New Phones Raise Privacy Fears

Remember, if you can be seen doing something in public, you have surrendered your privacy protection. Yes, if someone in the street can see you doing something in your house because you have no curtains in your windows, it most likely is fair game. Somebody snapping pictures in a gym locker room, on the other hand, is a violation because its a private club and with your membership one would assume a modicum of protection from looky-loos.

Leave it to the panty-sniffing, Sailor Moon-watching Japanese perverts to come up with the innovation of cameras on a cell phone. Fittingly, the land of the rising sun was the first to see problems:

"In Japan, people have been arrested for taking photos up women's skirts (which is also illegal in parts of the U.S.), and shopkeepers are cracking down on digital shoplifting--photographing pages from books and magazines without paying for them."

Notice in the U.S. we haven't totally decriminalized skirt shots. I guess we still remember Marilyn Monroe too fondly.

Off Limits - Should students be allowed to hook up with professors?

As much as I hate the university establishment, I can't believe I'm standing up for them. But I hate the nanny state even more - a mentality the very same university faculty promote through their outrageous socialist-liberal agenda - because adults are adults and should be treated as such. By contrast, universities love invoking in loco parentis whenever they can, even though 99.9% of the student body is past the legal age of emancipation.

Best part of this article: leave it to the eggheads to start deconstructing a sensitivity training meeting. Worst part: the last paragraph wallows in academic postmodern blather: "Let's imagine that knowledge rather than protectionism (or institutional power-enhancement) was the goal of higher education." Typical of a female pomo egghead endlessly searching for the hidden agenda.

While I don't agree with the analogy of sex-as-self-discovery ("coming" of age so to speak), ultimately we must realize that teachers and faculty are consenting adults and no need for government involvement unless an incident occurs like students turning tricks for good grades or any kind of scandal.

Word of Mouth, part deux

More on the subject of the previous post.

Word-of-Mouth-Connection.com: WTF?!?!

SCAM ALERT...if you get an email from Word-of-Mouth-Connection.com or WOMC, do NOT join their site.

Bartoli Sets Salieri's Story Straight

An Italian diva tries to rescue the trashed reputation of the composer whom the play and film Amadeus portrayed as a supremely bad guy and maybe even a murderer. Ambitious!

Daniel Bedingfield to remain in hospital following car smash

His Doctor missed a golden opportunity to say "he's gonna get through this..."

Maybe when you have to be cut out of the wreckage, humo(u)r isn't foremost on anyone's mind.

<Britney's 'Toxic' Clip

Although I personally would gladly drink Britney Spears bathwater with a chaser of sweat, the old adage reamains true: nop matter how gorgeous she is, at some point in time her man is tired of putting up with her b-s.

Limp Bizkit voted worst band of year

This should have happened four years ago.

50 Cent Cashes in on 2003

The decline of Western Civilization? Judge for yourself...2003's Top 10 best-selling albums, per Nielsen SoundScan:

1. Get Get Rich or Die Tryin', 50 Cent, 6.5 million copies
2. Come Away with Me, Norah Jones, 5.1 million
3. Meteora, Linkin Park, 3.5 million
4. Fallen, Evanescence, 3.4 million
5. Speakerboxx/The Love Below, OutKast, 3.1 million
6. Dangerously in Love, Beyoncé, 2.5 million
7. Chocolate Factory, R. Kelly, 2.4 million
8. Metamorphosis, Hilary Duff, 2.4 million
9. Shock'n Y'All, Toby Keith, 2.3 million
10. Rush of Blood to the Head, Coldplay, 2.2 million

Aside from the gangsta at the top, all of the rest of this list is quite passable. Some could raise an the exception with Hilary Duff (am I the only one who thinks her last name is funny), as her music is teen fluff, listenable if not memorable, tolerable but not desirable to anyone over the age of 16.

Admittedly, I do have "In Da Club" as my cellular ring tone so I guess I'd better shut up.

It's about time

Looks like the biggest failing of the Bush administration is getting addressed: Bush Budget for 2005 Seeks to Rein In Domestic Costs

Personally, until I see the ONDCP disbanded, I'll keep pushing to eliminate government waste.

Charge in Limbaugh case rare

Guilty or not, is this equal treatment?

Dems take Vugarity To Church!!

James Carville would never have done this if Miss Nippy had been around. Jimmy you should be ashamed.

29 Catholic Missionaries Slain in 2003

I guess the media was too busy slamming the church in 2003 to give a damn about most of these martyrs. Fret not dear souls, your reward in heaven is infinite.

Meteorite hits Iran

There was a time about 20 years ago when I would have cheered the barrage the Iranians are taking from Mother Nature. Yet as I have mellowed with age, all I can think of is "gee, what a crappy place to live. I'm glad I don't live there."

Aw my Sisters, yeah!

Funny, but the Nuns Having Fun 2004 Wall Calendar is going for $45 or more on eBay. Click on the link to get the hottest calendar of this year. And no, I don't mean hot as if this were made by Sports Illustrated.

Nun's pub pilgrimage

If Jesus can go where sinners are, why can't a nun slip in to a pub looking for converts?

Dancing ban lifted, Wheaton College plunges into perdition

More satire from the same source. Reminds me of the old joke:

Q: Why are Baptists against pre-marital sex?
A: They're afraid it might lead to dancing.

Cussing evangelist brings gospel to the vulgar

Note: satire.

Just-war theory

Did a Google search that pointed back to the beloved NRO, and a discussion between Kathryn Jean Lopez and Robert P. George, the McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence at Princeton University and author of In Defense of Natural Law.

"Lopez: What makes a just war? Is there a checklist?
George: There is a set of principles establishing criteria for moral evaluation of the use, or possible use, of military force. First, war can be justified only in self-defense or defense of others. Wars may not legitimately be fought for national glory, to avenge past wrongs, for territorial gain, or for any other non-defensive purpose. Of course, force may rightly be used, as in the Persian Gulf War, to evict an invading and occupying power. This is an essentially defensive purpose. A second principle of just war requires that the use of force have a reasonable likelihood of success. Lives may not be sacrificed and taken in futile causes. A third principle demands that force be used only when non-violent means will not suffice. A fourth recognizes the immunity of non-combatants from deliberate attack. Although it can be permissible to perform military actions that foreseeable result in the death or injury of noncombatants (so-called 'collateral damage'), it is never permissible to make the harming of noncombatants the object of the actions. Thus, killing civilians for revenge, or even as a means of deterring aggression by people who sympathize with them, is forbidden. A fifth principle requires that the use of force, especially where harm to noncombatants is likely, be 'proportionate' to the evil being opposed.

Relatedly, norms of fairness must be observed in electing to perform acts one knows will likely cause such harm. The just-war tradition affirms the sanctity of life and the principle of equal human dignity. The Golden Rule forbids treating people we don't know or who have no connection with us or who differ from us in ways that are irrelevant to their status as noncombatants as having less of a right to life than people who happen to be our fellow citizens.

Lopez: What does the Pope think of the war on terrorism?
George: The Pope has placed a great deal of emphasis on the third principle I mentioned. His constant plea is for nations to go the extra mile in seeking nonviolent means of resolving disputes. Still, he is careful not to rule out the use of force. Nothing he has said contradicts the traditional understanding that the use of force can be not only permissible but morally required. Indeed, the papal spokesman, Joaquin Navarro-Valls, recently stated that the use of force against terrorists by the United States and our allies can be 'an action of active prevention against a threat that has already occurred in the horror of a few weeks ago and can happen again.'"

Texas Rep. Hall to Switch to Republicans

Reinforcing how out-of-step Senator Jim Jeffords was when he left the GOP, yet another member of congress sees the light and switches to the party that more closely represents average Americans. You know, the Americans who want a secure nation and less taxes.

Back to the Latin Mass

After seeing an old friend, his wife, two children, his mother and visiting grandmother at the Latin Mass on New Year's Day, I am reminded how the resurgence of Latin Mass celebrations is very much a movement among younger Catholics. This brief TIME magazine article from several years ago echoes those thoughts.

Dean's blunt talk about race

"'Dealing with race is about educating white folks,' Dean said in an interview Tuesday"

I can think of one who needs to learn a few things. Not that he'll allow anyone to tell him anything.

Pope calls for a new world order

Once upon a long ago, this world order was called The Church. I will confirm the suspicion of every Church-hater by stating emphatically that not only would I like to see the church regain it's pre-Luther prominence, I pray that it happens. I will also admit that as it stands now such a scenario is most unlikely. Our leadership seems obsessed with being nice as opposed to being correct, more St. Francis of Assisi than St. Louis King of France. What we need to do to attract Christians and non-Christians alike home to the mother church is be as Catholic as we can be, and reach out to people and urge them to look at what's right with our faith.

I doubt the RCC will ever become miniscule (as has sadly happened to the rich Jewish tradition, to the point that the vitriol directed against the Jews by Arabs and non-Arabs far outweighs the Jews' own expressions of their faith) but the days of inquisition and the crusades are history. Too bad - I'd like to see Michael Moore and the feminists sentenced to sit in the not-so-comfy chair for at least a minute or two.

The Pope is right on his central point: the UN is a useless vestige of doe-eyed cold war era optimism. What began as an altruistic body has degenerated into a Kindergarten playground filled with cliques. Besides, that building would be a great space for condos in Manhattan. Think of it: International towers, a WORLD class address!

We should live more Catholically, yet I disagree with John Paul's increasingly pacifist tendencies. (I could be crass like many and say he is readying himself for Heaven, but the Holy Father's demise will be at God's hands. ny speculation is both tacky and disrespectful.) He has made more sense in the past. After all, he was aligned with Reagan in toppling the Soviets and that was hardly a dove-like stance.

Reprint from The Corner on National Review Online

Jonah nails it, then a friend seconds those emotions:

"SUCH NONSENSE [Jonah Goldberg]

"I think the vast, vast majority of what's said by liberals about the religious right is either ignorant or hateful nonsense. But I find Pat Robertson increasingly embarrassing. From the AP:


" 'I think George Bush is going to win in a walk,' the religious broadcaster said on his '700 Club' program on the Virginia Beach-based Christian Broadcasting Network, which he founded.

"'I really believe I'm hearing from the Lord it's going to be like a blowout election in 2004. It's shaping up that way,' Robertson said.

"'The Lord has just blessed him,' Robertson said of Bush. 'I mean, he could make terrible mistakes and comes out of it. It doesn't make any difference what he does, good or bad, God picks him up because he's a man of prayer and God's blessing him.'


"Come on. Isn't this nigh-upon blasphemous nonsense? George Bush can do bad things but God's going to give him the White House because he's a man of prayer and God's blessing him? What if another man of prayer runs against Bush? Will it still be a 'blowout'?"

"RE: ROBERTSON [Jonah Goldberg]

"From a friend in the movement:

"Please know that most of the religious-righties I know aren't paying attention to the Falwells and Robertsons any more. Moral Majority is long dead. Christian Coalition is a barely breathing shell of a group now. But the media singles these two out like they're still adulated by the religious-right grass roots. Please. Better modern hate figures for the ACLU types would be James Dobson, or Chuck Colson.

"This outburst from Pat is nothing compared to his last media outbreak, when he was praying for Supreme Court justices to retire because of ill health (last summer). But on your main point -- Robertson and his toll-free-line-to-God talk -- remember that the Openly Gay Bishop of NH has also rambled frequently about how God is directing him to liberate Christendom...."

Sorry to reprint so much, but as usual, the pundits at NR get it right. Pun intended, btw.

Pat Robertson: God Says Bush Will Win in 2004

When I see crap like this, I can only shake my head. This kind of thing will only encourage members of the left to work harder to defeat Bush. They are as crazy as Robertson - who is certifiable, if this comment is any indication - and will stop at nothing to prove that there is no God and/or he doesn't like GWB.

Yes

It is time to end the split between reverent Anglicans and Catholics. Where have I heard that before?

Dumb political ideas

A lot of talk is still floating around that Bobby Jindal is going to move into David Vitter's district and run for the seat being vacated by the Metairie/Northshore congressman.

Make no mistake about it: if Jindal does that, not only will he not win the race, he will lose the allies in the press that he did have, most notably the Times-Picayune, GambitWeekly, and WWL Radio. New Orleans doesn't like interlopers, and I can't think of any other area that does except New York. Bobby Jindal is Baton Rouge to the core, and knowing what I do about the mindset of the people in that district, a southern man don't need him around anyhow.

What will make things worse for Jindal is that he will very publicly double-cross a public supporter of his in the Governor's race, Rep. Steve Scalise. This will be too much for the press to resist, because the question "who does Bobby jindal think he is" is there waiting to be asked. Scalise is not unpopular - he was re-elected without resistance - and there will be several home boys -- A.G. Crowe, Jack Strain -- vying for the spot. Monica Monica might try, maybe Suzie Terrell will drag her ass into the race (please...NO!), Paul Connick perhaps. But Jindal will not be able to answer the lingering questions, specifically:

1.) What do you know about this district considering you've never lived here? Being an intern to Bob Livingston for a semester doesn't count.

2.) Why do you think that this area needs you? There are plenty of conservatives who can fill Vitter's shoes.

3.) Are you so desperate to be elected that you would screw over a friend and supporter and run for a seat in an area which you have never lived? That seems a bit cold and calculated (which of course fits his number-crunching demeanor)

4.) For someone purported to be so brilliant, why don't you prove it by being successful in the private sector?

5.) Who is advising him to do this? Contrary to what his circle of Kool-Aid drinkers may think, we don't need Bobby Jindal, "we" defined as the people of Louisiana. We need public servants who can represent our interests, not an ambitious bureaucrat. I've spoken often about doe-eyed supporters of Jindal who must have amazingly low esteem for our state because they look at Jindal as some kind of think-tank messiah. As I pointed out, Louisiana has plenty of smart, conservative candidates with real experience who can help Louisiana tremendously and more effectively than a legislative/congressional newbie.

I cannot fathom him running much less winning. It would be a colossally dumb move.

Stick a fork in 2003

The year is over and I'm tired already. As I no longer see the reason to feel great tonight yet feel like crap in the morning, I'll do what ex-presidents and older celebrities do at home on their birthdays: spend a quiet evening at home. God bless you and your family in 2004.

New Year's Eve security highest ever

If I could, the first resolution I would make and not break would be to have all of us rest safer in 2004. Alas, I do not think that will happen.

McDonald's, Wendy's Say Sales Unchanged by Mad Cow

These restaurants are not about quality beef, they are about convenience. Most people eat there because its fast, on the way, et cetera. Also, most people don't remember the Jack In The Box scare of the 1980s, so when they see that smiling clown or little girl, they know that somebody has checked this beef (certainly not Shondrika behind the counter). It would be wise of all fast food companies to put an extra effort into making sure every location is up to code, and on top of that, looks nice. That will allay any fears Americans may have about eating McBeef.

British Church Attendance on the Rise

Encouraging...maybe not all is lost in Europe.

Bush beefs up plate despite mad cow scare

Now we know what real men eat!

Dean Blasts Bush Over Mad Cow Scare

The sky is falling, part 53098 AKA Where's The Beef: "'This just shows the complete lack of foresight by the Bush administration once again,' Dean said. 'This is something that easily could be predicted and was predicted.'"

About the only thing predictable is Howard Dean's response.

He also goes on to blast Joe Lieberman on abortion for not being a doctor. That's right, we're all stupid compared to the brilliance of Dr. No!

Next year's political map favors GOP

Even Gannett is admitting it!

Rapper wanted on failure to pay child support

What a credit to New Orleans and its music scene.

Kramer Cracks in "Seinfeld" Feud

For those waiting for Seinfeld on DVD, here's why. Come on Jerry, give up some of that cash!

Defending Trial Lawyers, Sort Of

Leave it to the brilliant minds at the Weekly Standard to engage in a challenging brain exercise: trying to defend greedy trial lawyers.

Dean Vermont Energy Group Met in Private

Add "hypocrite" to the list of Dean keywords.

Remembering George

The Concert for George is a sublime concert DVD, a moving tribute to one of the most underrated rock songwriters (if you can consider a Beatle underrated).

Perhaps most goosebump-inducing moment of all was courtesy, believe it or not, Paul McCartney. He started out "Something" on his ukelele with Clapton finishing it off (ironic, considering the song is about the ex-wife of George who left him for Clapton, who married-then-dumped her, ultimately patching up his friendship with George). Then Paul did "All Things Must Pass" with Phil Spector's arrangement, although he probably retains the right to release it without Spector's contribution (just kidding.)

It was especially great to see Monty Python minus Cleese but plus Tom Hanks performing two of their most famous tunes.

BTW, was it just me or did Tom Petty look just awful? He seems ill, or maybe just old. The fag he was smoking on didn't help his overall appearance.

What is truth?

Is there a term for posting a post that was already posted on another blog? Anyhoo, Rod Dreher's observations on NRO deserve to be seen, just don't sue me Mr. Buckley:

"ADVENTURES IN LIBERAL RELIGION [Rod Dreher]
The Rt. Rev. John Bryson Chane, the Episcopal Bishop of the nation's capital and Dean of National Cathedral, delivered a real lulu of a Christmas sermon this year. Excerpt:

And what was God thinking... when the Angel Gabriel was sent by God to reveal the Law to Moses? And what was God thinking... when the Angel Gabriel was sent by God to reveal the sacred Quran to the prophet Muhammad? And what was God thinking... when the Angel Gabriel was sent by God to reveal the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

It will come as news to many Christians that an Anglican bishop believes that the Islamic revelation was true, not false, as Christianity teaches implicitly. Nevertheless, a Michigan lawyer friend suggests that Bp. Chane has opened up a new and exciting area for exploring ecumenism/syncretism. Now, the Episcopalians of Washington can have a gay wedding in the church, and push a wall over on the two grooms at the reception.

Posted at 08:29 PM"

Meat From Infected Cow Reached Eight States

First they said it was an isolated incident. Then tehy said the calves of this cow were quarantined. Then they said the meat didn't leave the immediate area and din't make it to consumers. Now they're saying vendors in eight states were shipped this meat and that it may have even been sold in stores!

Folks, its hard to be a total libertarian when the government keeps us from eating tainted food. If we let the market decide who provided the best quality beef, people would die before we found out someone was selling substandard quality meat. When the system breaks down, however, we should demand full disclosure and immediate action. If something has slipped through, tell us so we can protect ourselves. Sometimes a little panic is a good thing.