"How to Start Each Day with a Positive Outlook"

Here's an amusing anecdote from Smooth Stone.

Juggling Carnivals

That master showman, Soccer Dad, is once again juggling Carnivals for your entertainment pleasure.

On Politics

I'm extremely disappointed that Rudy is pulling out of the race, and surprised he didn't make a better showing. He was my favorite candidate, and it looks like I'll have to support John McCain now. Instapundit writes, "IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME: McCain Derangement Syndrome arrives. I understand people having issues with McCain, but people need to calm down soon. This is politics, the art of the possible, not the ideal. Some people on the right are starting to sound almost Kossack-like." To read more about McCain Derangement Syndrome, go here.

Cell Phone Stupidity

I hate endless, loud cell phone conversations everwhere you go, and those annoying ringtones. Here's someone who feels the same way I do: "With the many ways people use their phones without consideration for others, it is accurate to say that etiquette was lost when cell phones entered the restroom stalls. My dream is to one day see theaters that block out electronic signals and people ending their conversations before entering the toilet."

"The World Has Lost its Humanity"

First the Hitler hotel room in Venezuela, now this. You have to see the photo to believe it.

"RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - A Carnival float with a pile of model dead bodies commemorating the Holocaust is causing unease before the lavish parades in Rio de Janeiro this weekend."

Atlas Shrugs sums it up: "I honestly don't know what to say. The world has lost its humanity."

Howie on Teddy

I love Howie Carr's pieces on Ted Kennedy!

More Pandering

Unfortunately, the heir to Camelot is just as liberal as the other Democratic candidates. Obama has announced he wants to give drivers licenses to illegals. Read more here at Hot Air.

"If...You Must" for 1/29/08

As always, Soccer Dad has some "must" reading! If the link won't work, go to
http://soccerdad.baltiblogs.com/ and scroll down.

Driven to Succeed

I've never quite understood the appeal of auto racing, but here is a story about the sole Jewish NASCAR driver.

It's Haveil Havalim Time!

Please visit Jack's Shack to
read Haveil Havalim #151, the Post-Soccer Dad edition. Make sure you congratulate Jack on his fine premiere, as it's not easy stepping into someone else's legendary shoes!

"Hydra-Headed Candidacy"

Believe it or not, Billary Clinton has alienated even the ultra-liberal propaganda magazine Vanity Fair! Go here to read more.

My Yiddishe Connie Francis

Check out Rubicon3 for this video of Connie Francis singing the theme song from "Exodus" -- as well as "Hava Nagilah". And click on the link to read more about her Yiddish album. She had a great voice, full of emotion, and I still remember her version of "My Yiddishe Mama".

America's Marines

What a great commercial this is! I found it at Instapundit.

Good Things to Read

There's some great reading over at Soccer Dad! First, read my favorite series, "If...You Must". Next, look at the various Carnivals being juggled. And finally, check out the Watcher's Council nominations. It's a good way to end a busy week.

An Explosive Story

Atlas Shrugs has "the feel good story of the day": "Taliban Suicide Bomber Explodes After Tripping Down Stairs....". I love it!

Heil Hotel!

Here is the latest example of taste and class: "There's a Hitler suite at a hotel in Yugoslavia. Jews aren't amused." (via Boortz)

Defining Working Down

I find it outrageous that the Democrats once again want to distribute the wealth. It's an insult to those of us who work and pay income taxes that Pelosi & Company want those who DON'T pay income taxes to get a "rebate"!: "The main sticking point in the negotiations is who the rebate checks should target. Bush has said he wants rebates for those who pay income taxes. But Democrats say such an approach would mean tens of millions of households would get only a partial rebate or none at all -- about 65 million, the liberal Center for Budget and Policy Priorities estimates. That group includes those whose tax bill is so low that their rebate would be much less than $800 or $1,600, as well as low-income households with no income tax liability because of credits and other tax breaks. It would also include households that do not have to file a tax return."

Pigging Out in Britain

Didn't we go through this idiocy already?? This is from Britain, where they obviously have nothing better to do: "A story based on the Three Little Pigs has been turned down from a government agency's annual awards because the subject matter could offend Muslims. The digital book, re-telling the classic fairy tale, was rejected by judges who warned that 'the use of pigs raises cultural issues'. ... The judges also attacked Three Little Cowboy Builders for offending builders... The judges criticised the stereotyping in the story of the unfortunate pigs: 'Is it true that all builders are cowboys, builders get their work blown down, and builders are like pigs?'"

No Dowd About the Clintons

I never liked Maureen Dowd except when she wrote about the Clintons, and she's been very popular with me lately. Today's column doesn't disappoint: "The Clintons — or 'the 2-headed monster,' as the The New York Post dubbed the tag team that clawed out wins in New Hampshire and Nevada — always go where they need to go, no matter the collateral damage. Even if the damage is to themselves and their party." I still have this yellowed column from 2000 pinned to my bulletin board: "Bill Is Not Going Away. Ever. The man who was president and the woman who wants to be president are shopping for a lavish house in Washington's fanciest neighborhoods." And this 2000 column also shows how ambitious Hillary was, even then.

Long Live the Hydrox!

This is a good article about the Hydrox cookie, which many of us miss and think was far superior to the Oreo. (Via Obscure Store)

Desperate Dems

John Hawkins sums up the South Carolina Democratic debate in this 3-minute video.

Failure of Decency

The Hamas-created power failure in Gaza has of course led to the U.N. and the usual sources condemning Israel. Read this Honest Reporting article about the latest efforts to blame Israel: "Today's headlines include the LA Times's 'Gaza dark amid Israeli blockade' and The Guardian's
'Gaza plunged into darkness as Israeli fuel blockade takes effect'. Similar headlines appear in many media outlets. You could be forgiven for thinking that Israel has cut off the entire electricity supply to the Gaza Strip.Despite ongoing Qassam attacks from the territory, Israel has not switched off the electricity. In fact, Hamas itself shut down Gaza's only power station after inviting the media to watch it do so....Once again, the mainstream media has wittingly or unwittingly fallen into the Hamas trap. By plunging Gaza into darkness, the terrorist organization has managed to shift the story away from its own responsibility for the Qassams and terror on Sderot. Instead, Israel's image is taking a beating for a perceived humanitarian crisis of Hamas's own making."

Embarassing Endorsement

To me, this is just another example of the demeaning of the Presidency since Bill Clinton:

"Surely you've heard that Dennis Hof -- owner of the Moonlite Bunny Ranch brothel near Carson City -- has cast the first official whorehouse endorsement of the 2008 presidential campaign when he announced that he'll back Republican Rep. Ron Paul. Not only that, but he tells The Chronicle of a unique promotion: To those who enter into Hof's establishment and declare that 'I'm pimping for Paul,' Hof will bequeath the services of two bunnies for the price of one. Or double whatever they choose to partake of there. Some of you know the drill."

Haveil Havalim #150 is Up!

Today, Soccer Dad ends his triumphant reign as administrator of the wonderful Jewish blog carnival Haveil Havalim with a very ambitious Haveil Havalim #150.

"A Real Mensch"

Meryl Yourish gives us the heartwarming story of "a real mensch".

Politically Correct Terrorism

The utter insanity of political correctness continues. Neal Boortz reports:

"First, Britain decides to stop using the phrase 'war on terror.' Now terrorism by Muslim extremists will no longer be called 'Islamic terrorism.' No. This would be too logical. Instead it will now be called 'anti-Islamic activity.' What the hell? Muslims strap on bombs and try to kill non-Muslims and the British Home Secretary wants to call this 'anti-Islamic activity?' Can someone please explain this to me?"

Bobby Fischer

Moonbattery reports on the death of antisemite crackpot Bobby Fischer.

News Tidbits

See Argus Hamilton's amusing comments on the news here, including these gems:

"Hillary Clinton won the debate with Barack Obama and John Edwards Tuesday. She somehow got Obama to give up the race issue and Edwards to stop saying how poor he used to be. All women have to do is threaten to cry and men just do whatever they say."

and

"Hillary Clinton told Tyra Banks this week she'll hold a contest to pick a name to call her husband if she's elected president. She was humoring the host. No one seriously thinks Hillary Clinton needs any help thinking of names to call her husband."

Carnival - Juggling Time

Go here to see the Carnivals that Soccer Dad is expertly juggling. There's so much to read and enjoy.

Don't Be a Schmuck -- Read This!

From Charlierblog3, here are some Yiddish words you should know.

"Suck.It.Up."

Michelle Malkin has some good features on the "mortgage meltdown" and the lack of personal responsibility that is causing it.

Idiotic Lawsuit of the Day

Neal Boortz reports on this insanely frivolous lawsuit: "A guy tried to jump off the empire state building in 2006 but was stopped by a security guard. He is now suing for $30 million because the security guard who stopped him "endangered his life" and caused him 'severe emotional distress.' No, I'm not kidding." Read more
here.

Lesson in Terrorism

This article by Thomas Joscelyn asks a question that should not have to be asked: "Do terrorists hate us because of who we are (our way of life) or what we do (our foreign policy)? During a recent Republican presidential debate in New Hampshire, this question, which has been asked and answered many times since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, resurfaced once again. And, once again, Mayor Giuliani gave the right answer. Mayor Giuliani said that the hatred fueling al-Qaeda and like-minded terrorist groups has 'nothing to do with our foreign policy.' Instead, 'It has to do with their ideas, their theories, the things that they have done and the way they've perverted their religion into a hatred of us.' For the New York Times, Mayor Giuliani's remarks were unacceptable.... The truth is our terrorist enemies hate us, and anyone else who opposes them, for who we are. Mayor Giuliani understands this. And more than six years after the terrorist attacks of September 11, the New York Times illustrates why his leadership is needed. We have no time to indulge in the conspiratorial 'Blame America First' propaganda of our enemies. They alone are to blame for their terror."

Nu?

Here are some tidbits from the Jewish press.

A Reminder

A reminder from Rubicon3 about the PBS series "The Jewish Americans". I loved the part about Yiddish theatre in the first installment last week.

7 Useful Websites

From the always informative and useful Charlierblog3 comes this website, 7 Very Useful Sites You've Never Been To: http://www.webupon.com/Web-Talk/7-Very-Useful-Sites-Youve-Never-Been-to.71396.

Haveil Havalim #149 is Up!

Haveil Havalim #149, "the Vengeance upon the Nations" edition, is up at Life in Israel. Also, please read Haveil Havalim creator David Gerstman's important announcement at Soccer Dad, and send him your kudos.

Pandering for Votes

How's THIS for pandering?

"Clinton and her busload of traveling press moved from there to the popular local Mexican restaurant Lindo Michoacan, where a 'roundtable' that was actually square passed a microphone around to tell her people’s concerns about the mortgage crisis and foreclosures. She took notes and munched on tortilla chips. In broken English, one woman told Clinton how she wasn’t making money as a broker anymore. 'I have no income at all,' she said. 'So how will I survive?' Choking up with emotion, the woman said, 'In my neighborhood, there are brand-new homes, but the value is nothing. I’m glad you are here so I can tell you, because you’re going to be the president, I know.' A man shouted through an opening in the wall that his wife was illegal. 'No woman is illegal,' Clinton said, to cheers. Pretty straightforward - if you’re a woman, then you’re not illegal…doesn’t matter if you just crossed the border yesterday, I guess. Unless, of course, Hillary was just trolling for votes - while Hillary is expressing doubts about caucuses, what I understand about the Democratic caucus out here in Nevada is that IDs won’t be checked…so, come one, come all…even if you’re illegal and especially if you’re a female illegal, ’cause Hillary has just given you a dispensation from the laws of the United States of America."

A Visit to Yad Vashem

President Bush visited Yad Vashem today:

"'I wish as many people as possible would come to this place. It is a sobering reminder that evil exists, and a call that when evil exists we must resist it,' he said. ... At one point, Bush viewed aerial photos of the Auschwitz death camp taken during the war by U.S. forces and called Secretary of State Rice over to discuss why the American government had decided against bombing the site. 'We should have bombed it,' Bush said, according to Yad Vashem chairman Avner Shalev. In the memorial’s visitors’ book, the president wrote simply, 'God bless Israel, George Bush.' Bush’s comment about bombing Auschwitz, which those present said appeared to be spontaneous, marked the first time an American president has publicly made such an acknowledgment."

Weasel Watching

Soccer Dad reports on the Watcher's Council nominations.

Kowtowing to Palestinians

Please tell me that President Bush really didn't say this: "'I believe we need to look to the establishment of a Palestinian state and new international mechanisms, including compensation, to resolve the refugee issue,' US President George W. Bush said Thursday. Bush also called for the end of the 'occupation' of Arab land by the IDF."

Stuff in the News

Maybe the Palestinians should fire rockets at Israel while President Bush is there. It would make him realize that there is no peace with terrorists. John Fund wonders why anyone would possibly object to showing a photo ID when you vote. Morons from Columbia University are visiting Iran to apologize to that lunatic Ahmadinejan about the outcry that greeted his speech in New York. And Investor's Business Daily says that the Democrats are too politically correct to want to fight terrorism.

"When Will We Ever Learn?"

Here is an excellent piece by William Shawcross on terrorism: "We are at war with hatred, fanaticism and despair. When will we ever learn? The murder of Benazir Bhutto should finally convince us that we are in the midst of a crucial international war to stop Islamist terrorists destroying all that is best in our imperfect world."

The Death Penalty

I agree with La Shawn Barber on executing murderers and child rapists: "Now, some folks have issues with lethal injection, a modern and humane-if-you-ask-me way to execute murderers and rapers of children. What do they want? To fall peacefully asleep in a candle-lit room while lying on a bed of sweet-smelling roses? If I were running things, the only 'choice' the condemned would have is the electric chair."

About Israel

Yourish has some myths and facts about Israel.

More Carnival Juggling

The always adept Soccer Dad is juggling Carnivals for your reading pleasure.

Haveil Havalim #148 is Up!

Haveil Havalim #148 is up at Yid With Lid, and there's a lot of interesting stuff to read. Some depressing yet entirely understandable news from the creator of Haveil Havalim, Soccer Dad himself, David Gerstman: because of all the work involved in putting each edition of Haveil Havalim together, he will be giving up the reins after HH#150. If you've enjoyed reading Haveil Havalim since the first edition in 2004, why not e-mail David at dhgerstman@hotmail.com and tell him so?

"Disgrace of the Week"

There is something extremely wrong with our society when soldiers are treated like criminals. Little Green Footballs reports on this obscenity from England: "Scores of soldiers flying home from Afghanistan on Christmas leave were ordered to change out of their uniforms on a freezing runway before being allowed into a civilian airport terminal.Troops were told not to be seen in public in their uniforms - which they had worn with pride while risking their lives during months of intense fighting against the Taliban."

Best 'Best of" Lists

If you like lists, Culturite gives us The Best ‘Best of’ Lists of 2007.

Hypothetical Voting

The Anti-Idiotarian Rottweiler lets you vote here: "I keep reading here how people will refuse to vote for so-and-so no matter what. So I got to thinking — why not set up a few hypothetical ballots to see just what will force you to vote, or stay home, or hold your nose. So pretend it is November 4th ....". Vote now and see the results.

"What We Learned From The Iowa Caucuses"

Read this great column titled, "What We Learned From The Iowa Caucuses". One of the things learned was this: "That where candidates stand on the issues matter far less (if at all) than how likable they are and how nice their skin looks." Absolutely true --- and a very sad way to pick a President.

Bad Baby Names

Charlierblog3 links to this list of bad baby names. What are these idiots thinking of?

Taking a Powder

Smooth Stone reports on a possible terrorism dress rehearsal.

Rex Reed Remembers

Rex Reed pays tribute to the many legends who died in 2007: "The worlds of stage, screen, sound and scribes have all grown drastically dimmer. In my annual, expanded version of the Oscar montage, I reluctantly tote up the many stars who went to heaven in 2007."

The Year in Sleaze

Witty columnist Andrea Peyser sums up 2007.