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September 29, 2006

Rubber Chicken Alert

Prior to a screening of his film "World Trade center", Oliver Stone pulled out a rubber chicken blasting Bush and the war.  I'm sure they lapped it all up.

"From Sept. 12 on, the incident (the attacks) was politicized and it has polarized the entire world," said Stone. "It is a shame because it is a waste of energy to see that the entire world five years later is still convulsed in the grip of 9/11.

"It's a waste of energy away from things that do matter which is poverty, death, disease, the planet itself and fixing things in our own homes rather than fighting wars with others. Mr. Bush has set America back 10 years, maybe more."

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060929/ap_en_mo/film_oliver_stone

The other quote that caught my eye was Stone saying, ""I think that conspiracy-mongering on 9/11 is a waste of time".  Let's see how much time he wastes making a movie about 9/11 conspiracy theories, as has been the rumor.

September 28, 2006

Al Qaeda in Iraq Acknowledges Losses

Al Qaeda leader in Iraq, Abu Ayyub Masri, acknowledged, for most likely the first time, losses of foreign terrorists.

"The blood has been spilled in Iraq of more than 4,000 foreigners who came to fight," according to the Internet message by a man who identified himself as Abu Hamza Muhajir -- also known as Abu Ayyub Masri -- the leader of al Qaeda in Iraq. The voice could not be identified independently. The Arabic word he used indicated he was speaking about foreigners who joined the insurgency in Iraq, not coalition troops.

Source: http://www.washingtontimes.com/world/20060928-010922-7554r.htm

The crucial fact is that these  are 4,000+ foreign born terrorists.  They went to Iraq for the sole purpose of killing Americans and now they can't harm anyone.

September 26, 2006

Required Reading: Who Is Noam Chomsky?

Since Hugo's infomercial on Chomsky, his book sales have increased and you have to wonder if Hugo gets a commission.  For those of you who don't know Chomsky's background, WSJ Opinion Journal has a good intro. 

For it is his ability to excite not just contempt for American foreign policy but a lively sense that it is guided by some kind of criminal conspiracy that provides the motive for Prof. Chomsky's unceasing diatribes and the explanation of his influence. The world is full of people who wish to think ill of America. And most of them would like to be Americans. The Middle East seethes with such people, and Prof. Chomsky appeals directly to their envious emotions, as well as to the resentments of leaders like President Chavez who cannot abide the sight of a freedom that they haven't the faintest idea how to produce or the least real desire to emulate.

Source: http://www.opinionjournal.com/la/?id=110008997

Read the entire article Who Is Noam Chomsky? by Roger Scruton.

September 25, 2006

Rubber Chicken Alert

Its origins are questionable, but simply put, the rubber chicken is just a comedy prop that has been around probably longer than the whoopee cushion. The gag is so old the prop now represents hackneyed gags; when in doubt pull out the rubber chicken for a guaranteed laugh.

So I have this theory about celebrities, which I suppose by my standards includes actors, musicians, comedians, and authors (though their actually celebrity status may be in question), that when desperate to get attention they rely on their own rubber chicken - bashing Bush.

Are you're an aspiring comedian or perhaps you've been around for a while but your material is getting stale? Or are you a washed up musician in need of a hit album or tour promotion? An actor looking to plug a new movie or a neophyte looking to get in the door? All you need is a rubber chicken.

The latest Rubber Chicken is showing up at George Michael's latest tour. Drudge was running a link to the story. Roger Waters floated his a few weeks ago, but he cleverly disguised it as a pig. Even Burt Bacharach whipped out his rubber chicken a while back.

Going forward, I'll have a Rubber Chicken Alert when it makes an appearance.

September 24, 2006

UK Police to Consult Muslim Leaders Before Raids

British police will now have consult Muslim leaders before conducting raids.  Since when do civilian panels get to determine whether police have evidence enough to conduct raids?

POLICE have agreed to consult a panel of Muslim leaders before mounting counter-terrorist raids or arrests. Members of the panel will offer their assessment of whether information police have on a suspect is too flimsy and will also consider the consequences on community relations of a raid.

Members will be security vetted and will have to promise not to reveal any intelligence they are shown. They will not have to sign the Official Secrets Act.

Source: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-2372471,00.html

Oh, they'll have to promise not to tell!  Now I feel better.  Will other groups start asking for these privileges?

I think treatment like this has to be earned.  Let these leaders start working with law enforcement to root out terrorists from their communities and once you have a positive track record maybe then you can start doing this.  Essentially, London police are acting as their informants.

Michelle Malkin has more info and thinks America will follow suit.

September 22, 2006

You Can't Do That to Our President...

I wasn't going to comment on Hugo Chavez's U.N. speech and the chatter that ensued.  But now I just can't help it.  A co-worker, in one movie reference, completely captured the moment when describing the statements by Charlie Rangel and Nancy Pelosi.

As you might know, trying to score some easy points with the public, they jumped all over his criticism of President Bush.

He can't do that...

What is Torture?

The use of torture to gather intelligence from terrorists is under great scrutiny lately. There are those who believe torture works and those that don't.

This Hot Air story should put that to rest.

Anti-"torture" absolutists like Sullivan adamantly deny that harsh tactics produce reliable information. It's their way of avoiding the moral dilemma presented by a ticking time-bomb scenario. But they'll have to face it now, because in four short minutes Brian Ross utterly explodes that particular article of quasi-religious faith as fantasy. Not only did they break Khaled Sheikh Mohammed; not only was the information he gave them valuable; not only did it save lives; but Ross's sources include people within the CIA who are opposed to the practices.

Source: http://hotair.com/archives/2006/09/20/bombshell-abc-independently-confirms-success-of-cia-torture-tactics/

What concerns me is the term "torture", which is being thrown about a bit carelessly lately and unless Americans actually perform some due diligence and find out what the interrogation techniques are, they'll probably be left with a Hollywood interpretation of "torture".  Here are some real techniques:

The techniques sought by the CIA are: induced hypothermia; forcing suspects to stand for prolonged periods; sleep deprivation; a technique called "the attention grab" where a suspect's shirt is forcefully seized; the "attention slap" or open hand slapping that hurts but does not lead to physical damage; the "belly slap"; and sound and light manipulation.

Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,,1874823,00.html

Attention grab? Belly slap? Where is the wet willie? I'm sorry, this is not torture. Though I never want to experience any of these things, I still don't see it as torture. Even Brian Ross' description of water boarding, as horrific as it sounds, leaves no permanent physical damage. Some may argue that the recipient is left with permanent mental trauma, possibly unable to function under certain circumstances.  I find these things to be too subjective.  Should we stop a highly effective procedure because a small percentage may have lingering negative psychological effects?

Torture, by my definition, is dismemberment, being put on the rack, or in the iron maiden and mental torture is watching someone you care about get racked or cut up.  The methods currently used are effective and, I would wager most Americans agree, perfectly acceptable.

September 20, 2006

USA Today & A Lesson in Economics

USA Today carried a story on September 19, it was actually suggesting the recent decline in gas price may spur inflation.  

The recent sharp decline in gasoline prices may help consumers. But it also may stoke inflationary fires, perhaps forcing the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates again later this year, some economists, such as those at Merrill Lynch and the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, say.

Source: http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/fed/rates/2006-09-18-gas-fed_x.htm?POE=NEWISVA

There's a reason that Economics has been called "The Dismal Science". "Dismal" has a meaning beyond gloomy. It is: "characterized by ineptitude, dullness or lack of merit". If inflation is a rise in the overall (average) price level, including fuel costs, then other prices would have to rise by more than the fuel cost decline in order for the overall (average) price level to rise. If other prices don't rise as much, or not at all, then falling fuel prices are disinflationary. One had to pay attention in 7th grade arithmetic to figure that out.

-Zorroaster

No Jacket Required

Watching Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad speak at the U.N. about how his country's nuclear aspirations are "transparent, peaceful and under the watchful eye" of the United Nations, something didn't sit right with me.

As he implied that American forces were purposely releasing terrorists captured by Iraqi government in order to facilitate violence and an extended stay, I was just distracted by something.

I scratched my head when he said American foreign policy had something to do with hurricane Katrina, though the words weren't the itch. With furrowed brow I listened as he suggested the U.S. government willfully ignored intelligence leading to 9/11.

There is something wrong with this man. He's not wearing a tie.

When the camera pans around the room, everyone I see is wearing either a tie or traditional clothing of their country. It looks like he was wearing a suit, but I wonder if that's the house jacket.

George Ajjan may how found the real reason:

This issue goes back to the immediate aftermath of the 1979 Revolution. Before the revolution, all public figures in Iran and all officials wore ties, both domestically and when on visits abroad. Shortly after the revolution however, the tie itself began being associated with "Western imperialism", especially after Ayatollah Khomeini branded a large group of intellectuals (who were less religiously zealous than he would have liked) as "tie-wearing cronies of the West" and essentially branded anyone wearing a tie as being Western influenced.

Source: http://www.ajjan.com/2006/07/dress-code-of-revolution-iran-style.html

He's just too cool for school!

Stay tuned for the next issue of "Informal Leader Quarterly" where we explore the wardrobe of Bolivian Leader, Evo Morales.

September 18, 2006

Conspiracy Becomes Mainstream

A few years ago, someone sent me a link to a 9/11 conspiracy website. I can't remember which one, but it concerned itself mostly with the Pentagon. In line with most of today's conspiracy theorists, it claimed a missile hit the Pentagon, not a hijacked commercial jet.  I dismissed it.

Now, all this time later, these theories are picking up major steam.  What concerns me though, is not the theorists themselves (they're going to be around forever), but the increasing belief in these theories. It is now becoming mainstream to believe 9/11 was an "inside job" cooked up mainly as an excuse to go to war in the Middle East.

A recent Scripps survey reveals the following:

More than a third of the American public suspects that federal officials assisted in the 9/11 terrorist attacks or took no action to stop them...

Thirty-six percent of respondents overall said it is "very likely" or "somewhat likely" that federal officials either participated in the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon or took no action to stop them "because they wanted the United States to go to war in the Middle East."

Source: http://newspolls.org/story.php?story_id=55

The enthusiasm that Americans have in embracing these theories finally struck me when I ran into an old friend shortly after the foiled airline terror plot this summer. She mentioned having to take a flight in the near future and though she had some worries, she felt the plot was fiction.

Here she was, feeling quite comfortable admitting to buying into some sort of conspiracy theory in spite of the dangers. It was then I realized conspiracy had gone mainstream.

So I've been trying to figure out why. Why are people so willing to believe these theories? And I've concluded it is the unwillingness to admit to an enemy whose devotion to killing us goes far beyond what my generation has ever known.  It is a belief out of convenience.

It's easier to believe your government did this because you can vote them out of power, they can be held accountable, you can scream, spit venom, and call for impeachments without fear of retribution. It is easier to sleep at night when there really aren't fanatics waiting to blow your morning flight out of the sky.

Fighting radical Islam is a daunting task that in even the best estimations will take decades and cost many lives. This is hard to grasp, hard to live with; it takes will. A will few Americans have anymore.  And fortunately for them, if it is real, they can still blame the government for not doing enough to protect them.

 

September 15, 2006

Groin Grabbing Billboard Draws Ire

The onslaught continues. The recurring theme in advertising lately has been to simply cater to the gutter. Be insulting, crass, and offensive. It doesn't matter as long as you get attention for your product. McDonald's does it, MAC Cosmetics and Hummer too, so why should it stop.

SEE Eyewear is showcasing its best and brightest idea in a large billboard in Manhattan featuring a construction worker grabbing his crotch with the tagline "I got your glasses right here!"

Villager photo by Jefferson Siegel

How clever. Next they'll have pimp, hand raised, with the caption "B**ch, where are my glasses?"

They got what they wanted, I suppose, people are talking about it, but I'll never buy any of their products. Another contribution to the slow death of common decency.  Some people are standing up to this type of advertising though.  Graffiti on the ad pointed out the rudeness, while someone else ripped the whole thing down.

[Company president Richard] Golden said the company was trying to have some fun, citing that the billboard is no worse then what one might see on MTV or even ESPN. He also said SEE has no intention of removing the advertisement anytime soon.

"We don't do anything to purposefully offend anyone, but we don't do things traditionally," Golden said.

Source: http://www.thevillager.com/villager_176/groansofdisapproval.html

Oriana Fallaci, 1930 - 2006

Oriana Fallaci, journalist and author, died of cancer at the age of 77.

Fallaci, who had been ill with cancer for several years, died at a private clinic in her home city of Florence overnight, said Paolo Klun, of the RCS publishing group, which published Fallaci's work. She had returned to Florence in the last days of her life after living for decades in New York…

Small, beautiful, and extraordinarily tough, Fallaci was an Italian resistance fighter who became a war correspondent in the 1950s and 1960s, covering the Vietnam War and conflicts in the Middle East and Latin America. She was shot three times and beaten by Mexican police covering student riots in 1968.

Source: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,13509-2359546,00.html

Back in March, I wrote about how the City Lights bookstore in San Francisco, famous for selling banned books, refused to sell Oriana Fallaci's book The Force of Reason. "We don't carry books by fascists," said the clerk.

A truly unbelievable response, considering it was fascists during World War II and more recently Islamic fascists, that she was railing against. As Cathy Seipp wrote of the incident, "It's particularly repugnant that someone who fought against actual fascism in World War II should be deemed a fascist by a snotty San Francisco clerk."

Rest in peace Ms. Fallaci, though we'll never compare to you, we'll do our best to continue the fight.

September 14, 2006

Evolutionists vs Creationists

The first thing to remember is that Evolution and Common Descent are not the same thing. Any semi-educated person should have no trouble grasping the evolutionary notions that "natural selection" and "survival of the fittest" can, over time, lead to changes in the forms of beings. There is no reason for people believing in a creator to deny such occurrences. That all beings evolved from one common ancestor is another matter. Although many people believe it to be so, Common Descent is by no means proven. Nor, is the corollary belief that the common ancestor was not created, but arose from spontaneous generation (abiogenesis). However, there is a reason so many believe in its validity in the absence of proof. It is that, if there is no higher creative power, then, they'll never have to answer for their life's deeds or decisions. Similarly, God(s)-believers take comfort in the belief that a higher power cares about them.

The second thing to remember is that man's failure to "prove" either Common Descent or Creation does not mean that neither is true, or, for that matter, many other alternative origin-of-the-universe explanations are not true. For, example, the possibility that every religion may have the creation story wrong, does not prove there is no Creator.

The third thing to remember is that Creationists don't know whether their creator is benevolent, malevolent, or neutral. A "leap in the dark" is a leap in the dark.

The truth is nobody really knows these things for sure. There is very little reason to support the vehemence of either side in the arguments.

-Zorroaster

Welcome a New Contributor

I'd like to introduce a new author to The Broken Chair, Zorroaster.  He has agreed to post from time to time on an array of topics.  His features will be titled Random Thoughts on Current Controversies.  I hope you enjoy the added content.

September 13, 2006

Rosie O'Donnell: Radical Christianity As Much a Threat as Radical Islam

I just heard this on the TV in the next room and couldn't believe my ears.  A summary from Hot Air:

On yesterday’s garrulous fem talk show “The View”, Meredith Viera’s replacement compared the “threat” of “radical” Christianity in America to radical Islam throughout the world.

Source: http://hotair.com/archives/2006/09/13/video-rosie-sez-radical-christianity-is-just-as-threatening-as-radical-islam/

Is there anything you can say to this?  And the audience applauds.  I think of Kierkegaard when he wrote, "This is the way, I suppose, the world will be destroyed -- amid the universal hilarity of wits and wags who think it is all a joke."

That Book Meme

Karol at Alarming News has tagged me, and to be honest, I was clueless.  I thought to myself, "Cool, I was tagged...wait what the hell does that mean?" Fortunately for you I figured it out, so here it goes.

1. One book that changed your life?

I mentioned once that Steppenwolf by Herman Hesse was a launching pad for my young adult life, but in hindsight I must mention Narcissus and Goldmund, also by Hesse.  I read both books in succession, and I have to say it was the latter that spoke to me and drove me to read more.

2. One book you have read more than once?

Post Office.  Quintessential Bukowski.  Never gets old.

3. One book you would want on a desert island?

The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook. Yeah, well I don't want to be on a deserted island.  The serious answer would be I Am Legend by Richard Matheson.  Why?  Cause it's just a kick ass book and the whole last man on earth theme would fit well.

4. One book that made you cry?

The Perfect Storm had a very detailed description of drowning coupled with real people you got to know along the way on the Andrea Gail.  It brought a tear to my eye.

5. One book that made you laugh?

The writing is a bit disjointed, sort of like a music video in written form, but Et Tu, Babe by Richard Leyner had me getting more than a few strange looks on the R train.  In sorts, it is a satire on celebrity culture where the next big thing is the visceral tattoo, not outside on your skin, but on the internal organs.

6. One book you wish had been written?

Nothing comes to mind.

7. One book you wish had never been written?

If it was written, it should remain so.

8. One book you are currently reading?

I'm about to start The Painted Word by Tom Wolfe.

9. One book you have been meaning to read?

Requiem for a Dream by Hubert Selby Jr.  I was first introduced to Selby by reading Last Exit to Brooklyn then learned of and saw the movie version of Requiem.  I just never got around to reading it.

10. Now tag five people…

I barely know five people in real life let alone with blogs.  I'll have to work on that.

The League of Reports, Resolutions, Letters, Journals, and Circulars

I have long been in favor of the United States withdrawing from the United Nations and asking them, politely if they want but not required, to take their diplomatic plates and go find some other country to conduct business. Perhaps France would be a perfect place for them to set up shop. The American Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2005, which I believe dates back to 1999, was introduced with the goal of United States ending its relationship with the U.N.

Founded in 1945, replacing the League of Nations, the "purposes of the United Nations, as set forth in the Charter, are to maintain international peace and security; to develop friendly relations among nations; to cooperate in solving international economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems and in promoting respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; and to be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in attaining these ends."

In truth, the U.N. is the world's DMV, and that's putting it mildly.

Anne Bayefsky, professor at York University and an expert in international human rights law, writes about the UN's failures in her article "Enough of the U.N."

Here are some striking points in her peice:

The U.N. system produces hundreds of reports, resolutions, letters, journals, and circulars critical of human rights abuse by particular states. It multiplies their impact through the world's largest multilingual human rights internet database, a constant stream of press releases, and the sponsorship of meetings year round across the globe. Of the top ten countries of human rights concern to the U.N. in 2005, Israel was first and America was 10th. Iran was 18th. The human rights actions statistics for 2006 are even starker. So far Israel is first and America is 3rd — of all 192 countries on earth. Human rights are the watchword of our time. They have become the rallying cry both for the forces of good and of evil. What does the U.N. campaign to demonize America and its democratic allies do for winning the war? It provides sustenance for our foes and sows confusion among our friends.

 

Opponents of such reform… are the 45 "Not Free" nations - to use Freedom House labels - who pass judgment on others in the General Assembly. These are the state sponsors of terrorism. The ones who don't let women vote or drive, or who kill them in the name of "honor." The ones who raise their children to die while murdering as many others of a different faith as possible. The ones who shoot mothers and babies from behind. The ones who claim that authoring a cartoon, a movie, or a book can justify a death sentence.

They are also the 58 "Partly-Free" countries. Some of these are cronies, others are just cowards. Some are like-minded with their more notorious neighbors, others are very dependent.

Together, these nations represent the majority of the 132 developing states and the majority of 192 U.N. members.

Source: http://www.nysun.com/pf.php?id=39502 also see http://www.eyeontheun.org/editor.asp?p=245&b=1

It is time to seriously consider forming a new union, as Bayefsky quotes Senator Bill Frist, a "council of democracies outside of the U.N. system … [that would] truly monitor, examine and expose human rights abuses around the globe."

September 11, 2006

I Remember September 11

The sky was so clear and the depth of blue so infinite you could lose your balance staring into it. Later that day I would remember how hot the sun felt on my head, and if not for the t-shirt wrapped around it, it would have burned.

I remember wishing I was a bird, just to fly off without effort. I hated being grounded, I felt helpless.

I remember seeing abandoned baby strollers; mothers choosing to grab their babies and run to whatever end. A single shoe, then others, heels, dress shoes, all left in favor of the speed of the bare foot.

I remember the wall of debris rushing towards us. People jumping in the river. Panic.

I remember looking at a patch of grass and thinking it was a fine spot to die, if that was what had to come.

I remember listening to music, dozing quietly, the motion of my morning bus rocking me to sleep.

I remember my mother's voice on the telephone, at first abated my fears as only a mother can do, then later, when she was at a loss; I knew I was in trouble.

I remember the man I saw who jumped. I don't know who he was. He was wearing a suit and there was a part of me lost with him.

I remember the fear on all the faces around me. We were all children, lost in the supermarket, stumbling around the aisles looking for mommy. That fear slices right through you, fills the air, and spreads quickly.

I remember asking a cop what to do and realizing he was just as likely to ask me what to do, but he didn't and that was good.

I remember at an abandoned hotdog cart handing out a few bottles of water, one to a woman covered in ash. She said 'thank you', but I don't think she really saw me.

I remember walking, and walking. I swore never to be without comfortable shoes ever again.

I remember men and women in front of a synagogue in Brooklyn, handing out food and drinks to weary walkers. I sat on a bench, and a man sat next to me and said, "I had a job interview in the WTC and I just got out." We sat there for a few minutes, silent, he got up to find a phone. We wished each other luck.

I remember the ride home with my parents, when everything that held me together came unglued. And I cried.

I remember finally seeing my wife Michelle and our embrace lasted forever.

September 10, 2006

The Sounds of 9/11

Peggy Noonan writes about the sounds of September 11.  For me, more than some of the images, the sounds I heard that day were burned deep into my subconscious.  Even now, certain noises will trigger a reaction in me that I didn't think were there.

I think too about the sounds that came from within the buildings and within the planes--the phone calls and messages left on answering machines, all the last things said to whoever was home and picked up the phone. They awe me, those messages.

Something terrible had happened. Life was reduced to its essentials. Time was short. People said what counted, what mattered.

Source: http://www.opinionjournal.com/columnists/pnoonan/

 

September 06, 2006

Robert Spencer Responds to al-Qaeda Invitation

The recent jihadi propaganda video starring American al-Qaeda, Adam Gadahn, has him presenting a convert-or-die proposition for Americans. In it he names some enemies and extends the offer personally, one of them being Robert Spencer of Jihad Watch.  Read part of his response below:

Thank you for your invitation to me to become a Muslim and wield my sword against the enemies of Allah. But I'm afraid I must decline. While I appreciate the fact that becoming your "brother in Islam" might afford me a measure of personal security that I do not enjoy today, some things are more important than that. I cannot and will not give in to violent intimidation, come what may, and I do not want to live in a society that bows to such intimidation.

Spencer also offers a invitation of his own:

I invite you to accept the Bill of Rights, and enter into the brotherhood of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. My invitation does not focus on my religion, although I invite you to that also, but rather on a framework within which people of differing faiths can live in peace, harmony, and mutual respect - provided that none of the groups involved cherishes supremacist ambitions to subjugate the others.

Source: http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/013000.php

Mr. Spencer, just keep doing what you're doing.

 

September 05, 2006

USC Study: Celebrities Are Narcissistic, Next Up: Chocolate is Yummy

We can file this one under the heading, No Duh.

Celebrities have more narcissistic personality traits than the general population, and people with narcissistic tendencies seem to be attracted to the entertainment industry rather than the industry creating narcissists, according to a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers Drew Pinsky of the Keck School of Medicine of USC and S. Mark Young of the USC Marshall School of Business and the USC Annenberg School for Communication.

Source: http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109...

Groundbreaking?  Who pays for this stuff?  Really folks, I don't make this up.

 

Vanity Plates Cause a Stir

Vanity plates have long been a way for drivers to add a bit of their personality to the vehicle they own. What Seinfeld fan could forget Kramer's experience with the "Assman"? But now, it looks like the Assman could never exist.

The Smoking Gun outlines numerous complaints over offensive license plates and gives examples of owners defense of the plates in question.

…the offending plates often include anatomical references, crude abbreviations, foreign language vulgarities, and messages that only become clear when seen through a rear-view mirror. While impressed by BIGPNS, 3M WOJ8, and EFF EWE 2, our favorite issued plate to cause public consternation is POTVINSUX. As hockey fans know, that's the classic, use-it-anywhere chant developed by New York Rangers fans and directed at the hated Denis Potvin, a star defenseman with the rival New York Islanders.

Source: http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/0901061plates1.html

Have any favorite plates you've seen or own?  Leave it in the comments section.

September 03, 2006

Labor Day

I'll be taking the next couple of days off, so enjoy your weekend and I'll see you back here Tuesday. Be well.

September 01, 2006

Nagin Visits New York

It's fitting that New Orleans mayor, Ray Nagin, is visiting New York on a weekend when we're supposed to get soaked by former hurricane Ernesto. He's actually here to raise money for New Orleans. After what he said just a week ago, that takes a set.

The delegation of business and public sector leaders will spend Friday and Saturday at a Manhattan theater, touting city and federal tax breaks for investment, encouraging filmmakers to return to the city and seeking commercial sponsors for next year's Mardi Gras, an idea that didn't take off this year as the city struggled through a scaled-back Carnival season.

Source: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,211666,00.html

I wonder if he'll stop by the "hole in the ground". Did a reminder of his upcoming trip to New York prompt the apology?