I'm in the process of switching servers for the blog. Hopefully, I can get it done within the next day or 2.
MSNBC reports on the focus of the annual meeting of the American Public Health Association, obesity.
UPDATE: Original article by The Weekly Standard is here.
The myth that Saddam was safe in his box before we attacked Iraq is exploded in the 16-page memo compiled by various spy agencies that was presented to the Senate Intelligence Committe. The Weekly Standard has reported this information but now their site is down. Power Line Blog gave a couple links that discuss the story.
The world is a safer place now that Saddam is out of power. Not only do some terrorist groups now have a lot less support but the government of The Sudan no longer are receiving weapons from Saddam. Taking out the terrorists, or at least keeping them on the run, only helps the world to be safer.
UPDATE (11/15): Thanks to James at Electronica Radio, a blog by the producer of a tech show on KABC radio in LA, for getting the teacher on the show today. Even though she was at the end of the show and didn't have much time, they gave some recommendations and would get involved themselves, if needed.
UPDATE: Kevin McCullough discussed this story on his radio show and the teacher may be on KABC radio this Saturday morning. Thanks!
The following is an email I received from a kindergarten teacher here in San Diego County:
I bought a Dell computer which arrived at my door on August 18. Much to my disappointment, wrong parts were sent to me...a CD-Rom was installed instead of the DVD-Rom I had ordered. Then I found out the DVD burner only burns -R and -RW, not the +/- R and RW that I had requested. It took me over a month to fight with Dell in order for them to compensate me. They finally sent me a DVD-Rom, which I had to install myself. However, they couldn't give me a DVD burner that burns all 4 formats simply because Dell does not make a burner that can handle all the formats. So they just gave me an external hard drive for compensation.
Just when I thought the nightmare was behind me, another one was right around the corner. Many of the applications weren't working correctly. These were just simply programs like Office 2000, Studio 8, also my CF Card Reader and my Epson printer. I've called tech support over 13 times, each time I was on hold for over 45 minutes and was transferred around countless times. In many occasions, I was on the phone for over 4 hours(or more)that my phone battery died on me. When I requested for the tech to call back if I was to cut out, no one ever called back, ever!!!!
So I thought I would just reinstall Windows XP and all the drivers to give the computer a frest start. Then the reinstallation froze in the middle of the process. This prompted a tech to suspect that XP was corrupted to begin with, which explains why was having such tremendous problems with my applications. Dell decided to send me a new set of System Recovery CDs, then along came a bill of $258. Needless to say, I called Dell immediately! One department said to disregard the bill, another said I must return all 30 defective CDs, or I would be charged $258. However, I never received 30 CDs from Dell to begin with. How could I send back something when I've never received them in the first place?
Finally, I got tired of dealing with Dell's incompetence and, once again, aked for my money back. But Dell refused to give me my money back because I'm now outside my 30 day refund window. I reminded Dell that my problem started on Day 1 of delivery, but everytime I tried to ask for my money back, the customer care agent would always try to redirect by attention by sending me to tech support. I was too naive, thinking that I could trust Dell's good name and integrity in helping me resolve all the issues.
To make matter worse, the only solution Dell is offering is to give me a full system replacement. By definition, the way Dell replaces your system is by sending out a REFURBISHED computer. Now, I've paid over $1800 for a refurbished computer, what a joke!
I've written a 3 page letter of complaints, but Dell wouldn't even give me the names of the CEOs of Customer Care and Tech Support. I went on the Net and did a searched on "BAD DELL CUSTOMER CARE" and found numerous complaints on many forums. Amazingly, everyone was sharing the exact same story...computer installed with the wrong parts, would not replace but sent out refurbished parts only, extremely long holding time, and no accountibility. Many people have tried sending registered letters like me, and never got a response back. I've exhausted my resouces and simply don't know what to do anymore. So, if you have any suggestions, any at all, I would greatly appreciate it.
This is absolutely horrid. Please spread the word about what Dell is doing. Hopefully, they will make things right. Please contact me if there is something that anyone can do to help out this wonderful teacher.
A good bit of a history lesson from one of my favorite liberals. It's not complimentary of Bush 41, but in the view of history, HW just looks like he did about one quarter of the job.
For anyone with an affinity for The Rolling Stones you've got to see this shocking article on the legendary Keith Richards.
Hat tip to InstaPundit.
Lileks speaks for many of us here. A bit of language but worth it.
Please read Kevin McCullough's column in World Net Daily. I just can't believe the tact the Abercrombie & Fitch is taking. Their clothing will not be gracing any of my family if they continue on this path.
Hat tip to my Switchfoot fried, kjay.
Need Real Audio but check it out. I'm listening right now and it's wonderful.
I just saw some guy on CNN say that he thinks Tupac Shakur will have as big of an impact on the black community as MLK. Let's just home not. How sad that anyone compares MLK to Tupac. Talk about a legend growing after someone dies. Somebody please tell me anything that Tupac did that was positive.
UPDATE: Saw it again and he called Tupac a martyr..... 
Eric Gagne, relief pitcher for my Dodgers, won the NL Cy Young award. Never has a reliever had a better year.
I'm so sick of seeing most of all the news shows spending a good portion of time on the Laci Peterson and Kobe Bryant cases. Talk about "adding to the noise". Let's just turn that junk off. I want info on Iraq and terrorism, judicial appointments, laws being passed, etc. I'm just glad that we've got the internet so we can get some real news.
Congratulations to the guys of Switchfoot as they've been voted as Fuse's "Next Big Thing". I'm not sure how big they'll ever get but they are a great band and great guys. Check out some of their music, legally, from the links on this page.
What a sad way for something to end but Judge Moore got booted from his job as Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. As I asked earlier, here, is this the battle to fight? I actually can't find a reason not to dispute Judge Moore getting sacked. Do I like the decisions by the courts about the monument, no, but this isn't a matter of life and death and Judge Moore is supposed to uphold and follow the law.
I wonder if the ACLU types who celebrate Judge Moore's downfall will look at their inconsistency. A few years ago, the top law enforcement officer in this country perjured himself and so many people just said, let it pass, including 55 US Senators.
See this Washington Post article for details. One word for you President Bush.... VETO!
Follow Kevin McCullough as he monitors the 30 hour marathon session.
Go to sleep, go to sleep, go to sleep little Democrats...
InstaPundit has this info about a Gallup Poll taken in Iraq. Here's the bottom line, Iraqi's favor freedom to "express their opinion on the political, social, and economic issues of the day" by 98% to 1%, "allowing all Iraqi citizens to observe any religion of their choice and to practice its teachings and beliefs" 86% in favor and freedom to freely assemble by 68%.
Sounds like a great start, now let's get it done.
This article in The American Spectator talks of tipping points. The big question, how much can the terrorists get away with before our military is allowed to clean house.
Tip to Citizen Smash.
This link contains final letters from soldiers who were killed in Iraq. On this Veteran's Day let's vow to never forget what our soldiers sacrifice for us.
As I just read the article about George Soros i could see the hatred for Bush. It seems that the main thing opponents of Bush and Ashcroft don't like about them is that they have a clear view of right and wrong. Bottom line, they do believe in right and wrong based on their faith. So many people cannot accept that someone can believe in absolutes. Well, a lot of us do including our President and Attorney General. They believe that the terrorists are bad guys and must be confronted and stopped. It doesn't matter to them (relatively speaking) what the root cause is because no matter the root cause, they are bent on killing more people. In fact, they would be negligent in their duties if they weren't going after the terrorists, now knowing how they can strike.
The first few weeks after 9/11 it seemed that most people, except the ACLU types, understood who the good guys and bad guys were. We had moral clarity. Thank God that President Bush and his administration still does.
Looks like campaign finance is a bigger farce than most of us thought. It will be interesting to watch rich power brokers like George Soros operate around the campaign finance laws.
Just a couple hours until Veteran's day. I'm reading:
There are so many incredible stories about people who served under Ike. I just am blown away at the incredible bravery of the people in the military. In the next few months and years we'll be reading about the incredible exploits of our military in both Afghanistan and Iraq.
UPDATE:
Hat tip to Hugh Hewitt for this great article about the story of a Marine Lieutenant Colonel named Bryan P. McCoy.
From YWAM:
We must pray for Muslims to have dreams and visions. Many individuals and some whole villages in certain Islamic countries are receiving supernatural visions or dreams of Jesus that have led to their conversion. Christianity Today reports the story of Khaled Abdel Rahman, who grew up in Iraq. One night as he slept, he saw a vision of man with a beard. “Son,” the man said, “why do you attack my sheep?” Abdel Rahman replied, “Who are you, Sir?” “Jesus Christ.” “I’m not attacking your sheep, Sir. I’m trying to bring your lost sheep back to the straight path.” “You are the one who is lost. I’m the straight path,” Jesus said. Later, after his father was assassinated in Iraq, Jesus spoke again in a dream and said, “Run away from your country. I love you. Come to me because I have a plan for you.” Abdel Rahman did so. A few months later, Iraq invaded Kuwait. Abdel Rahman now lives in the US and continues to share his new faith. Dudley Woodberry, a professor at Fuller Seminary, has collected 650 testimonies from Muslims who’ve received Christ. He says that one third of these conversion accounts mention dreams as a factor. C’mon! Let’s pray for the Islamic world as they sleep!
Testimonies of Muslims becoming Christians.
In my war on terror, I pray for dreams like these for the terrorists that want to kill us. May they find the Jesus of love and foregiveness who awaits there coming to Him.
Please see the Power Line entry about General Clark and what people think of him. General Clark will probably need a hug after this campaign.
I'm opening up a new front in the war on terrorism. Based on some inspiring words from my pastor, I'm going to commit to praying for terrorists, especially al Qaeda. This does not mean I will be taking a less aggressive stance than the one being taken by President Bush but as long as hearts of the terrorists are filled with hate, they will be a threat, no matter what we do militarily.
My prayer is that Christ will appear to them in their dreams (I will provide some stories on this tonight) and reveal His love for them. This is the only way they can be reached, since these terrorists do not allow any type of Christian evangalism.
I will also do some research to see if there is a organized effort. If not, I will start one.
UPDATE: As I think more about this topic, I'm saddened that my heart has been so hard in the past. Why does it take terrorism to change my heart. The motive for this type of movement must not be fear, but love towards fellow human beings.
UPDATE 2: Kevin McCullough has just started a Prayer Alliance about this topic. Take a look at the entry here and sign up.
MSNBC.com has an article about whether obesity is a disease. It's a good question but no matter how it's answered, America is way too overweight and we need to lose weight. I'd like to see President Bush speak out on this issue. He's actually a great role model with the shape he's in. Insurance companies should find a way to get involved. The medical cost of being overweight will make our rates go even higher.
Come on America, let's get moving. Just start with something that is doable. Don't try running 5 miles when you are 50 pounds overweight. I use a recumbent bike which is easy on the back. Gotta get the heart beating. I started with just a few minutes but am up to 30 minutes about 5 times a week. Nuke sugar based or white flour junk. Get whole grain bread. Limit fast food to once a week and don't super size. It takes time to lose the extra appetite. It can be a bit painful for a few days. I have a big sweet tooth and satisfy it with diet soft drinks. If you stumble don't quit. Get back to the good habits at your next meal.
I'm watching the Jessica Lynch movie on TV. It brings up the issue of women in combat, but more importantly, mothers in combat. From a pure gut-level feel, it makes me ill. What about single mothers? What about Lori Piestewa's children? When was it made OK for women in combat? I don't like this at all.
The United States will not be represented in the Olympics in 2004. Tommy LaSorda was brilliant as a manager in 2000 and that gold medal is one of my favorite baseball stories. Now it won't even be defended.
Got back from an amazing Switchfoot concert here in San Diego. I'm still winding down. If you or know anyone who likes great rock and roll then buy this album for them for Christmas:
It's even cheaper at Target or Tower Records.
Tip to Drudge about this story about the group hunting Saddam. It's great to see the military thinking outside the box.
With a tip of the hat to Real Clear Politics, go check out this bit of humor about the Bush haters.
Fellow blogger and WorldNetDaily columnist Kevin McCullough has a great article on partial birth abortion. The article really lays it down about what partial birth abortion is so please forward the article.
Make sure you check out the links on the left side, especially the one titled "My Blog Roll". Also check out my favorite blogs here.
Just go take a look at BushCheney2004 for the answer.
I guess opinions change after either the shock of 9/11 goes away or if you want to be president.
I'll use the Bush Blog for the source of the latest good news about the economy. I know how much Democratic leaders don't want good news about the economy so they can say it's just Bush propoganda.
Did anyone hear Greenspan's remarks? He said raising taxes will slow the economy down. DUH!!!!! Us conservatives have known that for quite a long time. Welcome aboard Alan. Now if some of the lefties would get on board.
UPDATE: QandO has a better take on this topic than me right here.
I received this in my email from the RNC about General Clark and all his "sources" about actions the Bush Administration was or will take in terms of the war on terror. The man lives on rumors. As Mark Larson says, "In your guts, you know he's nuts".
Tomorrow, this Switchfoot Friday (November 7), Switchfoot is playing the final date on their fall tour. They will be also be recording a live DVD during the show. The show is at Soma near the San Diego Sports Arena.
My friend, JonnyUps' band, Roosevelt, is playing a concert with one of the best bands in San Diego, Reeve Oliver. They are even playing at my old college Point Loma Nazarene University. Here's the flyer for you San Diegans.
Another judge thinks that partial birth abortion is just fine. This is an issue that is so clear that people against the ban only helps those of us on the right side. Go ahead, Howard Dean, take the wrong side, again.
It's amazing to hear the Democratic Senators criticizing Judge Brown saying her views aren't in the mainstream. Well, those same people think PBA should be legal. Talk about being out of the mainstream. That's actually the biggest problem with the Democrats, they've totally lost the pulse of the American people.
I really enjoy the optimistic approach President Bush is turning to for his vision for the Middle Eeat. Power Line Blog has some great highlights of the speech. Everything else has failed, now it's time to take an approach that would go a long way towards stabilizing the Middle East and isolating the terrorism to just the real hardcore believers that won't find safe haven in a free Middle East.
Look how young they look. I really wonder if these guys will ever get a shot at coming close to the expectations. The odds are against it.
A Nebraska judge has issued an injunction against the ban on partial-birth abortions, signed by President Bush today. Since the Democrats can filibuster judicial nominations the Senate cannot approve common sense judges. If you think that your Senator matters, this in one reason. Also, I'm sure that George W. Bush would not mean to appoint a judge like this but Wesley Clark or Howard Dean sure will.
President Bush has signed the ban on partial-birth abortion. One small victory for life but I'll take it. I just don't how anyone can not be against this ban. Please explain....
The whole flap about how the Democrats are looking at launching an investigation before the election should not suprise anyone. This is the same attitude that was caught on tape a few months ago by some California Demcratic Assembly members. Winning is the only thing that matters (there are some on our side also) to these people. They don't care if the economy goes bust or soldiers are killed in Iraq. For them, that's a victory.
I do not recall Republicans rooting for the economy to tank when Clinton ran for office. I don't recall wanting us to lose any of the military actions that Clinton had. We may have had disagreements but, for the most part, once Clinton gave the orders we supported the military. We weren't rooting for soldiers to be killed so we could defeat Al Gore later. This is the wrong attitude and I won't support or respect any candidate who has these characteristics. That means you General Clark and Howard Dean.
No one else will, but I'm projecting Haley Barbour the winner in the Mississippi Governors' Contest. As of now, with 82% of the precincts reporting, Barbour is up 53% to 45%. That's 2 incumbent governors that Republicans have defeated in the last month and we also won an open seat tonight. A pretty darn good night for Republicans. Let's see how the Democrats spin this one.
Update: Now everyone is starting to declare Barbour the winner. BTW, I think Barbour is really Spanky McFarland from The Little Rascals.
This Reuters article has some very strange quotes from former President Clinton about AIDS as a national security issue. Here's the meat of the article:
"We should continue to fight terror, but we have to realize that the AIDS issue is also a security issue," Clinton told reporters after talks with Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik in Oslo. "It's a humanitarian issue, but it's a security issue," he said, warning AIDS fueled poverty and desperation.
Wow. For a man who's supposed to be so smart his view on national security is pretty screwed up. Of course, AIDS is a huge humanitarian issue and will cost countless lives and money. That does not make it a security issue. The war on AIDS will not be fought with militaries but by science, compassion, behavior and other things. I just hate mixing issues together that do not belong together. This follows the liberal view that it is poverty and hopelessness that is the root cause of terrorism. Sorry Bill, wrong again.
This also sounds like more of the legacy building. Seems Clinton didn't do a darn thing in office to stop the spread of AIDS in Africa so now he's getting on the bandwagon. Welcome aboard, there's plenty of room. I do know that he's recently helped to get some lower prices for AIDS drug prices. Bravo, but let's keep the proper focus on both terrorism and AIDS. Two very important battles that must be won at almost any cost.
This is from "The Scoop" on MSNBC:
Michael Moore continues to have unkind words for his fellow countrymen. On his international book tour, the author of “Dude, Where’s My Country?” was asked what he thought of Americans. “They are possibly the dumbest people on the planet ... in thrall to conniving, thieving, smug pricks,” he replied. “We Americans suffer from an enforced ignorance. We don’t know about anything that’s happening outside our country. Our stupidity is embarrassing.”
Can you feel the love? I've found that too many liberals think that we are just so stupid. They know better, just ask them.
Real Clear Politics had a great entry yesterday about our favorite Democrat, Zell Miller and about the implosion of Howard Dean.
The Victors book by Ambrose in mind blowing. It's recording the history of many stories of men who served under Ike. Of course, there is a lot of D-Day stories and I'm numbed by the numbers of men who died on that one day. In some cases the transport would open up to allow the soldiers to storm the beach, but all 30+ men would be killed before getting out. It gives a lot of perspective to the current situation in Iraq and still makes me made that the French government has not supported us after so many American and British soldiers were killed in the liberation of France.
The mighty Power Line Blog has a great entry about the newly discovered files discovered in Iraq. Take a look here.
I urge Christians to take a look at this article by John Fischer about Halloween and if Christians should participate or not. I know that we were extremely blessed as a family to meet new neighbors instead of going to the Harvest party at church (which is outstanding).
I believe that in so many cases there have been needless splits within Christianity. There are times though when one is required. If my church were to put a person in leadership who was an unrepentant adulterer, drunkard, liar or one of many other things I'd confront my church leadership. I would tell them that, according to the Bible (Romans 1, I Timothy 3) this person is not qualified for leadership. In the case of the U.S. Episcopal Church a line has been crossed. Either they take God's Word seriously or they don't. It looks like, in the cases of who they install as their leaders, they don't. I hope and pray that all Bible believing Episcopalians throughout the world will let it be known that God's Word is clear on the qualifications for leadership and that a split will occur if they don't go back to following God's Word.
There are many areas that appear to be gray areas, but it is clear that the elevation of a unrepentant homosexual to the position of leadership that these people do not take the full council of God seriously and have decided to pick and choose what to follow and what not to follow. If I were Episcopalian, I'd leave. This one is worth dividing over.
It's very sad that it has come to this, but obedience to God's Word really isn't something we can pick and choose. It is my prayer that the Episcopal church would decide to rely on God's Word for council and not the political feelings of tolerance as chosen by so many of the elite. I'd love to see them get back in the game in terms of leading people to Christ.
The brilliant minds at Move On have decided to create new ads to counteract the Bush administration. Check out their website here. They have a "panel of esteemed judges, including Michael Moore, Donna Brazile, Jack Black, Janeane Garofalo, and Gus Van Sant". Yep, that's mainstream America. The rest of the judges include those salt of the earth types: Eddie Vedder, Moby, James Caraville, Margaret Cho and other mainstream Americans. This is just too funny.
That is mighty compassionate of you Governor Dean. Next thing you'll want is the vote of the snake handling Christian. To you people in the south, this is what the Democratic party thinks of you. Just read what Democratic Senator from Georgia, Zell Miller, has to say.
