Wednesday, January 31, 2007
If Parisians are so smart
.. how come thye're #20 out of 20? Aahhh, the joys of the Gaussian bell...
Arkin of Versailles: "Peasants, On Your Ungrateful Knees!"
What is it with these Pepe's and Rall's and Arkin's and Kerry's, and all the other Aristos, that gets them so flummoxed when peasants dare to speak?
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Getting Really Mad is Ever Mod,Ye Cannibals
Must Have Pepe in Mind : "One of the oddities of the Left is its constant sabotage of defensive warfare, even when the facts are as plain as the assault on the Twin Towers on 9/11. Today Europe is going through yet another revisionist version of its own bloody history, trying to deny the undeniable facts of the 20th century. Big German media like Stern and Der Spiegel loudly equate the American overthrow of Saddam Hussein with the war against Hitler. That version of history involves not just one but two Big Lies -- One, that Saddam was an innocent victim of American aggression; and Two, that Hitler was, too"
Headline of the Hour
"U.S. Imperialists' Preparations for
Biological and Chemical War Flailed"
Korean Central News Agency (N. Korea), by Staff
Biological and Chemical War Flailed"
Korean Central News Agency (N. Korea), by Staff
Collaring a Masterful Beaton
Ya see, the Abu Ghraib twerps were just following the proper "Psychologist Ethical Guidelines"
A Heartwarming Islamic Love Story
4000 dishonorable Believing women on the country side Love Wall,
4000 dishonorable Believng women
Along comes the Stone, to Smash her Bone
3999 dishonorable Believing women on the countryside Love Wall.....
[sung to the tune of "100 Bottles of Beer on the Wall", as recorded by the young, drunk, Osama, in a now defunct Beirut Karaoke,]
4000 dishonorable Believng women
Along comes the Stone, to Smash her Bone
3999 dishonorable Believing women on the countryside Love Wall.....
[sung to the tune of "100 Bottles of Beer on the Wall", as recorded by the young, drunk, Osama, in a now defunct Beirut Karaoke,]
And the Downside is?????
'And Br'er Rabbit said: Please don't go on strike, anything but the strike".
The Matrix has him in Rall
Pepe, meet Rall. Rall, meet Pepe........Hey, stop it, you just met....NOT in public......bad doggies, bad doggies. !
winter driving on the northern Plains
Snapped this photo last Sunday on I-94, about 100 miles west of Fargo (dontchaknow!).
uncovering a Stonehenge Village
It appears as though another group of masons were busy some time ago.
Health Minister Bertrand says, "No smoking, Pepe..."
It truly is a filthy habit, addiction, hobby (whatever one wishes to title it), now worth $88.00 (or, 68 Euros), but I'm always bothered by sweeping governmental control over anyone's personal preference (that includes business owners). I like a medium-rare ribeye, but the steak is not somehow enhanced by the idea that someone, somewhere, is eating tofu. The same goes for non-smoking establishments: I enjoy them, but not any more if there were some smoking establishments where others could go and enjoy themselves.
...creeping Totalitarianism, started in Ireland (strange), carried through in California (expected), and back across the pond to France (expected).
Monday, January 29, 2007
Around the World Islam Cheerfully Goes
Remember, Zarky Boyz, Pepe has embraced Islam. But he Le Pews of apostasy. Whaddya gonna do?
Hey Jesus-boys!
Check this guy out. Priest and US Congressman. Signed Nixon's impeachment resolution. Opposed war in VietNam, forced out of the Congress (or the priesthood) by John-Paul II and left his seat (heh) to Barney Frank. Hero of John Kerry... How's this for the fortitude of a Prince Myshkin the Moral?
Battle of Dunkirk (latest from Harvard press)
It's unusual for Hitch to vascillate with statements like this: "By the time Churchill and Clement Attlee had outpointed Chamberlain and Halifax and the other capitulationists and formed a serious government, it was probably already too late."
There's several military history lessons within this review. I haven't time to elaborate. Enjoy.
That's comforting!
Former Iranian President Sayyed Mohammad Khatami and Senator John Kerry (D-MA) have expressed similar opinions and shared words with each other in the World Economic Forum in Davos.I can just hear Pepe ullulate with joy. Les grands esprits se rencontrent. Kerry, Khatami -- même combat!
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Cry, Pepe, cry!
Killing dead 250 of the baddies in a single day -- that's more like it. And it's the fitting response -- the only response -- to those who, back home, root for the enemy in time of war.
Hey, only a Third say "kill, kill" Now There's the Westernizing Influence at Work
More young Muslims back sharia, says poll
Stephen Bates and agencies
Monday January 29, 2007
The Guardian
A growing minority of young Muslims are inspired by political Islam and feel they have less in common with non-Muslims than their parents do, a survey reveals today. The poll, carried out for the conservative-leaning Policy Exchange thinktank, found support for Sharia law, Islamic schools and wearing the veil in public is significantly stronger among young Muslims than their parents.
In the survey of 1,003 Muslims by the polling company Populus through internet and telephone questionnaires, nearly 60% said they would prefer to live under British law, while 37% of 16 to 24-year-olds said they would prefer sharia law, against 17% of those over 55. Eighty-six per cent said their religion was the most important thing in their lives.
Nearly a third of 16 to 24-year-olds believed that those converting to another religion should be executed, while less than a fifth of those over 55 believed the same. The survey claimed that British authorities and some Muslim groups have exaggerated the problem of Islamophobia and fuelled a sense of victimhood among some Muslims: 84% said they believed they had been well treated in British society, though only 28% thought the authorities had gone over the top in trying not to offend Muslims. Munira Mirza, a doctoral student at Kent University who wrote the report, said: "The government should engage with Muslims as citizens, not through their religious identity."
Stephen Bates and agencies
Monday January 29, 2007
The Guardian
A growing minority of young Muslims are inspired by political Islam and feel they have less in common with non-Muslims than their parents do, a survey reveals today. The poll, carried out for the conservative-leaning Policy Exchange thinktank, found support for Sharia law, Islamic schools and wearing the veil in public is significantly stronger among young Muslims than their parents.
In the survey of 1,003 Muslims by the polling company Populus through internet and telephone questionnaires, nearly 60% said they would prefer to live under British law, while 37% of 16 to 24-year-olds said they would prefer sharia law, against 17% of those over 55. Eighty-six per cent said their religion was the most important thing in their lives.
Nearly a third of 16 to 24-year-olds believed that those converting to another religion should be executed, while less than a fifth of those over 55 believed the same. The survey claimed that British authorities and some Muslim groups have exaggerated the problem of Islamophobia and fuelled a sense of victimhood among some Muslims: 84% said they believed they had been well treated in British society, though only 28% thought the authorities had gone over the top in trying not to offend Muslims. Munira Mirza, a doctoral student at Kent University who wrote the report, said: "The government should engage with Muslims as citizens, not through their religious identity."
Jean Francois takes sides
And, as is his wont since 1971, it's always the same side. You'll figure out which one.
The Dialectic is for Contradictions
After I had finished a merry laugh at the incongruity between Pepe's alleged placement on "The Graph" and the evidence these past two thousand posts have brought before our eyes, I came across this article which raised this incongruity in a stark way. Remember, Pepe, all that sturm und drang on your end over the Horror of Abu Ghraib and the Evil that is the USMC?? How the Yanks are the Bad Guys (behind blue eyes) while Freedom Fighters blaze forth to preserve Dignity, Tolerance, and the Chiracian Way? Yet this article reminds me that there is no such thing as a Yank soldier who has survived his captivity in Iraq, never mind be allowed to live in fine Fidelian torture fest [for to hope he merely suffer "abu ghraib" would be like a gal hoping for roses, chocolates, and sweet sincerity from Mr. Pig-ton] . And yet, not once, ever, I have read so much as the mildest protest, or sense of discomfort, or even a sybillant hint that one should even care for such things, from Kastle Le Pew.
Am I shocked, shocked at this contradiction? No, of course not. For no doubt Pepe would aver it is only a "seeming" contradiction. There are theses, there are antitheses, and contradictions are mere apparent and ever resolved by the proper application of the Dialectic. As long as, in the End, it is Yanks who moulder in the grave.
Am I shocked, shocked at this contradiction? No, of course not. For no doubt Pepe would aver it is only a "seeming" contradiction. There are theses, there are antitheses, and contradictions are mere apparent and ever resolved by the proper application of the Dialectic. As long as, in the End, it is Yanks who moulder in the grave.
Makes Bad Santa look Good
I do believe Padre Malo took too seriously this "What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas" riff.
Good Thing for 'Em Smallpox ain't Around
First, the Dave Koresh Way of Love touches. Second, the Loma Linda Way of Medicine flourish......Ya getting the feeling that Islam is Extreme Seventh Day Adventism on 'Roids?
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Nexus of Nonsense
At the rally, 12-year-old Moriah Arnold stood on her toes to reach the microphone and tell the crowd: "Now we know our leaders either lied to us or hid the truth. Because of our actions, the rest of the world sees us as a bully and a liar."
The sixth-grader from Harvard, Massachusetts, the youngest speaker on the stage, organized a petition drive at her school against the war that has killed more than 3,000 U.S. service-members.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Peace! Not Apartheid! Never Mind
This is so stupid and barbaric I can't contain myself. So if only Israel would butt out these guys would be responsible? Hah! Why didn't the IDF hellfire the whole shebang to shit? Talk about a target-rich environent! So the Gazans want a civil war on their own, huh? Is it W's fault because the Iraq fashion has become all the rage?
homo patheticus
When those of us who despise dubbyah and his spartian ambitions were treated Tuesday night to an wonderful "baby, give me one more chance" groveling moment, we thought life wouldn't get any better.
Were we ever wrong: today the clown-in-chief is still charging his windmills full speed ahead, completely alone in his zeal and resuscitates for effect his "I'm da decida" line.
I''ve got the tar, bring over the feathers!
Were we ever wrong: today the clown-in-chief is still charging his windmills full speed ahead, completely alone in his zeal and resuscitates for effect his "I'm da decida" line.
I''ve got the tar, bring over the feathers!
Mark Steyn Endorses Gay Marriage!
Well, I think there’s going to be a lot of issues that are genuinely being thrashed out. You know, we’re having some kind of no holes barred discussions on small government versus compassionate conservatism.
Canuck of the Decade at Work
Meet Mr. Pig-ton, Vancouver celebrity and my near neighbor down Port Coquitlam way. Chuck full of nuance and sophistication, a true Blue Canadian, and eerily familiar to all who have seen "Snatch", this eligible bachelor and renowned Lady Killer says: "Come on up here, yer Yankees, eh?"
Treatment for those at Fag's End
Reeducation, princesses, to make Castro Street safe for all Fidel's
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Don't worry, be happy, CDXXII
Ahmadinejad imitates JJ's pic, while JJ fiddles on the roof:
Iran has converted its most powerful ballistic missile into a satellite launch vehicle. The 30-ton rocket could also be a wolf in sheep's clothing for testing longer-range missile strike technologies.
Metaphor alert!
Iran has converted its most powerful ballistic missile into a satellite launch vehicle. The 30-ton rocket could also be a wolf in sheep's clothing for testing longer-range missile strike technologies.
Metaphor alert!
A Shrieking 205 bhp on 165 kg, princesses
The Ducks seem to be tiring of prisoners. The new Desmo16 RR is the most powerful stock bike in existence and also is one of the lightest. The US allocation was reserved for Duc 999 owners and was exhausted in five hours. Pictures here.
Pepe
Scroll down to the story entitled "Young at heart". It brings up a tricky question you have asked a couple times about cops posing as kids in chat rooms.
McNaught is what I saw of it
LA PIÙ BELLA DI SEMPRE? Gli appassionati di astronomia si stanno interrogando se considerare la cometa McNaught la più bella di sempre visibile dalla Terra (per lo meno degli ultimi 41 anni). Dopo essere stata visibile alcuni giorni a inizio gennaio nell'emisfero settentrionale, la cometa sta ora dando spettacolo nei cieli australi dove è visibile anche a occhio nudo. Inoltre, essendo estate, è più facile trovare cieli sereni. Secondo le previsioni degli astronomi, la cometa avrebbe dovuto distruggersi nel Sole il 12-13 gennaio a causa del suo passaggio ravvicinato. Invece è passata indenne accanto all'astro e ora la sua coda è più brillante che mai, come si nota in questa foto (Dave Curtis/Reuters) scattata a Dunedin, in Nuova Zelanda
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Don't worry, be happy, CXXIV
The Tor misile is a piece of doodoo, dixit JJ. Not to worry, not to worry. Right.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Badass Movie
"If you don't make a decision, you're stuffed," explains Joe Simpson, one of the British narrators of the quasi-documentary on mountain-climbing. NEW! Joe's website.
I hate it when this happens
If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you
...you'll be a Man my son!
I've already got it on the way...
Hitchens must have already downed a case of single-malt in the last three days. Will his meds hold out? Here's Hitchens, and also to note that all of us FCP'ers know and even work with Americans and Canadians who want anything associated with George W. Bush to fail. Bush's failures inversely contribute to their ever-easier automatic Left life of attacking him.
Forgive my digression. As mentioned prior, here's Hitch:
Cohen goes further: “I wanted anything associated with Tony Blair to fail, because that would allow me to return to the easy life of attacking him.”
It is this sentence, and its implications, that make his book an exceptional and necessary one. Cohen has no problem with those who are upset about state-sponsored exaggerations of the causes of war, or furious about the bungled occupation of Iraq that has ensued. People who think this is the problem are not his problem. Here’s his problem: the people who would die before they would applaud the squaddies and grunts who removed hideous regimes from Afghanistan and Iraq, yet who happily describe Islamist video-butchers and suicide-murderers as a “resistance”. Those who do this are not “anti-war” at all, but are shadily taking the other side in a conflict where the moral and civilisational stakes are extremely high.
There are two possible sorts of “left” reaction to a dilemma like this. One is to seek out the democratic and secular forces in the Muslim world — the Kurdish revolutionaries in Iraq, say, or the Afghan women’s movement — and to offer them your solidarity whether Bush or Blair will do so or not. (Some things, as Orwell wrote, are true even if The Daily Telegraph says they are true.) The other is to say that globalisation is the main enemy, and that, therefore, any enemy of that enemy is a friend. In this twisted mental universe, even a medievalist jihad is better than no struggle at all. Cohen has decided to adopt the first position, and to anatomise and ridicule the second one.
Forgive my digression. As mentioned prior, here's Hitch:
Cohen goes further: “I wanted anything associated with Tony Blair to fail, because that would allow me to return to the easy life of attacking him.”
It is this sentence, and its implications, that make his book an exceptional and necessary one. Cohen has no problem with those who are upset about state-sponsored exaggerations of the causes of war, or furious about the bungled occupation of Iraq that has ensued. People who think this is the problem are not his problem. Here’s his problem: the people who would die before they would applaud the squaddies and grunts who removed hideous regimes from Afghanistan and Iraq, yet who happily describe Islamist video-butchers and suicide-murderers as a “resistance”. Those who do this are not “anti-war” at all, but are shadily taking the other side in a conflict where the moral and civilisational stakes are extremely high.
There are two possible sorts of “left” reaction to a dilemma like this. One is to seek out the democratic and secular forces in the Muslim world — the Kurdish revolutionaries in Iraq, say, or the Afghan women’s movement — and to offer them your solidarity whether Bush or Blair will do so or not. (Some things, as Orwell wrote, are true even if The Daily Telegraph says they are true.) The other is to say that globalisation is the main enemy, and that, therefore, any enemy of that enemy is a friend. In this twisted mental universe, even a medievalist jihad is better than no struggle at all. Cohen has decided to adopt the first position, and to anatomise and ridicule the second one.
Massimo d'Alema, Media Critic
Conclusione: «Non vedo quale sia l´obiettivo politico di un aumento delle truppe, è un aspetto che non ci convince». A Riad, dove per difendersi dall´accusa di antiamericanismo l´altroieri aveva detto di essere «meno antiamericano dei sauditi e della Cnn» [...]
This is former Communist Massimo d'Alema, Italy's new foreign secretary. I'll translate: "I don't see what the political objective of a surge in US troop levels would be; it's an unconvincing aspect [of Bush's plan]. In Riyadh the day before yesterday, in order to defend himself from charges of antiamericanism, he said to be 'less antiamerican than the Saudis and CNN'."
Powwww!
Jefferson's Response to Islam Militant
This Hitchens' piece reminds of an article in the WSJ that made a relationship between the American invasion of Afghanistan, and Jefferson's response to Islam Militant. In short, the Vietnam analogy sucks. It smacks of the self-centered nature of 1960s and '70s reporters (ohhhHHHhh, if I lived through it, it was the most profound event in human history!). This is a case of everyone wanting to relate anything that ever happened in the history of humanity back to themselves. Halberstam should provide footnotes more often in his otherwise armchair histories. On that note, here's a little more of MFT's Armchair Pyschoanalysis once again (no charge).
Babe Hiatus Rectified?
Meet Ele. Dr Bundinho led me to this, not surprisingly. Maybe AI, Pepe, and AA will start posting. I thought bleaching would do it.
Ahmadinejad Is Our Friend?
The lack of publicly disclosed evidence has led to questions about whether the administration is overstating its case. Some suggest Bush and his aides are pointing to Iran to deflect blame for U.S. setbacks in Iraq. Others suggest they are laying the foundation for a military strike against Iran.
Before invading Iraq, the administration warned repeatedly that Saddam Hussein was developing nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. Those statements proved wrong. The administration's charges about Iran sound uncomfortably familiar to some. "To be quite honest, I'm a little concerned that it's Iraq again," Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV, head of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said last week, referring to the administration's comments on Iran.
Before invading Iraq, the administration warned repeatedly that Saddam Hussein was developing nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. Those statements proved wrong. The administration's charges about Iran sound uncomfortably familiar to some. "To be quite honest, I'm a little concerned that it's Iraq again," Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV, head of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said last week, referring to the administration's comments on Iran.
I Almost Hope She Wins!
[Segolene] Royal told reporters on Monday she supported "sovereignty and liberty" for Quebec, prompting a rebuke from Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper. [...] On a visit to Lebanon in December, she was accused of condoning remarks by a Hezbollah leader who compared Israel's former occupation of Lebanon to that of the Nazis in France. [...]In Beijing, she said France's justice system could learn lessons from China, a country which has long been accused of abusing human rights.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Soccer Treason is Grist to the Terribly Bad Bard's Mill
"Originally Posted by MJ-inBRITAIN
New Jersey's Rossi, currently on duty with under 21 side of ITALY. i'm guessing that a full cap can't be far away - especially as he's going to be under wraps now and getting lots of games at newkie. The Traitor.
am i right in thinking that this doesn't cap-tie him to Italy as it's not the open side? No, the bastard is a Parma Biatch now."
The Ballad of Rossi
I Sing of Rossi, the Problem Child,
Spiteful at Yanks, at Romans Mild.
Who Rode the Bench at United of Man
While Mocking His Brethren of the Yankee Clan,
And Seeking Honor from Dear Old Papa
Quaffed the Chianti and Disdained the Napa.
The Colossus of 'Chester, the King of 'Castle,
Fled Swift from Jersey and the USSF Hassle.
To Beg from Duce and Domini the Blue Milagro
The Chance to Ball with Pride for the Azzuri Calcio,
And put Foot to Sphere with Guile and Spin
To serve Italia in a Glorious Win.
All the while, in the Land of Liberty
BS was Convulsed in Din and Indignity.
For Rossi had Long Supped on American Bread
And Housed, and Coddled, as Well as Fed,
His Family Rolling in Gringo Lucre
All Blessings Owed to the Yankee Sucre.
And Now the Ingrate had Evaded his Fate
As Savior, as Hero, as our Soccer's Great,
And Burnt Away our Hope his Wicked Shots
Would Raise Star and Stripe over Continental Sots,
Bringing Mundia Gloria to our Barren Shelf
Wilst Modestly Enriching His Personal Self
[By Tearing like Grendel at Europia's Pelf.]
Sic Transit Rossi
upper Plains ribeye
Recently, JJ and I have taken to discussing the fineries of beef from the American West. I'll be in Denver in about a week and a half, and thus be able to take JJ's recommend: to try Colorado beef. I already plan on getting a ribeye, medium rare. Here's a brand — N.D. Branded Beef — I bought this eve after work but have yet to try. I'll throw it on the grill tomorrow, about 5 minutes one side, 4 the other, and dust it with a little olive oil, course ground pepper, and sea salt while it rests for 7 minutes. I've linked to their website if anyone else is interested in a taste.
FCP Blogger Newcomer...
Gentlemen,
About six months ago I tried getting a Chicago friend of mine into the FCP mix. No success. I just spoke with an attorney friend of mine, and he says he's interested and in the next couple days gonna make an effort to post from time to time. I told him not to worry, as JJ hits the sauce harder than the other three-to-four FCP regulars combined. No pressure. No pressure at all. But I am looking a bit forward to having another commentator here. As far as I know him, he carries no political party allegience, and we often trade Hitchens essays and Slate.com articles from time to time.
That's enough of an introduction for now. I'll let him speak for himself. Welcome him when he arrives (I know you guys will).
~MFT
About six months ago I tried getting a Chicago friend of mine into the FCP mix. No success. I just spoke with an attorney friend of mine, and he says he's interested and in the next couple days gonna make an effort to post from time to time. I told him not to worry, as JJ hits the sauce harder than the other three-to-four FCP regulars combined. No pressure. No pressure at all. But I am looking a bit forward to having another commentator here. As far as I know him, he carries no political party allegience, and we often trade Hitchens essays and Slate.com articles from time to time.
That's enough of an introduction for now. I'll let him speak for himself. Welcome him when he arrives (I know you guys will).
~MFT
Quiz Time!
How long do you guys think it will take this to get up Mass. Ave. to Harvard? Halberstam and Sheehan are at the nexus of Harvard, New York Times, and Pulitzer. Sheehan actually had a hand in the treasonous publication of the Pentagon Papers with Ellsberg and evidently shamed at the paltriness of their award, the Pulitzers gave an award to his wife too! Stanley Karnow is the least treasonous triumvir. He skipped Harvard for Sciences Po, but got his Pulitzer anyway.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
the famous awning trick
JJ, were you recently in Minneapolis?
The guy in this story, "finished drinking with friends and returned to the hotel at about 0130. Lt Barness said that as his lift arrived at the 17th floor he ran down towards the end of the corridor, where he somehow lost balance and crashed through the floor-to-ceiling window. But his fall was broken by the awning one floor above the ground.
Tah-daaah!
The guy in this story, "finished drinking with friends and returned to the hotel at about 0130. Lt Barness said that as his lift arrived at the 17th floor he ran down towards the end of the corridor, where he somehow lost balance and crashed through the floor-to-ceiling window. But his fall was broken by the awning one floor above the ground.
Tah-daaah!
Sri Lanka (Bush's fault?)
A personal story in relation to Sri Lanka: recently a Sri Lanka family moved in next door to my girlfriend's place in Grand Forks. The head of the household had never been to America, and so his first exposure to this country (outside of arriving in LAX) was a road-trip from the City of Angels to the Steppe of North America — in mid-December. He remarked that one week, temps in G.F. were the same as the last 2,000' of Mount Everest (brisk and exhilarating, but sans sherpas in G.F.). His sister came into enough money to get him some of it, and now he can fulfill the dream of becoming a pilot (UND has a crack aviation and air traffic control school that he recently enrolled in).
I'll be sure to start educating him about Coanda.
I'll be sure to start educating him about Coanda.
Something Must be in the Thames
BBC News Online contacted several Cubans living in the UK, but they were reluctant to speak out, mainly because they were concerned for relatives living in their home country. [...] Labour MP Ian Gibson is chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cuba. "For me, Castro is an amazing, inspirational and important political figure - not just in his country, but to people across the world," he said.
Pepe, get ready...
...for another ho-bag and her husband moving into the French Quarter of the Big Easy. (JJ, out of courtesy and FCP tradition, I'll leave the pic-posting to you). [This OK? -JJ]
Flemming Rose on al-Gore
As you recall, Rose was the guy that published the Mohammed cartoons at Jyllands-Posten. Now he has it in for the Inconvenient Lies of our American mullahs.
Don't worry, be happy
The Chinese shoot down satellites, the Iranian fire off missile salvos, and of course, NK fires off nukes with wild abandon. So what does JJ say? But of course, we know the answer: it's all inferior technology, hand-me-downs from Ivan, never works, yada-yada-yada. Whatever, dude. Have another shot of ouzo. Shaken, not stirred.
...bold...
I think everyone of the FCP'ers have felt like the fox from time to time (especially within academia).
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Pavlovian reflex
So OK, Ivan is against us putting missile defenses in Central Europe -- old reflexes never die. But I betcha the old ban-the-bomb rive-gauchards and assorted fellow-travellers will have exactly the same reflex. Anyone wants to take bets? I offer good odds.
O'Reilly on Colbert...
A couple friends told me O'Reilly "got schooled on the Colbert Report!" So to investigate, I YouTubed the clip to see it for myself. Even after the second viewing, I really don't get an impression that it was so black and white. Although I think O'Reilly is a pretty big boob, and I find Colbert entertaining, I don't see how others have come to the conclusion that Colbert — as they say — schooled O'Reilly in this interview.
Any other impressions or comments fellahs?
Any other impressions or comments fellahs?
Aztecs vs. Greeks: all intelligence is cultivated locally
Here's a good article (the third and final part of a series that started Tuesday) about where America needs to send the 120-or-above IQ'ers, and it gets a bit into how unfashionable it is these days to talk about the smart youths vs. the morons (or about the "elites" vs. the "non-elites"). Adults are vey subtle about telling a high IQ kid that they are a high IQ kid because, so the argument goes, it creates a superiority complex. Therefore, Greek wisdom is essential. In Chuck Murray's words,
...the most important and most difficult is to aim not just at academic accomplishment, but at wisdom. The encouragement of wisdom requires a special kind of education. It requires first of all recognition of one's own intellectual limits and fallibilities -- in a word, humility. This is perhaps the most conspicuously missing part of today's education of the gifted. Many high-IQ students, especially those who avoid serious science and math, go from kindergarten through an advanced degree without ever having a teacher who is dissatisfied with their best work and without ever taking a course that forces them to say to themselves, "I can't do this." Humility requires that the gifted learn what it feels like to hit an intellectual wall, just as all of their less talented peers do, and that can come only from a curriculum and pedagogy designed especially for them. That level of demand cannot fairly be imposed on a classroom that includes children who do not have the ability to respond. The gifted need to have some classes with each other not to be coddled, but because that is the only setting in which their feet can be held to the fire.
In JJ-Speak, essentially we gotta get the intellectual parasites (eg, "kids") together, away from the morons. And here's another little excerpt, and I plug it not just because it mentions a discipline I'm particularly fond of:
The encouragement of wisdom requires being steeped in the study of ethics, starting with Aristotle and Confucius. It is not enough that gifted children learn to be nice. They must know what it means to be good.
The encouragement of wisdom requires an advanced knowledge of history. Never has the aphorism about the fate of those who ignore history been more true.... The gifted should not be taught to be nonjudgmental; they need to learn how to make accurate judgments. They should not be taught to be equally respectful of Aztecs and Greeks; they should focus on the best that has come before them, which will mean a light dose of Aztecs and a heavy one of Greeks.
Sounds good to me. For the peasants out there who don't have a subscription to the WSJ but want to read the article, let me know and I'll e-mail you a copy. Otherwise find a hard-copy of 01/18/2007's paper. You could probably dig one out of an Elite's dumpster.
...the most important and most difficult is to aim not just at academic accomplishment, but at wisdom. The encouragement of wisdom requires a special kind of education. It requires first of all recognition of one's own intellectual limits and fallibilities -- in a word, humility. This is perhaps the most conspicuously missing part of today's education of the gifted. Many high-IQ students, especially those who avoid serious science and math, go from kindergarten through an advanced degree without ever having a teacher who is dissatisfied with their best work and without ever taking a course that forces them to say to themselves, "I can't do this." Humility requires that the gifted learn what it feels like to hit an intellectual wall, just as all of their less talented peers do, and that can come only from a curriculum and pedagogy designed especially for them. That level of demand cannot fairly be imposed on a classroom that includes children who do not have the ability to respond. The gifted need to have some classes with each other not to be coddled, but because that is the only setting in which their feet can be held to the fire.
In JJ-Speak, essentially we gotta get the intellectual parasites (eg, "kids") together, away from the morons. And here's another little excerpt, and I plug it not just because it mentions a discipline I'm particularly fond of:
The encouragement of wisdom requires being steeped in the study of ethics, starting with Aristotle and Confucius. It is not enough that gifted children learn to be nice. They must know what it means to be good.
The encouragement of wisdom requires an advanced knowledge of history. Never has the aphorism about the fate of those who ignore history been more true.... The gifted should not be taught to be nonjudgmental; they need to learn how to make accurate judgments. They should not be taught to be equally respectful of Aztecs and Greeks; they should focus on the best that has come before them, which will mean a light dose of Aztecs and a heavy one of Greeks.
Sounds good to me. For the peasants out there who don't have a subscription to the WSJ but want to read the article, let me know and I'll e-mail you a copy. Otherwise find a hard-copy of 01/18/2007's paper. You could probably dig one out of an Elite's dumpster.
A Contradiction in Terms?
Also, the mighty WaPo weighs in. Their take is less Psych/Soc and more "W's fault," of course.
The Shiite practice began 1,400 years ago, in what is now Iraq and other parts of the region, as a way to provide for war widows. Banned by President Saddam Hussein's Sunni-led government, it has regained popularity since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq brought the majority Shiites to power, said clerics, women's rights activists and mutaa spouses. [...] Many intellectuals consider ancient traditions such as these an obstacle to Iraq's effort to become a more modern, democratic society. In recent years, extremist religious groups have gained more power in Iraq.
The Shiite practice began 1,400 years ago, in what is now Iraq and other parts of the region, as a way to provide for war widows. Banned by President Saddam Hussein's Sunni-led government, it has regained popularity since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq brought the majority Shiites to power, said clerics, women's rights activists and mutaa spouses. [...] Many intellectuals consider ancient traditions such as these an obstacle to Iraq's effort to become a more modern, democratic society. In recent years, extremist religious groups have gained more power in Iraq.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Chilling effect
The pinko-lefties always rant and rave about the supposed Karl-Rovian (or whatnot) plots to destroy freedom-of-the-press-as-we-know-it. But when something like this happens, their (predictable) silence is deafening.
Salutations
Now that everybody seems to be back from their season of cheer or sulk, this is my official wish for a new year worthy of Happyness. Again, should there be cause that finds you in these Vancouver parts, it would be great to share bread and wine. All assuming this mortal coil is still shuffling.
Vale.
Vale.
Killing Democracy is Noble Work
Now should Fidel turn up more than mostly dead will Pepe, our New Orleans Leisure Class Boy, be awarded a Hugo as consolation?
When Good Goalkeepers Go Very Bad
After seeing these, I'm positively swell-headed about my days on the Rice grad team that played in the Houston leagues.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
From sheikh, with love
"Teach them this: There is nothing more beloved to me than wanting to die as a mujahid. Put in their soft, tender hearts the zeal of jihad and a love of martyrdom."
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Big Easy blues
""The money's not the same. I remember when I made $1,200 a night," said Elizabeth Johnson, a manager and dancer at a Bourbon Street strip club, frowning at another slow night. I know girls who used to never let people touch them, and now they're resorting to prostitution."
The horror! The horror! I'm gonna cry a river.
The horror! The horror! I'm gonna cry a river.
Speaking Truth for the Coming Power
The third video, link on the right of the first, is perhaps the most thoroughly depressing.
Betcha the MSM pays about as much attention to stuff like this as they did for stuff like the cancellation of Able Danger or the serial stealing of classified papers by Sandy Berger.
Betcha Pepe would rather swallow a life's supply of Montana Rhubarb wine than admit such evidence into the ever narrowing confines of where his worldview meets reality.
Betcha the MSM pays about as much attention to stuff like this as they did for stuff like the cancellation of Able Danger or the serial stealing of classified papers by Sandy Berger.
Betcha Pepe would rather swallow a life's supply of Montana Rhubarb wine than admit such evidence into the ever narrowing confines of where his worldview meets reality.
We're not even CLOSE to Number One
Perhaps Mr. Woods, in his new comfy quarters, will try the "Call me Ismail" route, git himself some of that there Prison Imam advice, and try the defense suggested by the last line.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Water Intoxication
I've known JJ to drink over three gallons of beer and spirits in a matter of two hours, but he always seems perfectly fine after. This poor girl died after drinking two gallons of water within two hours.
another candidate for Capital Punishment
...so as to keep the ladies of the night safe. Christopher Joseph Wood is going to enjoy his cell with Bubba.
something worth erecting; or, where do you lay this statue?
I'd think sailors the world over have already donated enough for some statue of this sort...
Regional Italian Squabble Over Cuisine...
Although now wearing designer space-suits, Italians have at least taken the fineries of their culinary ability to new levels. At a distance, all Italian might appear the same. But with anything, once the surface is scratched, we get another dimension, layer-upon-layer of cultural baggage to sift through. Sounds like another study is needed...
Perils of cell phones, CXXVIII
Luis Picaso tries to imitate JJ, with mixed success: the cell phone in Picaso's pants pocket set fire to his nylon and polyester clothes." Hey, he should wear those Dolce & Cabana space suits JJ fancies, instead. Nothing like asbestos underwear to keep the family jewels safe from dastardly cell phones.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Don't Smoke that Crop
Gov. Schwarzenegger vetos the production of hemp while formulating an idea for state-wide (eg, "Universal") health-care in California. WTF is going on with the Republican Party? Talk about Socialism run amuk.
No doubt, North Dakota has its share of socialism. But at least we're not crazy enough to ban the growing of hemp.
No doubt, North Dakota has its share of socialism. But at least we're not crazy enough to ban the growing of hemp.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
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