Tuesdays with Portia

There have been a few things I've wanted to post about in the last few days but haven't been able to due to work or spending time at the beach. The latter being more enjoyable, of course, eventhough it resulted in strange sun burn patterns.

Anyhow, in case you haven't been able to read many columns on terrorism lately, have I got what you need!

1. Amir Taheri writes about dealing with terrorism. This man knows what he's talking about. He's a brilliant author from Iran whom I was able to see have a discussion with Dennis Prager a few years ago at a synagogue in Beverly Hills. That was an amazing experience. His article carries great credibility since 1. he knows what he is talking about, and 2. he comes from the same culture that produces men like the new Iranian president.
2. In an extremely biased "news" piece, AP outlines the results of the G8 meeting. I'm personally outraged at most of the outcome. I cannot believe the Palestinians will be handed $9 billion! Why don't we support the Taliban and Al Qaeda while we're at it? Unbelievable. I am very proud of President Bush. It must be nauseating for him to have to deal with these backward, double minded, cowardly leaders (Blair exempt, of course).
3. Your parents probably always told you, "Life is Unfair." Well, indeed it is. Life can also be so incredibly ridiculous that a cliche just won't do.   
4. And, lastly, what would life be without celebrities claiming imaginary influence over world events? Not like Bono doesn't deserve credit for his past work with Africa, but Live 8 didn't raise a dime for the "starving, AIDS afflicted, poverty stricken people of Africa." (In fact, all of the involved artists received tremendous increases in record sales after their performances, some of which might be donated to charity..how noble.) It was just a bunch of self-righteous whiners hoping they wouldn't have to do actual research and actual work to help solve a multi-faceted problem that cannot be solved simply by throwing money at it.
5. One more final thing to be repeatedly redundant: Cotillion is having its weekly ball today. Sisu is one of the lovely hostesses. And Instapundit linked to us! A terribly exciting development.