Learn More by What they Leave Out!

Michelle Malkin receives information from Corporal Starr's uncle -- and we find what the New York Times left out in their musings. Corporal Starr, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq, wrote the below and the New York Times does not want to you to know it-

"I don't regret going, everybody dies but few get to do it for something as important as freedom. It may seem confusing why we are in Iraq, it's not to me. I'm here helping these people, so that they can live the way we live. Not have to worry about tyrants or vicious dictators. To do what they want with their lives. To me that is why I died. Others have died for my freedom, now this is my mark."

Wow, I Passed -- Can You?

Just for fun I took this 8th grade test and to my surprise I passed, well maybe not... Below is my report card and a link for YOU to take the test.

You Passed 8th Grade Math

Congratulations, you got 10/10 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Math?

(via Inside Google)

More Celebration from The Left

and The Left Celebrates

(via Cox & Forkum)

Hmm, Interesting!

The Washington Post has this, no recruitment crisis for the Army. Something the "gloom and doomers" don't like to hear -- well actually they will just ignore it! Some excerpts.

On Oct. 11 the Defense Department released its recruiting figures for fiscal 2005. Much attention has been given to the Army missing its goal of 80,000 recruits by 6,600. Despite some alarmist rhetoric, the Army is not in a recruiting crisis or considering a draft.
To put this year's shortfall in perspective, the total of 73,400 people recruited is within 2 percent of the average recruitment each year for the past 10 years. And the Army finished the last four months of the year strongly, recruiting more than 8,000 people each month. The Army also exceeded its reenlistment goals, enabling it to just about make up for the recruiting shortfall.

(hat tip: Mudville Gazette)

Still Waiting for Their Celebration

The 'anti' war crowd is waiting with baited breath for the celebration-- the media appears to be anxiously waiting...
Two US Marines killed in Iraq, death toll now 1,999

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Two U.S. Marines were killed in Iraq when their vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb, the military said on Tuesday, pushing the total U.S. military death toll since the 2003 invasion to 1,999.

Here is a helpful link for the "loony left".

Adopted by Iraqi Voters

This is monumental -- no matter how it is reported:-)
Draft Constitution Adopted by Iraqi Voters (AP)

AP - Iraq's landmark constitution was adopted by a majority of voters during the country's Oct. 15 referendum, as Sunni Arab opponents failed to muster enough support to defeat it, election officials said Tuesday.

Wilma Information

Will it Be a Celebration

What a headline! Makes one think the "anti" war folks are anxiously waiting and almost hopeful -- really a shame wouldn't you say?
Iraq war foes ready for 2,000th military death (Reuters)

Yes it Was a Mistake!

Is this guy looking for pity? Me, I don't feel sorry for him -- yes it was a mistake!
Wired News Army Deserter Recalls Abuse in N. Korea

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- A U.S. Army deserter who spent decades in North Korea says his communist keepers abused him and controlled every aspect of his life, down to telling him how often to have sex.
'It was the worst mistake anyone ever made,' Charles Jenkins said. 'In words, I cannot express the feelings I have towards North Korea, the harassment I got, the hard life.'

Next Generation Malware requires a RootKit Scanner

Scan your computer for hidden trojans and malware using this rootkit scanner. This is freeware and the best scanner... If it finds something do a Google search on how to remove it. Don't understand rootkits -- select more or read some show notes from "Security Now!".

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FBI Raids "Spam King" Alan Ralsky - Good Riddance

According to The Detroit News, the FBI has finally raided the 8,000-sq. foot home of "Spam King" Alan Ralsky, who made his living off of bulk e-mail campaigns. Ralsky routinely pumped out over 100 million e-mails daily. The FBI seized computers and financial records, effectively shutting him down.

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How to Report Good News Badly

Iraq Charter Seems Assured of Approval
The above title reflects an historical event that ALL should be happy about; however, the AP shows how good news can be reported badly.

But the outcome could further divide the nation, with many Sunnis fearing the new decentralized government will deprive them of their fair share in the country's vast oil wealth. Large numbers of Sunnis voted 'no,' and some of their leaders were already rejecting the apparent result.

The writer here is not only a report but a clairvoyant -- predicting what will happen. I wonder if the writer knows about our very own constitution? Does Mr. Keith know that the US constitution was almost defeated if not for some compromises, compromises that ended up in the bill of rights? No, of course not -- Mr. Keith (the writer) does not claim to be a historian only clairvoyant. Got to love the MSM, they really believe we listen to their opinions -- ROFL!

Voting in Iraq Round 2

Another giant step in Iraq that most likely will be criticized and underestimated by the MSM -- then of course, like with the first vote their tune will change to how they thought it would be a good thing.

"This weekend is a momentous time in the history of the Middle East. After choosing their leaders in free elections in January, the Iraqi people have gone to the polls to vote on a democratic constitution. This constitution is the result of months of debate and compromise by representatives of Iraq's diverse ethnic and religious communities. These leaders came together to produce a document that protects fundamental freedoms and lays the foundation for a lasting democracy. Earlier this week, the Iraqi people embraced changes to the text that have led to its endorsement by some Sunni leaders, as well as Kurdish and Shia leaders. Now the people of Iraq will have the final say." - President George W. Bush (October 15, 2005 Radio Address) 

Transcript of President Bush's Radio address.

Getting by on Only 4.5 Hours of Sleep!

The author states the the overall quantity of sleep doesn't matter as long as it is in 90 minute multiples. He functions on 3 hours of sleep at night and one 90 minute nap in the evening and feels completely alert and refreshed.

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Well -- Example of Stagged

Now this is an example of "stagging" something -- is this something new, NO. However, this piece appearing right after Katie Couric reports the Whitehouse may have "stagged an event" for a "photo op" is funny and a fine example of the "pot calling the kettle black"... Give me a break!

Here is a participants response to some of the "bashing" and "accusations", coming from the left, about President Bushes talk with the troops -- again, GIVE ME A BREAK!

Oops! HP Recalls 135,000 Laptops

An overheating problem in batteries used in some HP laptops can cause their casings to melt and even catch fire.
An overheating problem in batteries used in some HP laptops can cause their casings to melt and even catch fire. The US Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a product recall notice on HP laptops.

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Welcome Home!

Marines return after nearly four decades
I know these families are glad to have their family members home -- welcome home heroes!

MARINE BARRACKS WASHINGTON, D.C. - The families of 11 Marines, their long wait finally over, said a final goodbye to loved ones not forgotten after nearly four decades.

Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place for America's honored heroes, was the rain-laden backdrop to the history-making event that saw hundreds of friends, service members and families pay tribute to the men who gave the ultimate sacrifice so many years before.

Love Competition

Well if nothing else the release of Google Talk may have driven the "top three" IM(s) to "play" better together making their products better for all.
Microsoft, Yahoo to link IM services

SEATTLE (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. and Yahoo Inc. are preparing to link together their free instant messaging services as they take on entrenched messaging leader AOL and market newcomer Google Inc., a source close to the companies said on Tuesday.

N. Korea -- More Tricks!

U.S. accuses North Korea of $100 bill counterfeiting
Looks like North Korea has learned a new game instead of the usual "sure we will" - "no we want" - "it's the US's fault", game!

The Bush administration formally has accused North Korea of manufacturing high-quality counterfeit $100 'supernotes' for the first time, according to an indictment made public yesterday as part of a 16-year probe.
'Quantities of the supernote were manufactured in, and under auspices of the government of, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea),' said the indictment of Irish national Sean Garland and six others. 'Individuals, including North Korean nationals acting as ostensible government officials, engaged in the worldwide transportation, delivery, and sale of quantities of supernotes.'

Fair and Balanced Documentary

You just don't know how excited I am about Spike Lee making a Katrina documentary, RIGHT! I am sure it is a selfless act not involving any monetary benefit for himself and it will be totally "fair and balanced" -- again RIGHT.

More on The Video Ipod

Apple Introduces Video, TV Playing IPod (AP)

AP - Apple Computer Inc. unveiled Wednesday an iPod capable of playing videos, evolving the portable music player of choice into a multimedia platform for everything from TV shows to music videos.

Like I stated -- great idea if you have not invested in a DVR or enjoy a 2.5" screen or are traveling somewhere there is no television; of course, places that don't have television aren't that greatest for delicate electronics. Me, I will stick with my audio/photo only nano...

ABC Puts 'Lost,' 'Housewives' on iTunes

The network and its parent company, Disney, have teamed up with Apple to offer episodes of several shows, including monster hits "Lost" and "Desperate Housewives," on Apple's iTunes music service. The deal, which Disney says is the first of its kind, coincides with the release of ITUNES 6.
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Any of you that are interested in carrying video with you the "video Ipod" announced today is for you. Me, I am happy with my Nano since Audio (Podcast) is all I am interested in -- a 2.5" TV screen will not replace my TV besides replaying sports events isn't really my cup of tea and sports is the only reason for Television/Video isn't it? However, these series will play with the new ITUNES 6.0 on your computer and an episode is only $1.99... So not that expensive if you just have to stay up to date on your series and haven't invested in a DVR.

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The iWood Nano Case

This looks cool...

The iWood nano—available in varieties such as maple, mahogany, pear, wengé and walnut—is carved from a single piece of wood and features a hinging lid. Click 'your iwood' on the site to see how Bill Gates got his wife one!!!

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Pretty Fair Reporting - Katrina

Lisa Myers ask, How much blame does Gov. Blanco deserve?, and it somewhat refreshing to read this fairly balanced piece in the MSM (Main Stream Media). (Hat tip: Betsy's Page)

US Troops Plan to Protect Voters...

Well someone please tell me how reporting US troops plan to protect voters and votes in Iraq is news? I mean did ANYONE think that US troops would not be involved? The story should be that the "constitutional referendum" vote is taking place, but maybe it is just me.

Reuters - U.S. troops trying to make Saturday's constitutional referendum in Iraq as safe as possible say it's not just people who have to be protected, but millions of pieces of paper.

Laura Bush says sexism... Mistake!

In defending the President's nomination, First Lady Laura Bush says sexism possible in Miers criticism -- this is a mistake! I have not made many if any personal comments about the choice; however, those that are opposed are not "sexist" and in fact some of the most outspoken opponents are FEMALE. To continue this course of defense could alienate some supporters.

I will say, in my opinion, President Bush has a pretty good "track record" with his choices... With that said, the choice is made -- let process move forward -- defending the choice is fine but throwing out words like sexism comes dangerously close to liberals throwing "racism" around referring to Katrina -- it is totally unfounded and appears ridiculous. Some excerpts from The Post:

COVINGTON, Louisiana (Reuters) - First lady Laura Bush joined her husband in defending his nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday and said it was possible some critics were being sexist in their opposition to Harriet Miers.

Google Bookmarking

Google now has added the feature to bookmark the pages you visit, as well as add notes and comments.

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Halo Annoucment

Since I am a Halo fan I am somewhat excited about this -- well as excited as an old man like me can get over a movie... The effects should be fantastic.

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This Hits Close to Home

Not sure about you but I have chronic insomnia and in today's world on those sleepless night I head to the internet or television. With that said I found this article on scientists finding out what losing sleep does to a body interesting.

With a good night's rest increasingly losing out to the Internet, e-mail, late-night cable and other distractions of modern life, a growing body of scientific evidence suggests that too little or erratic sleep may be taking an unappreciated toll on Americans' health.
Beyond leaving people bleary-eyed, clutching a Starbucks cup and dozing off at afternoon meetings, failing to get enough sleep or sleeping at odd hours heightens the risk for a variety of major illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes and obesity, recent studies indicate.

List of Charities for Asian Quake

Note: Be prepared for the New Orleans leaders to whine that South Asian quake victims are stilling from them.

Numbers Rising -- Tragic

Death Toll Surpasses 30,000 in Asia Quake

Villagers desperate to find survivors dug with bare hands Sunday through the debris of a collapsed school where children had been heard crying beneath the rubble after a massive earthquake killed more than 30,000 people in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir alone.

More on Taylor Behl

Here is a Google News Search for stories related to Taylor Behl. I provide this and the previous post to make sure any parents with children -- followup with them and see what the are posting and communicating with... Although I remember when I was in college I thought I knew everything we all know (adults anyway) we didn't. Keep her family in your prayers.

Girl murdered by man she met on MySpace

"Taylor Behl, a student from Virginia, has been found murdered. The prime suspect, Ben Fawley claims to be an amateur photographer and is being held by authorities." Her myspace page is still up along with all the comments her friends have been leaving her from the day she disappeared up until she was found.

Parents be warned

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Vols Loose - Again!

Well, the game is now over and my Volunteers just got slammed at home by Georgia yet again! To add insult to the defeat we may have last Jason Allen for the season... Seems that we have tons of talent except where it is needed and what is the deal with the offensive line that was suppose to be so dominating... In two weeks we have Alabama who put a whipping on Florida, our other loss, last week. Oh well, I still bleed orange -- Go Big Orange!

Sorry, But I am Getting Tired of This

First we hear "there isn't enough help" and now Big Easy Leaders Upset Over Cleanup Jobs -- give me a break. Not that all New Orleanians are a bunch of ingrates but their leaders certainly appear to be. Some excerpts:

And yet, many of the workers are not actually from New Orleans.
Many of those engaged in the huge cleanup and reconstruction effort here - nobody has an exact count - are immigrants, both legal and illegal, from Mexico and Central America.
Meanwhile, as many as 80,000 New Orleanians sit idle in shelters around the country. They are out of work, homeless and destitute.

Well it appears they are showing their "racist" colors and here is an idea -- go to those "idle" residents and hire them if you are that upset.

Ipod nano VS the washing machine

Having recently purchased an "Ipod Nano" I found this story interesting...

A crazy nano survival story. Who said the nano was fragile?

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Complete Digg Tools Collection

Comprehensive resource for all things related to Digg.

Thought you all, if you like Digg, might be interested in this information.

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Able Danger - Just a Reminder

Report due in Able Danger probe - The Washington Times>

The Senate Intelligence Committee has taken closed-door statements in an inquiry that could clear up whether the intelligence program Able Danger identified September 11 hijacker Mohamed Atta a year before the attack.
A spokesman said yesterday that the committee likely will release a report or a statement in the next two weeks that makes conclusions, or at least determines the facts.

Previous post; Do Chemicals Count as WMD(s)?, Able Danger - Developing, Able Danger - Redux, Able Danger - Update, and Able Danger - Revisited

I Can't Wait for the Propaganda Station - How 'bout you?

Al-Jazeera finds its English voice - MSNBC.com, an English voice from England... David Frost now that will instantly add creditability to their propaganda -- RIGHT!

Al-Jazeera, which is launching an English-language network with Washington as a major hub, has landed its first big-name Western journalist: David Frost. And the veteran BBC interviewer says he's perfectly comfortable with the unlikely marriage.

Google Lauches a RSS Reader

Here we go! Well here it is -- really slow right now, but I am sure it will improve rather quickly. There is g-mail and blogger integration, or should I say there appears to be -- due to the slowness I gave up but plan to return and give it a real test drive.

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MSCONFIG update

Thought you all might find this interesting... Microsoft updates the MSCONFIG utility in Windows XP with a new "Tools" tab.

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Breaking News!

Exactly how is this news? You mean a "life sentence" is actually a life sentence? Must of been a slow news day -- what does the New York Times think "a life term" means?
To More Inmates, Life Term Means Dying Behind Bars - New York Times

V.P. Cheney on Harriet Miers Nomination

Interest on what Vice President Cheney had to say about the Harriet Miers nomination... Here is the transcript of an interview with Rush.

DVD Fight of the Future

HD-DVD battle rages -- choose your side. "Both Blu-ray and HD-DVD formats are due to hit the high street next spring."

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BTW -- Expanding What I Blog

Some may have noticed I have included some techie things in this blog -- Yes, I will still blog on news, politics, etc., but I am really getting burned out on 24/7 news and "defending the country from the "All American Bashers"... The lines are pretty much defined and there will not be much movement one way of the other -- at least until the "mid terms"...

With this said look forward to seeing some "expanded" content... Anyone that is into tech, check out digg.

Wikipedia corrects Encyclopedia Britannica

Those who have voiced skepticism over the reliability of information found in Wikipedia should take note of this. The collaboratively assembled encyclopedia maintains a page devoted to correcting errors in its chief offline competitor, the venerable Encyclopedia Britannica.

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Well Maybe -- Go Vols!

Well after the disappointment in Florida maybe, just maybe, the Tennessee Volunteers are actually ready for some football. Monday they come from behind to beat LSU in overtime and today the had a pretty easy time with Ole Miss... The next three weeks will tell -- Georgia and Alabama, if you did not know Alabama dismantled Florida today...