tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133753232024-02-20T18:23:38.438-08:00STARBOARD!!!If I had stayed in the Coast Guard I would have a nice retirement by now. Instead, I have nine bucks in my 401(k).Jibtrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210516912383004099noreply@blogger.comBlogger169125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13375323.post-19025838121027851402009-01-02T20:36:00.000-08:002009-01-02T21:10:19.124-08:00U.S. turns control of International Zone over to IraqThe United States formally transferred the Republican Palace back to the Iraqi government today, a concrete symbol of the continuing improvement in the country.<br /><br />CENTCOM<a href="http://www.centcom.mil/en/news/u.s.-turns-control-of-internaional-zone-over-to-iraq.html"> reports</a>.<br /><p></p><blockquote>Officials said that American troops are still on duty at some of the checkpoints in Green Zone, but they are there to train their Iraqi counterparts rather than with operational control. “When you come up to a checkpoint, the Iraqis will check your identification. They will make the decision if you come in or go out, ” said Army Maj. Gen. Dave Perkins, U.S. spokesman in Iraq. As a colonel, Perkins led the 2nd Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division that conducted the "Thunder Run" in April 2003 that first entered Baghdad. </blockquote><p></p><blockquote><p></p><p>"We will continue to be there to provide some technical capacity, to provide some mentoring, but you will see less and less American forces and more and more Iraqi forces – and they will have the majority of the responsibility for making those key decisions which determine the security of the capital,” Perkins said.</p></blockquote><p></p><p>Once again, another momentous story ignored by the MSM.</p><p>Open Trackbacks at <a href="http://www.anniemayhem.com/cgi-bin/wordpress/?p=2990">The World According to Carl</a>.<br /></p><p></p><span><span></span></span>Jibtrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210516912383004099noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13375323.post-60529560449060543202008-12-13T23:15:00.001-08:002008-12-13T23:16:51.683-08:00New FocusNow that my life is back in order and my son is over Elmo, I can get back to this.Jibtrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210516912383004099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13375323.post-6658750678149025652008-09-09T22:04:00.000-07:002008-09-09T22:05:45.044-07:00Obama's Plan to Make America DefenselessHow Obama intends to make America defenseless in his own words.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kRGru2CPC4E&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kRGru2CPC4E&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Jibtrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210516912383004099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13375323.post-59025718160484068502008-09-09T21:49:00.000-07:002008-09-09T21:50:34.438-07:00Dear Mr. ObamaThe words of a veteran to Senator Obama.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TG4fe9GlWS8&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TG4fe9GlWS8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Jibtrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210516912383004099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13375323.post-12184952517503792462008-09-08T15:48:00.000-07:002008-09-08T15:57:29.021-07:00Biden Takes Credit for Success In IraqBiden is unbelievable. He can't seem to figure out, or admit, that the Surge has worked.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EDanBpj298s&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EDanBpj298s&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Jibtrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210516912383004099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13375323.post-54145942720167149372006-12-12T18:50:00.000-08:002006-12-12T19:16:39.914-08:00Military Meets, Exceeds Recruiting GoalsOnce again, another item for the MSM didn't tell me this file. Well, at least not in the main news section. AP via Yahoo <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061213/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/military_recruiting">reports</a>.<br /><p class="MsoNormal"><st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on"></st1:place></st1:state></p><blockquote style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">WASHINGTON</st1:place></st1:state> - Though Americans are increasingly pessimistic about the war in <span class="yqlink"><span style="display: none;"><input name="p" type="hidden"></span><span style="display: none;"><input name="sourceOrder" value="c1,i,yn,c3" type="hidden"></span><span style="display: none;"><input name="c1" value="<p style=" type="hidden"></span><span style="display: none;"><input name="c3" value=""><strong>SEARCH</strong><br /></span><span style="display: none;"><input name="sourceURL" type="hidden"></span><span style="display: none;"><input name="fr" value="yq-news" type="hidden"></span><span style="display: none;"><input name="context" value="Though Americans are increasingly pessimistic about the war in Iraq, the Pentagon said Tuesday it is having success enlisting new troops. The Navy and Air Force met their recruiting goals last month while the Army and Marine Corps exceeded theirs, the Defense Department announced." type="hidden"></span><o:p></o:p></span><br /><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Iraq</st1:place></st1:country-region>, the Pentagon said Tuesday it is having success enlisting new troops. The Navy and Air Force met their recruiting goals last month while the Army and Marine Corps exceeded theirs, the Defense Department announced. The Army, which is bearing the brunt of the work in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Iraq</st1:place></st1:country-region>, did the best. It signed up 6,485 new recruits in November compared with its target of 6,150 — meaning 105 percent of its goal.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">All the services turned in similar performances in October as well, meaning they so far are meeting their goals for the 2007 budget year that began Oct. 1.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">"The services are starting off well," said Maj. Stewart Upton, a Pentagon spokesman.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">The progress in recruiting comes as <st1:country-region st="on">U.S.</st1:country-region> pessimism over the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Iraq</st1:place></st1:country-region> campaign mounts, according to a recent AP-Ipsos poll. Some 63 percent of Americans said they don't expect a stable, democratic government to be established in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Iraq</st1:place></st1:country-region>, up from 54 percent who felt that way in June.</span></p></blockquote><p><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Despite what the MSM tells us, there are still scores of brave young men and women willing to stand tall and answer their Nation's call.I salute each and every one of them.</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Open Post Thanks to <a href="http://adamsweb.us/blog/index.php/a/2006/12/12/book_talk_mid_week_open_trackbacks">Adam's Blog</a>, <a href="http://joscafe.com/2006/12/12/specials-of-the-day-1212/">Jo's Cafe</a>, <a href="http://www.thepiratescove.us/?p=3222">Pirate's Cove</a>, <a href="http://www.bullwinkleblog.com/?p=2935">Bullwinkle Blog</a>, and <a href="http://www.thirdworldcounty.us/?p=2711">Third World County</a>.<br /><o:p></o:p></p>Jibtrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210516912383004099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13375323.post-56347197653816161422006-12-02T14:56:00.000-08:002006-12-02T15:12:31.034-08:00Use of Unmanned Drones in GWOT<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b50/jibtrim/drone.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b50/jibtrim/drone.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>And people thought the Coast Guard utilized very small craft.<br /><blockquote style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span style="font-size:85%;">11/16/06 - U.S. Army Sgt. Dane Phelps launches a Raven small unmanned aerial vehicle during a joint U.S. and Iraqi cordon and search operation in the Hawijah district of Kirkuk province, Iraq, Nov. 16, 2006. Phelps is assigned to 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment. DoD photo by Sgt. 1st Class Michael Guillory, U.S. Army. (Released).</span><br /></blockquote>Open Post Thanks to <a href="http://basilsblog.net/2006/12/02/blogrolling-2006-12-02/">Basil's Blog</a>, <a href="http://stoptheaclu.com/archives/2006/12/01/friday-free-for-all-22/">Stop the ACLU</a>, <a href="http://suzieviews.blogspot.com/2006/12/saturdays-open-trackback.html">Assorted Babble</a>, <a href="http://adamsweb.us/blog/index.php/a/2006/12/01/i_can_t_think_of_a_title_weekend_open_tr">Adam's Blog</a>, <a href="http://www.samanthaburns.com/archives/2006/12/open_trackbacks_14.html">The Crazy Rants of Samantha Burns</a>, <a href="http://joscafe.com/2006/12/02/weekend-specials-122-123/">Jo's Cafe</a> and <a href="http://www.brightandearlyblog.com/2006/12/overnight-news-open-post-293/">Bright & Early</a>.Jibtrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210516912383004099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13375323.post-53175008675829228862006-12-02T13:54:00.000-08:002006-12-03T17:41:53.717-08:00Coast Guard Rated as Top Job for Thrill SeekersCNN, in conjunction with Careerbuilder.com, rated Coast Guard search and rescue operations as the top job for thrill seekers in a recent list of high energy jobs. Other occupations making the list included FBI Special Agent and Firefighter. I really wonder what the parameters were for making the list. Regardless, I am very proud of the top listing.<br /><p></p><blockquote style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><p><span style="font-size:85%;">(CareerBuilder.com) -- Many career paths involve the typical office setting: a desk, an office or cubicle, a computer and so on. But for some people, being in an office just isn't an attractive option. There are many people who are searching for more adventure and excitement than your typical desk job. Fortunately, there are thousands of other careers that enable employees to get out and take some risks.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">If you are one of those people who looking for thrills, here are four options that also make a real impact.</span></p></blockquote><p></p> <p><span style=""></span></p><blockquote style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">1.</span> Coast Guard Rescuer. The Coast Guard is the authority on law enforcement on and around our nation's major waterways. There are dozens of career options in the Coast Guard, says Pete Wypyszinski, a recruiter for the state of <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Louisiana</st1:place></st1:state>. In addition to search and rescue, the Coast Guard handles environmental protection, law enforcement, maritime law and transportation regulation.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">Training and Salary:</span> Coast Guard recruits must be between the ages of 17 and 27 and have a high school diploma. You must also be good health and physical condition and have no major legal violations on your record. Recruits undergo basic training in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Cape May</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">New Jersey</st1:state></st1:place>, and then have the option of more specialized training.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">Risk and Rewards:</span> Wypyszinski says that one of the best things about this career path is how quickly you are involved in activities and missions that directly benefit your community. As for the danger, it is an understood and respected part of the job. "It's dangerous because of the situations we find ourselves in," he says, but adds that the safety procedures in place and the rewards far outweigh the risks.</span></p></blockquote><p><o:p></o:p></p> The rest of the list can be found <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/Careers/11/29/cb.thrillseekers/index.html">here</a>.<br /><br />Open Post Thanks to <a href="http://basilsblog.net/2006/12/02/blogrolling-2006-12-02/">Basil's Blog</a>, <a href="http://stoptheaclu.com/archives/2006/12/01/friday-free-for-all-22/">Stop the ACLU</a>, <a href="http://suzieviews.blogspot.com/2006/12/saturdays-open-trackback.html">Assorted Babble</a>, <a href="http://adamsweb.us/blog/index.php/a/2006/12/01/i_can_t_think_of_a_title_weekend_open_tr">Adam's Blog</a>, <a href="http://www.samanthaburns.com/archives/2006/12/open_trackbacks_14.html">The Crazy Rants of Samantha Burns</a>, <a href="http://joscafe.com/2006/12/02/weekend-specials-122-123/">Jo's Cafe</a> and <a href="http://www.brightandearlyblog.com/2006/12/overnight-news-open-post-293/">Bright & Early</a>.Jibtrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210516912383004099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13375323.post-73636219364922059752006-11-28T20:52:00.000-08:002006-11-28T21:01:15.097-08:00Navy Eyes Fighting in CyberspaceChief of Naval Operations Mullen has tasked a development group with creating new concepts that will help the service fight adversaries in cyberspace. Military dot com <a href="http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,119664,00.html">reports</a>.<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><p style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span style="font-size:85%;">In an Oct. 16 memorandum, Mullen calls on the Strategic Studies Group to give him a "high-level blueprint that encompasses your longer-term view, as well as a roadmap that includes immediately actionable steps -- operational, process, and technological -- that our Navy may take to begin developing the capabilities" needed to master the cyberspace warfare domain in the next 25 years. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span style="font-size:85%;">The one-page document is addressed to the group's director, retired Adm. James Hogg, and is titled "Strategic Studies Group XXVI Theme -- 'Fighting in Cyberspace in 2030.'" </span></p><p style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Strategic Studies Group, located at the Naval War College in Newport, RI, "generates revolutionary naval warfare concepts" that appear to have potential, but are not being pursued by other Navy organizations, according to the group's Web site. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span style="font-size:85%;">The group "is tasked only by and reports directly to the CNO," it adds. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span style="font-size:85%;">Each year, the study team focuses on an issue of special interest to the chief of naval operations, according to a Naval War College Web site. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span style="font-size:85%;">Mullen opens the memo by calling cyberspace a "new dimension to warfare" that is not only a "seamless blend of sensors, networks, and advanced information technologies, [but] it is also different in principles and concepts." </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">The group is charged with first understanding the relationships between cyberspace and "traditional maritime domains" like warfare and naval competition. </span></span></p></blockquote><p><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"></span>Posted openly at <a href="http://adamsweb.us/blog/index.php/a/2006/11/28/getting_ready_for_christmas_midweek_open">Adam's Blog</a>, <a href="http://rightwingnation.com/index.php/2006/11/28/2508/">Right Wing Nation</a>, <a href="http://www.thirdworldcounty.us/?p=2670">Third World County</a>,<a href="http://basilsblog.net/2006/11/28/blogrolling-2006-11-28/"> Basil's Blog</a> and <a href="http://www.brightandearlyblog.com/2006/11/overnight-news-open-post-289/">Bright & Early</a>.</p>Jibtrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210516912383004099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13375323.post-48367427927010108912006-11-28T20:20:00.000-08:002006-11-28T20:28:59.541-08:00Coast Guard Uses Biometrics, Identifies, Detains One SuspectThe U.S. Coast Guard has adopted high-tech measures to combat human smuggling and illegal immigration efforts on the high seas. USCG District 7 PAO<a href="http://www.d7publicaffairs.com/"> reports</a>.<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman,times;font-size:100%;"></span><blockquote style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span style="font-family:times new roman,times;font-size:85%;">SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - The crew of Coast Guard cutter <i>Key Largo </i>used biometrics, digital fingerprints and photographs, during an interdiction Sunday night in the Mona Passage, to identify one person who had previously been deported and was attempting to illegally enter the United States. </span> <p> <span style="font-family:times new roman,times;font-size:85%;">The suspect was aboard a yola carrying 13 Dominican migrants that was interdicted by the <i>Key Largo</i> 24 nautical miles northwest of Mona Island, Puerto Rico. The suspect was identified using the biometric information and comparing it against US-VISIT's databases, which includes information about wanted criminals and immigration violators. The suspect was detained along with two other migrants and turned over to the U.S. Border Patrol Tuesday. The other 10 migrants were repatriated to La Romana, Dominican Republic at approximately 9 a.m. today. </span> </p> <p> <span style="font-family:times new roman,times;font-size:85%;">The yola was initially located by an HU-25 Falcon jet crew from Air Station Miami. An HH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Borinquen flew rescue support during the transfer of migrants from the yola to the <i>Key Largo</i>. </span> </p> <p> <span style="font-family:times new roman,times;font-size:85%;">The biometric capability employed in this case provides the Coast Guard with an important tool to definitively establish the identity of those interdicted at sea who may attempt to enter or re-enter the United States illegally, or who may pose a threat to national security. </span> </p> <p> <span style="font-family:times new roman,times;font-size:85%;">Collecting biometric identification supports the U.S. Government's efforts to target human smugglers and protect migrants put at risk attempting to enter the United States illegally from the sea. </span> </p> <p> <span style="font-family:times new roman,times;font-size:85%;">The Coast Guard Cutter <i>Key Largo </i>is a 110-foot patrol boat based out of San Juan, Puerto Rico.</span></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-family:times new roman,times;font-size:100%;"></span></p><p>Posted openly at <a href="http://adamsweb.us/blog/index.php/a/2006/11/28/getting_ready_for_christmas_midweek_open">Adam's Blog</a>, <a href="http://rightwingnation.com/index.php/2006/11/28/2508/">Right Wing Nation</a>, <a href="http://www.thirdworldcounty.us/?p=2670">Third World County</a>,<a href="http://basilsblog.net/2006/11/28/blogrolling-2006-11-28/"> Basil's Blog</a> and <a href="http://www.brightandearlyblog.com/2006/11/overnight-news-open-post-289/">Bright & Early</a>. </p>Jibtrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210516912383004099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13375323.post-40282999160591462792006-11-28T19:42:00.000-08:002006-11-28T19:55:58.135-08:00US Military Trains Bomb-Sniffing BeesIn the latest version of "drone"warfare, DOD scientists at <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Los</span> <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Alamos</span> National Laboratory said in an online statement published Monday they had developed a method to harness the common honey bee's exceptional olfactory sense to sniff out explosives used in bombs or <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">IEDS</span>.<br /><p></p><blockquote style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> "The new techniques could become a leading tool in the fight against the use of improvised explosive devices, or <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">IEDs</span>, which present a critical vulnerability for American military troops abroad and is an emerging danger for civilians worldwide," the research laboratory said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"> The scientists used Pavlovian techniques on the bees' natural response to nectar, a sticking out of their tongue, or proboscis extension reflex.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"> By rewarding them with sugar water, the scientists taught bees to give the same reflex action when they were exposed to vapors from explosives such as dynamite, C4 plastic and <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">TATP</span> (<span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">triacetone</span> <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">triperoxide</span>), often used by suicide bombers.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"> "Scientists have long marveled at the honey bee's phenomenal sense of smell, which rivals that of dogs," said Tim <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Haarmann</span>, principal investigator for the Stealthy Insect Sensor Project. "But previous attempts to harness and understand this ability were scientifically unproven. With more knowledge, our team thought we could make use of this ability."</span></p></blockquote><p></p> <p> The rest of the story can be found <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20061128/pl_afp/ussecuritymilitary_061128195254">here</a>.</p>Posted openly at <a href="http://adamsweb.us/blog/index.php/a/2006/11/28/getting_ready_for_christmas_midweek_open">Adam's Blog</a>, <a href="http://rightwingnation.com/index.php/2006/11/28/2508/">Right Wing Nation</a>, <a href="http://www.thirdworldcounty.us/?p=2670">Third World County</a>,<a href="http://basilsblog.net/2006/11/28/blogrolling-2006-11-28/"> Basil's Blog</a> and <a href="http://www.brightandearlyblog.com/2006/11/overnight-news-open-post-289/">Bright & Early</a>.Jibtrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210516912383004099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13375323.post-81585804583942294782006-11-26T12:48:00.000-08:002006-11-28T21:03:57.168-08:00Afghanistan's Fledgling Army Joins FightAmidst all of the negative reports concerning Iraq, there has been considerable silence regarding Afghanistan. The newly formed Afghan Army has grown from former members of the Northern Alliance, to a legitimate force.<br /><p></p><blockquote style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><p><span style="font-size:85%;">"They are our exit strategy," said Maj. Francoise Bisillon, who is part of the Canadian team that lives with, trains and mentors Afghan soldiers in Panjwayi.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">Their short morning patrol might not seem like dangerous work, but the area is NATO's front line against Taliban militants. Clashes erupt in nearby fields almost every day.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">This year alone, 34 Canadian soldiers have been killed in Kandahar province, most of them in insurgent attacks near the Argandab River, a fertile valley of orchards and vineyards that is a green oasis in an expanse of brown desert and barren mountains.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">Close-quarter fighting over the summer in the province's Panjwayi, Pashmul and Zhari areas killed hundreds of militants, but dozens of civilians also died — deaths that have soured relations between locals and Western troops.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Lt. Col. Shirin Shah Kowbandi's chin and right palm bear scars from clashes with Taliban militants in the country's north in the 1990s, when the hard-line Islamic militia ruled most of Afghanistan.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">A towering man in green fatigues, he has spent most of his adult life fighting the Taliban, first as a member of the Northern Alliance and now as commander of the Afghan National Army's 2nd Kandak, 1st Brigade, 205th Corps in Kandahar province, the militia's former heartland.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">When the Taliban ruled, the lines of battle and combatants were clear, he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">"Now, there is no front line," Kowbandi said. "Four or five guys will attack and then run into the village where they hide their weapons."</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">Kowbandi complains that his unit has only half the men required, few weapons and old equipment. Some of their assault rifles jammed during the summer offensive, while barrels on others were bent. Recent rains left their dun-colored pickup trucks bogged down in thick mud.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">"If we have better weapons and equipment, we can beat the enemy faster," Kowbandi said, before turning his gaze to some Canadian armored vehicles. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> "If I only had those," he said.</span></p></blockquote><p></p>I wish you did, too.<br /><br />Open Post Thanks to <a href="http://basilsblog.net/2006/11/26/blogrolling-2006-11-26/">Basil's Blog</a>, <a href="http://www.womanhonorthyself.com/?p=1919">Woman Honor Thyself</a>, <a href="http://www.thepiratescove.us/?p=3141">Pirate's Cove</a>, <a href="http://joscafe.com/2006/11/26/weekend-specials-1125-1126/">Jo's Cafe</a>, and <a href="http://pointfiveblog.com/index.php/2006/11/1123">Point Five.</a>Jibtrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210516912383004099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13375323.post-59734320823814795352006-11-26T11:47:00.001-08:002006-11-26T12:58:35.458-08:00Massive Rally Backs Chavez OpponentIn one of the largest anti-Chavez rallies in many years, thousands of Venezuelans blocked a major highway in support of opposition presidential candidate Manuel Rosales.<br /><p></p><blockquote style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Shouts of "Dare to change!" rose up from the dense crowd filling the highway for several miles and spilling into nearby overpasses and streets in Venezuela's capital, Caracas. The rally came eight days before the country's presidential election on Dec. 3.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">Rosales, speaking from a stage, promised democracy for a country he said was sinking into Cuba-style authoritarianism under Chavez.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">"I don't want to be a president who controls all the branches of government," Rosales shouted to thundering applause. "Let there be true democracy in Venezuela!"</span></p></blockquote><p></p>I agree, let there be democracy in Venezuela.<br /><br />The rest of the story can be found <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061126/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/venezuela_election">here</a>.<br /><br />Open Post Thanks to <a href="http://basilsblog.net/2006/11/26/blogrolling-2006-11-26/">Basil's Blog</a>, <a href="http://www.womanhonorthyself.com/?p=1919">Woman honor Thyself</a>, <a href="http://www.thepiratescove.us/?p=3141">Pirate's Cove</a>, <a href="http://joscafe.com/2006/11/26/weekend-specials-1125-1126/">Jo's Cafe</a>, and <a href="http://pointfiveblog.com/index.php/2006/11/1123">Point Five.<br /></a>Jibtrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210516912383004099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13375323.post-50420738889747913262006-11-23T20:23:00.000-08:002006-11-24T07:43:19.086-08:00Farmers Lose...Wetlands WinIn yet another example of how the government <span style="font-style: italic;">take</span> of private land extends beyond eminent domain, the Island County (Washington) Planning Department has enacted a Critical Area ordinance, which local green groups claim is not enough. In a nutshell, the ordinance limits <span style="font-style: italic;">development</span> in critical areas (e.g. wetlands). Wait a minute; the ordinance not only limits the development of privately owned land, but farming as well. That's right -- farming. The original stewards of the land -- farmers -- are now being regulated as if they were planning a Mega-lo-Mart or the 895th Starbucks in town. The Snohomish County Herald <a href="http://www.heraldnet.com/stories/06/11/23/100loc_c1farming001.cfm">reports</a>.<p></p><blockquote style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span style="font-size:85%;">Whidbey Environmental Action Network is suing the county. It alleged the new rules are based on faulty science and fail to protect these critical areas. The environmental advocacy organization has asked a Thurston County Superior Court judge to force Island County to redraft the rules and protect environmentally sensitive areas.</span><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Ultimately, the group would like to eliminate farming near wetlands and streams, litigation coordinator Steve Erickson said.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> "We don't think, by and large, streams and wetlands are the place to have livestock," he said. "Someone who lives downstream shouldn't have to worry about getting sick from someone's livestock (up) the stream. A trip to the beach shouldn't mean a trip to the emergency room."</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> County Planning and Community Development Director Phillip Bakke countered that the new rules would protect the environment. They also would make it tougher for farmers to practice near critical areas, he said.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> For example, the new rules would force some farmers to develop farm plans in conjunction with conservation districts. Others would need to create setbacks from streams and confinement areas for manure.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Additionally, the rules would only apply to current farmers. New farmers would have to abide by the county's critical areas ordinance, which limits development around wetlands and streams. Though the ordinance was created with urban development in mind, it also applies to farming, Bakke said.</span></p></blockquote><p></p><p></p>Tactics like this aren't limited to Island County, oh no. Right here in California, federal agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, have banded together to draw lines on private property -- lines that <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/stories/1998/06/29/story2.html">establish wetland preserves on private land</a>. If a landowner wants to develop his or her land in the Sun Ridge area of Sacramento County or many other parts of the state, they had better be prepared to give up huge chunks of their land if they want to stand a chance of getting development entitlements.<br /><br />Think this could never happen to you? That nice little Creek that runs through your back 40 may become the next National [insert species name here] Preserve.<br /><br />Linked at the following excellent sites: <a href="http://www.thirdworldcounty.us/?p=2659">Third WorldCounty</a>, <a href="http://www.brightandearlyblog.com/2006/11/overnight-news-open-post-285/">bRight and Early</a>, <a href="http://caosblog.com/3452">Cao's Blog</a>, <a href="http://www.rightwingnation.com/%3C?php%20the_permalink%28%29;%20?%3E">Right Wing Nation</a>, and <a href="http://basilsblog.net/2006/11/24/blogrolling-2006-11-24/">Basil's Blog</a>.Jibtrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210516912383004099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13375323.post-48516492811539965012006-11-23T11:25:00.000-08:002006-11-23T12:06:00.342-08:00Canada Toughens Bail for Gun CrimesIt is not too often I find myself praising any Canadian political, judicial or institutional decision. While I find Canada's stand on gun restrictions appaling, today I find myself cheering Toronto for a good decision. Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that his party is pushing amendments to the criminal code to make it difficult for those charged with a violoent crime involving a gun to get released on bail while awaiting trial. The rest of the <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061123/wl_canada_nm/canada_crime_law_col">story</a>.<br /><blockquote style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span style="font-size:85%;">The amendments, expected to be introduced later in the day in the House of Commons, will require those accused of serious crimes involving firearms to provide sufficient justification to be granted bail.</span> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">"Gun crime is a menace to public safety, and protecting Canadians must be the first priority of our bail system," Harper said in Toronto.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">"Our legislation will reverse the onus, so that people charged with serious gun crimes will have to demonstrate to the courts why they should not stay in custody until their trial."</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">Harper said of the nearly 1,000 crimes involving firearms or restricted weapons reported so far this year in Toronto, nearly 40 percent were committed by people on bail, on parole or on probation.</span></p></blockquote><p></p>The amendments, which were championed by the Conservative Party during Canada's last federal election, were part of broad anti-violent crime proposals.<br /><br />Posted with Great Thanks at <a href="http://www.mudvillegazette.com/archives/007148.html">The Mudville Gazette</a><span style="text-decoration: underline;">, </span><a href="http://www.brightandearlyblog.com/2006/11/overnight-news-open-post-284/">Bright & Early</a>, <a href="http://bluestarchronicles.com/2006/11/23/happy-thanksgiving/"></a><a href="http://bluestarchronicles.com/2006/11/23/happy-thanksgiving/">Blue Star Chronicles</a>, <a href="http://www.thepiratescove.us/?p=3137">Pirate's Cove</a> and <a href="http://www.thirdworldcounty.us/?p=2657">Third World County</a>.Jibtrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210516912383004099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13375323.post-35358527960471604852006-11-19T21:09:00.000-08:002006-11-20T20:26:47.175-08:00Okinawans Embrace U.S.Military More Than Do DemocratsIn a recent election, Okinawans have proven to support the U.S. military more than the Democratic party -- AFP via Yahoo <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20061119/wl_asia_afp/japanusmilitaryvote_061119192357">reports</a>.<br /><blockquote style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span style="font-size:85%;">Japan's southern island chain of Okinawa elected an ally of conservative Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as governor, rejecting calls to scale back one of the US military's key overseas deployments.<br /></span><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> The election had turned into a referendum on the troops in the subtropical islands, which host three-quarters of the US military facilities in Japan, one of Washington's closest allies.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Voters backed Hirokazu Nakaima, who is supported by Abe's Liberal Democratic Party. He has said he will negotiate with the central government over the troop presence and avoid confrontation.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"> With all the votes counted, Nakaima had 347,303 votes with challenger Keiko Itokazu, who had campaigned actively against the US troops, receiving 309,985 votes. A pro-independence candidate trailed in third place.</span><br /></p></blockquote>Shamelessly linked at <a href="http://www.mudvillegazette.com/archives/007148.html">The Mudville Gazette</a>, <a href="http://www.thirdworldcounty.us/?p=2652">Third World County</a>,<a href="http://rightwingnation.com/index.php/2006/11/20/2469/"> Right Wing Nation</a>, <a href="http://basilsblog.net/2006/11/20/blogrolling-2006-11-20/">Basil's Blog</a>, <a href="http://www.brightandearlyblog.com/2006/11/overnight-news-open-post-281/">Bright & Early</a>, and <a href="http://joscafe.com/2006/11/20/2033/">Jo's Cafe</a>.Jibtrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210516912383004099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13375323.post-1163976046355350682006-11-19T13:50:00.000-08:002006-11-19T20:06:38.402-08:00Kissinger says No Victory in IraqFormer Secretary of State and noted butcher of the English language Henry Kissinger stated publicly that a <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061119/ap_on_re_mi_ea/britain_iraq_kissinger">military victory in Iraq is not possible</a>.<br /><blockquote style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span style="font-size:85%;">"If you mean by 'military victory,' an Iraqi government that can be established and whose writ runs across the whole country, that gets the civil war under control and sectarian violence under control in a time period that the political processes of the democracies will support, I don't believe that is possible," he told the British Broadcasting Corp.</span></blockquote>Herr Kissinger further claims that we must hop in bed with Iraq's neighbors if we are to make any progress. He did come out of the ether when asked about total troop withdrawal.<br /><blockquote style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span style="font-size:85%;">But Kissinger, an architect of the Vietnam war who has advised President Bush about Iraq, warned against a rapid withdrawal of coalition troops,saying it could destabilize, Iraq's neighbors and cause a long-lasting conflict.</span></blockquote>What crap.<br /><br />Shamelessly linked at <a href="http://uncooperativeblogger.com/2006/11/16/uncooperative-talk-radio-weekend-of-november-18-2006/">The Uncooperative Blogger</a>, <a href="http://stuckon-stupid.com/sos/2006/11/weekend_otb_and_link_fest.html">Stuck on Stupid</a>, <a href="http://isitjust.blogspot.com/2006/11/being-long-in-tooth.html">Is it Just Me?</a>, and <a href="http://republicanbydesign.com/wordpress/2006/11/suddenly-sunday-dead-drunk-butts-fox"></a><a href="http://caosblog.com/3948">Cao's Blog</a>Jibtrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210516912383004099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13375323.post-1147052950488032322006-05-07T17:57:00.000-07:002006-05-07T18:59:58.226-07:00Yemeni Government Releases Suspended NewspapersIn a striking display of "it must not have been that big of a deal because we are letting you off the hook," the Yemeni government has allowed several print news sources to resume operations. The news sources were suspended for republishing the prophet cartoons. Yemen Times <a href="http://yementimes.com/article.shtml?i=943&p=front&a=3">reports</a>:<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;" ><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><blockquote>SANA’A, May 2 — Yemeni Prime Minister Abdulqader Bajammal issued a decree releasing Al-Ray Al-Aam,</blockquote> <blockquote style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">Al-Hurreyah and Yemen Observer newspapers, which have been suspended since last February for republishing the Prophet cartoons.<br /><br />Bajammal issued the decree Tuesday following a meeting with Yemeni Journalists Syndicate (YJS), Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Interior Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi and Minister of Information Hassan Al-Lawzi. The meeting, which came one day before journalists around the world celebrated the World Press Freedom Day, discussed many problems and issues experienced by journalists. The meeting came out with the government’s support for journalist via approving the YJS General Assembly’s meeting on May 25 to elect a new YJS Chief. The new chief will succeed Mahboub Ali who resigned the post due to health issues. The government approved financial sponsorship for the YJS General Assembly’s meeting.<br /><br />Prime Minister obviously responded to the YJS demands regarding situations of journalists in official media and their entitlements in the new wage strategy, YJS board member Sami Ghaleb said in a statement to the Yemen Times. He added that Bajammal ordered concerned bodies to quickly issue an ownership document for the YJS to have land for its Aden office.<br /><br />With regard to the dispute between YJS and the government over the new draft press law currently discussed before Al-Shoura Council, Bajammal told YJS the government is not in a hurry to approve the draft law. He demonstrated his government’s care to achieve a draft law meeting YJS’s demands and expectations.<br /><br />“Though late it was, the Cabinet’s decision is good and reflects insistence of the journalistic community, represented by the YJS, on a broader scope and safe climate for press freedom,” Editor-in-Chief of Yemen Observer Mohamed Al-Asadi stated. It will be the first time for the Yemeni press to normally mark the World Press Freedom Day.<br /><br />Editor-in-Chief of Al-Ray Al-Aam Kamal Al-Ulefi said: “we welcome the government’s move to pass the law after the attempt to harm reputation of Al-Ray Al-Aam, voice of all people, and its editors, as well as to shut up mouths by illegally suspending the three papers.”<br /></blockquote></span></span>"Illegally suspending the three papers," nicely put.<br /><br />Open Post<span style=""> </span>Thanks to <a href="http://www.tmhbaconbits.net/2006/05/05/bbop-87/">TMH's Bacon Bits</a>, <span style=""> </span><a href="http://joscafe.com/2006/05/06/weekend-specials-0506-0507/">Jo's Cafe</a>, <a href="http://brightandearlyblog.com/2006/05/overnight-news-open-post-84/">Bright & Early</a>, <a href="http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/archives/2006/05/beltway_traffic_jam-232/">Outside the Beltway</a>, <a href="http://theliberalwrong.blogspot.com/2006/05/fridayweekend-open-trackback.html">Liberal Wrong Wing</a>, <a href="http://www.adamsweb.us/blog/index.php/a/2006/05/05/introducing_your_guest_bloggers_friday_s">Adam's Blog</a>, <a href="http://www.samanthaburns.com/archives/2006/05/ota_weekend_ope.html">Samantha Burns</a> and <a href="http://pointfiveblog.com/index.php/2006/05/831">Point Five</a>.Jibtrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210516912383004099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13375323.post-1146958176083263182006-05-06T15:46:00.000-07:002006-05-06T16:29:36.216-07:00Despite Their Actions, We Must ContinueToday, or was it yesterday according to local time, a British helicopter was struck down in the southern Iraqi city of Basra. While the helo was spiraling towards the ground, groups of Iraqi citizens took the streets and cheered the crash of the helo and the associated column of smoke -- mistake number one. The rest of the story is <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/iraq;_ylt=AikG9EyOSZmdCI1UFz9pxnas0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA2Z2szazkxBHNlYwN0bQ--">here</a>.<br /><br />Reeks of Somalia, yes?<br /><br />After the helo crashed, British troops arrived to render assistance and were met with a deluge of rocks, bottles and other pieces of hand-propelled debris. Regardless, the Britons continued. Following the initial primitive exchange, Shiite-heads arrived engaged the Britons with small arms fire. Mistake number two -- approximately 30 civilians were injured or killed in the exchange.<br /><br />These were likely the same Iraqis that cheered the arrival of U.S. troops. The same Iraqis that slammed the soles of their shoes against posters of the previous dictator. The same Iraqis who cheered when the statue was felled. Sadly, the same Iraqis that cheered whenever al-jazeera television broadcasts the beheading of a westerner.<br /><br />Despite these actions, we must continue in the efforts of Iraqi freedom.<br /><p class="MsoNormal">Open Post<span style=""> </span>Thanks to <a href="http://www.tmhbaconbits.net/2006/05/05/bbop-87/">TMH's Bacon Bits</a>, <span style=""> </span><a href="http://joscafe.com/2006/05/06/weekend-specials-0506-0507/">Jo's Cafe</a>, <a href="http://brightandearlyblog.com/2006/05/overnight-news-open-post-84/">Bright & Early</a>, <a href="http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/archives/2006/05/beltway_traffic_jam-232/">Outside the Beltway</a>, <a href="http://theliberalwrong.blogspot.com/2006/05/fridayweekend-open-trackback.html">Liberal Wrong Wing</a>, <a href="http://www.adamsweb.us/blog/index.php/a/2006/05/05/introducing_your_guest_bloggers_friday_s">Adam's Blog</a>, <a href="http://www.samanthaburns.com/archives/2006/05/ota_weekend_ope.html">Samantha Burns</a> and <a href="http://pointfiveblog.com/index.php/2006/05/831">Point Five</a>.</p>Jibtrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210516912383004099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13375323.post-1146536789720245352006-05-01T18:07:00.000-07:002006-05-01T19:34:13.226-07:00Why I Didn't BoycottMy GrandMother and GrandFather on my Mother's side were born in Mexico and Italy, respectively. As such, I am 25% Mexican and 25% Italian -- the other 50% is white Euro blood courtesy of my Father (not that there is anything wrong with that). My Mother grew up in a wonderful home in San California (Marin County), California. Both of her parents came to the States from their native country, went about their business, raised four children, built a business and retired comfortably. Today, when I traveled to San Rafael to visit my ill Mother, I was adversely impacted by scores of "protesters" who shut down Highway 101. Once my wife, son and I arrived at my parent's home, I asked if they realized what was happening two miles north of their home. My Father said that he wasn't aware of the impact, but he wasn't surprised by the "action." My Mother, on the other hand, was a bit put off by the actions. Shortly before we left, my Uncle Joe came by to visit and he chimed in with his views.<br /><br />Joe recalled that his parents attended citizenship classes, took tests and did their best to make sure that their children learned English and integrated into American society. It worked. My Uncle Joe became the Mayor of his city -- he also earned a commission as an Officer in the Merchant Marines. My Uncles Francis and Miguel owned successful restaurants and dance studios, respectively. Lastly, my Mother was "Rosie the Riviter' during WWII, raised a family, coordinated community, regional and global relief efforts during times of disaster and famine, and is the best GrandMother the world could imagine. Times have changed. Instead of doing everything possible to integrate into society, today's immigrants want everything handed to them on a silver plate.<br /><br />Sad.<br /><br />Really sad.<br /><br />Open Post thanks to <a href="http://www.mudvillegazette.com/archives/004482.html">The Mudville Gazette</a>, <a href="http://meanderingpath.blogspot.com/2006/05/ota-open-trackback-post-050106.html">Mark My Words</a>, <a href="http://www.angelfire.com/ky/kentuckydan/CommitteesofCorrespondence/index.blog?entry_id=1178532">Committees of Correspondence</a>, <a href="http://bluestarchronicles.com/2006/05/01/meanwhile-in-iraq/">Blue Star Chronicles</a>, <a href="http://basilsblog.net/?p=2181">Basil's Blog</a>, <a href="http://joscafe.com/2006/05/01/monday-specials-44/">Jo's Cafe</a>, <a href="http://www.pirate-king.com/episode/1310">Pirates, Man Your Women!</a>, and <a href="http://www.thirdworldcounty.us/?p=2054">Third World County.</a>Jibtrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210516912383004099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13375323.post-1146414863367945802006-04-30T09:19:00.000-07:002006-04-30T09:44:52.960-07:00American Culture Shock for MuslimsArab News recently ran an Op-Ed piece on the effect that American culture has on Muslims living in or visiting America. I was genuinely surprised by the post. <a href="http://www.arabnews.com/?artid=81469" class="title1">The American Culture Shock Works for Sure.</a><br /><p></p><blockquote style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><p><span style="font-size:85%;">“Would Osama Bin Laden have ended up so anti-American if he had the chance you had to live and study in the US?” the American journalist wondered.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">I gave him a long answer (sorry it wasn’t an easy question): “Many Muslims went to America conservative and came back liberal. Others only became conservative, even radicals, after their American experience. A few remained uninfluenced either way.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Said Qutub, the godfather of Islamic radicalism, was a romantic poet before he lived for a short while in Colorado, one of the most beautiful places on earth. Still, he wrote later about his discovery then and there of the Western decadence and how he decided to change course to fight the US influence on the Muslim world. His books persuaded many Muslim generations and led them on the way of confrontation with Western values and with Muslim regimes that do not strictly adhere to the Shariah.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">On the other hand, most people I know, young and old, returned from America positively impressed. A prominent anti-US leftist told me after his first visit: I discovered that America is not just pro-Israel Congress and White House. It is also the hospitable, friendly, open and generous people.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">During the cross-Atlantic flight from London to New York, my American neighbor told me all about his life and family, showed me their pictures, and discussed everything from the environment to US foreign policies. We agreed and disagreed, but he never showed any anger, arrogance, stubbornness or hostility. Before we parted ways, he gave me his card, invited me home, and ... presented me with a medal of honor he received in the US Army.</span></p></blockquote><p></p>The piece goes on to state what a wonderful time the author had while living in Eugene,Oregon, and how some of his best friends were Americans. All this is well and good, but the fact is that many Muslims seriously hate us and our way of life and no Eugene suburb will ever change that.<br /><br />Open Post thanks to <a href="http://www.tmhbaconbits.net/2006/04/28/bbop-84/">TMH Bacon Bits</a>, <a href="http://stuckon-stupid.com/blog/2006/04/weekend_open_post_4284302006.html">Stuck on Stupid</a>, <a href="http://www.adamsweb.us/blog/index.php/a/2006/04/28/t_9_days_weekend_open_trackbacks_thread">Adam's Blog</a>, <a href="http://www.thirdworldcounty.us/?p=2042">Third World Country</a>, <a href="http://theliberalwrong.blogspot.com/2006/04/fridayweekend-open-trackback.html">Liberal Wrong Wing</a>, <a href="http://uncooperativeblogger.com/2006/04/28/may-1st-boycott-back-on-lets-boycott-cinco-de-mayo/">Uncooperative Blogger</a> and <a href="http://www.mudvillegazette.com/archives/004474.html">The Mudville Gazette</a>.Jibtrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210516912383004099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13375323.post-1146411101557669212006-04-30T08:11:00.000-07:002006-04-30T08:31:41.806-07:00LA Times Sacks BlogThe LA Times recently discontinued a column and Times-affiliated blog authored by Michael Hitzik. Times editors claimed that Hitzik's work was not discontinued because it was inaccurate, "But employing pseudonyms constitutes deception and violates a central tenet of The Times' ethics guidelines: Staff members must not misrepresent themselves and must not conceal their affiliation with The Times." The rest of the <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060430/ap_on_re_us/times_column_reporter;_ylt=Ahlaz4EH_StCr0SAk6jkNASs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3MjBwMWtkBHNlYwM3MTg-">story.</a><br /><br />Does this mean that all LATimes editorials will now be signed as to not conceal the author's affiliation with the Times?<br /><br />Open Post thanks to <a href="http://www.tmhbaconbits.net/2006/04/28/bbop-84/">TMH Bacon Bits</a>, <a href="http://stuckon-stupid.com/blog/2006/04/weekend_open_post_4284302006.html">Stuck on Stupid</a>, <a href="http://www.adamsweb.us/blog/index.php/a/2006/04/28/t_9_days_weekend_open_trackbacks_thread">Adam's Blog</a>, <a href="http://www.thirdworldcounty.us/?p=2042">Third World Country</a>, <a href="http://theliberalwrong.blogspot.com/2006/04/fridayweekend-open-trackback.html">Liberal Wrong Wing</a>, <a href="http://bluestarchronicles.com/2006/04/27/miles-to-go-before-i-sleep/">Blue Star Chronicles</a>, <a href="http://www.conservativecat.com/">Conservative Cat</a>, <a href="http://uncooperativeblogger.com/2006/04/28/may-1st-boycott-back-on-lets-boycott-cinco-de-mayo/">Uncooperative Blogger</a>, <a href="http://nathanbradfield.blogspot.com/2006/04/weekend-open-trackback-apr-29-30-2006.html">Church and State</a> and <a href="http://www.cigarintel.com/agency/?p=1181">Cigar Intelligence Agency</a>Jibtrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210516912383004099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13375323.post-1145847082826467562006-04-23T18:10:00.002-07:002006-04-23T19:51:22.833-07:00Time for Suadis to Capitalize on Their Greatest ResourceEvery now and then, I read an article that sends me spinning into what-the-heckville,USA. This instance occured when I read a post from Arab News which stated that educated women, not crude oil or other mineral resources, are the greatest resources in the gulf. Arab News <a href="http://www.arabnews.com/?page=7§ion=0&amp;amp;article=81199&d=24&m=4&y=2006">reports</a>:<br /><p></p><blockquote style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><p><span style="font-size:85%;">I have just read an article in The Economist about the changing pattern in parents’ attitudes toward their firstborn. Earlier surveys, especially in the developing world, showed that parents preferred to have a boy instead of a girl. That was a must in agricultural societies where a boy was a strong, extra hand in the field.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> However, that belief now is changing — especially in the developing world, including Asia. Girls now are thought of as a better investment. The study found that girls get better grades than boys, graduate quicker and enter the job market faster. They are also excelling in investment and finance which were once exclusively the domain of men.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> I have also noticed that the number of women financial analysts on television is increasing and that women are now often found in senior financial positions. After World War II, the number of women in the work force increased. The reason was that many had entered the work force while men were away in the military and when the war was over, they didn’t want to go back home. It wasn’t long before their sisters of working age wanted to work as well. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Today, two-thirds of American women work. Women make up half the US work force, and they are ignoring the gender barriers of the past.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Women are taking more senior-level positions and becoming more involved in the decision-making processes of both business and industry. This also gives them a stronger social and political voice which should contribute significantly to both stability and security in society.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> In the Gulf states, there has been fair progress in women’s development; however, more needs to be done. Any society that neglects half its population assures its position as an also-ran among the nations of the world.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> In Saudi Arabia, the number of female graduates is high, and women are taking on tasks that a few years ago might have seemed unimaginable. They are taking positions of responsibility, and they are succeeding because Saudi women are intelligent and eager to forge ahead and accept challenges. We should be helping them to succeed rather than debating whether they should try. Educating women is a very important piece of the economic puzzle and, once it is done, it is a piece we cannot afford to ignore or fail to use. This is a truth not lost on India or the Far East — places where national economies are racing forward and national dialogues focus on the next economic or financial sector with no attention paid to who should be allowed to play the game. Many of these nations are resource-poor except for their human populations. Imagine what a nation blessed by an abundance of natural resources would be able to do if it made its human resources the most important of all.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> The problem we have in Saudi Arabia is twofold. The most pressing of which is how we can position ourselves in the super-competitive global economy and come out winners. As important for us is the internal challenge of how we can enable all the members of our work force — both men and women — to progress while keeping the fabric of our society intact.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> It’s a difficult challenge, but it is a challenge upon which the future success or failure of our nation will depend. Ours is a faith-based country and that makes it an obligation, both to our children and our faith, to find a way forward or find ourselves in a situation in which both will suffer.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Part of that challenge is finding the way to make full use of our female talent. Our society must readjust its views and remove obstacles that make it harder for women to work and, at the same time, provide them with the flexibility to combine work with family life. We have to remember that well-educated Saudi women will not only be more productive, they will also raise healthier, better educated children.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> If we had the luxury of time, it would be easy to say: Let those better-educated children figure out what to do. The fact is, however, that we do not have that luxury. It is incumbent upon us to find the way forward — and to do so as soon as possible. The good news is that we have an incredible, largely untapped resource, greater than our blessings of oil, natural gas and minerals. She wears an abaya and her time has come.</span></p></blockquote><p></p>Incredible. What's next, letting women vote, show their faces or look at a cartoon? Ghastly.<br /><p>Open Post Thanks to <a href="http://www.thirdworldcounty.us/?p=2023">Third World County</a>, <a href="http://wizbangblog.com/2006/04/22/carnival-of-the-trackbacks-lx.php">Wizbang</a>, <a href="http://www.tmhbaconbits.net/2006/04/23/alls-fair/">THM's Bacon Bits</a>, <a href="http://www.mudvillegazette.com/archives/004437.html">The Mudville Gazette</a> and <a href="http://stuckon-stupid.com/blog/2006/04/weekend_open_post_421423.html">Stuck on Stupid</a>.<br /></p>Jibtrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210516912383004099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13375323.post-1145846986906743492006-04-23T18:10:00.001-07:002006-04-23T19:49:46.926-07:00Time for Suadis to Capitalize on Their Greatest ResourceEvery now and then, I read an article that sends me spinning into what-the-heckville,USA. This instance occured when I read a post from Arab News which stated that educated women, not crude oil or other mineral resources, are the greatest resources in the gulf. Arab News <a href="http://www.arabnews.com/?page=7§ion=0&amp;article=81199&d=24&m=4&y=2006">reports</a>:<br /><p></p><blockquote style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><p><span style="font-size:85%;">I have just read an article in The Economist about the changing pattern in parents’ attitudes toward their firstborn. Earlier surveys, especially in the developing world, showed that parents preferred to have a boy instead of a girl. That was a must in agricultural societies where a boy was a strong, extra hand in the field.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> However, that belief now is changing — especially in the developing world, including Asia. Girls now are thought of as a better investment. The study found that girls get better grades than boys, graduate quicker and enter the job market faster. They are also excelling in investment and finance which were once exclusively the domain of men.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> I have also noticed that the number of women financial analysts on television is increasing and that women are now often found in senior financial positions. After World War II, the number of women in the work force increased. The reason was that many had entered the work force while men were away in the military and when the war was over, they didn’t want to go back home. It wasn’t long before their sisters of working age wanted to work as well. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Today, two-thirds of American women work. Women make up half the US work force, and they are ignoring the gender barriers of the past.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Women are taking more senior-level positions and becoming more involved in the decision-making processes of both business and industry. This also gives them a stronger social and political voice which should contribute significantly to both stability and security in society.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> In the Gulf states, there has been fair progress in women’s development; however, more needs to be done. Any society that neglects half its population assures its position as an also-ran among the nations of the world.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> In Saudi Arabia, the number of female graduates is high, and women are taking on tasks that a few years ago might have seemed unimaginable. They are taking positions of responsibility, and they are succeeding because Saudi women are intelligent and eager to forge ahead and accept challenges. We should be helping them to succeed rather than debating whether they should try. Educating women is a very important piece of the economic puzzle and, once it is done, it is a piece we cannot afford to ignore or fail to use. This is a truth not lost on India or the Far East — places where national economies are racing forward and national dialogues focus on the next economic or financial sector with no attention paid to who should be allowed to play the game. Many of these nations are resource-poor except for their human populations. Imagine what a nation blessed by an abundance of natural resources would be able to do if it made its human resources the most important of all.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> The problem we have in Saudi Arabia is twofold. The most pressing of which is how we can position ourselves in the super-competitive global economy and come out winners. As important for us is the internal challenge of how we can enable all the members of our work force — both men and women — to progress while keeping the fabric of our society intact.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> It’s a difficult challenge, but it is a challenge upon which the future success or failure of our nation will depend. Ours is a faith-based country and that makes it an obligation, both to our children and our faith, to find a way forward or find ourselves in a situation in which both will suffer.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Part of that challenge is finding the way to make full use of our female talent. Our society must readjust its views and remove obstacles that make it harder for women to work and, at the same time, provide them with the flexibility to combine work with family life. We have to remember that well-educated Saudi women will not only be more productive, they will also raise healthier, better educated children.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> If we had the luxury of time, it would be easy to say: Let those better-educated children figure out what to do. The fact is, however, that we do not have that luxury. It is incumbent upon us to find the way forward — and to do so as soon as possible. The good news is that we have an incredible, largely untapped resource, greater than our blessings of oil, natural gas and minerals. She wears an abaya and her time has come.</span></p></blockquote><p></p>Incredible. What's next, letting women vote, show their faces or look at a cartoon? Ghastly.<br /><p>Open Post Thanks to <a href="http://www.thirdworldcounty.us/?p=2023">Third World County</a>, <a href="http://wizbangblog.com/2006/04/22/carnival-of-the-trackbacks-lx.php">Wizbang</a>, <a href="http://www.tmhbaconbits.net/2006/04/23/alls-fair/">THM's Bacon Bits</a>, <a href="http://www.mudvillegazette.com/archives/004437.html">The Mudville Gazette</a> and <a href="http://stuckon-stupid.com/blog/2006/04/weekend_open_post_421423.html">Stuck on Stupid</a>.<br /></p>Jibtrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210516912383004099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13375323.post-1145846936111879642006-04-23T18:10:00.000-07:002006-04-23T19:48:56.206-07:00Time for Suadis to Capitalize on Their Greatest ResourceEvery now and then, I read an article that sends me spinning into what-the-heckville,USA. This instance occured when I read a post from Arab News which stated that educated women, not crude oil or other mineral resources, are the greatest resources in the gulf. Arab News <a href="http://www.arabnews.com/?page=7§ion=0&article=81199&d=24&m=4&y=2006">reports</a>:<br /><p></p><blockquote style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><p><span style="font-size:85%;">I have just read an article in The Economist about the changing pattern in parents’ attitudes toward their firstborn. Earlier surveys, especially in the developing world, showed that parents preferred to have a boy instead of a girl. That was a must in agricultural societies where a boy was a strong, extra hand in the field.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> However, that belief now is changing — especially in the developing world, including Asia. Girls now are thought of as a better investment. The study found that girls get better grades than boys, graduate quicker and enter the job market faster. They are also excelling in investment and finance which were once exclusively the domain of men.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> I have also noticed that the number of women financial analysts on television is increasing and that women are now often found in senior financial positions. After World War II, the number of women in the work force increased. The reason was that many had entered the work force while men were away in the military and when the war was over, they didn’t want to go back home. It wasn’t long before their sisters of working age wanted to work as well. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Today, two-thirds of American women work. Women make up half the US work force, and they are ignoring the gender barriers of the past.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Women are taking more senior-level positions and becoming more involved in the decision-making processes of both business and industry. This also gives them a stronger social and political voice which should contribute significantly to both stability and security in society.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> In the Gulf states, there has been fair progress in women’s development; however, more needs to be done. Any society that neglects half its population assures its position as an also-ran among the nations of the world.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> In Saudi Arabia, the number of female graduates is high, and women are taking on tasks that a few years ago might have seemed unimaginable. They are taking positions of responsibility, and they are succeeding because Saudi women are intelligent and eager to forge ahead and accept challenges. We should be helping them to succeed rather than debating whether they should try. Educating women is a very important piece of the economic puzzle and, once it is done, it is a piece we cannot afford to ignore or fail to use. This is a truth not lost on India or the Far East — places where national economies are racing forward and national dialogues focus on the next economic or financial sector with no attention paid to who should be allowed to play the game. Many of these nations are resource-poor except for their human populations. Imagine what a nation blessed by an abundance of natural resources would be able to do if it made its human resources the most important of all.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> The problem we have in Saudi Arabia is twofold. The most pressing of which is how we can position ourselves in the super-competitive global economy and come out winners. As important for us is the internal challenge of how we can enable all the members of our work force — both men and women — to progress while keeping the fabric of our society intact.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> It’s a difficult challenge, but it is a challenge upon which the future success or failure of our nation will depend. Ours is a faith-based country and that makes it an obligation, both to our children and our faith, to find a way forward or find ourselves in a situation in which both will suffer.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Part of that challenge is finding the way to make full use of our female talent. Our society must readjust its views and remove obstacles that make it harder for women to work and, at the same time, provide them with the flexibility to combine work with family life. We have to remember that well-educated Saudi women will not only be more productive, they will also raise healthier, better educated children.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> If we had the luxury of time, it would be easy to say: Let those better-educated children figure out what to do. The fact is, however, that we do not have that luxury. It is incumbent upon us to find the way forward — and to do so as soon as possible. The good news is that we have an incredible, largely untapped resource, greater than our blessings of oil, natural gas and minerals. She wears an abaya and her time has come.</span></p></blockquote><p></p>Incredible. What's next, letting women vote, show their faces or look at a cartoon? Ghastly.<br /><p>Open Post Thanks to <a href="http://www.thirdworldcounty.us/?p=2023">Third World County</a>, <a href="http://wizbangblog.com/2006/04/22/carnival-of-the-trackbacks-lx.php">Wizbang</a>, <a href="http://www.tmhbaconbits.net/2006/04/23/alls-fair/">THM's Bacon Bits</a>, <a href="http://www.mudvillegazette.com/archives/004437.html">The Mudville Gazette</a> and <a href="http://stuckon-stupid.com/blog/2006/04/weekend_open_post_421423.html">Stuck on Stupid</a>.<br /></p>Jibtrimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08210516912383004099noreply@blogger.com0