Childhood Food Memories

Here's a nice article about food nostalgia.

This Takes The Cake!

This is a funny 17-photo slideshow of professional cakes that have gone "horribly, hilariously wrong".

Rosanne Barf

A Super Bowl request from that lunatic Rosanne Barr:

"She writes on her website, 'The Boss oughta demand during his half-time appearance this Sunday that Obama stop bombing Pakistan . . . and stop funding the Israeli war machine! Tell Obama to . . . make Israel stop bombing Gaza!!!!'"

Jerk In The Box

I realize that Americans don't want to work at fast-food restaurants, but this is ridiculous:

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The job of taking orders at the drive-through could soon be outsourced. Jack in the Box Inc. has been testing a program in some Charlotte-area restaurants that outsources order-taking to a call center elsewhere. Company spokeswoman Kathleen Anthony said the technology is intended to improve speed, accuracy and service. The San Diego-based restaurant chain hopes the process will free up on-site employees to process orders, accept payment and address other needs. Anthony said the orders are routed to a Texas call center operated by Bronco Communications, and she said some orders may be routed outside the country.

Another Great Obama Commemorative Gift!

For the liberal Democrat who has everything, a Chia Obama! Do they give you a free Snuggie/Slanket with every order? (via Metafilter)

Nealz Nuze

Neal Boortz has a lot of good links today.

Watcher's Council

The latest Watcher's Council entries are up at Soccer Dad!

Addictive Fun

For a bit of fun, try this! I especially need a laugh, after just learning that the California woman who gave birth to octuplets is single and already has 6 children. How nice. Explain why such a person would take fertility drugs.

Topics in the News

I agree with Michelle Malkin regarding the animal murder-suicide couple who just had to kill their innocent children as well. And, like readers of Lucianne.com, I am tired of hearing about people complaining that they didn't get their "free" digitial TV converter boxes. They've had 2 years to get the discount coupons. I didn't realize this was the latest bailout, or that television viewing was a "right". I do like this writer's idea for a taxpayer's march on Washington.

Truth is Stranger Than Fiction

The nervy Blagojevich is wondering who should play him in a movie version of his life, so the New York Daily News offers some suggestions.

"Barackosis"

Here's an analysis of Obamamania: "Barackosis is just like "Bush Derangement Syndrome," in that victims are emotionally committed to a person without having to examine that person's ideas. It's why Bush-haters refuse to see anything good about Bush and why Obama-lovers cannot articulate anything beyond hope and change."

Grand Rounds!

The "totally Babelicious" Grand Rounds Vol.5, No.19 is now up! ChronicBabe explains,

"Call us biased, but we think chicks rule. There's a ton of health information on the 'net, but often, medical research and reporting focus more on men—so we thought it was high time the ladies got a little attention in Grand Rounds, a showcase for the best health and medical writing on the web."

Nervy News

People sure have a lot of nerve! Here are just three instances that have leaped out at me in recent days:
(1) Some of the greedier passengers saved by Captain Sullenberger want to sue US Air! Lucianne.com readers, as well as readers of the original USA Today story, are not sympathetic.
(2) Obama won't compromise on tax rebates for those who don't pay taxes.
(3) And disgraced Governor Rod Blagojevich actually compared himself to Jimmy Stewart in "It's a Wonderful Life" in an interview with Glenn Beck.

Never Forget!

Today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Winning is Bad!

I simply do not understand this story. Why on earth would you fire the coach of the team that won 100-0? Since when is winning considered wrong? (Obviously, since they began dumbing down everything!) And why should you apologize for winning?

Good Posts From Soccer Dad

As usual, Soccer Dad is deftly juggling Canivals as well as giving us the winning Watcher's Council entries.

Shiny Happy Dhimmi - #10

Soccer Dad offers up Shiny happy dhimmi - #10. Notice the excellent Churchill line he always quotes: "An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile - hoping it will eat him last."

"Return to Responsibility"

I came across this very good letter to the editor at the Orange County Register:

"Return to responsibility. As I watched the inauguration I thought to myself that this great country of ours has withstood just about all the change that it can stand. Instead of change I would like to hear our leaders promise to return to a time when it was against the law to use profanity in front of women and children instead of now when our women and children use profanity like the drunken sailor of old. I would like to return to a time when I didn't have to punch a number to speak my own language and when TV programs and motion pictures didn't make you squirm if you watched them with your children. I would like to return to a time when you earned your credit score by paying your bills on time each and every month instead of having the federal government back your loan because you haven't. But most of all I would like to return to a time when there weren't so many people with their hands out hoping that someone else will fill them. Jack Luster, San Juan Capistrano"

Haveil Havalim Time!

Enjoy reading Haveil Havalim #202- The Superhero Edition, which is available at the very colorful SuperRaizy. She amusingly bills herself as "just a typical Jewish mom... with a superhero complex."

Newseum

I just got reminded of this useful website by my friend Marcia, who wrote, "Just put your mouse on a city, and the newspaper headlines pop up. Double click and the page gets larger..."

Socialism

Quote of the day, from Instapundit: “The trouble with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money” –Margaret Thatcher.

Beatlemania

I came across this invaluable list of Beatles songs at Interesting Pile. If, like me, you've always loved the Beatles, this website is for you!

Stimulus Stink

Dick Morris was on Fox News this morning discussing the stimulus bill, and he used a great analogy, comparing it to using methadone to withdraw from addiction. In this case, the addiction is to debt: people buying homes they know they can't afford, cars they know they can't afford, etc., and expecting everyone else to pay their way. Also, he writes

"The most pernicious of his proposals will be the massive Make Work Pay refundable tax credit. Dressed up as a tax cut, it will be a national welfare program, guaranteeing a majority of American households an annual check to "refund" taxes they never paid. And it will eliminate the need for about 20% of American households to pay income taxes, lifting the proportion that need not do so to a majority of the voting population. Unlike the Bush stimulus checks, this new program will be a permanent entitlement, a part of our budget that can only go up and never down. Politically, it will transform a majority of Americans from taxpayers, anxious to hold down government spending, into tax eaters, eager to reap new benefits."

Shouldn't all hard-working taxpayers be outraged?

Support for George W. Bush

If you're sick and tired of the continued Bush-bashing, go here and show your support for our former President. There are some good pro-Bush articles here, here, and here.

Photos of President Bush

Here's a very touching presentation from Time magazine about photographing President Bush.

Former War in Gaza Update

Jack has a roundup called Gaza Continued. I have to admit that even though I'm glad the war is over (but would have preferred that Israel had actually WON!), I do miss Jack's War in Gaza updates and all the excellent writing they contained.

The Bailout of Personal Responsibility Continues

Neal Boortz comments on smokers who have absolved themselves of personal responsibility.

Murtha the Moron

I don't know who is more ignorant: John Murtha, who thinks Pennsylvania should welcome the Gitmo terrorists; or the idiots who voted him back into office. At least this particular Pennsylvanian doesn't agree with Murtha. He says, “We’ll take the detainees if Gitmo will take Murtha.”

Multitasking by Soccer Dad

Soccer Dad is juggling Carnivals as well as reporting on the latest winning Watcher's Council entries. Read it all, as the saying goes!

Reporting That's Really For The Birds

This description offers further proof that the media deserves the title of Idiotarian of 2008:

"Offering the most hyperbolic take of the night on the crowds who attended President Obama's inauguration, on World News ABC's Bill Weir delighted in wondering 'can national pride make a freezing day feel warmer?' He decided it can indeed since 'never have so many people shivered so long with such joy' while 'from above, even the seagulls must have been awed by the blanket of humanity.' Weir was certainly awed."

Quips from Argus Hamilton

Here are some comments on the news by Argus Hamilton:

"Airways pilot Sully Sullenberger was asked to attend the Inauguration after he became a national hero in New York Friday. He belonged at the inauguration of Barack Obama. This gives us one guy who walks on water and one guy who lands on it."

"The Weather Channel reported bitterly cold weather in Washington D.C. during the holiday weekend extending into Inaugural Day. Nobody liked the conditions. It was so cold during the Lincoln Memorial concert Sunday that people threw shoes at Al Gore"

Grand Rounds 5:18

Check out MedPage Today for Grand Rounds 5:18. (Grand Rounds is a compilation of the best medical posts from around the blogosphere.)

President Barack Obama

Congratulations to President Barack Obama, our 44th president, and good luck to President George W. Bush. May the Bush-bashing era end now.

Obamerchandise

Oh, brother!

Entitlement Mentality Gone Wild

This story is a perfect example of the entitlement mentality in this country, and it's only going to get worse. Make sure you read the comments from the outraged readers that follow the article.

Thank You, President Bush!

Here is a tribute to President Bush by Guy Benson, host of The Guy Benson Show on 560 WIND-AM in Chicago.

"Beyond the political and policy legacy President Bush will leave behind, I am grateful that for the last eight years, the country has been led by a man with enormous respect for the office he's held, and who made it his primary mission to keep my friends and family safe from those who seek our destruction. He endured countless indignities — from mean-spirited critics to humiliating betrayal — with grace and class, and without resorting to vindictive or petty retaliation. And although quite a few of Bush's decisions have angered and disappointed me through the years, I never once doubted his motives or his character. For those reasons alone, I say: Thank you, President Bush."

Haveil Havalim Time!

Haveil Havalim #201, the I Love Nauru Edition is up at The Rebbetzin's Husband, and it looks like a terrific roundup.

War in Gaza Update - Ceasefire Edition

Jack has the War in Gaza Update - Ceasefire Edition. I wonder how many more updates there will be, now that this "ceasefire" has taken place.

Idiotarian of 2008

Little Green Footballs announces the obvious winner of the 2008 Idiotarian Award : "For their leg-tingling coverage of the Obama campaign, and other misbehaviors too numerous to mention, the 2008 Idiotarian Award will go to ... the Mainstream Media."

Shiny Happy Dhimmi - #9

Visit Soccer Dad and read his Shiny happy dhimmi - #9

Looking for Lincoln

I just finished reading the marvelous pictorial book "Looking for Lincoln" and highly recommend it to others who love reading about Abraham Lincoln.

Remembering September 11

In case anyone has forgotten the events of September 11, Smooth Stone has posted this video.

Why??

Jihad Watch says: "2006 all over again: Israel to give up, Hamas to keep fighting".

War in Gaza Update #19

And speaking of heroes, don't forget to read Jack's War in Gaza Update #19 and continue to read about our heroes of the IDF!

Sully for President!

I continue to be so amused and delighted by the enthusiasticly positive reactions to the heroics of Capt. Sullenberger on Flight 1549. Everywhere you look on the Internet, people are competing to come up with the highest accolades, creating fan clubs, etc. I am waiting to see if anyone creates commemorative merchandise in his honor. You know, if this incident had only happened a year ago, it might be "Sully's" inauguration we'd be watching next week! Here is a comment from the UK Mail Online:

"An American hero. First reports are that the hero pilot of that US Airways flight -- Capt Chesley B. 'Sully' Sullenberger III: splendid -- is a former US Air Force F-4 fighter pilot. That should have been obvious. Sometimes when it seems the United States is finished, that it has exhausted its once-great spirit, an American such as Capt Sullenberger appears. Cool, skilled, brave, patriotic,and honourable -- he would not leave the sinking aircraft until he had searched it twice to make sure no one was left on board. Of course he did. He was trained in the American military imperative: 'Leave no man behind.' Some days I write off America. Not today, brothers. Not today."

While I strongly disagree with the statement that "America is finished", I like the rest.

Hero of the Hudson: Captain C.B.Sullenberger

All day long we've been discussing yesterday's miraculous plane rescue and the heroics of Captain Chesley B. Sullenberger. It seems he is the talk of the world, all over the radio, on TV, and all over the Internet, including his own Facebook fan club! Finally, a hero everyone can agree on, and about whom nothing negative can be said. What an inspiration!

Watcher's Council

This week's Watcher's Council submissions are up at Soccer Dad!

War in Gaza Update #18.5

Read and forward Jack's War in Gaza Update #18.5

Memorandum of Understanding

Today, Israel and the United States signed the Memorandum of Understanding. Says Lanny Davis, spokesman for The Israel Project,

"This agreement once again affirms Israel’s right to defend itself from terror by focusing on the source of the problem-- Hamas and the flow of weapons and rockets from Iran directly to the terrorist organization which uses them to intentionally kill innocent women and children and civilians in Israel."

Don't Upset the Muslims!

Sultan Knish is absolutely right when he says,

"It seems lately as if all our laws can be reduced to one single law, 'Whatever You Do, Don't Upset the Muslims.' 9/11 proved that defending ourselves against terrorism takes a backseat to Muslim sensitivities.... Before All Else, Thou Shalt Not Offend the Muslim. Even when he's trying to kill you. Especially when he's trying to kill you."

About President Bush

The Anchoress has some nice posts in praise of President George W. Bush. I'm so glad to see this!

War in Gaza Update #18

It's time for Jack's War in Gaza Update #18.

A Plane Miracle

If it's true that everyone survived today's crash of the US Air jet into New York harbor, then it's truly a miracle. The pilot deserves a medal. Think of the other possible scenario, the jet crashing into buildings on land....

Grand Rounds: Vol.5, No.17

Get out your stethoscope and go on Grand Rounds: Vol.5, No.17 at In Sickness and In Health: A Place for Couples Dealing With Illness.

War in Gaza Updates #16 + #17

Jack's War in Gaza Update #16 and War in Gaza Update #17 are up! Great work, Jack!

Vote for Idiotarian of 2008!

Vote for the 2008 Idiotarian of the Year Award at Little Green Footballs. To me the winner is clear: the mainstream media!

Blame the Jews

I thought this was excellent, and it should be read in its entirety and passed on:

"Most of the United Nations -- and Islamists around the world -- blame Middle East unrest on "the Zionists". This assertion is even more ludicrous than most of their other statements. Consider: In Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, San Francisco and other cities around the U.S., Muslim protesters chanted "Jews to the ovens", "Long Live Hitler", "Slaughter the Jews", "We will cleanse you, Palestine" and other epithets advocating genocide. It was the Zionists's fault. In the Sudan, 300,000 have died as Muslims attacked Christians and Animists. It was the Zionists' fault.
In Mumbai India, a terrorist attack by Muslim extremists killed or wounded 500 people in 2008. It was the Zionists' fault."

Stuff from Soccer Dad

He always has lots of interesting tidbits to read, and today Soccer Dad is juggling Carnivals and has the highlights of the winning Watcher's Council entries.

War in Gaza Update #15

Jack offers his War in Gaza Update #15.

War in Gaza Updates #14 and #14.5

I knew I was missing something! Here are Jack's War in Gaza Update #14 and War in Gaza Update #14.5

Bush-Bashing Frenzy

I was disgusted but not at all surprised to see how the UK Guardian condensed President Bush's tenure: "9/11, two wars, Katrina: 'We had fun', says Bush". Unbelievable.

Conservative Blog Awards

Check out The 7th Annual Right Wing News Conservative Blog Awards and see which of your favorites are listed.

Hamas Dictionary

The above cartoon is by Robert Arial at Jewish World Review. JWR urges us to please forward this to others and print it out.

Shiny Happy Dhimmi - #8

For your dhimmitudinous reading pleasure, you'll be glad to know that Soccer Dad's Shiny happy dhimmi - #8 is now up.

Letter to the Idiot-itor

Is this guy kidding?? How is this for a revolting letter to the editor?

"Israel uses fear of Islam to gain U.S. backing, commit atrocities. Does the Holocaust give a country the right to imprison millions of people like rats on an old ship and then to kill and maim them and their children for throwing stones in their direction? The rockets that the Palestinians have fired into Israel to gain a small bit of notice and respect have hurt very few Israelis. The Israeli response has been massive, cruel and heartless – essentially, “Throw a rock from a school and we will kill everyone in the school, including your innocent children.” It is time for the United States (you and me) to stop giving carte blanch to Israel and to demand that the Palestinian people be given a decent home and the respect as human beings that they deserve. The old, religious zealots who control Israel count on our fear of Muslims to keep us from doing what we know is right. A child is a child, not a Jewish child or a Muslim child. If you put yourself in the place that the people of Gaza find themselves, I believe many of us would throw more than stones to gain a bit of dignity, freedom and respect. Dave Genova, Asheville"

Historic Haveil Havalim!

Jack has the historic 200th edition of Haveil Havalim: Haveil Havalim #200, the Harvey edition. Haveil Havalim was created by Soccer Dad in 2004, and you can read his very first edition here for old times' sake.

Rest Your Head on my Pillow

The always-interesting Interesting Pile found these unusual throw pillows. My favorites are the blood-pool pillow, and (because I love "The Godfather"), the horse's head pillow!

Antisemites on the March

Jimmy Carter is, to nobody's surprise, all for a ceasefire. Meanwhile, Europe seems to be channeling Hitler.

"The Job That Has To Be Done"

Smooth Stone links to this colorful presentation, titled "It's About Time to End The Hamas Roulette":

"Enough is Enough! Israel is a sovereign nation. Like every other sovereign nation, Israel has an inalienable right to defend its citizens and its terroritory. For too long, terrorist gangs have traumatized, maimed and murdered Israeli citizens, destroying their lives and property. For too long, these terrorist gangs have rained rockets indiscriminately down on Israeli towns and citizens. For far too long, Israeli governments have restrained their reactions, and barely responded to these deadly provocations - for fear of injuring innocent Palestinians. Enough is enough! Israelis love life, and Israel’s government holds human life (all human life) in high regard, seeking peace with all its neighbors. But - how to deal with an enemy that hides, like a coward, under the skirts of an innocent civilian population? How to deal with an enemy that has no regard for human life - not even that of its own brothers, the Palestinians? How to deal with an enemy that does not seek to help its own people and develop its own infrastructure, but only to destroy another? Finally, Israel has responded - with a fraction of its might - surgically targeting military installations and locations, thus minimizing citizen casualties. Enough is enough! But what will happen now? The world will condemn Israel’s actions. Blaring red newspaper headlines will tell of “the strong Israeli army attacking the helpless civilian population of Gaza”. Nobody will mention the civilian population of southern Israel, which has spent much of the past eight years in bomb shelters, trying to avoid the showers of rockets and bombs being fired on them from inside the Gaza Strip. We hope that the Israeli people will stand firm, and that the Israeli government will be strong enough to withstand the world’s pressure – and complete the job that has to be done."

A Forgotten Topic

Whatever happened to the call to "drill, drill, drill" for oil?

War in Gaza Updates 13 & 13.5

Check out Jack's latest War in Gaza updates #13 and #13.5.

The Write Stuff

This sounds like a good idea! I was just looking online for ways to help the IDF when I came across this item. It tells you how you can send a message to an IDF soldier or to an Israeli citizen in the war zone. I'm going to write immediately.

Happy Birthday, Elvis!

Glosslip is remembering Elvis, whose birthday it is today.

The New Meaning of 'Tax Cuts'

Neal Boortz talks about redefining tax cuts:

"... So .. .when Obama says "tax cut," he really means "welfare check." A government handout. Your money seized from you and given to someone who didn't earn it ... or your children and grandchildren hit with a debt they'll have to repay later. This is the new definition of a tax cut. And we have Barack Obama to thank for it, not to mention a compliant media ... a media that refuses to expose this government-speak. .... Simply put, you can't give tax cuts to people who don't pay income taxes. Government checks to people who don't pay income taxes are simply welfare checks."

Gaza Updates #12 & #12.5

War in Gaza Update #12 and War in Gaza Update #12.5 are now up. Jack and the participating bloggers are doing a marvelous job keeping the rest of us informed.

Weblog Awards

Betsy discusses the Weblog Awards. I've already voted; have you?

The 4 Living Presidents .. and Obama

President Bush welcomed the three other living Presidents and President-to-be Obama to the White House today. I loved the historic photos, but what gave me pause and made me laugh was the biased way some of the media outlets including ABC News described this meeting: "All 4 Living Presidents Meet with Obama"!

Sick Antisemitism in America

Read this post at Wizbang about the vile, pro-Hamas, disgustingly antisemitic rallies here at home. Never in my lifetime did I think I'd ever hear Americans shouting that Jews should be sent back to the ovens! I'm glad the blogs are exposing this obscenity, because I sure haven't seen it on the network news.

Gaza Updates #11 and #11.5

Jack's been working so hard that when his e-mail announced that Gaza Update #18 was up, I did NOT think he was kidding! However, he was indeed kidding, and is "only" up to
Gaza Update #11 and Gaza Update #11.5. Make sure you pass these important roundups on.

Soccer Dad Stuff

Reliable Soccer Dad has been very busy juggling carnivals and posting winning Watcher's Council entries.

"Send a Soldier a Smile"

Send a smile to our brave IDF soldiers! Click here to send a 100-word message of encouragement and gratitude.

Grand Rounds - Jan.6, 2009

The latest installment of the medical carnival Grand Rounds is up at Edwin Leap.

Questions

Why is it called a "humanitarian crisis" only when Israel retaliates against her murderous, hate-filled enemies, and not when they attack Israel?

Also, I heard they want to raise taxes on gasoline by 50%. Why can't they raise the "sin taxes" instead, on liquor and cigarettes? Everyone drives, but not everyone wastes money on liquor and cigarettes, so why not penalize those people for a change?

Gaza Updates #9.5, #10, and #10.5

Here are Jack's Gaza Update #10, Gaza update #10.5, and Gaza Update #9.5. Keep up the good work, Jack!

Still Disproportionate

Instapundit links to this still-relevant 2006 graphic from The People's Cube.

Shiny Happy Dhimmi - #7

Shiny Happy Dhimmi - #7 is up at Soccer Dad, with links to previous editions of this terrific blog carnival.

Most Annoying Liberals

Right Wing News lists the 20 most annoying liberals of 2008; it must have taken a supreme act of willpower to choose only twenty.

War Humor

I simply cannot understand why Israel constantly has to explain, justify, and apologize for retaliating against Hamas! Plus, it's not as if Hamas is a country -- it's a terrorist group, like Al Qaeda, who we went after after September 11. When you are attacked and murdered by terrorist savages, you attack back. Why is that so hard for people understand?

Meanwhile, I got this war humor from my friend Edna, whose friend from Ashkeklon, Israel, sent it to her:

"This joke explains all you need to know about the Israeli-Palestinian politics:
What happens when a fly falls into a coffee cup?
The Italian - throws the cup, breaks it, and walks away in a fit of rage.
The German - carefully washes the cup, sterilizes it and makes a new cup of coffee.
The Frenchman - takes out the fly, and drinks the coffee.
The Chinese - eats the fly and throws away the coffee.
The Russian - Drinks the coffee with the fly, since it was extra with no charge.
The Israeli - sells the coffee to the Frenchman, the fly to the Chinese, makes a cup of tea for himself and uses the extra money to invent a device that prevents flies from falling into cups.
The Palestinian - blames the Israeli for the fly falling in his coffee,protests the act of aggression to the UN, takes a loan from the European Union to buy a new cup of coffee, uses the money to purchase explosives and then blows up the coffee house where the Italian, the Frenchman, the Chinese, the German and the Russian are all trying to explain to the Israeli that he should give away his cup of tea to the Palestinian."

Gaza Update #9

Here are Jack's Gaza Update #9 and Gaza Update #9.5.

More Gaza War Links

Jack offers us his Gaza Update #8 and Gaza Update #8.5; Soccer Dad has created a Gaza Insanity Roundup; and Smooth Stone links to this Michael Gershon op-ed that says:

"The Israeli public will not accept any further risks for peace as long as Hamas missiles fly. Those missiles are a daily symbol that Israeli territorial concessions result in the strengthening of committed enemies and the death of Israeli citizens. The removal of this threat is not an obstacle to the peace process. It is the prerequisite for the resumption of the peace process. America, in turn, faces a test of its moral judgment. This conflict is not a contest between shades of gray. It is a matter of distinguishing between murderers and victims - and of supporting an ally until a clear victory against terrorism is achieved."

Haveil Havalim Time!

Now here is a perfectly titled edition of Haveil Havalim for you! Ima on (and off) the Bima is the host of Haveil Havalim #199: The We Can't Stop Twittering/Blogging/Reading/Worrying/Watching/What's Going On in Israel Right Now Edition....or ....The Stuck To My BlackBerry Like Glue Edition" .

Snuggie Derangement Syndrome

After suffering through that annoying Snuggie commercial today for the umpteenth time, I decided to look online to see if anyone had written about it, and sure enough, I came across this column and this one. The monk-like man eating popcorn reminds me of "Mr. Atoz" from "Star Trek" (see above photo); and I always wonder what kind of people would possibly go out in public wearing Snuggies! Anyone else suffering from Snuggie Derangement Syndrome?

"Help Us Win"

Not a Fish links to Help Us Win, a "resource for helping explain Israel's Operation Cast Lead". Unfortunately, when you see the photos of the vile anti-Israel protests at Atlas Shrugs, you have the sneaking suspicion that these people are not going to be listening to our explanations any time soon.

Gaza Update #7.5

Here is Gaza Update 7.5. As Jack says,

"The long awaited ground invasion of Gaza has begun. Now we hope and pray for a quick operation in which there are minimal casualties and a speedy resolution. Still we are realistic about war. There will be lives lost on both sides. But we believe that sometimes wars are both just and necessary and this is one of those moments."

Gaza Update #7

Jack's Gaza Update #7 is now available. Please check his blog throughout the day for further updates.

Gaza News

Make sure you read what Meryl Yourish has to say about celebrities who are giving their expert opinion on the war in Gaza, and check out the bloggers to whom she refers: Jack of Random Thoughts-Do They Have Meaning, who we already know very well thanks to his Gaza Updates; Dave of Israellycool; and Omri of Mere Rhetoric.
(By the way, I must be even more affected than I realized by the Gaza War blog posts I have been reading -- before I got up this morning, I actually dreamed that I got sworn into the IDF!.)

Cynthia McKinney and "The J-e-w-s"

Crackpot antisemite Cynthina McKinney is in the news again:

"Israel's navy gave ex-Rep. Cynthia McKinney and her fellow self-described 'peace' activists a surprise kick in the bow this week, turning away their photo-op of a boat trip, which was headed for Gaza. Not surprisingly, the odious McKinney, whose Georgia constituents wisely booted her from Congress in '02, quickly denounced Israeli 'aggressiveness.' ......... And let's not forget her father, a Georgia state legislator, who publicly blamed her election loss on 'the Jews. J-E-W-S.' McKinney & Co. vow to keep on sailing until they reach Gaza. They better be careful: Maybe next time, her ship will be sunk."

Gaza Updates #6 & 6.5

I can hardly keep up! But don't miss out -- Jack has posted Gaza Update #6 and Gaza Update #6.5.

Watcher's Council

Soccer Dad has posted this week's fine Watcher's Council entries

Gaza Update 5.5

The latest in Jack's "Gaza Update" series is now up. Here is installment 5.5.

2008 Weblog Awards Finalists

Soccer Dad links to the finalists of the 2008 Weblog Awards. I'm so happy to see many of my favorite blogs on the list; however, many others should have been listed but weren't, such as Smooth Stone, Soccer Dad himself, and Rubicon3. I guess I must have better taste!

"Gaza by the Numbers"

I received an e-mail from The Israel Project titled "Gaza by the numbers". Who's REALLY "disproportionate" now?

"On Dec. 27, Israel began "Operation Cast Lead" to stop Iran-backed Hamas in Gaza from continuing its years-long campaign of attacking Israeli civilians with thousands of rockets, missiles and mortars. Following are facts and figures to help journalists cover Israel’s defensive efforts in Gaza:

Iran-backed Hamas Rocket, Mortar Attacks and Nuclear Developments
9,400+ rockets and mortars fired from Gaza since 2003. [1]
3,200+ rockets and mortars fired from Gaza in 2008 alone. [2]
6,500+ rockets and mortars fired from Gaza since Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005. [3]
543+ rockets and mortars fired from Gaza into Israeli territory during the ceasefire from June 19 to Dec. 19, 2008. [4]
28 deaths caused by rockets and mortars fired from Gaza into Israel since 2001. The dead include Israelis, Palestinians and foreign workers. Since the ceasefire ended, Iran-backed Palestinian groups in Gaza fired rockets and mortars that killed an Israeli-Arab construction worker and a mother of four who was seeking shelter in a bus station as a rocket warning siren sounded. [5]
1,000+ people in Israel injured from rockets and mortars fired from Gaza since 2001, including Israelis, Palestinians and foreign workers. Since the ceasefire, 44 Israelis have been injured and 200 have been treated for shock. [6]
20,000 Hamas troops Israel is targeting as part of “Operation Cast Lead.” [7]
750,000 number of Israeli civilians Hamas is targeting and can reach. [8]
15 seconds Israelis have to get to a bomb shelter once a warning siren has sounded. [9]
8 years that Israel has been hit by rockets and mortars from Gaza [10]
3 mosques in Gaza used as weapons, ammunitions and explosives depots that were struck by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during the operation in Gaza. [11]
4 UN Security Council resolutions passed since 2006 to try to stop Iran from enriching uranium. [12]
5,000+ number of centrifuges operating in Iran to enrich uranium, the material used to produce a nuclear weapon. [13]

Israel’s Humanitarian Aid to Gaza
179 truckloads of humanitarian aid that have been delivered through Israeli crossings into Gaza since the beginning of Operation Cast Lead, including basic food commodities, medication, medical supplies, donations of governments and blood units.
106 additional truckloads of humanitarian expected to arrive in Gaza on Jan. 31 [14]
6,500 tons of aid transported into Gaza at the request of international organizations, the Palestinian Authority and various governments since the beginning of Operation Cast Lead. The World Food Program informed Israel that it will cease shipment of food to Gaza because warehouses are at full capacity, with enough food to last two weeks. [15]

What Israel Gave Up in Hopes of Peace - Gaza Withdrawal Aug. 2005
100% proportion of the Gaza Strip evacuated and handed over to the
Palestinians. [16]
300 square miles of the West Bank evacuated. [17]
21 Israeli settlements uprooted in the Gaza Strip. [18]
4 Israeli settlements uprooted in the West Bank. [19]
48 graves uprooted in Gaza’s former Gush Katif Cemetery, including six graves of area residents murdered by terrorists. [20]
9,000 approximate number of Israelis, including 1,700 families, who lived in Gaza and the northern West Bank. All of them were moved out as part of the withdrawal. [21]
38 synagogues dismantled in the Gaza Strip. [22]
5,000 school-age children who had to find new schools. [23]
42 daycare centers that were closed in the Gaza Strip. [24]
36 kindergartens that were closed in the Gaza Strip. [25]
7 elementary schools that were closed in the Gaza Strip. [26]
3 high schools that were closed in the Gaza Strip. [27]
320 mobile homes, ordered by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, to serve as temporary housing for settlers. [28]
45,000 Israeli soldiers and policemen who participated in the Gaza withdrawal. [29]
$1.7 billion the approximate cost to the Israeli government for the withdrawal initiative. [30]
166 Israeli farmers who were moved out of Gaza. [31]
800 cows, which comprised the second largest dairy farm in Israel, moved out of Gaza’s Gush Katif community. [32]
$120 million value of flowers and produce exported annually from Gush Katif and lost following the evacuation. [33]
1 zoo, the “Katifari,” that housed hundreds of animals and was moved. [34]
10,000 people who were employed in agriculture and related industries in Gush Katif, including 5,000 Palestinians. [35]
60% proportion of Israel's cherry tomato exports that came from the Gaza Strip. Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza extinguished this economic resource. [36]
3.5 million square meters (almost 1,000 acres) of greenhouses abandoned in Gaza. [37]
70 percentage of Israel's organic produce grown in Gaza – another economic resource lost in the evacuation. [38]
60 percentage of herbs exported from Israel that came from Gush Katif. [39]
15 percentage of Israel agricultural exports that originated in Gaza – exports lost following Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza. [40]
$360,000 expected average compensation amount Israel expected to pay to relocate each family. [41]
$870 million approximate cost for Israel to facilitate the resettlement of former West Bank and Gaza residents elsewhere in the country. [42]
$500 million amount of money Israel's security establishment spent to relocate Israel Defense Forces bases outside the Gaza Strip and build new border crossing facilities. [43]

After Israel’s evacuation from Gaza…
430,000 West Bank Palestinians able to move freely within and between Palestinian-controlled areas. [44]
1 Israeli remaining in Gaza. Staff Sgt. Gilad Shalit was abducted from Israel on June 25, 2006 by Hamas in a bloody cross-border raid in which the terrorists also killed two IDF soldiers and wounded four others. [45]
1.2 million Arabs who remained full and legal citizens of Israel. All Israeli citizens – Christians, Muslims, and Jews – have freedom of speech, religion, press, and the right to vote. [46]
1.3 million Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip many of them in Palestinian Authority-controlled refugee camps, who live under their own leaders. [47]
820,000 Jewish refugees forced to flee without their belongings from Arab countries between 1947 and 1949, and who have never been compensated by Arab governments for their losses. [48]
650,000 Arab refugees who left Israel from 1947-1949 and still need Palestinian leaders who will end terrorism and the culture of hate. [49]
Israel’s withdrawal from four northern West Bank settlements created an area more than twice the size of Gaza’s 140 square miles under Palestinian control and devoid of any Israeli presence." [50]

Gaza Update 5

The day would not be complete without another Gaza update from Jack. Please forward these updates to everyone who cares about Israel.

The Final PC Story of 2008

The final day of 2008 contained this latest politically correct idiocy from England:

"Prisoners should not be called 'inmates', says MoJ. Prison officers have been told not to refer to their charges as "'inmates' because it might offend them."

The only people this really should offend are the victims of the inmates' crimes!

Best of 2008

Fimoculous has a great list of best-of-2008 lists.

HAPPY 2009!

Let's hope for an Israeli victory over Hamas in 2009. In Brasstown, North Carolina, they ushered in the new year with a possum drop.