The Choice

Take a look at this touching video posted by The Anchoress. Though warned to expect a twist, this was one I never guessed, and one that I couldn't help but find selfish. And I was very glad that, tragically, the wife isn't aware. What do you think?

The Odd Couples

Betsy's Page links to a clever article imagining other odd talk show pairings besides Kathleen Parker and Eliot Spitzer.

"Among The Righteous"

Last night on PBS, I learned about a chapter of history of which I had been unaware. The show was about the fate of North African Jews during the Holocaust, and the fact that there were Arab rescuers Among The Righteous.

Watcher's Council

Thanks to Soccer Dad, you can find the latest Watcher's Council winners listed here.

Grand Rounds

Medical Blog Grand Rounds – June 29, 2010 Edition - (Vol. 6, No. 40) is now in session at Dr. Elaine Schattner's Medical Lessons.

A Whopping Case of "Blame Bush-itis"

I can't stand David Axelrod and this Blame-Bush obsession; the true "disaster" was the election of Obama!

Among My Souvenirs

Oh, not again!

Words and Music

Mark Steyn has been celebrating the 100th birthday of Frank Loesser. You'll like these columns if you miss hearing clever lyrics and unforgettable melodies.

Bagels for Dummies

Now I've heard everything! Doesn't this defeat the purpose? "Carb-counting New Yorkers demanding inside of bagels 'scooped out'"

Does Anyone Care?

This Ongoing War: A Blog asks a good question: "If a dozen missiles are fired into Israel in a single day and no one reports it... "

Haveil Havalim Time

Beat the heat with Haveil Havalim - The Almost Summer Vacation Edition at A Time of the Signs. (Per Jack)

Psycho-Mania

This is an interesting article about the famous shower scene from "Psycho". I've seen this movie so many times and never fail to be scared and shocked; also I come away more and more impressed with the performance of Anthony Perkins.

The Sun's Greatest Hits

Listen to this heavenly solar music! When I heard it, all I could think of was that line from "Close Encounters of the Third Kind", when the interpreter says, "He says the sun came out last night. He says it sang to him."

Hating Israel

Here's a great post from Soccer Dad about Israel. No matter what they say or do, Israel is always the villain.

Friday Fun

I got a real kick out of this when I watched "Jeopardy" the other night.

Animals of the Day

I wonder what excuses will be made for these creatures? They ought to both be sterilized so they can't keep having babies they don't want.

Just Hang Up!

Nothing could ever induce me to stand in line all day long just to buy a phone. Do none of these people have jobs?
And here are some quotations about the telephone.

Hallowed Ground

Nine years later, more impetus to build the September 11 memorial already! (More on the memorial here)

Ship Shape

Wow! Look at this replica of the Titanic!

Don't Be a Pain in the Tuchus!

This is the first time I've ever seen an entire article on this subject.

Edith Shain R.I.P.

Most people didn't know her name, but they sure knew about this famous photo!

We Can't Allow This to Happen

Noah Klieger writes, "Shoah memory fading away. In generation or two, most people in the world won’t know about Holocaust":

"A few days before the Turkish flotilla raid, while Israelis still traveled to Turkey, I was at a local resort for a global sports writers’ convention. One day, while sitting in the dining room, a young waitress approached me, pointed at the number tattooed on my left arm, and asked: 'Is this your phone number?'
I smiled briefly and told her: 'No, this isn’t a phone number. It’s my number from Auschwitz.' She looked at me and said: 'Auschwitz? What is that?' I told her it was a German extermination camp.
The waitress left my table and rushed to talk to a colleague standing not too far away. I followed her with my gaze and saw that the friend had no idea what I was talking about. When the two turned to the head waiter, the same thing happened. He didn’t know.
Suddenly, I realized what I should have realized a long time ago. There are billions of people in the world who never heard of Auschwitz and the Holocaust, and who will never hear about it; they know nothing about the German plan to exterminate the Jewish people."

How utterly depressing and appalling, especially in this day and age when there's really no excuse for such ignorance.

Up in Smoke

I agree with this and think they also ought to raise the prices of things like lottery tickets, vanity license plates, and plastic surgery.

Impromptus

I always enjoy Jay Nordlinger's Impromptus columns. Here's an excerpt from his latest: "A quick musical note: I was in a store (not the flower shop). All of a sudden, I hear Rachmaninoff’s C-minor piano concerto — but I was not hearing a recording of that concerto. I was hearing “All by Myself,” the old pop song. The Rachmaninoff in it was clear as day. Kind of interesting. You know the song “Never Gonna Fall in Love Again”? Slow movement of Rachmaninoff’s Symphony in E minor.
And Google knows everything. Come to find out — maybe you knew this — both songs are by Eric Carmen. Rachmaninoff is a wonderful composer to borrow from. But you would think that someone named Carmen would borrow from Bizet (as plenty of songwriters have, believe me)."

Grand Rounds

Grand Rounds:Customer Service in Healthcare is the topic over at Deb Gordon's blog, A Medical Writer's Musings on Medicine, Health Care, and the Writing Life.

Misspelling of the Day

What's surprising (or maybe not) is how few people even noticed this misspelled name!

Betsy's Best

Betsy's Page is cruising the web and has found more interesting tidbits for our reading pleasure. The Howie Carr piece on media double standards is particularly good.

More Plane Idiocy

First there was this scene last year. Evidently, nobody learned how this could frighten people after September 11. Now, as Gawker points out, someone decided on these photo ops. Whatever happened to common sense?

Happy Father's Day!

You'll enjoy reading Ben Stein's tribute to his father.

Haveil Havalim Time

Want something good to read? HH #272 — Tammuz Tidings is up at Frume Sarah's World.

Esther Blodgett

.
Tonight TCM is airing one of my favorite films, "A Star is Born". They don't make 'em like this any more; they don't write like this any more; and they certainly don't sing or act like this any more.

Dumbing Down Terrorism

Why has the story of the AWOL Afghan deserters been buried? Shouldn't it send up red flags everywhere when you hear about 17 men who go missing after taking language and piloting courses? I guess we'll hear more about their whereabouts if planes should fly into buildings in the near future. Also, the reports of trespassers on various Army bases lately keep adding up -- except in the MSM, where it doesn't make headlines. Shouldn't it?

About Fall River

This is a tribute to my home town. Item #8 is my favorite -- and I still miss it,

Ahh, Nostalgia!

This nostalgic post will take you back to simpler times: "Even if this wasn't your youth how many of these 36 items and images do you recognize?" I still have a scar on my finger from trying to slice a Lincoln Log in half as a child. The test pattern reminded me of the fact that TV stations would sign off at night by playing The Star Spangled Banner.

I Am Israel

I was sent this powerful video by email yesterday. Pass it along.

Watcher's Council

Don't miss this list of the latest Watcher's Council winners, thanks to Soccer Dad.

Terrific RNC ad

I just love this new ad by the Republican National Committee showing Obama's schedule while the oil's been leaking. (As always, you wonder, "Imagine if it were George W. Bush".)

"Mother" of the Day

Neal Boortz read this outrageous story on the air yesterday. If anyone should be sterilized, it's this vile creature!

Mind Your Manners

This article covers the five basic manners that sadly are rarely used in today's rude society. (via Fark)

Placido the Great

Here's a nice article about Placido Domingo, my favorite tenor after Jussi Bjorling.

Just an Allusion

Richard Lederer has written an enjoyable column on language: "The more you learn about the references and allusions that knit us together as a civilization, the deeper you will live -- and the more you will laugh."

Enough Already!

I agree with Melanie Phillips in regards to Obama's anti-British sentiment.

Poetic Justice

Betsy's Page reports on some great news from Israel.

The Latest "Disease"

Please. Spare. Me..

Grand Rounds

I prescribe a dose of Grand Rounds V. 6 No. 38: The Funky Heart Edition! at Adventures of a Funky Heart!

Toot-Toot-Tootsie, Goodbye!

I thought this was very amusing. Now, if only we could block the sound of the morons bellowing "IN THE HOLE!" during golf tournaments!

A Great Lesson

How's this for dedication and work ethic?

Cartoon of the Day

Boy, is this ever the truth! (Seen at today's Lucianne.com)

Oil-Bama

Here are some Obama-isms throughout history, courtesy of Doug Ross @ Journal. Speaking of Obama, he had the nerve to compare the BP oil spill to September 11! I voted "no" at the Guardian's poll.

Haveil Havalim Time

Ima on (and off) the Bima is the host of Haveil Havalim #271: Catchy Title Goes Here. (Per Jack)

Jewish Nostalgia

This nostalgic article brought back memories; my grandmother was a proponent of the "pu, pu, pu" method. And this one made me remember the seltzer bottles seen outside people's apartment doors when we'd visit our grandparents.

If Today's NY Times Had Covered D-Day

Read this, from Kesher Talk.

Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis

On Iceberg Radio, I just heard Ralph Vaughan Williams' majestic "Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis", also referred to as the "Tallis Fantasia". It made me feel the way I felt listening to the "Ben Hur" music of Miklós Rózsa, or Holst's "Jupiter". The entire piece is about 18 minutes long; this clip is just the first part of it.

The Enemy of My Enemy is My Friend

That was my first thought upon seeing this story. We'll give you the air space as long as you do the dirty work.

Just Suck It Up

I thought this had to be a joke when I heard about it, but it isn't. If Obama can't suck the oil up with a straw, can't he at least try walking on water? He IS the Messiah, after all.

Watcher's Council Winners

The winning Watcher's Council entries are up at Soccer Dad, who has thoughtfully provided a musical accompaniment.

Best Conservative Blogs

John Hawkins lists the 40 best conservative blogs.

Jewish Drudge Report?

I just came across this website, which I'd never seen before: "YiddishReport.com is the fastest growing Yiddish News website since it was launched in December of 2008 for tens of thousands of Orthodox Jewish Visitors from all over the Globe. YiddishReport.com readers rely on us for breaking news, latest headlines, and in-depth stories from local to national with special emphasis on news from Israel."

Moronic Lawsuits

Vote here for your choice of the most ridiculous lawsuit of the month. I chose the teacher and the rabbit!

Friday The Rabbi Got Death Threats

It's the Rabbi's fault. (Via Instapundit)

Sing Along With Obama!

(via Lucianne.com)

Heart and Sowell

Check out these random thoughts by Dr. Thomas Sowell, including this one: "We have now reached the truly dangerous point where we cannot even be warned about the lethal, fanatical and suicidal hatred of our Islamic extremist enemies in our midst, because to do so would be politically incorrect here and, in some European countries, would be a violation of laws against inciting hostility to groups."

All Keyed Up

A little break from the bad news of the past couple of days with this entertaining look at piano players.

Apologetically Yours

Leave it to Soccer Dad to come up with an Israeli apology song he'd like to see.

Grand Rounds

Grand Rounds Vol.6 No.37 is now in session at MDiTV.

Political Correctness Kills

Betsy is cruising the web, and one of the items she highlights is this one, which shouldn't surprise us at all:

"Political correctness kept the British from making a full investigation of the 7/7 bombings that led to 52 deaths. Authorities were worried that a full inquiry into analyzing what had led to the bombings might upset Muslims so instead they just published a 'narrow' inquiry into the events leading up to the bombings. Yes, better not to upset British Muslims than to try to understand what led the four bombers to kill so many British citizens so as to prevent any further occurrence. One imagines a similar discussion taking place in the Pentagon whitewash of the Fort Hood shootings that never once used the words Islam or Muslim or jihad. It's a reminder of how political correctness can lead to people's deaths."

When people's feelings are seen as more important than security, justice, and plain old-fashioned common sense, you know we're in trouble.

"Antisemitism is a Virus"

Read this timely old post by Vanderleun at American Digest. Some things never change.

Watcher's Council Winners

Visit Soccer Dad to see this week's Watcher's Council winners!

Good Riddance!

Here's an excuse for Helen Thomas: "I am in no way excusing what Helen Thomas said . But it was the kind of thing that someone says when they just are not as sharp as they used to be." What also bothered me was hearing Brit Hume say something to the effect that he had sat next to her for 8 years and had heard her make similar remarks in the past. If that's true, why didn't he speak up before? It's sort of like attending Jeremiah Wright's church for years despite knowing he was a racist.

Our Topsy-Turvy P.C. World

If you fail in New York, you still pass; and if you win in Canada, you lose.

Why Ground Zero?

Today is Pamela Geller's protest in New York against the Ground Zero mosque. If this mosque were being built anywhere else, nobody would care. But to deliberately choose the very site where Muslim terrorists killed Americans and destroyed iconic buildings -- well, if you are an American and you're not outraged, you must be ultra-liberal. Has September 11 been forgotten so quickly? I just don't get it at all, but I fear that political correctness has made some people want to kowtow to the enemy, and forgive and forget even the worst atrocities.

Haveil Havalim Time

This edition of Haveil Havalim is titledR.I.P., What War Zone? (Attention-Grabbing Title Created to Make You Read) and is depressingly written by Benji Lovitt. Go see for yourself. (Per Jack)

D-DAY, JUNE 6, 1944

Here's a video about the incredible sacrifice, courage, and liberation on D-Day.

General Eisenhower said, "Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world."

We should all be grateful that there was no political correctness back then.

Doubting Thomas

Cast your vote in this poll on Helen Thomas and on the flotilla attack on Israel. (How can anyone answer "don't know" or "not sure" to poll questions?) Also, read this Roger Simon column called "It’s the Thirties all over again—time to blame the Jews."

Thugmobiles

Lori Borgman's column on what I refer to as "thugmobiles" made me laugh.

"Evil" Blockades

Read this Jewish Press column on the subject of blockades.
"We wish to bring to your attention some horrific war crimes, which require total world condemnation. They involve the illegal and inhumane blockade of innocent people, a blockade that caused indescribable suffering to civilians.
We of course are referring to the evil campaign by the British warmongers to blockade Nazi Germany and prevent foodstuffs and other consumer goods from reaching Germany, first introduced in 1939 by the British and French. We all need to unite and condemn those countries for that! The passing of time does not lessen the severity of their crimes!"

Deja Vu All Over Again

Here's Charles Krauthammer: "The world is tired of these troublesome Jews, 6 million -- that number again -- hard by the Mediterranean, refusing every invitation to national suicide. For which they are relentlessly demonized, ghettoized and constrained from defending themselves, even as the more committed anti-Zionists -- Iranian in particular -- openly prepare a more final solution."

Almost Perfect

I loved this beautifully-written post by The Anchoress, with whom I heartily agree. This incident epitomized the old saying, "It doesn't matter if you win or lose, it's how you play the game". The graciousness in defeat of pitcher Armando Galarraga, and the decency shown towards distraught umpire Jim Joyce, really transcended the game and provided a much-needed lesson in good sportsmanship.

To Tell The Truth

Read Ben Shapiro's column titled "The Presidential Anti-Semite Strikes Again".

The Final Expedition

I've always been fascinated by the story of Scott's ill-fated expedition to the South Pole. Here's an article displaying the last diary of expedition member Henry "Birdie" Bowers. These were very brave men in unimaginable circumstances.

They Make The World Abandon Reason

Jack has passed along this music video, "The Flotilla Choir's" version of "We Are The World". If the truth can't convince people, maybe this spoof will.

"I Remember Bush"

From Lucianne.com, Obama's Bush-bashing continues as he reminds voters of their anger towards the former President. Read the responses, especially reply #32 and others.

"S" Wonderful

The names of some of the best blogs seem to begin with the letter "S"! Sultan Knish says about Israel that Nice Countries Finish Last, and he wonders, "If Israeli soldiers had boarded the Mavi Marmara armed with assault rifles instead of paintball guns, would the Turkish Islamists on board have been just as eager to attack them? The odds are against it." Soccer Dad writes about the cluelessness of American Jewish Democrats. And Smooth Stone reports that one of the 'peace activists' wants to be a martyr. Good -- he should drop dead!

The Same Old Script

There are so many great posts and articles about the flotilla attack on Israel, including this one by Mona Charen, and this column by Cal Thomas. Thomas writes,

"Haven't we seen this equivalent of a TV summer re-run before? According to the familiar script, anything that the Palestinian side, Hamas, Iran and numerous other haters of Jews and Christians do is justified because of the Israeli 'occupation' of 'Palestinian land.' When Israeli soldiers defend themselves from violent attacks by these 'peace activists,' they are always acting 'disproportionately' and thus deserving of denunciation, censure and ostracism from the 'world community.' One wishes the haters of Israel would direct some of that zeal to the real enemies of freedom and religious pluralism: radical Islam."

Sympathy for the Devil

I couldn't get over the sympathetic way they described the Ft Hood assasin: "KXAN (Austin) - A pre-trial hearing for the man accused of a mass murder in Fort Hood was delayed Tuesday until Oct. 4, giving his attorney more time to get what he says are missing documents - as well as better healthcare for his client, who is confined to a wheelchair", and "Galligan is also requesting more time because of Hasan's medical condition and has told KXAN the Bell County Jail is not fit to adequately care for his client because he is confined to a wheelchair and paralyzed from the waist down. Galligan is also asking the court to take breaks because Hasan can not sit for long amounts of time, and that could compromise his ability to take part in the hearing." The article did NOT bother to mention the reason for his medical condition. I'm surprised they're not freeing him on "compassionate grounds" the way they did the Lockerbie bomber!

Need We Say More?

Via Michelle Malkin: "Israel’s Navy is ready to stop another aid ship headed to Gaza, a commander said on Tuesday, playing down the prospect of his men shying from confrontation after their bloody seizure of a Turkish vessel a day earlier. Israel’s Army Radio reported that the MV Rachel Corrie, a converted merchant ship, would reach Gazan waters by Wednesday."

Defending Israel

Soccer Dad explains why Israel had the right to defend herself. But no matter what proof you give and what videos you show, the media will always criticize, condemn, and attack Israel. It never ends.

Grand Rounds

Time for Grand Rounds Vol.6 No. 36 - Let the Lol's Begin from Bombay's own Techknowdoc's Surgical Adventures.