With all this ports business I've seen all over everywhere, we need to know who to trust! In the vein, we have no idea who is managing Port McClellan! Sure, there's that brave facade of About Page press releases, but who is really running the show!
I challenge the great State of California to investigate these things. Where's the strong Democratic leadership that's turned this fine State into the model for education and immigration in securing the ports?
These are heady times, and we need answers, not what the Bush Administration is giving out, a trickle at a time. What if Saudi Arabia is running Port McClellan? They could launch attacks on our precious infrastructure and stuff. Plus, them Saudis would totally hog the beach and not let anybody surf or nothing...you know that's their whole plan, right?
Or, even worse, the Chinese! Yeah, the Chinese running Port McClellan. Oh yeah, it could happen. With their....chinese...stuff...that...they do...all in that foreign language, whatever that is...
Alright, I've gone on too long. They got eyes, you know, watching you...all the time. They got these traces on the internets. Yeah, it's all this big conspiracy. The government doesn't want you to know about, because they want to make sure you are...something. They want you to be something. I dunno what it is, but I do know it's a plot.
Come to think of it...who's running Port Iarediscovered?!?!?
Cover-ups everywhere! CONSPIRACY!!!!!!!!!
One of my most favorite recent headlines: Ringling Brothers accused of spying on PETA. How could you not click on that link?
I'd love front row seats to this show. A circus company and an animal rights group in a courtroom, together. You can't find a writer alive who could write a more amusing scenario. Truth stranger than fiction? I think so.
I feel an added burden to blog tonight, simply to move that hideous Cinderella picture further down the page. :)
After braving torrential downpour, wind storms with only 50 feet of visibility, followed by more rain storms, I've safely returned. I won't say, "It's good to be back," since if you've read my blog for any lenth of time you'll know that I don't mind living out of a suitcase. I woke up this morning, thrilled that I was going to drive for 6 hours. (See earlier mention of audio books and lecture series.) But I do love home.
By the time I reached Jackson on Friday, I'd listened to Dennis Prager's show; Eats, Shoots and Leaves; took a break from intellectual topics to listen to the Schindler's List soundtrack; and practiced my French for a few hours after that. Among the beginning warm up phrases, my favorite had to have been, "Je suis américain." Close runner up, "Je ne suis pas français." (I'm currently working on, "And darn proud of it," to tag to the first statement.)
On the return trip, I listened to The Teaching Company lectures on C.S. Lewis and Classic Greek Mythology, practiced more French, listened to a sermon by Bishop Joseph Garlington on the favor of God (he's one of my favorite speakers that my church is fortunate enough to welcome a few times a year), and listened to a bit more music so as not to be too distracted while trying not to hydroplane through the Grapevine.
My primary reason for taking the trip was to visit friends who are expecting their first child. When I shared the details of my trip with my mother, she excitedly informed me that our Italian ancestors settled in Jackson when they first came from Italy, four generations ago. My first thought was, "Why the heck would you settle there?" That was, of course, before I saw how beautiful it was, remembered the whole Gold Rush thing, and realized it's still prime real estate for vineyards.
After learning that half of my family's heritage could be traced in this location, I decided it would be a great opportunity to research my geneology. My mom gave me a list of our family names and I called my friends to read off a few. To my surprise, they knew of a winery that bore one of our primary family names.
Sunday, my friends led me down Highway 49 (a stunningly beautiful stretch of land that puts English countrysides to shame) giving me a brief history lesson on the area while directing me to the vineyard of interest. We arrived at Charles Spinetta Winery one half hour before closing, which turned out to be perfect timing. The minute I mentioned my family background it turned into a fascinating exchange with the owners. I never anticipated how happy it would make me to find out more about my family, and I wish I could describe how exciting it was to hear Mrs. Spinetta mention our other family names in her conversation without me ever tipping her off that those were our names as well. It was my own hunt for buried treasure, so to speak.
After purchasing a bottle of "Heritage Red" (not just for the name, it was my favorite red), a Chenin Blanc and a dessert wine, I listened intently to the stories that were, that had to be, connected to my family. On my way out, Jim Spinetta (son of Charles) said he threw in a bottle of their family's red wine vinegar and when I went to shake his hand, he said, "Hey...we're family," and hugged me. That little detour was one of the most delightful experiences I've ever had.
That's a brief recap of the events of my weekend. I discovered I absolutely love long drives, asking questions and being Italian. I'm back to the daily grind now, making a trip to downtown L.A. tomorrow to process graduate apps and will be in Orange County on Wednesday to do the same. So, as of Thursday, things will be normal again.
Oh, who am I kidding?
Back when she was saying we should all go see this...twice, I had no idea what for. I still don't.
One could easily get whiplash trying to keep up with news on the UAE acquisition of our ports. Although personally not thrilled about this decision, I kept thinking, "Bush knows what he's doing, and whatever that is should be good for our country."
Until the numbers changed. From six ports to TWENTY-ONE.
It gets worse.
The Marine Transportation Security Act of 2002 requires vessels and port facilities to conduct vulnerability assessments and develop security plans including passenger, vehicle and baggage screening procedures; security patrols; establishing restricted areas; personnel identification procedures; access control measures; and/or installation of surveillance equipment. Under the same law, port facility operators may have access to Coast Guard security incident response plans -- that is, they would know how the Coast Guard plans to counter and respond to terrorist attacks.
Here's where the whiplash comes in. An article in the WSJ by Glenn Harlan Reynolds (of Instapundit.com) assures us it might not be so bad after all.
Then Jim Dunnigan of StrategyPage explained why the UAE has been a good friend to the U.S. and is likely to be trustworthy here, and why this deal is in American interests. I found it pretty convincing. A lot of other bloggers, of all political persuasions, were reaching the same conclusion, even as the mass-media and talk-radio hysteria was still building. (To be fair, some Big Media like The Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post were weighing in with good sense.) As the National Journal's Blogometer reported, "This movement was generally led by the intellectual right, and the intellectual left soon found itself in guarded agreement -- the deal wasn't as bad as it first seemed."
Mr. Reynolds may not have been aware that the number of ports involved would jump from six to twenty-one. I'm still trying to support our President, but this is a tough call.
PM John Howard is showing a spine of steel by not caving into Muslim pressure to censure Treasurer Peter Costello.
Why?
In his speech, Mr Costello said where there was reason to believe people were not truthfully or honestly meeting their citizenship test, there was every right for them to be denied citizenship. He likened entering Australia to entering a mosque, with people entering a Muslim place of worship expected to take their shoes off as a mark of respect. "If you don't want to take your shoes off, don't go into a mosque. If you want to come into Australia, you will be asked respect for its values," Mr Costello told the Nine Network this morning. "If you don't have respect for those values, don't ask to come into Australia."
There's some thinking out there that says upset people vote out the party they think is in power. That's the sort of thinking that leads me to believe that there will be a third party, as the people who are in the Democratic Party who have the perception that the way to win elections is to go leftward. It's this thinking that fueled my idea of a repositioning of sensibilities.
Yesterday I posted my story linking to my theory there will be a major third party by 2008. This morning, MarcV came back with a repudiation of what I was thinking, mainly taking umbrage with the numbers, and with this:
I read your other post and respectfully disagree with where you think a third party will find support. The Dems are a splintered party, between moderates and the fringes, yet it's the fringe groups (tree-huggers, anti-war, pro-abortion[death]) that bring in the money, so they'll continue to control the party and take the Dems further off the political victory track.
Maybe I wasn't clear, but I hoped to show that there would be a third party, financed well, but as inept as their fringe always is in elections. Yes, they will get the money, but since the superior financing is in the Republican Party right now, and would slide to the center in my thinking, then the two most rightward parties will continue to run elections. There are places, such as San Francisco or Minnesota, where those far-left people will win, thus keeping up the hope that they have a national presence.
Just to be clear, MarcV isn't wrong about the current financiers of the Democratic Party taking it off the winning track. I think there are groups inside the Republican Party (Log Cabin, conservative blacks, liberal Christians) that would gladly provide the impetus for the Democratic Party to shift right. This would come after the Kos Kid-types got sick of the biased, right-wing policies of the Democratic Party.
Yes, there's people who think the Democratic Party is too far to the right.
Link from Ace.
Blogging like crazy at MacStansbury.org keeps the old writing abilities sharp, and so does reading a lot of news sites. When Portia asked me to keep her little blog company this afternoon, there wasn't really a compelling story anyone could just pick up out as an easy way to blog. It was thinking about the one story that we're continually being beat on the head by, this port thing, that made me start to think about something: this is the first time I've heard the Democrats talking tough about homeland security.
Early this morning, I finally posted my completely feeling-based idea that there will be a major third party by 2008, and I'm starting to see how polls are starting to show me that I may be on to something. The followers of the Democratic Party is starting to see it as being impotent.
From Zogby International:
While high-profile Democrats in Washington, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and U.S. Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, spar with GOP adversaries, 58% of self-described Democrats said they think their leaders should “accept their lower position in Congress and work together with Republicans to craft the best legislation possible.”
Only 6% said the top goal for Democrats should be to defeat Republican legislation.
In another sign that Democrats, after spending 11 years in the minority in the U.S. House and most of those years holding minority status in the Senate, are now accepting their lower position, nearly one-quarter of Democrats – 23% – said they think Republicans do a better job running Congress.
Twenty percent of Democratic respondents to the latest Zogby Poll said their party leaders in Washington should work to highlight their policy differences with the majority Republicans, while 10% said they should concentrate on bringing federal money home to their own districts.
Note that I said there would be a third party by 2008; I said nothing about them winning. Something to keep your eyes on.
A quick note to say that blogging will be extra light (we're talking Kate Moss-light) this weekend, beginning tonight. I will be in this great state's capital visiting friends and attempting to trace some Italian roots.
I opted out of flying not because I'm a glutton for punishment but simply because the thought of being alone, in a car, by myself, without distractions listening to books on cd, for five to six hours is almost too wonderful to bear. I'm sure at some point I'll go stir crazy and end up calling friends to distract me, but I'm excited about the mini road trip.
I really don't anticipate blogging at all once I'm up there. I'm taking my laptop for the purpose of uploading pictures only, and checking email occasionally.
So, have a wonderful weekend! My hope would be that some guest bloggers (ahem, Mutti and MacStansbury) would grace you with their presence. We'll see.
Arrivederci!
So apparently this whole port thing is complicated. Who would've guessed?
The Blue State Conservative has a balanced post aimed at telling us to "simmer down now."
We aren't -- and will never -- turn over port security to a foreign company. The U.S. Coast Guard and the port authorities are still in charge of security as they were when the London-based company was running the six ports.
Even still, not sitting too well with me.
UPDATE: I've heard a handful of arguments not necessarily trying to rally enthusiasm, but rather to convince people that if we don't give moderate muslims (who have been supportive of the War on Terror) a chance, we're shooting ourselves in the foot. Dennis Prager cited times in which we sided with those we normally opposed but saw a greater good in allying ourselves with them to stop a growing threat.
I almost had an opportunity to travel to Dubai to conduct a communication seminar last year. I don't regret passing up that trip, but in many ways it would have been nice to get a slightly better feel for how they do business. I just felt it might be slightly hard to blend in there. The fly on the wall scenario was truly unrealistic, once thoroughly thought through.
I'm anxious to see how this all plays out.
Hugh Hewitt articulates some of the very valid reasons why we should be suspicious of this whole port business.
That intuition is not based on crude typecasting of all UAE citizens as potential terrorists. Rather, it seems to be based on a general understanding that (1)big, successful crimes involve either extensive surveillance and/or cooperation by an "insider," and that (2) ownership of the port operations by the UAE increases the likelihood of both.
He goes on to highlight some of the most successful inside jobs in history. Click here to read on.
I also heard Hewitt say that he thinks this might be another Harriet Miers situation, in which case everyone would have to admit that President George W. Bush is a media puppeteer genius.
In case you haven't heard this speculation, it goes something like this:
1. President Bush announces the possible deal with the UAE business.
2. The mainstream media is too busy with Cheney's birdshot to follow.
3. Cheney business over. MSM outraged over port business.
4. Republicans threaten to halt the deal if Pres. Bush goes through with it.
5. Pres. Bush says he'll veto their halt; just giving Arabs a fair chance.
6. The deal goes to Hades. He assures Arabs he did the best he could. It's all congress' fault.
7. The only other company capable of doing what the UAE company could steps up to bat.
8. That company's country of origin? The U.S. of A.
I hope this is what happens. I won't appreciate the fact that my blood pressure was high for three days without cause. But I certainly understand the need to mislead the misleading media. It would be an absolutely ingenious ploy.
We'll see.
This is utterly terrifying:
A charter school in St. Paul, Minnesota, has capitulated to Muslim parents and removed most of the art curricula common to grade school art classes.
Little Green Footballs reports:
NO HUMAN IMAGES
Out the window right away went masks, puppets and that classic of elementary school art class, the self-portrait, said Sara Langworthy, an artist with ArtStart. Revamping the curriculum “definitely requires stepping outside of the normal instincts that you fall back on,” she said.
In their place came nature scenes and geometric forms and patterns, said Carol Sirrine, ArtStart’s executive director. This week, the class was cutting out shapes to make into cardboard pouches. Another project involved taking photographs and mapping the neighborhood around the school.
The conversation about what is appropriate is still open.
In a meeting this week, Langworthy asked Ahmad whether the students can do silhouettes of hands. That’s fine, he said.
This is outrageous. Today as I was walking in to tutor a student I had an overwhelming feeling that our freedoms are slowly being siphoned right from under our noses. We're all too busy and too concerned with things that do matter, but can't see that this is serious. I just hope people find the time enough to scream "foul."
I've already written a very pointed letter. I tried not to scare them off too quickly, but for Pete's sake, not allowing children to draw animals or hands even? This is not happening in my country.
Please email the school. The only address I could find was info@hgacademy.org.
The number to the school is (651) 645-1000.
Muzzy, Mr. Writer, we need you all to help keep this from spreading. I hate that this is happening in your backyard.
I've always laughed when Jerry Seinfeld pokes fun at pilots for the endless amount of information they give when coming on the intercom. And it's true, they list the most random cities and trivia when flying overhead. I don't mind it. But I'd much rather they say stuff like this. I'd be all ears then. I think I might even cheer.
Hat tip: My mom.
I keep thinking, "This can't be real. This can't actually be happening."
President Bush is planning on permitting Arab owned companies tremendous access to six of our ports on the East Coast.
The nail in the coffin for this deal is that Jimmy Carter is fully behind it. This is insane. Jimmy "Arafat" Carter thinks this is a good idea! Jimmy! Jimmy Carter who gave us a lovely display of disrespect and cowardice by taking shots at the president (just a few feet from him, in fact) during a eulogy for Coretta Scott King not more than a few weeks ago. Jimmy Carter who thinks Palestinians are fully justified in blowing up innocent civilians at pizza parlors. Jimmy Carter who said Fahrenheit 911 was his favorite movie.
Better yet, Hillary is against it! I never thought I'd see the day where I took Hillary's side against a Bush initiative.
Thank God for Bill Frist who swears to halt the deal if the President decides to go through with it.
This cannot happen. We cannot sell out six of our major ports to businesses that belong to countries that hate us.
Post Script: This was a rant. I'm well aware that it's not quite in the works yet, nor would it entitle the Arab owned and operated companies to total control of the ports. Even still, this can't happen.
Also, I recognize that Hillary is positioning herself to garner support from the right. That woman doesn't have a sincere bone in her body, except she sincerely hates conservatives. So, I'm not so naive to think she doesn't have ulterior motives for this.
If this is true, then I take this back. I did qualify. I did say I could be wrong.
My family hails from Torino (and Genoa) and I would have loved to have seen these games financially profit the region. But it doesn't look as though it will end up that way. As far as the last several Winter Olympic Games go, I believe the Salt Lake City games were really the only winter games to be quite financially beneficial to the host. This all begs the question, why aren't the Olympic Games nearly as exciting as they used to be?
I have a few theories I've been hashing out with friends and family.
Theory Number One:
1. When the IOC, or whomever, decided to split the games into two year intervals rather than keep both winter and summer competitions in the same year, every four years, the games became a more familiar occurence. They used to be something highly anticipated due to the four year gap. Now, it feels like they're every few months. A case of "familiarity breeds contempt?" I think so.
2. Most of the world can't or doesn't participate in the events in the winter games. I can't name one Southern Californian who luges. There are only a few states in the union in which that's even possible. And most winter games are completely impossible in regions such as South America and Africa. You don't see Venezuela as the team to beat in the Men's Skeleton final. The inability to relate to many of the events must contribute to the lack of interest.
3. All the human interest stories and the contrived "spirit of unity" among the competing nations doesn't make for good competition. We don't want to relate to the trials of the Chinese figure skaters. We want to destroy them. Make us hate the other teams. That makes for good viewing. Enough of this "we're all the same" garbage. It may be true, but it's not interesting.
4. The state of the world right now would cause concerned citizens to worry about whether or not we're going to be attacked by Islamic regimes and taken over by pro-Muslim/anti-Judeo-Christian ideologies. When confronted with which might be a greater fear, the USA men's team losing in curling or the reality that your daughter could be forced to wear a burka in 10 years time, I'm thinking most people will go with B.
5. NBC. To reference Family Guy: "NBC: We used to have Seinfeld, remember?"
That about sums them up--they're basically useless. Everything's all pretty and polished, but the games aren't supposed to be pretty and polished. The Greeks would be a bit horrified. And not just because competitors are wearing clothes.
One more address to Mr. Gumbel. Sir, you said we should act incredulous when people compared these to the games of ancient Greece. You are aware that they introduced throwing large discs and wrestling au naturel as olympic events, right? I'd like to think they'd agree we've, how you say, evolved?
I've found no information on a statement by HBO in response to Gumbel's racist remarks. I have, however, found some interesting links on the topic.
NewsBusters has not only the transcript but the video clip. It's outrageous that it was aired on February 7 and nothing has been said or done about it.
Sporting News has a featured column calling for Gumbel to be fired, like so many white commentators have been for even less offensive remarks. The writer, Chris Russell, makes some good points:
However, if you have any brains, that's not even the most damning thing Gumbel said. The comment about the Olympics not having the world's greatest athletes because of the lack of black athletes is a flat-out joke. Sure, a good deal of the worlds greatest athletes are not in Torino, but a lot of them are.
Oh, that's right. NHL players, world class figure skaters, Shaun White and Ted Ligety must not be any good because they're not black. I guess that's what Gumbel means.
Hattip for Russell: Red Guy
My most recent favorite unique hit to my site came from a google search. The search topic?
"Does Portia cause acne?"
I certainly hope not.
Unless, of course, you're a rabid liberal. In that case, I could see how reading this site might cause sebaceous glands to explode.
Aww...I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Except maybe Hugo Chavez. And Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Wouldn't that be fantastic if tyrannical leaders around the world were all suddenly struck with the most hideous strain of cystic acne ever before seen by mankind? That would be amazing! I think we're onto something. God? Are you listening?...
My not so legal disclaimer: The views (okay, or pictures) expressed on this website by authors not "Portia Rediscovered" do not reflect an endorsement by said blog owner. "PR" or "Portia Rediscovered" has not, nor will, participate in "White Trash Wednesday" or "Socialite Saturdays" or any of the like-minded post parties simply because PR would rather forego writing op-eds on tawdry strumpets to write searing indictments on the likes of Ted Kennedy, Nancy Pelosi and Bryant Gumbel. While PR recognizes that following the latest law suit by Catherine Zeta-Jones and highlighting the bizarre raids of Italian authorities is virutally the same thing, it still feeds PR's ego to think she's writing about slightly more transcendent issues. Slightly.
In the meantime, in case you hadn't heard, Kevin Federline Spears is planning a rap career. My life is complete.
This smacks of rigging. I could be wrong, but waking up a team and keeping them awake the entire night before their event is really suspicious. But, then again, we are talking about Italian authorities. Maybe Berlusconi, or "Jesus" as he would have us call him, had divine insight into their training regimen.
Or maybe Arnold put them up to it since they took his name off that stadium. He is the Governator, after all.
I say, "Rematch!" But it has to be a rematch at something neither team would be prepared for, such as curling. Yes, the Austrians and Italians can duel to the death in a curling match. Now, that would be good tv. That might make me watch the Olympics.
Two bloggers that belong on everyone's blogroll (and have only just now joined mine due to my supply of Ginko running out):
John at The Pirate's Blog
MarcV at ePrays
If you've never visited their site from the links provided when they grace this humble blog with their commenting presence, you should now. Like, now. Or now.
Or now.
Tuesday, February 21, I have to go to downtown Los Angeles to fight my first traffic violation. In my 10 years of driving, I've never been pulled over for anything. That was until November. I was minding my own business following at a safe distance behind a police officer on the 170. The car behind me was beginning to get a little too close to me, so rather than tail a cop, I moved into the adjacent lane.
The officer slowed down and got behind me, which is when I knew I was in trouble. I moved over again. So did he. Repeat that one more time. I had about two more exits until I needed to get off the freeway. He was still following very close behind me. Once I got on the off ramp, he flipped his lights on. Needless to say, I became immediately irritated.
When he came up to my window he asked me if I knew why he pulled me over. I said I had no idea. And he informed me, "It's unsafe to travel so close behind another car." I almost laughed. I couldn't believe he would be serious and I was quite convinced he'd pulled me over because he'd seen a blonde singing in her car.
I told him I was running late to a voice lesson (mistake number one), so he proceeded to take my information and make me 20 minutes more late. (All my police officer friends have told me they love making people more late than they would be if they'd not been pulled over.)
When he came back to the car, he told me he wouldn't suspend my license for going over 85. I was speechless. There was no way I was going anywhere near 85. In fact, I'm buying a new car because I don't think my current one could even reach that speed without losing engine parts.
But the story doesn't end there. When I was looking up the cost of my citation later, I had to enter the citation number and department. It was then I realized he was an LAUSD cop. A school cop pulled me over on the freeway. On a Sunday afternoon.
My fear in fighting this ticket is perfectly reasonable. I'm a white, blonde female and will be well dressed. I nearly lost a law suit and had to settle for a ridiculous amount of money for the same reason. (A drunk hit me and totalled my car, resulting in numerous injuries for me and his insurance didn't want to pay for my medical bills.) The attorney later told me he thought I was too presentable. I've resolved that, like Bush, I cannot win.
I'm worried a judge will see entitlement coming in not wanting to be accountable, which couldn't be further from the truth. If I had done something wrong, I'd pay the ticket. If anyone has any suggestions for beating a ticket a creepy cop gave you, I'm all ears. I'm hoping he won't show up and it'll get waived. But if not I'm worried I'll lose and it will go on my record.
And for the record, I "back the badge," so to speak, except when they do things like this.
Once again I'm five days late in posting a story, but it's still worth it to share, if you haven't heard yet.
While the mainstream media is going hog wild over Cheney's shooting accident, Al Gore is in Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirate countries selling us out, pandering to our enemies.
Gore said Arabs had been "indiscriminately rounded up" and held in "unforgivable" conditions. The former vice president said the Bush administration was playing into al-Qaida's hands by routinely blocking Saudi visa applications.
"The thoughtless way in which visas are now handled, that is a mistake," Gore said during the Jiddah Economic Forum. "The worst thing we can possibly do is to cut off the channels of friendship and mutual understanding between Saudi Arabia and the United States."
When Arabs criticized the U.S.'s "unconditional" support for Israel, this is what our former vice president had to say:
Gore refused to be drawn into questions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"We can't solve that long conflict in exchanges here," Gore said.
The man's got backbone you can't deny. Also not mentioned on the link given above:
Also at the forum, the vice chairman of Chevron Corp., Peter Robertson, said President Bush's desire to cut U.S. dependence on Mideast oil shows a "misunderstanding" of global energy supply and the critical role of Saudi Arabia.
What is this nonsense? It's difficult to imagine that during WWII, former Presidents Hoover or Coolidge and the heads of American companies such as Ford and GMC would tour Europe speaking to Nazis and Nazi sympathizers about his horror at the treatment their fellow Nazis, or even German citizens, had received, reassuring the Germans that we would, indeed, not pull out of business relations with them.
Not only does Mr. Gore's travel itinerary fly in the face of solidarity in a time of war, it also reveals either an extreme mental disorder or an unusual level of stupidity in a supposedly educated man. And how is it that when the Bushes make a trip to Saudi Arabia in an attempt to open communication lines, books are immediately written about it and they are accused of betraying the country's interests? But when Al Gore makes a trip, in which he makes the Dixie Chicks look like our greatest patriots, it's overshadowed by questions of whether Tom Cruise and Katy Holmes are still together.
Why are hockey tickets so expensive? Not exactly an ideal group outing now, is it? Good grief.
If you like parodies, you'll enjoy this one in particular. A well done farce. Thanks Muzzy.
Bryant Gumbel: Society's Fault or One Man's Cry for Help?
On what sounds like an entirely riveting program, Bryant Gumbel, on his latest HBO show "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel," has said:
"And finally tonight the Winter Games. Count me among those that don't like 'em and won't watch 'em. In fact, I figure when Thomas Paine said, "These are the times that try men's souls", he must have been talking about the start of another Winter Olympics. Because they are so trying, maybe over the next three weeks we should all try too. Like try not to be incredulous when someone tries to link these games to those of the ancient Greeks who never heard of skating or skiing. So try not to laugh when someone says these are the world's greatest athletes, despite a paucity of Blacks that makes the Winter Games look like a GOP convention!
Perhaps Mr. Gumbel has not had the privilege of viewing the masterpiece, Cool Runnings. Knowing that geographic locations, such as Africa, further away from Santa's chilly North Pole=hot climates/no snow, might have been valuable before speaking. These allegedly warm environments make it hard to participate in things such as: cross country skiing. Add to this lions, cheetahs and rhinos, and you've got a better recipe for extreme sports than for the less deadly Turino games, where an athlete has a better chance of ruining an ancient landmark than being mauled by a tiger.
His ridiculously ignorant, racist remarks have, however, given my brothers and me a fantastic new description for events containing more than three white people. Some examples include:
While watching a special on Thunderbird pilots, I asked, "Why aren't there any black pilots?" My brother replied, "Yeah, looks like a flippin GOP convention."
Dr. Phil's special on Valentine's Day (and NO, my parents didn't make me watch that with them or anything): GOP convention.
And that show with the four neurotic Jewish singles who nearly kill a boy living in a bubble? Yeah, you get the idea.
On a side note: Apparently, HBO has pulled the transcripts of that show. Rush Limbaugh gets axed for his description of a black player's performance. Bryant Gumbel decrying racism in the Winter Olympics? He'll probably get a raise.
One more aside: Starbucks coffee to whomever can name the source material of the first line of this post. And my relatives don't count! Jon...
I direct you now to another man more articulate than me, or is it I? It's me. Right?
Dennis Prager eloquently chastises the American media re: Danish cartoon reporting.
Once again, I relieve myself of the need to write about it myself. I echo everything he says.
Man, passing the buck is so much easier than blogging it myself.
No need for me to post on the subject anymore. (sigh of relief) Now, can we all move on?
According to an article on AP, Parents and students see no problem with the math and science education.
"In Maine, there aren't many jobs that scream out 'math and science,'" said Cook, who lives in Etna, in the central part of the state. Yes, both topics are important, but "most parents are saying you're better off going to school for something there's a big need for."
Perhaps this is the reason we graduate college students who can't even balance their checkbook.
It seems one little ray of hope has shot itself through the dark clouds hovering over international politics and anti-terrorism efforts.
British lawmakers voted Wednesday to ban glorifying terrorism, giving Prime Minister Tony Blair a badly needed victory on a measure he said was key to preventing future attacks.
I'm all for free speech, but not when it's used to incite others to murder innocents. Or riot, or disrupt elections, or behead Westerners. You know, the usual.
If this bill helps the British diminish the spread of the Islamic ideology that Westerners, specifically Jews and Christians, should be killed, enslaved or converted, I'm fully behind them. Some in their House of Commons, however, have a heart felt, fundamental issue with imprisoning those guilty of propagating such hatred.
Opponents say the ban would be dangerous and unnecessary, pointing out that extremists such as the radical cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri have been convicted in Britain under existing laws against incitement to murder and racial hatred.
Am I missing something?
Oh, right. People have already been arrested for similar acts. Therefore, expanding the effective laws would be dangerous. Got it.
Read the rest here.
One more thing: Will this mark the end of the BBC as we know it?
Investment tip of the day:
Do not invest your stocks in heating companies in Southern California, since it's 80 degrees in dead winter.
What is this winter of which you speak?
In honor of St. Valentine, and instead of buying carnations and cheap chocolates for everyone, I thought I'd just show a little "linky love," as they say in the blogosphere. Some links from the best bloggers around.
Muzzy's got the goods from The Onion.
Mac is workin on his new digs...hurry it up already...geez! :)
Mike at InedibleInk attacks the myth that "Love is a Feeling." Switchfoot says it's a movement. Your thoughts, sir?
Phil at Red Guy posts about a woman who got her signs wrong. Really, really wrong.
Lisa, the only female to be counted in my Bloglings roll--don't worry, I don't have issues; I'm part of an all female blogroll, The Cotillion--is back. She's basking in the beautiful, Colorado sun, now that she's returned from gorgeous Hawaii...and stunning California, of course. Welcome back!
Port McClellan meet The Night Writer. The Night Writer, Port McClellan. Mr. McClellan enjoys adding new and innovative words to the English lexicon. Mr. Writer enjoys highlighting some of the forgotten, the random words already in existence. You two should get along swimmingly. Mr. Writer's latest word: Umbrageous.
The Pirate has an Olympic Sports Quiz for everyone.
Marc explores the ultimate identity crisis.
And last, but certainly not least, the aforementioned Mr. McClellan joins the ranks (yes, I'm trying to make myself feel better for not being serious) of the silly by posting a must read relating the complex issues of international politics to television's portrayal of high school cliques. All written by a Yale student, no less. Did I mention the cliques are from Orange County? Yes, I'm linking to a story about the lives of those behind the orange curtain.
That about wraps it up for this session of "Could she imbed anymore links in this post?" post. (The html on this one's a nightmare.)
Have a good one, gentlemen, and Lisa. :)
For more fantastic blogs, see the Cotillion and Bear Flag blogrolls on the left. Well worth your time.
One of my favorite bloggers, Muzzy at Blogizdat, links to a very pressing, very serious, very alarming article from The Onion. Okay, so I just gave myself away. (I already said I couldn't be serious today anyway.)
EPA Warns Of Dangerous Levels Of Romance In Air
WASHINGTON, DC—Responding to a dramatic increase in cases of starry-eyed gazing and spontaneous poetry, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a general health warning Tuesday for hazardous levels of atmospheric romance across the entire North American continent.
Read on at Muzzy's to read on at The Onion.
I suppose I should get on with reporting things that matter, so here goes:
Conan O'Brien meets with Finnish President/O'Brien look-a-like.
Oh, and one more thing:
We've always known this, but apparently now it's a scientific study: Why Some Old Lovers Look Alike.
I very nearly posted an article about pet owners looking like their pets, but then thought about the implications of linking that story with this one.
I'm sorry, but I've been so in my head lately, with graduate application essays, resumes and such, that I just can't be serious. Tune in next week to see the progress, or decay.
Greatest discovery of the day:
Now that I'm 25, not only can I get a rental car without those pesky added fees, but I can also run for United States Congress. Hmmm....
Quirky Quip of the day:
My brother (in the middle of his devotions this morning):"Man, I find some of these super detailed chapters in Exodus so boring."
Me (just starting my first cup of coffee): "That's because you don't love God enough."
Favorite gift of the day:
From a fifth grade student who thinks I'm the greatest thing since sliced bread. I love this kid.
Happy Valentine's Day, folks.
For those in a relationship, I hope today is a fun and relaxing one for you.
For those not, if this holiday gets you down, I think it's the History Channel that is showing a special tonight entitled, "The Valentine's Day Massacre." And one of the cable channels is dedicating the month of February to break ups if that interests you as well.
I'd post a good list of films for either party, but I'm off to tutor non-stop until the late evening. Enjoy your day! And remember, friends don't let friends eat Russell Stover.
Judged sports have always left a bad taste in my mouth, and I realized tonight what causes it.
Sportscasters. You know, the ones who talk the entire time the athlete is competing.
Oh man does that bug the ever living daylight out of me. I'd mute the television, so the unceasing, most likely Prozac induced perky voices would go away, but then I wouldn't hear the crowd and the sound of the sport. Such a dilemma.
And not to write an entirely negative post, but is the snowboarding half pipe the winter olympics' answer to summer's trampoline competition? Sure seems that way.
I want some action in my olympic games, people! Don't put figure skating at the top of the show...give me speed skating or luge. I mean, curling even! :)
And for the record, I do like Bob Costas. He makes me laugh. He can stay. The rest...go sight seeing in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Try it...you'll like it. Put the mic down...that's it...
If there was ever a better reason to support Bush, it's got some work to do to top this one:
Saddam Hussein was forced to attend his trial Monday, looking haggard and wearing an Arab robe rather than his usual suit but walking in on his own, shouting "Down with Bush!"
This makes me so sad. I'm a huge fan of the Olympics, minus most opening ceremonies (too flamboyant ). I do love the winter olympics, but I'm a summer olympic freak because I'm an aquatic fiend. I was a super competitive swimmer back in the day, and have had friends go to the trials and one teammate, Anthony Ervin, went on to win gold in the 50M free in Sydney. He tied with Gary Hall. That was an amazing race.
Anyhow, though my heart is in water sports, I've always been a big supporter of Michelle Kwan. I think she's a tremendous and incredibly graceful athlete, on and off the ice. I was so disappointed when they gave what was rightfully her gold to Tara Lipinski, or whatever her name was. Kwan has always conducted herself as a champion and I'm sad to see her unable to compete this year.
The article is a well written tribute to Kwan, and her statements say volumes about her character.
I've been ruminating for some time on what method I should use to blog about my trip. Rather than torture you with story after story, I'll just write as I'm able and as it seems fitting. I have too short an attention span on the internet to just talk about one thing anyway.
But in the meantime, in two and a half days, our little team (along with a very skilled builder) was able to take this house...
And make it look like this:
It was wonderful. It was a blessing beyond words to help piece someone's life back together. The couple (John and Delia on the right) was so grateful. They kept saying over and over, "'Thank you' doesn't do this justice. This is our life." Being part of a solution is so much more fulfilling and productive than just sitting around griping about the problem.
I'm setting up a photo album soon. It's taking longer than expected to upload all the pictures.
In the meantime, the picture request fulfilled: Me with power tools.
(But first I have to explain my outfit. It was freezing, so we all wore two pairs of pants, shirts, etc, and I didn't want my running pants to get filthy with drywall dust so I kept the gargantuan work pants on over them. Just an explanation for those who fancy themselves as Mr. Blackwell's heir.)
In response to catastrophe, there are two types of reactions one could have. One is to survey the damage and look for someone to blame for it. The other is to survey the damage and ask how it can be mended. Apparently, ex-FEMA chief Michael Brown falls into category one. Shocking: yet another person blaming the Bush administration for Katrina.
The best line of the article has to be:
Brown suggested the administration's fixation with fighting terrorism may have been to blame.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't fighting terrorism something we can actually do, versus thwarting a category five hurricane? Maybe I'm naive in thinking Mother Nature can't be controlled.
The article goes on to say that Brown had informed the White House and Department of Homeland Security that we were looking at a horrible storm. The thing is, if you read the article he says he told the departments that on August 29! Telling the White House the morning of...hmm...sounds like the man did all he could.
This whining and complaining by Brown, Lousiana Governor/shrew Blanco and New Orleans Mayor Nagin is just pathetic.
My team has safely arrived home, tired beyond description. We knew we were flying into Los Angeles when everyone on the plane looked like either Paris Hilton or like they belonged on "The O.C." Definitely culture shock.
I'm uploading pictures of our trip that I can't wait to share, but it might take some time. I'm happy to be home, looking forward to getting back some energy but anxiously awaiting the next opportunity to return to Waveland.
I do have to say that it was actually quite nice being away from all the news about Islamic horror over cartoons (How in the world did Albert Brooks make an entire film about humor in Islam?). The only talk of things outside of the chaos that surrounded Waveland was of the tragic accident that killed 7 children and resulted in their grandfather dying of a heart attack upon hearing the news. The people in the Gulf are solely focused on rebuilding and when that focus is broken, it's really only done so by stories of great human interest. They do care about their fellow Americans.
More to come later. I'm afraid that I would not make much sense if I tried to write at length about my trip.
I have to be the most spoiled volunteer on the Gulf Coast right now. I have just moved into a vacant, and rather large, room, occupied by only yours truly. This is a tremendous luxury, to room alone. My team is actually the only team left at the church right now, and the pastors and coordinators are welcoming the down time because next week they'll have over 100 people here. Now, they have about 7.
On my last trip to once beautiful Waveland, I noted that I had little to no emotional response to all the destruction. I simply saw a need and wanted to help--volunteer mode from the get go.
This has been an entirely different trip. Sunday, our team was able to visit Louisiana. We had a lovely day off. Monday was a breaking point. I don't know if it's because this trip I'm driving (seeing more damage) or if it's just inevitable that at some point a person would crumble under the weight of all the loss, either way it happened yesterday. I was running an errand back to the church for the team and simply became undone by house after house after house completely decimated by the unexpected storm.
Maybe it's because I saw "before" pictures on Sunday. The homes that were destroyed just along the coastline (eight miles long) and barely inland (three miles wide) were the most beautiful 5,000+ square foot homes. Then to see ruined cement slabs stand in their stead was overwhelming.
Also on Sunday, I was able to hear more stories of those who've overcome this force of nature. One of my favorite people here, Janette, was telling me about what she's been through post-evacuation. She and her husband Al were staying with their daughter and son-in-law quite a ways away when she decided to go shopping. "I'm a power shopper," she said, "and I saw a Pier One and got really excited. I went inside and saw all these cute things that would go so well in our home when all of the sudden I felt like someone punched me in the gut. I nearly fell over, my reaction was that physical, and I thought, 'Oh my gosh, I don't have a home.'"
This followed by a conversation with Delia, whose house our team is currently hanging drywall in. Delia said, "I feel like I've died. I see the progress, but I can't get excited. It's just as though I'm outside myself watching all of it happen with no feeling whatsoever."
These conversations greatly contributed to the perspective I had on Monday. I drove around and saw the homes for what they were: stories of human loss. But in all these things, the one thing that these amazing "more than conquerors" all say is, "I know God has a plan. I don't know what it is, but I trust Him. He's a good God who has always provided everything I've ever needed."
These are about the most incredible people I've ever met. They're dealing with deep and completely surprise loss, but are so strong in their faith and their conviction that God is bigger than any damage Katrina could ever accomplish. They humble me so far beyond my expectations.
That's all I've got for now. We've got an extremely full, and last, work day ahead of ourselves. Please pray for the team, if you can. We'll be hanging as much sheet rock as we can in about 12 or more hours. We really want to see most of John and Delia's house complete. It would be incredibly satisfying.
In the meantime, if you can ever manage to get away, you must come out here. Not only will you see more of God's greatness than you could imagine, but you'll be infinitely blessed by the wonderful people of Hancock County, Mississippi.
UPDATE: I've gotten word from two of the best proof readers a girl could ask for that the references I made to eating crustaceans wasn't very Portia-like. My sincerest apologies. It was one of those moments in which I suppose you "had to be there." It was a very funny moment, but I intended no offense to any reader.
We've met and worked with teams from New Hampshire, Hawaii, Southern Pennsylvania, and Michigan. We're expecting more from other areas this week as well.
The boys are as blown away, as I thought they would be. Forgive the metaphor. We're having way too much fun but getting a great amount of work done. We've almost finished insulating an entire house, drywalled the living room and changed a load of electrical boxes--just the four of us in one day.
Friday, we did a whole range of activities for the nicest older lady named Marilyn. We painted cabinets, doors, raked the yard, installed a sink, assembled a bed frame, etc, etc, etc. She just needs so much done. We tried to do all we could before it got dark.
We've also discovered another precious cultural artifact from the Gulf Coast: gnats. They're demonic. They land on you and at first appear harmless. But oh no.
We've affectionately dubbed them any number of nicknames: The Gnatihadeen, The Gnatiban, Gnats a la Beelzebub, Satan's little friends, and FruIts of the DevIL (care of Mike Myers). Nothing keeps these little buggers away. For very long, at least.
Currently we're having a huge superbowl party, but I was quite confused when I checked my yahoo account and saw the score: Seattle-3, Denver-0. I know I've been out of town, but I really thought I was out of it when I heard the Broncos were playing. Yahoo has since corrected the gigantic error, and most likely sacked the graphic artist.
That's it for now. I have much to write about but think I'll save it for another day. We've got tons of pictures as well.
Keep prayin for the people here. There's soooo much to be done. They need the grace and strength to carry on.
...but not for long, with sexy shots like this, huh?
Yes, that's a staple gun...AND she knows how to use it. I know she's totally gonna freak when she sees thing, but she looks so darn cute trying to look all tough and junk. And, you know, she's using tools properly, and us fellas like it when you ladies know how to staple fiberglass insulation.
Just one thing, honey: where's the eye protection?
My ode to the great city. I'm just happy they didn't lose following my visit. :)
My anti-feminist rant of the day? I hate female sportscasters. They annoy the living daylights out of me, and I'm sure most football fans.
By Brad Paisley (feat. Dolly Parton)
When I get where I'm going
On the far side of the sky
The first thing that I'm gonna do
Is spread my wings and fly
I'm gonna land beside a lion
And run my fingers through his mane
Or I might find out what it's like
To ride a drop of rain
[Chorus]
Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
I will shed the sins and struggles
I have carried all these years
And I'll leave my heart wide open
I will love and have no fear
Yeah when I get where I'm going
Don't cry for me down here
I'm gonna walk with my grand daddy
And he'll match me step for step
And I'll tell him how I missed him
Every minute since he left
Then I'll hug his neck
[Chorus]
Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
I will shed the sins and struggles
I have carried all these years
And I'll leave my heart wide open
I will love and have no fear
Yeah when I get where I'm going
Don't cry for me down here
So much pain and so much darkness
In this world we stumble through
All these questions I can't answer
So much work to do
But when I get where I'm going
And I see my maker's face
I'll stand forever in the light
Of his amazing grace
Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
Hallelujah
I will love and have no fear
When I get where I'm going
Yeah when I get where I'm going
According to FemaleFirst:
Gwyneth Paltrow doesn't get the same "me-time" as she did when she was single.
The Hollywood star, who is married to Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, admits she doesn't have time to pamper herself anymore now she has her daughter, Apple.
The blonde beauty told Britain's Star magazine: "I don't spend time I used to when I was single having a massage or a facial. I do things when it's an emergency - when I look like a man, I have a wax!"
Meanwhile, this blog's owner is helping to rebuild coastal Mississippi. Such a hard life Gwyneth has!
After two hours of sleep, many, many hours of traveling, lost baggage claims (no worries, just a sleeping bag), we have finally arrived in Waveland, Mississippi. Words are inadequate to describe the level of elated that I am right now; rather, my words are inadequate, period. I am so ecstatic to be back here. I've been running around like a little girl saying hello to everyone. The progress is wonderful. I'm thrilled to bits about what's been done in the interim of my last trip and this one.
If I'm guilty of typos or blatant spelling errors, please chalk it up to extreme exhaustion and little time to blog. More later. I'm sure I'll post pics as well.
Pray for us here, if you can. We're going to be working mighty hard this week. We covet your prayers for grace and strength.
I would love to comment on any number of socio-political issues right now, but cannot at this time. You can refer to the amazing bloggers on my left panel for all that stuff. They're far more articulate than me anyway.
I leave, once again, at the crack of dawn to return to storm-torn Mississippi. Not until tonight have I been excited. I've mostly been overwhelmed at the amount of prep work needed, but now I can't wait to see all that's progressed since my last visit.
Apparently, much has changed since my last trip (Dec 1-8). The church in which we stayed, Word of Faith, has since converted to a base camp for volunteers. They housed over 30 teams in the month of December alone. Where once they were feeding about 70 volunteers at the most, now they're feeding 300.
A wonderful woman from our church, Alva, came with us in December to serve as a chef. This woman had such a gift; she could just look into a pantry full of randomly assorted food and know exactly what she would make (for 50+ people). She has since gone back and will remain in Waveland for the next three months, serving the volunteers and residents of that little town by feeding them some of the best food they'll ever have. (We really were spoiled in the cuisine area.)
So we (me, my brother, his best friend and another college guy) have packed up our air mattresses, bug spray, work clothes and anti-bacterial hand sanitizer to embark on yet another amazing trip where we're sure to be meeting hundreds of people from all over the United States who've given their time, money and physical being to help restore lives. It's really an amazing sight to see--people from Alaska, Hawaii, Tennessee, California, Illinois, all who've never met each other, unite to help people they've also never met and may never see again.
I have no idea how our little team is going to fit in the equation. I know the boys will be blown away. I'm looking forward to seeing how God uses them and works in them as they step out in faith, take time off work and school, and give.
In the meantime, in case you were left out of the joy of reading about my first trip, here are some links from that time. MacStansbury courageously filled in for me all the way from Georgia during my stint in what he refers to as CST (or Central Standard Time). I'm sure he'll make a surprise appearance now and then while I'm out, but I will try to blog some from the Gulf Coast.
Have a lovely week. I look forward to returning and reading all my fellow bloggers' work. I always miss that while I'm gone.
Day 1: Arriving in Mississippi via Tennessee
Day 2: The devastation becomes more obvious
My surprise appearance from the trenches and request for prayer.
Day 3: Vandalism and Reconstruction
I'd provide more, but my browser has been unusually uncooperative. I blame Bush. Everyone else does.
