Teacher's Ramblings

Happy New Year!

2006-01-01T11:47:00.000-08:00

2005 was a year of mixed blessings and curses. I guess all years are. I've noticed that as I have become older, I like New Year's Eve less and New Year's Day more.

Pray

2005-12-30T18:22:00.000-08:00

I'm working on a return. In the meantime, say a prayer or many for Captain Ed's wife, who is having transplant difficulties.

What Victory Might Look Like in the War on Terror

2005-12-21T03:27:00.000-08:00

TigerHawk has set forth his vision of what victory might include. This is a 'must read.' The not so loyal opposition keeps up their calls for 'benchmarks,' though are very short on defining what they should be. This is an excellent place to begin to define when the end of the beginning has occurred and the beginning of the end is in sight.

One can see where we stand today:

Over the short-term

a. Arrest or kill the jihadis whenever and wherever possible. Yes, their network will route around the damage, but new fighters need to be trained and trusted enough to deploy. When we destroy the old guard we buy critical time.

b. Coerce Muslim states, including especially the clown regimes, into cooperating with the United States. If successful coercion requires that the United States stake its own credibility -- as in Iraq -- so be it.

c. Interdict states, Muslim or otherwise, that we cannot reliably deter from assisting jihadis to acquire and deploy WMD.

d. Do not lose a chance to humiliate al Qaeda on the battlefield.

Each of these methods will inspire -- and have inspired -- resentment in the Muslim world and, indeed, among anti-Americans in the West. While that resentment costs us something and more skillful management of the war might mitigate it, we cannot allow the resentment of others to stay our prosecution of the war.

Over the long-term

x. Give the average Muslim an idea worth fighting for. Average Abdul need not "like" the United States or give us "credit" in any way, shape or form for this strategy to work. He only needs to want to choose his own government and have an idea how to do that.

y. As the winds of history sweep away clown regimes, see that credible, serious, non-jihadi governments take their place. These governments need not be secular, and their institutions do not have to be instantly mature. But they need to be credible and serious, and derive their legitimacy from a broad swath of the population willing to defend them against jihad.

z. We must do what we can to humiliate al Qaeda on the battlefield and foster the repudiation of jihadi ideology in the Muslim world. While public diplomacy may help, one lesson of Iraq is that al Qaeda will discredit itself if we goad it into fighting in the Muslim world rather than in the West. By some accounts, bin Laden wanted the United States to invade Iraq, thinking that it would be a strategic trap for the Americans. If al Qaeda fails to stop the new democracy there, however, Iraq will have been a strategic trap for bin Laden.

With This

2005-12-20T17:56:00.000-08:00

Watch this space. I've got an new computer and some new gripes. I think it may be time to come back.

Katrina

2005-09-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

I'll be posting more in a short while, still recovering from what I had considered trauma at home and school. Then this hit. I don't have 'real' problems, I doubt most of you do either. Parents get sick and die. Children go to college and run into opportunities and challenges. Our classes are great, 'normal', or less than normal.

That is life, at least in the US. Then there was this, and I realized that if my home and school were gone, well...

http://www.wlbt.com/

Click on "Third Tour", Lower on the page is First and Second Tour.

I've donated to THE RED CROSS
and the SALVATION ARMY.

I'll say upfront, I've been unhappy with the Red Cross, especially the IRC on several fronts, yet there is no group I know of more qualified to be dealing with they types of issues that the refugees will be facing, now and in the future. The American Red Cross will be there.

The Salvation Army will also be there, especially for any that have 'something' to return to. They will be there with brooms, mops, donuts, coffee, and a real person to talk to.

There are many excellent charitable organizations to help, use commonsense and make sure your dollars are going to those that do help:

http://www.bbb.org/

We were there for the tsunami, we've given for Dahfur and others. This is home. These are Americans, albeit with some acting very badly, (I'll echo Glenn, shoot to kill makes sense for those that are not doing looting for 'survival').

Carnival of Education

2005-05-04T19:02:00.000-07:00

Really worth reading, whether you are a teacher, parent, or student. Heck even 'just a tax payer' should take a look.

Updated 7/24/05

Week 10: Carnival of Education

2005-04-14T01:40:00.000-07:00

Worthy of post!

Carnival of Education

2005-04-06T20:13:00.000-07:00

Not quite ready to come back, but since some keep hitting here, thought I'd post something worthwhile to read:

The secret for having a well-attended Carnival is publicity. We are requesting your help in getting the word out. The more folks that know about our gathering of posts, the more that will "drop-in" and visit the midway.An Invitation: All writers and readers of education-related posts are invited to contribute to the tenth edition of The Carnival of Education. Please send your submissions to: owlshome [at] earthlink [dot] net. We should receive your contributions no later than 10:00 PM (Pacific) Tuesday, April 12, 2005. The Carnival midway will open here at the 'Wonks next Wednesday morning. Get our easy-to-follow entry guidelines here.

Later

2005-03-10T18:02:00.000-08:00

Going to take some time off blogging. Really too much going on with school and home. I need some time to think of where I want to devote more time.

On Those Judicial Nominations and the Nuclear Option

2005-03-07T02:43:00.000-08:00

Seems Senator Byrd spoke a bit hastily:

West Virginia Senator Robert Byrd got into hot water last week for introducing Hitler into the Senate's already acrimonious debate on Democratic filibusters of President Bush's judicial nominations. Speaking of the Republicans' threatened "nuclear option," he said, "We, unlike Nazi Germany or Mussolini's Italy, have never stopped being a nation of laws, not of men."
Herr Byrd does get carried away, but more revealing than his rhetoric was the substance of his remarks, on which he elaborated in an op-ed article in Friday's Washington Post. Somehow in his excoriation of a tactic that would deny Senators "their right to free speech on judicial nominations," Mr. Byrd forgot to mention that he pioneered the practice...

Changing Senate precedents by majority vote would be nothing new to Mr. Byrd, who used the tactic to change Senate precedents on filibusters and other delaying tactics when he was Majority Leader in 1977, 1979, 1980 and 1987. This history is detailed by Martin Gold and Dimple Gupta in the current issue of the Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy.

Chrenkoff: More Good News From Afghanistan

2005-03-07T02:37:00.000-08:00

Don't miss this.

Totally Off Topic of Politics and Education

2005-03-05T19:42:00.000-08:00

I've been involved with an email conversation regarding parents/grandparents in skilled nursing facilities. I'm not quite sure where this post will go, but my own mom was in a 'home' for the last 11 months of her life. While this placement was very hard on my mother, I doubt it was as difficult on her as for my father, my brother, and myself.

My mom was my best friend and mentor. Seriously, a smarter woman you would be hard pressed to meet. I won't bog anyone down with the particulars, but let me tell you that when MLK Jr. was assassinated, she made all of us Catholics go to a Baptist Church to mourn our nation's loss. This from a Chicago west side kid that grew up during the depression. She was raised a democrat, Irish immigrant parents. Turned Republican with Nixon, God help us! The fights we had. Her heroes were Mike Royko and the Pope.

When I chose to marry a Jew, she didn't have a problem with his religion, in spite of my uncle the Irish priest. She dd seem reticent about the marriage, though she never told me why. When I decided to divorce him nearly 15 years and 3 children later, she supported me and the kids. There was no, 'I told you so'. When the divorce became very ugly, nothing of which had to do with religion, she had her first stroke and my dad moved her down to Florida, she sent me the money for a townhome. She told me to get the kids in a good school and just keep going. After the 4th stroke, my dad moved into the townhome with her. As she had said when she sent the check, "You never know when an investment will pay off..."

With 24 hour nursing, she had nearly 2 years of pretty good times. No doubt she was sick. My children learned how difficult the end of life can be. I'll never forget coming home from school and finding my youngest son, a freshman in high school helping her on the toilet. This was a child that had been in the running for bd classes, but in the district we were in they chose to try him in the gifted program-thanks to my mom for giving us that opportunity. When I tried to help him, he said, "I've got her, she'll get upset if you step in now..." Granted he used that later, but not when she could know about it. Today he is in a university, hoping to be accepted into the FBI.

No doubt the hardest part of the years of my mom's sickness was the last, in the 'skilled nursing home.' It was a great home, as far as homes go. It was Catholic, so she could go to mass whenever she wanted. Funny thing once moved there her desire for early morning/late night masses fell to zip! I guess right up to the end, 'The grass is always greener...'

While her mind was pretty good regarding politics and such, there were impulse problems and other issues that made the 'high intervention' floor the choice for the home. This put her with Alzeimer patients and others that couldn't discuss what she was interested in. She took to sleeping during the day and reading papers and talking with the nurses during the night. In other homes they may have sedated her, not at this one. No problem, when she died, the night shift eulogized at how she kept them up to date after the Iraq war began. It was a fitting end for a woman who was so engaged in current events.

Obviously my mom had been very sick for a very long time, yet the day she was dying came suddenly. It was a Saturday, my dad and I had gone to Sam's Club for groceries. On the way home he suggested we stop to see her, I said it was too close to lunch, it made me ill to watch the residents eat. He agreed and we went home and were putting away groceries when the call came to come over, the end was near.

We called my brother and all of us gathered. There was my dad, my brother, our 6 children, my sister-in-law and myself. The nuns at the home gathered about every hour and sang a song of 'going home.' After several hours, my sister-in-law took my dad and the kids home. My brother and I stayed for a few more hours. We had become used to my mom getting sick and then rallying. We began to wonder if that was happening now, the nun/nurse said, "No, this will be it, but no telling how long." My brother went home at 1 am, planning on returning about 6am, to break me. He showed up about 7, and called before I got home, she was gone. I think my mom knew it would be too hard on me to have her die, so she waited. My brother, the cop, was used to death-he sees it more philosophically.

What the home did that was extraordinary was the funeral service. They contacted the children to do the readings. One of the nuns asked my daughter, the music major to sing for the funeral, Oh Danny Boy and the Ave Maria were the high points. The oldest grandchild, in law school, was asked to speak about my mother's passion for justice. I don't think that my dad, my brother, or myself could have put together such a send off for my mom. Those nuns did that, they brought her to life, after so many years of entrapment by illness. They contacted my school which sent the middle school students to the funeral with their parents, needless to say, that was a shock to me.

All in all, we wish we could have provided the care for my mom at home, but we couldn't. We were fortunate to be able to afford the care at home as long as possible and the best alternative care when home care was no longer feasible. Back in 1977 as my graduate thesis study in sociology at U of I, I had completed a study on nursing home care in Chicago, in no case had I found the level of care my mom received. I will be eternally grateful and will work that all families have the chance to keep their loved ones home as long as possible, and have access to the best care possible when that is no longer feasible. I cannot believe that the cost of the care at the home was less than at our home, yet the cost was totally covered, while the home care was not. That does not make sense and I am heartened to see that the present administration is addressing this issue.

Friday Night

2005-03-04T17:08:00.000-08:00

I have been at a crossroads for a long time. Teaching is important to me, I love my students and I really believe that our young people are the future. Yet, I majored in my subject areas for a reason, current events and politics also grab my interest; for the life of me I do not understand how they don't all adults. Blogging and trackbacks and gathering interests has been a problem. My blog is here and there.

I'm working on this. It may take two blogs, yet I hardly have time for the one. A few weeks ago I was up to an average of about 60 hits per day, then I started blogging education a bit and started falling. I can follow the current events and education, but can't fully blog both in real time. By blogging education I was learning more to teach my students and light a fire under the staff at my school. Quandry. I am both here and there, though neither here nor there.

How to get enough exposure in one or both spheres? Working on MS is time consuming, not too mention teaching full time. Also the family, which cannot afford to be neglected in reality, even if it is via diary. How much to share? If some of the readers that have been around for awhile would provide feedback, I'd love to hear from you, comments or email?

Carnival of Education

2005-03-02T19:35:00.000-08:00

It's not Friday yet, soon...

It's up and it's great. I am in awe of all.

I do believe I am going to have to basically turn the blog into mostly a weekend avocation. Too much to do with MS classes and lesson plans, grades, etc. Summer is coming...

May You Live In Interesting Times

2005-02-28T17:40:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a difference a couple of days makes! I said I would try to find the links for some of the newsmakers from other countries during the Bush tour, well here they are:
other articles from Britain, Germany, Slovakia, and even one from Canada.

Then there are all the goings on in the Middle East. We all KNEW that forcing democracy would be a tragic mistake. Well in Egypt things are a changing. Looks to be the same news in Syria, with the release of Saddam’s half brother and all. Then there is Lebanon. Saudi Arabia is considering its few options, in light of what is going on around it.

Interesting Times

2005-02-28T17:36:00.000-08:00

I beginning to understand the ancient chinese curse . Wow, what a difference a couple of days makes! I said I would try to find the links for some of the newsmakers from other countries during the Bush tour, well here they are:
other articles from Britain, Germany, Slovakia, and even one from Canada.

Then there are all the goings on in the Middle East. We all KNEW that forcing democracy would be a tragic mistake. Well in Egypt things are a changing. Looks to be the same news in Syria, with the release of Saddam’s half brother and all. Then there is Lebanon. Saudi Arabia is considering its few options, in light of what is going on around it.

Children, Toys, & Marines

2005-02-27T17:27:00.000-08:00

Found this via Blackfive, read it with tissues and be ready to smile! The author is right, we need the Blackfives and Iraq the Model, the Good News! from Iraq/Afghanistan via Chrenkoff, and all the rest!

The MSM is full of the bad news, but good things are getting done and it’s wonderful to hear when they do bring dividends for our soldiers and the people they serve!

IMPORTANT: Via B-5, Soldiers' Angel Robin - who leads the Armor Up program for Soldiers' Angels, needs four more kevlar blankets to give to a unit making it's second tour in Iraq. Each blanket costs $925 and meets DOD specs.

The last request came from an Army Infantry Captain (the former Commander of the unit) who was wounded and couldn't return with them.

Here's the Soldiers' Angels Armor Up page where you can donate via PayPal. And, as usual,when I post something like this, I have already donated to the Armor Up program today. The sooner the blankets get to the soldiers, the better.

So, donate if you can and pass on the link to the Armor Up page.
http://www.soldiersangels.org/heroes/armor.php
You can make a difference!

Sunday Stroll

2005-02-27T13:06:00.000-08:00

If it’s Sunday, it’s time to look around for new ideas and enlightening articles and posts. I stopped by The Education Wonks and found this piece on students being pulled from class for ‘family fun time.’ Funny, that search gave all sorts of things for parents and children to do together on weekends and after school. We had one family that started their kids nearly five weeks after the beginning of school, to visit their family in Mexico. The mother stayed here in Illinois, while the kids stayed at the family ‘farm’ in the hills, playing with chickens and goats and riding bikes. Yes, these children will take the standardized test, including the 7th grader who basically missed the introduction to algebra.

From The Education Wonks, I was able to click over to hipteacher and after reading her post again, have pretty much decided to ask for the filters that are blocking blogs to be removed. This appears to be an excellent way to add to the writing to read program of the lower grades and the journaling required in the upper grades. The Carnival of Education has been a great addition to the blogosphere, my thanks and kudos to edwonks for hosting them.

From an email I received this week, I found myself back at a messageboard site I had forgotten about, Teacher Focus has a broad range of subject matter, teacher experience and grade levels. I know I’m going to keep checking in here. Speaking of found, but not knowing from where, I came across this nice little collection of useful links in my bookmarks. I am betting I found it at Teacher Focus.

After spending time perusing Number Two Pencil, there were too many of her posts to list. I liked an opening rant, always sure to get my attention. She linked to a university problem, which I think might be better laid at the feet of the writing to read movement, than the high schools, but heh, I teach middle school what do I know?

Seems The Europeans Are Getting Bush Now

2005-02-26T21:14:00.000-08:00

What a couple of days! I just found this, but there have been so many other articles from Britain, Germany, Slovakia, and even one from Canada. Tomorrow I'll try to find all the links, for now it's off to bed!

A Moonbat Post

2005-02-24T21:10:00.000-08:00

Every once in awhile, they deserve their own space.

My Prayers Are With The Pontiff

2005-02-24T18:36:00.000-08:00

The church has had more than a few problems in the past decade, especially in the US. This man however he may have coped with these, has a much larger legacy that incorporates his stands on communism, nazism, young people, and reaching out. He's been my father for most of my adult life.
"People living deeply have no fear of death"
-Anais Nin

UPDATE: The Anchoress says it much more poetically than I.

Week 3 Of the Carnival of Education is Up!

2005-02-23T18:39:00.000-08:00

I am a slackard, well maybe a slow writer. I couldn't get my post, http://teachersramblings.blogspot.com/2005/02/what-makes-good-teacher.html completed in time for submission, but have tried to slip it into the comment thread.

Even if you choose to skip my rant/post, check out these other very worthwhile blogs!

What Makes A Good Teacher?

2005-02-23T18:30:00.000-08:00

I am shamelessly hooking up to EdWonk's post on defining a teacher, (since this has been written over a period of days, I want it known that this before was informed I was added to their blogroll, of which I am so grateful!). Since I came across this Friday I haven't been able to quite stop thinking about it, pondering it if you will. I think this may be due to an ongoing conversation with some friends from school.

Last Friday our 'clique' from school went out and we were discussing good and bad teachers, for the umpteenth time. I teach in a ps-8 parochial school, one class of each grade. Out of 12 teachers, 8 have their masters. Considering parochial school salaries, that's pretty good by any standard for elementary schools. Unfortunately education doesn't necessarily make for great or even adequate teachers. We are looking at how to make a more cohesive curriculum across the grades. We have been finding there is a broad mix of teacher interest areas, resulting in some grades having an overemphasis on certain subjects, with a falloff in others.

I think it might be beneficial to set the stage of who was at our 'meeting.' It was a roundtable discussion, more or less. The kindergarten aid, (50+; aid 6 years; BA in education with emphasis on reading). The first grade teacher, (60+; 25+ years experience; MA in reading instruction/BA Education with emphasis in reading; +35 hrs). The second grade teacher, (60+; teaching 25+; MS in science/MA Education/BA education; principal in public schools 3 years). The third grade teacher, (26; 4 years teaching; BA education; MA education/Multiple Intelligences). Myself, middle school social studies, (50; BA history, sociology, political science; completing MS Education/Differentiated Instruction; teaching 6 years).

As all teachers and thinking adults will surmise, those skewered were not there. However, in defense of clique, we are those that have consistently put up the high standardized test scores and led in teaching inservice courses. We keep up to date on new ideas and continuously are working at improving our teaching methods.

2/23: I spent the last 2 days elaborating on the problems with the other teachers. To demonstrate the level of minutia I was about to devolve into, I have left the 'clique' info intact. I've gotten rid of all the particulars, which ran the gamut from problems with student and teacher behavior to not being able to leave the programmed lessons of teacher's editions. No one involved with education needs that much detail, at least that I wish to hear from.

My question to the educators in cyberspace: How do you influence 'less able teachers' to improve? I'm serious here. We know these are the same teachers that in some cases take notes during institutes that are worthless or at the other end are clueless when 'problems' are brought up that concern them.

Anyone have some suggestions to help well meaning but ineffective collegues become more competent?

Medienkritik Means Business

2005-02-22T16:50:00.000-08:00

They have the numbers and the signs and the media. I have pretty heavy European traffic, considering my light traffic. If you are not from the David's Midienkritik site, check it out!

Lest We Forget

2005-02-21T15:37:00.000-08:00

One of my regular commentors, Eddie, is serving on the USS Kittyhawk, so he's away. He has access to email though and he sent me this column. Thank you Sgt. David Sallie, my prayers go out to your family, especially your wife.

Google Needs A Goosing!

2005-02-21T14:29:00.000-08:00

Michelle rightly takes to task Google and the MSM for ignoring the comments by a US Congressman regarding Karl Rove. I'll let you guess the party before you follow the links...

UPDATE: via Michelle, same post. Charles Johnson was just on MSNBC via audio on this story. Ron Reagan Jr. said he had 'similar thought's ' regarding Rove. LGF's Johnson nailed down the facts very professionally.

Can Someone Explain The Difference Between The Syrians and The Israelis?

2005-02-21T14:24:00.000-08:00

I think the Israelis have the better case for occupation, but the 'world' doesn't seem to think so...

The Few and the Proud!

2005-02-21T14:02:00.000-08:00

Via Youngpundit. There are so many brave men and women that are serving to keep the rest of us free. I just think a thank you is in order every now and again. I can’t keep track of the number of stories I’ve seen like this father son duo, but I thank God and our country that somehow we keep producing such.

Germany A Changing?

2005-02-21T08:24:00.000-08:00

It appears Schroeder is in immediate danger of losing his control. I wish I better understood Germany 'today,' than just some of the history. Seems they've always had the best and the worst, perhaps that's true of all people's, but few seem to rise as high in positions of power.

This Sounds Like Good News

2005-02-21T08:22:00.000-08:00

Another consequence of the Iraq War?

The GW Tapes

2005-02-21T04:06:00.000-08:00

This has absolutely nothing to do with anything, except perhaps free advertising for the author's book. I doubt very much that anyone has been made aware of any 'truths' that they didn't already have a pretty strong feeling about.

If I was surprised at any point to be made, it was that the NYTimes points out that Bush sounds very much like he does as president:

The private Mr. Bush sounds remarkably similar in many ways to the public President Bush. Many of the taped comments foreshadow aspects of his presidency, including his opposition to both anti-gay language and recognizing same-sex marriage, his skepticism about the United Nations, his sense of moral purpose and his focus on cultivating conservative Christian voters.

Brit Blogs Roundup

2005-02-20T16:07:00.000-08:00

An idea who's time has come. As the Guardian noted, http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,3604,1417983,00.html

it's just a matter of time...

NK: Japan Is the Aggressor

2005-02-20T15:32:00.000-08:00

NK sends a ballastic missile over Japan. NK announces it has nuclear weapons. Japan says they will protect themselves, and Japan is the aggressor. The world according to the Dear Leader.

Ed Wonk Asks: What Is A Teacher?

2005-02-20T06:46:00.000-08:00

He's asking for some comment help here. Go visit and leave your opinion, I did. :-)

If Only!

2005-02-19T15:35:00.000-08:00

Scrappleface does it again!

February 19, 2005
Media Warned About Faux News
Advocacy Pieces by Scott Ott
(2005-02-19) -- Just a day after the U.S. comptroller general warned the White House against distributing simulated newscasts that promote administration policies without clearly stating the source, major U.S. media outlets including the New York Times, CNN and CBS News have received a similar advisory.
"Americans have a right to know whether there is an agenda or any bias behind the news reports they read, hear or view," said a spokesman from the FCC. "Just as the White House shouldn't try to accomplish its public relations goals with unattributed faux newscasts, so the editors at the Washington Post and MSNBC cannot hide their political agendas behind a patina of journalistic credibility."
The new warning includes guidelines for flagging so called 'agenda-driven' news to make sources and motivation more transparent to news consumers.
Under the terms of the new protocol, the New York Times, Washington Post and L.A. Times, for example, may continue their traditional 'news' coverage, but all sections of the papers will now be labeled 'Op-Ed.'
Televised news operations, like CNN or CBS, will be in compliance if newscasters simply wink at the camera at least once every 20 seconds during agenda-driven stories.

C'Mon, We Knew This!

2005-02-19T15:29:00.000-08:00

Michelle I think has an opinion or two!

Will the US Come To Regret This?

2005-02-19T14:21:00.000-08:00

Letting China in our back door for trade?

VD Hanson

2005-02-19T13:47:00.000-08:00

Does anyone remember why Iraq? This should make it a bit clearer.

On The Gannon Kerfuffle

2005-02-19T09:20:00.000-08:00

Interesting that the Eason Jordan story did not rise to the attention of the MSM, but this has. ~rolleyes~ Wizbang has this roundup and Howard Kurtz has an article on 'Gannon's' reaction today.

It's Weird. Bloggers Are The 'New' Media, Yet Seems We Are Older Than Would Be Thought

2005-02-18T20:50:00.000-08:00

First was Captain Ed's wife, now Glenn's. Prayers are with her and her family.

Dang, This Is Good

2005-02-18T19:50:00.000-08:00

Too good just to excerpt. I tried to just link to this morning, but blogspot thought not!

February 17, 2005

Know Thy Enemy: Blogs
There are these things called blogs out there run by salivating morons who work in lynch mobs to bring people down regardless of the facts. This seems like a dangerous new phenomenon, so I had my crack research staff find out all they could about blogs.
FUN FACTS ABOUT BLOGS
* The blog was invented by Edgar K. Blog in the 80's in attempt to spread lies for the sole purposes of evil. At the time, only two other people were reading the internet, but most experts say he was responsible for Black Friday.
* Blogs can simply turn on you at anytime for any reason. They attack without thought or provocation. Thus, make sure to always stay away from them and to disparage them in the media.
* A blog will use a dark art called the "hyperlink" to "link" to what you say in an attempt to slander you. If you see any blog using a hyperlink against you, immediately contact law enforcement to
get them to stop.
* If you see a geeky looking male or a slutty looking female in front of a laptop, he or she could be a blogger. Don't make eye contact or say anything in front of them or they will destroy you.
* On September 11th, bloggers spread rumors about some sort of terrorist attack leading to a war with Iraq so bloggers could get more oil - a raw material essential for blogging.
* Bloggers are particularly depraved individuals. One infamous blogger was caught putting puppies in blenders to make smoothies. He now has to do community service as punishment which he fulfills by murdering hobos.
* They say the shift in information by blogger lies was so great that it actually moved the earth leading to the recent tsunami.
* Be careful of letting your daughters read blogs. Some are known to use ploys called "T-Shirt Babe Contests" to lead unsuspecting women into their lairs.
* The only reason people blog is for the money which the so called “blogosphere” is full of. It is estimated that, by 2010, 90% of people will blog instead of work causing the destruction of the worldwide economy.
* Blogs can often appear as other types of website that have real information instead of lies. If you suspect you're reading a blog, immediately smash your monitor with hammer.
* If it's an LCD, cutting the screen should work too.
* I haven’t really tried that; it just feels like material you should be able to cut.
* In a fight between blogs and Aquaman, blogs would keep hounding Aquaman about supposed statements he made at Davos about U.S. troops deliberately targeting fish until he was forced to resign from his job at CNN.
* If you are part of the mainstream media, blogs will keep demanding facts and objectivity from you. Don't give in! If you cede to this demand, who knows what they'll ask for next!
* If under attack by bloggers, stop, drop, and roll. Just make sure there isn't a blogger with a digital camera nearby or he'll probably make a big deal out of it.
* If blogs continue in their present march of destruction, the regular media will fall and you'll get all your information from what some guy named "Phil" can hack out during his coffee break. Even the greatest minds in science fiction could not imagine such a dystopic future.

Posted by Frank J. at 09:16 AM

The Other Explanation Is That Jimmy Carter Is Obtuse

2005-02-18T17:56:00.000-08:00

Ok math fiends, have at it.

I Feel So Much Better About Iran Now

2005-02-18T04:15:00.001-08:00

Putin is 'convinced' that Iran has no plans to make weapons. I mean this wouldn't be self-serving or anything?

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=worldNews&storyID=7557363

Why Kyoto or Not?

2005-02-17T15:55:00.000-08:00

Found this an interesting site. I don't know how many others of you find friends asking or rather criticising the US for not signing on to this. It is interesting though that the Senate rejected the treaty 95-0.

A Sad Anniversary Note

2005-02-16T19:29:00.000-08:00

Michelle is right to note it, doesn't make it easier to take. Personally I guess if I were forced to lose a loved one, 9/11 was the time. Those that came before and after seem but a footnote. That doesn't mean forgotten as much as not have entered the collected stream of consciousness.

Something To Get Worked Up About

2005-02-15T19:16:00.000-08:00

It seems that some of the MSM have become unhinged following the Eason Jordan brouhaha. In this case a Tulsa, that would be Oklahoma; West my friends, West. Never heard of the Tulsa World? Well neither did I until today. Seems they are out to play MSM bully. Wizbang has at them.

Iraqi Election Map

2005-02-15T16:43:00.000-08:00

Patrick Ruffini posts the above with analysis on the fly. Wait until he really has time to form an argument!

ANNOUNCING! The Carnival of Education

2005-02-15T02:40:00.000-08:00

What a great idea! Thanks to the Education Wonks for hosting it. I look forward to reading the blogs that posted! The deadline for new submissions for the second Carnival is today, 2/15/05.

Captain's First Mate Resting Comfortably

2005-02-14T17:06:00.000-08:00

Keep the prayers coming, they seem to be well on the way to being answered!

Will Iraq Bow To Iran?

2005-02-14T15:51:00.000-08:00

The above analysis concludes that the top vote getters are tilted towards the religious beliefs of Iran and therefore the administration has bet on the wrong horse. I would offer a slightly different conclusion.

It seems from my readings that the administration was hoping for elections in which a significant portion of the citizenry participated in. They achieved that goal, beyond their expectations. I don't think anyone would argue that it would have been better if more Sunnis had participated, but even there are signs of hope.

Some Sunnis have decided they want to participate in the making of a constitution, http://washtimes.com/upi-breaking/20050205-020313-7332r.htm. There are indications that the Shiite's also want this to happen, to avoid the civil wars that are possible, http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2005/02/06/MNGJ4B6Q001.DTL. While Iran is dominated by the Shiite faction, there are indications that the Iraqi Shiite leadership want their own imprimatur on their government. There seems little kowtowing to Iran here.

Truth to tell I am influence by the Iraqi bloggers, it seems to me that they want their country to have time to gain their footing, get a government going that serves the people, exploit their resources, and have a period of stability. They want the coalition to leave, once their objectives are met, meaning Iraq can care for itself, including its borders.

Iran on the other hand, seems determined to have confrontations with the West and Israel. They may or may not have had a hand in the assassination of the former PM of Lebanon, but this is a road that Iraq does not currently want to travel down. That is not saying that Iraq may not be a problem in the long run, but only time will tell. For now I wish them Godspeed.

Google Meets Eason Jordan Query

2005-02-13T13:29:00.000-08:00

Too funny and too true. Just try googling Eason Jordan, bah!

Germany Has A Far Right Problem

2005-02-13T12:48:00.000-08:00

Those of us that read foreign coverage, be it online news or blogs have a clue to what is happening in many European cities. I wish I could read them in their language, as I'm sure idioms are lost or mangled in translation. Nevertheless, I am aware and admit that this behavior in Germany worries me, not yet to the point of 'frightens' but worry, surely.

The LA Times Tries Something Novel and Promising

2005-02-13T12:10:00.000-08:00

A column to bring mistakes to light, about 700 words according to Patrick Frey, aka Patterico. If the LA Times continues in this vein, they might just put bloggers out of a job. NOT! But it could change the focus of late.

Prayers For Captain Ed's Wife

2005-02-13T11:49:00.000-08:00

Once again they have found a pancreas they think will work for the transplant, it sounds like very good news! Don't forget to add the donor's family in prayers of thanksgiving and comfort.

Saturday Night, I Can't Stop Laughing

2005-02-12T17:21:00.000-08:00

Start at the above and scroll down, don't be drinking! This man has actually written a cookbook! Supposedly he also practices law, but check out the times of postings... ;-)

Powerful Writing Regarding "Why Do They Hate Us"

2005-02-12T15:33:00.000-08:00

Hat tip, ¡No Pasarán! Nelson Ashcher has a well reasoned piece on why it may be that we are asking the wrong questions. Here's a bit from his conclusion:

In the same way as the murderers of 911 used the West’s technology against itself, the contemporary left will do its best to turn democracy into a suicidal pact. This is already being done, obviously. The fight for Guantanamo Bay is, in many ways, as important as that for Baghdad. And, whenever a British born terrorist is released and sent back to the UK, to be joyfully acclaimed by the pages of “The Guardian”, “The Independent” or through the waves of the BBC, that fight is being lost. Radical Islam is being given one more tactical victory and
the left’s strategy is being vindicated.
There has been some talk recently about the probable inevitability of a nuclear attack on the mainland US in, say, the next ten or fifteen years. The Berlin Wall’s orphans are already busy creating the slogans, formulating the dogmas, writing down the articles and books that will allow them, when the worst happens, to lay all the blame on the victims, making retaliation as difficult as it can be. They’re carefully preparing their case and the court is already in session.

Great Saturday Find

2005-02-12T15:23:00.000-08:00

Hat tip, Instapundit. Laws for the bloggers, in verse!

Why Does The World HATE America? It Makes Them Feel Better!

2005-02-12T04:04:00.000-08:00

Hat Tip David’s Medienkritick. The above piece by Dominic Hilton is a wonderful description of why others seem to feel the need to ‘bash America.’ There’s a little something for everyone, from psychological explanations, (it’s Freudian); to economic; to political, (multiple zones of power, anyone?); to cultural.
Check out Medienkritick’s take on the above, but also his comments section. Fun read so far!

Ask Anyone, The Europeans Love Americans, The Problem Is Bush

2005-02-11T22:16:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Erik, we can see that it doesn't look to be the correct story, much less 'whole one'. Here's a bit, but there is lots more, read it all:

Of course, Max Jacobson's column in the International Herald Tribune somewhat takes the winds out of the sails of the legend that it is only Bush that people oppose, as the former Finnish ambassador to the United Nations deflates the canard that the members of the UN are lucid, visionary, and doing little else but trying to overcome reactionary America's opposition to a bright, peaceful future.

The United States … is like a magnet that both attracts and repulses. The other four governments [i.e., the other four permanent members of the security council] determine their positions less on the merits of the case under discussion than by the state of their relations with the United States.

Eason Jordan Resigns!

2005-02-11T21:34:00.000-08:00

Either CNN was going to have to agree to the tape release, or Eason was going to have to go. Guess the choice wasn't that hard.

A Little James Bond Music Here, "Nobody Does It Better"

2005-02-10T19:07:00.000-08:00

I still love the Onion, but Scott Ott has them beat! On the Ward Churchill brouhaha, (hat tip: onedomino):

Little Eichmanns Group Celebrates Prof's Free Speechby Scott Ott

(2005-02-10) -- In a celebration of free speech inspired by a University of Colorado professor who compared America's 9/11 victims to Nazis, an ad hoc consortium of business leaders announced today that it would fund an endowed professorship in honor of Professor Ward Churchill.
The business group, Little Eichmanns for Free Speech, said it "rejoices in Mr. Churchill's efforts to open a fresh dialogue between America's businesspeople and the academics whose important work is funded by the overflow of our insatiable greed."
The group said it would donate a "substantial sum" to create an endowment with the condition that "Mr. Churchill be appointed as the Little Goebbels Professor of Ethics, in recognition of his efforts to establish the reputation of businesspeople in a fashion reminiscent of what Joseph Goebbels did for the Jews."
Under the terms of endowment, university news releases about Mr. Churchill's research and public speaking must always identify him with the phrase "the Little Goebbels Professor of Ethics."
A spokesman for the university's board of regents said it "welcomes expressions of free speech, especially when they're written in the memo field of a personal check."

Heck of A Way To Start the Day. NK Admits Nukes

2005-02-10T03:26:00.000-08:00

Not that most of us didn't assume this was so:

"We ... have manufactured nukes for self-defense to cope with the Bush administration's ever more undisguised policy to isolate and stifle the (North)," the North Korean Foreign Ministry said in a statement carried by the state-run Korean Central News Agency.

Everything Can't Be Serious!

2005-02-09T20:17:00.000-08:00

Just surfing around, getting ready to turn in and what do I find on Tim Worstall’s blog, but this really cool site.

Played with that for 15 minutes, have to go to bed!

Yessir, Want A Headache? Read This

2005-02-08T17:28:00.000-08:00

Oh man, this is so, so, well I want to say convoluted, but that would be an understatement. Shoot, words fail me.

JOSCHKA FISCHER: Looking to the history of my continent of Europe, we had two totalitarian challenges. The first one was the challenge of the Nazis in my country, which led to almost a complete destruction of my country, not only in a physical sense but morally; and the second one was Bolshevism and the Stalinist threat. At the end, Europe overcame all these challenges, and today Europe is a continent moving forward to the integration.

Maybe it's just me, but what is it I've been reading about Europe?

Getting the Eason Jordan Scandal

2005-02-08T15:07:00.000-08:00

For anyone not tied into the blogosphere, this has been a non-story. I know, I've been upset by it but find no one that even has heard of it. ~shaking head~ As usual, Glenn has the post that encapsulates what is the story:

February 08, 2005

THE LONG GAME VS. THE SHORT GAME: Gerard van der Leun thinks that CNN has, for the moment at least, successfully defused the Eason Jordan scandal:

"The Eason Jordan vs The Bloggers match ended its first set today with a high lob set-up from Howard Kurtz at the Washington Post put away by an overhand smash by Mr. Adams of Davos who announced that the videotape of the Davos meeting, in which Jordan claimed the US Military was deliberately killing journalists in Iraq, would not be released to the public. . . . In this world, if it doesn't happen on television it doesn't happen, and without the videotape this will not happen on television."

I hate to accuse Gerard of old-media thinking, but I think that's what's going on here. It's true, of course, that without video the story won't get a lot of play on TV. But that's the short game, in which the goal is getting rid of Eason Jordan. Or hanging on to him.

The long game is different, and Jim Geraghty gets it:

What we need from the Davos conference organizers is simple - the tape of what Jordan said. It would be good to get the entire event, but really, what is at issue here is what Jordan said, and how much he backtracked.

If the Davos organizers refuse to release it, and CNN refuses to call for its release, and the BBC refuses to call for its release, and every other news agency refuses to call for its release...
...then remember this, the next time the media gets up on a high horse about the public's right to know. Remember this the next time Dick Cheney has a meeting with energy executives. Remember this the next time reporters complain about Bush not holding enough press conferences, and not doing enough interviews. Remember this the next time they talk about the
importance of a free press, and an informed citizenry.
Because it's all conditional. None of this applies when the situation includes a media executive
says something in a big forum that he later realizes he doesn't want the public to hear. Then all of a sudden, none of this matters, because it's bad form for other news agencies to look into the story if he wants it to go away. "Bad manners, old chap. We journalists have to stick together."
You don't need TV for those ideas to spread. And when they do -- and they are -- getting rid of Eason Jordan doesn't matter so much. Because neither does Eason Jordan. On the other hand, if the Eason Jordans of the world are all untrustworthy, self-interested boobs, and seen as such, it's going to be hard to sustain public support for press freedom. Unless, perhaps, enough people are blogging that the public sees its own face on "press freedom" and not the likes of Eason Jordan's.

posted at 03:14 PM by Glenn Reynolds

An Idea Whose Time Has Come

2005-02-08T13:26:00.000-08:00

[...]
The idea of performance pay — a notion once reviled by most teachers — is getting a warmer reception here. Teachers are trying hard to prove they're worth the money, from more frequent student testing, to e-mailing parents, to trying out different styles for their students.
"Just rewarding people for having put in a lot of years, that's one of the things the public gets upset about — and justly so," said Kris Sandy, a high school English teacher. "In terms of having some more reasonable examples of what we do every year to improve our curriculum and be better teachers, that's perfectly reasonable."

The pilot project in the La Crescent-Hokah district and a handful of others in Minnesota comes as several other states examine the way teachers are paid.
[...]

I like the idea of being 'paid for performance.' The obvious problem in judging performance is that there are skewed classes; some higher, some lower. I currently teach at the jr. high level and there is a wide range of results among the teachers pertaining to the same students. It seems pretty obvious that if the students are able to perform at a superior level in social studies or science, they should not be receiving a 'D' or worse in reading. Yet consistently that has been the case, regardless of a high performing classes or less motivated.

The difference between the teachers has much to do with realistic expectations, knowledge of subject matter, rapport with students, and perhaps most importantly classroom management. If the students do not respect the teacher it makes it very difficult to teach, much less learn. I would assume that these factors apply from kindergarten through high school. So how would a district measure performance?

I don't think that any one measure would be fair, but there are some areas that I think should be open to discussion. It should be required of a district to have each teacher observed by at least two adminstrators several times per year. Lesson plans should be checked and evaluated, most importantly verified that what is written is what is being taught.

There should be standards applied to comparing past performance of the students, standardized test results, student & parent evaluations. Problems with teaching or behavior management should be noted, discussed, and remedial help given early in the year based upon observations. School administrators should be aiding the teachers in maximizing their performance, for the benefit of the students.

Communication between teacher and students, as well as keeping parents informed should be noted. A teacher that is keeping all informed is helping to build a foundation for learning. Teachers that strive to keep abreast of successful methodologies and incorporate some of these into their teaching style, should be rewarded. While graduate or methodology programs may be attended, many teachers fail to utilize what was taught.

I have no doubt that there are some of you, whether teachers, parents, or students that have better or more suggestions than me. I'd be thrilled to have you leave a comment.

Mainz Germany Is Where President Bush Will Visit

2005-02-07T14:04:00.000-08:00

Doesn't look like friendly confines. At the Medienkritik site, there are pictures and coverage of a parade that is very anti-American in tone. There is a call to action at the bottom of the post, but first you must visit!

UPDATE: HEY USA! This is what the city of Mainz, Germany (the city that will host President Bush in two weeks) thinks of you. CLICK HERE.

Davids Medienkritik encourages all Americans to email all of their elected representatives with a link to this article:

http://medienkritik.typepad.com/blog/2005/02/america_you_jus.html

If you would like to contact the city of Mainz, Germany with your opinion, email the Mainz Office for Public Relations at: mainz.online@stadt.mainz.de

HERE is a webpage with further contact info for Mainz, Germany.

Easongate Is Born

2005-02-07T03:20:00.000-08:00

The new parents, I don't think happy is the correct adjective, are:

Blackfive from Blackfive
Brian Scott from The Blue State Conservatives
Chester from The Adventures of Chester
Bill Roggio from The Fourth Rail

The purpose of this blog is as follows:

· Act as a clearinghouse for information related to Mr. Jordan's recent and past statement concerning the United States military.
· Provide analysis and commentary on the developing situation.
· Advocate CNN to take real and meaningful disciplinary action against Mr. Jordan.
· Create a petition expressing the public's displeasure with Mr. Jordan's statements.
· Gather information on CNN's advertisers and make this information available to the public.

Our hope is that CNN will launch an investigation into Mr. Jordan's past and recent history, and take appropriate action. The staff of Easongate is not confident CNN will address this situation without external pressure, however, so we hope to provide the means for the public to place pressure on CNN to act.

Chrenkoff! Good News From Afghanistan

2005-02-06T23:03:00.000-08:00

There seems to be quite a lot. The ending of drought and lack of media to report on what's happening lead off. Read it all.

NON Story of the Week

2005-02-06T15:03:00.000-08:00

How many heart surgeries? Duh!

Is This A Result of Faster, Faster?

2005-02-06T13:02:00.000-08:00

The mainstream Palestinian movement Fatah (news - web sites) said Sunday it would agree to a mutual cease-fire with Israel in the West Bank and Gaza, and it ruled out attacks against civilians inside Israel — boosting peace prospects ahead of an upcoming summit.

I'm Not Into The Superbowl

2005-02-06T12:49:00.000-08:00

If the Bears were in it I would watch. They are not, by a longshot. Who is? I dunno. In the meantime, I'll use the pause to catch up on the news.

Ward Churchill

2005-02-06T11:22:00.000-08:00

Ok, my tendency is to say his is a fraud or a pig. You decide.

Winds of Change Confronts The Opposition

2005-02-06T11:11:00.000-08:00

Hat Tip, Instapundit. Here are the hard questions that the opposition to the administration should be addressing. While I do not usually quote the entire post, these are important and I hope I’ll be forgiven:

Liberals are or should be aligned with progressive politics and values. So in light of political progressives who eschew President Bush's war against Saddam, a few questions:

What would have been the best, most legitimate way for Iraq to achieve democratic elections? Can it be applied to Burma, North Korea, Iran, and other dictatorships?
If your answer to this question involves the UN, address the UN's corruption with the Oil-for-Food scandal, sex slaves in the Congo, and the inability to prevent the Rwandan genocide.
If the top dogs of the UN are profiteers for the containment of dictators like Saddam, and their representatives trafficking sex in the countries they purport to peace-keep, how can the UN be a legitimate force for democracy?
Are tyrants defeated with soft power, or merely contained until they fade away? Is contained fascism simply the unstated and accepted cost of soft power? If it is, should Hitler have been opposed?
What can corrupt soft power?
Are there any circumstances where hard power is warranted?
If the UN is too corrupt and impotent, and the US is too sovereign to represent the world, what organization would you propose instead?
Would a 'UN-D' -- a variation or branch of the United Nations, except the members are all democracies -- be a better legitimizing force for democracy than either the United States or the current United Nations?
If you had to wear a uniform and be put in harm's way, but could choose the flag you fought for, which flag would it be: Your family crest; your town's flag; your state's flag; your country's flag; your religion's flag; the UN, NATO or EU flag; or an NGO flag. Why?

Inside The "New" DNC

2005-02-06T08:45:00.000-08:00

(Hat Tip, Will Collier at Vodkapundit)

The machinations are not pretty. Best reporting I've seen from The New Republic, (they have the access to DNC biggies), in a very long time. The Dean wing does seem to be taking over:

(…)

One of the most inept attempts to stop Dean was engineered by Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic House leader. According to numerous Democrats, Pelosi not only feared Dean, but she feared the potential anti-Dean of the race, Martin Frost, an ex-representative who was redistricted out of his Texas seat by Tom DeLay's political machine. Frost had challenged Pelosi for leader two years ago, and they have had a poisonous relationship ever since. She tapped former Indiana Representative Tim Roemer as her preferred candidate and persuaded Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid to back the decision. It proved to be a pivotal moment, revealing once again how the rules had changed.
When Roemer jumped in, the race had already congealed into Dean versus a field of unknowns. Now Roemer threatened to stamp out Dean's other competitors. But he was unprepared for what would happen next. The entire field of candidates, in concert with the insular liberal blogosphere, rose up and destroyed Roemer.
The hit was silent and deadly. One day I received by messenger a dirty and smudged envelope with no return address. Inside were five pages of anti-Roemer opposition research about his positions on everything from Israel and abortion to labor and Social Security. The same information was fed to numerous blogs, which quickly declared Roemer anathema. "Unless Roemer publicly, loudly, and completely repudiates his recent [pro-privatization] position on Social Security, he is utterly unacceptable as DNC chair," said a post on the pro-Dean site MyDD.com, which served as a key clearinghouse of information about the race. (Roemer did repudiate that position, but it wasn't enough.) By the time Roemer showed up on "This Week" for a Sunday morning announcement of his candidacy, which, in the old days, might have helped solidify him as the establishment choice, he was badly damaged. He spent most of his interview with George Stephanopoulos defensively responding to bloggers he had clearly never heard of, like MyDD and The Washington Monthly's Kevin Drum. "The bloggers, the Internet is a very, very useful tool for us to communicate with voters, ideas. I'm very excited about it, but it can also misinterpret a vote," he complained.
Roemer never recovered. In St. Louis days later, at one of five candidate forums held around the country for DNC members to interview the aspiring chairs, Roemer rose and, glaring at Dean and candidate Simon Rosenberg, lashed out at the "secret e-mails" that were circulating about him. He angrily defended his pro-life record and testily challenged the DNC members to show some tolerance on the issue. It was a brave speech, but it was also the end of his candidacy. Applause was scattered and perfunctory. In New York the next week, he told DNC members, "We shouldn't let a special interest group decide our view on choice." This time, the audience hissed.
The Roemer episode not only exposed the power of the blogs and the weakness of the Hill leadership, it also fatally wounded Frost. He had spent the heart of the short campaign tied up making the case against Roemer instead of attacking Dean. For instance, in a letter sent out to the 447, Frost wrote, "Our party cannot be adequately led by someone whose primary qualification to serve as Chair is his opposition to core Democratic beliefs." By the time Frost turned his attention to Dean, it was much too late. "Roemer," says a top Democratic strategist speaking of the whole affair, "was a debacle."

(…)

Cheney On Iraq Democracy; Not Iranian, Not American; But Iraqi

2005-02-06T08:33:00.000-08:00

Either AP or Yahoo! really are messing with this headline:

"Cheney Says He Doesn't See Iraq Theocracy "

Here's what he said:

{...}
"They will do it their way," Cheney said. "They will do it in accordance with their culture and their history and their beliefs and whatever role they decide they want to have for religion in their society. And that's as it should be."

The United Iraqi Alliance — a Shiite-led group whose leaders have ties to neighbor Iran — has taken a big lead in results being tallied for the Jan. 30 election.

Cheney said he does not think that means Iraq will have a theocracy like that in neighboring Iran, where individual rights are restricted.

The vice president noted that Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, Iraq's most influential Shiite cleric, has said he does not believe clerics should play a direct role in the day-to-day operations of government.
"I think there are a great many people involved in the political process in Iraq who will seek some kind of balance," Cheney told "Fox News Sunday."

"But in the final analysis, the bottom line for everybody to remember here is, this is not going to be, you know, an Iraqi version of America. This is going to be Iraqi. It's going to be written by the Iraqis, for the Iraqis, implemented and executed by them," Cheney said...

Looks Like The Eason Story Will Finally Break In MSM

2005-02-06T07:48:00.000-08:00

Captain Ed has this story so covered, there really is no point in devoting more ramblings to this. Just go to his site and start scrolling. This is just another example of the blogs lighting a fire under the MSM. At the time I'm writing this, his lead post is on the Coleman of Strib fame, another example of the same phenomena.

Diplomad Is History

2005-02-05T15:13:00.000-08:00

I have to go lie down now, I feel a headache coming on...

An Iraq Story Not to be Missed

2005-02-05T12:10:00.000-08:00

I look for these stories on the Mad Ghosts, since they are based in Chicago. This particular post though, needs a 'hankie alert.'

North Korea Is A Threat

2005-02-05T07:45:00.000-08:00

Ok, so this isn't news to most of us. However it is news that Foreign Affairs has an article rebutting one of its previous articles. Also when one of the writers has previously been quite critical of the administration.

Finger Pointing From the UN

2005-02-05T07:35:00.000-08:00

From Reuters we find that Boutros Boutros-Ghali is not inclined to take the blame Kofi has been trying to share.

America Since 9/11 and Before

2005-02-04T17:11:00.000-08:00

Truth is America is not involved in a Vietnam-like quagmire in Iraq. Heck, in Vietnam it wasn't what it is now protrayed to be by the NYT and its ilk. In actuality it is becoming more clear that we may be on the right path, one we lost sight of post WWI, when we knew that countries were behaving badly.

I'm not saying that GW is the 'Great white hope', but he certainly is the most sane response since Reagan.

On Social Security

2005-02-03T02:10:00.000-08:00

I thought the SOTU address was very good and delivered better than I could have hoped for. Great writing and pacing, in spite of themselves the Democrats couldn't stay seated for more than a minute. On foreign affairs, well it's GW and I do believe the world and the Democrats and more importantly the American people are convinced, the man means what he says and has the ability to make his will felt.

Now onto the more difficult arena of domestic affairs. Social Security is the issue. At the above link is a very interesting discussion across generational lines. For the past thirty years I've basically thought that there has to be reform of this program, which has been costing those of us working a fortune during our lifetimes and has never paid out enough to make anyone's retirement adequate on its own.

It seems to me the crux of the problem is that every US citizen alive that has worked, has paid into it, thus is entitled to benefits. I've never come to a better conclusion than we should all be able to get back the money we were forced to pay in, with some minimum interest. Once that threshold has been reached, there should be a means test for whether or not additional payments should continue and at what rate.

Considering the cost of health care, a person that may not make the 'cut off' after their original contributions have been collected, might find that after X number of years, because of declining health, they would now qualify, and they should have that safety net. We cannot continue to burden the young worker to supplement so many increasing aged citizens who have the means to care for themselves. On the other hand, we cannot be callous to seniors that no longer have the ability to care for themselves.

As Blackfive Would Put It: Someone You Should Know

2005-02-02T16:43:00.000-08:00

(Hat Tip, Michelle)

The beginning of the story of Paul R. Smith:

The GIs were dirty, mosquito-bitten, fatigued, homesick. They had been on the road almost constantly for two weeks. Many had not slept in days.
At dawn on April 4, they arrived at Saddam International Airport to the sound of sporadic gunfire and the acrid smell of distant explosions. Breakfast was a mushy, prepackaged concoction the Army optimistically calls "pasta with vegetables."
Still, the mood was upbeat. Reaching the airport meant the war was almost over. Some of the men broke out cheap cigars to celebrate. Afterward, Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith and his combat engineers set about their mission that day, putting up a roadblock on the divided highway that connects the airport and Baghdad. Then, just before 10 a.m., a sentry spotted Iraqi troops nearby. Maybe 15 or 20. By the time Smith had a chance to look for himself, the number was closer to 100.
Smith could oppose them with just 16 men. He ordered his soldiers to take up fighting positions and called for a Bradley, a powerful armored vehicle. It arrived quickly and opened fire. The Americans thought they were in control until, inexplicably, the Bradley backed up and left.
"Everybody was like, "What the hell?"' said Cpl. Daniel Medrano. "We felt like we got left out there alone." The outnumbered GIs faced intense Iraqi fire. Whether they would survive the next few minutes hinged largely on Smith. He was 33 years old, a 1989 graduate of Tampa Bay Vocational-Technical High School, a husband and father of two.
To his men, Smith was like a character in the old war movies they had watched as kids, an infuriating, by-the-book taskmaster they called the "Morale Nazi."

Diplomad on Cuba and the EU

2005-02-02T16:01:00.000-08:00

This is just the introduction:

Showing that all those gusano accounts of his murderous disposition are just CIA fabrications, Cuba's benevolent lider maximo Fidel Castro will forgive the EU, the world's sole remaining
supersoftmarshmellow power. Despite their sins against him, he has decided that he will allow Europeans to continue to give him aid, remain the regime's major trading partner ($2.1 billion in two-way trade, or 40% of Cuba's total foreign trade is with the EU) and host cocktail parties at their embassies in La Habana. He has forgiven them for forcing him in July 2003 to say the following, as reported by the ever-so-delicate German DW wire service,

Castro [called the EU] the "Trojan Horse" of the United States and stated that Cuba no longer needed EU funds to survive <...> this bold remark follows weeks of verbal tirades, with Castro taking on Europe collectively and European leaders individually. <...> Directing his ire at
Spain's Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, one of the most vocal of the EU leaders in calling for sanctions, Castro said: "From a political and moral point of view, Aznar is a coward," and likened him to Adolf Hitler, calling him "the little Führer with the moustache." Italy came next. Current EU president and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was branded a "fascist", "bandit" and "a clown" after Italy cut off Euro 40 million in aid.

And, last but not least, British Prime Minister Tony Blair was attacked for leading the U.K. into a war with Iraq, and he was personally held responsible by Castro for his role in the death of scientist David Kelly, the biological weapons expert who committed suicide <...>

When I saw the above, I knew I had to run over to Val’s site and see what he had on. While I didn’t see the same information, he had plenty of postings on why Fidel remains an enemy of the US.

There are times, too many in the past 20 years or so, that one must just shake one’s head in wonder at the Europeans.

We've Won the War on Terror

2005-02-02T14:52:00.000-08:00

(Hat Tip: Instapundit) True, very true. Confederate Yankee explains.

German Unemployment Soars

2005-02-02T13:47:00.000-08:00

There is no doubt that Germany is running into serious problems economy-wise. I doubt very much that the coming US base closings are going to help this situation, though the problems seem endemic to much of Europe. I guess the next time a European spoouts off about how many hours we in the US work and how little vacation we have, I'll have more of a rejoinder than, "We like to work."

It will be interesting to see how the reforms are taken by the people. I do wonder what is more important to them, their overall economy or their holidays?

UPDATE: A better source at painting the whole picture: http://www.windsofchange.net/archives/006249.php

Pope Rushed To the Hospital

2005-02-01T16:21:00.000-08:00

Seems he had the flu for 3 days, then his breathing became a serious problem. My prayers are with this very good man. It's been a very rough few years for him physically and regarding the church, especially the pedophilia scandals. No matter what, for me the good he had done will overcome some bad judgements.

The NJ 'Hate Crime' Against the Coptics

2005-02-01T16:09:00.000-08:00

There seems to be so much more on this than on the MSM; I know, I know, we're all surprised. Here is more than I've seen anywhere regarding specifics and family information.

Warning: Do not check these out if you just finished eating.

It's Bill's 1st Birthday At INDC Journal

2005-02-01T15:13:00.000-08:00

I didn't realize I've been reading him since the beginning! He has the best photojournalism site on the web combined with a wicked wit. His Moonbats pieces are not to be missed. Added bonus on the link above, 122 of his favorite pics, with the original postings available.

Happy Birthday INDC Journal!

On Interdepartmental Cooperation

2005-01-31T19:56:00.000-08:00

Roger L Simon did a wonderful job of live blogging the Iraqi elections for several hours Sat-Sun night. Seems there was a bit more to his story than he could write.

Chairman Kim’s dissolving kingdom

2005-01-30T20:28:00.000-08:00

There have been rumblings for months now, his disappearing pictures and such. Looks like it's falling. I'm tempted to say any change would have to be better, then again you just never know.

A Finger In the Eyes of the Terrorists

2005-01-30T09:46:00.000-08:00

I saw this on television too, Iraqis holding up their ink stained fingers, as if to say, "It was worth it, we are taking back our country." Kudos to them for showing up in such dramatic numbers and making many realize, you can't kill them all!

A Great Day!

2005-01-30T04:39:00.000-08:00

Went to bed around 1:30 CST, after watching coverage and reading Roger Simon, who did a spectacular job at live blogging the opening hours. At that time, CNN was doing a wonderful job at covering various election locations. FOX provided Geraldo, who was actually great to watch, his enthusiasm for democracy being unchecked.

Woke at about 5:30. FOX was covering turn out, some of the 'incidents', and women voters. Went to CNN, they had a women ranting about how the election should have been postponed, until all the factions were in agreement. This was followed by a military funeral-guess they beat ABC on that one. Turned CNN off.

Just heard, 6:45CST that Reuters is reporting a 72% turnout!

The Voting Begins

2005-01-29T20:11:00.000-08:00

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Polls opened early Sunday in Iraq (news - web sites)'s first free elections in a half-century.

At polling stations across the country, voters began filtering into the polling stations, as poll workers checked their identifications. Iraqi President Ghazi al-Yawer was one of the first set to cast his vote at the convention center serving as election headquarters in the heavily fortified Green Zone.

The Damning But...

2005-01-29T19:56:00.000-08:00

What has been speculation for several days now, is turning into reality. John Cole has the early roundups of the Damning Buts, now being hit from the MSM. The following is only the beginning of his post:

The Damning "But"

The Damning But (aka the "Copperhead Conjunction") is out in full force:

Reuters-

Iraq to Vote Shadowed by Threat of Bloodbath-Sat Jan 29, 2005 04:24 PM ET

Insurgents threatened a bloodbath on Sunday when Iraqis go to the polls in an election intended to unite the country and quell violence but which could instead foment sectarian strife.

Or they could all join hands and sing Kumbaya. Or they could go on without incident. Or there could be some mild violence and nothing more. The possibilities are endless. Why pimp only the worst case?

AP-

Iraq leaders urge calm on election eve, two Americans killed in embassy attack Iraqi officials have predicted up to eight million of 14 million voters will turn out for Sunday's election to choose a National Assembly and governing councils in the 18 provinces. Voters in the Kurdish-run north also will select a regional legislature.

But turnout is uncertain, especially in the Sunni Muslim areas of central, northern and western Iraq where the insurgency is most deadly. About 300,000 Iraqi and U.S. troops are on the
streets and on standby to protect voters.

To The Naysayers

2005-01-29T15:35:00.000-08:00

At this stage of my life, I find myself quite the cynic. In some ways I guess life does that. However this morning I woke up very hopeful for the people in Iraq. My guess is there will be many killed it is and has been the nature of Iraq for decades now.

I have no idea how this will turn out in the long run, but there are some signposts. Germany and Japan are two frequently mentioned successful examples, versions of our system were forced on both of them. Poland, Czechoslovakia are two more modern examples, where the people demanded their freedom and rights. Russia may well be an example of where things are not turning out so well.

I found this chart that shows where the trends have been: http://www.freedomhouse.org/reports/century.html

But looking over that chart, again one is filled with hope tempered by caution.

I guess my hope is in seeing some of the commonalities of those governments where the people actually have more freedom and wealth and hope than they did under their prior systems. Some of those commonalities that strike me:

* a more eduated populace
* a citizenry willing to stand for their rights
* desire and wherewithal to develop natural resources
* a younger population* some history of self-determination
* a history of looking 'outward' to other governments and cultures

The examples of where democratic governments have not been as successful or where 'the jury is still out' lack most of the above, but also have some of the following:
* A long history of totatalitarian control, from within that country, NOT imposed upon it.
* A lack of developing available resources over a lengthly period of time.
* A modern history of a lack of a 'middle class', for want of a better term.

Iraq mostly falls into the former group. They are an educated people and Saddam was seen as a national nightmare, to all but those who benefitted by his reign of terror. He was the uneducated one, imposing through force his will upon the people. Stalin was all that and perhaps more. The Russian people though, had tolerated continued serfdom centuries past the rest of Europe. There was always a ruling elite in Russia, from governing to the arts. Illiteracy was historically high, until the communist schools were set up.

Japan on the other hand had been looking outward, searching for a better way to protect it's tiny culture since the Meiji Revolution. Granted they had a bit of a 'supercharge' there in between the wars, but considering the length of time they decided to look outward, it seems their learning curve on both successes and learning from failures was very high. Iraq fits into this example in many ways. Even under Saddam, many of the educated people managed to get their children out to experience something else. Consider the number of Iraqis now voting from outside of Iraq. They were not willing to stay under his fist, no matter how high the cost might be to those left behind.

Another example of what people will do for freedom and rights, can be seen in the Enfranchisment movements in the US, women had been fighting for the right to vote prior to the Civil War, though many put their 'cause' aside to fight for abolition. They later picked up their cause again, succeeding after WWI. True the franchisment for Blacks took longer and was more violent, but they were willing to pay the price, no matter how high. All things considered, I am hopeful for Iraq. For its people and also for the region. There were many reasons to make Iraq the starting point.

One other funny thought this morning, it used to be those fighting for freedom were considered the 'progressives.' Today the terms Progressives and Conservatives appear to be reversed.

Anyone Else Feeling This Tension?

2005-01-29T14:47:00.000-08:00

All day I've been trying to get things done around the house, you know regular Saturday stuff. I keep running to the news. Force myself back to making dinner, working on lesson plans. Back to computer to see what's going on in Iraq.

I really thought today was going to be bad, I mean 'big time bad.' Worse day there ever. So far, one missile and 2 dead. While my prayers are always with those serving in Iraq, ours or theirs, this seems impossible to believe good news. I keep hoping and praying it stays like this.

Three Years of Blogging and Two Years of Politics

2005-01-29T11:33:00.000-08:00

Short and to the point.

Chrenkoff: Good News From the Muslim World

2005-01-28T23:11:00.000-08:00

His weekly reports are a must read. This is Part 4 of 'The Muslim World'.