Hillary Hostage

My first thought on hearing this story was that it was a publicity stunt to raise her poll ratings! If she gets elected, we will ALL be held hostage.

Teddy Bear Terrorism

I hope the English are outraged over this obscenity. I would hate to think that politically correct kowtowing to Muslims would even preclude their doing whatever it takes to rescue the teacher Gillian Gibbons in Sudan.

Ted Kennedy's Memoirs

This is the funniest, most scathing article about Ted Kennedy you will see in a while. Among other things, "The very least Ted Kennedy can do is dedicate his autobiography to Mary Jo Kopechne. So the senior senator is getting an $8 million advance for his memoirs - who says crime doesn’t pay? And how about that quote his new publisher included in the press release, with Ted mentioning his lifelong 'front row seat at many key events.' Which raises the question, if Ted was in the front seat, who was in the back? Sorry, I can’t help myself. But even if you couldn’t read a Chappaquiddick reference into almost anything he says (water boarding, anybody?), the fact is Teddy has indeed had a 'front row seat' for most of his life."

Remember the Golden Age of Television?

Well, this isn't it! Here is another example of the flourishing of lowlifish TV reality shows: "When is enough enough? Apparently never. Here’s the latest brilliant brainstorm from VH1 – 'Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew,' due Jan. 10. Brigitte Nielsen, Chyna, Daniel Baldwin, Jeff Conaway, Jessica Sierra, Jaimee Foxworth, Seth “Shifty” Binzer, Mary Carey and Ricco Rodriguez – and sorry, but I think the word “celebrity” is being abused in some of these cases – will detox and rehab at 'a center in the Los Angeles area' described as 'no-frills.' Except for all those TV cameras celebs crave like another drug."

Sellout in Annapolis

Little Green Footballs comments on the statement from Annapolis:

"Here’s the Israeli-Palestinian statement read at the Annapolis 'peace in our time' conference, a gauzy, insubstantial promise to reach an 'agreement' by the end of 2008 by setting up a whole lot of bureaucratic negotiating committees and overseers. Concluding with the road map that refused to die. Yes, four years later we’re unfolding the very same mildewed road map that Palestinians have never honored for one single day, after 'agreeing' to it.

Also see the always to-the-point Atlas Shrugs for more reaction, at http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/

A "Charmin" Life

Columnist Lenore Skenazy has a wonderful article about the death of Mr. Whipple and the nostalgia for a simpler time.

Annapolis Protest

Visit Atlas Shrugs for some commentary and photos of the Annapolis protest at the Israeli consulate in New York.

Record-Breaking Israeli Flag

Here is an Israeli record-breaker: "The record for the world's largest flag now belongs to an Israeli banner produced by a Filipino evangelical Christian."

Poster Contest

Look at the terrific and clever Democratic party poster contest over at Michelle Malkin!

Haveil Havalim #142 is Up!

Visit Soccer Dad and read Haveil Havalim #142. There's a great compilation of interesting reading there, including many links on the Annapolis "peace" conference.

Phone Calls Against Appeasement

Solomonia has some good suggestions as to how we can register our demand for a united Israel. Pick up a phone and call now: "Here is an interesting site: Keep Jerusalem United. On November 26th, world leaders will congregate in Annapolis to once again seek concessions from Israel and declare that Jerusalem should be divided, with part becoming the capital of a new, Hamas-controlled Palestinian terror-state. Israel should not be pressured by the United States, least of all while facing terrorism, rocket attacks, and hate, and while its kidnapped soldiers remain hostages... If you go to the site, there is a simple system there to automatically (and at no cost) connect you to The White House, Sallai Meridor at the Embassy of Israel and Condoleeza Rice's office and there is a sample message you should leave for them as the Annapolis Conference draws near. Using that link will actually track people coming from this site, which is cool (I guess). Hopefully a few of you folks will use it."

Bad News From Down Under

Our staunch ally John Howard has been defeated as Australia's Prime Minister.

How British Women Treat Their Wounded Soldiers

This is absolutely disgraceful. It's a relief to see that the Admiral is not mincing words or making excuses for these vile, despicable creatures: "Injured soldiers who lost their limbs fighting for their country have been driven from a swimming pool training session by jeering members of the public. The men, injured during tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, were taking part in a rehabilitation session at a leisure centre, when two women demanded they be removed from the pool. They claimed that the soldiers 'hadn't paid' and might scare the children. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation. Adml Lord Boyce, a former head of the Armed Forces, said last night the women should be 'named and shamed'. 'These people are beneath contempt and everything should be done to get their names and publish them in the press,' he said. 'It is contemptible that people who have given up their limbs for their country should be so abused when they are trying to get fit again.'"

A Righteous Gentile

Smooth Stone has the story of a Righteous Gentile: "The Rev. Adrian Van Kaam, a Catholic priest whose understanding of the dynamics of spirituality was formed as he smuggled food to Jews in hiding during the Nazi occupation of Holland, died Saturday at the nursing home of the Little Sisters of the Poor, North Side."

The Plague of Neville Chamberlainitis

There's a lot of good writing on the web about the betrayal of Israel at Annapolis, and about the terrorist conference in Iran. Wait till you've had your Thanksgiving dinner before you read any of this, because otherwise you'll definitely lose your appetite. Read about "Munich Rising" here. Rubicon3 has the latest from Debbie Schlussel, while Atlas Shrugs wonders, "Could it be any worse than Bush/Condi's summit of surrender and abandonment of the Jewish people? Iran is going to host a terrorism summit, at the same time as the Annapolis peace summit."

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Modern Day Freak Show

I can only hope that this is some sort of spoof. Look at the photo that accompanies this letter to the editor. "Modified community" is the politically correct way of saying "absolute freaks who pierce, tattoo, and fork every part of their bodies and are clueless as to why people stare".

"Modified community needs civil rights protections. Because of my body modifications, including tattoos and piercings, I consider myself to be a member of the modified community. Due to my modifications, I not only have to deal with the daily routine of turned up noses and annoying questions from those without any body modifications, but I have to fight even harder to get a job than someone without any visible modifications."

"Talking Turkey"

This is a fun article about how the Thanksgiving turkey got its Hebrew name!

Carnival-Juggling

Go visit Soccer Dad to see what he is busy juggling.

Oh, Shut Up!

This is hilarious: "MADRID, Spain (AP) -- Many Spaniards were so amused when their king told Venezuela's president to 'shut up' they want to hear the words every time their phone rings. The king's outburst 'Por que no te callas?' or 'Why don't you shut up?' has become a hit. About half a million people have downloaded a mobile phone ringtone featuring the phrase.." The King is also a hit on YouTube, according to this article. Still, cell phones and their ringtones can be incredibly annoying, so I wonder when people will start telling these ringtone-users themselves to shut up!

Why Work?

It used to be considered shameful not to work, especially if you were a man and the head of your household. Now, it seems that NOT working has become socially acceptable, and the capacity for shamelessness is even greater. I thought the entitlement mentality in this country was bad, but apparently, it's even worse in England, according to this article, which should enrage all hardworking taxpayers: "Almost two thousand people who are too fat to work have been paid a total of £4.4 million in benefit, it emerged last night. Other payments went to fifty sufferers of acne and ten incapacitated by leprosy."

Thanksgiving Waiver

Every year I greatly enjoy seeing this clever Thanksgiving Guest Liability and Indemnification Agreement.

The Tawana Brawley Farce

This is all we need. They want to reopen the Tawana Brawley "case", which was nothing but a lie. There are only 2 reasons for the family to reopen this hoax: they want money, or they want publicity. Let's hope they get neither, and that this story fades back into the obscurity it so deserves.

"Give Thanks For America"

Mark Steyn suggests that the world should give thanks for America. Of course, this will never happen, and the media doesn't like to report anything that doesn't criticize this country. But one of the many reasons the world should be grateful is this: " ... on this Thanksgiving the rest of the world ought to give thanks to American national sovereignty, too. When something terrible and destructive happens – a tsunami hits Indonesia, an earthquake devastates Pakistan – the United States can project itself anywhere on the planet within hours and start saving lives, setting up hospitals and restoring the water supply." When do you ever see anyone else rushing to our aid?

Haveil Havalim #141 is Up!

The Save Israel Edition of Haveil Havalim #141 is up at Yid With Lid.

Enough With the Christmas Music Already!

For me, this really is "the most annoying time of the year". MUST we endure continual Christmas music every minute of each day until December 25?!

Historic Photos

If you're a Lincoln buff or just love history, visit Betsy's Page to see some wonderful photographs.

Good Reading

Soccer Dad is juggling carnivals, always the source for good reading. Also, check out these Watcher's Council links. They're watching so we don't have to.

Just When You Thought You'd Heard it All...

PLEASE tell me that this complete lunacy is a bad joke:

"SYDNEY (AFP) - Santas in Australia's largest city have been told not to use Father Christmas's traditional "ho ho ho" greeting because it may be offensive to women, it was reported Thursday. Sydney's Santa Clauses have instead been instructed to say "ha ha ha" instead, the Daily Telegraph reported.One disgruntled Santa told the newspaper a recruitment firm warned him not to use "ho ho ho" because it could frighten children and was too close to "ho", a US slang term for prostitute."

To which lengths will the politically correct morons go to ruin every facet of life? And why don't the majority of people ever fight back?

Words of Wisdom from Iraq

Here is the truth as spoken by an Iraqi citizen:

"Frankly, I don't understand why so many mock us for wanting a future for Iraq. Is your hatred for George Bush so great that you prefer to see millions of civilians suffer just to prove him wrong? It really comes down to this: you are determined to see Iraq become a permanent hellhole because you hate Bush. And we are determined to see Iraq become a success, because we want to live"

A Rainy Night in Georgia

Georgians are praying for rain to end their terrible drought, and of course the atheists are up in arms. How does this possibly hurt anyone? And why must a minority always put a damper (no pun intended) on everything?

Horse Sense!

What a relief to find a positive story for a change!

"FREDONIA, Kan. — When rancher Bill Inman decided to show there's more to America than what's seen on the nightly news, he hopped on his horse Blackie and started riding. And riding, and riding. Weary of the daily drumbeat over war, crime, poverty and assorted social ills, he and his wife are burning through their life savings to tell the stories of hardworking, honest everyday people in rural America. Inman soaks it all in atop Blackie, a 16-year thoroughbred-quarter horse mix who's averaging 20-25 miles a day along backroads from Oregon to North Carolina."

Revolting Comparison

Neal Boortz reports, "The head of the Muslim Council of Britain warns that the UK must be careful how it handles terrorism and Islamic culture if it wants to avoid recreating a society similar to Nazi Germany. Yeah ... we want to blow you up, and if you try to keep us from killing you then you're just like the Nazis." The entire outrageous story is here.

VETERANS DAY 2007

In this excellent editorial, Jonathan David Perez says something we hear too rarely these days: "I support troops all the way": "I support the military. No matter what branch, our men and women in uniform put their lives on the line for all Americans -- even those who may not appreciate their sacrifice. I love my freedom, and the men and women who fight for it are my heroes."

Haveil Havalim #140 is Up!

Haveil Havalim #140 is up at Life in Israel. And when you're done reading those wonderful posts, don't forget to visit Soccer Dad, the creator of Haveil Havalim.

Kristallnach

Yid With Lid discusses the anniversary of Kristallnach:

"Kristallnach: 69 Years Ago and Nothing Has Changed. Throughout the world we remember Kristallnach, the night the Nazis began the Holocaust in earnest. Its amazing how little has changed in almost seven decades. Arab countries fill their children's textbooks with anti Jewish Hatred. Islamic Clerics call for the death of Jews. In Germany Anti-Semitism is making a comeback. And much of the world believes that Much of the word has found a more polite way to be anti-semitic. They don't hate Jews just the Zionists. They use the same anti-Jewish stereotypes against the "Zionists" that the Nazis used.This year the Libel about Jews controlling US Foreign Policy was spread by ex-Jew Bob Novak, ex-President Jimmy Carter, ex-Professor Norman Finkelstein, a Jew who helped the Nazis George Soros, Professors John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt and Congressman Moran. In Britain British Jews Forced into 'Hiding', In the US 1 out of 7 Hate Jews, Even in NY: Anti-Jewish Hate Crimes Spike in NY City. Hatred came from religious groups such as Society of St. Pius X The Anti-Semitic Hate Group That Pressured Pope for Old Mass , Polish Media Magnate Father" Rydzyk, Louis Farrakhan Bishop Tutu and Al Sharpton. Perhaps the worst of the recent hatred came from our own. Self-hating Jews who encouraged others to join them in their hatred. People and groups like Muzzelwatch, The NY Times, Haaretz, Jeff Halper, Ken Roth, George Soros and Norman Finkelstein. Sadly it seems that in the almost seventy years since the night of broken glass, nothing has changed and very little has been learned."

"Take Time to Salute"

This editorial reminds us that Veterans Day is more than just another day off. It's something we should do without having to be told.

"On Sunday, Veterans Day, take time to salute....To mark it appropriately, when you see someone you know is a veteran on the street, in a shopping mall, take the time to say 'Thank you' and, if you're so inclined, a salute would be welcome. You'll be showing your appreciation not only to them, but to the thousands who went before them and who now sleep in graves at home and in foreign lands, many under a long line of markers testifying to their sacrifice for freedom."

"If...You Must" - 11/8/07 edition

If you're forgetful like I am, you must read Soccer Dad's "If...You Must" anyway!

Still More Rockets on Sderot

Rubicon3 has it absolutely right:

"The Same News Every Day. I see reports of Palestinian rocket fire from Gaza into Israel on a daily basis. It is rarely, if ever, reported in the US media"

Of course not, because Israelis are the victims here. If Israelis were attacking Palestinians, you'd see plenty of media coverage here.

Yiddish

This is wonderful poem about the Yiddish language, by Linda Reck, a retired teacher from the Bronx. And this one really brought back memories!

Dumb Democrat Quote of the Day

The Democrats hate to admit when there's positive news. So they look for novel excuses to explain any good news. But what David Obey said takes the cake: "Congressman David Obey (D-WI) has a novel explanation for the large drop in casualties in Iraq. He believes that the terrorists and sectarian thugs are running out of people to kill: 'There are fewer targets of opportunity,' Obey said in a speech to the National Press Club."

Amusing Headline of the Day

Africa gets it: "Rwanda: Spare Us the Traumatic Experience of Paris Hilton"

The Political Incorrectness of Christmas

(Or should I say "____________mas"?) Well, it's time once again for anti-Christmas political correctness! The year wouldn't be complete without stories like this:

"A special task force in a Colorado city has recommended banning red and green lights at the Christmas holiday because they fall among the items that are too religious for the city to sponsor."

Would someone please explain to me how the colors red and green are "too religious"?

House of Cads

Is the House crazy? Don't they have anything better to do? This has to be a case of Cheney Derangement Syndrome: "Cheney Impeachment Resolution Sent to House Committee"

The Heeb 100

Metafilter links to Heeb Magazine's Heeb 100. "They’re young, smart and innovative... and oh yeah, they also happen to be Jewish."

It's Santa's Fault!

I just saw this topic discussed on Neil Cavuto's show on Fox: does Santa need to slim down to set a good example for kids? Oh, spare me. Santa has always been chubby, as in "Twas The Night Before Christmas" ("He had a broad face and a little round belly, that shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.") -- but on the other hand, children HAVEN'T always been obese, and parents haven't always avoided responsibility! It's so easy to blame everyone else -- but isn't this a bit ridiculous?

Art Online

This is a nice story today: "A 16 billion pixel image version of Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper painting has been produced and posted on the internet. This will give art lovers a detailed view of the work dating back to the 15th Century. You can visit 16 billion pixel image version at www.haltadefinizione.com"

The Flag-Folding Story, continued

I was thinking about that flag-folding controversy again today. How is it that just one petty individual's complaints can bring the Veterans Administration to its knees? Why didn't they just ignore him? Instead of banning the whole ceremony, let those offended parties opt out of it, rather than ruining tradition for the majority of Americans. It's a moving ceremony we've all seen during the funerals of Presidents, for example. From what I heard, this lone whiner was offended by these particular words: "The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." What is so politically incorrect about that?

Haveil Havalim #139 is Up!

It's time for Haveil Havalim #139,hosted by A Mother In Israel.

Good Economy = Bad News

Rubicon3 mentions the optimistic Larry Kudlow, who says: "Message to all you worrywarts out there: The U.S. economy remains strong. There is no recession ahead. Goldilocks rules." I had read another Kudlow piece the other day, appropriately titled "If Things are So Bad, Why Are They So Good?" He said, " I wish somebody would give this economy—the greatest-story-never-told—just a little credit. The fact is that stock prices are hovering near record highs, inflation is coming down, growth is going up, and jobs are going up." But it seems the mainstream media isn't interested in reporting the good news -- and enjoys reporting the bad.

Our Friends the Iranians

Read Bill Levinson's comments on the news that "Senator Barack Obama said he would 'engage in aggressive personal diplomacy' with Iran if elected president, and would offer economic inducements and a possible promise not to seek 'regime change' if Iran stopped meddling in Iraq and cooperated on terrorism and nuclear issues."

Politically Correct Aliens

I agree with what Neal Boortz has to say about political correctness and illegal aliens: "I’m so sick to death of the politically correct 'undocumented worker' or 'undocumented immigrant' crap. They crossed the border illegally, they remain here illegally, they work here illegally, and we pay them off with this 'undocumented' nonsense. They’re ILLEGALS. Call them what they are! Calling an illegal alien an 'undocumented worker' is like calling your neighborhood heroin dealer an 'unlicensed pharmacist.'"

Outrage on Campus

Here's proof of the vile hypocrisy on campus. It's not okay to have Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week, but this IS okay? "A University of Oregon 'peace group' called the Pacifica Forum is planning to remember the Nazi atrocity of Kristallnacht this year with two days of speeches and conferences led by a neo-Nazi Holocaust denier. Yes, really."

A is for Asinine

This is yet another reason I am thankful to have been born in the 50's and to have attended school for the purpose of being educated academically: "Yoga classes are now a requirement for Needham high school seniors. To further ease the supposed burden on overworked students, Richards has 'asked teachers to schedule homework-free weekends and holidays.'"