LifeTrek

Seriously, Who Would Make a Browser...............

2011-05-01T23:27:00.000-05:00

Firefox V 4.0

Who would make a browser without a status bar and why would they do that?

I don't know about them, but there are occasions where a page doesn't load and you have no idea what it is doing, and without the status bar you have one less input to go by.

Seriously, who would make a browser without a status bar, Firefox?

Demand Atlas Shrugged The Movie In Your Area!

2011-02-26T05:26:00.004-06:00

Visit the Official Atlas Shrugged Movie Web Site!

On the Second Amendment

2011-01-28T17:11:00.001-06:00

I got this somewhere in 2007 and saved it as a draft and have no idea where it come from, but I like it.

At the time, "militia" simply meant "the set of all people who keep arms and train with them" and "well-regulated" meant "which trains regularly". In your defense, "infringed" meant something closer to "voided" than "in any way diminished" (the latter being how we use it today).

So, put into modern terminology, the Second Amendment would probably read,

"Given that it's necessary for enough people to be competent in firearm use to secure the liberty of the populace, the right of people to keep and bear arms shall not be eliminated."

Does a six-day waiting period eliminate the RTKBA? Probably not. Does a background check eliminate the RTKBA? Probably not.

Night is Merely The Shadow Of the Earth

2009-09-13T17:04:00.000-05:00

Night is Merely The Shadow Of the Earth.

My active blog is the Right Of The Star blog. I post when I can, check it out!
DKK

Rockford Blogger Trek - 050208

2008-05-02T00:31:00.000-05:00

I have updated the list of Rockford bloggers here on my Right of the Star blog.
DKK

Scientific-Technological Elite, A Warning For The Ages

2008-01-18T01:19:00.001-06:00

UPDATE: November 27, 2009 -- With the release of the University of East Anglia's emails this month and the beginning of the discovery of "climategate" this message has never been more important!

Everybody remembers Eisenhower’s warning about the, “military-industrial complex,” shoot, it has become the siren call of some.

(Google video search. "Eisenhower's Farewell." 53 most 2 minutes or less of a 46 minute speech one of the full speech. Reagan's, "Tear Down This Wall," gets less then half at 26, JFK's inaugural, "Ask Not...," gets 7, and FDR's, "Pearl Harbor," gets 3 (and one is from Crooksandliars ripping Condi for a comment she made))

Few if any recall — and it is never repeated — the second of the two specific warning he made in that very same speech:

“The prospect of domination of the nation’s scholars by Federal employment, project allocations, and the power of money is ever present — and is gravely to be regarded.
Yet, in holding scientific research and discovery in respect, as we should, we must also be alert to the equal and opposite danger that public policy could itself become the captive of a scientific-technological elite.” (emphasis added)

The scientific-technological elite, Eisenhower truly was prescient. Read the speech, it could have been written today.
DKK
Update: Here are a few more quotes from Eisenhower's farewell (a speech about balance not about the war machine, by the way) that we really should heed:

[...] Crises there will continue to be. In meeting them, whether foreign or domestic, great or small, there is a recurring temptation to feel that some spectacular and costly action could become the miraculous solution to all current difficulties. A huge increase in newer elements of our defenses; development of unrealistic programs to cure every ill in agriculture; a dramatic expansion in basic and applied research -- these and many other possibilities, each possibly promising in itself, may be suggested as the only way to the road we wish to travel.
But each proposal must be weighed in the light of a broader consideration: the need to maintain balance in and among national programs, balance between the private and the public economy, balance between the cost and hoped for advantages, balance between the clearly necessary and the comfortably desirable, balance between our essential requirements as a nation and the duties imposed by the nation upon the individual, balance between actions of the moment and the national welfare of the future. Good judgment seeks balance and progress. Lack of it eventually finds imbalance and frustration. The record of many decades stands as proof that our people and their Government have, in the main, understood these truths and have responded to them well, in the face of threat and stress. [...]
To all the peoples of the world, I once more give expression to America's prayerful and continuing aspiration: We pray that peoples of all faiths, all races, all nations, may have their great human needs satisfied; that those now denied opportunity shall come to enjoy it to the full; that all who yearn for freedom may experience its few spiritual blessings. Those who have freedom will understand, also, its heavy responsibility.

For being so oft quoted (about 290,000 Google hits!) it is one of America's under appreciated speeches.

DKK

The Law Of Unintended Consequences, Destroying The Vulnerable In Society (One Hit At A Time)

2007-05-14T02:46:00.000-05:00

Here's was the real catastrophe. If you look at all the real statistics on black Americans, everything was getting better, better, better, better, better and blacks were succeeding and then bam comes this cultural revolution.

You can not, if you were at the bottom of society, let it all hang out, tune in, turn on, drop out. That was an absolute recipe for failure and it was disastrous for Black America.

Myron Magnet
History Channel "Hippies".

One of the things that I have never been able to understand is why many in the counter culture (then and now) and the left are so willing to deny the reality of human nature and human history (except for, of course, those things we are supposed to feel guilty for doing to some repressed group). Utopia only exists when the population is one. Eventually people get jealous, greedy, or just irritated.

This was an outstanding program, catch it in rerun if you get the chance.
DKK

PS - Utopia, Population One - I like that, I think I will use that again.

Heroes Welcoming Heroes

2007-05-14T02:22:00.001-05:00

I missed this earlier this month, but I have to highlight these guys. They are all heroes to me:

A welcome home before ‘home’
May 6, 2007
By Bob Schaper
ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR

ROCKFORD — A detachment of men and women from the U.S. Navy made a stop Saturday in Rockford, fueling their chartered jet before starting the last leg of their journey home from the Persian Gulf.

(...)

The Rockford layover was about 2½ hours long. Making the time pass faster was a mobile canteen from The Salvation Army, along with dozens of well-wishers from the Rockford chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America.

Mark Lawrence, an Army veteran of the Vietnam War, said his motivation for greeting the sailors was to show support for the troops.

“We didn’t get a welcome home from Vietnam,” he said.

John Lawrence, Mark’s brother, is an emergency disaster services coordinator for The Salvation Army. He said Saturday’s work, during which they offered snacks, coffee and mobile phones, was “hugely successful.”

“If we know about it, we’ll be here,” he said. “I’m just glad we can help.”

The unit was flying on a Ryan International Airlines 757-300. They left Kuwait at 1 p.m. Friday, Rockford time, and made fueling stops in Romania and Iceland before landing at Chicago/Rockford International Airport at 11 a.m. Saturday. (emphasis added)

DKK

Testing Complete, Maybe

2007-05-14T00:47:00.000-05:00

Well, I made it through the week but I think I have to retest a couple of things at the end of this week so while I was on meds again for the weekend I may be off of them this next week. It is miserable, so if posting is light again that is the reason but I will be back.

I was tagged by Matt Walker of Thermidor Rising with a movie challenge but I wasn't able to get to it. It is on my list for this week.
DKK

Rockford Blogger Trek 05142007

2007-05-14T00:25:00.001-05:00

Update -- I have updated and posted Rockford Bloggers my Right Of The Star Blog, here is a link to the category.

Well, I better get this in now since I may not get to it later.

Here is an update on the Rockford Area Bloggers. If you are a Rockford area blogger or know of one let me know so I can add them to these updates. I would encourage you to visit them all!

New to the list:

One For The Road appears to be a lady from nearby in Wisconsin. She met with some bloggers in Rockford at Hooters the end of April. I am adding them all to the list although I am not sure they are all from the area.
Drunken Wisdom I think he may be moving to CA.
Tammi's World she has pictures of the get together here.
Bad Example
The Splatter Zone aka, Raging Mom.
Smiling Dynamite, last updated February 12, 2007.

Those already on the list:

Phil Pash seems a bit burnt out on blogging but he has updated since he said that. I like his thought process and his local updates.
The Rockford Rascal this left leaning (oops, he leaned so far he tipped right over) blogger, "outed," himself this week on local radio but I missed it - too sick for early radio I'm afraid. I have to give him credit, he is right there with the left wing talking point each and every day.
Notes In The Key Of Life is the blog of Cindy Swanson. She updates most days.
Thermidor Rising has in depth conservative thoughts on varied topics including Republican candidates and Catholicism.
In The Mind of Malar Local radio personality and stand up comedian.
X-Ray Spex is a cartoonist, I think (Catwoman).
SisterTalk liberal lesbian from S. Wisconsin.
Power and Control is strongly supporting Democracy in Iraq and has a banner you can add to your blog here.
Purple Medical Blog - Medical Info, some good stuff.
T1Rex - Telecom Tech - some really great tech stuff.

I dropped the following this time due to inactivity: Rockford Area Affordable Housing Coalition, Miasmatic Review, Angry Republican Mom, Snug Harbor, Mrs. Blue, Ryan Packer, Phil's Observations, The Speed Shop - The Bodyshop Blog, and Brainspinning.

The list is mainly from searches but it is really hard to find them so if you are a Rockford area blogger or know of one let me know so I can add them to these updates.
DKK

Update: One For The Road was kind enough to give us the new address for Miasmatic Review. Thanks!
DKK

When Your In It You Can't See It?

2007-05-03T23:24:00.000-05:00

The Anchoress (from the Updates):

Instapundit brings us a prime example of completely false, erroneous, history-revisionist bullcrap being passed off as “fact” by the press, and simply absorbed into the “truthy” narrative. I don’t even know how many times we’ve had to repeat the fact that the US (the whole congress, with not even house president Al Gore dissenting) rejected the treaty under PRESIDENT CLINTON. And oh, yeah, Bush has begun put something successful up in it’s place, dammit.
I’m starting to get really pissed off with the Bush Administration for their inability or disinterest in fighting their own battles. We should not have to be doing this over and over, setting the record straight again and again. The WH needed to get out in front of this stupid narrative right away, instead of letting it settle in like kudzu.
I know they have a mountain of disinformation to combat every day…but dammit, this is getting me really riled up, now. Doesn’t the WH have SOME responsibility for insuring that history doesn’t get re-written on their watch?

I have been saying this about more then this Kyoto reference for a LONG TIME!

Do you think the administration doesn't see what is happening or have they just given up? Like I said before they seem to have gone AWOL when we need them the most. I WILL be ready to give up if they do the summer vacation thingy again this year.
DKK

Tests and Sick

2007-05-03T22:58:00.000-05:00

I had a doctors appointment on Tuesday and I was sick as a dog on Tuesday, just starting to feel better tonight.

Next week I have my regular set of tests which means I have to be off all meds for 4 or 5 days before. That means that all symptoms will come back full force. Hopefully I will be able to blog but no promises.
DKK

Report: Al-Qaeda in Iraq leader 'killed' - Updated Terrorists Deny

2007-05-01T05:18:00.000-05:00

Red on Red?

BBC Reports

The interior ministry in Iraq says it has received intelligence that the head of al-Qaeda in Iraq has been killed.
Abu Ayyub al-Masri, believed to be an Egyptian, has led the group since June 2006 when Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was killed in a US air strike.
Al-Qaeda in Iraq is blamed for or has claimed some of the bloodiest insurgent attacks in Iraq since 2003.
According to Iraqi officials, al-Masri was killed in an "internal battle" between militants.

Update: BBC Reports that the terrorists deny this report:

Insurgents in Iraq have denied a government claim that the head of al-Qaeda in Iraq has been killed in an "internal battle" between militants.

The Islamic State of Iraq group, which includes al-Qaeda in Iraq, said Abu Ayyub al-Masri was alive, in an online statement which cannot be verified.

DKK

Internet Radio

2007-04-30T23:19:00.000-05:00

From That Gay Conservative:

From Live365:

The future of Internet radio is in immediate danger. Royalty rates for webcasters have been drastically increased by a recent ruling and are due to go into effect on May 15 (retroactive to Jan 1, 2006!). Internet radio needs your help! H.R. 2060, The Internet Radio Equality Act was introduced by Representatives Jay Inslee (D-WA) and Donald Manzullo (R-IL) to save the Internet radio industry. Please call your congressperson to ask them to co-sponsor H.R. 2060 by clicking below.

Live365 and SaveNetRadio have tools available on their sites for contacting your representatives to support H.R. 2060.

I know Manzullo is one of the biggest supporters of small businesses but his support of internet radio is a big plus in my book.

I have long been disgusted by how the large entertainment companies have tried to criminalize the use of their products (music and movies). They could have gotten ahead of the curve and make it easy and affordable for consumers to legally access and use their products but instead they tried to limit and criminalize their customers. Digital Rights Management, spyware, lawsuits, their unwillingness to cooperate and offer their products (pre- and post I-tunes) have all done more to harm the long term prospects of their industry then file sharing ever could.

They are trying to stop the tides rather than use them.
DKK

PS - Let me add that I have never downloaded from or participated in P2P sites. As a matter of fact I have only downloaded one song ever that I bought from Walmart.com and it was lost when my last computer crashed.

Former U.S. Sen Carol Moseley Braun Mugged

2007-04-29T05:05:00.000-05:00

LA Times

CHICAGO — Two University of Chicago students were credited with thwarting a man attempting to rob former U.S. Sen Carol Moseley Braun.

Moseley Braun was attacked and injured shortly before midnight Friday outside her Hyde Park home on the city's South Side, according to police and eyewitnesses.

Rachel McFadden, 19, and Zachary Trayes-Gibson, 21, both biology students at UC, were heading to a party when they heard a woman scream. McFadden rushed to Moseley Braun's aid and Trayes-Gibson chased the would-be robber away.

"We just looked at each other and started running toward her," McFadden recalled Saturday, hours after what police described as an attempted robbery. "There were no second thoughts."

The Senator was treated and released from the hospital. I hope she is okay both physically and emotionally. Muggings can play hell on a person's emotions.

Update: 15:14 042907 - Keven Lampe, the Senator's spokesman stopped by the comments to thank me for my kind words. It appears the Senator broke her wrist but otherwise is okay. That is based on statements I found online.

Mr. Lampe found me through a Google blogsearch - great job as a spokesman/PR man!
DKK

One Says, "You Lie," One Doesn't Have Time

2007-04-25T01:25:00.000-05:00

In an attempt to back up his assertion that we have lost the war in Iraq Harry Reid (D) now says he will stick his fingers in his ears and scream lalalalalalalala till all the generals go away!

I can't say it any better then this from Dean Barnett at Hugh Hewitt:

Harry Reid has said he will not believe David Petraeus if Petraeus reports progress in Iraq as he’s expected to do. In other words, in addition to his declaration of defeat last week, Reid has now in essence called General Petraeus a liar. Let us not forget that this is the same senator who nearly clucked with joy over the prospect of gaining additional Senate seats because the situation in Iraq would be less than satisfactory when the next election season rolls around.
Click over and watch the video. I guarantee it will anger the blood.

Then there is dear sweet Nancy Pelosi (D) who doesn't have time to attend an update (2nd time since the surge began) from General Petraeus. Isn't this the most important issue today, at least that is the impression the left has given:

ABC News
As the House and Senate prepare to vote this week on the final conference report on the $124 billion troop funding bill — which would also mandate that U.S. combat troops begin withdrawing from Iraq on Oct. 1 at the latest — Gen. David Petraeus is scheduled to come to the Hill tomorrow to brief lawmakers on the progress of the recent troop escalation.

ABC News has learned, however, that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., will not attend the briefing.

I guess that is better then showing up already declaring the General a liar.
DKK

Rockford Blogger Trek 042407

2007-04-24T19:42:00.001-05:00

Update -- I have updated and posted Rockford Bloggers my Right Of The Star Blog, here is a link to the category.

Wow, it has been some time since I last checked into or looked for Rockford Area Bloggers. It is clearly long overdue so here is an update to my previous Rockford Blogger Trek. If you are a Rockford area blogger or know of one let me know so I can add them to these updates. I would encourage you to visit them all!

New to the list, former newspaper reporters, Phil Pash has outstanding regular updates on the Rockford area and other issues of interest.

The Rockford Rascal who left a comment on my post here wishing me well (Thanks, that was nice), but then saying, "I also gather that you're quite conservative. Too bad about that. But, hey, it takes all kinds." (Seriously, would you ever say that to someone you walked up to or just met in polite company? I know I wouldn't, but to some it is okay to do on the internet. Worse yet, we have never actually met! Perhaps that is the cause or maybe just a symptom of today's political discourse.)

Well, let me thank him and welcome (late I know) his Rockford blogging - no "too bads" or anything the more voices participating the better.

He is clearly far left, appears to have worked for the Register Star (based on comments someone left) and from his comments here and on his blog I think I can guess who he is based on an Email exchange I had in the past.

Notes In The Key Of Life is the blog of Cindy Swanson who works for WQFL. This looks like a good read.

Thermidor Rising is a conservative Northern Illinois Lawyer.

X-Ray Spex - which states, "Promising penetrating insight, delivering cheap cardboard glasses." That is great!

Miasmatic Review closed in June 2005.

There is the Rockford Area Affordable Housing Coalition blog, it was last updated September 25, 2006.

Updated from my previous Rockford Bloggers post:

SisterTalk - Beloit/Rockford she is back (April 20, 2007) after 7 months off of blogging.
Angry Republican Mom is from Paw Paw. Dropped out of blogging in 2006.
Snug Harbor Byron IL. - Had a major family illness last April (2006), had to move in with family - no updates since. I hope they are okay. His wife has a site, Mrs. Blue, but it hasn't been updated since April 2006 either.
Power and Control - fairly well known blogger, with a libertarian outlook. He has some some really good posts.
Ryan Packer - Defunct, last I read he came out as Gay and then his site disappeared.
Phil's Observations - Updates in November 2005, appears defunct.
Purple Medical Blog - Medical Info, some good stuff
The Speed Shop - The Bodyshop Blog -403 forbidden error
T1Rex - Telecom Tech - some really great tech stuff.
Brainspinning - far left Roscoe, IL - Now defunct, gone.

So that is it for now, lost quite a few but added some as well!

Again, if you are a Rockford area blogger or know of one let me know so I can add them to these updates

UPDATE: Cindy Swanson (Notes In The Key Of Life), from above, was kind enough to leave a comment and point me to her radio co-host Darren Marlar's blog: In The Mind of Malar. Thanks Cindy!
DKK

Reid: We've Lost - Bush: I Give Up

2007-04-20T06:24:00.000-05:00

Okay, Harry Reid declared that the war is lost and the surge has failed.

Of course he did, the War on Terror has always made the left uncomfortable. It is the antithesis of all that they believe. The only reason many on the left gave the appearance of supporting it is that after 9/11 they would have been ran out on a rail if they had actually said what they truly believed.

In the mind of many on the left the War is an over reaction - 9/11 was just a crime and there should be an arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators. Forget about any other terrorists or terrorist organizations, they weren't responsible for 9/11. Our over reaction is causing every ill in the world and this causes more angst then terrorists. Because of this there is no fear that terrorists might follow us home if we leave Iraq before the mission is complete because the terrorists are just freedom fighters reacting to our presence.

This combined with the left's global guilt over every action civilized man has committed over the millennia leads some to fall for the easy lines like, Bush Lied, Bush stole the election, or the entirely false Wilson/Plame issue.

With that said I have to share my greatest frustration with the Bush administration and it is a trait the President copied from his father. The utter surrender to the left and the leftist drive by media, and sometimes I can't blame him.

GWH Bush gave up after 3 years and lost the election because he was too Presidential to brag.

GW Bush gave up after 4 years when we need him the most and it has frustrated the hell out of me as I am sure the drive-by media frustrates the President.

There is no reason conventional (read: usually wrong) wisdom should be that the President lied us into war or that our troops did not have the proper equipment. In the real world, you DO go to war with the army you have, to paraphrase Rumsfeld, and that would have been reported as a fact not as another club to be used to beat a nation into submission.

So what is the solution, how do you get out a message when common sense is non existent in today's media and the left in the Democrat party?

The President and his team decided to give up, perhaps an attempt to gain from the unchallenged loons on the left? (Just as Clinton did during the Lewinsky scandal.) The left does tend to implode under it's own lunacy, however the administration needs to stop being so polite and call a spade a spade. Being Presidential is great, but our long term survival depends upon us getting this part of history right.

I don't know, all I know is that it has pissed me off!

More:

The NY Post takes Reid to task for his actions in a great piece :

The problem, said Reid, is that "George W. Bush is still the commander-in-chief - and this is his war."
And there's the real problem: From the start, Reid and the Democrats have seen the war in Iraq as a partisan opportunity.
They refuse to present a unified front to the rest of the world - especially to America's enemies - because, in their pinched view, to do so would be to weaken their own prospects for retaking the White House in 2008.
No, Reid didn't repeat his declaration of defeat during yesterday's speech from the Senate floor.
It probably has dawned on him just how big a political blunder he committed - witness Sen. Chuck Schumer's gentle contradiction of the majority leader over the weekend, insisting that "the war is not lost."
Then again, Reid didn't have to repeat his original remarks - because the imposed timetable he announced, if enacted, would bring about precisely the same result.
That is, a precipitous U.S. withdrawal from the region - if Reid thinks the bug-out would stop at Iraq, he's dumber than he sounds - followed by:
* A rapid, al Qaeda/Iranian-driven descent into regional chaos.
* Most likely, a general war.
* And, almost certainly, a Mideast nuclear-arms race as Saudi Arabia, Eygpt and (probably) Turkey rush to arm themselves in anticipation of an Iranian bomb.
At the very least, Reid has to understand that his rhetoric can only encourage short-run insurgent attacks on Americans in Iraq.
Their blood stands to be on his hands.
And that's a terrible price to pay for a political payday that's so tentative that even an instinctive gut-fighter like Chuck Schumer recoils from the risk.
Harry Reid needs to put a cork in it.
Today.

DKK

Why Isn't Everyone Saying It!

2007-04-19T18:46:00.000-05:00

What should be the first thing you hear about the Virginia Tech story?

Here is my response to an excellent post by Granddaddy Long Legs:

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

The only thing I would add - every single broadcast should start by stating that this man was a reprehensible monster who committed a horrendous and completely unacceptable act against his fellow man.

Every child should hear that daily - this was not just unacceptable but was a repugnant abomination (thank you thesaurus - unacceptable is way to soft a term).

The only broadcast I have heard that comes close was on Glen Beck last night when a psychologist said that neighbors and community used to police kids telling them when they did unacceptable things but we don't do that anymore - another liberal, "don't judge me as right or wrong," attitude.

I understand that we all know this, frankly it is assumed, it is an accepted fact, it is a terrible act, but I am not hearing it stated in no uncertain terms and I think I should that over and over and over!

As Granddaddy says, "(T)he press continually refer to this event as a tragedy -- as though it were an accidental act of God -- rather than an intentional massacre."
DKK

After 27 Years He Still Got Caught!

2007-04-19T18:29:00.000-05:00

Motorcycle stolen 27 years ago found unassembled in basement

By Chris Green
ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR

MACHESNEY PARK — How do you get away with stealing a new motorcycle? (LifeTrek note: This should really read, "How do you almost get away with...)

Disassemble it. Put the parts in three crates and store them in the basement of someone else’s house, never to be seen again.

That’s what the Northern Illinois Auto Theft Task Force said Darcy L. Corbin, 55, of Loves Park, did 27 years ago with a then-new 1980 Harley-Davidson.
“I have no idea why someone would keep a stolen motorcycle in storage for that long,” NIATTF Inspector James Kerns said Wednesday. “Obviously, you would want to wait until the heat dies down, but I think after 27 years, the heat is off.”

Twenty-seven years ago this month, a Machesney Park man reported to the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department that his new Harley-Davidson Low Rider had been stolen out of his garage.

(...)

Kerns said the motorcycle had been there since 1986. Before that, it was stored in crates in the attic of another Machesney Park home.

The guy was charged with unlawful possession of essential motor vehicle parts and destroying the vehicle identification number.

The original owner has died in the ensuing years.

The police acted on an anonomous tip. Think about this, the guy moved it! He could have sold or disposed it or left it at the old place, but he didn't do that. He moved it and let someone know he had it.

The motorcycle held it's value though, it is worth about the same today as it was then, $6700 maybe a little bit more and will be given to the insurance company that paid the original claim.
DKK

Lone Nut, My Ass!

2007-03-12T17:53:00.000-05:00

Remember the mall bomber from right before Christmas, just another, “lone nut”:

Rockford Register Star

ROCKFORD — The man accused of wanting to kill holiday shoppers at CherryVale Mall has been linked to a man who allegedly supplied classified military information to London-based terrorists.

And authorities have used some statements made by alleged bomb-plotter Derrick Shareef to build their case against Hassan Abujihaad, who they say was the source of the leaked information.

According to a U.S. Justice Department affidavit,Abujihaad, who was arrested Wednesday, and Shareef were roommates in Arizona in 2004. (emphasis added)

Lone nut, right, and in WWII every spy or saboteur was a lone nut too, right? Every member of the French Underground were treated by the Germans as deranged followers of the Brie and Chardonnay club too! What fools we have become.
DKK

Cross posted at the Powerline Forum.

Update: I couldn't find any pic's of Derrick Shareef, but here is the AP's artist sketch.

Face Lift - Restart?

2007-03-11T03:50:00.000-05:00

Well, the good news is I am alive and thinking - the bad news is that I have the hardest time thinking. The brain fog can be completely overwhelming sometimes.

Oh and spelling - forget it. I lost the ability to spell and I can't remember even simple words. Instead of "hardest time" above I was going to write "damnedest" but I couldn't spell it (is that even right?) I tried, damnedst, darnedst, damn-est, but the Firefox spell check highlighted them every time.

That sucks. Yesterday I tried to write aspirin on the shopping list and I got half way through and realized I had to look at the bottle to get it right.

It is noticeably worse lately. You know when you can't spell people think your an idiot.

Months (years?) ago I submitted a post I had written to Instapundit and he sent me a one line note back telling me it was, "whether not weather." I realized that I had completely brain fogged out and forgotten that there were two. Now, I am an educated guy but that point was stunning. It did cause me to try and improve and pause in blogging. But that didn't work.

Hopefully if I can get back into it I can keep the mind flexible and working. That is my hope anyway.

So here I am!

Nearly F'ed up everything when I tried to change the template (and it took hours to update), but here it is. Hope you like it!
DKK

Oh yea, I updated the links I read daily. There are a couple more I will probably add in a day or two. If you think I missed any let me know.
DKK

Sick Again, Sick Again...

2005-11-11T20:51:00.000-06:00

Jiggity Jig - or something like that, except I don't have the energy to jig (More like Ickity Ick!) and it's actually sick still!

Sorry - Especially sorry the Stop the ACLU blogburst and my Rockford Bloggers updates!

Keep going back to Stop the ACLU to keep updated about the state of the struggles!
DKK

Chief Justice Rehnquist Dies at Home

2005-09-03T22:15:00.000-05:00

AP:

Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist died Saturday evening at his home in suburban Virginia, said Supreme Court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg.

A statement from the spokeswoman said he was surrounded by his three children when he died in Arlington.

"The Chief Justice battled thyroid cancer since being diagnosed last October and continued to perform his dues on the court until a precipitous decline in his health the last couple of days," she said.

Rehnquist was appointed to the Supreme Court as an associate justice in 1971 by President Nixon and took his seat on Jan. 7, 1982. He was elevated to chief justice by President Reagan in 1986.
DKK

Ramblings Of A Feebled Mind - Great Quotes

2005-08-08T19:01:00.000-05:00

(Random, unedited thoughts that I saved on Blogger while I was ill, originally dated 06/02/05 15:46)

"I am for doing good to the poor, but I differ in opinion of the means. I think the best way of doing good to the poor, is not making them easy in poverty, but leading or driving them out of it. In my youth I travelled much, and I observed in different countries, that the more public provisions were made for the poor, the less they provided for themselves, and of course became poorer. And, on the contrary, the less was done for them, the more they did for themselves, and became richer." -- Ben Franklin, 1766

Dane
DKK

(This was taken from the quotes on Danegerous, I love that there is a new quote there each time you visit!)

Is it Wrong......Sweeney

2005-08-08T18:56:00.000-05:00

Is it wrong that I can't say John Sweeney's (AFL-CIO President) name without pronouncing it:

John's Weeney?

DKK

Previous Wrongs: (Wrong me, wrong me!)
Richards
Cox
Poopie Shoot
Peckerwood

Ramblings Of A Feebled Mind - Are You On The List (WCHD)

2005-08-08T04:54:00.000-05:00

(Random, unedited thoughts that I saved on Blogger while I was ill, originally dated 06/09/05 08:54)

Did you know.....

that the Winnebago County Health Department (WCHD) is one of 11 local health departments in the nation that meets bioterrorism preparedness standards and is now "Public Health Ready" as per the certification requirements of NACCHO/CDC?
DKK

Update - That info is outdated as of July 13, 2005. Another 15 agencies have been added to the list. To see if your's is ready you can find out at the NACCHO Public Health Ready Map.

Update II - Having checked out that map I am amazed how few are certified as ready! Unless you live in Idaho (which is pretty well covered) most of us are screwed!
DKK

Peter Jenings 1938-2005, RIP

2005-08-07T23:02:00.000-05:00

Peter Jennings Died Tonight from lung cancer.

One of the last legends of the nightly national news.

Bless him and his family.
DKK

Ramblings Of My Feebled Mind - Zero Sum

2005-08-07T20:33:00.000-05:00

(Random, unedited thoughts that I saved on Blogger while I was ill, originally dated 08/24/05 17:47)

It's not a zero sum game but the left and much of the world seems to think it is. It is, of course, easier to rip on others then address your own system.
DKK

Brad, WTF were you thinking?

2005-08-07T05:12:00.000-05:00

Am I the only person in the world who can see that Angelina Jolie is freaky ugly?

What is worse is that she looks just like her brother --

FREAKY UGLY!!!

DKK

Quick Thoughts From An Ill Mind - Too Much to Hope For, or Not

2005-08-06T20:18:00.000-05:00

During my recent relapse I had many quick thoughts - some I was actually able to save as drafts in the Blogger system - I will post some of these over the next few days - but most were lost as my mind fluttered.

The two that I kept alive with handwritten notes and daily repetition must have been what I considered top priority. They both involve the Valerie Plame situation.

First - I can't help but feel that somehow Joe Wilson and his wife will be indicted by Fitzgerald either for perjury or for disclosing classified information. I know this seems like too much to hope for but it just seems that there are too many inconsistencies in their story and to me it is wrong for any CIA employee (and spouse) to attempt to undermine an administration (covertly using lies about classified information), how could that be legal. I could be way off on this but wasn't this a crime or was it just morally reprehensible (the left is quite good at the ends justify means thing)?

Second - I am amazed at the MSM's arrogance! I am shocked that some want to provide them with "special rights" via a shield law. They are people, no better no worse then the rest of us! They don't have an absolute right to know anything and they don't have an absolute right to break the law or to shield those who break the law from prosecution! (You think gay rights are special rights - journalism is just a profession and we are trying to give them extra rights!)

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

There indignation is very telling, it is clear they hold themselves to be in a class by themselves, some type of extra-citizen, protected by some clause in the constitution that the rest of us aren't covered by! In reality we are all covered by the first amendment! The press isn't even given it's own amendment - they are lumped in with religion, speech, assembly and petition!

It truly is chilling how they believe themselves to be this type of extra-citizen!
DKK

Atomic Weapons, The Humanitarian Peace Weapon!

2005-08-06T00:01:00.000-05:00

This is a retread of a post I made August 9, 2004. Today is the 60th anniversary of the use of the first atomic weapon and I am amazed at the handwringing that we are doing over it's use.

Yes, it had devistating effects - but most things in war do!

Like police who killed the man who used his child as a human shield our main crime is doing what it took to win a war and save ourselves and others.

This wasn't debated on American streets when I was a child - it was simply a fact!

WE DROPPED THE ATOMIC BOMB BECAUSE WE WERE AT WAR AND WANTED TO WIN!

Now too bad we can't still want to win - a blog I read recently said it would be a lot easier to win this war if we didn't have our left hands tied behind our backs!

During WWII we used both hands and feet!

Victor Davis Hanson has this great post on NRO.

Now on to the post:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yes, I proudly say Thank God! Yes, America is the only nation to ever use atomic weapons! And you should thank your God as well - no matter where you are from! (Yes I mean you - you EU weenie!)

Although there are many on the left who claim that the use of this weapon was not necessary (let alone developing Atomic weapons in the first place) looking at the truth in the history will show that it's use was not only justified, warranted, but was a humanitarian move on the part of the United States.

The death toll from both weapons is estimated at about 260,000. Hardly sounds like a humanitarian move but lets look at just a few facts -

Hardly ever mentioned are the bombings of Tokyo which took the lives of over 83,000 during the fire bombings in March of 1945. This is more killed then were killed at Nagasaki. (American involvement in WWII)

The Battle of Okinawa is distinguished among battles, yet often unrecognized when referring to the great battles of the Second World War. Over 250,000 people lost their lives. Approximately 150,000 Okinawans, about a third of the population, perished.(1) At the battle's end, somewhere between a third and half of all surviving civilians were wounded.(2) No battle during the Second World War, except Stalingrad, had as massive a loss of civilian life. The stakes were high. The Japanese, determined to fight to the last man, almost achieved their objective, but in defeat 100,000 Japanese combatants died rather than surrender.(3) In the end, fewer than 10,000 of General Mitsuri Ushijimas's Thirty-Second Army were taken prisoner.(4) (Military History Online)

Justified? Well:

From the invasion of China in 1937 to the end of World War II, the Japanese military regime murdered near 3,000,000 to over 10,000,000 people, most probably almost 6,000,000 Chinese, Indonesians, Koreans, Filipinos, and Indochinese, among others, including Western prisoners of war. This democide was due to a morally bankrupt political and military strategy, military expediency and custom, and national culture (such as the view that those enemy soldiers who surrender while still able to resist were criminals). (Freedom,Democracy, Peace; Power, Democide, and War)

Other Options:

Casualties were expected to be extremely heavy. Admiral William Leahy estimated more than 250,00 killed or wounded on Kyushu alone. General Charles Willoughby, Chief of Intelligence for General Douglas MacArthur, estimated American casualties from the entire operation would be one million men by the fall of 1946. This was considered, by many, to be a very conservative estimate. (The End of WWII by Haile H. Jaekel )

Keep in mind that the Japanese were determined to fight to the last man - person more accurately. Civilians, men, women, and children were all preparing and training to repel the invaders.

Harry Truman said in defense of, WHY I DROPPED THE ATOMIC BOMB. "It was a question of saving hundreds of thousands of American lives. You don't feel normal when you have to plan hundreds of thousands of deaths of American boys who are alive and joking and having fun while your doing your planning. You break your heart and your head trying to figure out a way to save one life. I made the only decision I knew how to make. I did what I thought was right. I still think that". (The End of WWIIby Haile H. Jaekel )

Another option would have been accepting a conditional surrender from the Japanese. The allies had early on decided that a conditional surrender was unacceptable for many reasons. Throughout history conditional surrenders are rarely successful in the long term - take the recent Gulf War and Saddam's 12 years of failing to live up to his agreement. With the millions killed by the Japanese and German bankrupt societies over the course of less then 15 years these governments could not be allowed to remain in power.

Result -

Short and long term results were very impressive.

In the short term Millions of Japanese were saved, more then a million American and Allied servicemen were saved, and millions of innocent civilians were saved from the Japanese death camps (something China still hasn't forgiven the Japanese for - see this story about Japanese/Chinese soccer match this month.)

Long term, prior to 1945 humans had managed to build up quite a track record of death! We had an ever increasing death toll in war that had built up year after year to a historic high of approximately 10 million people per year ! Let me repeat that - estimates are that nearly 60 million people died in World War Two with nearly half of these being civilian! (Western/World Civ. Surveys; Modern Irish History;Anglo-Irish relations; Modern Europe)

Just one more time for the record - NEARLY 60 MILLION PEOPLE DIED IN WWII, THAT IS NEARLY 10 MILLION PER YEAR!

Following the end of WWII the annual world death toll dropped dramatically, averaging about 1 million per year - in ALL wars, civil, ethnic cleansing, etc. One of the major reason for this drop and stagnation were atomic weapons and the policies that were implemented by the nations that controlled these weapons. (Death Toll from Disasters, War & Accidents)

So the next time someone cries out that the US is the only country to ever use atomic weapons - proudly tell them they are right and they should thank God we did. FYI the population in 1935 was about 2.1 billion @ 10 Million per year for the past 65 years is 650 million (650,000,000) people -- just under a third of the entire population of the world in 1935! There are just about 6 billion people alive today! In my mind these lives were well worth the cost of the cold war, wouldn't your favorite liberal agree?

DKK

Gone but not out - Yet!

2005-08-05T19:27:00.000-05:00

Wow, what a very bad couple of months! (More on that in later posts)

For those who don't know I am disabled with a chronic illness similar to Lupus and MS.

One of the worst parts is seeing my mental capabilities slip a bit each day. Simple spelling abilities vanish along with the ability to remember words and definitions. The last two months I worked (Spring/Summer 2002) I was often unable to finish sentences, thoughts, and concepts when I was meeting with clients.

Each day over the past two months I attempted to restart writing but each day, just like today, I was either too exhausted or it was too difficult to form a coherent thought. (For example, how many ways can you spell "hoping" - and have none of them look correct?)

I haven't even been able to comment on other blog's posts.

This simple post has taken me 46 minutes to type so far - that is about 20 seconds per word!

During this time I kept updated by reading the blogs in my blogroll and I wanted to thank them for being there and helping news junkies like me get through some very hard times, though most of them will never know it they were there when I needed them!

I also wanted to compliment the new Tucker Carlson show on MSNBC - I am really shocked that show hasn't been noticed by more bloggers because it is set up like my favorite blogs! It covers many subjects in brief but thorough reporting and gives opinion - the only improvement would be if there were some way for comments to be included.

Over the next few days I hope to be able to put together some thoughts on events that happened during my missing months - including here in my life and thoughts on one year of blogging.

Oh, and I know it's a little late, but I too am switching this from a blog to an online magazine.

Until then thank you to the blogs, Fox News, Tucker Carlson's Situation, and especially to all who stopped in and asked about me!
DKK

Boobs, The Lot Of Them

2005-05-24T18:36:00.000-05:00

That tit is none other than the Great Tit, the largest tit in the Tit family, and one of the most common tits in Europe, a continent practically overflowing with tits. Why, there are over 1.6 million pairs of tits in Great Britain alone.

Typical of the AP, not to know a tit when one is practically staring them in the face. Boobs, the lot of them.

Silflay Hraka (Show Us Your Tits) points out that amazingly the media can't even get bird identification correct. It is really easy to do if you just look in a bird book or online -- and by incorrect I mean half a world away

Actually it isn't amazing, but you know they have all those levels of fact checking, right! Still, these are the best sentences of the week, I laughed like a school girl when I read them!
DKK

Disgusting....Disturbing.....Totally Expected

2005-05-23T04:20:00.000-05:00

Have you seen NewsWeek's Japan/International edition from February 2, 2005? If you haven't seen it yet go look, DANEgerus has the cover and asks if we can call them anti-American yet? The picture is of a US flag in a trash can. The headlines read:

The red text at the left just above the “Newsweek” logo says:

“America forsaken.”

The big white and yellow text says:

“The Day America Died — The ideal of ‘freedom’ falls to the ground due to Bush continuing in office.”

Someone needs to walk up to the idiot who was being a dick at the White House press briefing asking questions like, "with all due respect, but who made you the editor of Newsweek", and hit him square upside his head with a two by four! Of course the White House knew what type of slime they were dealing with.

I don't subscribe to Newsweek but if I did I would cancel!

They have proven that they are anti-American and shouldn't get any money from ANY Americans!
DKK

Rougher Then I thought

2005-05-20T01:42:00.000-05:00

A really bad chest cold set in early this week. I tried to sleep in yesterday but I wasn't able to.

It has kept me from bloggin, I always underestimate the toll things take on me physically! That is part of the problem because then I over do things causing a setback in my disability.

Hope to get bloggin again Friday, but for sure over the weekend.
DKK

It'll Be A Late Start

2005-05-19T03:21:00.000-05:00

Hey, bloggin will start late Thursday.
DKK

Result of The Apple cart Upset

2005-05-18T04:38:00.000-05:00

For the past three years the establishments of diplomacy and world government have been in a tizzy because this President has upset the apple cart. Following 9/11 he looked at the world and demanded results. The old ways hadn't worked and were only endangering us with every day they were allowed to continue.

From that point the US was no longer going to accept stability for stability's sake. We were going to only accept freedom and with freedom came security.

American Future is a great resource for the world's reactions to this policy including this regarding the Arab world's reaction to Bush:

For a people mired in historical pessimism, the message of this outsider was a powerful antidote to the culture of tyranny. Hitherto, no one had bothered to tell the Palestinians that they can't have terror and statehood at the same time, that the patronage of the world is contingent on a renunciation of old ways. This was the condition Mr. Bush attached to his support for the Palestinians.

Those who were in the cart are now trying to catch up as they start to see results. But it hasn't been and won't be easy, after all many of them are losing their stable cash cows!

The path we are on is as life altering as the end of the cold war.
DKK

Correction - that is American Future I don't know why I put American Security, link was correct. I fixed it now - sorry.

Do We Want Them To Like or Respect Us?

2005-05-18T04:06:00.000-05:00

You know instinctively I have never bought the fact that we had to win the battle for the hearts and minds of the Arab street. We keep hearing about how we are in a battle for the Muslims hearts and minds.

After investigating the Koran issue for hours yesterday I looked up from my computer and realized that the Muslim faith is so specific as to it's requirements specifically related to acceptance of others that it leaves no room for compromise - for example even the exchange of knowledge of another religion is forbidden:

Question

I wanted to give a copy of a translation of the meanings of the Quraan to a kaafir man, but he said I will not take it unless you take from me a copy of the Bible in Arabic, and I will not read it unless you read [the Bible]. Should I do that or not?

Answer

He should not do that, because the Bible may have an effect on the Muslim, but it seems that the Quraan will not have an effect on this evil person, because he is insisting that the Muslim should take the copy of the Bible.

Last night The Insanity that is Colmes (Hannity and Colmes) had a former CIA interrogator on and he made the most common sense and logically intelligent comment I have heard on this subject.

He said:

I don't think we can win the battle for the hearts and minds of the Muslim world, but we CAN win their respect and that is what we are doing in Iraq!

Based on what I had read about Islam and it's inability to accept others I know in my heart that he is correct. I forgot his name, he had been on Fox before. I will check for a transcript later and link if I can find it.

The key is that we we will never be liked - it will never happen! We can't even get our own liberals or media to like the US, how are we going to get Arabs to like us! But we can get them to respect us and we can do that by having our actions match our words, being tough where we need to be (without fear), and helping them achieve freedom and democracy!
DKK

Desecration 101 - Or How I Spent A Few Hours And Still Don't Know

2005-05-18T01:23:00.001-05:00

After hearing the arrogance of the media and their defenders yesterday claim that there are numerous claims of desecration of the Koran I decided I would try to figure out exactly what desecration of the Koran is.

I also know that, as LGF has reported, the terrorist plan for and intend to use cries of civil and religious rights abuse claims against us, but that shouldn't excuse actual claims or preclude our investigating. I just know that we have got to be realistic - we are at war after all. Shoot, I remember we were originally ripped for debating whether or not we would allow them to have a Koran and the proper head covers, but we did.

Well, after about 45 minutes of searching I decided to eat dinner then came back for another hour and a half and this is what I have found out.

Please keep in mind that this is not at all inclusive nor is it intended to reflect upon Islam in any way or indicate a knowledge of Islam.

The first rule is:

It is unlawful (haram) for someone not in the state of wudu to carry a Qur'an, even by a trap or in a box , or touch it, whether its writing, the spaces between its lines, its margins, binding, the carrying strap attached to it, or the bag or box it is in.

So by having anyone touch the Koran that wasn't a Muslim was desecration, whether it was the soldier who packed it for shipping or the chaplain who handed it out using clean gloves.

The Holy Qur’aan should not be touched by anyone except those who are purified. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Verily, the Mushrikoon (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allaah, and in the Message of Muhammad) are Najasun (impure)” [al-Tawbah 9:28]

On this basis, the kaafir should not be permitted to touch the Qur’aan, whether he is a Christian, a Jew, a Buddhist, a Hindu or anything else.

But one must be pure and cleansed prior to even that - unless the Koran is about to be burnt, get wet, or touched by someone who is impure - which is any non believer. Of course no menstruating women allowed

But that is just touching the surface, the list goes on and on. ~~Did you know that you can't have a dog in the house when you read the Koran~~This appears in accurate based on new searches that state dogs are not mentioned in the Koran, unless that dog is for hunting, farming, or herding.

It could be considered desecration of the Koran to even bring it into a bathroom, unless you are afraid it will be stolen if left and it is in a bag and the bag is kept away from the toilet (it is allowed to bring cell phones or PDA's with the Koran saved on it in digital form!). So in a one room cell.......is that allowed? Good question but not the only one. It seems that the rules are complicated enough that true believers have to submit questions about what the proper handling of the Koran is.

Oh, when reciting the Koran you should be alone:

so that no one interrupts one, forcing one to mix the words of the Qur'an with replying, for this nullifies the effectiveness of having taken refuge in Allah from the Devil at the beginning;

This is one of the 37 rules of inviolability of the Qur'an (but not all handling rules) that includes this:

not to place other books upon the Qur'an, which should always be higher than all other books, whether they are books of Sacred Knowledge or something else

My point - we couldn't win regarding the Koran. We could have kept them from having them but we already heard an uproar about that. You can't win when your own media disagrees with every aspect of the war that you didn't start.

We know that the Koran is considered holy enough to riot and kill over, is it difficult to believe that any handling would have been interpreted and reported as desecration by those who intend to do us harm?

An even better question is what mind set or illness is it that makes one put all of your faith in the enemy and zero faith in those who are risking their lives to protect our very way of life.
DKK

Update - DANEgerous ads a key point!

desecration : To violate the sacredness of; profane. --Pretty subjective huh?

May 2008 fixed expired links and corrected dog passage.

NPD and The Media

2005-05-17T23:41:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was looking for strange and unusual quotes and I came across this site of actual quotes from people with Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

Most of them are quite funny in a strangely sad way.

But this new development between the press and Americans today -- and that is what it is, it isn't the press against the administration or the President -- it is the press against Americans, reminded me of some of the quotes I had heard there.

Here are some examples, go read the very long list and see if you don't see todays liberal media attitude reflected in these NPD quotes:

"I'm right back at the centre of attention - where I belong!"
"I would feel no different if I lost my mom or if I lost a pencil, or a movie I wanted to watch."
"I tell you things on a need to know basis. If I think you need to know I'll tell you"
“If people are stupid enough to let me run all over them...I'm gonna take advantage”
"A lie is as good as the truth if you can get someone to believe it."
"Look what you made me do!"
"I mean, come on, do you honestly think I would do something that wasn't in my own best interest?"
"While drunk and standing on top of his wood stove (no fire going) "I am God and the world revolves around my a**hole."
DKK

Death By Reporting - Murder Via The Pen

2005-05-17T17:25:00.000-05:00

That is what Newsweek did.

They are NOT impartial observers - they can not yell fire in a theater! Their actions have consequences. They have cost lives and untold dollars to our nation.

The media has walked the fine line of criminal action for years and Americans are sick of it - check out their ratings and subscription rates.

This holier then thou - we are the media, not Americans attitude has to stop NOW. Let's have this be the tipping point!
DKK

Your Damn Right I Am!

2005-05-17T17:20:00.000-05:00

Via Drudge - the media is getting up in arms that most of us believe something should be done to correct Newsweek's error that led to damage to our national interests as well as the deaths of at least 17 people.

REVENGE OF THE PRESS: WHITE HOUSE REPORTERS RIP BUSH SPOKESMAN OVER NEWSWEEK MESS

Q Are you asking them to write a story about how great the American military is; is that what you're saying here? MR. McCLELLAN: Elisabeth, let me finish my sentence. Our military --I said it before, how about their next issue address the things we have done right and have improved and empowered the Muslim people.

Of course with the attitude of the media today they couldn't find enough material for a full issue, but lets start with the tsunami.

What is so strange about asking the media to report fairly and support our national interests. I am not asking them to lie or inflate anything just report accurately and fairly!
DKK

EXTRA: Go read the whole Drudge Flash here! It is truely amazing!

OH MY GOD - how fucked up do you have to be to feel no responsibility for actions that have killed and caused irreparable damage to our country! To not care about our national interest and the serious damage that has been done is truely a sign of some type of personality disorder - possibly NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER.

Like the high minded, nuanced liberals these people consider themselves above any standards or accountability. They feel they have no blame for their murderous reporting, and that is what this was.
DKK

BTW, Definition of Fixed

2005-05-17T05:25:00.000-05:00

For those moonbats (and CNN) out there who are trying to read a British Memo - try using the King's English (Merian-Webster Online):

1 a : to make firm, stable, or stationary b : to give a permanent or final form to: as (1) : to change into a stable compound or available form fix nitrogen> (2) : to kill, harden, and preserve for microscopic study (3) : to make the image of (a photographic film) permanent by removing unused salts c : AFFIX, ATTACH
2 a : to hold or direct steadily fixes his eyes on the horizon> b : to capture the attention of fixed her with a stare>
3 a : to set or place definitely : ESTABLISH b : to make an accurate determination of : DISCOVER fixing our location on the chart> c : ASSIGN fix the blame>
4 : to set in order : ADJUST
5 : to get ready : PREPARE fix lunch>
6 a : REPAIR, MEND fix the clock> b : RESTORE, CURE the fixed him up> c : SPAY, CASTRATE
7 a : to get even with b : to influence the actions, outcome, or effect of by improper or illegal methods the fixed>
intransitive senses
1 : to become firm, stable, or fixed
2 : to get set : be on the verge we're fixing to leave soon>
3 : to direct one's attention or efforts : FOCUS; also : DECIDE, SETTLE -- usually used with on
synonym see FASTEN
DKK

Updated - I forgot the link to the memo, sorry.

May 21, 2005 Wizbang agree's. This memo is actually pretty good evidence in opposition to the moonbats theory.

Yea, Yea, We Know

2005-05-17T04:15:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I feel like I am preaching to the choir, but I plan to continue preaching!

As I have thought about whether another Tet is possible, if we would recognize one, and how one could come about I thought it necessary to reemphasize the feeling of much of the media and most of the left.

You see, there is a large part of the left (which EVERY study I have seen includes most of the media (68% voted Kerry-25% Bush)) believe war should never be an option. Never! They think that by showing the horror that is war that we will give up and find a better, more nuanced, even European solution - you know, the flaccid military option.

The problem they have is that the majority of Americans, including some that voted for Kerry, know that war is a dirty ugly business! War is hell, we know that. But we also know that war is sometimes the best choice available when given the options. In other words, hell, or a worse option.

We didn't choose this war. Even if your short sighted enough to feel that Iraq isn't a front in the war on terror you need to remember that Saddam started this war in 1991. The story that things changed for the President, as it did for many of us, made the status quo - kick the can down the road philosophy that was the policy of our government for most of the 1990's.

Do I think another Tet is possible? If we hadn't been attacked on 9/11, perhaps. It is still possible that the media will tailor their anti-war, anti-Bush, anti-military, anti-American message in a way that could lead to Americans turning on the media and government as happened following Tet, but I doubt they can wrap their minds around the feeling most Americans know in their bones - that this war on terror is necessary in order to preserve our very way of life.

This inherent understanding most Americans have is why I wondered if a Tet could work by inflaming an entire religion. This is what the Islamic fascists want and this is the opening Newsweek gave them.
DKK

The Killers Misdirection

2005-05-17T04:09:00.000-05:00

I am a big fan of The Killers and their album Fuss.

I have looked forward to seeing their performances on TV twice in the past month. Unfortunately I made the mistake of TRUSTING THEIR (label sponsored) WEBSITE!

It stated that they would be on Leno on the 14th of April, they weren't there and there was no comment on their site.

Their site stated that they would be on MTV's X-Box unveiling on May 19. Unfortunately that show aired May 12 - again with no comment or correction on the site.

Since the advent of the internet (thanks Mr. Gore, hehehehahahah) it has always irritated me when a company only does business half way on the net. Either go for it or don't bother! That applies to updating your performances - you, you Killers!
DKK

Rockford Blog Trek - 051605

2005-05-17T04:00:00.001-05:00

Update -- I have updated and posted Rockford Bloggers my Right Of The Star Blog, here is a link to the category.

I found the following new sites in the Northern Il area:

SisterTalk - Beloit/Rockford recent MBA graduate Lesbian Blogger - Good site, updated regularly, quite good thoughts from a gay liberal slant!
The Moment - Not really a blog, but a Indie/Punk/Electroica Rock Group from Rockford, 3 songs and schedule here. Quite a good sound, good guitar and tech sound. Kinda got a Yes feel to them, the guys voice reminds me of John Anderson who I LOVE - Hey Snug Harbor (see below) they will be in Byron on the 20th. I would recommend seeing them based on the 3 songs on their site.

By the way, another from my blogrolls is from N. IL. Angry Republican Mom is from Paw Paw.

Here is what is happening in the Rockford Blogs list. If you are a Rockford area blogger or know of one let me know so I can add them to these updates. I would encourage you to visit them all!

Snug Harbor Byron IL. - Completed his switch from Booger!
Power and Control - fairly well known blogger, some really good posts.
Ryan Packer - 18y/o - getting ready to graduate
Phil's Observations - Last update March 15
Purple Medical Blog - Medical Info, some good stuff
The Speed Shop - The Bodyshop Blog - took home the bracket trophy from Sundays VAPOR Drag day
T1Rex - Telecom Tech - some really great tech stuff.
Brainspinning - far left Roscoe, IL - appears inactive 2/16/2005

I will be dropping Brainspinning from the list if there are no updates this week and Phil next month.
DKK

Kerry 180 Tuesday

2005-05-17T02:18:00.000-05:00

107 days ago, John Kerry promised, on national TV, to sign form SF-180 and release his military records. He has yet to do so.

This posting was part of the Tuesdays Kerry 180 Blogburst - check out the links on the right and stop in at Cao's Blog to enroll.
DKK

Newsweek Riots: Newsweek retracts

2005-05-16T17:04:00.000-05:00

Not just an apology, but a full retraction.

Fox News - NEW YORK Newsweek on Monday retracted a story alleging interrogators at Guantanamo flushed the Koran down a toilet in front of detainees.

Based on what we know now, we are retracting our original story that an internal military investigation had uncovered Koran abuse at Guantanamo Bay, editor Mark Whitaker said in statement released Monday evening.

White House would like more, as would I! How about a full issue to explain what we have done right as well as a full honest disclosure of what they did wrong!
DKK

Reading, Writing, and Ridiculous

2005-05-16T05:30:00.000-05:00

On May 5, I wrote about the Rockford Public School's No Child Left Behind Follies (NCLB Follies) which allowed nearly $700,000 of NCLB money to be forfeited because the superintendent couldn't meet the program auditors when they showed up for a surprise audit. His excuse was that he didn't intend to use the reading program NCLB required anyway so he didn't screw up getting the money, he more accurately screwed us out of getting the money!

When I first started looking into this I was amazed to learn that many school districts have chosen to give up these funds as their administrators have chosen to use another curriculum, for example Madison Wisconsin, just to 45 minutes North has forfeited $2 Million (yes, MILLION) dollars.

Well, I did some investigating into the two reading programs cited in the news direct instruction and balanced literacy and what I found out is that it is like the new math/old math argument (BTW the results of testing shows that new math hasn't worked as well as hoped).

Here are the arguments from the Register Star's reporting on this issue:

A direct instruction classroom is compared with a balanced literacy classroom. Heres what critics and supporters have to say.

Direct instruction:

Students are grouped based on ability. Teachers work directly with students, leading all instruction. Teachers read scripted lessons and demonstrate a skill. Students chorus the skill back, then individually show the skill. Strict direct instruction uses a fast pace with teachers sometimes using a clicking device to keep up the pace.

If students are learning the word boat, the word in their books is written with a small letter a to show that the o will dominate the oa sound.

* Critics: Students do not learn other reading tools or necessarily understand why they read. Not all words can be sounded out. Teachers are no longer diagnosing weaknesses and strengths, but simply reading scripted material. The program was developed as an intervention for at-risk students.

* Advocates: Students with strong phonics will pick up other words. Students are taught to understand what they read and, in fact, are reading Langston Hughes and other authors. A long list of research backs up direct instructions effectiveness. (emphasis added)

Balanced literacy:

Teachers diagnose students weaknesses and use various methods to strengthen reading skills; direct instruction among them. Chief instructional officer Martha Hayes also wants teachers using guided reading. In guided reading, students work in small ability groups. A teacher meets with one group, while other groups do more self-directed activities. A teacher may use the book that students are reading to emphasize phonics or other reading tools.

If the word is boat, a teacher may ask students if they have ever been on a boat so that they relate to the word. Or a teacher may ask the student to read the sentence and figure out the word based on context.

* Critics: Struggling students get lost in the self-directed reading groups. Teaching them to use nonphonics tools hinders learning phonics. Not every teacher has experience to use a variety of techniques to ensure students learn to read. Balanced literacy has been espoused in Rockford the last 15 years. Show me some results, said Bill Bursuck, who created a reading program that improved reading in three Rockford schools.

* Advocates: Students must have all the tools to read. Research shows students need more than phonics to be good readers. New administration is working to get the district on stable financial ground to more fully support teachers. Every elementary school now has a reading coach to help teachers. Next summer, workshops will provide further support to teachers.

The Rockford School district has been running deficits for years as have many districts nationwide. Recently there was a three month heated debated that ended when the distract contracted 186 of it's custodial and maintenance jobs in an effort to reduce it's deficits. Custodians and other workers in the Rockford Building and Maintenance Association had offered a 10 percent pay cut in a package that contained $2.3 million in savings. Their offer did not compete with the $3.5 million in savings that a private contract offers. (BTW, I support this contracting, lets face it with proper accountability private businesses can always outperform government)

It seems to me that for nearly $700,000 in lost NCLB funds - money that now has to come out of the Rockford taxpayers pockets you could make Old Reading work, unless there is another motive that I am unaware of.

Studies show that direct instruction works! If given the choice of two programs that work, one that comes with $700,000 and one that doesn't, which do you think is best for the kids?
DKK

Strange How It's The Same Story

2005-05-16T03:10:00.000-05:00

More info on the story that lead to the Newsweek Riots. Isn't it strange that we get the same excuse from the media that we got during the Rathergate story:"Obviously we all feel horrible about what flowed from this, but it's important to remember there was absolutely no lapse in journalistic standards here," he said. "We relied on sources we had every reason to trust and gave the Pentagon ample opportunity to comment. . . .(WaPost via Roger Simon)

That is exactly the same story we heard from the media and the left about the Rathergate story and their unimpeachable source:

Half an hour later, Roberts called "60 Minutes" producer Mary Mapes with word that Bartlett was not challenging the authenticity of the documents. (HT:Wizbang)

This is just LAME!

How many times did I hear that from the moonbats! Well it's their fault, they didn't deny it.....well, it appears that they are honest enough to only comment on what they KNOW.

This is a serious flaw in today's media - their desire to believe the worst about America, and Republicans more specifically!
DKK

By the way, Wizbang made this point about Rathergate here:

CBS Blames the Whitehouse (again)

BTW, can you imagine if the administration had commented? The story would have gone like this, "Bush Administration Tries To Kill Memo/Koran Story."
DKK

Is It Wrong..........(Richards)

2005-05-16T02:57:00.000-05:00

Is it wrong that I want Richard Gere to start an underwear line and call it:

DICK GERE

Hey, maybe he could sell it at that Euro Boutique, you know the one:

Peter Sellers

I got a copy of one of their employees applications:

last - first
Fonda, Peter

By the way, they refer to their STAFF as their:

Dick Army

I could go on for hours, but then it would be wrong! After all I have to get to my scheduled:

Dick Piel (ouch, surgical or chemical procedure? Procedure conducted by Dr. Dick Carpenter!)

Seriously, I worked with a guy and that was his name - we called him Big Dick because he was about 6'5" as opposed to Little Dick (Bowers) who was about 5'3".

DKK

Previous Wrongs: (Wrong me, wrong me!)
Cox
Poopie Shoot
Peckerwood

Survivor al Qaeda

2005-05-15T22:09:00.000-05:00

Um, if the contestants on Survivor (which I don't watch, but happened to catch this when I was surfing) can stand for over 8 hours how can it be cruel for al Qaeda?
DKK

Did Newsweek Hand al Qaeda Their Tet?

2005-05-15T17:15:00.000-05:00

By now you have already learned about the Newsweek apology and admission that they may have been wrong about their report that sparked riots in the Muslim World killing at least 16 and causing 300 Muslim clerics to call for a Jihad against the US.

The same day that Newsweek was publishing it's f-upped story about the desecration of the Koran I wrote this in Would We Recognize A Modern Tet?

But today we have a media that has been hostile toward the administration and has always been against the GWOT (Greater War On Terror), including the fronts in Iraq and as strange as it may sound some were even against Afghanistan. As such, like the boy who cried wolf their cries of Tet would have little effect.

Terrorist organizations by their very nature are about propaganda and influencing public reaction and behavior.

If I understand this why in the hell don't those bitches at Newsweek?

Remember this is the magazine with the editor, Evan Thomas who predicted that the press would be able to hand John Kerry 10 or 15 % points hed never have gotten on his own. (Thanks Anchoress)

Does anyone think for a minute that Newsweek would have put out a story during WWII that the US was abusing posters of the Emperor of Japan during in an attempt to get Japanese prisoners to talk? No, wouldn't have happened because during WWII the press realized two things, 1) The US was the good guy and they were on America's side and more importantly 2) THE PRESS REALIZED THAT THEIR ACTIONS HAD CONSEQUENCES AND THAT THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO PRINT EVERY RUMOR THEY HEARD IF IT COULD HARM THE US OR IT'S INTERESTS!

They no longer feel that way - as I said beforee :

somewhere along the line they decided that being pro-American might "taint" their coverage of the news! You know, that high minded nuanced position! Problem is they have become anti-American. The MSM is no better then the UN. That is why Fox is kicking their butt! Fox makes no bones about being pro-American in their coverage and they admit it is their one bias! (see also Media Contradictions)

So, did Newsweek hand al Qaeda it's own modern Tet Offensive? Only time will tell, but Newsweek's weak apology isn't enough - they have already killed 16 and put the US and it's interests at risk for a long time to come. Anything we had done to improve relations with the Muslim world is now at risk thanks to one sloppy magazine.

If you haven't read the story be sure to check out:
Michelle Malkin (Many links there too)
CQ
Anchoress
Knowledge is Power
DANEgerous
Ace

Check them all out!
DKK

Just an extra thought (5/16/05) - Tet had it's main impact here at home, with my thought that we are getting desentized to their rantings turning their Tet to the Muslim world makes lots of sense.
DKK

My Ads, I Paid For Those! - Repost

2005-05-14T23:13:00.000-05:00

While we're on the subject of cable TV, here is an old post about my cable that still applies!

Okay, first off this isn't about Unions or 527's buying ads attacking our President, and I am sure you can figure out that I think a Union using member dues to buy ads is a complete farce! They have completely distorted the purpose they were founded for and have become parasites that exist only to grow larger - but I am sure I will write more on that later. And the 527's, well they had to have a law didn't they! (As an aside - American's are great at finding the loopholes aren't we.)

No, what I am talking about now are the commercials for Cable TV. I don't know about where youre at, but here we get 8 to 12 commercials an hour for Cable TV, Cable Internet, or Digital Cable. One of them even says Cable Internet will do for the Internet what Cable TV did for watching TV. I hope not (full disclosure, I have cable Internet - love it, but not happy about the price!) That is all I need, infomercials all day, tons of stuff I don't want, and more advertisements for the stuff I can't get unless I am willing to pay more.

They advertise extra special channels coming soon.......OH COOL.......on digital....OH CRAP... but nothing for me. Oh sure, they added golf, home, womens....but nothing I really really want. Being in a smaller market I have 65 choices of stuff I don't want. Why, because they have packaged these together to appeal to such a broad market that there is no way they can appeal to anyone. At least when we only received 3, and then later 4 broadcast channels they had stuff on that we watched - it might have been crap, but it was the only crap on. With more choices we have more crap.

Congress is supposed to be working on this, coming up with an ability to choose the channels you want and pay only for those you choose - but of course the Cable Company says the price will go up and then something will be on a channel one time and you will probably have to pay for 6 months worth or something foolish like that.

Why do I complain? I know I paid for those ads! How do I know? My rates keep growing at almost the same pace as the number of those ads. And I really wonder if they really help or if more people are like me, becoming more and more irritated with the Cable Company each and every time I see them?

I know the economics with the cable companies losing business to the only competition - the dishes - they need to keep reminding you all Cable gives you. But couldn't they sell half that time and cut my rates? Or better yet sell half that time and give me some of those extra special channels they keep trying to tempt me with in those ads.

Seriously though, if they don't give me a true choices soon I am going to start looking at alternatives, and it won't be Digital Cable - at least not as long as they are running all of these commercials.
DKK

It's Official, There Are Only Three

2005-05-14T19:01:00.000-05:00

Yep it's official, there are only three programs on TV anymore:

1) Law and Order (or one of it's evil children)
2) CSI (or one of it's evil children)
3) Survivor (or one of it's evil children)

Does anyone else find that sad? As I said in Past The Peak, We Will Run Out:

We can't say for sure when we will approach TDTMD, if we aren't there, but I fear for our civilization when that day arrives. Of course I also fear what it means for our civilization if our top artists are just too damn lazy or untalented to make new music but that is a discussion for another day isn't it!

Lazy and untalented or just reproducing a successful formula, it is still sad.

PS - Someday soon there will be a Law And Order channel on Digital Cable if there isn't already!
DKK

How Many Dead Was That? The Facts Come Out

2005-05-14T00:05:00.000-05:00

Via Tim Blair:

Researchers surveyed 808 households for a study published last year by The Lancet which concluded that as many as 100,000 excess deaths had occurred in Iraq since liberation.
The UN has now released a survey of more than 21,600 households:

The invasion of Iraq and its aftermath caused the deaths of 24,000 Iraqis, including many children, according to the most detailed survey yet of postwar life in the country.

The UN report paints a picture of modern Iraq brought close to collapse despite its oil wealth. Successive wars, a decade of sanctions and the current violence have destroyed services, undermined health and education and made the lives of ordinary Iraqis dangerous and miserable.

The survey for the UN Development Programme, entitled Iraq Living Conditions Survey 2004, questioned more than 21,600 households this time last year. Its findings, released by the Ministry of Planning yesterday, could finally resolve the debate over how many Iraqis were killed in the war that overthrew the regime of Saddam Hussein in April 2003.

The 370-page report said that it was 95 per cent confident that the toll during the war and the first year of occupation was 24,000, but could have been between 18,000 and 29,000.
According to CNN, the UN survey was conducted throughout all of Iraqs 18 provinces (the Lancet study examined 11). Also from CNN:

Iraqs unemployment rate was 10.5 percent of a population of 27 million people, the report found.
That figure blows out to 18.4 percent when workers not looking for a job are included; the number of unemployed seeking work, however, compares reasonably well with data from France (unemployment: 9.4 percent).

While there has been progress since Saddam Husseins fall, these data depict a very tragic picture of the quality of life, Iraqi transitional Planning Minister Barham Salih said.

Salih said the mismanagement of Saddams government and his regimes internal conflicts and those with its neighbors took a toll that spared no sector of the countrys infrastructure.

"Saddam Hussein has left us a wasteland, Salih said. This country could have been the economic powerhouse of the Middle East."
And might well become so, in time, now that Saddam is gone and his sons are dead. (Via Scott Campbell and Alan R.M. Jones)

Interesting how the left has been using those unsubstantiated numbers for the last few months, despite their being shown to be very inaccurate.

Of course they don't want to know the truth because it would be Unexpected!
DKK

"Illegal" Must Not Translate!

2005-05-13T17:13:00.000-05:00

As if any of us needed any proof that the boarder patrol's idiotic move to discredit the Minutemen Project (Boarder Patrol, "Don't" - We're Screwed!) Mexico grants this outrageous attempt to protect their income stream - Mexico furious at tough US law on migrants.

Mexico has reacted furiously to a bill signed into law by the US this week that would fund a border wall and prevent illegal Mexican migrants from obtaining US driving licenses.

Wait, our right to control our own boarder and what happens inside that boarder is our right! At least it was prior to our willingness to give up our sovereignty, something this President has attempted to reverse. This is the same issue behind Kyoto and the ICC.

President Vicente Fox said he would lodge a diplomatic complaint, and was considering complaints to multilateral bodies if Mexico could not unable to resolve the problem bilaterally.

First off this law is only a problem for Mexico! Second I say bring it on - your government is already suing to protect it's income stream (Mexico's Poverty Plan). An estimated $17 billion dollars were sent from workers in the US last year. In comparision for 2004 EIA estimates Mexican oil export revenues were $21 billion.

According to Lou Dobbs (thanks to Diggers Realm):

Those earnings have added up to nearly $17 billion in the past year. Remittances, as they're called, are expected to become Mexico's primary source of income this year, surpassing the amount of money that Mexico makes on oil exports for the first time ever.

They will do whatever it takes to protect this income!

In the US, leaders of the Mexican community threatened to strike to send a message to US employers that they could not survive without cheap Mexican labor.

Santiago Creel, Mexico's interior secretary, said the Real ID law was negative, inconvenient, and obstructionist.

Building walls doesn't help anyone build a good neighbourhood, he said. Taking away the possibility of obtaining driving licenses for people who are working in legal jobs, who pay their taxes there, who send remittances home here, seems to us to be an extreme measure, particularly given the new understanding that we thought we had after the re-election of President Bush.

This is the key right there! Seriously, is it a legal job when your an illegal worker? And as far as their threat to US employers - well if they all strike at least we would know who was illegal wouldn't we!

DOESN'T THE TERM ILLEGAL TRANSLATE TO SPANISH? Someone help me out on this one.

The Mexican governments attitude toward the US and our sovereignty could blow back in their faces in ways that could destabilize their government. That would not be good for us, but it would be even worse for them.

It should definately get the attention of a President who has made every effort to regain our sovereignty and restore our right to take the actions that are in our best interests. Fox may have just stepped over the line - at least I hope that is the case, but based on the administrations record of boarder security so far I wouldn't bet on it.
DKK

Entertainment Trek - Orbitz Is So Gay

2005-05-13T17:05:00.000-05:00

Just watching Will and Grace, yea, I get my Gay'ly fix and they just had an Orbitz commercial - the game show theme one - "Take On Orbitz".

But unlike their old one this one went like this:

"He's a travel editor and he has a new boyfriend! Orbitz the fastest way to find a gay friendly hotel!" Hugging and jumping by the boyfriends!

Okay, just high fives, jumps, and hugs but still it was nice to see.

I am not an in the fact type gay - as most of you probably figured out, but seeing gay issues treated as a normal fact of life is nice!

Commercial Closet has a review of the ad (you can view it there also) and determines that it is neutral (versus positive or negative).

This is the third dedicated gay commercial from Orbitz, which also does gay print media advertising. The company was able to uniquely determine exactly how many gay customers they had because of a dedicated Gay Travel section, which it calls a microsite, found on the home page along with other specialized travel interests. The company says it was the first general travel site to feature a gay section.

Orbitz continues to make diversity a priority via our extensive gay travel microsite as well as in our marketing efforts and community outreach, Mitch Truwit, president and CEO at Orbitz in Chicago, told Commercial Closet.

DKK

Boarder Patrol, "Don't" - We're Screwed!

2005-05-13T00:24:00.000-05:00

U.S. Border Patrol agents have been ordered not to arrest illegal aliens along the section of the Arizona border where protesters patrolled last month because an increase in apprehensions there would prove the effectiveness of Minuteman volunteers, The Washington Times has learned.

That's it, with this type of boarder management we're screwed, simply screwed!
DKK

They Have No Idea

2005-05-12T23:22:00.000-05:00

While we are on the subject of the news;

Lets face it, if you read trusted and respected blogs (such as my blogroll) you are some of the most informed people in the world. If you just visit Drudge a couple of times a day you are ahead of 75% of the public.

Speaking of Drudge, he really needs to hire someone again! His news is old and stale. Just a few months ago Jason asked me if shows like Fox and Friends just read Drudge and covered those stories, and it seemed as if that were the case. But today - now that his contributor moved on to the Huff and Puff Place his site isn't updated overnight most nights, and even during the day the updates are few and far between. He missed the NY Grenade story, the runaway bride returns (really up his ally), and pope news.

I am seriously considering finding a new news/breaking news page (if you have a good one let me know in comments.)

Back to the point, there are three or four TV news people who are as informed as blog readers are. Notably Brit Hume, Shepard Smith, John Gibson, Neil Cavuto, and Joe Scarborough.

And that is it!

On occasion you will get comments from people like Chris Mathews, Cal Thomas, or Bill O'reilly (who, because of his radio show, is a bit better informed) who only trust the "real" media sources like the AP or NY Times. These guys have repeatedly made comments that indicate that they have no clue when a story has progressed throughout the day beyond the birdcage liner.

The majority of the MSM are just media snobs who are out of date and will be left with their ink stained fingers of old news as their viewers realize they know more about the story then these hosts. What blogs they know of blogs are rumor and smear blogs (can you say Kos).

In Thomas' column today he proves that he, along with many of his compatriots, is now completely out of touch with modern media and information gathering. As Ace says;

Here, Cal Thomas makes an old-fogey jackass out of himself by screaming at the neighborhood kids to "Keep your damn blogs out of my yard!"

Cal says;

serious subjects such as the war and coming conflicts with China and possibly Russia take a back seat.If the public is unprepared for new threats and challenges, it will largely be the big media's fault for failing to prepare them. The public will share the blame for fixating on blogs.

In this he is completely and utterly wrong! Readers of blogs like those in my blogroll know more about these issues then Cal. Perhaps Cal needs to get his grandson to redo his bookmark file, and set the clock on his VCR while he is at it?
DKK

Update -- Hog On Ice has a great post about Wankette (Wonkette) where he describes the media's knowledge of bloggers like this:

Anyway, Wankette has no compunctions about accepting invitations to go on panel shows and give incorrect answers to questions about blogging, a phenomenon with which she has no personal experience. And the lazy morons in the press, who still know nothing about blogging, persist in inviting her. This is like Art Linkletter inviting The Monkees on his show in 1969 and asking them what it's like to be a real rock star.

DKK

How Do They Do That?

2005-05-12T23:14:00.000-05:00

There are some stories the media just can't ignore and some, that if it weren't for talk radio and the blogs, they would do their best to bury or ignore.

So how do they report the good news that they can no longer ignore after giving us months and years of nay-saying experts and opinions?

"Unexpectedly high ......"

Unexpectedly high turnout in Iraqi elections
Unexpectedly high employment
Unexpectedly high GDP growth
Unexpectedly high dollar rate
Unexpectedly high exports

Why is the good news only unexpected when Republican policies work and who wasn't expecting it? Surely not the, field journalists - aka bloggers.
DKK

Stop the ACLU Blogburst - Felon Voting/Rights

2005-05-12T19:05:00.000-05:00

Should felons be allowed to vote? Should the states be allowed to decide that? Before you answer that question go here and read the entire story.

Beyond the question of voting rights for felons (by the way the constitution grants the ability to restrict voting to the states for criminals, there is no right to vote) is the question of how we treat criminals in general.

When I was growing up I remember learning that when you choose to commit a felony you choose to give up many of your rights - in essence, choosing to live outside of society and it's laws you gave up some of the rights granted to you under those laws. Since that time, thanks to our legal system and the ACLU, our punishment system has become nothing more then a keep away system. Criminals can't be punished for their crimes any longer.

Luckily over the past 10 to 15 years, in large part due to voter frustration, some of the liberal soft on crime policies have been reversed, and the crime rates have gone down.

I read a posting on a blog yesterday, and I can't remember where it was -- looked all day today but can't find it, if I do I will update this post, or if you saw it let me know in the comments please - - where a group that supports criminal rights was complaining that a convicted mass murdered had too rough of a life while they were awaiting the end of their appeals prior to their execution. Of course no mention of the family or the trauma on a society. Based on their argument there is a solution, a faster execution, don't let this murderer languish at taxpayer's expense!

A greater solution would be a change in our criminal justice system. Eliminate, through legislation and if necessary via an amendment, the right for a convicted felon to sue the people (you and I) while they are incarcerated. As an integral part of this change establish a mediation system within the prison system that would expedite inmate grievances and render binding judgments for abuse of prisoners. Eliminate inmate rights that have been created via litigation and restore punishment to our criminal justice system.

This was a production of Stop The ACLU Blogburst! If you would like to join, it is very simple.

Go to our new portal at Protest The ACLU , click where it says "sign up now", and fill out a simple form. This will enable us to send you a weekly newsletter with information, and keep your email private. Current members who have not registered, please do so. There are additional advantages and features that will be available for you there...you can opt to use them, or not. Thank you!

In addition take a minute to visit the other sites on the Stop The ACLU blogburst, their links are on the right hand side of this page.
DKK

I Sleep With Dead People -- Or Is It Just Billy

2005-05-11T17:51:00.000-05:00

A professor at the University of North Carolina was giving a lecture on the supernatural. To get a feel for his audience, he asks "How many people here believe in ghosts?"

About 90 students raise their hands.

"Well, that's a good start. Out of those of you who believe in ghosts, do any of you think you've seen a ghost?"
About 40 students raise their hands.

"That's really good. I'm really glad you take this seriously. Has anyone here ever talked to a ghost?"
About 15 students raise their hands.

"Has anyone here ever touched a ghost?"
3 students raise their hands.

"That's fantastic. Now let me ask you one question further...
Have any of you ever made love to a ghost?"

Way in the back, Billy Ray raises his hand. The professor takes off his glasses, and says, "Son, all the years I've been giving this lecture; no one has ever claimed to have made love to a ghost. You've got to come up here and tell us about your experience." The big redneck student replied with a nod and a grin, and began to make his way up to the podium. When he reached the front of the room, the professor asks, "So, Billy Ray, tell us what it's like to have sex with a ghost?"

Billy Ray replied, "Shit! From way back there I thought you said, "Goats!"

Joke of course and it's probably an old one. But I had a dream last night where I was saying Goat - I woke up with the word Goat on my mind. Now I don't remember seeing a goat, just using that word in my dream. I am not sure what that means but it reminded me of this.
DKK

Rockford Area Bloggers Trek - Update 051005

2005-05-11T17:35:00.001-05:00

Update -- I have updated and posted Rockford Bloggers my Right Of The Star Blog, here is a link to the category.

Hey, came across another Rockford Area Blogger yesterday while commenting on the Hog On Ice site.

Snug Harbor Conservative from Byron IL. (new site - just switched from booger here, Snug Harbor!)

But his URL is moving soon. I will update when it does.

To update the ones from my last post:
Power and Control
Ryan Packer - 18y/o - interesting thoughts he had on the history of a road, went to prom and a great sounding boat ride on prom night!
Phil's Observations - Last update March 15
Purple Medical Blog - Medical Info
The Speed Shop - The Bodyshop Blog - Great pic's of a 66 Corvette! Beautiful car.
T1Rex - Telecom Tech
Brainspinning - far left Roscoe, IL - appears inactive 2/16/2005
DKK

Is It Wrong......(Cox)

2005-05-11T11:02:00.000-05:00

Is it wrong that when Fox News announced the possible run of Nixon son in law Edward Cox to challenge Hillary Clinton for her New York Senate seat (no link yet) they said:

"The Clinton-Cox Battle..." - Donna Fiduca 11pm CDT news update

I immediately (and I mean Immediately) pictured the battle of the Clinton Cox, I mean Bill's against Hillary's!
DKK

Previous Wrongs: (Wrong me, wrong me!)
Poopie Shoot
Peckerwood

Updated with Edward's first name - here is an old link but not the one from tonight (Hillary Clinton Faces Campaign Challenges - April 18, 2005).

Mexico's Poverty Plan

2005-05-11T10:57:00.000-05:00

Michelle Malkin's spin off The Immigration Blog has a great rundown of the follies that our relations with our own boarders have become.

Why can't we secure our boarders? Why is the Mexican Government suing everyone? Why would they be so pissed when someone proves that their cheating their own system?

You break the law, get caught and your government sues those who arrested you! That is what happened to Sgt. Patrick Haab, the guy who performed a citizens arrest on a group of illegals last month.

Mexico is reportedly working with a "human rights group" in Los Angeles on the matter. "Mexico may sue reservist in migrant detention" has a few more details:
The lawsuit could argue that reserve Sgt. Patrick Haab engaged in assault or illegal detention of the immigrants or caused them mental anguish, [Geronimo Gutierrez, the Mexican deputy foreign secretary for North America] said.

I can think of at least three usual suspects that Mexico might be working with, and I'll update this post if I find out which it is.

Go on TV and point out that the Mexican ID cards are for sale on every street in the US and you get investigated by the Mexican Government -- by the way, I am not even sure he violated a law here in the US, but I could be wrong.

In this regard, I would kindly ask you to surrender to this Consulate General the forged identification card which you have claimed you purchased in California in order to begin the corresponding investigation along with the federal authorities in New York and California. I am also advising you that our attorneys are currently exploring all legal avenues on this matter to determine responsibilities in the purchase and use of a forged Mexican government issued ID.

And Wizbang has this one

Last week, I told the tale of Police Chief Garrett Chamberlain of New Ipswich, New Hampshire, and his novel approach to dealing with illegal aliens. He charged Jorge Ramirez, 21, of Mexico, with "criminal trespass" for being in New Ipswich (as part of the United States) illegally. Last week Ramirez pleaded guilty and agreed to report for deportation in exchange for the $1,000 fine being waived.

But that was before the Mexican government got involved. They hired a local attorney for Ramirez (who had appeared without counsel in his first appearance), who filed a withdrawal of his plea. The court accepted it, and he now faces trial in July.

This has the earmarks of becoming a case of David vs. Goliath, as the entire government of Mexico puts its weight behind one of its wayward citizens in his fight with a small town in New Hampshire. But I think I see a way to even things up a bit.

The key is that Mexico will go to any length to protect their number one cash cow -- emigrants in the US who send some $17 billion dollars home last year. This is Mexico's poverty program and they will protect it.

The thing none of us understands is why the Feds won't do anything about the boarder problem, it makes no sense and no one has bothered to tell us what is up. It shouldn't take Minutemen on every mile of the boarder but perhaps that is what we need to do.
DKK

Wictory Wednesday - Kerry's 180

2005-05-11T06:06:00.000-05:00

Today is Wictory Wednesday!

But I have two problems:

It is a repeat of Kerry's 180 from yesterday
I really messed it up and it screwed up the entire side bar

So please drop in to Polipundit for today's Wictory Wednesday while I figure out how to post this on blogger.
DKK

Words Look Wrong

2005-05-10T22:29:00.000-05:00

Not having a good health night, mental functioning has declined and brain fog has set in. That often happens when my health start a downturn.

Words just don't look right - can't spell for crap.

Just thought I would let you know why things like battle was spelled battel and booger was spelled bogger. The spell check has caught many more but sometimes I just stare at it and can't see a difference......oh well.
DKK

Warning Against A History Rewrite

2005-05-10T21:20:00.000-05:00

A big but under reported point that was a part of the President's visits and speeches this week --

Don't rewrite history!

We have done good things (Nazi's, freedom) and some not so good (Yalta, ignore Soviet horrors), but they are our history -- if we forget it or change it we risk repeating it! (Germany, Russia, France, yes we mean you guys!)

DKK

Who Shuts Down Midday? Booger That's Who!

2005-05-10T20:09:00.000-05:00

Yep, big breaking story about an explosive device being thrown at the President and Blogger AKA booger is down!

Of course booger is the only company I deal with that shuts down midday on a weekday, but it's free so......... I can bitch and not worry about my rate going up.

Seriously, though, what is up with Drudge? He has been behind the 8 ball on breaking stories for weeks now! Especially overnight. He really needs to hire someone to replace that guy who went to work for Huffinton!

It took 20 minutes for him to hit this story, and hours on some of the others like the pope choice and the runaway bride found story!

I have offered my services since I am often up waiting for meds to kick in overnight but he hasn't answered my notes.
DKK
BTW, I am the worst speller in the world for an edjamacated man!

Anti Anti -- Could it happen?

2005-05-10T17:15:00.000-05:00

Victor Davis Hanson at the AEI.

An excellent analysis of the possible rise in Anti anti-Americanism.

I would argue with only one point -- the rise in anti-Americanism is not a new thing, as I pointed out just yesterday, Everything Old.........

While VDH doesn't note that the anti-Americanism started long before the cold war ended he understands our reactions to our "allies" better then most! It is our reaction that could force the change.

There is another wild card at play that explains the decrease in anti-Americanism. After September 11, the American people are in a much less apologetic mood--more likely to pull troops or cut off aid than to ask forgiveness for imaginary grievances. No one here laments that we left the Philippines or are departing Germany. We took out Saddam without Belgians and Frenchmen, without bases in Turkey, and despite, not because of, the U.N. or Arab league.

America runs high trade deficits with Asia and Europe. It lets 20 million illegal aliens cross our borders. It spends liberally on defense, patrolling sea-lanes and protecting commerce rather than setting up autocracies and stealing oil.

Americans are finally beginning to wonder whether all these ungrateful folks are worth the toil and treasure. In response, critics abroad are beginning to sense that their cheap rhetoric may have real consequences, that maybe the U.S. was a good deal for the world, after all.

George W. Bush did not cause this new round of anti-Americanism. But he may well have done more than anyone to end it.

Remember, when you control the purse strings -- are the purchaser -- you have more power then when you are the seller. The threat of 300 million or more unemployed Chinese is power.

Loan a man 100 and you own him, loan a man a million and he owns you!
DKK

What's In A Thank You - Updated

2005-05-10T14:55:00.000-05:00

This issue was gracefully resolved, if anyone thinks I over reacted I am sorry.

I specifically didn't mention any names and won't because as I said, "Or maybe I am reading too much into it, after all mistakes happen." Which was indeed the case.

I waited about 7 hours to post this so it didn't appear to be posted in anger, which it wasn't. I wasn't angry - just confused because the person usually does give thanks and it seemed strange.

I have made my share of mistakes and if I ever post without a thanks please let me know and I will fix it.
DKK

So you send people to a blog, they have a pretty good daily traffic (way bigger then yours) so your helping their numbers and they get referenced quite a bit by some of the bigger blogs. It seems they give out regular thanks to some people.

You give them visits - and they bounce back via site meter to see who is sending them, say at 7:41am CDT.

They enter on a page, spend 3 minutes 51 seconds and leave via another page (posted a week or so ago).

At 5:50am PST they make a post based on story on the page they exited - using the source that was referenced in your post (and acknowledge that they missed the old story last week).

Do you say anything? Should I feel slighted? Maybe it's because of how I smell? (see below) Or because I am disabled?

Or maybe I am reading too much into it, after all mistakes happen.

Just wondering.
DKK

UPDATE - Thanks for the note Pulpit Pounder, but it wasn't you.

BTW, I NEVER SAID ANYONE PLAGIARIZED ANYTHING!

Is It Wrong.....(Tires)

2005-05-10T02:59:00.000-05:00

Is it wrong that I can't hear the Goodyear Aqua-shoot commercial (Captain Picard narrates) without blurting out:

Poopie Shoot

("Number One, engage Poopie Shoot!")
DKK
Previous Wrongs: (Wrong me, wrong me!)
Peckerwood

Everything Old.........

2005-05-10T01:45:00.000-05:00

I spent most of the 80's studying and working - both too hard, but as someone once said hard work is it's own reward! Strange as it seems now I didn't pay as much attention to politics then, still I instinctively knew Ronald Reagan was doing something right.

As I reflect on those years I realized that the past couple years have felt like a strange deja vu.

During the 1980's we were inundated with the reports of how much influence the Christian organization known as The Moral Majority had on Republicans, the President, and our government. I also recall how that was spun to be a very bad thing at that time. What followed were repeated stories and investigations into Jim and Tammy Fay Baker, Jerry Falwell, Jimmy Swaggert, Billy Graham and anyone else involved in anything Christian.

From Demopedia (don't ask, it's wickipedia for the insane):

In 1981, a series of exposes by Memphis reporter Mike Clark led to the condemnation of the interactions between Moral Majority and the Republican Party. Though it claimed to represent the views of the majority of citizens, opinion polls as well as election and referendum outcomes suggest that it was less representative of public opinion than its name suggests. This, combined with what some saw as discrimination and elitism, led a humorist to remark, "The Moral Majority is neither moral nor a majority."

Sound familiar?

Don't get me wrong, there were serious problems with the ministries of some of those claiming to be moral, but the result of the media and secular liberals helped to entrench the anti-religious zealots that have gained extremely high levels of power in America. For example, the ACLU can change land use, education, historic symbols, etc. with nothing more then a threat.

But that wasn't all that came to mind from the 80's. As you might recall I love music, virtually all music and in the 80's who couldn't love new wave/techno music? The other day I remembered a song by a German guy, Peter Schilling. He had a cool song called Major Tom but that isn't the song that came to mind.

In 1983 this was the European attitude toward America:

where oh where is mickey mouse
live and well in the White House

whats the word on common sense
it's been sitting on the fence
have you seen the mastermind
someone's bashed it from behind
leaders saints and honest men
whats become of them today

let's play USA, let's play USA
how I love the life I lead
cannot think and cannot read
watch our values slip away
play the game of USA

even though we lost the race
to get the first man into space
we will be the first country
to run automatically
soon the robots we create
starring on the great wide wait

let's play USA, let's play USA
how I love the life I lead
cannot think and cannot read
watch our values slip away
play the game of USA

won't it be a lot of fun

every man will own a gun
shoot the ones whose point of view
makes a point that bothers you
go on and pollute the land
clean air will be sold in cans

did you hear the master plan
one nation under disney land

let's play USA, let's play USA
how I love the life I lead
cannot think and cannot read
watch our values slip away
play the game of USA

Flattering isn't it. Back then I was able to just skip that song whenever I listened to the album, I don't know if I could do that today. Frankly, this and other rants like this are one of the reasons I grew to have little respect for the Europeans and their "enlightened" worldview.

But read those lyrics again, remember these are from 1983, aren't these the same arguments we heard in the run up to the election from the left and the Euro Weenies? (President stupid, cowboys, ruining the environment, gun crazy....) Don't they realize that their playbook is at least half a century old and we've stopped listening!

Also, and this isn't just a minor point, but I can't recall a single anti-European song from those unsophisticated, closed minded Americans. Strange that the hatred would come from the, liberal, open minded, and accepting Euro's isn't it? Just as most of the hate today comes from the liberal side.

My point? Everything old is new again! Isn't it amazing we survived the Moral Majority and stranger still we survived our evil Cowboy Ways! Strange, not only did we survive, in fact we have greatly out performed the Euro's over the same 20 year period, destroyed the Soviet Empire which brought freedom to 50 million of their Euro brothers and I could go on, but you know the history already.

Bottom line, don't buy the line that America has lost respect in the world because of President Bush, don't buy the line that we are becoming a theocracy!
DKK

100 Days Mr. Kerry - Why The 180?

2005-05-10T00:45:00.000-05:00

100 days ago, John Kerry promised, on national TV, to sign form SF-180 and release his military records. He has yet to do so.

This posting was part of the Tuesdays Kerry 180 Blogburst - check out the links on the right and stop in at Cao's Blog to enroll.

BTW,

MICKEY KAUS:

Today it's hard for politicians to wait out bad publicity because O.C.D.-like blogs are there to make sure the bad publicity doesn't go away. ... Example: How many days has it been since John Kerry said he'd sign Form 180 releasing his military records? Once upon a time an embarrassing promise like Kerry's might have been forgotten until the next campaign. Now he's nibbled to death by blogs.

DKK

Is It Wrong

2005-05-09T21:13:00.000-05:00

Is it wrong that I can't even hear ads for the show Everwood without blurting out the word?

PECKERWOOD

Should I seek assistance from the asylum known as the DU?
DKK

The Smell Of Sex

2005-05-09T19:08:00.000-05:00

No, not the mayonnaise story again (Mother Nature's a Bitch).... but two studies, "that provide additional evidence that sexual orientation is not all learned."

The Associated Press via Tucson News (If your redirected wait a sec for the front page and click on story, right top)...The homosexual men's brains responded more like those of women when the men sniffed a chemical from the male hormone testosterone. ...
When they sniffed smells like cedar or lavender, all of the subjects' brains reacted only in the olfactory region that handles smells.
But when confronted by a chemical from testosterone, the male hormone, portions of the brains active in sexual activity were activated in straight women and in gay men, but not in straight men, the researchers found. ...And when estrogen, the female hormone was used, there was only a response in the olfactory portion of the brains of straight women. Homosexual men had their primary response also in the olfactory area, with a very small reaction in the hypothalamus, while heterosexual men responded strongly in the reproductive region of the brain.
...
In a separate study looking at people's response to the body odors of others, researchers in Philadelphia found sharp differences between gay and straight men and women.
"Our findings support the contention that gender preference has a biological component that is reflected in both the production of different body odors and in the perception of and response to body odors," said neuroscientist Charles Wysocki, who led the study.
In particular, he said, finding differences in body odors between gay and straight individuals indicates a physical difference.
It's hard to see how a simple choice to be gay or lesbian would influence the production of body odor, he said.
Wysocki's team at the Monell Chemical Senses Center studied the response of 82 heterosexual and homosexual men and heterosexual and homosexual women to the odors of underarm sweat collected from 24 donors of varied gender and sexual orientation.
They found that gay men differed from heterosexual men and women and from lesbian women, both in terms of which body odors gay men preferred and how their own body odors were regarded by the other groups.
Gay men preferred odors from gay men, while odors from gay men were the least preferred by heterosexual men and women and by lesbian women in the study. Their findings, released Monday, are to be published in the journal Psychological Science in September.

Perhaps this response is one of the sensors involved in the all elusive Gaydar?

Having been extremely sensitive to olfactory stimulation my entire adult life, I could have told them that. Regarding the olfactory influence on physical attraction Every woman I have discussed this with (and if you know me you know I talk about everything with virtually everyone with little self censorship) agrees with this finding - they can't stand a woman's body odor but a good smelling man is a turn on. Not stink mind you, but the natural everyday odor. Seriously, does anything beat the smell of a man?

Being gay is not a choice and I can't imagine anyone believing someone would choose to be gay. While discussing the idiot Moby's promise to abuse any future children I said:

See, as a gay man there actually is a choice, but not the one you would expect.

The ONLY choice is weather to be honest and live as you were born, be true to yourself and this is a painful choice. Imagine giving up what is often called the American Dream! No wife, no biological children, no wedding, possible discrimination in work and housing, and often the distancing from your family.

Often it is the resentment of others reactions - ingrained, learned, legitimate reactions - that causes the closet problems we hear about, ask former Governor McGreevey's wife about that one. I also think this is a factor the gay radical's unwillingness to accept human nature as legitmate -- except for their own of course.

Now for the distasteful part -- NO, not what you were thinking -- did they adjust for underarm hair cause some of those lesbians can be hairy like monkeys!
DKK
(BTW, HT Towleroad)

Would We Recognize A Modern Tet?

2005-05-09T05:36:00.000-05:00

What would it look like? How would you plan it? Is it even possible in today's world?

Tet is considered by many to be the turning point in the Vietnam conflict. It is the point when the media turned against the war and their influence on public opinion was virtually insurmountable in 1968. What, "was militarily a defeat for the Communists; it had weakened them very substantially," became one of the greatest propaganda victories of all time. The old line was that once we lost Walter Cronkite the war was lost.

But today we have a media that has been hostile toward the administration and has always been against the GWOT (Greater War On Terror), including the fronts in Iraq and as strange as it may sound some were even against Afghanistan. As such, like the boy who cried wolf their cries of Tet would have little effect.

Terrorist organizations by their very nature are about propaganda and influencing public reaction and behavior.

Following the terror attacks of the past 3 decades, including the spectacular attacks of 9/11 would we recognize a Tet style coordinated attack? More specifically if you were a terrorist organization what would be effective enough to shock and impact the American public into believing that the war was lost without pissing us off worse then we were (and some of us still are) following 9/11?

Would it have to be a day of coordinated attacks with attacks big and small taking place around the world? Imagine attacks on every continent, some big, say truck bombs and some small, say one of those fake grenades.

It would prove to the faithful and those on the fence in the GWOT that al Qadea was still functional and had an intact command and control structure. As a recruiting and retention technique they have to prove they are still relative and that has become harder and harder as we have dismantled their organization.

Would an attack of that magnitude have the Tet effect or would it just cause the world to come together and redouble it's efforts on terror? It is hard to say, but I wouldn't put money on the terrorists.

My guess is that, for it to have the desired effect, a modern Tet would have to take place in just Iraq and perhaps Afghanistan and would have to be coordinated and country or region wide.

Al Qadea hasn't been known for it's rational military and political planning since 9/11 but as a dying gasp would a spectacular day of attacks be out of the question?
DKK

Senator Reid, Reality On Line One

2005-05-06T22:40:00.000-05:00

According to Senator Harry Reid (D-Nevada) winning (ie, defeating a Democrat) makes you a "loser" BUT losing to a Democrat makes you a "wonderful human being" or something like that.

This parallel reality is dangerous not only to his party, but his party's and his own mental health! Worse then witnessing the Democrat Party decline into a drooling mass of insanity is the danger statements like this pose to our democracy. Remember, "logic dictates that some on the extreme left will take this as fact (and, some go much further into more complicated paranoid delusions) and take the step into violence." (Yesterday from Dangerous portents).

Actually this insane pathology does explain the Democratic behavior since the election, beyond simple denial, and their failure to believe that their message was defeated in the elections has dominated their agenda since.

Here is the story from the Las Vegas Review Journal:

In the course of a discussion on filibusters and Senate rules, Washington's top Democrat gave the 60 juniors a lesson in partisan politics, particularly about the commander in chief. "The man's father is a wonderful human being," Reid said in response to a question about President Bush's policies. "I think this guy is a loser. "I think President Bush is doing a bad job," he added to a handful of chuckles. "He's driving this country into bankruptcy," Reid said, referring to the deficit. "He's got us in this intractable war in Iraq where we now have about 1,600 American soldiers dead and another 15,000 injured." Republican National Communications Director Brian Jones issued a statement calling the senator's comments "a sad development but not surprising from the leader of a party devoid of optimism, ideas or solutions to the issues people care about most." After the statement was released, Reid phoned the Review-Journal to acknowledge he thought he crossed the line. "You know the president is in Europe, probably sleeping," Reid said in an interview this afternoon. "But I called (Karl) Rove and apologized for what I said."

But seriously Senator Reid, what part of Winner don't you understand? Oh yea, that part where you actually win elections!
DKK

What, We've Got Oil

2005-05-06T06:58:00.000-05:00

You do realize that we have no idea how much oil we have, and our wacky unwillingness to find and extract it is:

Severe Cognitive Dissonance -- with gas prices so high we'll bitch about it, but we'll allow the wacko's to keep us from drilling or building new refineries
Unknown to most Americans, we just think we are out -- we don't realize we are so restricted by enviro wacko's

Businessweek
MAY. 4 5:32 P.M. ET A tiny oil company has snapped up leasing rights to a half-million acres in central Utah that it says could yield a billion barrels or more of oil.
Geologists are calling it a spectacular find -- the largest onshore discovery in at least 30 years, located in a region of complex geology long abandoned for exploration by major oil companies. It's turning out to contain high-quality oil already commanding a premium at refineries.

There's Gold In Them Thar Hills! Now if we could just stuff a wacko's own dirty socks in the biggest wacko's mouths perhaps we could get some of it!

Lets face it, our economy runs on oil and when it becomes financially advantageous for someone to develop an alternative then someone will develop a reasonable alternative - not a day before and not a day after (From my post Past The Peak--We Will Run Out). Until then it's all hands to the drills!
DKK

The Left Beyond The Touch Of Reason

2005-05-06T06:25:00.000-05:00

Once again, we seem to be treading into dangerous territory. Just as back in the 60's, the MSM, Walter Cronkite, the New York Times, various pundits, gave intellectual cover to the worst excesses of rhetoric and ultimately to violence, the rhetoric is ratcheting upwards into dangerous territory. Central figures in the MSM, and in the Democratic party, are making charges that legitimize violence. If Bush lied (a meme that seems to never be far from the surface of the NY Times), if the Republicans "stole" a second consecutive election, if our soldiers, just as charged n Vietnam, are committing atrocities sanctioned by their superiors, logic dictates that some on the extreme left will take this as fact (and, some go much further into more complicated paranoid delusions) and take the step into violence. Thus far we have been treated to various conservatives being pelted with food when they have appeared on campuses. It will almost certainly escalate from here.

So says ShrinkWrapped in an excellent, well written analysis by an psycoanalyst! Read the whole thing -- Dangerous Portents.

In the past I have said that I feared this mindset. How will it end, no one knows butl:

When your enemies are evil, dangerous fascists who are dedicated to destroying your country, your civil rights, and enslaving and/or killing various innocents, it becomes incumbent on right minded people to act to prevent further horrors. This is the logic of the left, aided and abetted by large parts of the MSM, Academia, and the Democratic Party. While they will accuse the Republicans and Bush of doing exactly what I just described, their logic fails when it can not encompass 9/11, Afghanistan and Iraq elections, 3/11, the Cedar revolution, and so much more, but much of the left is beyond the touch of reason; will violence follow?

DKK

Rockford Area Bloggers

2005-05-06T05:47:00.001-05:00

Update -- I have updated and posted Rockford Bloggers my Right Of The Star Blog, here is a link to the category.

Some time back I noticed that Power and Control was from Rockford, as am I. I decided to start looking around for other bloggers in the Rockford Area as a local resource.

This is what I have found so far, I will add more as I find them.

Power and Control
Ryan Packer - 18y/o
Phil's Observations
Purple Medical Blog
The Speed Shop - The Bodyshop Blog
T1Rex - Telecom Tech
Brainspinning - far left Roscoe, IL - appears inactive 2/16/2005

If your a Rockford Area Blogger let me know about your blog in the comments.
DKK

The Killers - Music Trek

2005-05-06T05:30:00.000-05:00

I love the band The Killers, I mentioned them here - Entertainment Trek - Dizzy Day - where I wrote:

To the point, The Killers are great like a compelling mix of the original (not the newer "hipper" new stuff) U2, Duran Duran, The Cure, and Erasure. I love them!

Well a week or so I came across this review by this woman in Junk Magazine that spins an entire tale of a gay murder story played out in the album. I have sat on this for a few days and I have to agree with what she says. First, I agree that their music just makes me happy. Second, I think her interpretation may be on the mark.

Read the review: (Scroll down)

Are The Killers Gayer Than Fitness Fridays!?

I admit that while I have been listening to their album basically non-stop since early August, I had accepted the lyrics as typical, catchy, love-ish songs. Then again, I am the girl who had been singing along to Alannah Myles Black Velvet for something along the lines of twelve years before figuring out that it was about Elvis. So maybe Im just kind of dense. It took the knowledge that there was a hidden plotline to the album to get me to listen the songs more closely. Then, like a bolt of lightening, a ridiculously complex and tenuously cogent theory hit me during one of the Killers Irving Plaza shows in October (which was, by the way, one of the best shows I have seen in a long time).

On the Mats with the Boys:

An Examination of the Homosexual Subtext of the Killers Hot Fuss

DKK

Oh, maybe this picture will help:

GPA Award

2005-05-06T03:31:00.000-05:00

On a personal note -- Jason received an award at his college's honors ceremony for having the highest GPA in the art department.

Congratulations!
DKK

My Famous Link Box

2005-05-06T01:18:00.000-05:00

Hey, I had my first day of links from FAMOUS bloggers yesderday!

As a way of saying thanks and so I never forget who and where I am starting this post to place my famous link.....................um.............'s.

April 26 2005

Ace of Spades HQ re: Moby is a Selfish, disgusting Idiot.
GayOrbit re: Moby is a Selfish, Disgusting Idiot.

Thanks to them,
DKK

Am I fawning or bragging - well, yes!

Still fawning and bragging -

New Links:

May 5, 2005

Ace Of Spades HQ Re: Still on the subject of Insanity (Bill Maher)
Say Anything Re: Still on the subject of Insanity (Bill Maher)
Physics Geek Re: Still on the subject of Insanity (Bill Maher)
Gay Orbit Re: Still on the subject of Insanity (Bill Maher)

May 10, 2005
Bentblog re: The Smell of Sex

Thanks to all!
DKK

NCLB Follies!

2005-05-05T17:43:00.000-05:00

ROCKFORD Register Star April 5, 2005 -- Rockford is one of only two Illinois school districts to lose federal money earmarked for improving reading. The reason: Superintendent Dennis Thompson turned away monitors who came in February to see whether the money was being spent correctly.

The cost: At least $681,000. The grants are the federal government's way of paying for the No Child Left Behind Act, the sweeping law that forces districts to improve or face sanctions.

Thompson told monitors to come back after making an appointment in advance. The state, which runs the Reading First grant for the federal Department of Education, says rescheduling an investigative visit is not acceptable. The state has been under increasing pressure from the federal government to improve how it monitors the grants.
...

Thompson, who got word of the grant loss last week, said Monday that the incident was an unfortunate miscommunication that doesn’t matter.

“The issue with the grant is that it is so restrictive that you can only use it in so many ways,” Thompson said.

Those ways did not jibe with his plans for the district’s reading program, so he didn’t plan to pursue more Reading First money for 2005-06, he said.

Still, Thompson said he has talked with the state to improve communication. He didn’t like being told about the visit with one day’s notice.

“Could I have done things better? Certainly,” Thompson said.
Districts around the country have opted not to take the federal money because Reading First endorses and pays for just a handful of reading programs. In Wisconsin, the Madison district declined $2 million last year because the district had its own reading program and wanted to stick with it.
...

The loss will hit 10 schools in the 2005-06 school year: Lewis Lemon, Ellis, Beyer, Jackson, Spring Creek, Summerdale, Westview, McIntosh, Nashold and Swan Hillman.

The schools will lose literacy coaches, training for teachers and money to buy reading materials. Thompson said the money was paying for programs that are out of step with the reading approach he wants used, called “balanced literacy.”

That approach relies on training teachers to discover where students are struggling and beefing up lessons.

Thompson’s chief academic officer, Martha Hayes, introduced testing three times a year to identify elementary students’ strengths and weaknesses.

The 10 Reading First schools had to give the district-endorsed tests and another round of grant-endorsed tests. Thompson said that was too much.

In addition, all teacher training and materials went to programs that differed from the balanced literacy approach.

The shift to balanced literacy has not been without controversy. Former Lewis Lemon Principal Tiffany Parker resisted the move away from “direct instruction,” a scripted phonics program that Parker said led her school’s third-grade students to some of the district’s top test scores in 2003.

Parker was demoted to an assistant principal at Lincoln Middle School in January. Shortly after, Thompson hired private attorneys to probe the Lewis Lemon scores. Parker, in turn, filed a civil suit against Thompson.

In earlier interviews with the Rockford Register Star, Parker said she told the state that the new wave of reading was hurting her ability to run the program supported by Reading First. She won’t comment now because of her lawsuit.

After years of minority litigation and millions in settlement costs the taxpayers of Rockford can't afford this incompetence - gee, wonder why the left says the NCLB isn't working and is not funded. I don't want to hear another word about NCLB being underfunded, ever!

Fools!
DKK

And another thing - Silly Superintendent, for nearly $700,000 he couldn't find it in his heart to make direct instruction work? WTF, the district's budget is $226,700,000 for 2005. Every penny is important to taxpayers, but not to the administrators!

Hour Minute Second Month Day Year

2005-05-05T05:05:00.000-05:00

Following Wizbang's lead this post is 05:05:05 on 05/05/05.
DKK

Update - some stats from Drudge

Today at 5:05:05 am & pm the time will be 05:05:05 05/05/005.... 05.05.005 comes only once in 1000 years and coinciding with Thursday (5th Day of the week) comes only once in 7000 yrs... DKK

While We're On The Subject - Insanity and Elections

2005-05-05T00:57:00.000-05:00

First Moby now Bill Maher and the Governor of Wisconsin........ who cares about the gay gene!! I want to know if these people were really raised that way! Is this insanity nature or nuture?

Who knows, but in a previous post - If you can't throw an election throw a fit - I compared the Democratic Underground (DU) to the insane:

...a day at DU is like walking into a shrill and painful sounding psycho ward. The one where the constant painful cries of, "I AM Napoleon and my empire HAS been stolen," echo off of the bare cement walls until your ears hurt and you are forced to turn away in sorry disgust.

Here is a challenge - come up with other commonly known insane rants from folklore, movies, books that would apply to the current rants at DU. (election stolen, war is illegal, Bush undermined the UN.....hahahah that one made me laugh.....)
DKK

BTW, I would like to apologize to the insane for the painful comparison!

This is a repeat of a previous post, hoping for much more input.
Thanks,
DKK

Random Name Trek - Veronica Lake

2005-05-05T00:43:00.000-05:00

lick title for the rest of this IMDB bio
'Constance Keane' (her stepfather's surname), beauty pageant winner, came to Hollywood with her star-struck mother in 1938. Enrolled in the Bliss Hayden School of Acting, she began playing extra and bit parts, eventually in about 6 films. An abortive screen test at MGM led to a better one at Paramount, a contract, and a breakout role in I Wanted Wings (1941), as a torch-singing vamp. Producer Arthur Hornblow Jr. renamed her Veronica Lake for this film; she was 17. Her best films include two comedies, _Sullivan's Travels (1942)_ and I Married a Witch (1942), and her three film-noirs with Alan Ladd (1942-46). Her screen image was cool yet sultry, tough yet vulnerable. Her comedy talent was recognized by 'Rene Clair' and Preston Sturges but not by Paramount, which then cast her in cameos and routine supporting roles until 1948 when her contract was dropped. Mismanagement by director-husband André De Toth and intermittent heavy drinking ended her film career by 1952. She had steady TV and stage work until 1959 when a severe ankle break sidelined her; she resumed work as a Baltimore TV hostess in 1962, returned to the stage 1963 and appeared in plays (and two low-budget films) through 1970. She was 53 when she died of hepatitis in 1973. The great films and performances for which she is and will be remembered date from 1941-1946 when she was 21-26 years old.

My Mom, who passed away in an auto accident at age 54 (in 92), just one year older then Veronica, would always call our dog Veronica Lake when her hair fell in front of her eyes..............this is why.



(BTW, our dog NEVER looked this good!)
DKK

UPDATE:  This is Martha Stewart not Veronica - as is pointed out in the comments - thanks for the correction.

Arnie points out:

That's not Veronica Lake. That's a picture from Kevyn Aucoin's makeup book of Martha Stewart done up to look like Veronica Lake.

DKK

Here is a shot of Veronica Lake:

Christians - Bad, Wickens - Good...WTF

2005-05-05T00:33:00.000-05:00

Stop the ACLU BlogBurst.....

ACLU Opposes Tax Exemption of All Churches

...But They Support It For Satanic Witches

Curious? Find out the whole story at Stop The ACLU!

Look, like most Unions the ACLU is out to destroy what made America great, our rugged individualism. We need to stay aware and stop the attacks by the ACLU. That is the reason for this BlogBurst. These sites are already onboard, Email here to join.

Stop The ACLU
Freedom Of Thought
Mad Tech
Respublica
The Wide Awakes
Angry Republican Mom
Kender's Musings
American Patriots
What Attitude Problem?
Life Trek
Gribbit's Word
Def Conservative
An American Housewife
A Tic In The Mind's Eye
Cao's Blog
Regular Ron
Freedom Of
Is This Life?
Patriots For Bush
California Conservative 4 Truth
NIF
Obiter Dictum
PBS Watch
Xtreme Right Wing
Daily Inklings
Miss Patriot
Jack Lewis.net
Conservative Dialysis
Conservative Angst
Kill Righty
American Warmonger
Birth Of A Neo-Con
The Nose On Your Face
The View From Firehouse
Ogre's View
Fundamentally right
Conservative Rant
My Political Soap Box
Common Sense Runs Wild
Redstate Rant
Time Hath Found Us
American Dinosaur
Merri Musings
And Rightly So

DKK

Doing WHAT?

2005-05-04T22:34:00.000-05:00

Okay someone Googled Drinking Urine!

Strange as it may seem they found it on my blog (ranked #2 even)! MY BLOG - who could have guessed.

I know I have always talked about things others only think about, but even I wonder why the strangest things seem to come up only in MY conversations.

I am not sure which is worse, that someone is actually googled it or that I had actually blogged about it.
DKK

Still On The Subject Of Insanity

2005-05-04T21:45:00.000-05:00

Bill Maher, who I personally never thought was funny, edgy, or even timely (just arrogant!) proves again why he should just shut up!

And Craig Ferguson won my admiration for shutting him up!

Via The Corner:

CBS
Late Late Show

May 3, 2005

34:00

Bill Maher: "I think that there is no perspective. People have no perspective, especially about crime. You know, zero tolerance. You know, of course, nobody ever wants to see a child, you know, diddled. Thats just plain wrong. But even the people who are testifying against him, theyre saying that he serviced them. They didnt service him."

Craig Ferguson: "You dont have kids, do you, Bill?"

Maher: "No."

Ferguson: "No. I have a son. It makes me crazy, this thing, this Michael Jackson thing. It drives me, the idea of someone touching my kid, I would go, I nearly swore there. Id go crazy."

Maher: "Very wrong. But, you know, I remember when I was a kid. I was savagely beaten once by bullies in the schoolyard. Savagely beaten. If I had a choice between being savagely beaten and being gently masturbated by a pop star. Its just me."

Ferguson: "The always controversial Bill Maher, everybody."

Maher: "What? Thats it?"

Ferguson: "Bill Maher. Well be right back with Rain Pryor."

I think that beating did serious brain damage to this man! I am so glad he is only on HBO that way I never have to risk catching his show while surfing!

HBO is a pay service and as such they don't have to wait for the ratings to feel pressure from customers. Here's hoping they do!
DKK

Elections Matter, But Not To The D's

2005-05-04T20:35:00.000-05:00

About that voter reform in my Neighbor to the North, Wisconsin, From DANE and Redstate:

Wisconsin rivaled WA in fraud-u-votes, upon which the (D)'s rely... so this is no surprise:

Gov. Jim Doyle(D) Friday vetoed the voter photo ID. Today, the State Assembly failed to override his veto.
Although the photo ID bill was one of the most hotly debated issues during Tuesday's session, the outcome wasn't a surprise. Republicans had expected to fall short of having a two-thirds majority - 66 votes - to override Doyle's veto of the bill.

The final vote was 61 to 34. Four Assembly Democrats - Reps. Peggy Krusick of Milwaukee, Tom Nelson of Kaukauna, Tony Staskunas of West Allis and Bob Ziegelbauer of Manitowoc - joined Republicans in supporting it. Two Republicans - Reps. Terri McCormick of Appleton and Suzanne Jeskewitz of Menomonee Falls - weren't present for the vote.
While Doyle gets to maintain an election status quo Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and Rep. Mark Green both get a popular issue to hammer the incumbant with. 80+% of likely voters back a photo ID requirement before voting. 70% of municiple clerks, the people who run local polls, also back the measure. Yet Doyle is too politically tone deaf or too beholden to Democrats who don't mind shenanigans at the polls.

You have to show ID to vote in Mexico... you have to be registered with a work permit to have a job in Mexico...

Oh... and Wisconsin went for Kerry(D) by 11,384 votes out of almost 3 million cast. Funny all we heard about was Ohio where the gap was over 118,599...

Amazing how the will of the people doesn't matter to the Dem's at the state level or in the Senate isn't it! Elections matter and as long as they fail to realize that they will continue to be a minority party!
DKK

That 70's Ball

2005-05-03T02:38:00.000-05:00

Sonny and Cher, Farah, Dirty Harry, and John Travolta. These are the sights that greeted you Saturday Night, April 30, 2005, at the 17th Annual Berry Ball for Rockford's Janet Wattles Mental Health Center, held at Giovanni's Restaurant.

This years ball was titled, "That 70's Ball," and as you can imagine it was based on the 70's. Yep, the era of Disco, Nixon, McGovern, the end of the Vietnam war, John Kerry's high point, gas lines, the bicentennial, and Carter. Despite all of these memories the ball was quite a blast, including the period costumes worn by attendees.

Giovanni's did an outstanding job on the food which included BOTH Giovanni's Special Filet and Chicken De Jonge. I loved the chicken and redskined mashed potatoes and the filet was tender and looked great but it had a bit of a herb taste that I didn't enjoy. Desert was a wonderful Triple Chocolate Truffle that had a perfect raspberry on every plate - I mean perfect - attention to detail does make all the difference doesn't it!

The MC for the evening was WREX-TV 13 News Anchor Dani Maxwell who did a wonderful job - she really is cute and tiny you know.

Music was provided by the 2004 Classic Rock RAMI (Rockford Area Music Industry) Award Winners Clutch Cargo. The music was outstanding and the dance floor was full the entire evening.

Marta Jones of Outhouse Inc. was this years Berry Ball Chair.

In attendance were popular Rockford favorites including Mr. Mustache (Bruce Lewis) former Mayors Box and Scott along with local business leaders. I didn't see our new Mayor Larry Morrissey (I - historically votes D) which seemed odd as I think I have seen Rockford's current Mayor at every ball I have attended. Perhaps this will foretell the new independent administrations direction, time will tell if this is a good strategy in a City where leaders are noticed by their absence.

If you have never been to a Berry Ball it is definitely a good time and the money goes toward supporting Janet Wattles the largest provider of Mental Health Services in Northern Illinois. From their website:

Janet Wattles Center is a not-for-profit community behavioral health center serving individuals and families in Northern Illinois. The center is supported by grants, fees, foundations, and corporate and individual donations.
Janet Wattles Center provides an array of assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation for adults, children and adolescents. The professional staff at Janet Wattles Center treats a variety of mental illnesses…from anxiety disorders and depression…to schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder…to A.D.D. and emotionally disturbed children. Janet Wattles Center offers board certified psychiatrists and a board certified child psychiatrist. The clinic provides group and individual therapy, financial assistance, living assistance and vocational help.

The qualities of mental health are essential to leading a healthy life. Whether you're poor, rich, male, female, young, or old…from the west side or east side, suburb or city, Janet Wattles Center wants you to know you have a friend to turn to…someone who cares and wants to help. Need to contact someone at Janet Wattles Center? Click here.

The Berry Ball runs unusually smooth, has the best music of any balls I have attended in Rockford, and has some of the best silent auction and regular auction items out there.

There was also a unique raffle, for $30 you could purchase one of 100 numbered bags containing a Stirling Silver Cubic Zirconia fashion necklace provided by Clodius and Company with a random bag containing a half carat brilliant cut diamond solitaire pendant set in white gold that was also provided by Clodius (value over $1000 I think). A great deal!

The regular auction items this year were:

Gail Sayers autographed football donated by LaMonica Beverages and Mary Gubbe Lee
A trip on Hooters Air including $500 at Mariott Hotels donated by Northwest Chicagoland International Airport at Rockford and Area Mechanical
Trane Central Air donated by Area Mechanical and the Genore Family
A giant (43" I think) flat screen TV donated by Merchant Police
An Italian Dinner for 10, including a seven course dinner - each course having it's own wine all prepared and provided by Mike and Mary Ann Abate, Mark and Theresa Hiser, Bill and Martha Hutt, and Jack and Mary Teela. This is an annual favorite.

Decoration assistance was provided by Rockford College's SOAP (Society of Artsy People).
DKK

Disclosure - My sister, Denise Noe, is the marketing and development director for Janet Wattles and Jason is a member of SOAP - but this didn't influence my opinion, the ball was a blast!

More Yellow Shirt Bloggin

2005-05-03T02:35:00.000-05:00

Okay, I know from the sitemeter that your interested in the Capital One Bright Yellow Shirt "NO" commercial that I briefly reviewed here (Screaming Like A Little Girl) when they first ran.

Here is the link to the AdLand - Capital One Bright Yellow Shirt ad (Search Yellow Shirt in the search box. Sorry, can't link directly) which is still the only copy I can find online. It will cost you 2 pounds UK (just under $4 US) to see their ads for a month but they have an extensive inventory so it should be worth it.

Now for a bit more background on the ads. The, "NO" Ads were the concept of McCann-Erickson Agency, New York. After creating the ads, it was given the boot by Capital One, which shifted the business to DDB Chicago. Which is probably when they improved form the tired old "NO" ads to the intern series which includes the "Air Horn" and the infamous "Bright Yellow Shirt" Ads.

The business was more then likely transferred because the series of ads, including the "what's in Your Wallets" ads had low ratings, but based on the searches for this commercial this new commercial has turned the corner on those ratings. (USA Today 3/13/2005)

Of those familiar with the ads, 30% "dislike" them, well above Ad Track's average of 13%. That 30% score is higher than the most-disliked ads of 2004: Miller ads with a political candidate challenging Anheuser-Busch's role as the "King of Beers" were disliked by 26% of consumers in Ad Track last year.
Only 12% of consumers like the Capital One ads "a lot," below the Ad Track survey average of 21%.

DKK

UPDATE: I saw this ad again this AM and laughed my ass off - this is soooo well done no wonder people love it!
DKK

2005-05-03T01:12:00.000-05:00

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.

Kerry's 180

2005-05-03T00:36:00.000-05:00

93 days ago, John Kerry promised, on national TV, to sign form SF-180 and release his military records. He has yet to do so.

Meet The Press Transcript (01/30/2005). Key excerpt:

MR. RUSSERT: Many people who’ve been criticizing you have said: Senator, if you would just do one thing and that is sign Form 180, which would allow historians and journalists complete access to all your military records. Thus far, you have gotten the records, released them through your campaign. They say you should not be the filter. Sign Form 180 and let the historians…
SEN. KERRY: I’d be happy to put the records out. We put all the records out that I had been sent by the military. Then at the last moment, they sent some more stuff, which had some things that weren’t even relevant to the record. So when we get–I’m going to sit down with them and make sure that they are clear and I am clear as to what is in the record and what isn’t in the record and we’ll put it out. I have no problem with that.

MR. RUSSERT: Would you sign Form 180?

SEN. KERRY: But everything, Tim…

MR. RUSSERT: Would you sign Form 180?

SEN. KERRY: Yes, I will.

Why the 180 Mr. Kerry?

Send this PDF form 180 to his Senate email.

Join the blogburst Cao's Blog

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The Liberal Mind In One Sentence

2005-04-30T04:53:00.000-05:00

"Your taking an illogical premise and proceeding logically to an illogical conclusion." Donald Rumsfeld

Finally a Transcript!

2005-04-30T03:28:00.000-05:00

Last week I blogged the Fox News Watch's best lines but I forgot one. Well the repeat of the show was preempted for the installation of the new Pope.

So I checked Fox news 3 times a day looking for the transcript.........and finally, a week later it is up! WTF is that........

Anyway Jim had a GREAT line that I just couldn't remember and here it is:

PINKERTON: ...liberal, secular reporters' talk about the Catholic Church reminds me of W.C. Fields reading the Bible. He says, "I'm looking for loopholes." Looking for ways out.

This line is the best, it is SOOOO true and needs to be reread because this is exactly what the liberals are doing and do about everything. They did it with Saddam, the NorKs, Sandy Berger, Oh yea, remember it is all about what is, is.

PINKERTON: ...liberal, secular reporters' talk about the Catholic Church reminds me of W.C. Fields reading the Bible. He says, "I'm looking for loopholes." Looking for ways out.

Here is the rest of that posting with the forgotten line in place:
Today's Fox News Watch held three quotes about religion that made this episode a stand out in media punditry.

All are paraphrased as I didn't write them down:

Hey, the liberal media just doesn't understand that the ten commandments aren't a voluntary initiative - Cal describing the media failure to understand that the Pope is in fact Catholic.
PINKERTON: ...liberal, secular reporters' talk about the Catholic Church reminds me of W.C. Fields reading the Bible. He says, "I'm looking for loopholes." Looking for ways out.
Even Hollywood atheists can have their prayers answered! Jim describing the success of the NBC production Revelations.

Thanks for you patience, but it was definately worth the wait, read that line again:

PINKERTON: ...liberal, secular reporters' talk about the Catholic Church reminds me of W.C. Fields reading the Bible. He says, "I'm looking for loopholes." Looking for ways out.

DKK