Daily Archives: June 10, 2007

Why Pacifism – While Laudable – Doesn’t Actually Work

Posted on June 10, 2007 by Gaius

Let's just leave theology out of this at the moment shall we? Oh, pacifism is a great ideal. The problem with it is that the rest of the world seldom cooperates with one's ideas of how the world should work. … Continue reading →

Posted in War, World news | 2 Comments

Lieberman Makes Left’s Heads Explode

Posted on June 10, 2007 by Gaius

Wow, check out the wailing and gnashing of teeth going on right now over Joe Lieberman's statement on Face the Nation. Memorandum is starting to smoke under the load. "I think we've got to be prepared to take aggressive military … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, War | 24 Comments

“What Am I Going To Do, Hide Them?”

Posted on June 10, 2007 by Gaius

These are words you really need to read. Because they come from an academic, University of Colorado economics professor Naci Mocan, who personally opposes the death penalty. And proves, rather conclusively, that the death penalty actually acts as a deterrent … Continue reading →

Posted in News | 6 Comments

Atlantis Docks

Posted on June 10, 2007 by Gaius

Space shuttle Atlantis has docked with the International Space Station. Everything so far has gone smoothly except for one problem found on a thermal blanket. That may require repair before Atlantis tries to land. But amid the smiles and salutations, … Continue reading →

Posted in Space | 1 Comment

How To Tell Your Newspaper Has An Agenda

Posted on June 10, 2007 by Gaius

Jason Steck, writing at The Moderate Voice, points out something that tells you exactly how biased the New York Times has become. It is written so matter-of-factly in the Times that it takes a second to hit you. With evident … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogosphere, Media | 3 Comments

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

Posted on June 10, 2007 by Gaius

Two stories from today's Telegraph should be considered together. Because it shows that something is badly out of whack. First: Bus and taxi drivers face 'eco-safe' tests Bus, lorry and taxi drivers are to be given lessons on how to … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, Insanity, World news | 1 Comment

French Communists Planning A Fire Sale

Posted on June 10, 2007 by Gaius

How bad has the French parliamentary elections been for parties other than Sarkozy's? Well, it isn't just the socialists who are in trouble. In fact, the French communists are actually having to sell off everything they own to keep from … Continue reading →

Posted in World news | 2 Comments

Penny Pinching

Posted on June 10, 2007 by Gaius

Wow, this story, if true, is appalling. According to the Daily Mail, the Royal Navy is making ships sail home from deployments at reduced speeds in order to conserve fuel. Now, a ship's cruising speed is nothing like it's flank … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Long Day’s Journey

Posted on June 10, 2007 by Gaius

I just got back from driving my daughter halfway across the state to attend a jazz camp. It's being held at a small college and she feels like quite a big shot to be there. But she's a good bass … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal Thoughts | 2 Comments

How Do You Say ‘Landslide’ In French?

Posted on June 10, 2007 by Gaius

I dunno, can't speak it myself; my ancestors had the good sense and class to get thrown out of France centuries ago. But I'll bet the new slang word for it will be 'Sarkozy'. His party just shellacked the socialists … Continue reading →

Posted in World news | Comments Off

Beating The (Gore) Devil

Posted on June 10, 2007 by Gaius

Alexander Cockburn, who writes the Beat the Devil column for The Nation, absolutely body-slams the dogma of the new global warming theocracy. Cockburn is anything but a tool of the right. His leftist credentials are impeccable and he is virulently … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy, Environment | 3 Comments

Finally! Some Government Action!

Posted on June 10, 2007 by Gaius

At least one of the world's governments has finally recognized the imminent danger of the Animal Uprising™ and is calling out the troops to deal with the marauding hordes of rebellious animals. That's right, Japan has authorized the army to … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals | Comments Off

Mutant Cicadas Invade Illinois

Posted on June 10, 2007 by Gaius

An alert 6-year old from Downer's Grove, Illinois discovered a mutant cicada, obviously a spy for the Animal Uprising™, sneaking up on his family. He alerted the proper authorities, in this case, his Mom. Nicholas Wagner's mother, Maria, said her … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals | 5 Comments

In Other Festive Palestinian News

Posted on June 10, 2007 by Gaius

Meanwhile, in Lebanon, the fighting continues to rage in a Palestinian refugee "camp" near Tripoli. The al Qaeda-affiliated Fatah al-Islam group has vowed to fight to the death. The Lebanese army, at this point at least, appears to be willing … Continue reading →

Posted in War, World news | Comments Off

Palestinian Ceasefire Score: 3 Dead, 39 Wounded

Posted on June 10, 2007 by Gaius

The latest Palestinian "ceasefire" (or, more properly, "cease". "FIRE") has only claimed 3 dead and 39 wounded this weekend. But the managed to infiltrate Israel as well, provoking airstrikes in retaliation. Hours after Palestinian militants from the Gaza Strip infiltrated … Continue reading →

Posted in War, World news | Comments Off