The Glair - Today's Warm-Up
An excellent post on the American Thinker.
Misreading the Election Tea Leaves
Monday, November 13, 2006
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Image Manipulation
Humours of Idleness - Image Manipulation
These are different versions of a single photograph which I have modified via my new image manipulation software (newest versions of Corel Photo-Paint and Picasa) to produce various effect copies of the same subject.
The first shot is of the original image taken with my digital camera, the last shot is modified as if the image were a stained glass window.
I feel I am becoming much, much better at artistic manipulation of digital images.
See what you think.
If you have any comments, suggestions or criticisms then please let me know.
Remember though, these are only .JPEG images.
These are different versions of a single photograph which I have modified via my new image manipulation software (newest versions of Corel Photo-Paint and Picasa) to produce various effect copies of the same subject.
The first shot is of the original image taken with my digital camera, the last shot is modified as if the image were a stained glass window.
I feel I am becoming much, much better at artistic manipulation of digital images.
See what you think.
If you have any comments, suggestions or criticisms then please let me know.
Remember though, these are only .JPEG images.
Jack.
Original Shot
First Manipulation 
Second Manipulation
Third Manipulation
Fourth Manipulation
Stained Glass Image
Rumsfeld Aside, Realpolitik
The Glair - Rumsfeld Aside, Realpolitik
A very good summation by VDH of both political and military affairs.
Rumsfeld, Webb—and Being careful about what you wish for
Vaya Con Dios, Rummy!
Here is the record of Donald Rumsfeld. (1) Tried to take a top-heavy Pentagon and prepare it for the wars of the postmodern world, in which on a minute’s notice thousands of American soldiers, with air and sea support, would have to be sent to some god-awful place to fight some savagery—and then be trashed live on CNN for doing it; (2) less than a month after 9/11 he organized the retaliation against al Qaeda in the heart of primordial Afghanistan that removed the Taliban in 7 weeks, when we were all warned that the U.S., like the British and Russians of old, would fail; (3) oversaw the removal of Saddam in 3 weeks—after the 1991 Gulf War and the 12-years of 350,000 sorties in the no-fly-zones, and various bombing strikes, had failed. (4) Ah, you say, then there is the disastrous 3-year insurgency—too few troops, Iraqi army let go, underestimated “dead-enders” etc.?
But Rumsfeld knew that in a counterinsurgency (cf. Vietnam 1965-71) massive deployments only ensure complacency, breed dependency, and create resentment, and that, in contrast, training indigenous forces, ensuring political autonomy, and providing air and commando support (e.g., Vietnam circa 1972-4) is the only answer—although that is a long process that can work only if political support at home allows the military to finish the job (cf. the turn-of-the-century Philippines, and the British in Malaysia). He was a good man, and we were lucky to have him in our hour of need.
James WebbI received a lot of angry private email objecting to a pre-election syndicated column I wrote for Tribune Media Services, in which I criticized the Allen campaign’s attack on Webb’s shocking passages in some of his novels, along with the lamentable trend to confuse fiction with reality (http://victorhanson.com/articles/hanson110606.html.) I thought the Allen tact was both silly and wrong to equate a novelist with his literary characters, especially in wartime landscapes where realism is essential to a chronicle of battle and its effects on men.
I also wrote that Webb had led an exemplary life, and it might be a good change to have a novelist as a Senator. I know the campaign was cruel on both sides, but it was both an ethical and practical mistake to go after the veteran Webb on his literary characterizations, especially when his record of public service had long ago proved that he was a principled person. If the Democrats are to recapture any stature as a serious party, it will be because of moderates like Webb, whom I have always respected and admired. So no apologies here.
Be careful of what you wish for
Liberals used to deplore realists—a James Baker (“F*** the Jews” or “Jobs, jobs, jobs”), a Brent Scowcroft (letting the Shiites and Kurds get mowed down by helicopter gunships in late February/early March 1991), or George Bush Senior shaking down the Japanese et al. to pay for the first Gulf War and then leaving Saddam in power to “balance” Iran. But now with Baker and Gates sort of back, and apparent greater reliance on the first Bush’s realism, it will be interesting to see what the Democrats in the House will do—especially if there is a realist-Right and anti-war Left convergence that gives up on Iraq and comes home.
Link to Full Article:
A very good summation by VDH of both political and military affairs.
Rumsfeld, Webb—and Being careful about what you wish for
Vaya Con Dios, Rummy!
Here is the record of Donald Rumsfeld. (1) Tried to take a top-heavy Pentagon and prepare it for the wars of the postmodern world, in which on a minute’s notice thousands of American soldiers, with air and sea support, would have to be sent to some god-awful place to fight some savagery—and then be trashed live on CNN for doing it; (2) less than a month after 9/11 he organized the retaliation against al Qaeda in the heart of primordial Afghanistan that removed the Taliban in 7 weeks, when we were all warned that the U.S., like the British and Russians of old, would fail; (3) oversaw the removal of Saddam in 3 weeks—after the 1991 Gulf War and the 12-years of 350,000 sorties in the no-fly-zones, and various bombing strikes, had failed. (4) Ah, you say, then there is the disastrous 3-year insurgency—too few troops, Iraqi army let go, underestimated “dead-enders” etc.?
But Rumsfeld knew that in a counterinsurgency (cf. Vietnam 1965-71) massive deployments only ensure complacency, breed dependency, and create resentment, and that, in contrast, training indigenous forces, ensuring political autonomy, and providing air and commando support (e.g., Vietnam circa 1972-4) is the only answer—although that is a long process that can work only if political support at home allows the military to finish the job (cf. the turn-of-the-century Philippines, and the British in Malaysia). He was a good man, and we were lucky to have him in our hour of need.
James WebbI received a lot of angry private email objecting to a pre-election syndicated column I wrote for Tribune Media Services, in which I criticized the Allen campaign’s attack on Webb’s shocking passages in some of his novels, along with the lamentable trend to confuse fiction with reality (http://victorhanson.com/articles/hanson110606.html.) I thought the Allen tact was both silly and wrong to equate a novelist with his literary characters, especially in wartime landscapes where realism is essential to a chronicle of battle and its effects on men.
I also wrote that Webb had led an exemplary life, and it might be a good change to have a novelist as a Senator. I know the campaign was cruel on both sides, but it was both an ethical and practical mistake to go after the veteran Webb on his literary characterizations, especially when his record of public service had long ago proved that he was a principled person. If the Democrats are to recapture any stature as a serious party, it will be because of moderates like Webb, whom I have always respected and admired. So no apologies here.
Be careful of what you wish for
Liberals used to deplore realists—a James Baker (“F*** the Jews” or “Jobs, jobs, jobs”), a Brent Scowcroft (letting the Shiites and Kurds get mowed down by helicopter gunships in late February/early March 1991), or George Bush Senior shaking down the Japanese et al. to pay for the first Gulf War and then leaving Saddam in power to “balance” Iran. But now with Baker and Gates sort of back, and apparent greater reliance on the first Bush’s realism, it will be interesting to see what the Democrats in the House will do—especially if there is a realist-Right and anti-war Left convergence that gives up on Iraq and comes home.
Link to Full Article:
Out West
Pesharim - Out West
Interesting archaeological and anthropological news:
Stolen artifacts shatter ancient culture
Looters ravage Indian ruins to sell pottery, heirlooms on black market
Dennis Wagner
The Arizona Republic
Nov. 12, 2006 12:00 AM
SAN CARLOS - In the dead of night, looters are destroying the history of America, desecrating sacred Indian ruins.An estimated 80 percent of the nation's ancient archaeological sites have been plundered or robbed by shovel-toting looters. Though some of the pillaging is done by amateurs who don't know any better, more serious damage is wrought by professionals who dig deep, sometimes even using backhoes. The motive is money. Indian artifacts are coveted worldwide by collectors willing to pay for trophy pieces of the past. Fine antiquities are displayed in glass cases at mansions and museums. Lesser objects wind up on fireplace mantels or stored in garages.
Looters are just the first link in a chain that includes collectors, galleries, trade shows and Internet sites such as eBay. But stopping the black-market business is virtually impossible because of a lack of manpower for enforcement and loopholes in the law that make it hard to convict the few who get caught.
Full Story
My Kinda Museum:
'Pretty spectacular': Museum reopens
Accolades, music fill expanded venue's halls
Lindsey Collom
The Arizona Republic
Nov. 12, 2006 12:00 AM
The usually hushed halls of the Phoenix Art Museum were abuzz with music and activity Saturday as the public got its first peek at the institution's $50 million expansion.Thousands entered through the museum's new sweeping glass-encased lobby, and more are expected today during the Go! Weekend Grand Opening Celebration. Admission is free.On Saturday, attendees lingered among the museum's new spaces, including a four-level modern art wing, canopied entry plaza, 1-acre Dorrance Sculpture Garden and expanded Museum store. Musicians played melodies in each wing, the songs twinkling above patrons' enthusiastic chatter.
"It's pretty spectacular," said Lisa McCreary of Peoria. "It's nice to see so many community people out. Being from Chicago, I miss that."Shawn McDaniel rounded a corner and looked up at a towering bronze, his eyes widening. The 7-year-old walked around the piece, studying the myriad buffalo running down a crag from a lone Indian, a spear in hand."It's so big," Shawn said.Paces away, Alex Cheroske held his 2-year-old son, A.J., and moved from piece to piece. They stopped at a painting featuring a man crouching in the desert and pointing a sword at a coiled snake."Look at this rattlesnake," Cheroske told his son, who repeated the name of the reptile.
Link
Interesting archaeological and anthropological news:
Stolen artifacts shatter ancient culture
Looters ravage Indian ruins to sell pottery, heirlooms on black market
Dennis Wagner
The Arizona Republic
Nov. 12, 2006 12:00 AM
SAN CARLOS - In the dead of night, looters are destroying the history of America, desecrating sacred Indian ruins.An estimated 80 percent of the nation's ancient archaeological sites have been plundered or robbed by shovel-toting looters. Though some of the pillaging is done by amateurs who don't know any better, more serious damage is wrought by professionals who dig deep, sometimes even using backhoes. The motive is money. Indian artifacts are coveted worldwide by collectors willing to pay for trophy pieces of the past. Fine antiquities are displayed in glass cases at mansions and museums. Lesser objects wind up on fireplace mantels or stored in garages.
Looters are just the first link in a chain that includes collectors, galleries, trade shows and Internet sites such as eBay. But stopping the black-market business is virtually impossible because of a lack of manpower for enforcement and loopholes in the law that make it hard to convict the few who get caught.
Full Story
My Kinda Museum:
'Pretty spectacular': Museum reopens
Accolades, music fill expanded venue's halls
Lindsey Collom
The Arizona Republic
Nov. 12, 2006 12:00 AM
The usually hushed halls of the Phoenix Art Museum were abuzz with music and activity Saturday as the public got its first peek at the institution's $50 million expansion.Thousands entered through the museum's new sweeping glass-encased lobby, and more are expected today during the Go! Weekend Grand Opening Celebration. Admission is free.On Saturday, attendees lingered among the museum's new spaces, including a four-level modern art wing, canopied entry plaza, 1-acre Dorrance Sculpture Garden and expanded Museum store. Musicians played melodies in each wing, the songs twinkling above patrons' enthusiastic chatter.
"It's pretty spectacular," said Lisa McCreary of Peoria. "It's nice to see so many community people out. Being from Chicago, I miss that."Shawn McDaniel rounded a corner and looked up at a towering bronze, his eyes widening. The 7-year-old walked around the piece, studying the myriad buffalo running down a crag from a lone Indian, a spear in hand."It's so big," Shawn said.Paces away, Alex Cheroske held his 2-year-old son, A.J., and moved from piece to piece. They stopped at a painting featuring a man crouching in the desert and pointing a sword at a coiled snake."Look at this rattlesnake," Cheroske told his son, who repeated the name of the reptile.
Link
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Veteran's Day
Signal, Sygnet, and Sigil - Veteran's Day
I wish to thank all of those Veterans in service around the world a Happy Veteran's Day.
Stay safe, I am honored by your service, and wish to express my appreciation.
I know your job is exhausting, dirty, lonely, dangerous, self-sacrificial, and often thankless.
I wrote this poem to commemorate our freeing of Iraq, but I think it also expresses my appreciation of the continued service of US Veterans around the world, no matter where you are stationed, in which branch your serve, or in what theatre you might currently be operating.
Godspeed and I'll be praying for you my friends.
And for those who are serving alongside US troops as our allies, I wish to express my appreciation for your service alongside our American troops. Thank you and God bless you as well.
Jack.
CRADLE OF CONSECRATION
In memoria of our citizen soldiers and their liberation of Iraq, 2003
“Vehimur in altum”
When Men in loyal service bound
Die to ends far greater than themselves
A sort of Resurrection rises with their
Silent Ghosts to speak of Ancient Memory,
And when far better to the ear
This Honor married to the Just
Is crowned with Noble Good Intent
Then Memory has rediscovered kin
With Providence on Earth.
For many times have men taken sword
To cut apart and wound the truth
And many times the gilded spear
Has pierced through rib to injure hearts,
Rarer though, the noble soldier, to defense
Has stood transfixed upon the sands
To raise up mercied innocence
Where before but gore has washed the hands.
The Captains of a Newer World
With fresher banners in the wind
Have led a truer army forth
With force of arms all borne by men,
For citizens across the seas
From town and village, cities tall
Heard duty in these dire events
To acquit themselves not one but all.
So boy to man and man to wise
So lass to woman soon became
What their nation spoke of uppermost
A Legion of the True and Brave.
Let cynics boast and ill-declare
That death was never conquered there
That evidence has fled the field
Because small men in memories short do live
And life is slight that counts all lost,
Such men would never pay such cost.
A Larger Guard does post the Gates
When Victory and Justice meld
Eternal Ghosts do watch the ways
When nobility gives glory to the day,
A Memory from more Ancient Times
May resurrect some future night
When darkness clouds the summer sun
And knights from old must rise to fight.
A desert is a hot deathbed
A hard and desperate place to rest
But then again they never sleep
Who rise from death well o’er again
For Truth and Justice peace to keep.
Our Memories may wax and wane
Or sleep in graves, or fade in mind
But noble are our soldiers made
I wish to thank all of those Veterans in service around the world a Happy Veteran's Day.
Stay safe, I am honored by your service, and wish to express my appreciation.
I know your job is exhausting, dirty, lonely, dangerous, self-sacrificial, and often thankless.
I wrote this poem to commemorate our freeing of Iraq, but I think it also expresses my appreciation of the continued service of US Veterans around the world, no matter where you are stationed, in which branch your serve, or in what theatre you might currently be operating.
Godspeed and I'll be praying for you my friends.
And for those who are serving alongside US troops as our allies, I wish to express my appreciation for your service alongside our American troops. Thank you and God bless you as well.
Jack.
CRADLE OF CONSECRATION
In memoria of our citizen soldiers and their liberation of Iraq, 2003
“Vehimur in altum”
When Men in loyal service bound
Die to ends far greater than themselves
A sort of Resurrection rises with their
Silent Ghosts to speak of Ancient Memory,
And when far better to the ear
This Honor married to the Just
Is crowned with Noble Good Intent
Then Memory has rediscovered kin
With Providence on Earth.
For many times have men taken sword
To cut apart and wound the truth
And many times the gilded spear
Has pierced through rib to injure hearts,
Rarer though, the noble soldier, to defense
Has stood transfixed upon the sands
To raise up mercied innocence
Where before but gore has washed the hands.
The Captains of a Newer World
With fresher banners in the wind
Have led a truer army forth
With force of arms all borne by men,
For citizens across the seas
From town and village, cities tall
Heard duty in these dire events
To acquit themselves not one but all.
So boy to man and man to wise
So lass to woman soon became
What their nation spoke of uppermost
A Legion of the True and Brave.
Let cynics boast and ill-declare
That death was never conquered there
That evidence has fled the field
Because small men in memories short do live
And life is slight that counts all lost,
Such men would never pay such cost.
A Larger Guard does post the Gates
When Victory and Justice meld
Eternal Ghosts do watch the ways
When nobility gives glory to the day,
A Memory from more Ancient Times
May resurrect some future night
When darkness clouds the summer sun
And knights from old must rise to fight.
A desert is a hot deathbed
A hard and desperate place to rest
But then again they never sleep
Who rise from death well o’er again
For Truth and Justice peace to keep.
Our Memories may wax and wane
Or sleep in graves, or fade in mind
But noble are our soldiers made
And so shall never fade from mine.
Pope Visits Turkey
Karpas - Pope Visits Turkey
I don't think the dialogue with Bardakoglu will come to much, but we'll see.
I'm awfully glad to see Benedict carry on John Paul's legacy of dialogue with the Orthodox churches however and expect Benedict and Bartholomew to hit it off well.
As some of you know I intend, after I retire to become a secular Orthodox Priest and so I'm glad to see a reconciliation between East and West and a movement towards a once again united Christendom.
It did however strike me as interesting that all three men in the series of meetings in Turkey have names starting with the letter B.
I wouldn't mind touring the Hagia Sophia myself. Of all the great historical churches in the world that would rank right up there as one of my top two or three favorites to visit.
Jack.
Pope to meet with Islamic critic, Orthodox patriarch
Updated 11/11/2006 12:03 PM ET
By Umit Bektas, Reuters
Thousands gathered Nov. 4 at Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's mausoleum in Ankara, Turkey, to rally against what they see as radical Islamic threats to the secular Turkish republic.
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Benedict XVI will meet in Turkey later this month with a top Islamic cleric who denounced the pope's remarks on Islam and violence.
During the pope's Nov. 28-Dec. 1 visit to the predominantly Muslim nation, he will also visit a symbol of Turkey's official commitment to secularism — the mausoleum of the Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who is honored as the founder of the modern Turkish state.
The Vatican on Saturday released details of the trip, which was originally planned so that Benedict could meet with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the Istanbul-based spiritual leader of the world's Orthodox Christians, as the pontiff pursues closer relations among Christians.
But the trip quickly turned into a test of Catholic-Muslim relations after much of the Muslim world reacted angrily to a Sept. 12 speech in which Benedict quoted a 14th-century Byzantine emperor describing Islam as a religion spread by the sword.
One of the first to decry Benedict's speech was Turkey's president for religious affairs, Ali Bardakoglu, a top Islamic cleric who said criticism of Islam threatened world peace. Benedict and Bardakoglu will meet within hours of the pope's arrival in Ankara, the Turkish capital, on Nov. 28. The pope will also deliver a speech during his encounter with the cleric, the Vatican said.
Full Story
I don't think the dialogue with Bardakoglu will come to much, but we'll see.
I'm awfully glad to see Benedict carry on John Paul's legacy of dialogue with the Orthodox churches however and expect Benedict and Bartholomew to hit it off well.
As some of you know I intend, after I retire to become a secular Orthodox Priest and so I'm glad to see a reconciliation between East and West and a movement towards a once again united Christendom.
It did however strike me as interesting that all three men in the series of meetings in Turkey have names starting with the letter B.
I wouldn't mind touring the Hagia Sophia myself. Of all the great historical churches in the world that would rank right up there as one of my top two or three favorites to visit.
Jack.
Pope to meet with Islamic critic, Orthodox patriarch
Updated 11/11/2006 12:03 PM ET
By Umit Bektas, Reuters
Thousands gathered Nov. 4 at Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's mausoleum in Ankara, Turkey, to rally against what they see as radical Islamic threats to the secular Turkish republic.
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Benedict XVI will meet in Turkey later this month with a top Islamic cleric who denounced the pope's remarks on Islam and violence.
During the pope's Nov. 28-Dec. 1 visit to the predominantly Muslim nation, he will also visit a symbol of Turkey's official commitment to secularism — the mausoleum of the Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who is honored as the founder of the modern Turkish state.
The Vatican on Saturday released details of the trip, which was originally planned so that Benedict could meet with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the Istanbul-based spiritual leader of the world's Orthodox Christians, as the pontiff pursues closer relations among Christians.
But the trip quickly turned into a test of Catholic-Muslim relations after much of the Muslim world reacted angrily to a Sept. 12 speech in which Benedict quoted a 14th-century Byzantine emperor describing Islam as a religion spread by the sword.
One of the first to decry Benedict's speech was Turkey's president for religious affairs, Ali Bardakoglu, a top Islamic cleric who said criticism of Islam threatened world peace. Benedict and Bardakoglu will meet within hours of the pope's arrival in Ankara, the Turkish capital, on Nov. 28. The pope will also deliver a speech during his encounter with the cleric, the Vatican said.
Full Story
Nancy Pelosi Promises “San Francisco Style” Impeachment of Bush
Marxed - Nancy Pelosi Promises “San Francisco Style” Impeachment of Bush
Last Updated: 11/11/06
By Jallalabah Woohi din Gunga
For the Missing Missive
Nancy Pelosi, flush with recent electoral victories, and acting as the presumptive first female Speaker of the House, has secretly promised liberal campaign contributors to the Democratic party a “San Francisco Style” impeachment of President Bush.
Asked at the secret meeting exactly what that might mean Pelosi hinted that it might have something to do with WMDs, abused intelligence, chains, leather, and a probable deep House Probe.
“We’re thinking at this moment that the best course of action might involve three, or possibly four, men of gay marriage age named Chad, Thad, Tad, and Brad. It might also involve methamphetamines, a rub off by a Mexican coyote, and a tax increase on the wealthy,” future Speaker Pelosi said from the podium, speaking on condition of anonymity.
“The Republicans have been thoroughly humbled, now is the time to Dominatrix. President Bush can learn what it’s like to deal with a real woman for a change.” The crowd erupted in applause. Throwing off all of their clothes several members of the audience were then catapulted into the air via the Cirque du Soleil big tent carnival gun. “Hooray, we’re back, and we’re fabulous!” the crowd chanted.
When order was finally restored after the sheep and Cambodian monkey orgy Speaker-to-Be Pelosi continued, “We do not though, at this time, intend to remove President Bush from Office!” The crowd fell silent from the sudden, stunning, and unexpected revelation.
“Instead we intend to convert him to our more enlightened and well-groomed lifestyle. We’re partnering him up with Al Gore who has developed a special therapy which we believe can convert dismayed Red State men into open minded and personally experimental, big-city, globally warmed and toasty metrosexuals. If the therapy works then we intend to use abortion clinic stem cell lines to clone the treatment and ship it to North Korea and Iran as biological weapons loosed in their discothèques and pornographic missile silos,” Ms. Pelosi proclaimed.
“As you can see we’ve thought of everything and expect to have soon created a worldwide libertine Utopia free of misunderstanding, and to have doubled our UN blue ribbon commissions while simultaneously drawing down our troop deployments from Vietnam. I mean Iraq. We intend instead to make New Haven, British Columbia, and Baja, California the new fronts in the War on Terror. This is not a War to be won anymore, I’m not sure I even know what that means; this is a problem to be solved. And by solved I mean we need a new direction,” said Pelosi gesturing vaguely towards the dusky distance. “Somewhere out there is a War solution, and I’m determined to channel it.”
Several thousand members of the audience began to raise bangles to the air and cheer, “Four More Rears! Four More Rears!” Chad, Tad, Thad, and Brad were hastily rushed on stage with the Speaker.
Satisfied she had finally made her point the soon to be Speaker exited the stage quietly, seemingly unnoticed as a host of male escort dancers dressed in pink flamingo dresses burst from a confetti cake with lavender and gold icing which read, “Congrats Nan, Now You’re the Real Speaker of the House!”
When shown a video tape of the meeting Vice President Dick Cheney responded by saying, “I don’t know what in the hell she’s talking about. Everybody knows that if you go just about anywhere except in a Muslim country the woman is always the Real Speaker of the House. That’s just the way God made em. Nancy Pelosi will talk your ear off if you let her, just like that Lincoln Chafee chick. Anybody seen her lately by the way? Nevermind. Somebody get my 20 gauge girl gun, I’m going huntin for the Christmas recess.”
End Story
© JWG, Jr. 2006
Last Updated: 11/11/06
By Jallalabah Woohi din Gunga
For the Missing Missive
Nancy Pelosi, flush with recent electoral victories, and acting as the presumptive first female Speaker of the House, has secretly promised liberal campaign contributors to the Democratic party a “San Francisco Style” impeachment of President Bush.
Asked at the secret meeting exactly what that might mean Pelosi hinted that it might have something to do with WMDs, abused intelligence, chains, leather, and a probable deep House Probe.
“We’re thinking at this moment that the best course of action might involve three, or possibly four, men of gay marriage age named Chad, Thad, Tad, and Brad. It might also involve methamphetamines, a rub off by a Mexican coyote, and a tax increase on the wealthy,” future Speaker Pelosi said from the podium, speaking on condition of anonymity.
“The Republicans have been thoroughly humbled, now is the time to Dominatrix. President Bush can learn what it’s like to deal with a real woman for a change.” The crowd erupted in applause. Throwing off all of their clothes several members of the audience were then catapulted into the air via the Cirque du Soleil big tent carnival gun. “Hooray, we’re back, and we’re fabulous!” the crowd chanted.
When order was finally restored after the sheep and Cambodian monkey orgy Speaker-to-Be Pelosi continued, “We do not though, at this time, intend to remove President Bush from Office!” The crowd fell silent from the sudden, stunning, and unexpected revelation.
“Instead we intend to convert him to our more enlightened and well-groomed lifestyle. We’re partnering him up with Al Gore who has developed a special therapy which we believe can convert dismayed Red State men into open minded and personally experimental, big-city, globally warmed and toasty metrosexuals. If the therapy works then we intend to use abortion clinic stem cell lines to clone the treatment and ship it to North Korea and Iran as biological weapons loosed in their discothèques and pornographic missile silos,” Ms. Pelosi proclaimed.
“As you can see we’ve thought of everything and expect to have soon created a worldwide libertine Utopia free of misunderstanding, and to have doubled our UN blue ribbon commissions while simultaneously drawing down our troop deployments from Vietnam. I mean Iraq. We intend instead to make New Haven, British Columbia, and Baja, California the new fronts in the War on Terror. This is not a War to be won anymore, I’m not sure I even know what that means; this is a problem to be solved. And by solved I mean we need a new direction,” said Pelosi gesturing vaguely towards the dusky distance. “Somewhere out there is a War solution, and I’m determined to channel it.”
Several thousand members of the audience began to raise bangles to the air and cheer, “Four More Rears! Four More Rears!” Chad, Tad, Thad, and Brad were hastily rushed on stage with the Speaker.
Satisfied she had finally made her point the soon to be Speaker exited the stage quietly, seemingly unnoticed as a host of male escort dancers dressed in pink flamingo dresses burst from a confetti cake with lavender and gold icing which read, “Congrats Nan, Now You’re the Real Speaker of the House!”
When shown a video tape of the meeting Vice President Dick Cheney responded by saying, “I don’t know what in the hell she’s talking about. Everybody knows that if you go just about anywhere except in a Muslim country the woman is always the Real Speaker of the House. That’s just the way God made em. Nancy Pelosi will talk your ear off if you let her, just like that Lincoln Chafee chick. Anybody seen her lately by the way? Nevermind. Somebody get my 20 gauge girl gun, I’m going huntin for the Christmas recess.”
End Story
© JWG, Jr. 2006
Friday, November 10, 2006
Your Brain on Fatherhood
Invisible Hand - Your Brain on Fatherhood
Your Brain on Fatherhood
Contrary to popular belief, child-rearing may make men smarter
By Gregory Mone November 2006
Though men do seem to be getting better at playing stay-at-home dad, they still can’t claim to be the best fathers in the animal kingdom. Among primates, that honor may belong to marmosets, small tree-dwelling monkeys whose males spend 70 percent of their time caring for newborns. The result of all this baby time, according to new research, adds up to more than just a sensitive monkey. The nurturing actually boosts mental activity.
To learn more about the effects of fatherhood on the brain, Princeton University psychologist Yevgenia Kozorovitskiy and her colleagues compared the brains of marmoset dads with those of offspring-less monkeys. The fathers had more well-connected neurons in the prefrontal cortex, an area associated with higher-level planning and tasks. Kozorovitskiy also identified an uptick in the number of receptors for a molecule that previous research has linked to parenting. This fact, she says, suggests that the brain changes don’t simply stem from the onset of the busier life that follows the arrival of a new family member, but from parenting itself. Kozorovitskiy cautions that the work isn’t directly applicable to humans, although other research has linked parenting with increased brain activity in humans. If nothing else, it could provide new dads with the ammo needed to extend their paternity leave.
LINK
Your Brain on Fatherhood
Contrary to popular belief, child-rearing may make men smarter
By Gregory Mone November 2006
Though men do seem to be getting better at playing stay-at-home dad, they still can’t claim to be the best fathers in the animal kingdom. Among primates, that honor may belong to marmosets, small tree-dwelling monkeys whose males spend 70 percent of their time caring for newborns. The result of all this baby time, according to new research, adds up to more than just a sensitive monkey. The nurturing actually boosts mental activity.
To learn more about the effects of fatherhood on the brain, Princeton University psychologist Yevgenia Kozorovitskiy and her colleagues compared the brains of marmoset dads with those of offspring-less monkeys. The fathers had more well-connected neurons in the prefrontal cortex, an area associated with higher-level planning and tasks. Kozorovitskiy also identified an uptick in the number of receptors for a molecule that previous research has linked to parenting. This fact, she says, suggests that the brain changes don’t simply stem from the onset of the busier life that follows the arrival of a new family member, but from parenting itself. Kozorovitskiy cautions that the work isn’t directly applicable to humans, although other research has linked parenting with increased brain activity in humans. If nothing else, it could provide new dads with the ammo needed to extend their paternity leave.
LINK
A Letter From the Dead
Pesharim - A Letter From the Dead
I got an email from Matt Bamberg today.
He told me that My Photograph for the Halloween Photo Contest had been lost in email and he never noticed it and therefore I never got to compete.
And whereas I think my shot was good I've also already seen the Contest Winner and their shot was much better in my opinion.
To tell you the truth I wish I had taken their shot as well as mine.
Here is the link for the actual winner: Contest Winner Shot.
Anywho Matt offered to send me a print of my shot since it was lost in email.
I thought that was awfully manly of him, and very nice to boot.
I told him it was up to him and if he sends it then I'll let my wife hang it in the Foyer.
She's always telling me she wants me to make prints of my work to hang around the house.
Well, now's her chance.
I got an email from Matt Bamberg today.
He told me that My Photograph for the Halloween Photo Contest had been lost in email and he never noticed it and therefore I never got to compete.
And whereas I think my shot was good I've also already seen the Contest Winner and their shot was much better in my opinion.
To tell you the truth I wish I had taken their shot as well as mine.
Here is the link for the actual winner: Contest Winner Shot.
Anywho Matt offered to send me a print of my shot since it was lost in email.
I thought that was awfully manly of him, and very nice to boot.
I told him it was up to him and if he sends it then I'll let my wife hang it in the Foyer.
She's always telling me she wants me to make prints of my work to hang around the house.
Well, now's her chance.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Theoretical Speculation Master Discovers New Internet Secret to Knowing Stuff
Marxed - Theoretical Speculation Master Discovers New Internet Secret to Knowing Stuff
Amazing new advance in internet technology makes thinking, experience, and facts obsolete.
Jeffery Wilbur Goathog
For the Missaleer
Last Updated: Thursday, 09 November 2006, 27:52 GMT
A humble British theorist straight from an amazingly successful public education has discovered the undisputed Secrets of the Universe. How was this amazing discovery made? Why on the Internet of course!
“The Secrets to the Universe were there all along, “ said this amazing switch route Savant, who stubbornly prefers to remain anonymous despite the fact that his discoveries could make him an instant millionaire and feted international celebrity. “All you have to do is take the entire body of knowledge contained on the internet, carefully research what you want to say, disregard any historical notion of veracity, real or imagined, extrapolate speculatively and extravagantly without any sort of idea of anything, then collate your conclusions, present your evidence gathered from internet sources as beyond dispute because you say so and because it is on the internet, and finally, and this is the most important step, declare your theory factual, ex post facto. Case Closed.”
“You see we’re developing entirely new forms of knowledge here, including Internet Science, Internet Religion, Internet Art, Internet Logic, Monkey See-Monkey Do, Virtually Virtual Know-How, Web Based Ethernet Capabilities Cloning, Hard Edged Infotainment, the Opinionyafact, and of course ‘New Speak’ where more precise and accurate self-created internet definitions replace all other forms of less viable language.”
“The old ways of knowing are dead,” continued the Master Speculator, or Theoretical Masterlator to use the more scientific term. “The new ways are better, more savvy and simple. You just relentlessly and continuously assemble more and more Internet sources and then regurgitate those sources back in an unstoppable stream of wantonness. I call this “Stream of Wantonness Consciousness.” No one could possibly know what you’re saying, including you, and that just makes it all the more real. This has never been done before in the history of human knowledge or experience. And I discovered it!! It’s absolutely proof-positive. Eat me bitches!”
A true Revolution in human thought and science this new “…way of knowing, devoid of any real experience, in which knowledge is cleverly borrowed from others is sure to cure cancer, reduce unsightly acne, eliminate crime, disprove God, solve a host of personal psychological problems, reverse genetic mutations, grow spare body parts from abortive stem cells, moderate reflexotardidness, get you more chicks, enhance self-esteem, abolish starvation and war, alleviate the need for European street marches and Muslim rioting, stop Global Warming, make instant geniuses of the publicly educated, eradicate typos, provide a viable alternate, pollution-free ‘self-sustaining and perpetual internet based energy system,’ and lead to a New Utopian era in which man recreates himself in his own image and thereby becomes perfect, omniscient, omnipotent and immortal. There, did I leave anything out?”
Indeed the Masterlator did not omit any of the more important achievements of his fascinating discovery. However I cannot help but personally comment that we are all awaiting with barely repressed enthusiasm this conclusive march towards human progress and all that is truly good in our own minds. But when can we actually expect the arrival of this new era of fabulous and finally realized potential? Being a journalist and full of the same sort of internet integrity as the Masterlator himself I fully understand my professional obligation to remain impassive, neutral, and objective as great events shape our world, but as a living, breathing primate I felt compelled to ask the really hard questions if only to ready myself, and you good reader and true believer, for this monumental and primal evolutionary achievement. So I asked.
“When, good sir, will all my problems be solved and when will I too bask in the glory of knowing the much coveted Secrets of the Life, the Universe, and Everything?”
“Why the answer is so simple,” replied the Master of the Motherboard, the Sage of All Servers, the Wizard of the Web. “Just do like I do and as soon as everyone’s like me then that’s exactly what you’re bound to get.”
So who could possibly successfully dispute such a fount of wisdom? The man obviously knows of what he speaks, he is, after all, on the Internet.
And now you know the rest of the story…
Amazing new advance in internet technology makes thinking, experience, and facts obsolete.
Jeffery Wilbur Goathog
For the Missaleer
Last Updated: Thursday, 09 November 2006, 27:52 GMT
A humble British theorist straight from an amazingly successful public education has discovered the undisputed Secrets of the Universe. How was this amazing discovery made? Why on the Internet of course!
“The Secrets to the Universe were there all along, “ said this amazing switch route Savant, who stubbornly prefers to remain anonymous despite the fact that his discoveries could make him an instant millionaire and feted international celebrity. “All you have to do is take the entire body of knowledge contained on the internet, carefully research what you want to say, disregard any historical notion of veracity, real or imagined, extrapolate speculatively and extravagantly without any sort of idea of anything, then collate your conclusions, present your evidence gathered from internet sources as beyond dispute because you say so and because it is on the internet, and finally, and this is the most important step, declare your theory factual, ex post facto. Case Closed.”
“You see we’re developing entirely new forms of knowledge here, including Internet Science, Internet Religion, Internet Art, Internet Logic, Monkey See-Monkey Do, Virtually Virtual Know-How, Web Based Ethernet Capabilities Cloning, Hard Edged Infotainment, the Opinionyafact, and of course ‘New Speak’ where more precise and accurate self-created internet definitions replace all other forms of less viable language.”
“The old ways of knowing are dead,” continued the Master Speculator, or Theoretical Masterlator to use the more scientific term. “The new ways are better, more savvy and simple. You just relentlessly and continuously assemble more and more Internet sources and then regurgitate those sources back in an unstoppable stream of wantonness. I call this “Stream of Wantonness Consciousness.” No one could possibly know what you’re saying, including you, and that just makes it all the more real. This has never been done before in the history of human knowledge or experience. And I discovered it!! It’s absolutely proof-positive. Eat me bitches!”
A true Revolution in human thought and science this new “…way of knowing, devoid of any real experience, in which knowledge is cleverly borrowed from others is sure to cure cancer, reduce unsightly acne, eliminate crime, disprove God, solve a host of personal psychological problems, reverse genetic mutations, grow spare body parts from abortive stem cells, moderate reflexotardidness, get you more chicks, enhance self-esteem, abolish starvation and war, alleviate the need for European street marches and Muslim rioting, stop Global Warming, make instant geniuses of the publicly educated, eradicate typos, provide a viable alternate, pollution-free ‘self-sustaining and perpetual internet based energy system,’ and lead to a New Utopian era in which man recreates himself in his own image and thereby becomes perfect, omniscient, omnipotent and immortal. There, did I leave anything out?”
Indeed the Masterlator did not omit any of the more important achievements of his fascinating discovery. However I cannot help but personally comment that we are all awaiting with barely repressed enthusiasm this conclusive march towards human progress and all that is truly good in our own minds. But when can we actually expect the arrival of this new era of fabulous and finally realized potential? Being a journalist and full of the same sort of internet integrity as the Masterlator himself I fully understand my professional obligation to remain impassive, neutral, and objective as great events shape our world, but as a living, breathing primate I felt compelled to ask the really hard questions if only to ready myself, and you good reader and true believer, for this monumental and primal evolutionary achievement. So I asked.
“When, good sir, will all my problems be solved and when will I too bask in the glory of knowing the much coveted Secrets of the Life, the Universe, and Everything?”
“Why the answer is so simple,” replied the Master of the Motherboard, the Sage of All Servers, the Wizard of the Web. “Just do like I do and as soon as everyone’s like me then that’s exactly what you’re bound to get.”
So who could possibly successfully dispute such a fount of wisdom? The man obviously knows of what he speaks, he is, after all, on the Internet.
And now you know the rest of the story…
Stolen Cars Used in International Crime and Suicide Bombings
The Orbit of Justice - Stolen Cars Used in International Crime and Suicide Bombings
Stolen cars found in Iraq
More and more cars stolen in Norway are turning up in Iraq, with some of them being used by suicide bombers.
These three cars stolen in Norway were found in northern Iraq. They were photographed at the Turkish border, waiting to get sent back to Norway.
The European license plate on this stolen car was merely covered by an Iraqi plate.
The car thefts in Norway are thus being linked to terrorist activity and the financing of terrorism.
Car thefts have often been carried out by criminals who later use them in armed robberies, the drug trade or for sale in developing countries. Investigators are now tracking them to the Middle East, where sometimes their license plates are merely covered over by local plates...
Entire Story
Stolen cars found in Iraq
More and more cars stolen in Norway are turning up in Iraq, with some of them being used by suicide bombers.
These three cars stolen in Norway were found in northern Iraq. They were photographed at the Turkish border, waiting to get sent back to Norway.
The European license plate on this stolen car was merely covered by an Iraqi plate.
The car thefts in Norway are thus being linked to terrorist activity and the financing of terrorism.
Car thefts have often been carried out by criminals who later use them in armed robberies, the drug trade or for sale in developing countries. Investigators are now tracking them to the Middle East, where sometimes their license plates are merely covered over by local plates...
Entire Story
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Parallel Police Force
Signal, Sygnet, and Sigil - Parallel Police Force
This is an older report, but I found it extremely interesting. I discovered it accidentally while researching Parallel Intelligence efforts in AI (Artificial Intelligence ) R&D projects.
Italy probes 'parallel police'
Italian police have launched a big inquiry into a "parallel" intelligence agency, say Italian news reports.
The Department of Anti-terrorism Strategic Studies (DSSA) was reportedly created after the 2004 Madrid bombings to combat Islamic extremism.
Genoa-based investigators carrying out a probe into the DSSA have arrested two people and placed more than two dozen others under investigation.
Anti-terror squads have also carried out raids in nine Italian regions.
Parallel Police
This is an older report, but I found it extremely interesting. I discovered it accidentally while researching Parallel Intelligence efforts in AI (Artificial Intelligence ) R&D projects.
Italy probes 'parallel police'
Italian police have launched a big inquiry into a "parallel" intelligence agency, say Italian news reports.
The Department of Anti-terrorism Strategic Studies (DSSA) was reportedly created after the 2004 Madrid bombings to combat Islamic extremism.
Genoa-based investigators carrying out a probe into the DSSA have arrested two people and placed more than two dozen others under investigation.
Anti-terror squads have also carried out raids in nine Italian regions.
Parallel Police
Viral Reconstruction, Australia, Canada, Rome, and Other Matters
Pesharim - Viral Reconstruction, Australia, Canada, Rome, and Other Matters
Open Source Movie Making
Viral Reconstruction
Australia in the Stone Age
Canada and the Taliban
Rome and the Mafia
Open Source Movie Making
Viral Reconstruction
Australia in the Stone Age
Canada and the Taliban
Rome and the Mafia
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Samsung's Patrolbot
Signal, Sygnet, and Sigil - Samsung's Patrolbot
An interesting article, video, and discussion on Dean's World about a new robotic defense system in South Korea.
SISGR
An interesting article, video, and discussion on Dean's World about a new robotic defense system in South Korea.
SISGR
Death of a Brave Young Man
Pesharim - Death of a Brave Young Man
This was posted at Blackfive.
I thought it deserved republishing here:
Godspeed Specialist Nathaniel Aguirre
Also don't forget to contribute to PROJECT VALOUR IT.
See Ad at top of Blog
trackback: http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/6733520
This was posted at Blackfive.
I thought it deserved republishing here:
Godspeed Specialist Nathaniel Aguirre
Also don't forget to contribute to PROJECT VALOUR IT.
See Ad at top of Blog
trackback: http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/6733520
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