Wednesday, February 22

Birthday Post

I did a few errands yesterday and picked up an Apple iSight. For those who haven't played with it, this thing is amazing. And, how! Here's what I received for my birthday:

The Simpsons DVD Set: Seasons 6 & 7
Meet the Fockers
Team America: World Police (unrated)
two books - Adams vs. Jefferson (The Tumultuous Election onf 1800) and Apple Confidential 2.0
Some money for a second iSight to use in Iraq

Boredom brought on iSight fun. Enjoy.

Birthday Gifts. (missing: one book and cash for new iSight)
Birthday me.

Gaze deep into the wormhole.

Messy Desk with iBook G3 800mhz and iMac G4 800mhz.

Tuesday, February 21

In America, First You Get The Sugar, Then You Get The Power, Then You Get The Women...

Tomorrow's my 23rd birthday, but today's a good day for quick hits.

It's apparently legal to skip that receipt-checker at Sam's Club or other big box stores:
"[T]his verification step is purely voluntary. Merchants basically have two rights covering people entering and exiting their stores. They can refuse to let you enter the premises and/or to sell you anything, and they can place you under citizens arrest for attempting to leave the premises with any property that you haven't paid for. But the second you hand over the appropriate amount of cash, they lose all rights to the items. They can't legally impair you from leaving the store with your property."
Hmph... how about that...

Austria jails Holocaust denier for three years. Seriously? yes... seriously.

Today, I buy an iSight. And to the gentleman who purchased the winning $365 million lottery ticket: Please buy me one of these and one of these. MacBook Pro's are now shipping.

1160 AM, WBOB, is no longer on the radio and Clear Channel has dropped Glenn Beck for abysmal annoyance Tony Snow. This has forced me to venture over to the dark side of the dial - FM.

Hannity and Springer duke it out on Saturday in Cincinnati. I wish I could go, but hope to catch the podcast later. Should be great to hear two people with unsound arguments go at each others' throats with sharpened claws. I have no prediction for the winner of the debate, only the loser - the American public.

It looks like Al Qaeda offers a decent healthcare and vacation package for its employees. I hear business is ... booming. *snicker snicker* More Developing: Maryland to impose government rules bettering the healthcare of Al Qaeda employees to match that of WalMart.

That's enough for today.

Friday, February 17

Friday Quick Hits

Time for some stuff I've found interesting around the web.

PETA has new merchandise on its website poking fun at Dick Cheney's hunting incident. Their new slogan: "DON'T BE A DICK: BAN HUNTING" ... Clever.

I checked out the new movie "Final Destination 3." Great flick. If you enjoyed the other two, you'll be cheering over the blood and gore in the newest sequel.

If you haven't checked out Princess Sparkle Pony's Photo Blog, put it in your bookmarks. Politics, photos, and fashion... can't beat it.

The New Amsterdams have a new album coming out on March 21st. I can't wait.

Ann Coulter is in some hot water. The seditious Ted Rall may sue over remarks at the CPAC in D.C. (Sad I couldn't make it.) Her remarks: "Iran is soliciting cartoons on the Holocaust. So far, only Ted Rall, Garry Trudeau, and The New York Times have made submissions." The conservative queen of insults can't seem to vote in the right precinct either. She voted in Precinct 1196, instead of Precinct 1198 for a Palm Beach council election. Penalty could result in $5,000 fine or five years behind bars.

Paul Hackett dropped out of the Senate race against sitting Sen. Mike Dewine (R-OH). This is the only guy who had a shot against Dewine. I shake my head in disapointment of the Democratic Party. But, thanks Sen. Reid for ensuring the Republican win.

Cleric Offers Reward For Cartoonist's Head

How's this for a "religion of peace"? A Pakastani Muslim cleric is offering a $25,000 reward to anyone that kills the artist of cartoons creating so much controversy, voilence, and destruction throughout the world. The Toronto Star has more:
Mohammed Yousaf Qureshi, prayer leader at the historic Mohabat Khan mosque in the northwestern city of Peshawar, announced the mosque and the Jamia Ashrafia religious school he leads would give a 1.5 million rupee ($25,000) reward and a car for killing the cartoonist of the prophet pictures that appeared first in a Danish newspaper in September.

"Whoever has done this despicable and shameful act, he has challenged the honour of Muslims. Whoever will kill this cursed man, he will get $1 million dollars from the association of the jewellers bazaar, one million rupees from Masjid Mohabat Khan and 500,000 rupees and a car from Jamia Ashrafia as a reward," Qureshi said.

"This is a unanimous decision of by all imams (prayer leaders) of Islam that whoever insults the prophet deserves to be killed and whoever will take this insulting man to his end, will get this prize," Qureshi said.

The media through a fit over Pat Robertson's remarks to have Hugo Chavez "taken out." Where's the same outrage over the countless Muslims and Cleric Quereshi?

Friday, February 10

Abandoning Islam and It's Double Standard

It is more than difficult to tackle the issue of current protests and vandalism caused by Muslims in response to blasphemous cartoons. On one hand, it seems necessary to precede every sentence of criticism with "Islam is a religion of peace." On the other hand, with the evidence presented within the last quarter decade, the religion of Islam seems to have more radical fanatics than any other present-day faith. (Cults are excluded in this claim.)

Perhaps a preface is needed. Every religion has a violent history. The intention of this opinion-piece is to compare today's religions' actions to each other and expose the absolute intolerance of the Muslim faith. Let it be known that I am an agnostic and approach the issue without a Christian bias.

A back-story may also be desired for those who have not been keeping tabs on current events. On September 30th of last year, the Danish newspaper, Jyllands-Posten published a dozen cartoons of the Muslim prophet Mohammad - some neutral, some negative, and a few positive in nature. Either way, it is against the faith's traditions and dogma to depict the prophet in any way. (However, the Quran forbids idolatry, not necessarily pictorial depictions of the prophet.) Since the cartoons ran, the response has been overwhelming - most notably within the last few weeks. On a peaceful note, a boycott on Danish products has been organized in Middle Eastern countries, Muslim public figures have demanded government action by Denmark, protests have been widespread, and the Arab League even requested the United Nations step in. The severity of the obsceneness of the cartoons is not under question. However, the peaceful protests quickly escalated to other means, which triggered vandalism and murders throughout the world. A Danish General Consulate in Beirut was torched resulting in one death of a protestor, Danish and Norwegian Embassies were set ablaze in Syria, violent riots have been widespread across multiple continents, five have been killed in Afghanistan, Catholic priest Andrea Santoro was murdered by a sixteen year-old, and yesterday, a Turkish internet café, frequently visited by Turkish riot police was bombed, injuring fourteen. Who knows how much more violence will take place over offensive cartoons.

But, offensive cartoons and criticism of the faith are nothing new. Violence is commonplace when non-Muslims expose the fanaticism of their religion. In 1989, Salman Rushdie published the book The Satanic Verses which depicted the Muslim prophet as a businessman. His punishment: Sentenced to death by the Iranian government. Both the book's Japanese and Italian translators physically suffered at the hands of angry Muslims, one of which was murdered. Thirty-seven people who came to hear a speech given by one of the translators died when the hotel they were at was torched.

In 2004, Theo van Gogh, a Dutch filmmaker, was murdered for his movie Submission about the violence against women in Islamic societies. Mohammed Bouyeri stabbed a note to his chest threatening Jews and Western governments. Van Gogh's sidekick for the film, Hirsi Ali, was also threatened in the letter.

Islamic governments have played their role in censoring blasphemous speech and press. Pakistani citizen Ghulam Akbar was sentenced to death in 1998 for speaking out against Mohammad. Abdul Hasnain Muhammad Yusuf Ali was sentenced to death for "defiling the name of Muhammad" in the same country. Hashem Aghajari told Muslims not to blindly follow their religious leaders. He was sentenced to death by Iran in 2002. Today, citizens are still persecuted for open dialogue criticizing the Muslim faith and their prophet.

Christianity, for sure, has had its violent past. However, the actions of today's most devout followers can't compete with those of Islam's. To compare, in 1987, a picture of a crucifix submerged in urine and blood was put on display in New York using federal taxpayer dollars. Outraged Christians gathered to protest, write letters, and call their Congressmen. No one died and no buildings were torched in response to the picture.

At the same event, British citizen Chris Ofili put on display a painting of a black Mary (mother of Christ) surrounded by pornography. Another work of art by Ofili consisted of a painting of a black Mary with elephant feces slapped onto it. Once again, outrage consisted of letters, protests, and eyes (instead of heads) rolling.

It is not uncommon for late-night comedians to poke fun at the Catholic Church's priest abuse scandal and situation. David Letterman took a shot at the Church by saying, "I'm looking forward to the next 'Star Wars' movie—'Attack of the Clergy.'" MadTV featured an opening skit, which portrayed priests as child molesters. Bill Maher, on Politically Incorrect commented, "So it is in this spirit that I offer this modest proposal that the Catholic Church just drop the pretense and just go gay. Just come out of the confessional. Preach the sermon on the mountain. Embrace it. Let the straight people be Baptists. It's high time you gay Catholics stood up and announced to the world, 'We're here, we're queer, get Eucharist.'" Is it necessary to point out that no one was beheaded or burned as a result to these comments?

Jews also have it rough, yet, for some reason violent outbursts are not made in the name of their savior or faith. Al Jazeera and the Iranian newspaper Hamshahri have begun running cartoons blasting the Jewish culture, faith, and country.

The double standard is nothing new. In 2003, Qatari newspaper Al-Wantan ran anti-Semitic cartoons portraying Jews as a weapon of mass destruction, a puppeteer of America, and a lover of terror. In 2002, Al-Ahram, a Syrian newspaper, ran cartoons stereotyping the Jewish media influence. There is no doubt the defamation of Jews in the form of caricatures and cartoons.

Continuing with examples would do nothing but waste time and space. You get the idea. To be fair, I thought I would rattle off some quotes by the prophet Mohammad in contrast to what Jesus said. But why be fair? Muslims are not giving equal treatment to fellow radicals that publish toons about Jews. Here are some quotes from the Quran that prove disturbing, to say the least:
"Fight those who do not believe in Allah ... And the Jews say Ezra is the son of God; and the Christians say Christ is the son of God; these are the words of their mouths; they imitate the saying of those who disbelieved before; Allah's curse be on them; how they are turned away! (Koran 9:29-30)

Fight those who do not believe in Allah, nor in the latter day, nor do they prohibit what Allah and His Messenger have prohibited, Nor follow the religion of truth, out of those who have been given the book [Christians and Jews], until they pay the tax in acknowledgment of superiority and they are in a state of subjection. (9:29)

Surely they who disbelieve in the communications of Allah - they shall have a severe punishment; and Allah is Mighty, the lord of retribution. (3:4)

For those who point to the Book of Revelations to cite similar phrases in defense of their argument, one need only look at the amount of killings done within the last quarter century in the name of Allah as opposed to those done in the name of Jesus Christ.

This double standard doesn't stop with Muslims; it reaches into the liberal media as well. CNN, yesterday, ran quite a few anti-Semitic cartoons, but refused to run any of the Danish cartoons that have upset so many along with a Cagle cartoon portraying Mohammad as a stick figure drawn by a little boy. Only three American newspapers have run the cartoons when reporting the worldwide violence. In America, jokes about Christians, especially Catholics, boost ratings and get quite a cackle from the viewing audience. Either the media lives in fear of attacks by radical Muslims, or they are pandering to their liberal friends that find it okie-dokie to make fun of Christians but beneath themselves to wholly report the news about cartoons making fun of the prophet Mohammad. Their record tells me it's the latter.

When tens of thousands are inciting violence in the name of their religion, it can be assumed that the religion might just have something to do with the violence they're inciting. For me, Islam is no longer a religion of peace. If it's followers would like to change my mind, perhaps their leaders should gather together to denounce the actions of the rioters, vandalizes, and killers. Until then, I can only go on their actions of violence.

Tuesday, February 7

US CENTCOM Link


SPC C. Flowers of CENTCOM Public Affairs sent me a link to their web page. There are a lot of videos, pictures, and news that's free for the taking. A CENTCOM podcast is coming soon and I'll be sure to check it out. Give it a spin here.

Catching Up

I flew up to Killington, VT to ski for two days and party it up with some other guys. The conditions were not the greatest, but was a fun time. I had to fly through Atlanta to get to Albany and on the way I saw Cornell West.

If you haven't seen this trailer for Brokeback to the Future, check it out. It's hilarious.

If you haven't heard about or read LA Times Columnist Joel Stein's Column Warriors and Wusses, read it. I'm happy somebody on the left tells the truth. Many say they support the troops and don't support the mission. Stein calls the hypocrites out and says, "The real purpose of those ribbons is to ease some of the guilt we feel for voting to send them to war and then making absolutely no sacrifices other than enduring two Wolf Blitzer shows a day." Thanks, Joel for saying what so many won't.

The cost of free speech and press is apparently very high. What could possibly happen if a Danish newspaper publishes pictures making fun of the Prophet Mohammad? Click here for the answer. Another thing I've noticed is the media's use of the words "demonstrators" and "protesters". Could the press please be more appropriate and less P.C.? How about "Muslim radicals" or "vandalizers"?

To celebrate my birthday, Steve Jobs is throwing me a big birthday party. Apple is also hyping the 1 Billionth iTunes Music Store sale.

Monday, February 6

Bush Congratulates Steelers

Yesterday, President Bush called up Bill Cowher to congratulate him on his victory. In addition, he also wrote a letter to the American people about the win:
Fellow Americans,
Last night, nearly one hundred million people turned in to watch the two best football teams engage in the most American activity: competition. Some competed for money, some fame, and others ratings. What Coach Bill Cowher and his Pittsburgh team were competing for: America. In attendance at the game in Detroit was a dear friend and Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice. Secretary Rice represented the American people and by rooting for the Steelers, America was rooting for the Steelers. Those who cheered on the Seattle Seahawks obviously did not want America to win. Anyone who rooted for the Seahawks was rooting against America. Last night, our nation saw victory. Congratulations to Bill Cowher and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
When you root against the Steelers, you're letting the terrorists win. And that's not a good stategery.
God bless America and God bless the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Sincerely,
President George W. Bush

Wednesday, February 1

News Clips & Ramblings

Condi Rice is attending the Superbowl, and like me, will be cheering on the Steelers. On the other hand, evil Bill Gates is rooting for the Seahawks. (His friend and parter Paul Allen owns the team.) I won't feel the least bit bad when that thief is crying in his beer.

Some advice for Cindy Sheehan: If you plan on running against DiFi for the Senate seat, being arrested twice is not a way to win voters' hearts.

Prince Henry will be deploying to Basra, Iraq in May 2007. Hooah!

Apparently, I'm not the only one disgusted with the media's coverage of reporters Woodruff and Vogt. Over 2,200 have given their life for the cause, and thousands more wounded. Two reporters get wounded and the press pats themselves on the back for days for going into battle to bring you slanted news. I didn't hear once of the 11 soldiers KILLED in the same week the two ABC newsmen were INJURED. I didn't think my faith in the media could drop, but I guess I was expecting too much.

Five states are working toward legislation banning abortion in their states. Their plan: appeal and appeal up to the SCOTUS with the hope of overturning Roe. I'm for it. As a pro-choicer (pro-death), I would love to see women continue to have control over their bodies. But Roe was just a horrible ruling. Nowhere in the Constitution or the Bill of Rights does it give women the right to abortion. The decision should be up to the people and their state legislators. If the people want the right, let them have it. Where would we be if Ted Kennedy's mom was pro-choice? Probably in a better nation. (I'm sure that comment will come back to haunt me.)

I leave Feb. 26th for Ft. Bliss, TX, spend a week processing, then am deploying to Baghdad, Iraq.

Georgie's SOTU

Let me first start off by saying that last night's State of the Union Address was awesome. George isn't the best speaker, but his speechwriters did a hell of a job. Bush only stumbled once and his eyes were aimed at the right places at the right time. When speaking to Congress, he looked to them, and when speaking to the Iranian and American people, his eyes shot straight to the viewers at home via the cameras. Good play.

I was very impressed by the tone of the speech. The somber beginning remembering Mrs. King was a shocker to me. The first half was very forceful and determined. Foreign Policy is his thing. It doesn't hurt that his poll numbers go up when he talks about 9/11 (referred to only once). The second half took a different tone. It was one of triumph. He broke out the numbers of our success and how we are going to become a better nation through new programs. The Healthcare plans, immigration talk, and more money for math and science turned me off, however. As much as I liked the tone, it could have ended on a higher note. "We can do this. We will triumph. Because we have before, we will continue. God bless the United States of America and let's get started."

I was very pleased with his attempt to bring together both sides of Congress to work toward progress. However, the Dems are set on opposing anything and everything that comes out of Bush's mouth. So, the fight to become a less partisan nation might be harder fought than won. But, maybe I'm wrong and the bleeding hearts might open up their arms.

Here are some quotes that were just stellar last night:
"When they murder children at a school in Beslan, or blow up commuters in London, or behead a bound captive, the terrorists hope these horrors will break our will, allowing the violent to inherit the Earth. But they have miscalculated: We love our freedom, and we will fight to keep it.

Hindsight alone is not wisdom, and second-guessing is not a strategy.

Members of Congress, however we feel about the decisions and debates of the past, our nation has only one option: We must keep our word, defeat our enemies, and stand behind the American military in this vital mission.

If there are people inside our country who are talking with al Qaeda, we want to know about it, because we will not sit back and wait to be hit again.

And our economy grows when Americans have more of their own money to spend, save, and invest.

By applying the talent and technology of America, this country can dramatically improve our environment, move beyond a petroleum-based economy, and make our dependence on Middle Eastern oil a thing of the past.

These gains are evidence of a quiet transformation -- a revolution of conscience, in which a rising generation is finding that a life of personal responsibility is a life of fulfillment.

I will continue to nominate men and women who understand that judges must be servants of the law, and not legislate from the bench."