Water Cooler Wisdom

Welcome Politico Readers

2010-08-10T06:30:00.000-07:00

Thank you for visiting Water Cooler Wisdom. As you will quickly observe, this blog has been inactive since I announced my candidacy for State House in 2006. Since then, I have contributed on very rare occasion to Minneapolis Crime Watch, Freedom Dogs and Minnesota's best blog -- TrueNorth.

Blogging has taken a back seat to grass roots activism. Minnesota is blessed with so many excellent center-right bloggers that one fewer won't be missed. I have kept the blog activated just in case I ever want to go back to it. Currently, my focus is on my family, job and my candidacy for Minnesota State Senate.

Continuing Life Support

2009-01-29T07:53:00.000-08:00

At some point I might renew my blogging interest, so just throwing down a meaningless post to keep WaterCoolerWisdom on life support.

Why I Quit Blogging, For Now -- OR Better Things to Do

2006-08-10T13:31:00.000-07:00

There is only so much time to go around. For the next few months I am focusing my energy on my work (of course) and on my....

Candidacy for State House of Representatives.

And, of course, I could you any support that you can offer -- emotional support, volunteer time or money -- especially money! Click the banner below or link above to view my site. Thank you!

Grounding the Stem Cell Debate - Revisited

2006-07-19T06:46:00.000-07:00

I've been pre-occupied the last week or two (more on that later).

In light of the recent congressional debate, I thought it would be good to revisit this post (updated with revisions)...

There are few issues more morally complex than the issue of stem cell research. Multi-faceted arguments exist on both sides. This moral complexity requires that the debate should be framed as clearly, factually and honestly as possible. The very question of stem cell research begs an emotional response, but restraint and objectivity will lead to better law. All too often, the arguments we hear are grounded in hope rather than reason or in misconception rather than fact. Below are some common dangers.

Hyperbolie - We hear constant claims embryonic stem cell research will lead to the cure for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, some cancers and a myriad of other diseases. Call me a skeptic, but the last thing that claimed to cure so many ailments was Uncle Zeke's Magical Snake Oil Elixer. Sure there are possiblities, but very little in the way of measureable results. There is still an issue of embryonic stem cell stability. The cells have a tendancy to break down or mutate. Many of those out front on this discussion are those who have lived with one of the potentially cureable diseases. While I feel for them, they certainly are not the most objective sources.

Sloppiness and Lack of Understanding by the Media - This article from Rueters sites another falicy without checking the facts.

"Critics of the embryonic stem cell bill center much of their efforts on alternative legislation that would fund experimental means of deriving stem cells without destroying a human embryo...
But those methods are more preliminary and speculative, and would likely take much longer to yield any therapies or cures for crippling human diseases, several scientists told a Senate hearing earlier this week."

The alternative methods included are adult stem cell and cord blood stem cell research. The truth is the exact opposite of what is stated above. While embryonic stem cells have yielded little to no concrete results, there have already been some tremendous successes using cord tblood stem cells to fight very crippling disease in humans. Some the best work is happening right here in Minnesota. The University of Minnesota is a world leader in using cord blood stem cell treatments for cancer treatments with a very impressive success rate.

Lack of Clarity - To be clear, we need to make a distinction between "stem cell research" and the more specific "embryonic stem cell research". As stated above not all stem cell research involves the destruction of embryos. Not all violates a pro-life stance.

Honesty and Consistency - I greatly respect the pro-life argument, however there are two issues that need to be addressed honestly. First, by striving to save one human life (a living embryo), it's possible (but not yet known) that another life will be shortened. Second, the Spector bill proposes using the 400,000 embryos that would be left-over from in vitro fertilization procedures. Most of these would otherwise be destroyed. To be truly consistent with the pro-life position, it is the creating of embroys (that would either be destroyed or used for research) that should be opposed, not how they are disposed of once they exist. The real fight should be against such in vitro fertilization procedures.

Not Funding Does Not Equal Not Doing or Not Allowing - A vote against Federal funding for embryonic stem cell research does not mean that any funding is prohibited or that it will not happen, just that the funding would have to come from state or private sources or state funding. And, it certainly does not mean that the research is made illegal. If there really are many benefits to the research on the horizon, that means huge profits on the horizon for pharma companies. These companies are looking to the taxpayers to absorb the risk while they later reap the profits. If the potential is there, the market will work and the investment in research will happen without funding.

48 Tonne Joyride & Rusty Nails In the Stomach

2006-07-07T08:51:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to dig out from under the workload, but still don't have much time for an in-depth post. Here's are a couple of Friday news of the lighter side...

A 19-year-old has admitted taking a 48-tonne locomotive on a 40-minute joyride around a marshalling yard. Daniel Matthews, an engineering student from Rawmarsh, South Yorkshire, was ordered to do 200 hours community service for taking the train without consent.

A district judge at Rotherham Magistrates Court heard how Matthews and a friend took a shunting engine and drove it around the yard at Tinley, near Sheffield, stopping from time to time to change the points.

The court was told that Matthews was so competent at driving the train that he was only discovered because a security guard realised he was not wearing regulation railway clothing. Matthews started the engine with a spanner - a procedure which a police officer later described as "very difficult".

And from Vietnam a "kids, don't try this at home" story. This is not the way to get more iron in your diet...

Doctors have removed 119 rusty nails from a mentally ill woman's stomach.

The 43-year-old turned up at a hospital in Vietnam complaining of chronic stomach ache. When doctors investigated they found dozens of nails in the woman's gut.

The nails were rusty, indicating they had been swallowed months ago. "After having her stomach X-rayed and scanned, we found a stack of strange objects and decided to operate as soon as possible," said Dr Tran Van Nam said from Can Tho City.

The nails were 7cm-8cms long. They had scratched the woman's stomach but did not cause any life threatening injuries.

An Indepence Day Message From Surfergrrl

2006-07-04T10:59:00.000-07:00

Pulled from Surfergrrls comments in my blogaversary post (bold emphasis mine)...

July 4th is independence day. Traditionally we move into party mode. Beer, brats, potato chips, potato salad - Yea! Red white and blue isn't as sickening a combo as red and green - Yea! (albeit it makes for a pukey lavenderish color only those under 2 and perhaps a token fairy would appreciate). I dont have to work and can jetski my drunk ass around a lake 3 hours north of here - Yea! I'll get the meanest farmer's tan and loudest fireworks just to prove I celebrated the 4th - Yea! Ish. That's celebrating someone's birthday (FYI, mine is July 6th), not Independence Day.

Do you even know what Independence Day represents? To me this is our primary Thanksgiving. Take a moment to think of all the freedoms you have and where you would be without them. That is what Independence day is. If everyone gained an ounce more appreciation for where we are and what we have, material and abstract, only then can we begin to realize what we have to offer others who are not as fortunate.

Creating socialist programs and jacking up taxes is not the way to help. As a nurse, one of the biggest things we teach patients is how to care for themselves. The success of occupational therapy would not be anywhere if we did not want patients to help themselves. Devices as simplistic as the wheelchair allow people to keep their mobility (read independence). Even electronics and appliances have adaptive devices to allow even the most disabled to continue with activities of daily living, that is, live independently.

Well said. Our primary Thanksgiving. I like that. It really is a day to give thanks; Thanks to those who believed in freedom, those who had the imagination to create our unique constitution and system of government, thanks to those who fought and died and who are fighting and dying for that freedom, thanks to those who supported them, and thanks to those who still believe that freedom is worth fighting for.

Until you open your eyes and pay attention to the world, you can't really appreciate what a novel concept America is and how rare and fragile our freedoms really are.

Bogus Gold Speculation

2006-07-03T13:20:00.000-07:00

Mayor of the M.O.B., Doug "Bogus Gold" Williams sent a shock wave (ok a mild ripple) through the blogosphere when he announced he is going on "hiatus" for an indefinite time. Since then there has been much speculation and probably more than a little wagering on the reasons for Doug's break. I've decided to compile a Nihilist type top 11 list of the most oft speculated factors behind this unexpected leave.

11. Hennepin County Attorney, Amy Klobuchar made him an offer to quit that he couldn't refuse.

10. His fight against weeds in his heirloom tomato garden has become a QUAGMIRE.

9. Suffering from American Idol post partum depression.

8. Decided to dedicate all his time to "Hall and Oates" blog.

7. The guys at KvM won't quit putting tacks on his chair.

6. Has unplugged from electronics and opted for a simpler Amish lifestyle of growing organic tomatoes and building cabinets.

5. In his duties as Mayor of the M.O.B., broke both arms diving off the M.O.B.'s gay pride float.

4. Determined to finally get through "Atlas Shrugged" this summer.

3. Busy looking for a way to become independently wealthy on the government's dime so he can join Growth and Justice's pettition calling for more taxes on everyone who makes $45,000 or more.

2. Worst wine hangover ever.

1. Unlike many of us, maybe Doug actually has a life outside of the blogosphere.

Happy Blogiversary To Me

2006-07-03T11:03:00.000-07:00

Today is the one year anniversary of Water Cooler Wisdom. With the milestone, I had a natural inclination to reflect on my rookie season.

As I stated in my introductory post, I was hesistant to get into blogging because I don't like doing things halfway. I knew my work and personal schedule would make it extremely difficult to post daily or even every couple of days at times. That has held true, but still I'm satisfied with occasional posting. Had I tried to keep daily posting a high priority, I surely would have crashed and burned by now.

I started Water Cooler Wisdom with a 2 part post on Thaddeus Kosciuszko (see links at end of paragraph), a less well known yet extremely important hero of the American Revolution. I selected Kosciuszko as my first topic not only because my first post was on Independence Day Weekend and that he was someone I felt people should know about, but because he truly captured the spirit of freedom and liberty and values that I wanted to make a central theme to Water Cooler Wisdom. If you haven't read the posts, this is a good weekend to do so (Part I, Part2).

Here are a few realizations and observations from my first year:

On the hotter, more interesting topics, it's hard to find an angle or say something that isn't just regurgitation of what's been said on 15 other blogs more popular than mine. If I can't find a fresh angle or insight, I usually don't post on the topic at all.

I mostly read blogs to get information on politics, economic and foriegn policy. I tend to post more on those topics as well, but most of my favorite posts have been in the area of science and human interest. Maybe because it's a niche not as well covered in the M.O.B.

At least half of what I post is crap, but I do have a handful select posts of which I'm proud. Actually, in reviewing them, I was pleasantly surprised to find more than a handful. They way I look at it, if I can come up with one decent post per week, I'm doing alright. It's better than Barry Casselman does for the Washington Times.

Half the time when I put up a "too busy to post" or am blocked on what to write about, I end up leaving substantial comments on other blogs. Then I think, "Why the heck didn't I just post that on my site?" I rarely left comments on blogs until I started blogging. In the past year I probably write as much on other people's blogs as I do my own.

The M.O.B. really is a unique thing. Between on-line interaction, political involvement (what were there like 15 state delegates from the M.O.B.?) and Keegan get-togethers I have meet quite a few people that I can call friend.

I'd like to thank all of you who have read and commented on Water Cooler Wisdom and to give a special thanks to Surfergrrl for all of her comments.

I'm no longer a rookie, but you can still expect a lot of rookie-like errors.

The NY Times In 1775

2006-07-03T08:49:00.000-07:00

Had the NY Times existed at the time of the revolution, one of Powerline's readers gives us an idea of what the front page may have looked like...

World Cup Death Toll Update #3 - (50 and Counting)

2006-07-02T14:46:00.000-07:00

We're through the quarterfinals and the death toll sits at a modest 50. Surprisingly, even with 4 fairly large riot incidents, there has not been one death attributed to traditional soccer hooliganism. Here's the breakdown:

Heart Attacks - 12
Heat Exhaustion - 1
Accidental Asphixiation - 3 (from the generator powering the TV)
Suicides - 3
Shootings - 4
Stabbings - 10
Alcohol - 5 (poisoning or alcohol related accidents)
Lightning (it counts because the strike came into the house via the TV while a match was on) - 6

Miscellaneous Murders - 3 (one woman fell or was pushed by her husband off a 17th floor balcony while he was watching a match. Another man was killed by a shark - it is believed his bookie threw him to the sharks when he could not make good on his bets. Another man was strangled)

Street Celebration Related - 3

via WFMU.

Check Out Some Great Local Sound - Q Public

2006-06-29T08:52:00.000-07:00

If you're like me, you tire of your current music collection from time to time and welcome a fresh new find. A couple months back I picked up a CD from a local band, Q Public, that has stayed towards the top of the stack ever since. I purchased one for Young Master Nordeaster and he gives it the thumbs up as well.

I have thank my most loyal reader and commenter, Surfergrrl for clueing me in to the band. Full disclosure - in a very real way, she's a big part of it, but that's not the reason I'm plugging them. I will not endorse something unless I can be totally honest in my support.

Q Public is playing at the Fine Line Music Cafe this Friday. If you're looking to get out and do something this weekend, check them out. Avoid the crowds, the overpriced food and the over-the-hill bands at The Taste of Minnesota. If you can't make it Friday, check out the Q Public website, get on their mailing list and see them another time.

At the very least, check out their CD, Bedroom Light. At $12.97 including shipping and handling, it's a bargain. The CD is very well produced, particularly the title track which also features the renowned The Sounds of Blackness. It's hard to describe the band's sound exactly. I'll leave that for Surfergrrl in the comments.

I haven't had the opportunity to see Q Public live for some time. Seems they always play on dates when I have Young Master Nordeaster, but I love the CD and hope to see them soon. When I do, maybe I'll see you there.

Busy Days

2006-06-28T06:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday and today are again days where blogging has to take a back seat. I have a couple of posts that will be going up early this evening. Thanks!

UPDATE:

The stuff hit the fan pretty good for this week and next so blogging is going to be very light for the next few days. Why does this always seem to happen when there is so much big news happening? Add another to Murphy's Law.

Murtha -- U.S. "More Dangerous to World Peace" than North Korea or Iran

2006-06-26T08:56:00.000-07:00

John Murtha is at it again...

MIAMI — American presence in Iraq is more dangerous to world peace than nuclear threats from North Korea or Iran, Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., said to an audience of more than 200 in North Miami Saturday afternoon.

Murtha was the guest speaker at a town hall meeting organized by Rep. Kendrick B. Meek, D-Miami, at Florida International University's Biscayne Bay Campus. Meek's mother, former Rep. Carrie Meek, D-Miami, was also on the panel.

War veterans, local mayors, university students and faculty were in the Mary Ann Wolfe Theatre to listen to the three panelists discuss the war in Iraq for an hour.

On Haditha...

The killings, which sparked an investigation [not yet completed, my ed.] into the deadly encounter and another into whether they were the subject of a cover-up [the investigation is complete and showed there wasn't, my ed.], could undermine U.S. efforts in Iraq more than the prison abuse scandal at Abu Ghraib in 2004, Murtha said.

One gets the feeling that attribution should say "Murtha hopes", instead of "Murtha said".

"(The United States) became the target when Abu Ghraib came along," Murtha said.

Oh, really? We weren't the target when the terrorists tried to blow up the WTC in 1993 and succeeded in 2001? The sailors on the U.S.S. Cole weren't a target? What were those? Accidents? The U.S. first became a jihadi terror target in Iran under Jimmy Carter and have been one ever since.

Murtha continually shows his ignorance of history and world events. Remember, Benedict Arnold was a U.S. war hero at one time too. Murtha must go, click here to help...

They All Look Alike to CBS/AP

2006-06-21T10:31:00.000-07:00

The infamous CBS "fact-checking" department was hard at work again, yesterday (via Little Green Footballs). A fitting error on Dan "fake but accurate" Rather's last day...

What's wrong with this picture? At least two people at CBS completely missed the fact that the flag is Japan's flag, not China's. Junior high level geography is evidently not a requirement to work in the CBS newsroom. Why should it be? Reporters aren't required to have a basic grasp of history or journalistic ethics, either. The error has since been corrected.

There are a couple of minor errors that have not been fixed. First, if you look at the lighting, the shadow should be to the upper right, not the lower left. Second, a LGF reader pointed out that this isn't even a picture of Earth's moon, but Dione, one of Saturn's moons.

Righteous Anger

2006-06-21T09:31:00.000-07:00

Like many of us, Chief is feeling some righteous anger today. In his impassioned rant, he spills a little bile on the page, but there is much needed honesty, frankness and wisdom in his words.

Read it! Comments and all.

An Infuriating Morning

2006-06-20T06:54:00.000-07:00

I turned on the news this morning to this horrible news, which the military has not yet confirmed...

The bodies of two U.S. soldiers reported captured last week have been recovered, and an Iraqi official said Tuesday the men were "killed in a barbaric way." Al-Qaida in Iraq claimed responsibility for killing the soldiers, and said the successor to slain terror leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi had "slaughtered" them, according to a Web statement that could not be authenticated.

The report even mentioned the possiblity that the men were tortured. I sat for a moment filled at once with anger and repulsion towards the vermin who would do this and extreme sympathy for the families of these two brave young men.

I went away from the TV for about 20 minutes while I got ready for work. I walked back into the bedroom just in time to see a clip of John Murtha saying something like "these weren't roadside bombs, these were cold blooding killings". I thought, well good, at least he's denouncing the scum who did this. Then I realized it was an earlier clip where Murtha was talking about our boys. Infuriating!

Murtha has to go. To help make that happen click here...

World Cup Death Toll Update #3 - 12 and Counting

2006-06-16T11:13:00.000-07:00

The body count is rising fast. So far, 9 murders, 2 heart-attacks and a suicide, bringing the known total to 12.

1. Two armed gangs clashed over control of a generator to see the World Cup, leaving six people dead, sources close to the United Nations mission in Haiti said last week.

The UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) of Haiti plans to distribute battery-powered televisions, footballs and Haitian flags during the World Cup, which opened Friday in Germany.

Who says the UN has outlived it's usefulness.

2. Two football fans collapsed and died in their homes in South Trinidad on Saturday while watching the Soca Warriors make their World Cup debut in Germany, police reports said yesterday.

Acting Assistant Superintendent of Police, Ronald John, of Point Fortin; and accountant and preacher Vishnu Lall, of Palmiste, near San Fernando, were both pronounced dead at hospital, police reports indicated. Both men are suspected to have succumbed to heart failure, investigators said.

3. A Scot has died in England after being stabbed in a row over football. Robert Whiteford - known as Rab C because of his Glaswegian accent - died after a fight on Friday, hours before England kicked off their World Cup campaign.

4. It can be suicidal to place your bets on teams in the World Cup, as an Ecuadorean fan demonstrated after he predicted Poland would defeat his countrymen. He killed himself.

And this is just plain wrong...

Churchgoers in Germany and other parts of the world have enticed their followers to watch matches on giant plasma screens within the sacred walls of their worshipping houses.

Yep.

2006-06-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

Just as I stated in my introductory post...

ACCORDING TO YOUR ANSWERS,
You fall exactly on the border
of two political philosophies...
.
CONSERVATIVE
LIBERTARIAN

From Residual Forces via Hugh Hewitt. Take Quiz Here. It is a somewhat loaded quiz. I don't quite agree with the creator's representation of the various positions.

World Cup Death Toll Update #2

2006-06-15T08:35:00.000-07:00

I found this site, WFMU. It's an odd site, but they have a great page dedicated to World Cup 2006 Death Watch. Check it out.

With this find, there's a World Cup related death update...

Football fever hit China over the weekend as the 2006 World Cup kicked off.

Fans across the country crammed into bars and open-air venues to watch live coverage of the opening matches, despite the six-hour time difference between China and tournament host Germany.

Doctors however last night warned against the dangers of excessive drinking after a 24-year-old man surnamed Wang, from Changsha, capital city of Central China's Hunan Province, collapsed and died two hours after watching the opening match.

Police said that he had been drinking excessively throughout the evening.

And, of course, a riot broke out after the match between Germany and Poland. Germans vs. Poles, neo-nazi's involved, and police in intimidating black outfits. I see, it's a nostalgia thing...

Police had earmarked the match between the historical rivals as a potential flashpoint for trouble....trouble began when police tried to arrest neo-Nazi thugs....Eventually, special police units wearing black body armour and balaclavas were drafted in to clear the streets....More than 300 people were arrested in Dortmund by the end of the night.

Kerry Still Clueless

2006-06-14T09:47:00.000-07:00

On Monday, John Kerry introduced senate resolution S.2766, the stated purpose of which is "To require the withdrawal of United States Armed Forces from Iraq and urge the convening of an Iraq summit. " A couple of excerpts...

(a) WITHDRAWAL OF TROOPS FROM IRAQ. --

(1) SCHEDULE FOR WITHDRAWAL. -- The President shall reach an agreement as soon as possible with the Government Iraq on a schedule for the withdrawal of United States combat troops from Iraq by December 31, 2006, leaving only forces that are critical to completing the mission of standing up Iraqi security forces.

(2) CONSULTATION WITH CONGRESS REQUIRED. -- The President shall consult with Congress regarding such schedule and shall present such withdrawal agreement to Congress immediately upon the completion of the agreement.

And of course it wouldn't be a John Kerry resolution if we didn't include a "Global Test".

(b) IRAQ SUMMIT. -- The President should convene a summit as soon as possible that includes the leaders of the Government of Iraq, leaders of the governments of each country bordering Iraq, representatives of the Arab League, the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization representatives of the European Union, and leaders of the governments of each permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, for the purpose of reaching a comprehensive political agreement for Iraq that addresses fundamental issues including federalism, oil revenues, the militias, security guarantees, reconstruction, economic assistance, and border security.

Yeah, let's let all the countries who were stealing billions from the Iraqi people through the Oil-For-Food scam have a say in oil revenue distribution. Let's let the countries of the Arab League like Syria have a say in Iraqi border security issues.

Senator Kerry has learned absolutely nothing. This was a losing strategy in 2004 and it still is.

I think the different outlooks can be summed up like this...

The Left wants a premature pull out from Iraq because they believe it will be as "SUCCESSFUL" as it was in Vietnam, while the Right does not want a premature from Iraq because they believe it will be as DISASTEROUS as it was in Vietnam.

History and reality are on both on the right side of the aisle. The killing ramped up dramatically after we pulled out of Vietnam. Anyone who is honest with themselves know the same will be true in Iraq. A premature pullout will be an open invitation to another Pol Pot, or many smaller Pol Pots that will cause much bigger problems for the U.S. down the road than we face now.

World Cup Death Toll Update #1

2006-06-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I posted a British story about how heart attack deaths in the UK double during World Cup matches. Then there was the post about the large number of drunk driving deaths that occur during the World Cup. Each team had only played one game and we already have our first two documented World Cup related murders...

Thai police are searching for a gunman who shot and killed two soccer fans at a beach resort after complaining they were cheering too loudly during a broadcast of Italy's World Cup opener against Ghana, officials said Wednesday.

The two men, both Thais, were watching Italy's 2-0 win over Ghana at a restaurant Monday at the Thai beach resort town of Pattaya, and erupted in roars when Italy scored its first goal, said Panipha Wattakul, a girlfriend of one of the victims.

A man seated at a nearby table asked them to quieten down, prompting a heated argument during which the man pulled out a handgun and shot the football fans at point blank range, said Police Col. Somnuek Chanket, the Pattaya police chief.

This is the first, but likely won't be the last. WCW will keep you posted. Tell me again about how the World Cup brings people together.

Science/Religion Very Compatable for Genome Code Lead Scientist

2006-06-12T09:39:00.000-07:00

Science and religion are in conflict. That's what we so often hear from the "intellectual elite." However, the lead scientist on the human genome project, and former atheist now has a different take. "I’ve found God," says Francis Collins, the director of the US National Human Genome Research Institute. He claims there is a rational basis for a creator and that scientific discoveries bring man “closer to God”. From the London Sunday Times...

His book, The Language of God, to be published in September, will reopen the age-old debate about the relationship between science and faith. “One of the great tragedies of our time is this impression that has been created that science and religion have to be at war,” said Collins, 56.

For Collins, unravelling the human genome did not create a conflict in his mind. Instead, it allowed him to “glimpse at the workings of God”.

“When you have for the first time in front of you this 3.1 billion-letter instruction book that conveys all kinds of information and all kinds of mystery about humankind, you can’t survey that going through page after page without a sense of awe. I can’t help but look at those pages and have a vague sense that this is giving me a glimpse of God’s mind.”

Collins joins a line of scientists whose research deepened their belief in God. Isaac Newton, whose discovery of the laws of gravity reshaped our understanding of the universe, said: “This most beautiful system could only proceed from the dominion of an intelligent and powerful being.”

Although Einstein revolutionised our thinking about time, gravity and the conversion of matter to energy, he believed the universe had a creator. “I want to know His thoughts; the rest are details,” he said.

Among Collins’s most controversial beliefs is that of “theistic evolution”, which claims natural selection is the tool that God chose to create man. In his version of the theory, he argues that man will not evolve further.

“I see God’s hand at work through the mechanism of evolution. If God chose to create human beings in his image and decided that the mechanism of evolution was an elegant way to accomplish that goal, who are we to say that is not the way,” he says.

“Scientifically, the forces of evolution by natural selection have been profoundly affected for humankind by the changes in culture and environment and the expansion of the human species to 6 billion members. So what you see is pretty much what you get.”

His epiphany came when he went hiking through the Cascade Mountains in Washington state. He said: “It was a beautiful afternoon and suddenly the remarkable beauty of creation around me was so overwhelming, I felt, ‘I cannot resist this another moment’.”

Collins believes that science cannot be used to refute the existence of God because it is confined to the “natural” world. In this light he believes miracles are a real possibility.

I read another statistical analysis that said the odds of what we have on Earth happening randomly was 10 to the 100th power. As a statistician, I can appreciate the rarity of those odds. Just from statistical standpoint, it seems that the odds of there being an intelligent creater have to be better than that. It also points out that it takes just as much faith in absence of evidence to believe everything just happened randomly. This is why the intelligent design debate cannot be swept aside.

72 What?

2006-06-09T09:58:00.000-07:00

Al Zarqawi goes to his afterlife. As soon as he gets to his room he is pummeled by George Washington. While Washington is working him over, Thomas Jefferson joins in the pounding. Not one to miss a good fight, Patrick Henry joins the fray.

After a while these patriots leave. In walk Booker T. Washington, Robert E. Lee, George Mason and James Monroe. They pick up the severe butt kicking where the others left off...

A look of horror comes over Zarqawi's face as he realizes....

"OH NO! IT'S 72 VIRGINIANS!!!"

Ain't He A Cute Little Devil

2006-06-09T09:07:00.000-07:00

The 6/6/06 superstition didn't bother one UK couple. In fact, they embraced it in an unusual way...

A baby born on the 6/6/06 - and weighing 6lb 6oz - has been named Damien after horror film The Omen.

Not only was the baby born on the apocalyptic day, but he was born six days after his mother was induced.

"The Omen is one of our favourite films and that's why I was keeping my legs crossed for a birth on the 6th," Suzanne, 36, told The Sun.

Husband Michael, 35, of Cleveland, Somerset, said: "It took a bit of persuasion for Suzanne to call him Damien but it seems fitting considering the date."

Let's hope the kid doesn't develop a sullen look and an intense stare.

World Cup Tidbits

2006-06-09T08:33:00.000-07:00

From a collection of articles on Sky News...

There has been plenty of drinking and chanting outside bars, but there has been no violence and police have not had to step in.

Supporters have been warned that making Nazi salutes is an offence in Germany, but police have indicated that singing songs referring to the Second World War will be tolerated.

That should be interesting...

British uniformed police will be patrolling with their German counterparts to keep an eye on the crowds.

Home Office minister Vernon Coaker said: "The symbolism of British and German officers working together is very important. It sends a message to the fans."

....

A World Cup anti-drink drive campaign is being launched …the campaign involves TV adverts to be shown around screenings of World Cup matches.

In 2004, 590 people were killed in drink drive accidents, the highest figure since 1992. [in the UK, alone, ed.]

Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander said: "The police know when the games are on and will be alert to the risk.

"With disqualification, £5,000 fines and six months in prison it is a risk just not worth taking."

&#@$^ Blogger

2006-06-09T08:25:00.000-07:00

Huge news day yesterday -- Zarqawi blow'd up real good, the last cabinet posts filled in Iraq and no Blogger all day. I had a good post, but it's all been said by now. I know, I know it's my own dang fault for continuing to use this service, but it is easy to use for someone as technologically retarded as I.

Day of Days

2006-06-06T07:38:00.000-07:00

Today is the 62nd Anniversary of D-Day. I have no poignant commentary. There is nothing I can say that would add to the impact and meaning of what these brave men endured and accomplished on this historic day. I only want to say, "Thank you!" and to remind others to not only to remember, but also to learn about the events of the day. Only through history can we put the events of today in proper perspective.

For example, did you know that the British press knowlingly ran fake stories in order to assist the government in executing the invasion effort? Picture that happening today.

Below are some great D-Day links from around the world...

Informational & Media sites...

http://www.reaganfoundation.org/reagan/speeches/dday_pdh.asp (Reagan's speech commemorating the 40th anniversary - a fantastic speech)

http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/reference/normandy/Pictures.htm

http://www.dday.co.uk/ (UK)

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/dday/

http://www.britannica.com/dday

http://www.cbc.ca/news/dday/ (Canada)

http://www.junobeach.org/main.html (Canada)

http://www.eisenhower.archives.gov/dl/DDay/ddaypage.html (The Eisenhower Library)

http://magma.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0206/sights_n_sounds/media2.html

Touring and museum sites...

http://www.normandie44lamemoire.com/ (France)

http://www.ddaymuseum.org/

http://www.ddaymuseum.co.uk/

By the way, for those looking for a great father's day gift idea -- The Band of Brothers boxed set. It is the finest 12 hours of television ever.

Catching the Same Fish Twice

2006-06-06T07:29:00.000-07:00

Amy "Catch and Release" Klobuchar is trying to reel in a big fish. One who committed murder. One she landed earlier this year on another shooting charge at a Super America, but opted to throw back. Via Ramix...

The Minneapolis Police SAFE Unit is looking hard for suspected Wendy's shooter Courtnay Maurice Mitchell. This blog previously reported on the violence here. The crime for which this criminal is being sought was actually the second recent shooting at the same Wendy's, as noted in my post. Was he also involved in a previous shooting?Here are the particulars:

On 5-22-2006 an arrest warrant was issued for Courtnay Maurice Mitchell. This is in connection with a shooting that occurred at the Wendy’s Restaurant at 221 W Lake Street. Mitchell has been charged with 2 counts of Attempted Murder in the 1st Degree.

“Mitchell is wanted in connection with the shooting at the Wendy’s at 221 W. Lake St on April 10, 2006. Mitchell has been arrested with guns in the past and is the suspect of a shooting at the SA in January of this year (County Declined to charge)

He hangs in the area of the Wendy’s and associates with primarily Bogus Boys” Mithcell’s birthdate is 8-14-83, he is 200 lbs, brown eyes and black hair.

A Portent of This Weekends Events?

2006-06-01T06:28:00.000-07:00

Captain Ed has an insightful, but depressing story about the races in Pennsylvania. I have a feeling this is an omen for what lies ahead at the State GOP Convention this weekend. It seems the races aren't polling well for the GOP in Pennsylvania and one of the big reasons are the party faithful.

When Rick Santorum only has a 67% support among Republicans, something has gone terribly, terribly wrong. My feeling is that two things are driving this. One, general frustration among the base with anything status quo. Two, Santorum's support for Spector over Toomey. Below is the comment I left on the Captain's site...

Cut off nose. Spite face.

This is a sign that the base is so fed up they are rejecting anything that is part of the current GOP status quo. In large part I suspect this is Toomey backlash. We see the same in Minnesota with the group that supported Sullivan for Governor 4 years ago rather than Pawlenty.

When Santorum can't satisfy the conservative base, there's trouble ahead.

This all-or-nothing, I'm going to take my ball and go home attitude will accomplish two things. One it will lead to many more conservative candidates getting support of the party activists. Two it will lead to a lot of those candidates getting defeated and a Democrat majority.

While I still think the conservative movement is growing, what the hard-liners don't realize is that they alone can't carry the vote. However, they certainly can kill it. In a small degree, some talk radio hosts fuel this by over-inflating their perception.

I've talked with so many conservative activists that say they would rather have a Democrat win and "teach the GOP a lessson" than have a moderate Republican in. If anyone can explain how that makes one iota of sense, I'd like to hear it. I see it as a completely selfish exercise. It may make you feel better, but it will be damaging to U.S. policy.

This is no different than the Dems who are trying to force out an experienced senator like Lieberman or those who say Hillary is "too moderate".

No Posting Until Friday Morning

2006-05-31T16:42:00.000-07:00

It's a very short week between Memorial Day and the GOP State Convention. In between I'm focusing heavily on work. I'll put up a couple of posts Friday and Saturday with thoughts from the convention. Thanks!

Memorial Day Movies

2006-05-26T20:42:00.000-07:00

Turner Classic Movies (TCM) is running their 4th annual Memorial Day Marathon featuring war movies from 6 decades. As always on TCM the movies are shown uninterupted. There are some great movies on the list such as Sergeant York, From Here to Eternity, Bridge Over the River Kwai, They Were Expendable, and Hell is for Heroes. For a complete listing of movies and times click here.

For those with kids, these movies offer an opportunity to teach them about the holiday, the heroism and the values that make our lives as we know them possible.

American Movie Classics (AMCtv.com) starts their marathon at noon on Saturday. The movies aren't commercial free and the selection isn't as vast but they have a few good ones too.

A&E is running their made for TV movie "Ike: Countdown to D-Day", which I thought was quite good.

A Trivia Daily Double

2006-05-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

I made it to Keegan's for both rounds of trivia last night. Thanks to some help from Surfergrrl, who comments frequently on Water Cooler Wisdom, and to my friend Molly Malone's knowledge of all things People Magazine we were able to win both rounds of trivia. Surfergrrl couldn't stay for round two, so my friend Lee and Buddha Patriot joined and contributed to the victory.

UPDATE: ...and the Frater's gang is bitter about it

Violent Crime Hits Very Close to Home

2006-05-26T09:04:00.000-07:00

Crime is always bad, but when the victim is a child or an elderly person, there is something especially repulsive about the act. Minneapolis' finest crime reporter, Rambix has the story of two thugs who took advantage of the innocence of an elderly man by busting into his home, knocking him around, tying him up and robbing him...

Two blocks from my house.

Read the whole thing, including the comments.

A 73-year-old man is recovering after being tied up and robbed in his
own home.

The incident happened at around 1 a.m. Wednesday at the man’s home on 34 th and Johnson St. NE.The man, who requests to remain anonymous, says two men knocked on his front door and told him they needed help after being in a car accident.

The man says the two suspects punched him, threw him to the floor and tied him up.

The suspects fled with the keys to the victim’s SUV, a red, 2004
Chevrolet Blazer with four doors and the Minnesota license plate LNW
692.

Rambix adds some great analysis...

People who love criminals, like columnist Ruben Rosario and to a lesser extent Doug Grow of the Red Star don't consider the true victims. In their eyes, the criminal is a victim; a byproduct of racism, elitism, intolerance, lack of diversity, lack of opportunity, the evil white man, ad nauseum.

In my view criminals are in many cases sociopathic, in nearly all cases narcissistic, and in a preponderance of cases depraved. They are coddled by the "system", given too many chances, and too often don't learn their lessons. And liberal columnists like the two aforementioned are part of the problem, not the solution.

This is a very nice "upper NE" Minneapolis neighborhood. Crimes like these were an extreme rarity, if not non-existent, until recent years.

When will the citizens of Minneapolis wake up and realize that they are insane by Einstein's definition -- repeating the same behavior over and over and expecting different results. It will take real change in the mayor's office, in the state legislature, in the county attorneys office, in judges, in the city council. We will not get there by simply changing from one group of liberals and socialists to another.

I spoke with the shopkeeper at my corner store this morning. He said this victim's daughter was in his shop yesterday. She told him the victim is understandably very shook up, but he's doing ok. I hope the next time we see the two slimeballs who did this, they will be in handcuffs.

The Hardest Working Blogger In the M.O.B.

2006-05-25T13:45:00.000-07:00

James Brown used to carry the title "The Hardest Working Man In Show Business".

I'm nominating Andy Aplikowski (AAA) of Residual Forces, Bachmann v. Wetterling and KvM for the title of "The Hardest Working Blogger In The M.O.B."

AAA - You are on fire lately!

Michigan Department of Education Bans America

2006-05-25T07:56:00.000-07:00

This is one of those stories that fall into the category of so ridiculous that it must be a gag. Sadly, that is not the case. The editorial from which the following excerpts were taken appeared in yesterday's Detroit News. Thank goodness there are people like the author, Mr. Warren (a Circuit Court Judge and former member of the State Board of Education) for bringing this story to the public forefront...

Censoring the word "America" from our own schools is something Josef Stalin, Adolf Hitler and Osama bin Laden would never have thought possible. Michigan has done it without a whimper.

In perhaps a well-intentioned, but pernicious example of political correctness, the Michigan Department of Education is attempting to ban the "America" and "American" from our public schools. Even though the word "America" appears in the department's own civics and government benchmarks, the department's style protocol for the Michigan Education Assessment Program requires that "America" and "Americans" be expunged from our testing and grade level expectations. Last week, the department ordered that our hard-working teachers not utter the words.

We're all 'North Americans'
The Department of Education asserts that "Americans" includes Mexicans, Canadians and others in the Western Hemisphere, so referring to U.S. residents as Americans is inappropriate. In the department's view, "America" happens to include South, Central and North America. Accordingly, when referring to the colonial period, the state bureaucracy requires teachers to refer to "the colonies of North America" or "North Americans." After the American Revolution, the nation is called the United States (not of America).

One can only imagine how teachers struggle to meet the semantic dictates of an educational bureaucracy gone awry. According to the department, before the American Revolution, George Washington, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were North Americans. But so were the French colonists in the Louisiana Territory, the Spanish settlers in Mexico and the British colonists in Canada -- not to mention the Native Americans.

No 'American' Revolution?
After the American Revolution, the Founding Fathers no longer qualified as North Americans, but apparently the British, Spanish, French and Native Americans did. What people in the United States are to be called after the Revolution is not clear, so long as they are not referred to as Americans.

Although the style protocol does not require educators to change formal titles such as "America the Beautiful," the students will apparently now believe the song is about a hemisphere and not a nation. The American Revolution is now the North American Revolution. Little did the writers of the Contract with America in 1994 realize that they were making an agreement with Mexico and Canada. The Voice of America obviously is broadcasting the inspirational messages of Brazil and Belize across the globe.

'Internationally friendly'
The Michigan Department of Education considers the dictate "internationally friendly." Why being friendly to an international audience or perspective is important in teaching and learning American history is incomprehensible.

In another portion of the article Mr. Warren states "Instead of focusing on better teaching methods and educational resources to help our hard-working teachers and parents, the Department of Education spends its energy on confusing, misleading, historically inaccurate and counterproductive wordplay."

My father was a teacher for over 30 years. Twenty years or twenty-five years ago I remember him frequently stating his disgust with the NEA. He would say, "They don't care about the kids, heck they don't even care that much about the teachers, what they care about is indoctrination -- socialist indoctrination -- not education." He was dead on, and since then, the NEA, education departments and school boards have only become worse.

World Cup May Be Dangerous To Your Health

2006-05-25T07:44:00.000-07:00

In advance of this year's World Cup, health experts are issuing a warning. The event may be dangerous to Europeans' health and not just from the usual soccer hooliganism and riots...

Health experts are warning that some games in the World Cup finals could be quite literally heart-stopping.

Cardiac arrests, wife-beating, binge boozing, smoking, even suicide - all of these phenomena surge during the world's most-watched sporting contest.

In the 1998 World Cup, the number of heart attacks in Britain rose by 25% when England lost to Argentina in a penalty shootout. According to a study in the British Medical Journal - compared with admissions for the same day in previous years - 55 more people were treated for a heart stoppage.

It even goes as far to suggest it might be advisable "on public health grounds" to scrap shootouts altogether.

Another study, carried out in the Netherlands, found there were an extra 14 male deaths, an increase of 50%, on the day when the Dutch team were knocked out of the European championships by France in 1996.

I Can't Believe She Did That

2006-05-25T05:42:00.000-07:00

Remember when you were a teenager and your parents would do or say something that totally embarrassed you? It used to happen to me often. Then as I got older and started raising my own son, I realized how wise my parents were and how minor those embarassing things really were relative to all of the positive things they did for me. It's very rare that my mother or father does anything that embarasses me now, but yesterday it happened.

My mom follows politics closely, and like most Americans, is very passionate about the immigration issue. A few days ago she had an epiphany. One of those simple, economical solutions that tend to come from those of her generation.

Mom's big idea came from connecting two dots. Mom thought..."hmm, Florida has an alligator problem...Texas has a border security problem...let's kill two birds with one stone. Round up thousands of alligators and stock the Rio Grande." Beautiful in it's simplicity, but totally unworkable politically.

It's not the idea that bothered me, well yeah actually it did, but that's not the worst of it. Granted, mom was clearly trying to solve problems and make lemonade out of lemons, and her thinking was DEFINITELY outside the box. The embarrassment came from the fact that she was so proud of her revelation that she called her U.S. Congressman, Gil Gutknecht's office to suggest the idea.

I asked her about their reaction. She said the lady was very nice and said she would pass it on. Mom calls Representative Gutknecht's office a few times a year. I hope they still take her seriously, because usually she is calling with more relevant and important suggestions.

On the other hand, if you do see an alligator amendment attached to the immigration bill, you'll know where it came from.

FTC - Oil Companies Did Not Manipulate Prices After Katrina

2006-05-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

Government says no evidence companies withheld supply, but does find instances of localized price gouging.

An investigation by U.S. antitrust authorities found no evidence that oil companies illegally manipulated gasoline prices or constrained oil refining operations, the Federal Trade Commission said Monday.

However, the agency said it had found 15 examples that fit lawmakers' definition of price-gouging at the "refining, wholesale, or retail level." It said factors like regional and local market trends appeared to explain the pricing in nearly all the cases.

So the price went up due to "regional and local market trends". In other words, the price was impacted primarily by increased demand and reduced supply. Sadly, this is a novel concept to some.

Best Headline Ever

2006-05-22T08:42:00.000-07:00

The NY Post is famous for it's catchy and extreme headlines. I haven't been able to find a picture of it on the internet, but they outdid themselves this weekend with the headline regarding Barry Bonds tying Babe Ruth on the all-time home run list...

The front page was simply the numbers 7-1-4 written out in syringes.

If anyone can find a photo of the front page, please leave a link to it in the comments section.

$139 Million Minneapolis Library Opens

2006-05-22T07:13:00.000-07:00

The next time a socialist DFL'er tries to blame Pawlenty for high property taxes point out this story...

"I'm just floored by the architectural structure, " visitor Monique Thompson said. "Coming in, it's massive. This has got to be a world-class library now."It's impressive, but still inviting. There are fireplaces on every floor, along with plenty of places to curl up with a good book.

There are hundreds of available computers, a resource center for immigrants, meeting places and performance spaces.

The children's library drew a huge crowd. Kids were rewarded with complimentary tote bags when they checked out books. Many young patrons were glued to computer screens as they tried out new games.

Books remained a big attraction for avid readers such as Destiny Edwards, 9.

At least they didn't completely forget about the books amidst the fireplaces, resource centers, performance spaces and video game stations.

In fairness to the local government, they just proposed the massive library project. The voters approved the large property tax increase in a referendum. If I remember, the referendum was marketed something like "Do you support funding new public libraries or do you hate children?"

The mantra of "Governor Pawlenty raised property taxes" will be chanted over and over by the DFL throughout the 2006 campaign season. Don't buy into it. Property taxes are controlled at the local level. Massive projects like this are why Minneapolis property taxes are increasing at double digit rates. The library alone cost an estimated $805 per Minneapolis household.

When someone asks why can't we put more cops on the street to get pedarists off them, don't point to the Governor. Instead, point to the Minneapolis public library and say, "because instead we built a state-of-the-art facility where they can surf p##n for free.

Off Hiatus

2006-05-15T06:17:00.000-07:00

It's been a couple of weeks since I have posted. I was on a roll, but then got steamrolled by a combination of a very intense work project and a couple of home projects. I was also doing some business travelling, during which I always disconnect from the on-line world. The project went well (not a home run, but a solid shot to the gap), and my bedroom now has a complete make-over.

It's unfortunate I couldn't post more. There were plenty of opportunities to take shots at Senators Pogemiller, Kelly, et al. for their manipulative attempts to completely screw the taxpayers via stadium legislation.

It's going to be another busy month, but I will at least have time to get in 4 or 5 posts a week. Thanks!

Catching Up #2 - Sandy Burt Fundraiser

2006-05-01T06:12:00.000-07:00

Friday morning I went to a fundraiser for Sandy Burt, featuring Governor Pawlenty. Since the Governor was speaking to an urban group the governor's speech focused primarily on public safety and education. His speech was brief and very light and conversational, with several questions and answers.

Governor Pawlenty hit on a few key points that tied in nicely with Sandy's platform. Particularly, school choice, a focus on language issues that urban schools face and stressing the importance of math and science. He acknowledged that it isn't a money issue and also that there is no quick fix. To really fix some of the problems like a nearly 50% drop-out rate, it will take cultural changes, not just education policy changes.

Sandy was wonderful. She's so humble that she's still a little uncomfortable in front of an audience, but her sincerity and warmth easily overcome that.

The event went well, the turnout was not stellar, but pretty good for a Friday morning (about 35+). Everyone had a good time and left the room very enthusiastic about our candidate, which is the most important thing of all.

A big thanks to the Governor for getting out in the city and helping generate some momentum.

Catching Up #1 - NE Watch

2006-05-01T05:41:00.000-07:00

I was still digging out of my work until early this morning, so I'm finally getting to the update on the NE Citizen's Patrol meeting. The meeting was a way to bring awareness and recruit volunteers for the NE Citizen's Patrol as well as to kick of the formation of the Minneapolis chapter of the Guardian Angels. I signed up for doing some neighborhood walks for the NECP, but couldn't committ to the time requirements for the Guardian Angels.

The Guardian Angels go through a 3 month training program, which includes self-defense training, first-aid training, and training on honing observation skills. Because of this they would prefer a few nights a month from their volunteers.

I was highly impressed with the professionalism and experience of the Denver chapter members who will be coordinating the initial training. I was pleased to find out that a friend who is a retired Marine and one of our delegates was a Guardian Angel back in the 1980's. He will be helping John Schulte and the Denver GA's with the start up.

There were about 130 concerned citizens at the meeting -- way more that I would have expected. I think some were there just to vent their frustration with the rising criminal activity. Some were there to just get more information, but most were there to find out how they could get involved and help. The majority signed up to take watch shifts in their neighborhood. About 25 or so signed up to be Guardian Angels, which considering the time committment is pretty good.

There was one gentleman in an NRA hat who ended up storming off in frustration. He thought the whole idea of being on the street unarmed while the gangs have guns was a bad idea. A good point, the Guardian Angels aren't vigilantes. There job is to be visible eyes and ears on the street as a deterent. They have no interest in becoming another gang. With the exception of this gentleman, everyone else was very supportive and excited.

The meeting was a Columbia Grounds on 33rd and Central. Even though it's only 6 or 7 blocks from my house I had never been there. It is a fantastic coffee shop with a wonderful garden/patio area, complete with waterfall. I will be going back. I also want to acknowledge and thank John Shulte for getting this all going.

I have a female friend who is going through the training and am involved now in the NECP, so I will keep you posted on Guardian Angel events and progress.

Busy 24 Hours

2006-04-28T08:26:00.000-07:00

I've had a busy couple of days. Last night I attended a kick-off meeting for the Northeast Citizens Patrol and this morning a breakfast fundraiser for Sandy Burt. I'm mired in work this morning, but will be posting on both later today. Please check back. Thanks!

Have Breakfast With the Governor

2006-04-26T08:33:00.000-07:00

This Friday, I will be attending a breakfast fundraiser for State Senate candidate, Sandy Burt. The breakfast features guest speaker, Tim Pawlenty. You may have heard Sandy this weekend on Taxpayer's League Live or the Northern Alliance Radio Network. On both shows, the hosts rightly observed how much it says for Sandy as a quality candidate that the Governor is willing to devote his time for a Minneapolis candidate.

If you want an up-close and personal with the Governor, here are the details. I hope to see you there...

Date: April 28, 7-9AM
Where: Elsie's Resturant and Bowling Center
721 NE Marshall St. Minneapolis 55413

RSVP: Steve Sumner at 612-782-2008 or sumner2@mn.rr.com
$50 per person, $100 per couple.

Qualifies for the MN Rebate Program (You get your $50 back).

An Update From the Guardian Angels

2006-04-25T04:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I received this update from Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, regarding his visit to Minneapolis this past weekend...

I have just returned from a great trip over this weekend to your city of Minneapolis. The Acting Police Chief Tim Dolan couldn't be nicer or more receptive. He gave us a green light to organize. We were well received both in North and South, uptown and downtown. But it was in northeast that we received our best reception. Throughout the neighborhood on both sides on Central Avenue people were resolved to make a difference and to get involved.

One person and one group stood head and shoulders above the rest. John Schulte and his Northeast Citizen Patrol has agreed to host the restart of a Guardian Angel chapter within the Twin Cities. I am asking all interested parties, whether you hope to support, to join, or learn more about the Guardian Angel effort, to come this Thursday night, April 27th to the Columbia Grounds coffee shop at 3301 Central Avenue, N.E. from 7pm to 8pm. At that time the Denver Guardian Angels, led by Gray (Oriton) Fowler will talk about starting the Guardian Angel effort in N.E. Minneapolis. Applications and reference materials will be made available to all.

John Schulte will speak about the efforts of the N.E. Citizen Patrol and their hope through additional training to eventually become part of a graduated, local Guardian Angel group. John will act as the spokesperson and the director of the local Guardian Angel effort and he will be directly assisted and supervised by Gray (Oriton) Fowler from Denver.

Please forward to John your phone numbers and email information. Contact him at info@nepatrol.org.

On behalf of the Guardian Angels, I'm hoping that you'll be able to attend our start-up and informational meeting. You can always feel free to stay in touch with me also.

C.S.Founder & President,
Guardian Angels

I will be there and will provide an update on Friday!

3 Sucked Into NY Cesspool

2006-04-24T07:33:00.001-07:00

HUNTINGTON, N.Y. — A 71-year-old man who went outside in the rain to pick up the Sunday newspaper plunged into a cesspool in his front yard, and his son and neighbor were sucked in when they tried to rescue him.

Firefighters said they helped pull out the victims — covered in raw sewage but not badly hurt. Andrew Palladino said the soggy ground, which had been soaked by two days of rain, gave way outside his Long Island home.

I walked across the lawn, and all of a sudden I disappeared," he told cable television station News 12 Long Island.

He yelled for his wife, Louise, to help him, and she threw a rope and called their son, Dan, who lives with them.

"Oh, my God," the wife said. "A little more, he's sinking. He's a goner!"

The son said the scene "was like a horror picture."

It's not the first time a cesspool — a pit that collects waste from toilets and sinks — has swallowed someone in the area. In 2001, a Huntington man practicing archery in the backyard with his two children died when his cesspool caved in and consumed him. And in 1998, a Huntington Station man was rescued after he fell 65 feet into one.

Yuck!

When I first saw the words New York, newspaper and cesspool, I thought this was going to be a story about the NY Times. Unfortunately, although NY Times subscriptions are declining heavily, plenty of New Yorkers still get sucked into that cesspool on a daily basis.

Guardian Angels In Minneapolis Tomorrow

2006-04-20T06:25:00.000-07:00

Funny, I was just saying to someone a couple of days ago that it would be a good idea to contact Mr. Sliwa and the Guardian Angels to explore a Minnesota chapter. There must have been a few others thinking the same thing...

THE ALLIANCE OF GUARDIAN ANGELS, INC. For Immediate Release

Founder & President Of The Guardian Angels Visits Minneapolis To Explore Possibility Of Starting Local Chapter To Help Combat Rising Violent Crime

NEW YORK - Curtis Sliwa, Founder and President of the Guardian Angels volunteer unarmed citizen safety patrol will be accompanied by an interracial team of Guardian Angels from Denver who will visit Minneapolis this Friday April 21st.

They hope to meet with police and explain how a local Minneapolis chapter of Guardian Angels might help officials combat the growing violent crime problem. While in town for the weekend, Guardian Angels will visit and patrol uptown and downtown, Northeast and South Minneapolis. While in these neighborhoods they will meet and greet residents and businesspeople who have expressed an interest in having these patrols.

And who was it that got the ball rolling? The mayor? No. The Chief of Police? No. The City Council? No. Once again, we see that relying on government is not the answer. In fact, it's sometimes a way to get killed. Good citizens stepped up and took action on their own...

Recently, listeners to radio station KQRS in the morning began to email and call the Guardian Angel international headquarters in New York City. They did so on their own as they were seeking potential remedies to the growing problem. Some were aware that the Guardian Angels had a presence in Minneapolis back in the late 80s based out of the American Indian Center on East Franklin in South Minneapolis. There were many fond memories expressed for the service that had been provided. This certainly created the momentum to have the Guardian Angels visit this weekend.

KQRS posted this update this morning:

Dear KQ, Wanted to keep you updated on our trip to Minneapolis starting this Friday, April 21st. I'll be flying out of New York right after I finish the show at 10 o'clock EST. The flight leaves at 11:30 and gets in at 1:30 local time. Right now, it looks like we have a meeting with Acting Police Chief Tim Dolan at 3 pm, but that's not confirmed yet. We'll be hitting uptown and downtown Friday night and Saturday night. During the day Saturday, we'll be in Northeast [ed. yeah!] and on Sunday, South Minneapolis. As you can see in the initial press release we've sent out, your station KQRS is given the credit for sparking the interest in some of your listeners. I'll continue to keep you in the loop.

Curtis Sliwa
Founder & President,
Guardian Angels

Something to Consider

2006-04-19T09:13:00.000-07:00

Number of Minnesotans killed in Iraq since the start of the war = 31
Number of Minnesotans killed in Iraq in the last 12 months = 6
Number of Minnesotans killed in Iraq in 2006 = 1

Total murders in Minneapolis in 2006 = 17

Another Busy Week

2006-04-17T06:12:00.000-07:00

Good Friday was a holiday for our company. The only work I was expecting was a brief conference call with a client who was not off for the day. However, that call led to about 3-4 hours of work that had to be completed by end of day. Ok, there goes a beautiful Friday down the drain. Raking, not done. Prepping garden space, not done.

Saturday evening was dedicated to finishing my taxes. My Easter was spent viewing church on TV, then painting my bedroom ceiling and walls. I did squeeze developing an excellent new recipe and a nice night out and with friends into the weekend. In all, it was a fulfilling and productive weekend. However, for the last couple of weeks I have been working on a very interesting and involved work project due next week. My focus on these other projects this weekend means that I will be spending a few late nights this week to finish up this high priority project. On top of that, I have some important activist duties to attend to as well.

As a result, blogging will be next to non-existent again this week. Thank you for your patience.

What Do You Have To Do To Be Unique?

2006-04-12T07:06:00.000-07:00

From the Los Angeles Times comes this bizarre story...

Rival bands clash over little-person KISS tribute
A Las Vegas incident highlights the MiniKiss- Tiny Kiss tussle over who owns the concept.

Joey Fatale, the 4-foot, 4-inch New Yorker who heads the all-dwarf KISS tribute band MiniKiss, is denying published reports that he tried to sneak past security last month at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas to confront a rival band leader, 4-foot "Little" Tim Loomis of Tiny Kiss, for allegedly ripping off his idea for such a group.

Loomis, a former drummer for MiniKiss, was performing with Tiny Kiss, which includes three little people and a 350-pound woman, on St. Patrick's Day at Beacher's Madhouse, a Las Vegas variety show, when the incident occurred.

Show host Jeff Beacher told The Times on Monday that Fatale "tried to sneak in saying he was Tiny Kiss" and had to be escorted from the premises. According to the New York Post, Fatale's lawyers sent a legal cease-and-desist letter to the show trying to shut down the act.

Loomis told the Post: "[Fatale] came out here [to Las Vegas] and tried to cause trouble, so I had him 86'd from the Hard Rock. The impression I got was that he was looking for a fight. He'd been threatening me over the phone."

Not one, but two little people Kiss tribute bands? If I were Gene Simmons, I'd be calling a network exec to book a battle of the little Kiss bands right now.

Crazy Work Week, Light Blogging Ahead

2006-04-11T06:39:00.000-07:00

Not much time to blog this week, at least until Friday. Today, I'm just putting up one of my Friday style news of the lighter side:

So You Think Your Utility Bills Are High?

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia --A Malaysian man said he nearly fainted when he recieved a $218 trillion phone bill and was ordered to pay up within 10 days or face prosecution, a newspaper reported Monday.

Yahaya Wahab said he disconnected his late father's phone line in January after he died and settled the 84 ringgit ($23) bill, the New Straits Times reported.

It wasn't clear whether the bill was a mistake, or if Yahaya's father's phone line was used illegally after after his death.

"If the company wants to seek legal action as mentioned in the letter, I'm ready to face it," the paper quoted Yahaya as saying. "In fact, I can't wait to face it," he said.

A Trivia Night Personal Best

2006-04-07T06:49:00.000-07:00

For the first time, last night I did both Trivia rounds at Keegan's. Guy from Freedom Dogs and I teamed up to win the first round! Guy and I teamed up for round two and managed a tie for 2nd. It was a four-way tie, so Keegans didn't give drink coupons, but we got our 2nd entry into the Boston trip drawing. In the money twice in one night!!!

I also learned a new word "Meanderethal", which evidently is a new slang term for people who walk slowly, chatting on their cell phone, paying no attention to their surroundings and getting in other people's way.

Admittedly, our success was in part due to a presumably weather related low turnout.

Guy and I had the pleasure of being joined by Sandy Burt and her husband, Charlie. As I've gotten to know them, I have to say that they are two of the nicest, most genuine people I have ever met. Sandy was out meeting people and letting them know about her fundraiser breakfast with Governor Pawlenty on Friday, April 28.

I encourage you all to take advantage of this great and very special opportunity to chat with Sandy and the Governor. You can check out the details on Sandy Burt's website (here).

And for those who get wound up about such things, I receive no money from any campaign or party organization.

A Must Read From the War Zone (Mpls, not Iraq)

2006-04-05T07:34:00.000-07:00

The letter I referenced in yesterday's post "Keep Movin' Along, Nothin' to See Here" is now posted on KQRS. It is a very moving and chilling letter from a police officer who was on duty in downtown Minneapolis last Friday. The writer asked to be kept anonymous, but everything indicates this is legitimate. Read the whole thing here. Below are some excerpts (the bold emphasis is mine, but the all caps are the letter writer's):

By the time you read this, I am not sure what facts will be out there. I have to write in. Last night was unbelievable, but not really. It was crazy, but it was predicted.

All the cops in downtown have been saying for months that an innocent suburbanite will be the victim of a shooting this summer. It's barely 50 degrees and we had our first (yes I mean our first) innocent murder at bar time.

The senerio:
1. Opening night of a ''gangster'' movie.
2. Approximately 1000 youth thug gang members from all over Mpls, all with different gang ties.
3. NOT enough cops. (I mean we only had about 40 in full uniform on Hennepin Av, 1st Av, and in Eblock.)
4. Thousands of people enjoying a beautiful night, walking from bar to bar, leaving restaurants, and going to shows.

10:15 pm - 1st person with a gun call. Gang fights outside Eblock. 911 caller reports one is waving a gun in the crowd. Officers arrive in seconds with large show of force. Gang bangers flee, several detained, no gun recovered.

10:30-11:30pm - Several more minor scraps between gang bangers, you can feel it in the air. I look at my partner and say, ''I can feel it tonight, someone’s gonna get shot.'' partner replies, ''yep, I hope its not me.'' We continue to scan the crowd.

11:40pm - Dispatch reports a 911 caller says someone inside of the Eblock movie (guess which film,,,yes the gangster film) is waving a gun inside the theater. Four Off duty cops working Eblock are on scene. Several more on the way.

The crowd flees the theater, and guess what’s next. Yes the animals begin to brawl outside a restraint inside Eblock.

Dozens of officers are on scene, but cannot handle the scene. The fights are inside Eblock, down the escalators, and onto the street. Officers call for City wide response Officers from around the city.

We are trying to gain control, but come on....40 cops vs 1000 young gang bangers. (Oh ya, did I mention that several have guns....)

....

Back up five minutes ...I look at my partner as the fight calls come in. I say, ''here comes the shots....'' my partner says ,''no way...too many cops'' We are moving toward the disturbance of the gangsters. 5 seconds after we exchange our comments,.....Boom...boom...boom....boom...

''Shat '' I say, as we pull our guns out running towards the crowd. It's chaos! The cops are running towards the gunfire, and the crowd (innocents and gang bangers ) are coming at us in droves. Cars are peeling out, people running left, right, but mostly at us. Total chaos; worse than the movies or any nightmare. This is very, very real!

Boom....one more shot rings out., this one’s close. I yell to my partner, ''shat I can’t see the shooter'' People are screaming. They’re yelling at us. We’re ordering everyone that looks like a gang banger ''hands up'' as they run by us, so at least we don’t get shot as dozens make their way past us through parked cars.

....

The point of this true event is this, what is it going to take for the upper city management to realize that they need to take the leash off the cops for a bit. Quit this awful hatred towards the police. We're not thugs, we have feelings, we're people, people with families . Quit with the suspensions, quit with the b.s. allegations , and oh ya, THE NEWS MEDIA NEEDS TO LEAVE THE MINNEAPOLIS COPS ALONE. Get the leash off us, and let us take this city back!
My real name is not ''BOB'', and don’t give me up please. I would not doubt it if internal affairs would try to get this letter so they can get more cops in trouble.

P.S. Behind our homicide/robbery division, Guess what the second largest division in the Minneapolis P.D. is.....Internal Affairs.

Keep Movin' Along, Nothin' To See Here

2006-04-04T06:52:00.000-07:00

The headline in today's Star Tribune:

Block E is safe, City Hall leaders insist

Oh, I feel so much better now. I'm sure the family Alan Reitter, who was gunned down on Friday night is reassured to hear how safe it is around Block E.

And the idiocy from the Minneapolis City Council Continues:

"This certainly seemed to be a random act of unkindness," Public Safety Committee Chairman Don Samuels said.

A random act of unkindness? Excuse me. Calling someone a rude name is a random act of unkindness. This was murder. I guess Councilman Samuels has a new strategy. Since the mayor and the council have no clue how or desire to actually make the city safer, let's make it sound more pleasant. "There were four random acts of unkindness last week, a man was the victim of three random acts of unkindness to the chest, etc."

KQRS read a frustrating but fantastic letter from an anonymous police officer who was on the scene in the Block E area on Friday night. Two things stood out. One, the officer could feel that it was going to be a bad night. Training, experience, instinct, all of the above? Whatever the reason, these people know what they are doing and I'm grateful for their service. Two, the frustration you could hear in the letter. A plea to the city council and Mayor Hug-a-Tree to loosen the restraints on the officers. Stop issuing suspension after suspensioin. A scolding of the media for making the slightest accusation of police brutality front page news (whether the claims are substantiated or not). And then this bombshell...

In terms of manpower, the 2nd largest department in the Minneapolis Police Department is internal affairs. That's right. Cops investigating cops. Much more dangerous than gang members. The strategy appears to be working quite well. We certainly are getting more and more of those dangerous cops off the street.

The letter was a good one. I hope KQRS posts it on their website.

So Is This My 15 Minutes?

2006-04-03T06:52:00.000-07:00

When I was Young Master Nordeaster's age and going out on a Friday night, my father had a saying..."Don't do anything you wouldn't want printed on the front page of the paper." It was one of his better sayings, basically a twist on "integrity is what you do when people aren't looking."

For the most part, I heeded his words. On the rare times I didn't, I at least never did anything that made the papers. I had to wait until I was over 40 for that to happen....

I had all but forgotten the Strib's visit to Keegan's Irish Pub several weeks ago. Then, I arrive at work this mornning to the teasing of a co-worker and my boss's boss, our Senior VP of HR (which did make me a little nervous). They razzed me about being a minor celebrity. I of course don't read the local fish-wrap and was too busy to read the MOB yesterday, so I was completely clueless. They then explained that the Strib ran this story on the red and blue blogger gatherings.

In all, the Star Tribune did a nice job with the story. Other than a convenient quote snip (see more at Fraters), Jon Tevlin painted an accurate picture of the atmosphere of Keegan's on a Thursday night. I'm not sure if wearing my "Che T-shirt" was a good thing or a bad thing (might depend on whether the photo was flattering or not). I would just as soon go through life anonymously, but I could be in the paper for worse things. I don't think this what my father had in mind with his warning. Being that my name was inspired by Barry Goldwater, he might even be proud. Still, his words seem even wiser today. You should live like you are on camera or being followed by reporters, because at some point you just may be.

Crap

2006-03-30T11:00:00.000-08:00

Heavy rains create more trouble in paradise...

Ocean currents shifted toward Oahu's south shore beaches, carrying millions of gallons of raw sewage that was diverted into a canal from a broken pipe and into the ocean.

"What we feared has happened. The bacteria has kind of spread (emphasis mine) through areas of Waikiki," state Health Department spokesman Kurt Tsue said.

"This is absolutely disgusting that here at the doorstep of our economic engine we have untreated sewage on the beaches. This should have never happened," said Jeff Mikulina, director of the Sierra Club, which filed a lawsuit in 2004 alleging deficiencies in the city's wastewater system.

The city was trying to determine how much untreated sewage has been diverted into the canal, which empties into the ocean between two of Hawaii's most famous beach areas -- Waikiki and Ala Moana.

It could exceed 50 million gallons (emphasis mine), considering an average 15 million gallons of wastewater a day flows out of Waikiki.

The city has been using pumps around the clock since the sewer line broke early Friday. Repairs on the 42-inch sewer main were completed Wednesday and the diversion into the canal was finally stopped.

The pipe, installed in 1964, cracked after heavy rain flooded the aging sewer system.

The Ala Moana canal runs between the two biggest tourist areas on Oahu, Ala Moana and Waikiki. If you have been to Honolulu, you have most likely seen the canal. A good number of hotels have views of the canal and are within a few of blocks of it. The smell the last few days must have been terrible for residents and guests.

The great thing about Hawaii is that it has all of the beauty of a remote tropical country without any of the third world drawbacks. Recent events have revealed that some of Hawaii's infrastructure may be on borrowed time. A thorough review of these structures, from pipelines to watersheds to reservoirs will have to be done before the next rainy season. Residents and tourists can expect higher taxes in the very near furture to invest in keeping Hawaii a first rate destiination.

Are Hitler and Stalin Shivering Today?

2006-03-29T13:18:00.000-08:00

Did I miss the report of hell freezing over? I agree with Nick Coleman. One of us must not be ourselves today...

These stadium shenanigans are dumb, and getting dumber. (Read on)

Cord Blood Stem Cell Success Story at the U of MN

2006-03-29T12:28:00.000-08:00

Here in Minnesota we are blessed with some of the finest medical institutions in the world. A very good friend of mine works at one of those institutions at the cutting edge of medical research and technology, the Bone Marrow Transplant Clinic at the University of Minnesota.

She forwarded this success story from the Decatur, IL Herald Review about one of their patients. The patient, 10 year old Chase Davis, is one of the latest beneficiaries of the research being done in cord blood stem cells. These are stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood rather than the more controversial embryonic stem cells. The success the University of Minnesota is having with cord blood is one reason to support funding further research down that avenue rather than embryonic stem cell research which has yet to produce any practical uses.

Chase Davis suffers from adrenoleukodystrophy, which is best know as Lorenzo's Oil disease. Below are a few excerpts, but I suggest you read the whole story...

Who's the bravest kid you know?

For the University of Minnesota physician who asked the question, the answer is Chase Davis, 10-year-old son of Bev and Darrin Davis of Mount Zion.

...

Just weeks later at Barnes Children's Hospital in St. Louis, the diagnosis was confirmed. The Barnes' staff, said Bev Davis, suggested contacting the Fairview hospital as the best choice in the country for treatment.

That's where the Davises met Drs. Lawrence Charnas and Paul Orchard as well as a team that included geneticists, biochemists and psychologists. Charnas is an assistant professor of pediatrics and neurology at the University of Minnesota Medical School; and Orchard, an associate professor of pediatrics and the medical director of the Inherited Metabolic and Storage Disease Bone Marrow Transplantation Program.

Adrenoleukodystrophy, explained the physician, describes the organs involved, adrenal glands and the white matter of the brain, and dystrophy means it's inherited and degenerative. The white matter, tubing which protects nerves, was being destroyed.

The Minnesota team offered Davises a chance for Chase to receive a cord blood cell transplant in conjunction with a drug regime untried for adrenoleukodystrophy.

....

So Chase and the Davises were offered a chance - have a cord blood cell transplant and try a regimen of Mucomist.

"Did we know it was going to work?" asked Bev Davis. "No.

"Did we know what was going to happen if we didn't? Yes."

Chase's treatment wasn't quite experimental, explained Charnas, but it wasn't quite standard either.

To prepare for the transplant, Chase underwent 10 days of chemotherapy.

"First the chemotherapy destroyed his bone marrow," said Charnas. "That gets rid of his immune system, the immune system that in Chase's case was attacking the brain. "The transplant puts in another immune system that in theory will not attack the white matter.

....

"The first big boost was the MRI scan at 30 days. There was no change from the last one.
"That was spectacular news," Charnas said. "Then at 92 days, it was also unchanged which was really spectacular. For a child as late in the disease as he was not to worsen was spectacular."

Darrin Davis uses the word "miracle" in describing Chase's recovery.

"This was not a miracle; it's wonderful," Charnas said. "But we went into this with science and years of experience. Chase is the first truly living testament."

I Guess I Picked the Right Profession

2006-03-29T08:40:00.000-08:00

Good thing, since I am an analyst by trade and was in finance and accounting prior to that. It also explains why I'm not the best writer.

Your Dominant Intelligence is Logical-Mathematical Intelligence

You are great at finding patterns and relationships between things.
Always curious about how things work, you love to set up experiments.
You need for the world to make sense - and are good at making sense of it.
You have a head for numbers and math ... and you can solve almost any logic puzzle.

You would make a great scientist, engineer, computer programmer, researcher, accountant, or mathematician.

What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have?

DVD Movie Review - Downfall (der Untergang)

2006-03-28T09:26:00.000-08:00

Young Master Nordeaster and I watched "Downfall" last night. Downfall is the story of the last days of The Third Reich as seen through the eyes of Traudl Junge, Hitler's personal secretary for 2 1/2 years. Her book, "Until the Final Hour" along with "Inside Hitler's Bunker" by Joachim Fest were the basis for the movie. The vast majority of the movie takes place inside the infamous bunker, where Adolf Hitler and his Nazi inner circle spent their final days.

The movie is a German film, which adds a layer of realism, but you do have to deal with subtitles, which at times go by a little quickly -- primarily because you get drawn away from them to the expressions of the characters.

Bruno Ganz was amazing as Hitler. Not only does he look remarkably like the Nazi dictator, he was able to take Hitler beyond a one-dimensional monster. He covered the monstorous and maniacal side, but also showed moments of warmth and charm that Hitler must have possessed to initially gain the trust of those around him and of the German people. Ganz and director Olivier Hirschbiegel show us a Hitler that goes from caring for his dog, Blondi to a deluded idealist with dreams of a Berlin filled with culture, thriving business and amazing architechture, to an unstable lunatic moving divisions which no longer exist and calling for the extermination of generals for their failures in an unwillable situation.

Of course we also see the monster who believes he was doing God's work by aiding and advancing Darwin's natural selection process. This comes out in his references to the Jews and even how he feels about his own people. As Berlin is falling to the Russians, several generals raise concern for the citizens. Hitler's view is that if the citizens are not strong enough to hold back the Russians they are two weak to deserve anything other than their fate.

One of the strongest messages of the movie is a reminder from Hitler that he did not take power, but that the German people gave it to him -- and in doing so they are getting what they asked for.

Before the final moments of the film, there are about 10 minutes that are somewhat anti-climatic and drawn out, but other than that, the movie and the strong characters keep your attention throughout. The movie begins and ends with an interview with Frau Junge, the final one with a very moving message. All in all, I give Downfall a strong recommendation.

Spring Break - BPOU Convention and Home Improvement

2006-03-27T05:43:00.000-08:00

It's spring break for Young Master Nordeaster, so it was nice to finally have a homework free weekend to spend together. I'm also taking a short spring break from work to spend today and tomorrow with YMN.

This weekend was great. Young Master Nordeaster helped me out with our BPOU convention as chief teller. Attendance was a little lighter than last time, but not bad. The drop off was primarily from U of MN students. The convention went very smoothly and we were able to get through everything in less than 3 hours. As expected, Sandy Burt was unanimously endorsed as our State Senate in SD59 candidate. Everyone is really excited for the possiblility of knocking out Larry Pogemiller. It's a longshot, but this will be the best effort put forth by a Minneapolis candidate in a long time. There's an added level of excitement in all of the 5th CD with the announcement of Sabo's retirement.

I encourage you to check out Sandy's website and help out if you can. Sandy's campaign is off to a great start with a breakfast fundraiser with Governor Pawlenty scheduled for Friday, April 28, from 7:30am to 8:30am at Elsie's Restaurant, Bar and Bowling Center 729 Marshall St, Northeast Minneapolis. Come and meet Sandy, talk to with the governor and have a fantastic breakfast. This commitment from Governor Pawlenty demonstrates the confidence the State GOP has in Sandy and their level of commitment to her success.

In addition to endorsing Sandy, the convention also selected delegates to the 5th District and State Convention. I'm pleased to announce that along with myself, Buddha Patriot was selected as a delegate to both the 5th CD and the State Conventions. It will be interesting to get the total MOB representation once the conventions are done. I know AAA will be there.

Besides the political stuff, Young Master Nordeaster and I are having a good time with a couple of home projects. I'm not sure it is more efficient, but it is certainly much more enjoyable doing this stuff with Young Master Nordeaster helping out.

Swamped Again

2006-03-21T06:37:00.000-08:00

I've been busy yesterday and today with work, convention prep and a few other things. Instead of the daily blurbs, I'm also working on a couple of longer posts that should be up later in the week. Plus, I'm trying my best to rest my injured wrist. I will be spending the evening hanging with Young Master Nordeaster. No Posts today. Thank you for your patience.

Why Take Private Donations When We Still Haven't Taxed Every Last Cent?

2006-03-16T08:11:00.000-08:00

Larry "Huge Taxes" Pogemiller and Dean "Tse-Tung" Johnson continue their drive towards a 100% tax rate in Minnesota...

State Senate leaders have introduced a bill that would prohibit the university from using private money for the $248 million stadium if the donors are allowed to determine the stadium's name, a move that could unravel the stadium's financing.

A year ago, university officials announced that they had reached an agreement with TCF that, over 25 years, would bring $35 million from the bank in exchange for naming the facility "TCF Bank Stadium."

But Sen. Larry Pogemiller, DFL-Minneapolis, said that the stadium's fortunes were being hurt because legislators were privately uncomfortable with the TCF agreement and that the stadium ought to be entirely funded with public money. Pogemiller is being joined by Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson, DFL-Willmar.

I think there should be a "town hall" meeting to discuss this. Might I suggest holding it in the 3M conference room (yes there is such a room) in the Carlson (as in Carlson Companies) School of Management, the University of Minnesota.

Even if taking the naming rights funds from TCF makes you somewhat beholden to them, how is that any different than taking money from a private benefactor. Are you not just as beholden to the private benefactor? Does the Carlson family have any less influence from their generous $40+ million donation because it is the Carlson School of Management rather than the Carlson Companies School of Management? I guess I should have asked that of the dean one of the times I saw him over at Carlson Towers.

Although a TCF spokesperson politely stated that there was no indication that this had anything to do with TCF being chaired by former Republican Party state chair, Bill Cooper, I wonder.... Would Pogemiller and Johnson be as opposed if we were talking about Ben & Jerry's Stadium, Progressive Insurance Stadium or Whole Foods Stadium?

I know it's tilting at windmills, but Pogemiller's anti-growth, anti-working family platform is why I'm doing everything I can to support Sandy Burt in her effort to un-seat him. I encourage you to do the same.

Trouble with Blogger

2006-03-16T07:34:00.000-08:00

I had my first wrestling match with yesterday afternoon and last night. All appears well again.

Update: I spoke too soon. More difficulties this morning. Thank you for your patience.

Kauai Dam Breech Causes Flooding

2006-03-15T08:56:00.000-08:00

I spent nearly 3 years living in Hawaii. The last year and a half plus on the island of Kauai, in the town of Kilauea on the north shore. I worked in Princeville, a short drive up the north shore. If I were still there, I wouldn’t be able to get to work today. The road would be washed out due to severe flash flooding after a dam burst, yesterday. One person was killed in the flood and at least 7 are missing.

Kauai is home to the wettest spot on earth, Mt. Waialeale, which gets about 450 inches of rain per year, and the north shore gets about 70 to 80 inches per year, so the island infrastructure is built to handle heavy rains. However, this latest storm followed on the heels of several days of steady rain from an earlier storm and dumped 5 plus inches on the north shore in a 12 hour period.

The Kaloko Reservoir Dam burst, leaving a 250-foot hole and sending 300 million gallons of water down the hill towards the ocean. The water rushed over Kuhio Highway, swept away at least two homes and devastated nearly everything in its path.

Links to the story, pictures and videos are here, here, here, here and here.

Families in the tiny town of Kilauea are unable to leave their homes. Some have evacuated to shelters.

"Sounded like a 747 jet crashing here in the valley. All the trees popping and snapping and everything, it was just horrendous -- a horrendous sound and it never quit. And roar of the water was just louder than anything. It just roared and roared and roared until you couldn't hear anything," says John Hawthorne, Kilauea resident.

"Slowly we heard all the trees popping and snapping, and it was literally 200 yards right across. It was about 30 feet high, and we live right by the culvert. It was hitting the bank of the culvert and going about 10 feet over Kuhio Highway," says Androclef Handy, Kilauea resident.

Farther north, officials say the Morita Dam overflowed.

And on the south side of Kauai, emergency officials are keeping a close eye on the Waita Reservoir. Heavy rains filled it to near capacity. If it is breeched, residents of Koloa could be threatened by severe flash flooding.

State transportation director Rod Haraga said teams are first working to shore up Morita Reservoir before working on Kuhio Highway.

The Kauai Fire Department called on the U.S. Coast Guard to help with the search for seven people who may have been swept away when water plunged over the dam. Officials dispatched a C-130 search plane and a helicopter to look for the missing people in the Kilauea Stream, which feeds into Kilauea Bay.

The Coast Guard Cutter Washington has left Honolulu to join the efforts.

I hope the other dams hold and there are no further injuries or deaths. I’ll say an extra prayer for my Hawaiian friends and hope you do the same. I'm confident recovery will happen relatively quickly. As so often happens, the spirit of Ohana (family), in this context the greater family of the community will bring the best out of neighbors. I wish I was there to be a part of it.

UPDATE 3/16 (am): A second body was retrieved. The missing count now stands at 6. Worries about other dams remain as the rain continued, yesterday. The road has now been repaired well enough to allow those who were trapped on the north shore to get through. Besides the human life, all of the mud washed into the ocean threatens to choke off large portions of reef. To get an idea of the scope:

The utility boat left Nawiliwili Harbor in Lihu'e to start the search. Even as far as six miles away from Kilauea Bay, the crew came upon massive amounts of debris that forced them to run as far as 3 1/2 miles offshore to avoid collisions.

The crew tried to set up a search pattern around Kilauea Bay but an entire two-mile stretch "was filled as tight as it could be filled with large trees, huge piles of bamboo, grass, drums, buckets, a bed liner to a truck, large pieces of wood and timber that came from houses, parts of vehicles, the undercarriage of a vehicle," Moreland said. "We were taken aback by how much debris we saw. We just went from debris to debris, searching every clump we could see."

I would post more pictures but I think that's caused my blogger issues, yesterday. Check the links above for photos and video.

Irony Can Be a Bear #2

2006-03-14T09:51:00.000-08:00

This is just plain sad...

The reigning Miss Deaf Texas died Monday afternoon after being struck by a train, officials said.

Tara Rose McAvoy, 18, was walking near railroad tracks when she was struck by a Union Pacific train, authorities said. A witness told Austin television station KTBC the train sounded its horn right up until the accident occurred.

McAvoy, who had been deaf since birth, won the state title in June and represented the state "with dignity and pride," state pageant director Laura Loeb-Hill said via e-mail Monday night.

McAvoy was to represent Texas at the Miss Deaf America pageant this summer, Loeb-Hill said.

Snow Day

2006-03-13T08:55:00.000-08:00

Started off for work this morning, not too bad at first. Then I got onto 35W. I crept along for 20 minutes until the next exit, got off and went back home. It seemed silly to spend 2 or 3 hours on the road today to get in a half day's work. I'm working from home today instead. Time to fire up the snow blower.

When the Hate Crime Is On the Other Foot

2006-03-10T10:15:00.000-08:00

This telling commentary about the arrest of Alabama church arson suspects was posted in the online blog for Seattle's alternative weekly paper, "The Stranger" (the Seattle version of the "City Pages")...

Please God, Please…
Posted by DAN
SAVAGE at 11:37 AM
...let them be straight

Authorities have arrested three college students in connection with a spate of fires that damaged or destroyed 10 Baptist churches in Alabama, investigators said on Wednesday. Prosecutors identified the suspects as Ben Moseley and Russell Debusk, 19-year-old students at Birmingham-Southern College, and Matthew Lee Cloyd, 20, who transferred last year from Birmingham-Southern to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Not that you could blame gay people for burning down Baptist churches, what with all the gay-bashing that eminates from them. But it would be, er, kind of a bad day for the gay rights movement.

Yeah, that's the important thing, how this might affect the gay rights movement. Not the thousands of terrified parishoners, the costly damage, the fact that someone could have been killed or any of that silly stuff.

"Not that you could blame..." who is it that's intollerant, again?

The handwringing continues in the comments section (a few excerpts)....

"Acquaintances said DeBusk and Moseley were both amateur actors who were known as pranksters and dreamed of becoming stars. They performed in campus plays and appeared in a documentary film."
Well, it could have been worse - they could have been aspiring dancers.
__________

Two of them are theatre majors. Thier Het status is on shaky ground. But they werent dancers so I give em a 50-50 chance.
__________

One of the kids looks like he might be wearing a black turtleneck. I bet they find bottled water in his room.
__________

If the "hate crime" idea has crossed the mind of this group, the MSM has to have considered it as well. Yet, they are predictably silent on the possibility, praying the same little prayer that is the title of Mr. Savage's post.

Yanni Arrested for Domestic Abuse

2006-03-10T08:43:00.000-08:00

MANALAPAN, Fla. - The musician Yanni was arrested at his home after an alleged domestic dispute with his girlfriend, authorities said.

Yanni asked his girlfriend, Silvia Barthes, to leave his beachfront home in Manalapan on Thursday night, the police report said. Barthes, 33, told police she attempted to pack her clothing but the 51-year-old musician threw it on the ground. She told officers he then grabbed her arms and shook her, throwing her on the bed, and jumped on top of her, according to the report.

POLL: Which surpises you most about this story?
A. Yanni had a girlfried.
B. There's a woman out there who couldn't kick Yanni's arse.
C. Someone considered this newsworthy.

Nessy Mystery May Be Solved

2006-03-10T08:36:00.000-08:00

The truth is out there, and it may be really boring...

The myth of a massive wild beast living in the Scottish lake was sparked by the first modern "sighting" in 1933. Since then eyewitness accounts and fuzzy photographs of a creature with a long neck and humps have fuelled the debate over the animal's existence.

However, Neil Clark reckons he has finally cracked the mystery - and that it was nothing more than a clever piece of marketing. Dr Clark, curator of palaeontology at Glasgow University's Hunterian Museum, says circus owner Bertram Mills saw an opportunity to generate massive publicity when one of his elephants was swimming in the loch.

He reckons Mr Mills was inspired to invent the myth by the way the creature's back and trunk looked like the hump and neck of a monster when they emerged from the water. Mr Mills offered reward of £20,000 - £1m in today's money - to anyone who could capture the "monster" in 1933.

"It's not surprising Bertram Mills offered a £20,000 reward to anyone who could capture the monster for his circus," Dr Clark told The Times. "He already had the Loch Ness monster in his circus."

I can still hold on to Roswell...

Day of the Shark?

2006-03-10T07:43:00.000-08:00

In the 1970's movie "Day of the Dolphin", George C. Scott plays a researcher studying dolphin intellegence, believing that they can be taught to communicate with humans. However, in true Hollywood fashion an evil corporate man has his own plans to use the dolphins in a right-wing plot to blow up the presidential yacht.

Recently the U.S. Navy has used dolphins not in some crazy industrial-military conspiracy, but to save lives by locating mines in Iraqi waters at the early stages of the Iraq war. Now the Navy may have a new tool in the war on terror -- sharks.

Remote-controlled sharks may be used by scientists to patrol the waters off the United States. The "stealth sharks" will be guided by electrodes in the brain, it has been revealed by the Pentagon.

Scientists want to exploit the natural ability of sharks to glide swiftly and silently through water to track movements by enemy vessels and smugglers. The research builds on developments in brain implant technology which have already seen scientists controlling the movements of fish, rats and monkeys.

Scientists from the US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency plan to implant devices into blue sharks and release them into the ocean off the coast of Florida. Sonar beamed from naval acoustic signalling towers would be used to communicate with the sharks.

A limit will be set on each shark's time on the job to protect it from exhaustion, New Scientist magazine reported. "Despite this limitation, though, remote controlled sharks do have advantages that robotic underwater surveillance vehicles just cannot match. They are silent and they power themselves," it said.

The New York Police Department is considering recruiting rats to its disaster response team to look for hidden bombs or people trapped under rubble.

Technology that was once considered state-of-the-art military technology has eventually found its way into video games, personal communication devices and even toys as it becomes common-place. I wonder if in 15 or 20 years my grandchild will have an RC Jaws from Radio Shack on his Christmas list? If they're available, I'm gonna' have to get me one of those.

Caucuses and Other Priorities

2006-03-09T06:04:00.000-08:00

It was great seeing all of the caucus recaps throughout the MOB. I'm very pleased that we have a couple of new, very well qualified precinct chairs -- congrats to Doug and pink. The MOB will have representation at several BPOU conventions with delegates (psycmeister, ben, Jeff, King, Kevin-EckerNet), and of course BPOU leaders and officers such as Andy, the gang from SD63 and myself.

Unfortunately, I didn't get a post in Tuesday night or yesterday due to some of my caucus duties. I convened 4 caucuses at one of our locations. My own precinct had a great turnout (14, which was up from last time). Turnouts from others were lighter, but there was a good mix of steady and new highly energized supporters. One participant was 17, elligible to vote in November. It's great to see young people getting involved.

This was my second caucus and my first time convening one. I started a little shaky, but with the help of a couple of veterans, we really got going. Everyone seemed to have a great time. After the caucuses, the various conveners met for a de-brief, so it got to be a late night, which led to a late start on the morning with no time to post.

I probably will not be posting until tomorrow morning as I have to focus on work, time with Young Master Nordeaster and on getting things rolling for the upcoming BPOU convention. Unfortunately, I will not be at Keegan's tonight.

Miss ya' Puck...

2006-03-07T07:17:00.000-08:00

There are exceptions, of course, but it seems that the truly great athletes -- the ones that are consistently at the top of the game year after year -- have one trait in common. They never seem to forget that they are still grown men playing a boy's game. Despite the attention, the media hype, the large dollar contracts, they don't stop having fun on the field, and they never lose sight that they do so because they have been given a special gift. Several players come to mind -- Jordan, Mays, Favre, Emmitt.

I can't think of anyone who exuded that sense of joy more than Kirby Puckett. A great swing, sure. Quickness and agility that defied his stocky frame, oh yeah. Remarkable hustle, definitely. Clutch performances, absolutely. But what fans will remember most is that boyish smile...

Caucuses Tonight

2006-03-07T06:43:00.000-08:00

Precint caucuses are tonight. Be a part of the process, make your voice heard, etc. Caucuses are a great way to meet neighbors who are of a similar political view and to get involved in making a difference rather than sitting on the sideline. I'm running 4 of them tonight.

To find your caucus location, click here.

If you lean to the left, your caucuses are here. For other parties, you'll have to do a search.

The Ports Deal and Islamophobia

2006-03-02T06:44:00.000-08:00

Critics of those who criticize the UAE/Dubai Ports World ports deal claim that it is simply Islamophobia that is driving opposotion. In large part, I agree. Those that oppose the deal cite specific reasons and justifications, but I don't think they are being completely honest if they don't admit a little paranoia or Islamophobia.

However, the issue isn't whether the opposotion is based in Islamophobia or not -- I say it's a given that it is. The real question is this -- is the Islamphobia necessarily unhealthy, unwarranted and unjustified?

As the saying goes...
Just because you're paranoid, it doesn't mean they aren't out to get you.

Crappy Service = Poor Customer Retention

2006-03-02T04:55:00.000-08:00

It's a long standing business axiom. Katherine Kersten has an excellent article in today's WSJ Opinion Journal about the flight of black students from Minneapolis schools to charter and suburban schools. It's a great read, please read it all.

MINNEAPOLIS--Something momentous is happening here in the home of prairie populism: black flight. African-American families from the poorest neighborhoods are rapidly abandoning the district public schools, going to charter schools, and taking advantage of open enrollment at suburban public schools. Today, just around half of students who live in the city attend its district public schools.

As a result, Minneapolis schools are losing both raw numbers of students and "market share." In 1999-2000, district enrollment was about 48,000; this year, it's about 38,600. Enrollment projections predict only 33,400 in 2008....

I'm sure I will be seeing a corresponding drop in my Minneapolis property taxes as well....

UAE or UN?

2006-03-01T13:35:00.000-08:00

I've been silent on the whole port thing because there's so much out there already. However, as the arguments have evolved, the issue has become muddied. Beyond the security issues, I've seen or heard several other justifications for not allowing Dubai Ports World to manage some ports on US soil or to do business with the UAE. Among them:

They have condemmed the publishing of the "Mohammed Cartoons".
They recognize Hammas as legitimate leadership in Palestine.
They have given support to terrorists.
They have facilitated financing to terrorists.
They don't support free speech and condone banning of some types of speech.
They don't recognize the state of Israel.

I'm confused, are we talking about the UAE or the United Nations?

If it's the former, I think I'm against supporting the deal. If it's the latter, I know I am.

Reality Check #2

2006-03-01T11:56:00.000-08:00

Most of us in the M.O.B. (Minnesota Organization of Blogs) enjoy politics or are at least politically aware. Many of us read political blogs dealing with local, national and international issues on a daily basis. The blogs delve into debates and present editorial opinion on a variety of complex issues. Pundits on TV, in the editorial pages, and in the blogosphere break down the game film of political speechs and calculate how this statement or that vote will impact public perception.

But really, to whom are the wonks speaking? Whether the discussion occurs in the MSM, the blogosphere or both, it is largely a discussion of politicos, by politicos, for politicos. Whatever the medium, it becomes an echo chamber where sound rattles around, bounces back and forth and every so often might leak out enough to register in the conciousness of what is largely a politically tone deaf public, usually only after significant distortion.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not arguing that the fault lies with the messanger or even the message, but with the intendee, or more acurately the way our culture conditions the intendee. However, I do believe that the punditry, in general, over-estimates its own relevance and their own ability to influence the general public. Every so often one of these studies are published supporting that premise in a very humbling and frightening fashion...

Americans apparently know more about "The Simpsons" than they do about the First Amendment. Only one in four Americans can name more than one of the five freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment (freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly and petition for redress of grievances.) But more than half can name at least two members of the cartoon family, according to a survey.

The study by the new McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum found that 22 percent of Americans could name all five Simpson family members, compared with just one in 1,000 people who could name all five First Amendment freedoms.

The survey found more people could name the three "American Idol" judges than identify three First Amendment rights. They were also more likely to remember popular advertising slogans.

It also showed that people misidentified First Amendment rights. About one in five people thought the right to own a pet was protected, and 38 percent said they believed the right against self-incrimination contained in the Fifth Amendment was a First Amendment right, the survey found.

I am reminded of a discussion I had recently where the person I was debating, a psychology student, insisted that the right to birth control was constitutuionally guaranteed.

There would be huge benefits to civics becoming a high school requirement, and I mean basic civics, not social / political activism.

I expect to be writing much more on this topic in the near future.

Animal Lovers Ruining Environment in Missouri

2006-03-01T11:51:00.000-08:00

Save the environment, kill a pet (or at least clean up after them)...

Yard by yard, say officials, pet owners should pick up the pace of picking up after their pets.

Water quality experts say waste from pets and domesticated animals may be partly to blame for bacteria levels in the Little Sac River that are sometimes too high for activities such as swimming and wading.

Although the Sylvesters clean up after their dogs, there's suspicion people who don't may be contributing to high bacteria levels in the river.

Levels are so high that the Missouri Department of Natural Resources has formed a plan to make the river cleaner.

City and state employees say there are no plans to force people to clean up after their dogs, but they hope that encouraging people to do so could keep the river cleaner.

The study also shows that horses and wild geese are major contributors to the bacterial pollution. Where are the protestors? Where's the outrage? Where's Greenpeace? The Clean Water Action Committee? I guarantee if it were a business polluting the environment they would be pushing for an all out ban of the practice. Where are the shouts to eliminate the goose, ban the horse and lock up the shitzu? Hypocrisy again from the environmental fundamentalists.

By the Way, I'm Back

2006-03-01T11:44:00.000-08:00

Last week concluded with a tough work load and this week started with an out-of-town business trip...I should have let readers know ahead of time, but things got away from me a bit. Anyway, I'm back and should be posting semi-regularly for the forseable future.

Irony Can Be a Bear

2006-02-24T08:13:00.000-08:00

Irony can be a bear...

H&R Block Inc. which provides tax advice to millions of Americans, made an embarrassing confession on Thursday. It goofed on its own taxes.

The company, which is in the middle of its make-or-break season preparing other people's tax returns, said it had underestimated its own "state effective income tax rate" in previous quarters — meaning it owes another $32 million in back taxes.

As a result, H&R Block said it would restate previously reported earnings going all the way back to 2004.

"It wasn't particularly material," said Alexander Paris, an analyst at Barrington Research in Chicago. "And it's not particularly unusual. A lot of companies are going back and reviewing their controls because of Sarbanes-Oxley and finding tax errors. But for a company like H&R Block, it was particularly embarrassing."

The problem compounds an already difficult situation for H&R Block. Earlier this year they experienced a loss of an estimated 250,000 customers due to issues stemming from software technology problems. Additionally, over the last couple of years home PC tax software and increased competition have eroded H&R Block's share in the tax preparation market.

Caring and Sharing Drugs

2006-02-22T07:31:00.000-08:00

17 are arrested in drug sting, raid at Sharing & Caring Hands shelter. A few excerpts from the Star-Tribune story are below (bold emphasis is mine). KMSP news also had a great piece on this last night, even capturing one drug deal within the shelter on video.

Minneapolis police, after trying to work with Sharing & Caring Hands, moved in to stop what they called blatant drug dealing.

Unlike the other places that work with homeless people in Minneapolis, Sharing & Caring Hands has been on the Police Department's radar for a couple of years as a place where drug dealers easily do business.

Officers frequently would make an arrest or two if blatant drug dealing was seen on the street, but in the past couple of months undercover officers began building stronger cases against marijuana and crack cocaine dealers, said Sgt. Jeff Miller. Police also tried to work with the homeless shelter's founder, Mary Jo Copeland, but they said the problems persisted.

The drug dealing at Sharing & Caring Hands, 425 N. 7th St., had become so bad that last month four undercover officers made 14 drug buys from 13 different people in a few days, Miller said.

Miller said one of those arrested was an employee who directed an undercover officer to a drug dealer, but Copeland said the man didn't work there.

Miller said that Copeland hadn't done anything to prevent dealing and that dealers "pretty much had free rein." Other homeless shelters hire officers to work off-duty and that generally will scare away dealers, he said.

Copeland said she talked to police this summer and invested $10,000 in video surveillance equipment. She is hesitant to hire officers because they might scare away people in need and cause disruptions when they arrest dealers, she said.

The level of dealing was to the point where several staff members clearly were aware of it, he said. Police had asked the staff to call 911 if there were any problems, but few calls were made, he said. Other shelters have set up block clubs or crime watches.

The drug dealing "was the worst we've seen at any shelter downtown," Allen said.

Those in shelters are targeted by drug dealers because many who use these shelters have chemical dependency issues already and are easy marks. These dealers, like so many criminals, are disgusting predators, stalking the weakest and the most vulnerable. Most of the blame should lie with them. However, Copeland has a responsibility to provide a safe environment for her patrons. She is afraid that in providing that safety, it may scare others off. Perhaps those who would be scared off should be.

UPDATE: KMSP9 and AM1280 are both reporting the number of arrests at 20.

Regular Features

2006-02-21T07:14:00.000-08:00

Several MOBsters run some type of regular feature -- Doug's "Friday Fun Quizzes", Nihilists' "Top 11 Lists", Mitch's "It Was 20 Years Ago, Parts I - MCMLXXVI", The Night Writer's "Friday Fundamental's in Film" series, my own Friday news of the lighter and stranger side, etc. I enjoy these regular features. They provide consistency and give the blog a certain character and identity. I now have a new favorite regular feature -- Hammerswing75's photo postings of French newcaster Melissa Theuriau. For those of us who don't have the property space or money to put up full satelite, keep them going.

Heavy Work = Light Blogging

2006-02-21T07:03:00.000-08:00

But here's another bird story for Ben. This tale of bird bravery and heroism could be an inspiration to Aileron and Oiseau...

"Sunshine," a Pennsylvania man's pet macaw, took a dislike to a burglar breaking into its owner's apartment last month, according to The Williamsport Sun-Gazette.

According to a police affidavit, Sunshine not only drew blood but left a mark that led to a Williamsport man confessing to the bird-brained theft.

The police affidavit said Deeter's confession included an explanation of how, when drunk, he broke glass on the back door, entered Erb's apartment and tried to pet Sunshine, who bit down on his hand.

The bird-plagued burglar ran about trying to shake Sunshine off, police said, but the macaw had latched on and wasn't about to let go.

The Sun-Gazette said a nearby witness heard "slamming" and Sunshine screeching at 3 p.m. — and a neighbor saw glass on the porch floor and called cops at around 6:30 p.m.

The burglar is lucky he didn't completely lose a finger or two.

Official Editorial Policy on Mohammed Cartoons

2006-02-16T07:04:00.000-08:00

WaterCoolerWisdom fully endorses free speech. I do not believe that material should be withheld from publishing just because it may be religiously offensive to some. However, I have elected not to run the now infamous Mohammed cartoons.

I have come to this decision not because they are offensive and inflamatory -- in fact that's a plus. The refusual to publish also does not come out of fear of retribution. I have chosen not to publish the cartoons because, well, they just aren't very good. In fact most of them are downright crappy. Many have an unclear message and they look like they were drawn by a group of 6th graders.

Other than the "we're all out of virgins" one -- that one's pretty funny.

One of Those Weeks

2006-02-16T06:48:00.000-08:00

It's been one of those crazy work weeks. Not much time to post or do much of anything else. I could really use an evening of unwinding at Keegan's. Hopefully, I can get caught up enough to make it down there.

They Like Me, They Really, Really Like Me

2006-02-16T06:04:00.000-08:00

Well at least a couple of readers do. Our esteemed mayor of the MOB, Doug Williams from Bogus Gold payed WaterCoolerWisdom a very nice compliment today. I want to thank him for that. Doug put me in good company with three other excellent "rookie" blogs (Hammerswing75, Surly's Soap Box and Zatera UI). I'm not sure it's deserved, but it's definitely appreciated.

The Minnesota Organization of Blogs has to be unique. It's an association of bloggers, that actually gets together regularly in the real world not just in cyberspace. I've met a wide variety of intelligent and interesting people through the MOB, several of which I would consider friends. We have an organization with a brand and logo, awards, weekly get-togethers for trivia at Keegan's as well as larger events. The more experienced bloggers provide feedback and encouragement to newbies like myself and speak at events. There is a certain synergy that wouldn't exist without the organization. The end results, I believe are a greater number of engaged bloggers producing a better body of work.

I was toying with adding a marketing tag line. I was going to go with "A dozen readers can't be wrong", but now I can use "As mildly recommended by Bogus Gold."

Farris' Day Off an Exercise In Journalism or Jihad?

2006-02-14T08:30:00.000-08:00

I missed this when it was first published on homelandsecurityus.com. I'm not familiar with this source but found a similar story on NewsMax.com, yesterday. Newbusters.org has more.

Remember Farris Hassan, the Florida teen who decided it would be interesting to take a little trip to Iraq on his own as a personal journalism project? As the story was reported, he was just a wacky school kid undertaking a courageous, but foolhardy adventure.

Details have now come out that show that there may have been more than a quest for a good story behind Hassan's motivation for the trip....

Farris Hassan, the 16-year-old Pine Crest student from Fort Lauderdale who left the comforts of his $4 million family home on December 11 for Iraq, claimed that he made the trip to put his lessons of his “immersion journalism” class into practice, and selected Iraq out of humanitarian concerns for the Iraqi people.

With all of the reporters covering the story, however, it appears that no one did any research into the background of the Hassan family, or made any attempts to verify the young man’s story. If they had, they might have been compelled to ask some very basic – but extremely important questions.

Even the most basic research found that Farris Hassan was NOT enrolled in any journalism class at Pine Crest.

Also, the school confirmed that the boy’s father, Dr. Redha Hassan not only knew of his son’s intended travels, but authorized his absence, which is inconsistent with his initial public statements.

Further, investigation found a number of other inconsistencies in the public statements made by Dr. Redha Hassan. Although it was initially reported that neither parent knew of the young boy’s intended travels, it was ultimately revealed that Dr. Hassan actually assisted his son. He admitted that he arranged for his son's flight into Baghdad through his political connections, even though he knew the grave risks to “foreigners” wandering the streets of Baghdad. [According to a January 2, 2005 CNN news story, Hassan's father said that he had helped his son get a visa into Iraq from Beirut.

Perhaps most importantly, research and investigation into Dr. Redha Hassan found that he was arrested by the FBI in 1985 for forging 2000 Iraqi passports and military I.D. cards and seeking to forge 2,000 more.

From Amsterdam, Hassan headed to Kuwait City, where he alleges that he tried to cross the Kuwait-Iraq border twice by taxi, but was turned away due to Iraqi elections. At that point, it appears that Hassan sought assistance from his father, who told Farris to travel to Beirut and stay with family friends. Obligingly, Farris spent ten days in Beirut, and while there, met with a media relations officer of the terrorist group Hezbollah at their Central Press Office. This meeting was arranged through the assistance of his hosts – the family’s friends.

Once again the privelaged media miss the real story behind the story either through laziness or an unwillingness to know the truth.

Hat Tip: Surfergrrl (who really needs to get to Keegan's one of these Thursdays)

Now Bring 'em Here

2006-02-13T11:31:00.000-08:00

UK - The Government has won the key vote on ID cards - it means the public will be forced to register for the cards.

It earlier won the first of three votes on controversial ID cards. It was on whether to make the cards compulsory, following further legislation.

The government compromise plan, put forward to avoid a Labour backbench rebellion, was passed without a vote.

The vote on ID cards was seen as one of the biggest tests of his authority since becoming Prime Minister.

A national (or even state level) compulsory ID cards would help a great deal in identifying those who are here illegally and would also be of great assitance in fighting voter fraud. Former Minnesota Safety Commissioner, Charlie Weaver, strongly supported a state ID card. The idea became part of Pawlenty's campaign platform in 2002, but he could not get enough legislative support to make ID cards a reality. I think it's time to resurrect the idea.

Another One of Those Days

2006-02-13T09:20:00.001-08:00

It's another one of those work first, blog later days. I'll be back the am of 2/14. Thanks!

When Hook Met Hooker

2006-02-10T08:53:00.000-08:00

From Beautiful Attrocities, via Little Green Footballs:

HOOK-handed cleric Abu Hamza cheated on his first wife with a HOOKER, The Sun can reveal.
And it was the fall-out from his fling that transformed terrorist “recruiting sergeant” Hamza — jailed for seven years yesterday — into a religious fanatic.

Jurors at his Old Bailey trial heard the menacing Muslim preacher declare: “Every brothel is a target, everybody who endorses them is a target.”

At the time of his affair Hamza, now 47, was in his 20s, wed to Briton Valerie Fleming and working as a bouncer at a sleazy club.

His guilty secret was revealed by a Sun investigation. And Valerie, 51, said: “I can confirm that one of the reasons our marriage broke up was my husband’s infidelity with a prostitute.”

This seems to follow a view that threads throughout fanatic Islam. A refusal to accept that the fault in temptation (or succumbing to it) comes from the human failing within. Therefore, the temptation itself must be to blame. The outlook becomes -- I'm too weak to resist temptation therefore I must obliterate that which tempts me.

Stronger Warnings Recommended for ADHD Drugs

2006-02-10T07:35:00.000-08:00

Concerned about the risk of sudden death or serious injury associated with Ritalin and other stimulants used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, a federal advisory panel says the drugs should carry the most serious type of warning label.

The surprise recommendation has caught the Food and Drug Administration off guard. The regulatory agency isn't obliged to follow the advice of its outside panels of experts but it generally does.

The FDA also may undertake short-term studies into the effect of the drugs on blood pressure, heart rate and the heart muscle itself, said Dr. Peter Gross, chairman of the FDA's Drug Safety and Risk Management advisory committee, which eventually did outline its thoughts on how to study the drugs.

When asked why he and his fellow advisers approved, albeit narrowly, a recommendation they hadn't been asked to consider, Gross said: "No. 1, because of the seriousness of the side effects — the sudden deaths. No. 2, there is a sense maybe the diagnosis of ADHD is being applied where it shouldn't be applied."

An FDA review of its own databases found reports of 25 deaths in children and adults treated with the increasingly popular medicines. The deaths occurred between 1999 and 2003. The review also detailed 54 cases of serious cardiovascular problems, including heart attack, stroke, hypertension, palpitations and arrhythmia.

Doctors prescribe the drugs to about 2 million children and 1 million adults a month. Among 12-year-old boys, 9.3 percent take ADHD drugs, according to a federal survey.

There are many people who genuinely need these drugs to function. However, sometimes they are used as an easy way out to change minor behavioral issues. These are serious drugs. Get opinions from multiple doctors, see specialists, do research, etc. before making the decision to go with stimulants such as these.

If They Didn't Have Enough Problems Already

2006-02-08T12:21:00.000-08:00

Muslim led genocide in the Sudan; widespread famine in Zimbabwe due to
corruption and administrative ineptness; several other major conflicts throughout the continent; roughly a million malaria deaths per year, many preventable but for environmentalist's aggressive fight to maintain the global ban on DDT; Wide spread AID's; and now this hits the African continent:

LAGOS, Nigeria - The deadly H5N1 bird flu virus has been detected on a large commercial chicken farm in Nigeria — the first reported outbreak in Africa, the World Organization for Animal Health said Wednesday.

The outbreak appears to be restricted to birds, and no human infections have been reported, the Paris-based organization said.

Nigeria said the outbreak was on a farm in Jaji, a village in the northern state of Kaduna.

This is dire news, indeed.

What isn't Offensive?

2006-02-08T06:10:00.000-08:00

I let out a big chuckle in the break-room this morning. Why? This letter in this morning's Strib...

Being overly sensitive

Might Star Tribune readers be allowed a look at the cartoons that sparked protests around the Muslim world?

Not likely. According to editor Anders Gyllenhaal, the paper doesn't publish offensive and "purposely sacrilegious" cartoons "just to prove that we can."

Not reported were other elements of the paper's religious inoffensiveness initiative -- which now curtails coverage of evolution, intelligent design, stem-cell research, homosexuality, pork and beef production, predestination and transsubstantiation. Saturday and Sunday papers have been discontinued, respecting Judeo-Christian traditions.

Gyllenhaal's remarks were cut short when the lights went out. It was not immediately known whether the power cut honored Amish or Gaian sensibilities.

PAUL ZORN, NORTHFIELD, MINN.

I laughed not only because it's well done, but hits on two truths. The Strib's hypocracy in dealing with religiously offensive material, and the fact that if we refuse to print that which is offensive to someone, we are left with a blank page. Which, in the Strib's case would be an approvement.

Did You Know?

2006-02-07T04:19:00.000-08:00

If you Google SD63 and chili, you get 888 matches?
If you Google SD63 and "Chili Dinner" you get 289 matches?

What's all the buzz about?

Click here

Rumor is that there will be a big announcement at the SD63 Chili Dinner. If I can find out more I'll post an update.

UPDATE: I have it on good authority that the announcement will be that of a candidate officially throwing their hat into the ring in a US Representative race.

UPDATE II: My sources were a little premature in this. Stay tuned.

Syria: US No, KFC Yes

2006-02-06T20:26:00.000-08:00

They helped in Russia and Eastern Europe to bring the Berlin wall down. They might even work in the middle east. Pershing missles? Well no doubt they helped, but the key to bringing non-western countries over may lie in something more "nefarious" -- blue jeans, rock 'n roll and coca-cola and fast food...

The U.S. flag serves as a doormat to an office and nearby merchants announce "we boycott American goods," but some Syrians can't seem to keep away from American fast food at the new KFC fried chicken restaurant. "

I oppose American politics totally, but what does food have to do with it? Politics is one thing, and food is something totally different," Tareq Mashnouk, a 26-year-old fashion designer, told Reuters.

KFC opened its first outlet in Damascus this month, becoming Syria's first fully licensed American food franchise. It belongs to Kuwait Food Co. (Americana), which owns and operates KFC and other American food chains like Pizza Hut and TGI Fridays throughout the Middle East.

"To be honest we were surprised they opened this American restaurant in the midst of our political situation," said Tareq Farzat, 25, adding that he liked his Chicken Burger Combo and would definitely return to KFC with his friend Kalam. A businessman welcomed the restaurant's arrival.
....

Besides, as the country worries about bird flu, surely KFC "examines its chicken before cooking it ... I trust KFC chicken more than any rotisserie," said Farzat.

It may be a while before the rock 'n roll and women in hip-hugger blue jeans hit the Arab streets, but the chain restaurants are a step towards western aculturization. All kidding aside, Syria's subtle shift towards privatization is a positive. The way to win the hearts and minds may be through the stomach, eyes and ears of the citizens. This is what the fundamentalist mullahs fear (and from their point of view, with reason), that western style democracy brings western style decadence or western style freedom (depending on the point of view).

Al-Qaeda Bomber Stopped Moments Before Attack

2006-02-06T20:21:00.000-08:00

While this news article goes on to focus more on the day's trouble in Afghanistan, the following information is good news and is another great example of our forces doing tremendous work...

Security forces at the administration headquarters of northern Balkh province arrested a Mali national with explosives strapped to his body and a bomb in his mobile phone, governor Atta Mohammad told reporters.

Guards had been informed the man was a suspected attacker and stopped him in the garden of the offices in Mazar-i-Sharif city as he was about to enter the building where he had an appointment with the governor.

As they went to arrest him, he shouted "Allahu Akbar!" (God is Great) and tried to detonate his explosives, Mohammad said. "Nobody does this without Al-Qaeda," he said.

Local Politics, Blogging and Chili - What Could be Better

2006-02-06T09:39:00.000-08:00

Every year, either for New Year's Day or the Superbowl, I whip up a big pot of chili. My recipe makes a pretty large batch so I usually freeze most of it to use throughout the late winter and early spring. This year, I made a little extra to share at this fantastic event:

14th Annual SD63 Chili Dinner Fundraiser
Blogosphere: Exposing Liberal Media Bias
February 7th, 2006 6:30 pm
Southwest Community Church
1501 W 54th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55419
$10 or FREE with $50 Refundable Contribution

Meet local Republican activists, bloggers, candidates and maybe more...

Guest speakers will be:

Jerry Plagge (SD63 Blog)
Andy Aplikowski (Residual Forces)
Gary Miller (Kennedy vs. The Machine)
Mitch Berg (Shot in the Dark)

If you're from the left, bring the Tums or Zantac -- because if the chili doesn't get your stomach churning, the speakers' topic surely will.