Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Tierney On Why Men Compete

As usual, a very interesting column from John Tierney.


For a quarter-century, women have outnumbered men at Scrabble clubs and tournaments in America, but a woman has won the national championship only once, and all the world champions have been men. Among the top-ranked 50 players, typically about 45 are men.

Tierney notes the rise of Scrabble "groupies". Will there soon be blogging groupies?

Other Voices:

Mary at Stone Court calls it SocioBioBaloney.

Richard Bradley of the HuffPo says Tierney's suffering from the Gladwell Effect.

If it seems surprising that a column which explicitly endorses evolution is getting slammed by the left-wingers, Echidne has the answer:

I'm a believer in evolution in general because I can see the evidence for it. When it comes to evolutionary psychology I'm a lot more cynical, and the main reason is the near-total absence of clear evidence for the most misogynistic arguments possible. It seems to me that most evo-psychos attempt to explain the status quo as impossible to change and in that sense they all have wingnut (caveman?) axes to hone. Never mind that the society has changed drastically over centuries, evo-psychos always stress its unchanging nature.

I could not find any reactions to this article from the right side of the blogosphere.

The 10 Most Damaging Books to Civilization

Human Events lists the 10 most damaging books to civilization in the last 200 years judged by 15 conservative figures are as follows:

10. General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money, John Maynard Keynes, 1936

09. Beyond Good and Evil, Feidrich Nietzsche, 1886

08. The Course of Positive Philosophy, Auguste Comte, 1830-1843

07. The Feminine Mystique, Betty Friedman, 1963

06. Das Kapital, Karl Marx, 1867-1894

05. Democracy and Education, John Dewey, 1916

04. The Kinsey Report, Alfred Kinsey, 1948

03. Quotations from Chairman Mao (Moa's Little Red Book), 1966

02. Mein Kampf, Adolf Hitler, 1925-1926

01. The Communist Manifesto, Karl Marx and Freidrich Engels, 1848

I agree with the top four. But I would move Nietzsche from 09 to 05 and toss off 08 and replace it with How Capitalism Underdeveloped Black America, Manning Marable, 1983

Unlike the article, I encourage everyone to read these books to know thy enemy!

INTER-BLOGATORY TRAVEL

HELP WANTED: Helms says someone with no experience can make $22 an hour in the oil patch, if he or she can pass a drug test. ... He says there are 250 open jobs in the oil patch right now, and companies are scouring for workers. h/t DakotaPundit

Sisu's favorite quote from the latest Clinton book: "No, I'm not doing it," she snapped to an aide. "I'm not going out there with that man."

Recommended by THIRDWAVE: Tired of reading what the MSM is reporting from the warzone? I know I am. Here's two Cobra pilots that blog straight from where the action is. They both have blogs and update them frequently with their daily activities, life in Iraq, and their take on the fighting.

Madonna's panties pulled: A pair of panties worn by have been withdrawn from sale on internet auction site eBay. Vendor Tony Cochrane said: "Afterfive days, we had an offer of £100 from a buyer in the US.

Christian Slater Arrested on Sex Abuse Charge: "Basically he grabbed a woman's behind on the street," Doherty told CNN, adding that the actor was "intoxicated at the time." Does that mean he scored some Cialis?

Gannon Takes Lie Detector

We've had two wonderful interviews with Jeff Gannon. Let's see if his answers hold up to scrutiny under a lie detector test to be performed on PAX TV Tonight at 8pm EST:

Known for lobbing softball questions at current President George W. Bush, elite press corps official “Jeff Gannon” came under scrutiny by Democrats and fellow press corps members, who discovered his real name is James Dale Guckert with a checkered past and possible agenda. Was “Jeff Ganon” fed questions by the Bush administration to use as talking points at White House briefings or just a man trying to overcome his past and pursue a career as a journalist? Additional segments include a man who tries to prove to his girlfriend that he is no longer smoking marijuana, and Steve Gardner, one of Senator John Kerry’s 12 swift boat crew members, who says he was threatened by a political operative, fired by his company and is currently broke because he refused to stand with Kerry at the Democratic Convention.

I am also very interested in see how Steve Gardner does. I am sure that if (when) they both pass, will any news media pick up on it?

The MSM…Enemy of the U.S.?

I expect this entry to get a few negative comments, but what the heck...I'm not even going to say anything about the article, but will let you all read it for yourselves and come to your own conclusions:

Mainstream News Media Vs. America

OK, let the commenting begin!

Monday, May 30, 2005

10 Reasons Not To Kill President Bush

As if we needed reasons not to hope for the death of the leader of our country. That anyone would hope for his untimely demise just shows how many sick idiots there are out there.

However Jennifer McBride, writing for the Oregon Daily Emerald of the University of Oregon, felt she had to put forth ten reasons why wackos shouldn't hope for an assasination of George W. Bush. Here are two of them:

President Bush's status as a martyr would leave the electorate more polarized than ever, especially if liberals were seen as publicly irreverent to President Bush's memory. It would be a little different if natural selection decreed death-by-snacking, but toasting an assassin's success leaves a decidedly bitter taste in the national mouth.


Slaying President Bush is simply immoral. Anyone who advocates purposefully killing someone defenseless (and a democratically elected leader, no less) is clearly value-challenged. I don't understand the logical contortions some people must go through to be anti-death penalty yet pro-assassination.

Read the rest here.

McBride's personal thoughts on Bush include the following:

In all seriousness, I don't hate President Bush. I dislike a lot of his administration's choices, but I think he's a good man doing a difficult job.

And while I don't quite like ALL of her reasons I give credit to a college student who has the guts to stand up for decency in the face of criticism not only from fellow students, but likely her instructors. She should be applauded.

Sunday, May 29, 2005

France to EU: Drop Dead!

Polipundit is reporting that pollsters say France will vote down the EU constitution, with between 55% and 57% of the voters declining.

The irony here (as Pam pointed out a few posts below) is that the reason the French voted down the EU constitution is that they're afraid it will force them to become more capitalistic and less socialistic.

Head Like a Hole

Alas, another great album I wanted to but cannot buy:

The rock band Nine Inch Nails said on Friday it canceled plans to appear on next week's MTV Movie Awards after the network questioned the band's plans to perform in front of an image of President Bush.

Using NIN language...Shut the F*CK up and sing! Geeze! I love this band and Reznor's gifted musical talent. Why must it be infuse with political imagery when none is warrented?

American Idiots

Life is tough when you are a celebrity or a celebrity-wannabe.

Movie producer Oliver Stone has once again been arrested on drug charges. The news comes as no surprise. The movie “JFK” proved long ago that Oliver’s stoned.

Corey Clark is angry because the 2005 season finale of American Idol made fun of Clark’s allegation against AI judge Paula Abdul. Just what was Clark expecting from AI? Thus far Clark has refused to help the Fox Network’s investigation of Clark’s allegation. Perhaps Clark is waiting to receive an offer from Oliver Stone.

Finally, the father of teenage actress Lindsay Lohan is being sent to prison for up to 4 years for various crimes. There is nothing particular that makes the elder Lohan worthy of the national spotlight. However, Lindsay needs her father’s troubles to be in the spotlight so people will think that Lindsay is the product of bad parenting. Lindsay has such a bad reputation in Hollywood that movie producers won’t cast her in movies with Oscar potential. Plus, single men are passing Lindsay over for her rivals. Not even Corey Clark will kiss her.

Lindsay had been hoping to have a successful singing career – that is until Americans were introduced to a young woman from Oklahoma who can really sing – American Idol winner Carrie Underwood.

There is still hope for Lindsay Lohan. If Oliver Stone believes Corey Clark, then Lohan could play the part of Paula Abdul in the Stone flick “AI”. That way Lindsay could have a boyfriend that her rivals wouldn’t want.

Holding My Breath on Judicial Nominees

There is a new "chillin" caucus out there saying that the McCain Accord on judicial nominees ain't that bad.

I am now inclined to agree:


Two of President Bush's blocked judicial nominees, cleared for confirmation by this week's Senate compromise on filibusters, gained quick approval Thursday by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The nominations of Richard Griffin and David McKeague for the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati were approved by voice vote without debate. The nominees now move to the full Senate for confirmation votes.

Democrats had blocked Griffin and McKeague at the request of Michigan's two Democratic senators, Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow. But they agreed not to hold up the nominations anymore as part of the discussion over the use of judicial filibusters.

I am NOT inclined to throw Bolton under the bus, but if these two sail through, then I am inclined to agree that the deal was good and that we need to simply rev up the base to make sure that when the filibuster is used against a Supreme Court nominee or two--then we fight the good fight.

Bolton threw cold water on the "Gang of Seven" but if this is true that there is no blockage of the unmentioned judges--then I might have to reholster my gun and say...maybe it's okay.

The EU Constitution: France Votes Today

First of all, why do all of those European countries seem to vote on Sundays? Oh right, because they don't care about religion anymore.

Snarkiness aside, this is the day that could make or break the EU constitution France votes today and as all member states must ratify it, a no vote in France could well stop the process in its tracks. However, some experts are saying that's not necessarily so, as it could pass in another referendum. The constitution must be ratified by all by September of 2006; plenty of time for more hashing out..

According to the Telegraph UK, the French "no" means something much different than a British "no":

The French want more social protection and stronger workers rights enshrined in the constitution [figures - ed.]. The majority of those in Britain who oppose the constitution think the EU is taking too much power away from Westminster.

Europe is at a crossroads. Socialism and bureaucracy run amok has emasculated many of the countries, and citizens who once bowed to kings now bow to paper pushers in Brussels. Each country once had its own identity. Now, those identities are being pushed aside in order to create a super-state that, it is hoped, will be able to put the U.S. in its place (those darn Colonials).

Yet even if the EU constitution is accepted without a hitch, Europe faces many obstacles that are really self-imposed. Socialism is really a new form of the old feudal system, with the government doling out restrictions in the guise of benefits, and many have lost their will to do any more work that is necessary. The immigration and deliberate non-assimilation of Muslims is a bomb waiting to go off, as many of these people feel no allegiance to the countries in which they live, work, and raise their children.

The more nations that vote "No", the stronger the Eurosceptic case becomes. However, even without widespread support for the constitution, politicians will salvage parts of it by implementing them in other treaties. No doubt the EU's political pace would slow to a crawl for some time while the damage was repaired.

That's the crux of the situation. No matter if the people vote "no," the politicians will make sure they get their way in the end. Isn't that what bureaucracy is all about?

Saturday, May 28, 2005

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER!

Yesterday was Aaron's birthday and I forgot.
So, even though this is a day late, the wish is just as sincere.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AARON!

Hunter S. Thompson Update--Now With Jeff Gannon Tie-In!

(Crossposted from Brainster's)

HST's still dead, still the subject of countless stories.

Organizers of a memorial for Hunter S. Thompson plan to erect a 150-foot structure _ courtesy of actor Johnny Depp _ to shoot the gonzo journalist's ashes onto his ranch near here.

Friends and acquaintances gathered Thursday to discuss the Aug. 20 invitation-only service, which will be six months after Thompson shot himself in his Woody Creek home.

Actor Johnny Depp poses for a portrait June 21, 2003, in Los Angeles. Depp, who portrayed the author in the movie version of Hunter Thompson's book "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" will pay for the construction of a 150-foot tower, which will resemble Thompson's "gonzo fist" emblem with a cannon at the top. As per Thompson's wishes, his cremated remains will be shot out of the cannon onto his property.

Jon Equis, the event producer working with Thompson's family, said the tower will be 12 feet wide at the base and 8 feet wide at the top, where a cannon will be placed.

Depp, who portrayed the author in the movie version of Thompson's book "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" will pay for the tower, designed to resemble Thompson's "gonzo fist" emblem.

As Thompson requested, his ashes will be shot out of the cannon onto his property.

Meanwhile, Jeff Gannon just keeps on giving. Turns out that he's at least partly responsible for HST's "assassination".

: But even in death, Hunter is causing trouble.
: Conspiracy theorists claim he was assassinated
: because he was about to blow the lid on a White
: House child sex porn ring with links back to
: the Franklin Cover-Up case, (which uncovered
: 15 year old callboys staying at Bush Snr's
: White House).

: Jeff Gannon, A White House journalist, was
: recently unmasked as a male escort entrepreneur
: called James Guckert, but crazy conspiracists
: reckon he is really Johnny Gosch, a kid taken by
: a paedophile ring in Des Moines in the 80s. One
: of the other victims of the ring, Paul Bonacci,
: testified that he helped kidnap Gosch to
: participate in a paedo orgy at the Bohemian
: Grove club... an event he claimed was secretly
: filmed by Hunter Thompson.

Coming soon: Was Jeff Gannon at the Grassy Knoll?

Tierney: The Decline and Fall of War

John Tierney's back with a reflection on a Gregg Easterbrook piece in TNR that's attracting a lot of attention.

I posed that question nearly a decade ago to my favorite prophet, Julian Simon, the economist who spent his career refuting doomsayers' predictions. He was convinced that three horsemen of the apocalypse - famine, pestilence, death - were in rapid retreat, and he suspected that the fourth was in trouble, too.

"I predict that the incidence of war will decline," he told me in 1996, two years before his death. He based his prediction on the principle that there is less and less to be gained economically from war. As people get richer and smarter, their lives and their knowledge become far more valuable than the land, minerals and natural resources they used to fight over.

Meanwhile, the number of people fighting has plummeted, even though population has grown enormously. "From what we know about war, we can only conclude that it's a much lesser problem today," said Monty Marshall of George Mason University, a co-author of the "Peace and Conflict" report. "War between countries is much less likely than ever, and civil war is less likely than any time since 1960."

Easterbrook's piece notes that the number of wars being fought worldwide peaked in 1991 and has been falling steadily ever since. The year 1991 is significant, for that was the year the Soviet Union finally collapsed. Since then, the Kremlin has not been fomenting "people's" revolutions around the globe. Easterbrook also cites the complementary phenomenon of the growth of democracy.

Another thing I appreciate about Tierney is his use of citations and footnotes in his columns, with links to the original material. That's not just rare in the newspaper world; as far as I know it's unique. I've said it before and I'll say it again; he's rapidly moving up my list of favorite pundits.

Friday, May 27, 2005

What do the Brits think about the EU?

Tim Worstall has posted a contest on his blog, asking for the best obnoxious bumper sticker slogans for the EU his readers can come up with. Here are some of my faves:

EU will be assimilated

Screw EU!

The EU: Serf ‘n’ Turf

EU. Ewwwwwwwww.

Click here to see more. The contest will run throughout the weekend, and the winner will be announced Monday.