My very smart friend Kathy Shaidle has made an excellent point here-in any given city, the ratio to watch really is Jews: Muslims.
I have been thinking about that very astute point lately.
It is no secret that politicians pander to certain populations. They do this to remain in power. They court certain groups that have money, and influence or smarts in order to solidify their position as leaders and to remain in firm control of the public purse.
Looking back to the history of Jews in democracies, their influence has either been intellectual and/or financial. Although they never never did actually control any country that they lived in, they have always been disproportionately represented in high-achievement fields, professions, income brackets, philanthropic causes and the arts and media.
By culturing relationships with Jews, politicians in Western nations were not in unfamiliar ideological territory.That is to say that they were bound by the same Judeo-Christian codes of behaviour for the most part. They had that in common.
By maintaining close relations with Jews, they did not risk a complete cultural and demographic overhaul of their nation. There was little to lose, and much to gain.
Kathy's observation that there is a tipping point ratio is therefore just the tip of the iceberg. This is because it is not just a snub of the Jewish community, it is more of a nod toward sharia-condoned behaviours. It is a step away from Western culture and religion and a show of deference to a culture and codes of behaviour and roving populations that have historically not been accommodating-but rather have been exclusively conquerors and not interested in assimilating. This nod, this preference is a relatively subtle move away from Judeo-Christian culture and it can be seen in academia, media, the arts and in politics of course.
It's interesting to try to think of any culture in the very short history of democracies that has done a similar thing-welcomed such large populations of culturally and religiously dissimilar populations into their midst.
Whether one is impressed, or dismayed by such changes, the fact is that they do have an impact on the host culture and country.
When we look at the United Kingdom as an example, it is not encouraging. Few countries in Europe are better examples.
There isn't a single country in Europe that Jews can feel completely comfortable in, wearing their Jewish identity outwards, without fear of an attack from immigrants from Muslim countries. That may not be palatable to consider, but it is the truth.
No society is immune to the charms of strongmen. "Cultured" societies like Germany did strange things during their brief flirtation with democracy.
One must always consider how countries that have abused and murdered their Jews have fared. Where do they stand today? Are these cultures still in existence? How are they doing economically, socially, technologically?
The population ratio is just a symptom of a possibly much larger, worrying direction, but one that may take several more generations to really be fully revealed.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Nuke It
Some cultures are not worth salvaging, and are simply irredeemable.
Let's recap. Two children are beheaded in Afghanistan.
This follows more "friendly" murders of coalition Australians yesterday.
These "brazen attacks that have raised fresh questions about a splintering Taliban".
Yup. That's the most important thing here.
Here's some more top rate analysis from Reuters:
It also suggested that there are grassroots insurgent fighters who are not in a mood for compromise.
"What we're seeing could be a new tactic by the Taliban to behead civilians to intimidate the population..."
YA THINK?
Let's recap. Two children are beheaded in Afghanistan.
This follows more "friendly" murders of coalition Australians yesterday.
These "brazen attacks that have raised fresh questions about a splintering Taliban".
Yup. That's the most important thing here.
Here's some more top rate analysis from Reuters:
It also suggested that there are grassroots insurgent fighters who are not in a mood for compromise.
"What we're seeing could be a new tactic by the Taliban to behead civilians to intimidate the population..."
YA THINK?
Clint Eastwood at the Republican National Convention
Lots of good stuff in here.
Did you watch it. Really worth watching!
And behold: thinnest-skinned media rise to defend thinnest-skinned POTUS evah!
Did you watch it. Really worth watching!
And behold: thinnest-skinned media rise to defend thinnest-skinned POTUS evah!
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Miscellaneous Notes From A Sunny August Day
Some thoughts from my "staycation".
Being a parent means that getting up at 8:00 is an extra, super deluxe sleep-in. Sleep is for weaklings, and most people get too much sleep.
However, solid, uninterrupted sleep is really golden and Naps Reign Supreme.
There are a lot of people who have too many tattoos on their bodies and too many piercings. There are also a lot of women with fake boobs in the suburbs. You see them at public pools and they preclude the need for any other type of personal floatation device. I guess implants have become more affordable, or can be put on payment plans?
Fake nails are also epidemic and bad taste is very evident from toe fashions and I can't believe I actually just wrote that-"toe fashion".
Kids need to take swimming lessons and feel confident in the water. Being a lifeguard is also a very good part-time job for a kid and is a position of real respect and responsibility.
A banana split with whipped cream, shared by an entire family, with each person poking at the gooey parts, fishing for the sprinkles and the nuts is more than delicious. It's a little slice of pure joy.
A kid wearing freshly laundered pajamas with nice smelling after-bath hair is the heavenly smell of parenting that has no competition.
A grilled steak on the BBQ is a summer delight.
A conversation with each of my parents as night falls, is a blessing that I appreciate each day.
A few quiet minutes at the end of the day, with my feet up is all I need to re-charge.
Tomorrow's a new day.
Being a parent means that getting up at 8:00 is an extra, super deluxe sleep-in. Sleep is for weaklings, and most people get too much sleep.
However, solid, uninterrupted sleep is really golden and Naps Reign Supreme.
There are a lot of people who have too many tattoos on their bodies and too many piercings. There are also a lot of women with fake boobs in the suburbs. You see them at public pools and they preclude the need for any other type of personal floatation device. I guess implants have become more affordable, or can be put on payment plans?
Fake nails are also epidemic and bad taste is very evident from toe fashions and I can't believe I actually just wrote that-"toe fashion".
Kids need to take swimming lessons and feel confident in the water. Being a lifeguard is also a very good part-time job for a kid and is a position of real respect and responsibility.
A banana split with whipped cream, shared by an entire family, with each person poking at the gooey parts, fishing for the sprinkles and the nuts is more than delicious. It's a little slice of pure joy.
A kid wearing freshly laundered pajamas with nice smelling after-bath hair is the heavenly smell of parenting that has no competition.
A grilled steak on the BBQ is a summer delight.
A conversation with each of my parents as night falls, is a blessing that I appreciate each day.
A few quiet minutes at the end of the day, with my feet up is all I need to re-charge.
Tomorrow's a new day.
Barbarians in Pakistan Still Not Satisfied
The mob is not satisfied.
An eleven year old girl, with some kind of mental or cognitive issues is in jail-facing a possible death sentence for unproven "blasphemy".
Absolutely disgusting.
Christians are being persecuted day and night in Pakistan and the world yawns.
ASYLUM NOW!
That's the only thing that will help Christians in Pakistan-a visa, out. To a Western country (not the UK of course, we can't really count the U.K any more). That's the same advice that I would give to the Jews of Europe: France and Scandinavia in particular.
What is the common denominator...hmmm....whatever!
An eleven year old girl, with some kind of mental or cognitive issues is in jail-facing a possible death sentence for unproven "blasphemy".
Absolutely disgusting.
Christians are being persecuted day and night in Pakistan and the world yawns.
ASYLUM NOW!
That's the only thing that will help Christians in Pakistan-a visa, out. To a Western country (not the UK of course, we can't really count the U.K any more). That's the same advice that I would give to the Jews of Europe: France and Scandinavia in particular.
What is the common denominator...hmmm....whatever!
"You Had Me At Hello"
Fantastic!!!
I didn't watch the speech, but "let's get this done" is a great line.
I just read the entire speech and I think it's a winner.
Paul Ryan is a very impressive guy and I hope him and Mitt win it.
I didn't watch the speech, but "let's get this done" is a great line.
I just read the entire speech and I think it's a winner.
Paul Ryan is a very impressive guy and I hope him and Mitt win it.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Hey I Have an Idea!
I'm not that bright, but I think I have a solution to the problem of toddlers being robbed of their bling.
Stop blinging up your toddlers.
Your welcome.
Stop blinging up your toddlers.
Your welcome.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
A long and productive day. I'm on "vacation".
That actually means I am outnumbered by my own kids. Multiple loads of smelly camp laundry! Popcorn. Bookstore. Library.
Three square meals, made, dishes tidied.
I am pretending to be a stay-at-home-mom this week. I'm pretty good at it!
I do love my munchkins and am so proud of them.
Blogging in between adventures in Mommy Land.
That actually means I am outnumbered by my own kids. Multiple loads of smelly camp laundry! Popcorn. Bookstore. Library.
Three square meals, made, dishes tidied.
I am pretending to be a stay-at-home-mom this week. I'm pretty good at it!
I do love my munchkins and am so proud of them.
Blogging in between adventures in Mommy Land.
Help Wanted: Canadian Civil Lawyer
If you know of a civil lawyer who might consider taking on a pro-bono case in Toronto on behalf of a disabled child, please e-mail me.
PS: This is not for my kid, but a friend's son and they really need a kick-ass civil lawyer who is disgusted by the Toronto District School Board and wants to do an enormous mitzvah for an incredible little guy and his family.
PS: This is not for my kid, but a friend's son and they really need a kick-ass civil lawyer who is disgusted by the Toronto District School Board and wants to do an enormous mitzvah for an incredible little guy and his family.
Shocker!
In the immediate moments following the murder of Israeli athletes by Palestinian terrorist-Germans were already acting like Hitlerian Terror-Appeasing Monkeys.
I'm shocked!
NOT.
I'm shocked!
NOT.
Wow. Another totally Gay Piece of Advocacy Journalism Posing As an Academic Study
It is so gay to try to pass off your opinion as research.
And it is even more gay to let a word affect your behaviour or anything you do.
I've been called some pretty choice insults-so what?
I've let a few fly as well-so what?
Seriously-how gay is this "study"?
And it is even more gay to let a word affect your behaviour or anything you do.
I've been called some pretty choice insults-so what?
I've let a few fly as well-so what?
Seriously-how gay is this "study"?
Monday, August 27, 2012
What a Total Goofball
POTUS gives most serious most important interview EVAH to most serious publication EVAH.
This guy is a cheese machine.
This guy is a cheese machine.
America the Dependent
According to the federal government, not enough Americans are dependent on government assistance.
Not a joke.
Not a joke.
The Barbarians Are Still Not Satisfied
So, let's recap...
A young girl, who may be only 11 years old and have Down Syndrome and is part of the heavily persecuted Christian minority in Pakistan is being held in a maximum security prison because a hoarde of seething barbarians accused her of having burnt pages of the Koran in her possession. However, it is also not known if they were in fact pages of the Koran (not that that matters at all given the circumstances) because the frothing, blood-thirsty masses are largely illiterate of Arabic themselves.
These are our "allies".
This story should have already inspired some enlightened country like Canada to offer asylum. I'm looking at you Jason Kenney and at you Prime Minister Stephen Harper. We take in plenty of refugees with far poorer credentials and bona fides.
This society is truly barbaric and impervious to reason.
This is the reason why the fight against blasphemy laws is not just a local problem for people in far away lands.
Blasphemy laws cannot exist in harmony with democracy, or democratic living.
The proponents and practitioners of blasphemy laws are simply not worthy of respect by first world nations.
Blasphemy laws endanger all of us in the free world and should be one of the litmus tests governing bilateral relations between Western nations and their unenlightened, primitive fellow states.
Internet petitions, however well intentioned, will not do anything for this young girl and her family.
An offer of asylum is the civilized, right thing to do.
Will Canada step up?
A young girl, who may be only 11 years old and have Down Syndrome and is part of the heavily persecuted Christian minority in Pakistan is being held in a maximum security prison because a hoarde of seething barbarians accused her of having burnt pages of the Koran in her possession. However, it is also not known if they were in fact pages of the Koran (not that that matters at all given the circumstances) because the frothing, blood-thirsty masses are largely illiterate of Arabic themselves.
These are our "allies".
This story should have already inspired some enlightened country like Canada to offer asylum. I'm looking at you Jason Kenney and at you Prime Minister Stephen Harper. We take in plenty of refugees with far poorer credentials and bona fides.
This society is truly barbaric and impervious to reason.
This is the reason why the fight against blasphemy laws is not just a local problem for people in far away lands.
Blasphemy laws cannot exist in harmony with democracy, or democratic living.
The proponents and practitioners of blasphemy laws are simply not worthy of respect by first world nations.
Blasphemy laws endanger all of us in the free world and should be one of the litmus tests governing bilateral relations between Western nations and their unenlightened, primitive fellow states.
Internet petitions, however well intentioned, will not do anything for this young girl and her family.
An offer of asylum is the civilized, right thing to do.
Will Canada step up?
The Val D'Orcia in Tuscany
In my next life, I would like to have an country estate and vineyard in Italy.
This is an amazing story and a spectacularly beautiful place.
I would love to see more of Italy-perhaps some day.
This is an amazing story and a spectacularly beautiful place.
I would love to see more of Italy-perhaps some day.
Pregnant in Auschwitz
The very moving story of Miriam Rosenthal, relayed by Joe O'Connor from the National Post.
I'm really glad she shared her story and it's beautifully written up here by O'Connor.
I'm really glad she shared her story and it's beautifully written up here by O'Connor.
The Real War on Women
The real war on women, as Mark Steyn recently pointed out, is on children.
But how about the war on women, who are actually just children?
"Iran has experienced a dramatic growth in under-age marriages that
has seen the number of girls being wed before the age of 10 double in
the space of a year, officially-compiled figures have revealed."
The joy and beauty of sharia:
"...fundamentalist MP, Mohammad Ali Asfenani, has said Iran has a religious
obligation to legally recognise the weddings of girls as young as nine.."
"As some people may not comply with our current Islamic legal system, we
must regard nine as being the appropriate age for a girl to have reached
puberty and qualified to get married," Mr Asfenani, chairman of the
parliamentary legal and judiciary committee, told Khabar Online.
"To do
otherwise would be to contradict and challenge Islamic Sharia law."
Can't have that now, can we?
Carry on-nothing to fret about here....
Uneven Distribution of Campus "Justice"
I'm a little troubled by what appears to be the uneven distribution of justice on this campus.
Seems like there is a definite shortage of wisdom and common sense in this area of America-radiating from this particular campus.
Was participating in the riot stupid-yes. Completely, but it seems like the punishment may not fit the crime here. This is particularly startling given how much evil was all but conveniently overlooked on this campus until recent legal proceedings began in the Sandusky case.
Plus: The Stupid is VERY VERY STRONG at Penn State.
The song "Sweet Caroline" has been banned on campus, in deference or something to children molested by Sandusky.
Seems like there is a definite shortage of wisdom and common sense in this area of America-radiating from this particular campus.
Was participating in the riot stupid-yes. Completely, but it seems like the punishment may not fit the crime here. This is particularly startling given how much evil was all but conveniently overlooked on this campus until recent legal proceedings began in the Sandusky case.
Plus: The Stupid is VERY VERY STRONG at Penn State.
The song "Sweet Caroline" has been banned on campus, in deference or something to children molested by Sandusky.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Nothing to See Here
No issues in Europe to worry about.
Carry on! All is good.
Oh-what's that?
Almost 4000 comments? Nevermind!
Carry on! All is good.
Oh-what's that?
Almost 4000 comments? Nevermind!
More Power To You, Col. Gregory Gross
Big ones spotted at the Nidal Hasan trial.
(I think, we'll see how this actually plays out.)
I'm liking the talk, but will he walk the walk?
And by walk the walk, I mean: shave and a hair cut-two infidel bits.
Did you know that Hasan is still on the US Army payroll?
All part of that innocent till proven guilty thing.
Hard to really imagine what other proof could be required, but whatever....
(I think, we'll see how this actually plays out.)
I'm liking the talk, but will he walk the walk?
And by walk the walk, I mean: shave and a hair cut-two infidel bits.
Did you know that Hasan is still on the US Army payroll?
All part of that innocent till proven guilty thing.
Hard to really imagine what other proof could be required, but whatever....
#Nazilla Fail
LOL
#Jewhatefail
#NotWelcomeinIsrael
#Don'tLetTheDoorHitYourJewHatingAssesOntheWayBacktoJordan
#Shalom
#Jewhatefail
#NotWelcomeinIsrael
#Don'tLetTheDoorHitYourJewHatingAssesOntheWayBacktoJordan
#Shalom
Mark Steyn's "After America" Now in Paperback
Get a good read, have some laughs, weep a little AND support the upcoming epic legal battle: Mark Steyn v. The Big, Bad, No Good Terrible Hockey Schtick.
No-this is not next year's featured musical from the Borsht Belt in the Catskill Mountains, or "climate denier's" favourite bed time story....It's the real thing!
Do your part, order one now!
Yes...like RIGHT NOW.
No-this is not next year's featured musical from the Borsht Belt in the Catskill Mountains, or "climate denier's" favourite bed time story....It's the real thing!
Do your part, order one now!
Yes...like RIGHT NOW.
Grandmother Gives Birth to Her Own Grandson
When I saw this headline, I thought-GAWD, the stories from Pakistan just get worse and worse each day...
However-my knee-jerk default Kissing Cousins-Grandmas-Daughters-Aunts reaction was totally unfounded, and this turned out to be one of the best "rental" stories I've ever read.
However-my knee-jerk default Kissing Cousins-Grandmas-Daughters-Aunts reaction was totally unfounded, and this turned out to be one of the best "rental" stories I've ever read.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Friday, August 24, 2012
Forgiveness
I had a really busy day.
It started off at Sick Children's Hospital, doing a test with my special needs son.
Of course it took longer than I thought it would take, but the technicians were very sweet and professional and we got into a spontaneous discussion about why bad things happen, why children suffer and how it feels to work at a place where you see the utter despair of sick, injured, suffering and dying children and their parents, but the miraculous recovery of others. It's certainly not for everyone and I certainly don't think I could handle it on a daily basis. I can only handle it as it pertains to my immediate family and my immediate circle of friends. And even then, I break down now and again.
Still, we left the hospital, in the sunshine and for that, I am truly grateful. There were times where we virtually lived in the hospital. Thank G-d, those days have passed.
But last night, I was thinking a lot about forgiveness.
This is partially because of two recent episodes that I experienced, and partly because of this delightful, short article that I read about Tim Tebow. I don't know too much about him beyond the headlines, but I do recall reading that his mother was encouraged to abort him, and that there were other difficult things he went through in his early years. Ignoring criticism and responding with grace makes him a class act.
That is exactly what Sarah Palin did last week, when her son Trig was the butt of a very unfunny joke-which resulted in a very sincere apology-not one of those "sorry if you were offended" apologies. She responded with grace-not in kind.
I had a rather narcissistic friend for a time. I tried to explain how once I forgave someone who was really hurtful to me, I felt all anger drain away. I forgave every part of every painful episode.
He asked me what that meant. For a very smart person-he was truly puzzled.
What did I mean by forgiveness? How did I do that?
So, just a few random thoughts about forgiveness.
When you forgive, with your whole heart, you are released from the prison of the past.
You do not live or dwell in the past. You can live today, you can aspire to good things for tomorrow. You don't carry anger around with you every waking moment.
Forgiving is very hard because it puts the onus upon you.
It is so much easier to keep blaming others, and external forces for the bad things that have happened. And, those things can be quite horrible.
But the fact remains that the past cannot be changed-ever. The most unhappy people on the planet are trapped in the past, living the hurt over and over, ever day-never letting go.
Forgiveness then, for me at least, means that it is my responsibility to process the upset, to deal with it and to move forward.
That does not mean that something objectively awful did not happen.
It does not mean that it doesn't still sting.
Forgiveness means that the degree to which I wish these events to influence my life is my problem and my decision.
I think that is the essence of the G-dly part of forgiving.
If you truly do not harbour anger and resentment for the past behaviour of others, the pain they have inflicted-real or perceived, you are free.
Are you a free man? Are you a free woman?
Are you free of anger? The past can still hurt, but if it drives you, life is frustrating, and joy is minimized.
The truly joyful do not live in the past. They carry the memories in a small mental compartment, much like a little emotional scrapbook. These life-affirming people look at that scrapbook from time to time, remember the feelings, the smells, the pain and then they close the book and carry on with their day and their lives.
And that's the way it should be.
The past shapes us, but forgiveness frees us and lets us function in the present and for the future.
It started off at Sick Children's Hospital, doing a test with my special needs son.
Of course it took longer than I thought it would take, but the technicians were very sweet and professional and we got into a spontaneous discussion about why bad things happen, why children suffer and how it feels to work at a place where you see the utter despair of sick, injured, suffering and dying children and their parents, but the miraculous recovery of others. It's certainly not for everyone and I certainly don't think I could handle it on a daily basis. I can only handle it as it pertains to my immediate family and my immediate circle of friends. And even then, I break down now and again.
Still, we left the hospital, in the sunshine and for that, I am truly grateful. There were times where we virtually lived in the hospital. Thank G-d, those days have passed.
But last night, I was thinking a lot about forgiveness.
This is partially because of two recent episodes that I experienced, and partly because of this delightful, short article that I read about Tim Tebow. I don't know too much about him beyond the headlines, but I do recall reading that his mother was encouraged to abort him, and that there were other difficult things he went through in his early years. Ignoring criticism and responding with grace makes him a class act.
That is exactly what Sarah Palin did last week, when her son Trig was the butt of a very unfunny joke-which resulted in a very sincere apology-not one of those "sorry if you were offended" apologies. She responded with grace-not in kind.
I had a rather narcissistic friend for a time. I tried to explain how once I forgave someone who was really hurtful to me, I felt all anger drain away. I forgave every part of every painful episode.
He asked me what that meant. For a very smart person-he was truly puzzled.
What did I mean by forgiveness? How did I do that?
So, just a few random thoughts about forgiveness.
When you forgive, with your whole heart, you are released from the prison of the past.
You do not live or dwell in the past. You can live today, you can aspire to good things for tomorrow. You don't carry anger around with you every waking moment.
Forgiving is very hard because it puts the onus upon you.
It is so much easier to keep blaming others, and external forces for the bad things that have happened. And, those things can be quite horrible.
But the fact remains that the past cannot be changed-ever. The most unhappy people on the planet are trapped in the past, living the hurt over and over, ever day-never letting go.
Forgiveness then, for me at least, means that it is my responsibility to process the upset, to deal with it and to move forward.
That does not mean that something objectively awful did not happen.
It does not mean that it doesn't still sting.
Forgiveness means that the degree to which I wish these events to influence my life is my problem and my decision.
I think that is the essence of the G-dly part of forgiving.
If you truly do not harbour anger and resentment for the past behaviour of others, the pain they have inflicted-real or perceived, you are free.
Are you a free man? Are you a free woman?
Are you free of anger? The past can still hurt, but if it drives you, life is frustrating, and joy is minimized.
The truly joyful do not live in the past. They carry the memories in a small mental compartment, much like a little emotional scrapbook. These life-affirming people look at that scrapbook from time to time, remember the feelings, the smells, the pain and then they close the book and carry on with their day and their lives.
And that's the way it should be.
The past shapes us, but forgiveness frees us and lets us function in the present and for the future.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Educators
Your moral and intellectual superiors.
Five year old suspected of gang affiliation because of his U of M t-shirt.
Five year old suspected of gang affiliation because of his U of M t-shirt.
"When They're Chilling..."
"it's the perfect moment to catch them."
How the jihad recruits in Germany.
It's a really interesting first-hand account of the "catchers" and their prey in Germany. The techniques are cultish (no surprise of course) and clever.
The whole article is pretty creepy and probably repeated with slight variations for any given population of "prey".
But here's the interesting kicker at the end:
"On a sunny day in August, they meet a few friends for a barbecue in Hamburg's Wohlers Park. Djamal has made fruit salad with pomegranates. There are two barbecues on the lawn, one for pork sausages and one for halal meat. An Armenian, a Jordanian and a Russian are drinking vodka. Djamal unrolls his prayer rug for evening prayers. Bora takes out some fruit-flavored tobacco. The men wait for Djamal to finish praying, while the meat cooks on the barbecue. "He does the best hookah," says Bora."
"One of them knocks a spider off the water pipe. Another one says: "The spider is sacred for us in Islam. It spun a web and saved the life of the Prophet."
"Djamal winks at the SPIEGEL reporter."
"He has a latent guilty conscience, superficial knowledge. He would be easy to catch," he says. Djamal still knows how to spot prey. But now he's searching for a more meaningful purpose, something with more structure."
Djamal has applied to join the German military, the Bundeswehr.
How the jihad recruits in Germany.
It's a really interesting first-hand account of the "catchers" and their prey in Germany. The techniques are cultish (no surprise of course) and clever.
The whole article is pretty creepy and probably repeated with slight variations for any given population of "prey".
But here's the interesting kicker at the end:
"On a sunny day in August, they meet a few friends for a barbecue in Hamburg's Wohlers Park. Djamal has made fruit salad with pomegranates. There are two barbecues on the lawn, one for pork sausages and one for halal meat. An Armenian, a Jordanian and a Russian are drinking vodka. Djamal unrolls his prayer rug for evening prayers. Bora takes out some fruit-flavored tobacco. The men wait for Djamal to finish praying, while the meat cooks on the barbecue. "He does the best hookah," says Bora."
"One of them knocks a spider off the water pipe. Another one says: "The spider is sacred for us in Islam. It spun a web and saved the life of the Prophet."
"Djamal winks at the SPIEGEL reporter."
"He has a latent guilty conscience, superficial knowledge. He would be easy to catch," he says. Djamal still knows how to spot prey. But now he's searching for a more meaningful purpose, something with more structure."
Djamal has applied to join the German military, the Bundeswehr.
They Don't Make Them Like This Anymore
A tribute to Gene Kelly, who would have been 100 years old today!
He knew what the camera could do for dance.
He knew what the camera could do for dance.
Comparing Opiates of the People
Fantastic!
I just happened upon this site, but it looks like it is definitely deserving of bookmarking.
The quest for dignity in poverty:
"...I find it hard to imagine what power on earth other than belief in God will give those men the strength to get off drugs and take the steps that they might to change their lives for the better. This does not make religion true, I understand; but what else do you have?"
I have also thought about this with respect to my own relatives just a few generations back in Poland. They were poor, but religious observance, and particularly observance of the Sabbath gave them a dignified life. All efforts went into making the Sabbath something special, something to be proud of-a smaller piece of a better meat, a treasured fruit, a special soup, white tablecloths. It is something to be proud of.
Observance of the Sabbath elevates the spirit and the soul-even for Jews who are not religious, there is something timeless and honourable about it.
I found this part very moving as well, for the same reasons.
"This afternoon I had a nice long visit from a childhood friend who is a country preacher. This man and his family have known real poverty, and real suffering. His discovery of faith — simple Christian piety, believed with a stout heart — has brought to his life so much dignity, order, and gentleness, and peaceability. He’s a working-class white man, married to a black woman, and he preaches and worships in the black church. That is not an easy thing to pull off in the Deep South, but he does it."
"He sat on my screen porch, rocking in a rocking chair and talking about prayer, and teaching me. I kept thinking about how this man has a high school education, but he knows so much more than I do about things that matter, because he has lived it, and prayed his way through it. How badly things could have gone for him, and have gone for more than a few folks around here who had it as hard as he did growing up. But he found Jesus as a young man, and that has made all the difference."
I just happened upon this site, but it looks like it is definitely deserving of bookmarking.
The quest for dignity in poverty:
"...I find it hard to imagine what power on earth other than belief in God will give those men the strength to get off drugs and take the steps that they might to change their lives for the better. This does not make religion true, I understand; but what else do you have?"
I have also thought about this with respect to my own relatives just a few generations back in Poland. They were poor, but religious observance, and particularly observance of the Sabbath gave them a dignified life. All efforts went into making the Sabbath something special, something to be proud of-a smaller piece of a better meat, a treasured fruit, a special soup, white tablecloths. It is something to be proud of.
Observance of the Sabbath elevates the spirit and the soul-even for Jews who are not religious, there is something timeless and honourable about it.
I found this part very moving as well, for the same reasons.
"This afternoon I had a nice long visit from a childhood friend who is a country preacher. This man and his family have known real poverty, and real suffering. His discovery of faith — simple Christian piety, believed with a stout heart — has brought to his life so much dignity, order, and gentleness, and peaceability. He’s a working-class white man, married to a black woman, and he preaches and worships in the black church. That is not an easy thing to pull off in the Deep South, but he does it."
"He sat on my screen porch, rocking in a rocking chair and talking about prayer, and teaching me. I kept thinking about how this man has a high school education, but he knows so much more than I do about things that matter, because he has lived it, and prayed his way through it. How badly things could have gone for him, and have gone for more than a few folks around here who had it as hard as he did growing up. But he found Jesus as a young man, and that has made all the difference."
My Idiot People
OH MAH GAWD
Dumb Jews. Really dumb Jews.
"Rabbi" who dined with Ahmedinejad digs Obama.
Fantastic.
Really, what could possibly be wrong with that?
Dumb Jews. Really dumb Jews.
"Rabbi" who dined with Ahmedinejad digs Obama.
Fantastic.
Really, what could possibly be wrong with that?
Re-Branding the Heinous
Guess who is trying for a sparkly new re-brand?
Penn State Ex-President Graham Spanier.
You know why he is the most sensitive person in the world EVAH EVAH EVAH, but EVAH about child abuse? But like, really, really EVAR???
Because he is the real victim here.
Excuse me while I go puke.
Penn State Ex-President Graham Spanier.
You know why he is the most sensitive person in the world EVAH EVAH EVAH, but EVAH about child abuse? But like, really, really EVAR???
Because he is the real victim here.
Excuse me while I go puke.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Barry Rubin: Notes From Ward Yud
Refuah Shlema, Barry Rubin.
The saddest, most inspiring, upsetting and life-affirming thing I've read in a long time.
The saddest, most inspiring, upsetting and life-affirming thing I've read in a long time.
National Review to Steve Mann: Get Lost
Super Double Plus Amazingly Perfect:
National Review has responded to Steve Mann, via their lawyer, regarding Mark Steyn.
The message is: GET LOST!
The lawyer's letter is particularly well-written, well-researched, clear and fantastic.
Love it.
Read the whole thing.
National Review has responded to Steve Mann, via their lawyer, regarding Mark Steyn.
The message is: GET LOST!
The lawyer's letter is particularly well-written, well-researched, clear and fantastic.
Love it.
Read the whole thing.
Israel and the Jewish Left
This is one of the best articles that I have read on Jews and leftism (their actual religion).
Read the entire thing. It's a great reference article for those endless questions about why Jews tend to vote the way they do.
"The peculiarities of Jewish history and culture have combined with the left’s attraction to totalitarianism – left or right, secular or sacred – that has now been stripped of the veneer of progressive values. Jewish support for the enemies of Israel represents the triumph of leftism over Jewishness."
Read the entire thing. It's a great reference article for those endless questions about why Jews tend to vote the way they do.
"The peculiarities of Jewish history and culture have combined with the left’s attraction to totalitarianism – left or right, secular or sacred – that has now been stripped of the veneer of progressive values. Jewish support for the enemies of Israel represents the triumph of leftism over Jewishness."
America the Insane
Apparently, there is a spanking new recruitment effort being undertaken by the Eric Holder Justice Department.
There are certain types of folks being specifically targeted: dwarfs, mentally retarded, and individuals with severe psychiatric problems (ie: batshit crazy).
There is even a very special form for crazy people and retarded people and other very special people to use in order to "self-identify" their very special disabilities.
It's called "Standard Form 256, Self Identification Disability". That's pretty clear!
This is not a joke.
I personally don't think dwarfs should go into the same category as crazy and retarded because dwarfism is not a mental condition or psychiatric condition. They function intellectually just like regular folks. So in the pursuit of recruiting crazy people and retarded people-which in itself is kind of a crazy and retarded thing to do, they have insulted dwarfs. This is very offensive and I think lawyers who are dwarfs should sue Eric Holder's ass for categorizing them in the same category as crazy and retarded potential recruits.
A class action suit (Dwarfs vs. Holder) would be so awesome.
Now, not only do the crazy and retarded not have to really "compete" for the jobs (read the article), they also don't even have to have practiced law for a year (the usual requirement).
WHAT COULD POSSIBLY BE WRONG WITH THAT?
So, in short, America's laws are well on the way to being intentionally "enforced" by the least competitive, inexperienced, crazy, retarded and mentally disabled lawyers in the country ("Are we there yet??? Are we there yet????).
Plus, there are extra special race recruitment efforts going on as well.
Click here for the whole, extra bonus Celebrate Diversity recruitmentplan diktat.
Carry on, and have a great day!
Obviously, there is nothing to worry about here...
There are certain types of folks being specifically targeted: dwarfs, mentally retarded, and individuals with severe psychiatric problems (ie: batshit crazy).
There is even a very special form for crazy people and retarded people and other very special people to use in order to "self-identify" their very special disabilities.
It's called "Standard Form 256, Self Identification Disability". That's pretty clear!
This is not a joke.
I personally don't think dwarfs should go into the same category as crazy and retarded because dwarfism is not a mental condition or psychiatric condition. They function intellectually just like regular folks. So in the pursuit of recruiting crazy people and retarded people-which in itself is kind of a crazy and retarded thing to do, they have insulted dwarfs. This is very offensive and I think lawyers who are dwarfs should sue Eric Holder's ass for categorizing them in the same category as crazy and retarded potential recruits.
A class action suit (Dwarfs vs. Holder) would be so awesome.
Now, not only do the crazy and retarded not have to really "compete" for the jobs (read the article), they also don't even have to have practiced law for a year (the usual requirement).
WHAT COULD POSSIBLY BE WRONG WITH THAT?
So, in short, America's laws are well on the way to being intentionally "enforced" by the least competitive, inexperienced, crazy, retarded and mentally disabled lawyers in the country ("Are we there yet??? Are we there yet????).
Plus, there are extra special race recruitment efforts going on as well.
Click here for the whole, extra bonus Celebrate Diversity recruitment
Carry on, and have a great day!
Obviously, there is nothing to worry about here...
Common Sense-Not so Common
The headline is actually not accurate. After a major screw up, the RESP company did the right thing.
Kudos to the CEO who stepped in and righted the wrong immediately-but only after being contacted by a major newspaper (that's when she heard about it).
But honestly, what does it say about our society when a CEO has to step in to reverse a decision not to take 90% of the education fund of a child who died from cancer in fees?
What kind of cretin blithly says "those are the rules" about such a situation.
I guess future training needs to include thinking with your brain and heart, as a human being?
As I was saying: Common sense, not so common.
Kudos to the CEO who stepped in and righted the wrong immediately-but only after being contacted by a major newspaper (that's when she heard about it).
But honestly, what does it say about our society when a CEO has to step in to reverse a decision not to take 90% of the education fund of a child who died from cancer in fees?
What kind of cretin blithly says "those are the rules" about such a situation.
I guess future training needs to include thinking with your brain and heart, as a human being?
As I was saying: Common sense, not so common.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Who Cares About the United Church of Canada?
I am hereby putting a personal moratorium on reading, talking about, linking to, or opening any more e-mail about the ridiculously wacky, Jew-hating, stupid idiot filled, boycott crazy, Israel-loathing United Church of Canada and its pathetic Judenhaas badly camouflaged as political activism and social justice whatever.
I don't give a single care in the world that a bunch of butt-ugly, unhappy, unthinking, not-even-really-mininmally Christan losers think of Jews, or Israel and that they don't want to buy Israeli cucumbers, tomatoes or olives.
I don't think anyone in Israel cares about these morons, and neither should you.
WHO CARES?
This "church" has about 17 members in all of Canada.
This is the "church" that nobody goes to unless they have no life. You just won't see masses of happy families with children at these churches, full of joy, with choirs happily singing the praises of Jesus-the Jew, at the top of their lungs.
These are not the Christians that anyone who loves Israel should care about. Seriously. There are plenty of other things for Jews to worry about rather than this completely idiotic, publicity-starved group of obscenely transparent Jew-haters and their political agenda.
These are not souls that can be "won" over to the Jewish or Zionist cause. They are not going to be making pilgrimages to the Holy Land unless it is to throw rocks at IDF soldiers, help Machsom Watch women harass and provoke soldiers at check points or have haiku breakfasts with Palestinians in Jenin or something.
Jews who care about Israel and non-Jews who care about Israel, yes YOU my philo-semitic friends (I love you guys), have to direct your attention to other, more productive uses of your time.
Publicity for these morons is like oxygen.
They cannot BUY the kind of publicity that they are getting for free due to their advocacy campaigns. They say another pathetic Jew-hating thing and the media jumps to it like Pavlov's dog. The Jewish organizations get involved for various reasons (bored, no real antisemitism, fundraising, staying in the public consciousness so that their organizations don't dry up completely) and then there is more coverage.
ZZZZZZZZZZ
We need to all stop talking about them, stop linking to their latest idiotic and insignificant declarations, publications and proclamations and every last shriek that they utter.
They can seriously KMZT: kiss my Zionist tuches while I dance the hora, eating Jaffa oranges, olives from Kibbutz Yavne and drinking fine Kosher red wine (dry) from the Galilee.
So there.
I don't give a single care in the world that a bunch of butt-ugly, unhappy, unthinking, not-even-really-mininmally Christan losers think of Jews, or Israel and that they don't want to buy Israeli cucumbers, tomatoes or olives.
I don't think anyone in Israel cares about these morons, and neither should you.
WHO CARES?
This "church" has about 17 members in all of Canada.
This is the "church" that nobody goes to unless they have no life. You just won't see masses of happy families with children at these churches, full of joy, with choirs happily singing the praises of Jesus-the Jew, at the top of their lungs.
These are not the Christians that anyone who loves Israel should care about. Seriously. There are plenty of other things for Jews to worry about rather than this completely idiotic, publicity-starved group of obscenely transparent Jew-haters and their political agenda.
These are not souls that can be "won" over to the Jewish or Zionist cause. They are not going to be making pilgrimages to the Holy Land unless it is to throw rocks at IDF soldiers, help Machsom Watch women harass and provoke soldiers at check points or have haiku breakfasts with Palestinians in Jenin or something.
Jews who care about Israel and non-Jews who care about Israel, yes YOU my philo-semitic friends (I love you guys), have to direct your attention to other, more productive uses of your time.
Publicity for these morons is like oxygen.
They cannot BUY the kind of publicity that they are getting for free due to their advocacy campaigns. They say another pathetic Jew-hating thing and the media jumps to it like Pavlov's dog. The Jewish organizations get involved for various reasons (bored, no real antisemitism, fundraising, staying in the public consciousness so that their organizations don't dry up completely) and then there is more coverage.
ZZZZZZZZZZ
We need to all stop talking about them, stop linking to their latest idiotic and insignificant declarations, publications and proclamations and every last shriek that they utter.
They can seriously KMZT: kiss my Zionist tuches while I dance the hora, eating Jaffa oranges, olives from Kibbutz Yavne and drinking fine Kosher red wine (dry) from the Galilee.
So there.
Welcome to "Never Again"
So,anyone really shocked that a Rabbi has been criminally charged for doing a briss in Germany?
I guess where Jews are concerned, lessons of history are actually not learned.
Or should I say that they cannot be "learned" because antipathy toward Jews can rarely, if ever, be "un-learned".
Jews being charged in Germany for performing ritual circumsicions, assaulted and charged in Toronto for offending Muslims by walking dogs.
Anyone sensing any common denominator here?
Anyone?
I guess where Jews are concerned, lessons of history are actually not learned.
Or should I say that they cannot be "learned" because antipathy toward Jews can rarely, if ever, be "un-learned".
Jews being charged in Germany for performing ritual circumsicions, assaulted and charged in Toronto for offending Muslims by walking dogs.
Anyone sensing any common denominator here?
Anyone?
Monday, August 20, 2012
My Interview on the Charles Adler Show-Radioactive!!!
We discussed a couple of really important stories concerning disabled young people and these stories really get me fired up.
Here is an audio clip from the show.
Kathy suggests that we start by nuking Afghanistan-and only then nuke Pakistan.
I asked her if it's OK if instead we start by nuking the incredibly fat, sweaty women wearing Charlie perfume who always seem to pick a seat next to me on the subway.
The debate continues...
The first story is about the autistic young man from America who has been rejected for a heart transplant.
Read about it here.
The second story comes to us from the tribal, barbarian, wasteland known as Pakistan. I cannot think of a single thing, not a single thing that makes Pakistan redeemable.
In fact, every time I hear a story about this festering cesspool of hot headed primitives, I wonder if it's really the rock bottom story. I don't think there is a bottom.
Now, the life of a Christian Down Syndrome girl is at risk for allegedly burning some pages of a Koran (doubtful) and she could be put to death for blasphemy.
Disgusting barbarians.
Here is an audio clip from the show.
Kathy suggests that we start by nuking Afghanistan-and only then nuke Pakistan.
I asked her if it's OK if instead we start by nuking the incredibly fat, sweaty women wearing Charlie perfume who always seem to pick a seat next to me on the subway.
The debate continues...
The first story is about the autistic young man from America who has been rejected for a heart transplant.
Read about it here.
The second story comes to us from the tribal, barbarian, wasteland known as Pakistan. I cannot think of a single thing, not a single thing that makes Pakistan redeemable.
In fact, every time I hear a story about this festering cesspool of hot headed primitives, I wonder if it's really the rock bottom story. I don't think there is a bottom.
Now, the life of a Christian Down Syndrome girl is at risk for allegedly burning some pages of a Koran (doubtful) and she could be put to death for blasphemy.
Disgusting barbarians.
Moderately Disturbing and Encouraging at the Same Time
"Florida Jewish seniors hot for Romney."
I only report the news.
Brain bleach is available at the concession stand.
I only report the news.
Brain bleach is available at the concession stand.
Why Do the British Love Their Terrible, Sub-Par Socialized Medical System?
Americans: Welcome to Obama Care.
This is what happens in the Canadian socialized system as well.
"...the principal damage that the NHS inflicts is intangible."
"Like any
centralized health-care system, it spreads the notion of entitlement, a
powerful solvent of human solidarity. Moreover, the entitlement
mentality has a tendency to spread over the whole of human life,
creating a substantial number of disgruntled ingrates."
"And while the British government long refrained from interfering too
strongly in the affairs of the medical profession, no government can
forever resist the temptation to exercise its latent powers. Eventually,
it will dictate—because that is what governments and their associated
bureaucracies, left to their own devices, and of whatever political
complexion, do.."
Confessions of an Ex-Liberal
Now, I also have a confession to make.
Some of my best friends are former liberals!!
It's true!!
A lot of times I also think to myself: Oh Mah Gawd. Here I am bleating about this that and the other, but does it make a difference? Am I just talking to myself, or is something changing as a result of me writing, doing? I hope so.
As a result, this nugget was especially inspirational:
"You never know who may read a comment, follow a train of thought, become curious, and maybe, just maybe, begin a journey."
Ask Not For who the Horseshoer Shoes
He shoes for you. That is to say-you pay for this, America.
This is Detroit's bloated, bungling mess in a nutshell.
This is Detroit's bloated, bungling mess in a nutshell.
Death By Saudicide
Is anyone here surprised?
Very mysterious death.
Cause of death: Saudicide.
The lessons here are obvious. Pick very carefully who you get involved with.
Foolish woman.
Poor daughter-now doomed to live her entire life in Saudi Arabia.
That's all I am going to say for now.
Very mysterious death.
Cause of death: Saudicide.
The lessons here are obvious. Pick very carefully who you get involved with.
Foolish woman.
Poor daughter-now doomed to live her entire life in Saudi Arabia.
That's all I am going to say for now.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
The Great Caroline Glick Asks...
Who Lost Egypt?
A terrifying dose of reality from one very sharp warrior Jew.
"On Sunday, new president Mohamed Morsy completed Egypt’s transformation into an Islamist state. In the space of one week, Morsy sacked the commanders of the Egyptian military and replaced them with Muslim Brotherhood loyalists, and fired all the editors of the state-owned media and replaced them with Muslim Brotherhood loyalists."
"He also implemented a policy of intimidation, censorship and closure of independently owned media organizations that dare to publish criticism of him."
|Morsy revoked the military’s constitutional role in setting the foreign and military policies of Egypt. But he maintained the junta’s court-backed decision to disband the parliament. In so doing, Morsy gave himself full control over the writing of Egypt’s new constitution."
"As former ambassador to Egypt Zvi Mazel wrote Tuesday in The Jerusalem Post, Morsy’s moves mean that he “now holds dictatorial powers surpassing by far those of erstwhile president Hosni Mubarak.”
"In other words, Morsy’s actions have transformed Egypt from a military dictatorship into an Islamist dictatorship."
A terrifying dose of reality from one very sharp warrior Jew.
"On Sunday, new president Mohamed Morsy completed Egypt’s transformation into an Islamist state. In the space of one week, Morsy sacked the commanders of the Egyptian military and replaced them with Muslim Brotherhood loyalists, and fired all the editors of the state-owned media and replaced them with Muslim Brotherhood loyalists."
"He also implemented a policy of intimidation, censorship and closure of independently owned media organizations that dare to publish criticism of him."
|Morsy revoked the military’s constitutional role in setting the foreign and military policies of Egypt. But he maintained the junta’s court-backed decision to disband the parliament. In so doing, Morsy gave himself full control over the writing of Egypt’s new constitution."
"As former ambassador to Egypt Zvi Mazel wrote Tuesday in The Jerusalem Post, Morsy’s moves mean that he “now holds dictatorial powers surpassing by far those of erstwhile president Hosni Mubarak.”
"In other words, Morsy’s actions have transformed Egypt from a military dictatorship into an Islamist dictatorship."
Kid Rock-Major Mensch-Who Knew?
"We are all grateful for your service to our country."
WOW.
Nice story.
Thank goodness, some good news today.
Most of the news has been pretty barfylicious today.
WOW.
Nice story.
Thank goodness, some good news today.
Most of the news has been pretty barfylicious today.
Great, Just Great
Toronto Police become sharia enforcers?
Apparently so.
Read more about the Khomenipalooza at Blazing Catfur and check out a summary article from Michael Coren via Kathy.
UPDATE: Oooh. Here is scaramouche's assessment of the day.
I'm also of two minds on this stuff, as a long-time activist and also as someone who has lived in Israel.
This kind of Judenhaas does not really affect Israelis or Israeli policy, IDF policy or the existence of the state of Israel. Most Israelis don't really care that rabid Jew-haters are demonstrating all around the world, in fact-living in Israel makes you very insulated from that kind of of antisemitism (Palestinian terror of course abounds).
I think that scaramouche has it right that it is a wake-up call for the regular citizens of a country to see what kind of immigrants are being allowed into their country, and it's it is a window for regular citizens to assess for themselves what kind of impact these types of folks have on the fabric of any given nation.
Apparently so.
Read more about the Khomenipalooza at Blazing Catfur and check out a summary article from Michael Coren via Kathy.
UPDATE: Oooh. Here is scaramouche's assessment of the day.
I'm also of two minds on this stuff, as a long-time activist and also as someone who has lived in Israel.
This kind of Judenhaas does not really affect Israelis or Israeli policy, IDF policy or the existence of the state of Israel. Most Israelis don't really care that rabid Jew-haters are demonstrating all around the world, in fact-living in Israel makes you very insulated from that kind of of antisemitism (Palestinian terror of course abounds).
I think that scaramouche has it right that it is a wake-up call for the regular citizens of a country to see what kind of immigrants are being allowed into their country, and it's it is a window for regular citizens to assess for themselves what kind of impact these types of folks have on the fabric of any given nation.
Steyn: Dreams From My Father, Calls From My Brother
Bills to that random conservative journalist from America.
Like I always say, just when you think you've seen the lowest from the Obama administration, or from the man himself-there is always a new low.
This really is something "special".
Read it all, plus the extra bonus Mitt Romney story at the Post Script!
Like I always say, just when you think you've seen the lowest from the Obama administration, or from the man himself-there is always a new low.
This really is something "special".
Read it all, plus the extra bonus Mitt Romney story at the Post Script!
Saturday, August 18, 2012
The UK is Screwed
Utterly, totally and royally.
Pakistani Muslim woman in Great Britain suggests:
"Let me be clear. No Muslim woman
should be forced to wear a veil. No woman wore it in the era of the
Prophet. These Muslims may see themselves as community champions, but
they are fanatics who make life a misery for young people who want to
integrate."
"It is time
for liberal Muslims to speak out. The defenders of our precious
multiculturalism must get real. My message to those who promote these
entrenched ghetto ideas is this: go home if you want to practise your
form of Islam. There is no place for it here."
Sleep
Apparently, one third of British parents lie about the sleep habits of their children, fearing that their spectacular (totally normal) sleep deprivation and inability to "fix" sleepless nights renders them bad parents.
Only a third are lying? Hooey.
Telling whoppers about baby sleep is one of the most annoying things about parenting.
Babies don't sleep. Sleep deprivation can make you crazy.
No, I don't believe you that your infant slept through the night when he or she was only 5 days old. You are a big, honking, sleep-lusting liar.
Only a third are lying? Hooey.
Telling whoppers about baby sleep is one of the most annoying things about parenting.
Babies don't sleep. Sleep deprivation can make you crazy.
No, I don't believe you that your infant slept through the night when he or she was only 5 days old. You are a big, honking, sleep-lusting liar.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Nuke It
More American blood spilled by Afghani "allies".
Minutes.
Only minutes after weapons were put into their hands.
Minutes.
Only minutes after weapons were put into their hands.
How's that Hope and Change Working Out for Ya?
This is one of the most disturbing articles that I've read today-and there have been dozens.
Virginia Farmers' markets now will be accepting food stamps.
Wow.
It's come to this.
When my grandparents came to Canada, they had to hustle for every cent they made.
There was no such thing as a government handout for anything. The outstretched hand was only and simply their entrance ticket into this country-and that was plenty, and enough for them.
They were dirt poor. But they worked really hard. One grandfather was a tailor, the other a shopkeeper with a small store. One set of grandparents rented out rooms in the house to boarders to make ends meet.
All their kids went to work well before their teen years, doing what they could to help their families.
They led pretty dignified lives in relatively tough times.
All the kids grew up, got married, worked, bought homes and had children-and now grandchildren.
I certainly believe that there are circumstances that require outside help-but I would limit those generally to the most vulnerable of society-the truly disabled (clearly defined) and the elderly. But even then, the most loving support, the most genuine support comes from extended personal circles. Or at least that is the way it was only a couple of generations ago.
Self-reliance is a rare commodity nowadays.
Common sense, not so common.
I'm trying to remain optimistic-but reversing the trend of the culture of dependency and the complete infantilization of Western society is not going to be easy, if at all possible.
Virginia Farmers' markets now will be accepting food stamps.
Wow.
It's come to this.
When my grandparents came to Canada, they had to hustle for every cent they made.
There was no such thing as a government handout for anything. The outstretched hand was only and simply their entrance ticket into this country-and that was plenty, and enough for them.
They were dirt poor. But they worked really hard. One grandfather was a tailor, the other a shopkeeper with a small store. One set of grandparents rented out rooms in the house to boarders to make ends meet.
All their kids went to work well before their teen years, doing what they could to help their families.
They led pretty dignified lives in relatively tough times.
All the kids grew up, got married, worked, bought homes and had children-and now grandchildren.
I certainly believe that there are circumstances that require outside help-but I would limit those generally to the most vulnerable of society-the truly disabled (clearly defined) and the elderly. But even then, the most loving support, the most genuine support comes from extended personal circles. Or at least that is the way it was only a couple of generations ago.
Self-reliance is a rare commodity nowadays.
Common sense, not so common.
I'm trying to remain optimistic-but reversing the trend of the culture of dependency and the complete infantilization of Western society is not going to be easy, if at all possible.
Why Does the Toronto District School Board Hate Disabled Children?
Another look at Jacob Trosser's story-a really sensitive and thoughtful piece in the Toronto Sun by Farzana Hassan.
"Is the TDSB’s refusal to accommodate the request of a loving and dedicated parent like Marcy White the result of intransigence over trivial issues rather than genuine concern for Jacob?"
That's the real question.
Why are they choosing to make Jacob's life harder?
Hasn't he suffered enough?
"Is the TDSB’s refusal to accommodate the request of a loving and dedicated parent like Marcy White the result of intransigence over trivial issues rather than genuine concern for Jacob?"
That's the real question.
Why are they choosing to make Jacob's life harder?
Hasn't he suffered enough?
Thursday, August 16, 2012
About Freaking Time
Unbelievable.
A 110 year old widow (finally) gets WWI benefits.
Yes, you read that right. World War One!
Geez.
A 110 year old widow (finally) gets WWI benefits.
Yes, you read that right. World War One!
Geez.
Viva La Lemonade Revolution
What will it take for Americans to return to enjoying more personal liberty?
Apparently, a whole bunch of Lemonade Stand Moms swarming onto Capitol Hill, risking arrest.
Give me lemonade, or give me death?
Live lemonade, or die?
I love it.
Apparently, a whole bunch of Lemonade Stand Moms swarming onto Capitol Hill, risking arrest.
Give me lemonade, or give me death?
Live lemonade, or die?
I love it.
American Politics Random
Business that refused Biden runs out of food, Secret Service buys up cupcakes as thanks!
My main thought about the recent shooting in America at the Family Research Council is this: the lack of coverage of the event by the left/mainstream media indicates how comfortable they are with the idea of murdering your political opponents a la Stalin, Mao, etc..
It's only a hate crime, and only requires deep introspection when it's right on left, or perceived, or hoped-to-be right on left crime.
"I don't like your politics."
That's what was said. Guns are fired, the direction is left to right, and it is a non-story for the left.
My main thought about the recent shooting in America at the Family Research Council is this: the lack of coverage of the event by the left/mainstream media indicates how comfortable they are with the idea of murdering your political opponents a la Stalin, Mao, etc..
It's only a hate crime, and only requires deep introspection when it's right on left, or perceived, or hoped-to-be right on left crime.
"I don't like your politics."
That's what was said. Guns are fired, the direction is left to right, and it is a non-story for the left.
The Epidemic Rape Jihad in Scandinavia
How many children under 15, and women in these countries need to be raped before authorities do something about it?
There are now 5 (reported) rapes per day in Stockholm, Sweden.
Local media (reluctantly, I imagine) reports that rapes of children under 15 account for the largest increase.
What is the rape tipping point for Scandinavia?
What is the magic number of rape victims at the hands of immigrants that will have to be surpassed before it is enough?
The innocence and trust and security of exactly how many women and children needs to be violated by barbarians before the gods of political correctness and niceties are satisfied?
How many more women and children's physical and mental lives must be thrown onto the pyre of the European elite's evil disregard for reality and disregard for the safety and well-being of native born citizens?
Don't Scandinavian women and children deserve to live a life with significantly better odds against getting raped?
I guess not.
There are now 5 (reported) rapes per day in Stockholm, Sweden.
Local media (reluctantly, I imagine) reports that rapes of children under 15 account for the largest increase.
What is the rape tipping point for Scandinavia?
What is the magic number of rape victims at the hands of immigrants that will have to be surpassed before it is enough?
The innocence and trust and security of exactly how many women and children needs to be violated by barbarians before the gods of political correctness and niceties are satisfied?
How many more women and children's physical and mental lives must be thrown onto the pyre of the European elite's evil disregard for reality and disregard for the safety and well-being of native born citizens?
Don't Scandinavian women and children deserve to live a life with significantly better odds against getting raped?
I guess not.
Oh Mah Gawd!
Someone stuck some inflatable dingy boats on Sly Stallone's mom's mouth!
AIIIIEYEEEEEE!!
Do they not have real mirrors in Hollyweird? By that, I mean ones that actually show you what you really look like? In real lighting?
I imagine that cosmetic surgeons and cosmetic dermatologists in Hollywood have people on staff whose job it is to say OOOOH THAT LOOKS GREAT, HOW ABOUT ONE MORE SHOT?
Kathy and I were talking about this a few weeks ago, because we have a running e-mail joke about all the Hollywood bimbos and starlets and reality stars and wives of actors who a) are always and forever 39, 40 and 41 and b) somehow look like they are pushing 60.
She sends good ones to me (meaning the OH YAH SHE'S FER SHURRRR 39) and I return the courtesy.
She suggested that women who are thinking of doing anything cosmetic should be persuaded to do one out of three. Just one. Not more than one thing. That's probably a good idea, but restraint and good judgement does not seem to be the forte of these kinds of broads.
So, yes-getting older sucks in many ways.
However, beclowning oneself with injections and surgeries is actually infinitely worse.
AIIIIEYEEEEEE!!
Do they not have real mirrors in Hollyweird? By that, I mean ones that actually show you what you really look like? In real lighting?
I imagine that cosmetic surgeons and cosmetic dermatologists in Hollywood have people on staff whose job it is to say OOOOH THAT LOOKS GREAT, HOW ABOUT ONE MORE SHOT?
Kathy and I were talking about this a few weeks ago, because we have a running e-mail joke about all the Hollywood bimbos and starlets and reality stars and wives of actors who a) are always and forever 39, 40 and 41 and b) somehow look like they are pushing 60.
She sends good ones to me (meaning the OH YAH SHE'S FER SHURRRR 39) and I return the courtesy.
She suggested that women who are thinking of doing anything cosmetic should be persuaded to do one out of three. Just one. Not more than one thing. That's probably a good idea, but restraint and good judgement does not seem to be the forte of these kinds of broads.
So, yes-getting older sucks in many ways.
However, beclowning oneself with injections and surgeries is actually infinitely worse.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Paging Bernie Farber, Paging Bernie Farber
Please pick up the Ayatollah Khomenipalooza Festival courtesy phone in the lobby!
Noted human rights activist strangely silent on upcoming demonstration at Queen's Park.
Others are talking about it.
HMMMM.
Noted human rights activist strangely silent on upcoming demonstration at Queen's Park.
Others are talking about it.
HMMMM.
Jacob Versus the Toronto District School Board Continued...
Why does the TDSB hate disabled children?
Click here.
Mayor Rob Ford-look what is happening in your city.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper-look how Canadian children with disabilities are being treated by the public system.
Shame on the Toronto District School Board.
Click here.
Mayor Rob Ford-look what is happening in your city.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper-look how Canadian children with disabilities are being treated by the public system.
Shame on the Toronto District School Board.
Modern Child Abuse
We will look back at these cases in a short time, see "gender" experimented adults killing themselves and then there will be breast-beating about how we couldn't see how bad it was at the time.
Well, I see it.
These parents are mentally ill.
It's one of the few situations where I would argue that natural, biological, birth parents are not the best care-givers for a child.
These psychopaths never "challenge gender sterotypes" themselves.
They send their own flesh and blood to do the social experimentation dirty work for them.
Disgusting.
Well, I see it.
These parents are mentally ill.
It's one of the few situations where I would argue that natural, biological, birth parents are not the best care-givers for a child.
These psychopaths never "challenge gender sterotypes" themselves.
They send their own flesh and blood to do the social experimentation dirty work for them.
Disgusting.
The Childishness of the American Left
This article contains a healthy reminder that the United States isn't "facing" bankruptcy, it is actually bankrupt.
Broke!
Busted!
This is what the election is about-facing the harsh reality or more delusion.
"The
reaction of the self-described progressives to this dire scenario?"
"Sweep the facts under the rug or ignore them completely, as it appears
that the most important things in their lives are the legalization of
gay marriage, free contraceptives and abortifacients, worshiping at the
altar of extreme and discredited environmentalism, mocking and
undermining all organized religion (except Islam), and telling the
American people what they can eat, where they can live, what may be
taught in their schools, how they must operate their businesses, and
what health care they can access."
WOW.
That's gotta hurt.
Nicely said.
This is also well put:
"To
the true believers on the left, re-electing Barack Obama is not a
matter of what is or is not good for the country; rather, for the
majority on the left, the primary motivation is geared solely toward
defeating their sworn enemy: conservatives and Republicans, whom many
falsely believe are a right-wing horde determined to create a theocracy
and impose old-fashioned morality. But what they fear most from the
right is a determination to reinstitute unfettered individual freedom
and concomitant economic growth, which would relegate the American left
to the back bench of American society."
The Subtle Contempt of the Obama Campaign for Jews
Kiss the ring of the rich Jew?
Ryan as Judas?
They can seriously KMA.
Just when you think the Obama administration and all of its Alinskyite worker bees have hit the lowest low, the most classless action or remark-they outdo themselves all over again.
This is pretty pathetic though.
Ryan as Judas?
They can seriously KMA.
Just when you think the Obama administration and all of its Alinskyite worker bees have hit the lowest low, the most classless action or remark-they outdo themselves all over again.
This is pretty pathetic though.
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Da Yooot of Août, Continued...
Geez. Nobody even laughed at my line!
Da Yoot of Août. It's a frikkin masterpiece!
Well, at least I amuse myself.
Anyway, another follow-up to the French Car-Be-Que season that I mentioned yesterday.
Can we safely call it the French Intifadah now?
This article is a little more reality based because it has the missing word in it.
Shhhhhh.
Don't tell anyone. The missing word is Islam. Yah, I know, it's so crazy. Reuters can't figure it out.
Here's the piece from the National Post today.
"The French authorities promised Tuesday to clamp down on a new wave of civil unrest after one of the most deprived suburbs in the country descended into "urban guerrilla warfare."
Doesn't that sounds sort of like, ummm-how shall I put this: TERRORISM?
Interestingly, this article-perhaps because it's from the Daily Telegraph and the Brits aren't shy about naming certain urban phenomenon ON THE CONTINENT, there is a mention of who these people are. Who are these rioters?
Who are deese yoots?
Leave it to an academic (what would we do without research) to identify the problem, but come up with the completely wrong explanation and theoretical solution.
"France's future depends on its ability to reintegrate the suburbs into the national project," said Gilles Kepel, a political scientist and a specialist in the Muslim world, in a recent report after a year-long study in Clichy-sous-Bois and Montfermeil, two Paris suburbs where the 2005 riots began."
This is actually an amazing paragraph-stunning in its cognitive dissonance. A masterpiece!
"His report, Suburbs of the Republic, found Islamic institutions and practices were increasingly displacing those of the French state, [Ed note: we're good up to here-then, FAIL] which has failed to deliver on its promise of "equality," and residents increasingly did not see themselves as French."
Mark Steyn notes that when certain acts of "urban guerrilla warfare" (ie: TERRORISM) are committed the earnest weeping leftist masses look for the why.
Damnnit, I'm about the who.
Who are these people, and how can we mitigate their access to our lives?
Who are these people, and how can we stop them?
Who are these people, and how can we prevent our morally lazy politicians from continuing to name the enemy, and coddle the people who so happily slaughter us?
Who has the balls to identify the problem?
(A few people for sure. Mark Steyn, and Allen West for sure.)
PS: ALLEN WEST FOR SECRETARY OF STATE
Update!
"Gesture of Tolerance in Germany".
(Head for the hills!!)
Da Yoot of Août. It's a frikkin masterpiece!
Well, at least I amuse myself.
Anyway, another follow-up to the French Car-Be-Que season that I mentioned yesterday.
Can we safely call it the French Intifadah now?
This article is a little more reality based because it has the missing word in it.
Shhhhhh.
Don't tell anyone. The missing word is Islam. Yah, I know, it's so crazy. Reuters can't figure it out.
Here's the piece from the National Post today.
"The French authorities promised Tuesday to clamp down on a new wave of civil unrest after one of the most deprived suburbs in the country descended into "urban guerrilla warfare."
Doesn't that sounds sort of like, ummm-how shall I put this: TERRORISM?
Interestingly, this article-perhaps because it's from the Daily Telegraph and the Brits aren't shy about naming certain urban phenomenon ON THE CONTINENT, there is a mention of who these people are. Who are these rioters?
Who are deese yoots?
Leave it to an academic (what would we do without research) to identify the problem, but come up with the completely wrong explanation and theoretical solution.
"France's future depends on its ability to reintegrate the suburbs into the national project," said Gilles Kepel, a political scientist and a specialist in the Muslim world, in a recent report after a year-long study in Clichy-sous-Bois and Montfermeil, two Paris suburbs where the 2005 riots began."
This is actually an amazing paragraph-stunning in its cognitive dissonance. A masterpiece!
"His report, Suburbs of the Republic, found Islamic institutions and practices were increasingly displacing those of the French state, [Ed note: we're good up to here-then, FAIL] which has failed to deliver on its promise of "equality," and residents increasingly did not see themselves as French."
Mark Steyn notes that when certain acts of "urban guerrilla warfare" (ie: TERRORISM) are committed the earnest weeping leftist masses look for the why.
Damnnit, I'm about the who.
Who are these people, and how can we mitigate their access to our lives?
Who are these people, and how can we stop them?
Who are these people, and how can we prevent our morally lazy politicians from continuing to name the enemy, and coddle the people who so happily slaughter us?
Who has the balls to identify the problem?
(A few people for sure. Mark Steyn, and Allen West for sure.)
PS: ALLEN WEST FOR SECRETARY OF STATE
Update!
"Gesture of Tolerance in Germany".
(Head for the hills!!)
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
VDH: Our Best and Not So Brightest
Victor Davis Hanson takes a look at our media and academic betters.
"In most of these cases, the above are servants of the progressive cause. They operate on assumption that they are our self-appointed censors, vigilant to spot class, race, or gender bias and unfairness among those less well-branded. But as our morals police, they do not fear any policing of themselves."
And then:
"In short, our top pundits, our political elites, our very president all believe that they can blast the unfairness of high capitalism while doing everything in their power to enjoy its dividends — and demand an ethical standard from others that they habitually do not meet themselves. It is as if the more left-wing one sounds, the more anti-left-wing his tastes; the more the ethicist lectures on morality, the more he is likely to be unethical; the more green an advocate, the less likely the 800-square foot cottage replete with recycled water, a solar toilet, and 70-degree hot water."
Rush Limbaugh has pointed this out in the past.
Whatever a leftist screeches about, it tends to be a more accurate reflection (an actual reflection) of his or her own personal failings and personal Achilles heel.
It's important not just to examine the content of the criticism but as always, who it is coming from.
Ditto (heh, see what I did there) for advice.
Take not advice from the rotund fitness instructor.
Get not your hair done by the lady-man with the butch buzz cut unless you are going into the army.
Don't get your make-up done by the lady wearing that horrible brown lip liner that is darker than her lipstick.
Don't take parenting advice from people without kids, or marriage advice from the single.
You've gotta walk the walk, not just talk the talk for me to take you seriously.
"In most of these cases, the above are servants of the progressive cause. They operate on assumption that they are our self-appointed censors, vigilant to spot class, race, or gender bias and unfairness among those less well-branded. But as our morals police, they do not fear any policing of themselves."
And then:
"In short, our top pundits, our political elites, our very president all believe that they can blast the unfairness of high capitalism while doing everything in their power to enjoy its dividends — and demand an ethical standard from others that they habitually do not meet themselves. It is as if the more left-wing one sounds, the more anti-left-wing his tastes; the more the ethicist lectures on morality, the more he is likely to be unethical; the more green an advocate, the less likely the 800-square foot cottage replete with recycled water, a solar toilet, and 70-degree hot water."
Rush Limbaugh has pointed this out in the past.
Whatever a leftist screeches about, it tends to be a more accurate reflection (an actual reflection) of his or her own personal failings and personal Achilles heel.
It's important not just to examine the content of the criticism but as always, who it is coming from.
Ditto (heh, see what I did there) for advice.
Take not advice from the rotund fitness instructor.
Get not your hair done by the lady-man with the butch buzz cut unless you are going into the army.
Don't get your make-up done by the lady wearing that horrible brown lip liner that is darker than her lipstick.
Don't take parenting advice from people without kids, or marriage advice from the single.
You've gotta walk the walk, not just talk the talk for me to take you seriously.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Five Feet of Fury Invites You To Party Like It's 1979!
Join the "Celebrate Khomeni" Al Quds party in Toronto this Saturday.
Choose your side: Khomenists or counter-demonstrators.
We're gonna party like it's 1979!
Choose your side: Khomenists or counter-demonstrators.
We're gonna party like it's 1979!
"I Found Life Here"
Please take a read of this outstanding article by a fellow special needs Mom, Louise Kinross (who edits the publication Bloom for Holland Bloorview Rehabilitation Centre here in Toronto) who had a chance to visit L'Arche in Trosly-Breuil, France.
Jean Vanier should definitely be made a saint.
I don't believe in saints, but he certainly does have a holiness about him and I admire his spirit and the grace in which he has conducted his life, and making homes and spaces that enable disabled people to live dignified and meaningful lives.
G-d bless Jean Vanier and L'Arche.
Outstanding article, Louise.
RELATED:
What My Son's Disabilities Taught Me About 'Having It All'.
"When people ask, "How are you not exploding with stress with everything on your plate?", I know they only mean it in the best, most compassionate way."
"And for those who have beautiful healthy children and gleaming new stoves, I do not discount their heartaches and worries and crises. But what bothers me is the implicit expectation: that people are waiting for our inevitable breakdown, a breast-beating howl against fate that is sure to come once we realize we'll truly never "have it all" -- because of our imperfect son."
"For all the people who are puzzled by my seeming happiness, I'll be glad to let them know my "secret."
"I'm not in denial, I'm not on antidepressants, and I don't live in a fantasy world. I have a wonderful husband and I am pursuing a career I've dreamed of since I was nine years old. I have a beautiful son, friends, and a working stove. I am not paraplegic. I have parents who, through luck and fate, had me here in the United States, and not in North Korea. I live in a time where my awful vision can be corrected with glasses. I am a college graduate. I am never hungry unless I choose to be."
"Do I have enough? Resoundingly: yes. And I ask you to take a moment: I suspect you might, too."
Olivier and Louise at L'Arche, France |
Jean Vanier should definitely be made a saint.
I don't believe in saints, but he certainly does have a holiness about him and I admire his spirit and the grace in which he has conducted his life, and making homes and spaces that enable disabled people to live dignified and meaningful lives.
G-d bless Jean Vanier and L'Arche.
Outstanding article, Louise.
RELATED:
What My Son's Disabilities Taught Me About 'Having It All'.
"When people ask, "How are you not exploding with stress with everything on your plate?", I know they only mean it in the best, most compassionate way."
"And for those who have beautiful healthy children and gleaming new stoves, I do not discount their heartaches and worries and crises. But what bothers me is the implicit expectation: that people are waiting for our inevitable breakdown, a breast-beating howl against fate that is sure to come once we realize we'll truly never "have it all" -- because of our imperfect son."
"For all the people who are puzzled by my seeming happiness, I'll be glad to let them know my "secret."
"I'm not in denial, I'm not on antidepressants, and I don't live in a fantasy world. I have a wonderful husband and I am pursuing a career I've dreamed of since I was nine years old. I have a beautiful son, friends, and a working stove. I am not paraplegic. I have parents who, through luck and fate, had me here in the United States, and not in North Korea. I live in a time where my awful vision can be corrected with glasses. I am a college graduate. I am never hungry unless I choose to be."
"Do I have enough? Resoundingly: yes. And I ask you to take a moment: I suspect you might, too."
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