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Site Design By: nix
by way of OSWD |
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The personal rantings of an avowed Conservative, Linux-loving Christian .
Archives
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Up,Up,Dn,Dn ver. 2.0 :::...::.:.::.
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Saturday, March 29, 2003
Less is Moore
I just caught an interview that Bill Maher conducted with Michael Moore. The sheer audacity of the man left me speechless.
He said (and I paraphrase): there were only a few initial boo-ers at his Oscar speech. According to Moore, it started in the wings of the stage and the upper tiers of the auditorium, then, the general Hollywood personas began booing the booers. He also stated that Bush's 70% approval rating is due to the fact that the majority of people who pollsters call are working class or poor and thus more likely to have their children fighting in Iraq. Also, according to Moore, the 2002 elections were a referendum on the Democrats' inability to form a coherent mission statement, not a de facto "good one" for the Right. And, best of all, the only reason he was so "emotional" on stage was that he wanted to get his lame Pope n' Dixie Chicks line out and was afraid he wouldn't be able to when the booing started.
I almost feel sorry for the guy. Being that disconnected from reality will, eventually, hurt him. I'm anxiously awaiting his documentary on the hunting habits of central African lions.
posted by ZaMoose at 3/29/2003 11:22:00 PM
Wednesday, March 26, 2003
Singularity of Suck
Is it me, or does anyone else think that the upcoming Celine Dion concert being broadcast on CBS live from Caesar's Palace in Sin City, hosted by Justin Timberlake could potentially be a scientific experiment designed to test the effects of gathering that much Suckage into a single room?
Perhaps it will be beneficial. A Singularity of Suck could well be established, which would, in essence, drain all remaining Suck out of the world, potentially making everyone's lives better.
I'm hoping Carrot Top is the first entity down the hatch, followed shortly by Alec Baldwin and all the Shasta in the western half of the U.S.
posted by ZaMoose at 3/26/2003 05:08:00 PM
Eartha Kitt: Hollywood anti-Idiotarian
As per my weekday routine, I had my radio tuned to the "Curtis and Kuby Show" this morning (Ron Kuby's on vacation; Mark Simone is filling in more-than-adequately).
In the 9:30 timeframe, Eartha Kitt(!) decided to give the NYC morning show a call. After a bit of sweet-talking Curtis, she said that she fully supports "our boys, my country and my president." She ripped in to the Hollywood loons for being unpatriotic and in general came off as a well-spoken, well-read person. Then, to prove it was really her, she gave a trademark Catwoman purr.
This from the woman who was so anti-Vietnam that she insulted Lady Bird Johnson at a White House luncheon, resulting in her blacklisting for many years.
There is hope in Hollywood!
posted by ZaMoose at 3/26/2003 05:02:00 PM
Monday, March 24, 2003
The "Ficticious" of Oscar Night
As my wife and I flipped between the Oscars and BBC America last night, I was struck by just how inconsequential the entire Hollywood community has rendered itself and how desperately they want to disbelieve this fact.
In the two post-9/11 Oscar ceremonies, I've noticed that the Hollywood elite have been clamoring about just how relevant they are. They've repeatedly had to slap themselves on the back and remind each other just how much they mean to today's society.
As a wise man once said, if you have to say something out loud in order to believe it's true, it probably isn't.
Nicole kidman, in her Oscar speech, asked a question to the effect of "Why are we here during such a time?" "Because art is important," she answered herself.
Several presenters sought to remind us that movies teach us, inform us, lift our spirits, remind us of what it means to be human. I don't know what Old School was supposed to teach me, but okay, I'm game.
I almost feel sorry for the lot. They're trying ever so hard to maintain their connection with the American people. However, their raving-Leftie leanings have driven a bigger and bigger wedge between them and the Ameriproles out there.
We simply don't want to hear people making between $2 million and $20 million, per picture, whine and complain about the inequality in today's society. Their caterwauling rings false. Their claims of heroism seem absurd when viewed alongside the true heroism of the police and firefighters on 9/11, the soldiers welcomed with open arms by a up-to-now repressed Afghani people, or the mass of troops we currently have performing the "full titl boogie for freedom and justice."
The Oscar telecast ended with Steve Martin telling our troops abroad that "We did this for you!" Bull, Steve. They're doing this for us. They're facing "stiff" Iraqi resistance. They're moving about in full chemical gear, gas masks at the ready.
Until the Hollywood elite can realize that they're nowhere near as important as they think they are, they will continue to lose the relevancy that they not only crave, but opportunistically screech about when presented with a ~1billion member audience.
posted by ZaMoose at 3/24/2003 05:45:00 PM
"Fictition"?
This, from an Oscar "winner"?
Perhaps Michael Moore and Fred Durst have the same speechification coachenator.
posted by ZaMoose at 3/24/2003 03:36:00 PM
Saturday, March 22, 2003
If Islam is the Ansar, I don't wanna know the question
Fox News has been reporting that up to 250 out of the 700 Ansar al Islam fighters encamped near Halabja have been KIA in heavy bombing today. This WaPo story holds the casualties at about half that, but it's still a significant blow against an organization with extremely tight ties to al Qaeda.
Who says we can't fight the War on Terror in Iraq?
posted by ZaMoose at 3/22/2003 08:04:00 PM
Friday, March 21, 2003
*SHUDDER*
Saw this over at Andrewsullivan.com.
We now have photographic evidence suggesting that the Head Mustache (thanks, Lileks!) is actually... Helen Thomas!
Yowsa.
posted by ZaMoose at 3/21/2003 05:44:00 PM
Shock n' Awe Overload
Sick and tired of the already trite phrase "shock and awe"? This thread over on Fark has some suggestions.
Among the best suggestions are:
- Old and Busted, New Hotness campaign
- Shizzle and awizzle
- Bomb, Rinse, Repeat
- "Assisted Urban Renewal"
- Shock and awwwwww Allah why you not stop these bombs?
- ArabDisney: Phase One
- The "Jumpin' Allah on pogo stick!" phase
- Operation Strategery
- Operation Cut Off My Favorite Late Night Shows With Too Much News Coverage
- The "I wasn't bluffing" phase
- The Spielberg and Bruckheimer phase
- Sheik and bake
And, best of all
posted by ZaMoose at 3/21/2003 05:41:00 PM
SnA Begins
Well, bang goes my theory (no pun intended).
posted by ZaMoose at 3/21/2003 02:02:00 PM
Law of Unintended Consequences Pt. III
Looks like we might not need to decline Frawnce's help in administering post-Saddam Iraq after all. Jacques seems to be taking care of it for us.
He can't possibly be that stupid, can he?
posted by ZaMoose at 3/21/2003 11:46:00 AM
"Saddam is done."
Take a peek at this account of the 1st MEF in Safwan and tell me you don't get chills (good ones, mind you).
It seems to wrap so much of this conflict up into one nice package. Iraqis: cautiously optimistic. Americans: not about to let Saddam slither away again.
On to Basrah, then Baghdad, boys.
posted by ZaMoose at 3/21/2003 11:23:00 AM
Law of Unintended Consequences Pt. II
As I've mused on the issue further, I can forsee one other, very large advantage to a surgical strike.
By not being forced to destroy Iraqi infrastructure, we will reduce the need for U.N. "asistance" in rebuilding Iraq. "No thanks, Jaques, mes "amis". We've got this one covered. We'll take it from here." We might also avoid the creation of a large refugee problem, which reduces Turkey and Jordan's ability to demand concessions from us and a post-Saddam Iraqi gov't.
posted by ZaMoose at 3/21/2003 11:12:00 AM
Spectacles of Power Pt. III
It is now clear to me why I always found that Old Navy lady (Carrie Donovan) so creepy. Who knew she had dictatorial ambitions?
Some have suggested that we also watch Dame Edna very closely. I'd have to concur.
posted by ZaMoose at 3/21/2003 11:03:00 AM
Law of Unintended Consequences
I've been pondering this since late last evening and coming across Jonah Goldberg's post regarding a "Rout" in The Corner has reinforced my opinions.
The strike against the senior Iraqi (that's "Iraqian" for all of you Curtis Sliwa fans out there) leadership was a bold tactical move that may very well end up sparing hundreds, if not thousands of Iraqi and Allied lives over the course of this conflict. From this perspective, it was an opportunity too good to miss.
However, I've taken to wondering how this will affect the coming months in Iran. The more I've pondered the question, the more I've come to think that the whole "Shock n' Awe" campaign was to serve a dual purpose. The first, and most obvious purpose was to cow the Iraqi brass into mass defection/surrender (Fox News has taken to calling it "capitulation." Holy euphemism, Batman!). The second effect that it would have (will?) would be to demonstrate to the "Arab Street" and, more importantly, the Iranian people, the overwhelming might of the coalition forces. By executing an end-around and avoiding the SnA attack, the US seems to have emboldened the citizens of Baghdad. I saw footage of them out and about this morning, on their way to work or to the market, which is in stark contrast to the past 48 hours. There's a feeling that all of our talk of SnA may have been just that: talk.
My wife (and NPR reporters beyond measure) are of the opinion that the more Iraqi infrastructure we can retain, the better. I can see the logic in that, but, at the same time, I can't help feeling that a dramatic bombardment campaign would do wonders for the intrasigence of the "Arab Street" and their thuggocrat masters. An opening salvo taking out the vaunted leadership almost feels like cheating, and I'd have to say I almost see that sentiment being subtly expressed in the Arab press.
The one big advantage that I do see in such a strike is being evidenced by the North Koreans' near total silence for the past two days. If we can reach out and touch a leader at the drop of a hat, then no teetering dictatorship is safe. If I were Kim Jung Mentally Il, I'd be watching my closest advisors extremely carefully.
posted by ZaMoose at 3/21/2003 10:51:00 AM
Thursday, March 20, 2003
Spectacles of Power Pt. II
I seem to have forgotten some significant players.
The Only "Christian" In Baghdad is not to be outdone by his fearless leader:
Yasser, although not a "Socialist", seems to take a cue from our previous luminaries:
Gorby's got 'em:
Pol, Ho and Che must not have gotten the memo.
Now, I know this theory is a little rough around the edges, but, be that as it may, I still think we ought to keep an eye on Will Farrell, just in case.
posted by ZaMoose at 3/20/2003 11:53:00 PM
Diana Run
If anyone has been reading my blog for any amount of time, you may remember my best friend's sister Diana was killed in a car accident last August.
She was a wonderful young woman in all ways. In order to remember her, a 5k run called "The Diana Run" has been set up.
See dianarun.org for full details. If you're from the central New Jersey area, consider participating in or sponsorship of this event. I know that it will mean a lot to her family and the money will go to sponsoring other young people in pursuit of international missions.
Thanks.
posted by ZaMoose at 3/20/2003 05:53:00 PM
Where's Frank Rizzo When You Need Him?
This morning's commute was a rough one, as "peace activists" decided to stage a march from the Liberty Bell to the Federal Building. This had, how shall we say, an adverse effect on my overall commute time. It seemed to back traffic up just about everywhere, but most noticeably on Broad Street, my primary route to work.
So, as I'm sitting in the car, thinking "Stupid hippies! If Rizzo was still commish, he'd have the Brute Squad down here, crackin' some skulls!", I hear the local news report that the protestors were hoping for "about a hundred" people to be arrested by the Philly P.D. The newscaster then reports that things didn't quite go to plan.
The Federal building, being Federal property, gives proper jurisdiction to the U.S. Marshalls, who showed up in force and hauled the protestors off, while the Philly P.D. merely stood by in an "advisory role" (read: got a good laugh at the protestors' antics).
I just keep getting the image of Tommy Lee Jones slapping some plasticuffs on some Dirty Hippies™. It is to laugh.
posted by ZaMoose at 3/20/2003 05:47:00 PM
Best Quote O' The Day
This is ripped directly from The Corner over at NRO:
NOT SHOCK AND AWE-ING, JUST SHELLACKING [Jonah Goldberg]
Pentagon says this is merely more opportunistic target-whacking not the full tilt boogie for freedom and justice.
Priceless.
posted by ZaMoose at 3/20/2003 03:49:00 PM
Spectacles of Power
Here's my question:
Does Pearle Vision have some sort of discount for tinhorn third world dictators? They must get the same catalog in the mail. Take a look:
Maybe they have the same HMO.
[UPDATE]
Fidel, too?
Is there some sort of International Socialist Optometrist Society I'm unaware of?
[UPDATE]
Papa Kim gets in on the action:
Thankfully, Fidel dumped his older ones:
There must be some Image Solidarity Movement amongst "Socialist" dictators.
Or maybe they're all trying to look like Kissinger.
[UPDATE]
Of course, President Jiang was a trend-setter too:
And Wen Jibao is looking to continue the trend:
posted by ZaMoose at 3/20/2003 11:25:00 AM
Sunday, March 16, 2003
Dogs. Cats. [God's] good pleasure. I'll explain more in the morning.
posted by ZaMoose at 3/16/2003 12:50:00 AM
Friday, March 14, 2003
Chirac PS
Best. Fark. Photoshop. Ever.
View with caution, as I got some very strange looks from coworkers as I tried to stifle my guffaws.
Dig it.
posted by ZaMoose at 3/14/2003 12:46:00 PM
Saddam Heisman pt. II
So, I'm just wondering, how often does Saddam Hussein get to Northeast Philadelphia?
posted by ZaMoose at 3/14/2003 12:06:00 AM
Thursday, March 13, 2003
Saddam Heisman(?)
I saw a great bilboard on I95 North tonight. It featured a large picture of Saddam Hussein on the left side, striking an almost Heisman-worthy pose. The text read (and I'm paraphrasing here, as I can't remember the exact words):
Mister Hussein:
Give Peace A Chance
Go Into Exile
The sight so suprised me that I very nearly ran my car off the road.
I'll see if I can find a picture.
posted by ZaMoose at 3/13/2003 09:53:00 PM
Shouting At The Radio
I don't know why I don't learn my lesson. Tonight, as is commonplace between the months of October and June, 770 WABC out of NYC cut The Buzz short to broadcast Devils hockey. In these circumstances, I'm faced with an awkward listening choice for my evening commute.
Should I 1) listen to what passes for "modern rock" here in Philly, 2) tune in to the country music channel (no thanks), 3) listen to the abominable Philly talk station or 4) tune the dial to NPR. Normally, I try to avoid NPR. Alas, commercials tend to annoy me far more than public broadcasting, so eventually, my fingers will find FM2 Preset 6 on my car stereo. And, NPR being what it is, I'll get caught up in the momentum of a story.
However, I generally have (how can I put this nicely?) differences of opinion with the hosts of NPR shows, let alone their guests. So, it's not an entirely uncommon thing for me to find myself actually shouting at the radio on my way home from work. The guest on Terri Gross' show today, Philip Taubman (deputy editor of the New York Times editorial page) had me just about frothing.
My wife asks me why I subject myself to this. The truth is, I just don't know.
posted by ZaMoose at 3/13/2003 09:47:00 PM
Praying For Those We "Hate"
Had an interesting experience last night at our small group Bible study. We were discussing world events and the issue of whether we were within our bounds to hate Saddam, Osama, etc.
The passage we were looking at was Luke 7:36-50, which is an account of Jesus visiting a Pharisee's house. Jesus told the following parable to Simon, the Pharisee:
Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?
What's interesting to me is that most of us would probably consider ourselves to be the man 50 denarii in debt, not the 500 denarii debtor. I'd place Osama in at least the 500 denarii camp, if not more. Most of our small group agreed with that stance. (We also lumped Jeffrey Dahmer, Ted Bundy, and Saddam Hussein in, for good measure).
But something really struck me about the passage: we aren't owed the debt. It's not up to us to judge. God can forgive any debt, no matter the size. It's only incumbent upon us to "love [our] enemies, bless those who curse [us], do good to those who hate [us] and pray for those who persecute [us].[1]"
And so, we prayed for Osama. We prayed for Saddam. We thanked God that He had revealed himself to Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer. We prayed that binny L. and Hussein would not be modern-day Pharaohs ("I will harden his heart [2]").
I'm trying, honestly, to pray that with full intent.
I'd still love to see 'em both MOAB'd, though.
posted by ZaMoose at 3/13/2003 06:28:00 PM
Browser of Choice
Mozilla 1.3 is out. See the release notes for changes.
Download it here.
posted by ZaMoose at 3/13/2003 05:52:00 PM
Wednesday, March 12, 2003
version 2.0
U,U,D,D (R,L,etc.) version 2.0 is now working. Props go out to nix for his excellent design, which I cribbed. (Hooray Open Source Web Design!)
posted by ZaMoose at 3/12/2003 05:11:00 PM
Tuesday, March 11, 2003
Blog Slacking
As if it weren't self evident. I haven't been utilizing the resources oh-so-generously "given" to me by Blogger.
And here's why.
The wife and I just completed a move, from Outer Whitelandia (thanks, Ron and Curtis) to just outside of Philly. We're in a house this time, having left apartment dwelling behind us.
Work on the house proceeds apace; paint is going up on the walls, we've got the DSL up and running (goodbye @Home, errrm, Comcast) and should have glorious DirecTV by Wednesday (really, truly goodbye to Comcast).
posted by ZaMoose at 3/11/2003 05:46:00 PM
The Three Stooges, Iraq-Style
It is to laugh:
The Three Stooges.
Came across this by way of Fark, as usual.
(Props to Tom Twine.)
posted by ZaMoose at 3/11/2003 05:39:00 PM
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