less likely to have this problem.
The fourth type of set is the CRT. These are similar to traditional televisions. They range up to 34 inches. Many consider CRT pictures the best of all. But this technology is dying.
Why? The sets are massive. Typically, the tube is about two feet deep on large sets. And the weight will approach 200 pounds. So, think carefully about where you will put such a set before buying.
HDTV prices are coming down rapidly. Lesser known brands are cutting prices deeply to gain market share. Everybody is suffering but the consumer! If you were put off by HDTV prices in the past, check again. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
For more pricing information for HDTVs, visit my Buying Guide. I've got more tips on my site that will interest you:
• Make sure your TV is HDCP-compliant• Play your games in high-def• Want a big screen but don’t have the room? Try a projector
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Kansas City Star | 03/04/2007 | Union mentality can be a roadblock to innovation
Kansas City Star 03/04/2007 Union mentality can be a roadblock to innovation: "One of the most cherished assumptions of organized labor is that a hefty increase in union membership would be good for the nation.
This is simply untrue. Having a union may be good for some workers. And certainly, some companies have botched employee relations so badly they deserve to have their workers represented by a union.
But for the economy as a whole, a large increase in the number of unionized businesses would be a tremendous drag on growth, especially in dynamic sectors such as technology.
Yet that’s exactly what union backers in Congress are pushing for with the misnamed Employee Free Choice Act. The measure was passed Thursday by the House. It’s expected to receive more skeptical reception in the Senate — where it deserves to die."
This is simply untrue. Having a union may be good for some workers. And certainly, some companies have botched employee relations so badly they deserve to have their workers represented by a union.
But for the economy as a whole, a large increase in the number of unionized businesses would be a tremendous drag on growth, especially in dynamic sectors such as technology.
Yet that’s exactly what union backers in Congress are pushing for with the misnamed Employee Free Choice Act. The measure was passed Thursday by the House. It’s expected to receive more skeptical reception in the Senate — where it deserves to die."
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Bill Maher Sorry the Assassination Attempt on Dick Cheney Failed | NewsBusters.org
Bill Maher Sorry the Assassination Attempt on Dick Cheney Failed NewsBusters.org: "Maher: But I have zero doubt that if Dick Cheney was not in power, people wouldn’t be dying needlessly tomorrow. (applause)
Scarborough: If someone on this panel said that they wished that Dick Cheney had been blown up, and you didn’t say…
Frank: I think he did.
Scarborough: Okay. Did you say…
Maher: No, no. I quoted that.
Frank: You don’t believe that?
Maher: I’m just saying if he did die, other people, more people would live. That’s a fact. "
Scarborough: If someone on this panel said that they wished that Dick Cheney had been blown up, and you didn’t say…
Frank: I think he did.
Scarborough: Okay. Did you say…
Maher: No, no. I quoted that.
Frank: You don’t believe that?
Maher: I’m just saying if he did die, other people, more people would live. That’s a fact. "
The Daily Ablution: The Guardian of Hypocrisy
The Daily Ablution: The Guardian of Hypocrisy: "More harmful are the accusations levelled against Al Gore - an intelligent, persuasive individual who has become a Green hero for his campaign urging (or hectoring, take your pick) all of us to pursue a Gaia-friendly lifestyle, lest disaster ensue.
For Mr. Gore, it's nothing less than a moral imperative to do so - it is, indeed, 'the most pressing moral issue of our time'.
The revelation that Mr. Gore's electricity consumption at just one of his homes is nearly 20 times that of the average American household has dented his image as the Green Moralist-in-Chief, and his self-defence is less than persuasive. Here it is, as presented at a 'progressive' website, through a spokesperson:"
For Mr. Gore, it's nothing less than a moral imperative to do so - it is, indeed, 'the most pressing moral issue of our time'.
The revelation that Mr. Gore's electricity consumption at just one of his homes is nearly 20 times that of the average American household has dented his image as the Green Moralist-in-Chief, and his self-defence is less than persuasive. Here it is, as presented at a 'progressive' website, through a spokesperson:"
Friday, March 02, 2007
Peoples Paradise?
Professionals Exit Venezuela - WSJ.com:
Chávez's Grip on PowerDrives Out Oil Experts; Support Hugo or You Go
By PETER MILLARDFebruary 15, 2007; Page A10
CARACAS, Venezuela -- Oil-rich Venezuela has experienced the kind of economic boom in recent years that should be flush with job opportunities. But an increasing number of professionals, many of them from the oil industry, are looking abroad for work, driven away by President Hugo Chávez's effort to extend state control over the economy, and by inflation verging on 20%.
Since his re-election in December, Mr. Chávez has pursued an agenda of "21st Century Socialism," painting a future of "communal cities" and state-run cooperatives dedicated to production, not profit.
"Chavez's electoral triumph and the radicalized discourse has increased the desire to emigrate," said Luis Vicente Leon, the head of Datanalisis, a Caracas polling firm.
Not everyone is dissatisfied. Mr. Chávez, who first took office in 1999, has gained a broad base of popular support among Venezuela's poor, largely by spending billions of dollars on social programs. And a newly rich class of Venezuelans with close connections to the government is likely to stick around as long as they can continue to profit from Mr. Chávez's rise.
Still, at the U.S. Embassy call center for visas in Caracas, the lines have been jammed since Mr. Chávez announced in early January the nationalization of the electricity industry and Venezuela's largest telecommunications firm. "It doubled practically overnight," said a U.S. diplomat.
The number of Venezuelans receiving U.S. legal permanent residence more than doubled from 2000 to 2005, when 10,870 got their green cards. In that period the overall number of green cards increased by a third. During that period the number of Venezuelan-born U.S. residents increased 42%, to 151,743, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The oil industry appears to be taking notice of the available talent. Qatar Petroleum has run ads in local papers this year, offering tax-free salaries for geologists, reservoir engineers and geophysicists.
Canadian immigration law firm Benchetrit & Associates recently held four days of seminars in Caracas on living and working in Canada. "A plan for your life," read an advertisement for the seminars.
A Canadian embassy spokesman said oil companies are the main recruiters on the ground in Caracas. Canada is developing extra-heavy oil reserves that are comparable to those in Venezuela's Orinoco river basin, providing a ready job market for current and former staffers at Venezuela's state oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela SA, or PdVSA. The number of work visas Canada granted Venezuelans more than doubled last year, to 340.
Any opposition-minded oil workers still left at PdVSA face a difficult environment. During the presidential campaign last year, PdVSA President Rafael Ramirez told company executives to join Mr. Chávez's political movement or hit the road. In 2003, Mr. Chávez sacked around 20,000 PdVSA staffers -- about half the company's work force -- for walking off the job, calling them "terrorists." A majority of them were the managers, accountants and field engineers who turned the state oil venture into a world-class oil company during a period of robust expansion in the 1990s.
Many found work elsewhere, including in Mexico, Canada and Saudi Arabia, at a time of high demand for experienced oil workers.
The lost expertise has taken a toll on PdVSA, the country's largest single employer. Its share of the global market for crude oil supply is shrinking, and accidents and outages are on the rise. Analysts say the cost to PdVSA of producing a barrel of oil has nearly doubled in the past five years to more than $4.50.
White-collar executives at Electricidad de Caracas, which provides 10% of the country's power, and CANTV, the leading telephone company, also are bracing for a politicized workplace after Mr. Chávez finishes nationalizing the two firms by the end of March. Employees there say many staffers are seeking early retirement and expect management to discourage political opposition to Mr. Chávez. In January, Mr. Chávez floated the idea of capping salaries for state employees, giving the most valuable technicians and managers at these firms another reason to move on.
This isn't the first time Venezuelan professionals have rushed for the exits. A multitude of professionals fled the country in 2003 after a nationwide general strike failed to remove Mr. Chávez from office.
According to Datanalisis, the number of Venezuelans who said they were interested in emigrating peaked at around 44% during the 2002-2003 political crisis, which saw the country run out of gasoline for two months. Interest in emigration started declining as the economy rebounded, but Datanalisis expects another spike this year.
Chávez's Grip on PowerDrives Out Oil Experts; Support Hugo or You Go
By PETER MILLARDFebruary 15, 2007; Page A10
CARACAS, Venezuela -- Oil-rich Venezuela has experienced the kind of economic boom in recent years that should be flush with job opportunities. But an increasing number of professionals, many of them from the oil industry, are looking abroad for work, driven away by President Hugo Chávez's effort to extend state control over the economy, and by inflation verging on 20%.
Since his re-election in December, Mr. Chávez has pursued an agenda of "21st Century Socialism," painting a future of "communal cities" and state-run cooperatives dedicated to production, not profit.
"Chavez's electoral triumph and the radicalized discourse has increased the desire to emigrate," said Luis Vicente Leon, the head of Datanalisis, a Caracas polling firm.
Not everyone is dissatisfied. Mr. Chávez, who first took office in 1999, has gained a broad base of popular support among Venezuela's poor, largely by spending billions of dollars on social programs. And a newly rich class of Venezuelans with close connections to the government is likely to stick around as long as they can continue to profit from Mr. Chávez's rise.
Still, at the U.S. Embassy call center for visas in Caracas, the lines have been jammed since Mr. Chávez announced in early January the nationalization of the electricity industry and Venezuela's largest telecommunications firm. "It doubled practically overnight," said a U.S. diplomat.
The number of Venezuelans receiving U.S. legal permanent residence more than doubled from 2000 to 2005, when 10,870 got their green cards. In that period the overall number of green cards increased by a third. During that period the number of Venezuelan-born U.S. residents increased 42%, to 151,743, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The oil industry appears to be taking notice of the available talent. Qatar Petroleum has run ads in local papers this year, offering tax-free salaries for geologists, reservoir engineers and geophysicists.
Canadian immigration law firm Benchetrit & Associates recently held four days of seminars in Caracas on living and working in Canada. "A plan for your life," read an advertisement for the seminars.
A Canadian embassy spokesman said oil companies are the main recruiters on the ground in Caracas. Canada is developing extra-heavy oil reserves that are comparable to those in Venezuela's Orinoco river basin, providing a ready job market for current and former staffers at Venezuela's state oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela SA, or PdVSA. The number of work visas Canada granted Venezuelans more than doubled last year, to 340.
Any opposition-minded oil workers still left at PdVSA face a difficult environment. During the presidential campaign last year, PdVSA President Rafael Ramirez told company executives to join Mr. Chávez's political movement or hit the road. In 2003, Mr. Chávez sacked around 20,000 PdVSA staffers -- about half the company's work force -- for walking off the job, calling them "terrorists." A majority of them were the managers, accountants and field engineers who turned the state oil venture into a world-class oil company during a period of robust expansion in the 1990s.
Many found work elsewhere, including in Mexico, Canada and Saudi Arabia, at a time of high demand for experienced oil workers.
The lost expertise has taken a toll on PdVSA, the country's largest single employer. Its share of the global market for crude oil supply is shrinking, and accidents and outages are on the rise. Analysts say the cost to PdVSA of producing a barrel of oil has nearly doubled in the past five years to more than $4.50.
White-collar executives at Electricidad de Caracas, which provides 10% of the country's power, and CANTV, the leading telephone company, also are bracing for a politicized workplace after Mr. Chávez finishes nationalizing the two firms by the end of March. Employees there say many staffers are seeking early retirement and expect management to discourage political opposition to Mr. Chávez. In January, Mr. Chávez floated the idea of capping salaries for state employees, giving the most valuable technicians and managers at these firms another reason to move on.
This isn't the first time Venezuelan professionals have rushed for the exits. A multitude of professionals fled the country in 2003 after a nationwide general strike failed to remove Mr. Chávez from office.
According to Datanalisis, the number of Venezuelans who said they were interested in emigrating peaked at around 44% during the 2002-2003 political crisis, which saw the country run out of gasoline for two months. Interest in emigration started declining as the economy rebounded, but Datanalisis expects another spike this year.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Bush Loves Ecology -- At Home
Bush Loves Ecology -- At Home: "
The 4,000-square-foot house is a model of environmental rectitude. "
The 4,000-square-foot house is a model of environmental rectitude. "
Competitive Enterprise Institute
Competitive Enterprise Institute: "In Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth, the only facts and studies considered are those convenient to Gore's scare-them-green agenda. And in many instances, he distorts the evidence he cites. In fact, nearly every significant statement Gore makes regarding climate science and climate policy is either one sided, misleading, exaggerated, speculative, or wrong."
Oh, baby: $500 to all newborns? - sacbee.com
Oh, baby: $500 to all newborns? - sacbee.com: "Happy birthday, baby, here's $500 -- courtesy of California taxpayers.
Legislation announced Wed- nesday would provide a tax-free, long-term investment account to every baby born in California, regardless of the parents' financial or immigration status.
Senate Bill 752 is meant to persuade more families to invest for the future.
'If we ask people to invest in California, California must invest in its people,' said Sen. Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, who is co-authoring the bill with Republican Sen. Bob Dutton of Rancho Cucamonga.
'Every child ought to grow up knowing that they are worth investing in, from birth on,' Steinberg said.
The proposed account, called Kids Investment and Development Savings, or KIDS, is meant to grow until the child turns 18 and could withdraw the money for a house, education, vocational training or to roll over into a retirement account.
But critics say the state has more critical needs than padding accounts for children too young to say thanks. Sen. George Runner, R-Lancaster, said it's hard to support giving $500 to every newborn when the state says it doesn't have enough money to build prisons."
Legislation announced Wed- nesday would provide a tax-free, long-term investment account to every baby born in California, regardless of the parents' financial or immigration status.
Senate Bill 752 is meant to persuade more families to invest for the future.
'If we ask people to invest in California, California must invest in its people,' said Sen. Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, who is co-authoring the bill with Republican Sen. Bob Dutton of Rancho Cucamonga.
'Every child ought to grow up knowing that they are worth investing in, from birth on,' Steinberg said.
The proposed account, called Kids Investment and Development Savings, or KIDS, is meant to grow until the child turns 18 and could withdraw the money for a house, education, vocational training or to roll over into a retirement account.
But critics say the state has more critical needs than padding accounts for children too young to say thanks. Sen. George Runner, R-Lancaster, said it's hard to support giving $500 to every newborn when the state says it doesn't have enough money to build prisons."
FrontPage magazine.com :: The Inconvenient Truth About Al Gore by Michael Reagan
FrontPage magazine.com :: The Inconvenient Truth About Al Gore by Michael Reagan: "Gore has proven time and again to be a complete hypocrite. He preaches the need to eliminate man-made pollution. On his website advising people to fight global warming by discovering what their so-called carbon footprint is, he says, “You may be surprised by how much CO2 you are emitting each year,” and advises that you should “calculate your personal impact and learn how you can take action to reduce or even eliminate your emissions of carbon dioxide.”"
Alien technology the best hope to 'save our planet:' ex-defence boss
Alien technology the best hope to 'save our planet:' ex-defence boss: "former Canadian defence minister says be believes advanced technology from extraterrestrial civilizations offers the best hope to 'save our planet' from the perils of climate change.
Paul Hellyer, 83, is calling for a public disclosure of alien technology obtained during alleged UFO crashes -- such as the mysterious 1947 incident in Roswell, New Mexico -- because he believes alien species can provide humanity with a viable alternative to fossil fuels."
Paul Hellyer, 83, is calling for a public disclosure of alien technology obtained during alleged UFO crashes -- such as the mysterious 1947 incident in Roswell, New Mexico -- because he believes alien species can provide humanity with a viable alternative to fossil fuels."
The News Buckit: "Seven words you can never say on television"... but which are said on the Internet. A lot.
The News Buckit: "Seven words you can never say on television"... but which are said on the Internet. A lot.: "So how much more does the Left use Carlin's 'seven words' versus the Right? According to my calculations, try somewhere in the range of 18-to-1."
Taxing Wages - WSJ.com
Taxing Wages - WSJ.com: "In France, Germany and Belgium the tax wedge is truly expropriating: 50.2%, 52.5% and 55.4%, respectively. The average employee in these three countries takes home less than half of what it costs to employ him. Most of the money goes to the state through income and payroll taxes.
Yet when EU finance ministers met this week and railed against the rising gap between wages and company profits, Europe's enormous tax wedge didn't merit a mention. Corporate greed -- not government greed -- was blamed for the discrepancy."
Yet when EU finance ministers met this week and railed against the rising gap between wages and company profits, Europe's enormous tax wedge didn't merit a mention. Corporate greed -- not government greed -- was blamed for the discrepancy."
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Much hype. Little substance.
3.2% decline warrants disaster style coverage by the MSM? No wonder their viewership is dropping faster than Bill Clinton's pants.
American Thinker Blog: A Modest Proposal to Eco-Celebs
American Thinker Blog: A Modest Proposal to Eco-Celebs: "The day after Al Gore won an Oscar for his crockumentary on global warming, An Inconvenient Truth, which warns that the earth is threatened with horrific catastrophes unless we all cut our energy consumption instantly, it turned out that the real inconvenient truth is that he, like the celebrity eco-warriors is a hypocrite "
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
FOXNews.com - Prince Charles Calls for Ban on McDonald's Restaurants and Big Macs - International News | News of the World | Middle East News | Europe News
FOXNews.com - Prince Charles Calls for Ban on McDonald's Restaurants and Big Macs - International News News of the World Middle East News Europe News: "The Prince of Wales told a nutritionist in Abu Dhabi Tuesday that the “key” to people eating healthily was to ban McDonald’s fast food restaurants."
NWA union sues over rewarding excellence
NWA union sues over new perks: "The union also complained about a new 'success-sharing' program that raises pilots' pay, saying that Northwest 'unilaterally determined' how the pilots should be rewarded. It also criticized the airline's move to create 'employee involvement teams' to discuss working conditions without union representatives."
Jeepers, just like the teeeechers unions who won't allow superior teachers to be rewarded. Seems like a pattern. Big surprise!
Jeepers, just like the teeeechers unions who won't allow superior teachers to be rewarded. Seems like a pattern. Big surprise!
ABC News: Al Gore Will Not Only Run, but He Can and Will Win in '08
ABC News: Al Gore Will Not Only Run, but He Can and Will Win in '08: "Make no mistake: Former Vice President Al Gore will be our next president. "
IBD Editorials: The Lion In Winter
IBD Editorials: The Lion In Winter: "In a speech before a joint session of Congress on Sept. 20, 2001, President Bush pointed out the real reasons the terrorists hate us and our British allies:
'They hate what they see right here in this chamber — a democratically elected government. Their leaders are self-appointed. They hate our freedoms: our freedom of religion, our freedom of speech, our freedom to vote and assemble and disagree with each other.'
If we retreat, they will not sleep. The Democrats who want to retreat, to set a date certain for our exit from Iraq and to defund our troops fit Winston Churchill's definition of an appeaser:
'One who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.'
To al-Qaida, the Democrats want to ring the dinner bell. "
'They hate what they see right here in this chamber — a democratically elected government. Their leaders are self-appointed. They hate our freedoms: our freedom of religion, our freedom of speech, our freedom to vote and assemble and disagree with each other.'
If we retreat, they will not sleep. The Democrats who want to retreat, to set a date certain for our exit from Iraq and to defund our troops fit Winston Churchill's definition of an appeaser:
'One who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.'
To al-Qaida, the Democrats want to ring the dinner bell. "
Al Gore's Own Inconvenient Truth - Wizbang
Al Gore's Own Inconvenient Truth - Wizbang: "Yikes! Gore is an energy glutton. Now compare this to President Bush's comparatively modest home in Crawford, Texas, which is a model of environmental friendliness:"
Very funny!
GOOD MORNING NIGERIA!: "You might also enjoy another favorite of mine. His name is Anthony Robbins. He also sells delightful motivational tapes. Although I would avoid the video version. He is a large man with enormous jaws, and after viewing his videos, I have had nightmares about horses biting me."
No business boom in Michigan
Toyota to build Miss. SUV plant: "Toyota Motor Corp. announced this morning plans to build a $1.3-billion assembly plant near Tupelo., Miss., expected to open in 2010."
Governorette Jenny demands federal money and trade destroying tarriffs while Red state Mississippi overcomes hurricanes and attracts business and jobs. Anyone wonder which state has the brightest future?
Governorette Jenny demands federal money and trade destroying tarriffs while Red state Mississippi overcomes hurricanes and attracts business and jobs. Anyone wonder which state has the brightest future?
Why did they lie to us?
Garlic does not lower cholesterol: study Health Reuters.com: "Eating garlic raw or in supplement form does not lower 'bad' cholesterol levels, despite widespread health claims for the pungent plant bulb, researchers said on Monday.
'It just doesn't work,' said Christopher Gardner of the Stanford Prevention Research Center in California. 'There's no shortcut. You achieve good health through eating healthy food. There isn't a pill or an herb you can take to counteract an unhealthy diet.'"
Shoot, I thought a pill and a burger was the perfect combo to insure a healthy life. Bummer....
'It just doesn't work,' said Christopher Gardner of the Stanford Prevention Research Center in California. 'There's no shortcut. You achieve good health through eating healthy food. There isn't a pill or an herb you can take to counteract an unhealthy diet.'"
Shoot, I thought a pill and a burger was the perfect combo to insure a healthy life. Bummer....
Mich. sheriff's department auctioning M-16 to raise cash
Mich. sheriff's department auctioning M-16 to raise cash: "A 1986 federal law banned the sale of new automatic weapons but allowed those already in circulation to be sold."
Monday, February 26, 2007
He cares!
Instapundit.com -: "Gore’s average monthly electric bill topped $1,359.'"
Hey...caring ain't free...
Hey...caring ain't free...
Where does this talent come from?!!!
YouTube - Bianca Ryan from America's Got Talent: "The amazing performance of 11 year-old Bianca Ryan on 'America's Got Talent' 6/28/06"
I don't usually watch these type of shows. Maybe I ought to?
I don't usually watch these type of shows. Maybe I ought to?
nifty phrase
Hillary's doomed taboo - By Mickey Kaus - Slate Magazine: " That isn't the 'politics of personal destruction.' It's due diligence. "
Bad business plan for NYT
American Thinker- Print Article: "Yet management led by a chief executive who owes his position to nepotism continues to position the newspaper properties as propaganda organs, destroying a century's legacy as a trusted news source. As we have been saying for years, well before the company's crisis became visible in its stock price, Pinch Sulzberger is destroying the value of the company founded and nurtured by his ancestors."
Too many newspapers and media outlets are destroying their customer base and I can't figure out why. Bummer...... thank God AlGore invented the internet and re-invented the documentary....
Too many newspapers and media outlets are destroying their customer base and I can't figure out why. Bummer...... thank God AlGore invented the internet and re-invented the documentary....
Stuck in the Mud - washingtonpost.com
Stuck in the Mud - washingtonpost.com: "My polls show that Democrats now hold a perceived advantage with voters not just on reducing deficits and balancing the budget but on an issue long seen as a GOP strength: ending wasteful spending. That alone should jar Republicans into taking a fresh approach."
School funding problems in county 'very serious'
School funding problems in county 'very serious': "School populations and staffing haven't kept up with the rest of Michigan's economy. We're seeing reductions in staff and wages and benefits throughout our state and yet our school districts have tried to maintain what they have. "
Science knowledge increases, but ...: Nation & World: The Seattle Times
Science knowledge increases, but ...: Nation & World: The Seattle Times: "In addition, these researchers noted an increase in college students who report they are 'unsure' about creationism as compared with evolution."
Americans lag only Turkey in discrediting evolution
Americans lag only Turkey in discrediting evolution: "Miller points a finger at 'by the book'' religions like those practiced by fundamentalists in the United States and Iraq.
'Fundamentalists in this country say everything you need to know is in the Bible, period. Islamists say everything you need to know is in the Koran, period,'' Miller said."
'Fundamentalists in this country say everything you need to know is in the Bible, period. Islamists say everything you need to know is in the Koran, period,'' Miller said."
1 in 6 on public assistance?!!!!
LubbockOnline.com: "The welfare state is bigger than ever despite a decade of policies designed to wean poor people from public aid.
The number of families receiving cash benefits from welfare has plummeted since the government imposed time limits on the payments a decade ago. But other programs for the poor, including Medicaid, food stamps and disability benefits, are bursting with new enrollees.
The result, according to an Associated Press analysis: Nearly one in six people rely on some form of public assistance, a larger share than at any time since the government started measuring two decades ago."
The number of families receiving cash benefits from welfare has plummeted since the government imposed time limits on the payments a decade ago. But other programs for the poor, including Medicaid, food stamps and disability benefits, are bursting with new enrollees.
The result, according to an Associated Press analysis: Nearly one in six people rely on some form of public assistance, a larger share than at any time since the government started measuring two decades ago."
Incomprehensible Intersections
Dark Roasted Blend: Incomprehensible Intersections: "They are called the 'Malfunction Junctions', or 'Spaghetti Intersections', and they are located almost in every major city in the West. You can find the streets that end nowhere, streets that strangely allow traffic in both direction (without providing proper lanes), streets that change names more often than a communist Cold War spies."
Crimes leave elderly broke and betrayed
Crimes leave elderly broke and betrayed: "He is among many concerned about elder abuse, particularly financial misdeeds against the elderly that are believed to be among the least-reported crimes.
They also are crimes that haven't captured the public's attention. "
Interesting, the silence of the liberal lambs over Jenny's "get out of jail free" proposal. Crooks destroy lives. Reducing criminal penalties is criminal. Imagine the liberal lion's roar if Engler had suggested this.....
They also are crimes that haven't captured the public's attention. "
Interesting, the silence of the liberal lambs over Jenny's "get out of jail free" proposal. Crooks destroy lives. Reducing criminal penalties is criminal. Imagine the liberal lion's roar if Engler had suggested this.....
Killer Kites!
11 dead, over 100 injured at Pakistani kite flying festival, officials say : "At least 11 people died and more than 100 people were injured at an annual spring festival in eastern Pakistan celebrated with the flying of thousands of colorful kites, officials said Monday.
The deaths and injuries were caused by stray bullets, sharpened kite-strings, electrocution and people falling off rooftops on Sunday at the conclusion of the two-day Basant festival, said Ruqia Bano, spokeswoman for the emergency services in the city of Lahore."
Will there be a Kite-Brady Bill in Lahore soon?
The deaths and injuries were caused by stray bullets, sharpened kite-strings, electrocution and people falling off rooftops on Sunday at the conclusion of the two-day Basant festival, said Ruqia Bano, spokeswoman for the emergency services in the city of Lahore."
Will there be a Kite-Brady Bill in Lahore soon?
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Thomas Sowell on Barack Obama on National Review Online
Thomas Sowell on Barack Obama on National Review Online: "Senator Barack Obama recently said, “let’s allow our unions and their organizers to lift up this country’s middle class again.”"
Meetings make us dumber, study shows - LiveScience - MSNBC.com
Meetings make us dumber, study shows - LiveScience - MSNBC.com: "People have a harder time coming up with alternative solutions to a problem when they are part of a group, new research suggests. "
Mayhem Main Event at NBA All-Star Weekend - AOL Sports
Mayhem Main Event at NBA All-Star Weekend - AOL Sports: "Things got so bad that she closed the 24-hour restaurant from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m.
'I have been spit on. I have had food thrown at me,' she said. 'I have lost two servers out of fear. I have locked my door out of the fear of violence.'"
'I have been spit on. I have had food thrown at me,' she said. 'I have lost two servers out of fear. I have locked my door out of the fear of violence.'"
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
FOXNews.com - Sword-Wielding Man Confronts Neighbor After Hearing Woman's Cries on Porn Film - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News
FOXNews.com - Sword-Wielding Man Confronts Neighbor After Hearing Woman's Cries on Porn Film - Local News News Articles National News US News: "OCONOMOWOC, Wis. — A sword-wielding Wisconsin man broke into his neighbor's apartment thinking he was chivalrous after hearing the cries of a woman he thought was in peril — but instead, she was in porn.
James Van Iveren was in his Oconomowoc apartment listening to music when he heard loud cries from a woman he thought was pleading for help, reported the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. The 39-year-old grabbed a cavalry sword, a family heirloom, and rushed upstairs to forcibly open the quarters of an upstairs tenant he barely knew.
'It was a woman screaming,' Van Iveren said of the Feb. 12 incident. 'She was screaming for help.'
Bret Stieghorst told police that he was watching a pornographic DVD when Van Iveren kicked open his door, damaging the frame and lock in the process, with a 39-inch blade in hand.
Stieghorst said Van Iveren demanded 'Where is she?' while thrusting the sword at him.
The neighbor told police Van Iveren became increasingly aggressive as he repeated the question, insisting that he had heard a woman being raped. The complaint said that, with the sword pointed at him, the neighbor led Van Iveren throughout the apartment, opening closet doors to prove he was alone."
James Van Iveren was in his Oconomowoc apartment listening to music when he heard loud cries from a woman he thought was pleading for help, reported the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. The 39-year-old grabbed a cavalry sword, a family heirloom, and rushed upstairs to forcibly open the quarters of an upstairs tenant he barely knew.
'It was a woman screaming,' Van Iveren said of the Feb. 12 incident. 'She was screaming for help.'
Bret Stieghorst told police that he was watching a pornographic DVD when Van Iveren kicked open his door, damaging the frame and lock in the process, with a 39-inch blade in hand.
Stieghorst said Van Iveren demanded 'Where is she?' while thrusting the sword at him.
The neighbor told police Van Iveren became increasingly aggressive as he repeated the question, insisting that he had heard a woman being raped. The complaint said that, with the sword pointed at him, the neighbor led Van Iveren throughout the apartment, opening closet doors to prove he was alone."
The Hillary Spot on National Review Online
The Hillary Spot on National Review Online: "Edwards: 'Perhaps the Greatest Short-Term Threat to World Peace Is the Possibility That Israel Would Bomb Iran's Nuclear Facilities'
Hillary Spot reader Michael points out this little gem in Peter Bart's column on John Edwards' comments in Hollywood:
There are other emerging fissures, as well. The aggressively photogenic John Edwards was cruising along, detailing his litany of liberal causes last week until, during question time, he invoked the 'I' word — Israel. Perhaps the greatest short-term threat to world peace, Edwards remarked, was the possibility that Israel would bomb Iran's nuclear facilities. As a chill descended on the gathering, the Edwards event was brought to a polite close.
Really? Israel is the biggest threat? Not Ahmedinijad? Not al-Qaeda? Not a coup attempt in Pakistan? Not a complete breakdown in Iraq drawing in the Saudis, Turks, and Iranians?
Or, you know, perhaps not."
Hillary Spot reader Michael points out this little gem in Peter Bart's column on John Edwards' comments in Hollywood:
There are other emerging fissures, as well. The aggressively photogenic John Edwards was cruising along, detailing his litany of liberal causes last week until, during question time, he invoked the 'I' word — Israel. Perhaps the greatest short-term threat to world peace, Edwards remarked, was the possibility that Israel would bomb Iran's nuclear facilities. As a chill descended on the gathering, the Edwards event was brought to a polite close.
Really? Israel is the biggest threat? Not Ahmedinijad? Not al-Qaeda? Not a coup attempt in Pakistan? Not a complete breakdown in Iraq drawing in the Saudis, Turks, and Iranians?
Or, you know, perhaps not."
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich: "It takes about 16 PB&J sandwiches to save a chicken's life, for example. "
Power Line Forum | The UN? You’ve Gotta Be Freakin’ Kidding Me
Power Line Forum The UN? You’ve Gotta Be Freakin’ Kidding Me: "For my tax dollar, the all-time best Capitol Hill event involving celebrities occurred back in 1985, when the House Democratic Task Force on Agriculture held a jam-packed hearing that featured testimony on the plight of the American farm family from—I am not making this up—Sissy Spacek, Jessica Lange and Jane Fonda. Technically, of course, these women are not members of struggling farm families: They are rich actresses. But they have all played members of struggling farm families in major motion pictures, which more than qualifies them to testify before a congressional task force. They were so sincere it made your teeth hurt. Both Lange and Fonda broke down crying, and thousands of photographs were taken. A genuine family-farm member could have set fire to herself on the Capitol steps and not have gotten half the press coverage."
Luck? MSU was better team than Wisconsin
Luck? MSU was better team than Wisconsin: "If you are a true basketball fan, you watch a game like this and want to elope with these Spartans. They really had no business beating Wisconsin. Their shooting guard, Neitzel used to play point guard -- and people said he was small then. Their point guard, Travis Walton, is not a natural point. Their small forward, Raymar Morgan, is a freshman who missed more than a month because of an injury. Their starting center, Drew Naymick, has battled horrible shoulder problems -- an MSU source has confirmed that for a while, Naymick just dropped off the shoulder at rehab in the morning and picked it up in the afternoon.
They might as well call 'Neitzel' before every play, because every opponent knows he is getting the ball. Tuesday, Neitzel shot 10-for-17, nailed six three-pointers and scored 28. The rest of the Spartans shot 12-for-31, made one three-pointer and scored 36.
What a year for Neitzel: He switched from point guard to shooting guard, improved his defense dramatically, lifted his team from a near-certain trip to the Nobody's Interested Tournament to the cusp of an NCAA tourney bid, scored 28 points in an upset of the No. 1 team, and Britney Spears is trying to look like him."
They might as well call 'Neitzel' before every play, because every opponent knows he is getting the ball. Tuesday, Neitzel shot 10-for-17, nailed six three-pointers and scored 28. The rest of the Spartans shot 12-for-31, made one three-pointer and scored 36.
What a year for Neitzel: He switched from point guard to shooting guard, improved his defense dramatically, lifted his team from a near-certain trip to the Nobody's Interested Tournament to the cusp of an NCAA tourney bid, scored 28 points in an upset of the No. 1 team, and Britney Spears is trying to look like him."
The Bush depression?
US deficit is shrinking, for now csmonitor.com: "Already, the federal deficit is shrinking toward about half the size that it has averaged since 1970, when analyzed as a percentage of gross domestic product.
The shift reflects a strong economy, with higher incomes and corporate profits generating a bigger flow of tax revenue. In turn, the Treasury's progress could help the economy by buoying investor confidence in the nation's fiscal position."
The shift reflects a strong economy, with higher incomes and corporate profits generating a bigger flow of tax revenue. In turn, the Treasury's progress could help the economy by buoying investor confidence in the nation's fiscal position."
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
La Shawn Barber’s Corner » Suspected Arrested in Durham for Rape
La Shawn Barber’s Corner » Suspected Arrested in Durham for Rape: "Yesterday a man was arrested in the so-called second Duke rape case."
Variety.com - The real Hollywood politics
Variety.com - The real Hollywood politics: "The aggressively photogenic John Edwards was cruising along, detailing his litany of liberal causes last week until, during question time, he invoked the 'I' word -- Israel. Perhaps the greatest short-term threat to world peace, Edwards remarked, was the possibility that Israel would bomb Iran's nuclear facilities. As a chill descended on the gathering, the Edwards event was brought to a polite close.
Support for Israel in the U.S. has lately become bafflingly multi-cultural, representing an alliance between diaspora Jews, traditional Zionists and evangelicals. Support from Christian zealots, who now represent about one third of Israel's tourist business, is welcomed even though, according to evangelical doctrine, Judgment Day will bring the ultimate destruction of Israel and death to most of its residents."
Support for Israel in the U.S. has lately become bafflingly multi-cultural, representing an alliance between diaspora Jews, traditional Zionists and evangelicals. Support from Christian zealots, who now represent about one third of Israel's tourist business, is welcomed even though, according to evangelical doctrine, Judgment Day will bring the ultimate destruction of Israel and death to most of its residents."
The Chronicle fanning the flames again
Racial tension mars development hearing: "Emotions flared at times Monday after more than 100 citizens streamed into Reeths Puffer Intermediate School cafeteria to argue for and against a development of up to 96 'affordable' single-family homes proposed for the northwest corner of Muskegon Township."
Maybe "affordable" equals "subsidized"? And if you can't afford to buy a home in Muskegon county today, with some of the lowest housing costs in the nation, well..... maybe you've got some other problems. Maybe.....
Maybe "affordable" equals "subsidized"? And if you can't afford to buy a home in Muskegon county today, with some of the lowest housing costs in the nation, well..... maybe you've got some other problems. Maybe.....
TCS Daily - 'Just-in-Case': How to Think About Uncertainty and Global Warming
TCS Daily - 'Just-in-Case': How to Think About Uncertainty and Global Warming: "'Let's just say that global warming deniers are now on a par with Holocaust deniers, though one denies the past and the other denies the present and future.'"
OpinionJournal - Cross Country
OpinionJournal - Cross Country: "But it seems that the hybrid HOV program, rather than suppressing automobile use, did the exact opposite: The program was wildly popular, and the HOV lanes became clogged. Californians began talking about 'Prius backlash.'"
Tim Blair
Tim Blair: "Big call from Tim Lambert: “Crime and violent crime in Britain peaked in the early 90s and [have] since plummeted.” His source? The British Crime Survey, an annual affair which asks some 40,000 Brits if they’ve been encrimed during the previous year. Is it trustworthy? Depends which side you’re on: "
Minority admissions plummet - Academics
Minority admissions plummet - Academics: "The acceptance rate of underrepresented minorities has plunged since the University was forced to stop using affirmative action in January, according to data provided by the University. The acceptance rate of underrepresented minorities has plunged since the University was forced to stop using affirmative action in January, according to data provided by the University. "
Monday, February 19, 2007
My Way News - Rescuer Credits Dog With Saving Climbers
My Way News - Rescuer Credits Dog With Saving Climbers: "Three climbers who tumbled off a ledge on Mount Hood were taken away in an ambulance after they hiked down much of the state's highest peak with their rescuers - and a dog who may have saved their lives.
'We're soaking wet and freezing,' said one of two rescued women as she walked from a tracked snow vehicle to an ambulance.
One of the women, whose name was not released, was taken to a Portland hospital and being treated for a head injury, said Jim Strovink, spokesman for the Clackamas County Sheriff's Department.
'She's going to be fine,' he said, noting that she had walked most of the way down the mountain.
(AP) Lt. Nick Watt, with Clackamas County Sheriff's office, left, announces at Timberline Lodge near...
Full Image
Two others, Matty Bryant, 34, a teacher in the Portland suburb of Milwaukie, and Kate Hanlon, 34, a teacher in the suburb of Wilsonville, were taken to Timberline Lodge on the mountain to rejoin five other members of the climbing party, he said.
Rescuers using an electronic locating device found the three climbers and their black Labrador, Velvet, on Monday morning in the White River Canyon, where they had holed up overnight at about 7,400 feet, officials said. The crew hiked with them down the east flank of the 11,239-foot mountain; on the way down, the climbers got into a tracked snow vehicle that took them to the ambulance.
'The dog probably saved their lives' by lying across them during the cold night, said Erik Brom, a member of the Portland Mountain Rescue team. He described the wind in the canyon as 'hellacious.'"
'We're soaking wet and freezing,' said one of two rescued women as she walked from a tracked snow vehicle to an ambulance.
One of the women, whose name was not released, was taken to a Portland hospital and being treated for a head injury, said Jim Strovink, spokesman for the Clackamas County Sheriff's Department.
'She's going to be fine,' he said, noting that she had walked most of the way down the mountain.
(AP) Lt. Nick Watt, with Clackamas County Sheriff's office, left, announces at Timberline Lodge near...
Full Image
Two others, Matty Bryant, 34, a teacher in the Portland suburb of Milwaukie, and Kate Hanlon, 34, a teacher in the suburb of Wilsonville, were taken to Timberline Lodge on the mountain to rejoin five other members of the climbing party, he said.
Rescuers using an electronic locating device found the three climbers and their black Labrador, Velvet, on Monday morning in the White River Canyon, where they had holed up overnight at about 7,400 feet, officials said. The crew hiked with them down the east flank of the 11,239-foot mountain; on the way down, the climbers got into a tracked snow vehicle that took them to the ambulance.
'The dog probably saved their lives' by lying across them during the cold night, said Erik Brom, a member of the Portland Mountain Rescue team. He described the wind in the canyon as 'hellacious.'"
Dumbest Protest Idea Ever - Right Wing News (Conservative News and Views)
Dumbest Protest Idea Ever - Right Wing News (Conservative News and Views): "Consumers are asked to withhold their spending for seven days, beginning on Sunday April 15 and lasting until Sunday April 22, 2007. Do NOT shop corporate outlets Minimize use of oil and gas. Carpool: bus, bike or walk. If you buy, BUY LOCALLY. Plan Ahead and Stock Up"
My Way News - McCain: Rumsfeld Was One of the Worst
My Way News - McCain: Rumsfeld Was One of the Worst: "Republican presidential candidate John McCain said Monday the war in Iraq has been mismanaged for years and former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld will be remembered as one of the worst in history.
'We are paying a very heavy price for the mismanagement - that's the kindest word I can give you - of Donald Rumsfeld, of this war,' the Arizona senator told an overflow crowd of more than 800 at a retirement community near Hilton Head Island, S.C. 'The price is very, very heavy and I regret it enormously.'"
'We are paying a very heavy price for the mismanagement - that's the kindest word I can give you - of Donald Rumsfeld, of this war,' the Arizona senator told an overflow crowd of more than 800 at a retirement community near Hilton Head Island, S.C. 'The price is very, very heavy and I regret it enormously.'"
U.N. urged to take action on asteroid threat | Tech&Sci | Science | Reuters.com
U.N. urged to take action on asteroid threat Tech&Sci Science Reuters.com: "An asteroid may come uncomfortably close to Earth in 2036 and the United Nations should assume responsibility for a space mission to deflect it, a group of astronauts, engineers and scientists said on Saturday."
My Way - Sports News
My Way - Sports News: "Roger Federer tied Jimmy Connors' record of 160 consecutive weeks as the top-ranked player in men's tennis Monday.
The 10-time Grand Slam champion has held the No. 1 ATP Tour ranking since Feb. 2, 2004. The Swiss star is assured of breaking the record next week. "
The 10-time Grand Slam champion has held the No. 1 ATP Tour ranking since Feb. 2, 2004. The Swiss star is assured of breaking the record next week. "
Inventor of the TV Remote Dies
Inventor of the TV Remote Dies: "Hit the mute button for a moment of silence: The co-inventor of the TV remote, Robert Adler, has died."
But he downplayed his role when asked if he felt his invention helped raise a new generation of couch potatoes.
"People ask me all the time — 'Don't you feel guilty for it?' And I say that's ridiculous," he said. "It seems reasonable and rational to control the TV from where you normally sit and watch television."
But he downplayed his role when asked if he felt his invention helped raise a new generation of couch potatoes.
"People ask me all the time — 'Don't you feel guilty for it?' And I say that's ridiculous," he said. "It seems reasonable and rational to control the TV from where you normally sit and watch television."
Sunday, February 18, 2007
COWARDS GIVE UP ON GIS - & GIVE IN TO EVIL By RALPH PETERS - Opedcolumnists - New York Post Online Edition
COWARDS GIVE UP ON GIS - & GIVE IN TO EVIL By RALPH PETERS - Opedcolumnists - New York Post Online Edition: "PROVIDING aid and comfort to the enemy in wartime is treason. It's not 'just politics.' It's treason. "
Trial in Error - washingtonpost.com
Trial in Error - washingtonpost.com: "If You're Going to Charge Scooter, Then What About These Guys?"
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Byron York - What the CIA Leak Case Is About - washingtonpost.com
Byron York - What the CIA Leak Case Is About - washingtonpost.com: "Walton told the jurors: 'What Mrs. Wilson's status was at the CIA, whether it was covert or not covert, is not something that you're going to hear any evidence presented to you on in this trial.'
'Whether she was, or whether she was not, covert is not relevant to the issues you have to decide in this case,' he said.
It is The Thing That Cannot Be Spoken at the Libby trial."
'Whether she was, or whether she was not, covert is not relevant to the issues you have to decide in this case,' he said.
It is The Thing That Cannot Be Spoken at the Libby trial."
Darling of the left
Daniel W. Drezner :: Things begin to fall apart in Venezuela: "“It is surreal that we’ve arrived at a point where we are in danger of squandering a major oil boom,” said José Guerra, a former chief of economic research at Venezuela’s central bank, who left Mr. Chavez’s government in 2004. “If the government insists on sticking to policies that are clearly failing, we may be headed down the road of Zimbabwe.”...."
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Antarctic temperatures disagree with climate model predictions
Antarctic temperatures disagree with climate model predictions: "A new report on climate over the world's southernmost continent shows that temperatures during the late 20th century did not climb as had been predicted by many global climate models.
This comes soon after the latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that strongly supports the conclusion that the Earth's climate as a whole is warming, largely due to human activity.
It also follows a similar finding from last summer by the same research group that showed no increase in precipitation over Antarctica in the last 50 years. Most models predict that both precipitation and temperature will increase over Antarctica with a warming of the planet. "
This comes soon after the latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that strongly supports the conclusion that the Earth's climate as a whole is warming, largely due to human activity.
It also follows a similar finding from last summer by the same research group that showed no increase in precipitation over Antarctica in the last 50 years. Most models predict that both precipitation and temperature will increase over Antarctica with a warming of the planet. "
Lose to Florida......?
...and your "scientists" piss off the MSM?
Antarctic temperatures disagree with climate model predictions: "COLUMBUS , Ohio – A new report on climate over the world's southernmost continent shows that temperatures during the late 20th century did not climb as had been predicted by many global climate models. "
Antarctic temperatures disagree with climate model predictions: "COLUMBUS , Ohio – A new report on climate over the world's southernmost continent shows that temperatures during the late 20th century did not climb as had been predicted by many global climate models. "
WHO are these fat assholes?
Model in Uruguay, 18, dies after heart attack: "They had a body mass index (BMI) of below 18, calculated by dividing weight in kilogrammes by the square of height in metres, (56 kilogrammes for 175 centimetres), the limit fixed by the regional authorities based on World Health Organisation guidelines. "
An unelected body of fat socialists (WHO) will soon decide who's healthy and who's not based on a calculation (BMI) that "proves" athletes are fat and thin people shouldn't be models? Gimme a break....
An unelected body of fat socialists (WHO) will soon decide who's healthy and who's not based on a calculation (BMI) that "proves" athletes are fat and thin people shouldn't be models? Gimme a break....
Beyond junk science!
JunkScience.com -- Steven Milloy, Publisher: "As everyone is probably by now aware, Friday, February 2, 2007 marks the release of the IPCC's political document: Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis, Summary for Policymakers (.pdf as originally released Feb. 2, 2007 and as quietly edited to correct some of the most egregious errors Feb. 5, 2007). The media seem to be operating under the misapprehension this is equivalent to the release of IPCC Working Group I Contribution to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report: Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis -- this is regrettably neither true nor even close to the truth.
Bizarrely, the actual report will be retained for another three months to facilitate editing -- to suit the summary! IPCC procedures state that: Changes (other than grammatical or minor editorial changes) made after acceptance by the Working Group or the Panel shall be those necessary to ensure consistency with the Summary for Policymakers or the Overview Chapter (Appendix A to the Principles Governing IPCC Work, p4/15) -- this is surely unacceptable and would not be tolerated in virtually any other field (witness the media frenzy because language was allegedly altered in some US climate reports)."
Bizarrely, the actual report will be retained for another three months to facilitate editing -- to suit the summary! IPCC procedures state that: Changes (other than grammatical or minor editorial changes) made after acceptance by the Working Group or the Panel shall be those necessary to ensure consistency with the Summary for Policymakers or the Overview Chapter (Appendix A to the Principles Governing IPCC Work, p4/15) -- this is surely unacceptable and would not be tolerated in virtually any other field (witness the media frenzy because language was allegedly altered in some US climate reports)."
White flag GOPers
Victory Caucus - Time To Act: Republican Representatives Opposing Victory: RINO herd talkin' French?
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Be vewwy afraid
Tim Blair: "Mainstream media folk are slowly becoming aware of the terrible connection between Al Gore and global coldening: "
Monday, February 12, 2007
Kill the wabbit!
The Volokh Conspiracy: " the North Korean government has apparently found a way to increase food production at last: giant rabbits! "
I guess Jimmah won't be visiting N Korea soon....
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Libs astounded!
New wage boost puts squeeze on teenage workers across Arizona: "Some Valley employers, especially those in the food industry, say payroll budgets have risen so much that they're cutting hours, instituting hiring freezes and laying off employees.
And teens are among the first workers to go. "
And teens are among the first workers to go. "
Steve Martin's 72 Virgins
The New Yorker : "Virgin No. 10: . . . so I see Heath, and he goes, “Like, what are you doing here?,” and I go, “I’m hangin’ out,” so he goes, “Like, what?” . . ."
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Thursday, February 08, 2007
USNews.com: Opinion: Michael Barone: Barone Blog: The Next Populist Crusade
USNews.com: Opinion: Michael Barone: Barone Blog: The Next Populist Crusade: "I'm with Glenn Reynolds of instapundit.com on this one. If we want to curb carbon dioxide emissions, then let's ban private jets. It's funny seeing those Hollywood stars private-jetting into Washington to tell the rest of us that we've got to have a lower standard of living. Let them fly first class, and save the Earth! But maybe we should make an exception for Warren Buffett, who has the nerve to christen his Berkshire Hathaway corporate jet 'The Indefensible.' "
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Canada '46 per cent above' Kyoto targets | NEWS.com.au
Canada '46 per cent above' Kyoto targets NEWS.com.au: "CANADA'S greenhouse gas emissions will continue to soar in the next few years, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said today.
Mr Harper projected in a policy speech that by 2010 Canada's emissions would be about 46 per cent above the targets it had agreed to hit by 2012 under the Kyoto Protocol on climate change. "
Mr Harper projected in a policy speech that by 2010 Canada's emissions would be about 46 per cent above the targets it had agreed to hit by 2012 under the Kyoto Protocol on climate change. "
Global Warming: The Cold, Hard Facts?
Global Warming: The Cold, Hard Facts?: "A scientist makes certain assumptions and then produces a theory which is only as valid as the assumptions. The theory of Global Warming assumes that CO2 is an atmospheric greenhouse gas and as it increases temperatures rise. It was then theorized that since humans were producing more CO2 than before, the temperature would inevitably rise. The theory was accepted before testing had started, and effectively became a law.
As Lindzen said many years ago: 'the consensus was reached before the research had even begun.' Now, any scientist who dares to question the prevailing wisdom is marginalized and called a sceptic, when in fact they are simply being good scientists. This has reached frightening levels with these scientists now being called climate change denier with all the holocaust connotations of that word. The normal scientific method is effectively being thwarted. "
As Lindzen said many years ago: 'the consensus was reached before the research had even begun.' Now, any scientist who dares to question the prevailing wisdom is marginalized and called a sceptic, when in fact they are simply being good scientists. This has reached frightening levels with these scientists now being called climate change denier with all the holocaust connotations of that word. The normal scientific method is effectively being thwarted. "
Monday, February 05, 2007
Is the left just forgetful or are they liars?
Will: Inconvenient Kyoto Truths - Newsweek George F. Will - MSNBC.com: "Enough already. It is time to call some bluffs. "
Odd how the MSM sorta forgets how the libs voted, isn't it? And, oh those tortilla prices!
Odd how the MSM sorta forgets how the libs voted, isn't it? And, oh those tortilla prices!
Interesting analysis
"That's Saul, folks!": Articles of Interest 2-5-07
"So the question is, do we invest (spend) in Michigan’s future…and how do we do that. In an article from the Mackinac Center, they point out how government manipulates the word “invest” to mean “spend beyond” the current tax revenues. And that drum roll has started.
If I sound cynical and skeptical, I am. I’ve watched this Administration bow to the “wants” of special interests, blame everyone under the sun for our problems, and continue to increase spending year after year while Michigan’s economy falters."
"So the question is, do we invest (spend) in Michigan’s future…and how do we do that. In an article from the Mackinac Center, they point out how government manipulates the word “invest” to mean “spend beyond” the current tax revenues. And that drum roll has started.
If I sound cynical and skeptical, I am. I’ve watched this Administration bow to the “wants” of special interests, blame everyone under the sun for our problems, and continue to increase spending year after year while Michigan’s economy falters."
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Swiss may expand assisted suicide law - Yahoo! News
Swiss may expand assisted suicide law - Yahoo! News: "LAUSANNE, Switzerland - A ruling by Switzerland's highest court released Friday has opened up the possibility that people with serious mental illnesses could be helped by doctors to take their own lives. "
Taboo?
France: Workers of the World, Zzz - New York Times: "The health minister, Xavier Bertrand, plans to spend $9 million this year to improve public awareness of sleeping problems. One thing he wants to know is whether French workers should be allowed to nap on the job. They enjoy a 35-hour work week and generous vacations, yet 56 percent complain that a poor night’s sleep has affected their job performance, according to the ministry. “Why not a nap at work?” Mr. Bertrand told a news conference. “It can’t be a taboo subject.”"
Why not sex on the job?
Why not sex on the job?
The Volokh Conspiracy - -
The Volokh Conspiracy - -: "The letter 'X' soon may be banned in Saudi Arabia because it resembles the mother of all banned religious symbols in the oil kingdom: the cross."
Friday, February 02, 2007
Thursday, February 01, 2007
OxBlog
OxBlog: "I pledge allegiance to the first amendment, which I interpret to mean that government shouldn’t traffic with religion—neither promote it nor persecute it—and this means that, in the public arena, the candidate should not use religious rhetoric, which does nothing but harm, fogging over the clear lines of argument on the issues and eliciting irrelevant and irrational choices in the electorate.
I'm sure Dr. King would beg to differ with the passage in boldface."
I'm sure Dr. King would beg to differ with the passage in boldface."
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