LGF

more options

  

Advertisement

LGF Archives: March 2009

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

We Got Mail!

Health | Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 6:51:02 pm PDT

Anti-vaccination fever caused an LGF reader in Irvine, California to email the following mash note, titled “how much we think we know:” Charles, How do you know there’s no connection between vaccines and autism?? AS far as I know there’s no “official” link between eating deep colored vegetables and getting ...

Full post...


California Parents Buying Anti-Vaccination Hoaxes

Health | Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 3:44:27 pm PDT

If you had any doubt that bad craziness is on the rise in America, here’s an LA Times report on the increasing number of California parents who refuse to let their children be vaccinated, because of pseudo-scientific fear-mongering by fringe groups. A rising number of California parents are choosing to ...

Full post...


One Big Happy Human Rights Council

World | Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 2:46:29 pm PDT

Barack Obama’s brave new administration is going to seek a seat on the UN Human Rights Council, next to such exemplars of human rights as China, Saudi Arabia, and Cuba. WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States will seek election to the U.N. Human Rights Council this year, the State Department ...

Full post...


Red Ken's New Gig

World | Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 2:38:42 pm PDT

The former Mayor of London, “Red” Ken Livingstone, has found a new gig—guest hosting for George Galloway on Iran’s Holocaust-denying Press TV: Ken Livingstone Is Working For the Islamic Republic of Iran Propaganda Station. [Video] (Hat tip: Damian Penny.)

Full post...


Tuesday Afternoon Open

Open | Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 12:20:14 pm PDT

Thinking is a momentary dismissal of irrelevancies. — Buckminster Fuller

Full post...

Tags:

Hitchens: The Swastika and the Cedar

World | Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 11:41:09 am PDT

Christopher Hitchens finally files a report on his run-in with fascist thugs in Beirut, as part of a longer essay on The Swastika and the Cedar. As Arab thoroughfares go, Hamra Street in the center of Beirut is probably the most chic of them all. International in flavor, cosmopolitan in ...

Full post...


GM CEO: Thanks for the Money, I Think We'll Declare Bankruptcy Now

Business | Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 11:05:21 am PDT

Now he tells us: GM’s New CEO: Bankruptcy May Be Best Option for Automaker. General Motors’s new chief executive told CNBC that filing for Bankruptcy may be the best option for the struggling automaker. In a taped interview to be aired tonight on NBC Nightly News, Fritz Henderson said that because ...

Full post...


A Bill to Let Big Government Set Your Salary

US News | Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 9:41:51 am PDT

The House Financial Services Committee has approved new legislation that would allow the government to determine how much all employees of businesses that accept federal money should be paid—and it’s retroactive, allowing the government to void existing contracts and impose new terms. And the government would also determine the “performance standards” ...

Full post...


Taliban Chief Threatens US Attack

World | Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 9:09:08 am PDT

Yesterday the Islamic supremacists calling themselves the Taliban staged a mass murder attack on a Pakistani police academy—and today the “commander” of this brutish gang of thugs is promising an attack on Washington DC. DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan (AP) — The commander of the Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility Tuesday for ...

Full post...


The Cult of Obama

Politics | Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 8:39:05 am PDT

Gene Healy has our quote of the day: Americans, of all people, should recognize how bizarre and dangerous it is to fawn over professional politicians. And he’s not only talking about Barack Obama, but all politicians.

Full post...


Monday, March 30, 2009

Overnight Open Thread

Open | Mon, Mar 30, 2009 at 11:09:25 pm PDT

Puritanism: The haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy. — H. L. Mencken

Full post...

Tags:

YouTube Bans James Randi

Media | Mon, Mar 30, 2009 at 8:28:15 pm PDT

You have got to be kidding me. YouTube has suspended the account of the James Randi Foundation, one of the foremost rationalist organizations in the United States? This is an outrage. YouTube — where you can easily find disgusting, violent jihadi videos, and vile antisemitic garbage like this — is now protecting ...

Full post...


Shocka! Obama's Gaffes Noticed by Mainstream Media

Politics | Mon, Mar 30, 2009 at 7:14:57 pm PDT

Experts say Obama needs to watch the gaffes. Ya think? Instant Internet communication and an explosion in political commentary are magnifying President Obama’s gaffes and administration missteps, and could erode his popularity faster than that of other presidents, say experts from both left and right. Intense scrutiny and rookie mistakes by an ...

Full post...


A Profile of Freeman Dyson

Environment | Mon, Mar 30, 2009 at 2:55:01 pm PDT

The New York Times Magazine has a fascinating profile of renowned physicist Freeman Dyson, focusing on his skepticism about human-caused climate change: The Civil Heretic - Freeman Dyson. Dyson is well aware that “most consider me wrong about global warming.” That educated Americans tend to agree with the conclusion about ...

Full post...


Monday Afternoon Open

Open | Mon, Mar 30, 2009 at 12:18:18 pm PDT

What’s the last thing a drummer says in a band? “Hey guys, why don’t we try one of my songs?” — Dave Grohl

Full post...

Tags:

Kook Lies About 'Lies'

Environment | Mon, Mar 30, 2009 at 10:50:07 am PDT

Several people have emailed this article to me today, and it’s been posted in our spinoff links twice already: Rise of sea levels is ‘the greatest lie ever told’. The Telegraph’s Christopher Booker cites a Swedish “physicist,” Nils-Axel Mörner, who claims that every scientist and climate expert in the world is ...

Full post...


Bill Ayers High School Speech on 'Social Justice' Canceled

US News | Mon, Mar 30, 2009 at 10:33:09 am PDT

As we noted a few days ago, former Weather Underground terrorist Bill Ayers was invited to speak to Illinois high school students on the topic of “social justice.” Today LGF reader “realwest” shared an email he received with some good news on this subject: Thank you very much for your e-mail ...

Full post...


Horowitz Unloads on Obama Derangement Syndrome

Politics | Mon, Mar 30, 2009 at 8:44:17 am PDT

Good for David Horowitz; his latest column for FrontPage makes many of the same points I’ve been hammering away at since Barack Obama was elected (leading to a series of meltdowns in our comment threads, and a barrage of hate mail that shows no sign of letting up). Horowitz is ...

Full post...


Sunday, March 29, 2009

Overnight Open Thread

Open | Sun, Mar 29, 2009 at 11:40:48 pm PDT

Turning and turning in the widening gyre The falcon cannot hear the falconer; Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world, The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere The ceremony of innocence is drowned; The best lack all conviction, while the worst Are full of passionate intensity. Surely some revelation is at ...

Full post...

Tags:

Let's Be Honest with the Kids

Science | Sun, Mar 29, 2009 at 7:23:05 pm PDT

Christopher Hitchens makes excellent points about the Texas Board of Education and its young earth creationist chairman Don McLeroy, who apparently won’t be satisfied until the whole world is laughing at his state: Hitchens: Why Texas Is Right on Teaching Evolution. I find myself somewhat drawn in by the quixotic ...

Full post...


Sunday Night Music: Crowded House, 'Private Universe'

Video | Sun, Mar 29, 2009 at 6:11:02 pm PDT

Crowded House’s Together Alone is one of the albums I’ll take with me when I’m marooned on a desert island, and this is one of the best songs on it, with a surreal, inventive video. [Video]

Full post...


Hey, North Korea! Go Ahead and Test Away!

World | Sun, Mar 29, 2009 at 5:33:54 pm PDT

Telegraphing weakness to an enemy on the brink of testing a ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead; what could possibly go wrong with a strategy like that? Gates: U.S. Not Prepared to Respond to North Korea Missile Launch. The United States can do nothing to stop North Korea ...

Full post...


GM CEO Resigns at Obama's Request

Business | Sun, Mar 29, 2009 at 3:02:25 pm PDT

General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner has presided over a steady decline in sales and market share for the past 8 years, and now Barack Obama has asked him to step down as part of the plan to restructure the auto industry. The Obama administration asked Rick Wagoner, the chairman and ...

Full post...


Florida City Cancels 'Tea Party' Because Organizers Refuse to Get Insurance

US News | Sun, Mar 29, 2009 at 12:56:21 pm PDT

I’m getting email from people outraged that the city of Cape Coral, Florida, has canceled a “tea party” protest, because (they say) the government fears too many attendees. CAPE CORAL, Fla. - A tea party to protest government spending and taxing is canceled. Canceled by the government. Why? They feel too ...

Full post...


Windows PC Worm Set to Activate on April 1st

Science | Sun, Mar 29, 2009 at 12:33:42 pm PDT

If you’re using a Windows PC, it would be a very good idea to make sure your anti-virus software is up to date, because the “Conficker” worm is preparing to do ... something ... on April 1st. This article is skeptical about the danger, but since no one really knows ...

Full post...


MSM Belatedly Telling the Truth About Gaza

Middle East | Sun, Mar 29, 2009 at 11:48:32 am PDT

Two good posts on the absolutely disgraceful mainstream media reporting about Israel’s invasion of Gaza, and the “war crimes” that never happened: Soccer Dad: Now he tells us. CAMERA Snapshots: NY Times Backpedals on Gaza Atrocities Story.

Full post...


US Cardinal Denounces Obama's Notre Dame Invitation

Religion | Sun, Mar 29, 2009 at 10:09:14 am PDT

Catholic clergymen are seething over Barack Obama’s scheduled commencement speech at the University of Notre Dame, because of his pro-choice positions: Now, a U.S. cardinal denounces Notre Dame’s Obama invite. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo has become the first American cardinal to denounce the University of Notre Dame for inviting Democratic President ...

Full post...


The Budget with No Numbers

Politics | Sun, Mar 29, 2009 at 9:43:09 am PDT

Pathetic. Standing before television cameras, Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio), Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.), Conference Chairman Mike Pence (R-Ind.) and other members — including the top Republican on the Budget Committee Paul Ryan (Wis.) — couldn’t answer specific questions about their spending plan. After weeks of promising a comprehensive alternative to ...

Full post...


Saturday, March 28, 2009

Overnight Open Thread

Open | Sat, Mar 28, 2009 at 11:11:43 pm PDT

It is time for students of the evolutionary process, especially those who have been misquoted and used by the creationists, to state clearly that evolution is a fact, not theory, and that what is at issue within biology are questions of details of the process and the relative importance of ...

Full post...

Tags:

Video: Hitchens vs. Mos Def

Video | Sat, Mar 28, 2009 at 8:18:25 pm PDT

Here’s a highly entertaining segment of Bill Maher’s show, with Salman Rushdie and Christopher Hitchens squaring off against ... rapper Mos Def, who gives new meaning to the word “incoherent.” [Video]

Full post...


What, Me Worry?

US News | Sat, Mar 28, 2009 at 2:12:13 pm PDT

From the March 25, 2009 hearing of the US House Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, Illinois Republican Congressman John Shimkus says we don’t need to worry about climate change, because the book of Genesis says God will decide when the world is supposed to end. [Video] Well, that’s a load off my ...

Full post...


Another Stealth Creationism Bill Dies, No One Mourns

Science | Sat, Mar 28, 2009 at 1:51:42 pm PDT

As we noted in early February, Florida Republicans introduced a bill modeled on the one signed into law by Bobby Jindal in Louisiana, intended to sneak creationism into science classes under the disguise of “academic freedom.” Today there’s good news; the Tampa Tribune reports that this bill is dead: Anti-Evolution Bill ...

Full post...


Pink

Images | Sat, Mar 28, 2009 at 12:16:49 pm PDT

Camera: Canon Powershot G10 in macro mode, tripod-mounted.

Full post...


Phillips: The Real Lobby

Middle East | Sat, Mar 28, 2009 at 11:27:20 am PDT

Melanie Phillips pulls back the curtain on The Real Lobby And Its Acolytes.

Full post...


Bill Ayers Invited to Speak to Illinois High School Students

US News | Sat, Mar 28, 2009 at 10:13:40 am PDT

If you can believe this, Weather Underground bomber Bill Ayers has been invited to speak at Naperville High School in Illinois. Doug Ross has details and contact information for the school: Stand against Bill Ayers.

Full post...


Cooking with Lizards

Lifestyle | Sat, Mar 28, 2009 at 9:56:42 am PDT

If you don’t have your copy of the LGF Cookbook yet, you’re missing out on some tasty and inventive lizardoid culinary delights...

Full post...


Bill Ayers Not Welcome at Boston College

US News | Sat, Mar 28, 2009 at 9:50:42 am PDT

Boston College officials have told former Weather Underground terrorist Bill Ayers he’s not welcome to speak on campus, canceling invitations by the AHANA (African-American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian-American, and Native American) Council and the College Democrats.

Full post...


Obama's Sales Pitch: Ineffective?

Politics | Sat, Mar 28, 2009 at 9:17:59 am PDT

Barack Obama has been selling his budget on a trans-continental PR charm offensive for the last two weeks, but public support is still slipping. People who feel positively about his budget fell from 44% in late February to 39% this week. People who feel negatively about the budget increased one ...

Full post...


Friday, March 27, 2009

Overnight Open Thread

Open | Fri, Mar 27, 2009 at 11:09:58 pm PDT

Follow in your book and repeat after me as we learn three new words in Turkish. “towel”... “bath”... “border”... May I see your passport please? — Firesign Theatre

Full post...

Tags:

Friday Night Jazz: Michael Brecker, 'Round Midnight'

Video | Fri, Mar 27, 2009 at 6:35:51 pm PDT

A solo version of the Thelonious Monk classic “Round Midnight,” by one of the greatest tenor saxophonists who ever lived, Michael Brecker. [Video]

Full post...


'My Grandfather Was Not a Monkey!'

Science | Fri, Mar 27, 2009 at 2:09:40 pm PDT

The Texas Board of Education hearings on science curriculum have now concluded, and while the pro-science side did get some of the worst anti-evolution stuff out of the standards, the creationists on the board also managed to pass several amendments that will allow them to pressure textbook authors into including ...

Full post...


Friday Morning Open

Open | Fri, Mar 27, 2009 at 11:20:48 am PDT

Sure, understanding today’s complex world of the future is a little like having bees live in your head. But, there they are. — Firesign Theatre, I Think We’re All Bozos On This Bus

Full post...

Tags:

Navarette Changes Tune

Media | Fri, Mar 27, 2009 at 10:08:49 am PDT

Last year, CNN-San Diego Union-Tribune columnist Ruben Navarrette Jr. said that if you didn’t want to vote for Barack Obama, and you’re white, you’re a racist. Today Navarette complains that Obama is flunking economics, and that many Americans “won’t tolerate any criticism of the president.” And these people wonder why the public ...

Full post...


Totten: Baghdad in Fragments

World | Fri, Mar 27, 2009 at 9:43:47 am PDT

Another terrific report from Iraq by Michael J. Totten: Baghdad in Fragments. Many third world cities look better at night than during the day. Darkness hides shabbiness. You have to imagine what the city actually looks like. If you live in a first world city yourself, you might fill in ...

Full post...


Inside the Secret Liberal Media Email Cabal

Media | Fri, Mar 27, 2009 at 9:22:13 am PDT

Mickey Kaus has posted a leaked series of emails from that (no longer) secret mailing list for journalists and left-wing bloggers, and it’s every bit as bad as you might have imagined; this exchange is titled: “BREAKING: Marty Peretz is a Crazy-Ass Racist.” These are the captains of media, throwing around ...

Full post...


Gitmo Inmates to Be Released in US, Given 'Assistance'

US News | Fri, Mar 27, 2009 at 8:44:46 am PDT

President Barack Obama is not only planning to release Guantanamo Bay inmates into the United States—he’s going to give them welfare. President Barack Obama’s intelligence chief confirmed Thursday that some Guantanamo inmates may be released on US soil and receive assistance to return to society. “If we are to release them ...

Full post...


Thursday, March 26, 2009

Overnight Open Thread

Open | Thu, Mar 26, 2009 at 11:28:36 pm PDT

It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future. — Yogi Berra

Full post...

Tags:

The Republican Road to Recovery

Politics | Thu, Mar 26, 2009 at 6:55:55 pm PDT

Here’s The Republican Road to Recovery in PDF form. What do you think? It’s hard not to notice that there are no actual numbers therein.

Full post...


Texas School Board Creationists Pass Several Ridiculous Amendments

Science | Thu, Mar 26, 2009 at 5:31:21 pm PDT

In a vote this morning, the Texas State Board of Education deadlocked on a motion to restore anti-evolution language in the state’s science curriculum: Split vote upholds Texas education board ruling to ax evolution ‘strengths and weaknesses’ rule. AUSTIN – A last-ditch effort by social conservatives to require that Texas ...

Full post...


IPT: Mahdi Bray's Secret, Checkered Past

US News | Thu, Mar 26, 2009 at 5:02:12 pm PDT

We’ve had several posts at LGF about Mahdi Bray, the spokesman for the Muslim Brotherhood front group calling itself the Muslim American Society, and his consistent support for jihadist causes. The Investigative Project has been looking into Bray’s past, and discovered that he has an extensive criminal background: Mahdi Bray’s ...

Full post...


Democrats Call For Tomahawk Strike Against North Korean Launchpad

World | Thu, Mar 26, 2009 at 4:24:51 pm PDT

Two former Clinton administration Democrats called for a Tomahawk strike against North Korea’s ballistic missile before it can leave the launchpad. Yes, I said “Democrats.” That should give you an idea how serious this situation is. And not a word about it at last night’s Obama news conference. UPDATE at 3/26/09 4:43:12 ...

Full post...


Irony Watch: Howard Dean and Keith Olbermann

Video | Thu, Mar 26, 2009 at 3:14:15 pm PDT

From Olbermann Watch, Howard Dean went on the Keith Olbermann show and criticized people who throw around words like “fascist” to describe political opponents. Thereby increasing the world supply of irony by an immeasurable amount. [Video]

Full post...


An Orwellian Discovery Institute Press Release

Science | Thu, Mar 26, 2009 at 2:57:30 pm PDT

The creationists at the Discovery Institute are pushing hard to get their agenda adopted by the Texas Board of Education; this press release was just sent to my email address, and it’s a textbook example of the distorted turnspeak they use to promote their pseudo-scientific nonsense. Note that they’re attempting to ...

Full post...


Onion: The World's Most Alienating Airport

Video | Thu, Mar 26, 2009 at 2:34:49 pm PDT

[Video]

Full post...


50 Scientific Societies Sign Letter to Texas Board of Education

Science | Thu, Mar 26, 2009 at 12:06:39 pm PDT

As the Texas State Board of Education prepares to vote on the curriculum promoted by the infamous Discovery Institute and a board stacked with young earth creationists, more than 50 scientific societies have signed a letter calling on the BOE to Teach Evolution Right! A Message to the Texas State ...

Full post...


Charges of IDF 'Wanton Killing' Crumble

Middle East | Thu, Mar 26, 2009 at 11:28:36 am PDT

The mainstream media unanimously gave credence to reports of IDF atrocities in Gaza, and now these reports have been shown to be completely false. Will they publish corrections? (A rhetorical question.) CAMERA: Charges of IDF ‘Wanton Killing’ Crumble.

Full post...


Rancid Antisemitism in America's Major Newspapers

Media | Thu, Mar 26, 2009 at 10:49:26 am PDT

This is really bad. When both the New York Times and the Washington Post publish a cartoon that belongs in a Nazi-era tabloid, we’ve crossed the line into very dangerous territory. These newspapers should publish an apology for this absolutely outrageous cartoon. But I know they won’t.

Full post...


We Got Mail!

Blogosphere | Thu, Mar 26, 2009 at 10:15:08 am PDT

My post about the GOP’s disastrous decision to defend the “We want Obama to fail” meme brought some hate mail (which I expected) and some support too. First, the drooling haters: aw, you poor baby. Do those mean national parties not agree with everything in your pretty, little head. ...

Full post...

Tags: ,

Graphic Evidence

Politics | Thu, Mar 26, 2009 at 9:50:49 am PDT

The Washington Post published a graph that speaks volumes about the incredible debt this country is preparing to assume: Projected Deficit. (Hat tip: Athos.)

Full post...


Obama Townhall Meeting

Politics | Thu, Mar 26, 2009 at 8:50:14 am PDT

A thread to discuss Barack Obama’s townhall meeting, now under way...

Full post...


Antisemitism on Hispanic Radio

Moonbats | Thu, Mar 26, 2009 at 8:48:05 am PDT

Here’s an interesting post about the out-of-control antisemitism on left-wing radio station KPFK: The OC Connection to KPFK’s Anti-Semitic Show. The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles has a fascinating article in tomorrow’s edition about “La Causa,” a show that airs Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. on KPFK-FM 90.7 and is ...

Full post...


Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Overnight Open Thread

Open | Wed, Mar 25, 2009 at 11:34:41 pm PDT

The arts of power and its minions are the same in all countries and in all ages. It marks its victim; denounces it; and excites the public odium and the public hatred, to conceal its own abuses and encroachments. — Henry Clay

Full post...

Tags:

And Now for a Baby Francois Langur

Images | Wed, Mar 25, 2009 at 9:27:48 pm PDT

Well, now that the angry right is raging at me for daring to attempt the horror of self-criticism, I think it’s time for the world’s cutest baby Francois Langur, born five days ago in Australia’s Taronga Zoo. From the Internet Center for the Study of Baby Animal Cuteness, ZooBorns. UPDATE at 3/25/09 ...

Full post...


The GOP's Major Fail

Politics | Wed, Mar 25, 2009 at 6:49:39 pm PDT

The bizarre GOP talking point of the day is that there’s nothing wrong with wanting Barack Obama to fail. This is so wrong-headed and self-defeating I don’t even know where to start. Criticize him, show where he’s wrong, point out the flaws in his policies, even mock the guy for his reliance ...

Full post...


Texas School Board Meeting Live-Blogged

Science | Wed, Mar 25, 2009 at 4:30:03 pm PDT

It’s astounding that this is happening in 2009, but the Texas State Board of Education is actually considering passing a curriculum that will teach creationism in public school science classes. And Republican Governor Rick Perry has stacked the board with young earth creationists and pure idiots, including at least two ...

Full post...


Overseas Contingency Operations Against Something or Other

US News | Wed, Mar 25, 2009 at 1:47:06 pm PDT

I’m really not sorry to see the phrase “War on Terror” being retired by the Pentagon; it’s always seemed like a complete misnomer. You don’t fight a war against a tactic, you fight against people with an ideology. This battle would have been much better described as the “War on ...

Full post...


Wednesday Afternoon Open

Open | Wed, Mar 25, 2009 at 12:18:24 pm PDT

It’s the midday open thread for the middle of the week...

Full post...

Tags:

War Crimes and Shoddy Journalism

Media | Wed, Mar 25, 2009 at 11:57:25 am PDT

It’s as predictable as an atomic clock. Every time Israel strikes back against terrorists after months or years of attacks, the international media screams “War Crimes!” Equally predictable: many of the accusations turn out to be false.

Full post...


Stephens: Will Obama Listen to Iran's Bloggers?

World | Wed, Mar 25, 2009 at 10:35:54 am PDT

Bret Stephens is right on the mark in this column for the Wall Street Journal: Barack Obama Needs to Listen to Iran’s Bloggers. (But we all know he won’t.) Barack Obama extended the olive branch to Iran’s leaders last Friday in a videotaped message praising a “great civilization” for “accomplishments” ...

Full post...


Medal of Honor Day

US News | Wed, Mar 25, 2009 at 10:19:04 am PDT

Today is National Medal of Honor Day. We respect and honor the service of the courageous individuals who’ve won this award, many of whom sacrificed their lives for their fellow soldiers. These are the best of our nation, and their examples inspire us all.

Full post...


Obama the Werewolf Killer

Politics | Wed, Mar 25, 2009 at 10:03:02 am PDT

What’s got into the Associated Press today? They’re actually criticizing Obama for using a teleprompter in his press conference. WASHINGTON – What kind of politician brings a teleprompter to a news conference? A careful one. President Barack Obama took no chances in his second prime-time news conference, reading a prepared statement in ...

Full post...


AIG Execs' Bonuses Returned Via Extortion

Politics | Wed, Mar 25, 2009 at 9:38:40 am PDT

Apparently, those AIG executives returned their bonuses because New York Attorney General Cuomo threatened to release their names to the angry populist mobs. An email from the head of a controversial unit at AIG suggests employees who gave up their bonuses did not do so voluntarily, but feared their names ...

Full post...


Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Overnight Open Thread

Open | Tue, Mar 24, 2009 at 11:12:42 pm PDT

If a thing loves, it is infinite. — William Blake

Full post...

Tags:

The Return of Cold Fusion?

Science | Tue, Mar 24, 2009 at 8:00:48 pm PDT

Scientists at a US Navy laboratory have announced a discovery that may change the world—if it isn’t another false alarm: Scientists in possible cold fusion breakthrough. The scientists on Monday described what they called the first clear visual evidence that low-energy nuclear reaction (LENR), or cold fusion devices can produce ...

Full post...


Note to Lew Rockwell Readers

Blogosphere | Tue, Mar 24, 2009 at 6:24:19 pm PDT

All of you folks who are coming to us from Lew Rockwell’s site (2,581 so far) should be aware that we’re collecting your IP addresses and forwarding them to our puppet masters at AIPAC, so that we can break down your doors in the middle of the night, roust you ...

Full post...


Obama Speaks 4

Politics | Tue, Mar 24, 2009 at 5:59:42 pm PDT

Here’s the wrap-up thread, as we close registration with 37 hatchlings...

Full post...


Obama Speaks 3

Politics | Tue, Mar 24, 2009 at 5:43:18 pm PDT

Another thread for President Obama’s news conference; registration is still open for a limited time...

Full post...


Obama Speaks 2

Politics | Tue, Mar 24, 2009 at 5:18:41 pm PDT

Here’s a second thread for the punch-drunk President’s news conference, and this time registration is open...

Full post...


Obama Speaks

Politics | Tue, Mar 24, 2009 at 4:54:28 pm PDT

The second primetime news conference for the punch-drunk palooka of Pennsylvania Avenue (yes, I do like that moniker) is about to begin, and here’s our first thread for the occasion...

Full post...


Ron Paul!

Moonbats | Tue, Mar 24, 2009 at 3:28:12 pm PDT

Now the troglodytes at the Ron Paul Forum are taking a few whacks at the LGF pinata: Blowback for putting Alex Jones on Freedom Watch - Liberty Forest. Among the testimonials to the brilliance of Alex Jones, we find this lovely comment from a Paulian who suspects the Jews are responsible: ...

Full post...


Iowahawk: Requiem For a Lightweight

Humor | Tue, Mar 24, 2009 at 3:10:20 pm PDT

Iowahawk tells the sad story of the punch-drunk palooka of Pennsylvania Avenue: Requiem For a Lightweight. (With apologies to Rod Serling) ACT 1 SCENE 1 A stark dressing room in the underbelly of the White House, bathed in the dim yellow light of a 25-watt compact fluorescent bulb. The dingy walls are plastered ...

Full post...


When Lew Rockwell Attacks

Blogosphere | Tue, Mar 24, 2009 at 1:42:40 pm PDT

Paleocon neanderthal Lew Rockwell didn’t like our post about his appearance with Alex Jones on a Fox News online show hosted by Andrew Napolitano, so he takes a creepy little slap at us: LewRockwell.com Blog: Little Green Footballs Is Upset. The right-wing site with the flavor of a provincial Soviet ...

Full post...


Tuesday Afternoon Open

Open | Tue, Mar 24, 2009 at 12:17:05 pm PDT

Here’s an open thread for a Tuesday afternoon...

Full post...

Tags:

Jimmy Carter: The Civil War Was 'Un-Christian'

US News | Tue, Mar 24, 2009 at 11:06:08 am PDT

In his new book, America’s most disgraceful former President says the Civil War was unnecessary, and “un-Christian.” Here’s the latest outrage from Jimmy Carter, the ex-President so many Americans love to hate: He claims the Civil War - which he calls, Southern-style, “The War Between the States” - was un-Christian ...

Full post...


LGF on Twitter

Blogosphere | Tue, Mar 24, 2009 at 10:21:26 am PDT

Since I received two emails last night asking why LGF doesn’t have a Twitter page—here’s another reminder that as of last week, we do have automatic updates on Twitter every time a new post appears. To receive these updates, follow the Lizardoid.

Full post...


Bobby Jindal's Volcano Monitoring Slam Backfires

Science | Tue, Mar 24, 2009 at 10:13:34 am PDT

When Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal took a cheap shot at the volcano monitoring program, I winced. Just what we need, another ignorant anti-science comment from a Republican spokesperson—and on top of it, this came from a spokesperson who promoted and signed a stealth creationism bill. Less than a month later Alaska’s ...

Full post...


Video: Napolitano with Alex Jones, Ron Paul, Lew Rockwell, Etc

Video | Tue, Mar 24, 2009 at 9:21:45 am PDT

Wow. Racists, 9/11 truthers, and conspiracy theorists, all brought to you by Fox News. Featuring “the great Alex Jones.” What the hell is wrong with Fox News? [Video]

Full post...


Monday, March 23, 2009

Overnight Open Thread

Open | Mon, Mar 23, 2009 at 11:15:56 pm PDT

The man who sailed around his soul From East to West, from pole to pole With ego as his drunken captain Greed, the mutineer, had trapped all reason in the hold — Andy Partridge, “The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul”

Full post...

Tags:

Absurd Anti-Evolution Lawsuit Denied by Supreme Court

Science | Mon, Mar 23, 2009 at 6:42:03 pm PDT

You may remember our post about the Orwellian Evolution Lawsuit filed by a fundamentalist Christian schoolteacher in California, Jeanne Caldwell, who claimed that the Understanding Evolution website of the UC Museum of Paleontology violated the constitutional separation of church and state, because it tried to promote reconciliation between science and ...

Full post...


Our Friends the Saudis

World | Mon, Mar 23, 2009 at 5:50:55 pm PDT

The corrupt, obscenely wealthy rulers of Saudi Arabia continue playing Wahhabi bait-and-switch, promising reforms and delivering only more of the same Dark Ages misogyny. RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Visitors to a women’s job training center heard terrified screams — and rushed to see an agent of the religious police ...

Full post...


Video: Inside Guantanamo

Video | Mon, Mar 23, 2009 at 3:45:28 pm PDT

The National Geographic Channel has an interesting show coming up in April, a look at day-to-day operations Inside Guantanamo. [Video]

Full post...


Texas School Board to Vote on Anti-Evolution Curriculum

Science | Mon, Mar 23, 2009 at 1:21:48 pm PDT

This Wednesday, March 25, the Texas State Board of Education will hold three days of meetings leading to a final vote on a new science curriculum designed by the anti-evolution propagandists at the Discovery Institute, in league with far-right fundamentalists. The Wall Street Journal’s Stephanie Simon has a report on the ...

Full post...


'Jihad Unspun' Owner Kidnapped by Taliban

World | Mon, Mar 23, 2009 at 12:36:39 pm PDT

The woman who used to run the anti-American, pro-jihad website “Jihad Unspun,” Beverly Giesbrecht (aka Khadija Abdul Qahar), has apparently been taken hostage by the Taliban in Afghanistan, where she went to film a documentary on the “Islamic resistance.” It could be a scam, of course; but if not, Giesbrecht ...

Full post...


Monday Morning Open

Open | Mon, Mar 23, 2009 at 11:22:48 am PDT

I’m frightened of eggs, worse than frightened, they revolt me. That white round thing without any holes ... have you ever seen anything more revolting than an egg yolk breaking and spilling its yellow liquid? Blood is jolly, red. But egg yolk is yellow, revolting. I’ve never tasted it. — Alfred ...

Full post...

Tags:

Lance Armstrong Crashes in Spain

Sports | Mon, Mar 23, 2009 at 10:24:29 am PDT

Lance Armstrong has crashed while racing in the Vuelta a Castilla y León in Spain, and may have broken his collarbone—which could put an end to his Tour de France comeback. Lance Armstrong crashed hard in Monday’s opening stage of the Vuelta a Castilla y León and was transported by ...

Full post...


Dodd's Wife Was Former Director of AIG-Controlled Company

Politics | Mon, Mar 23, 2009 at 10:13:59 am PDT

We don’t expect honesty or integrity from our politicians in the United States any more, but it’s a bit shocking how corrupt the system really is—as the AIG scandal continues turning over rocks: Dodd’s Wife a Former Director of Bermuda-Based IPC Holdings, an AIG Controlled Company. No wonder Senator Christopher ...

Full post...


Palestinian 'Refugees' Refuse Food Aid from Iran

World | Mon, Mar 23, 2009 at 9:29:25 am PDT

Iran has thoughtfully sent a shipment of food to the Nahr al-Bared “refugee camp” in Lebanon (a refugee camp that has existed for decades), a stronghold of militant Islam. But the Palestinians in the camp are refusing to eat the food. Why? Because the Lebanese Army used sniffer dogs to search ...

Full post...


Another Democrat in Trouble

US News | Mon, Mar 23, 2009 at 9:14:47 am PDT

No wonder Democrat politicians are so quick to raise taxes—they aren’t paying them anyway. California’s Rep. Pete Stark, a senior House Democrat who helps write the nation’s tax laws, has been claiming a $1.7 million Maryland home as his principal residence in recent years, although he represents the Golden State’s ...

Full post...


Obama's Blue Ribbon Economy Panel Sitting Idle

Politics | Mon, Mar 23, 2009 at 8:26:34 am PDT

A month and a half after Barack Obama set up a special panel to advise him on the economy, the panel has yet to meet publicly. Six weeks after President Barack Obama appointed a blue-ribbon panel to help him dig America out of its economic crisis, the board has yet ...

Full post...


Sunday, March 22, 2009

Overnight Open Thread

Open | Sun, Mar 22, 2009 at 11:21:03 pm PDT

We have seen the best of our time: machinations, hollowness, treachery, and all ruinous disorders, follow us disquietly to our graves. — William Shakespeare, King Lear

Full post...

Tags:

A Creationist Museum in California

Science | Sun, Mar 22, 2009 at 7:01:27 pm PDT

Remember the film “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure,” in which Pee Wee Herman visited a California roadside attraction that featured giant concrete dinosaurs? Well, that roadside attraction on Highway 10 near Cabazon, formerly known as “Claude Bell’s Dinosaurs,” has now been bought out by fanatics who’ve turned it into a creationist museum. Long ...

Full post...


Obama Laughs Too Much, Kroft Asks: 'Are You Punch-Drunk?'

Politics | Sun, Mar 22, 2009 at 5:08:56 pm PDT

Here’s a transcript from President Obama’s appearance on 60 Minutes tonight, in which Obama kept breaking into laughter so much while discussing the total collapse of the US economic system, Steve Kroft asked him if he was “punch-drunk:” PRESIDENT OBAMA: I just want to say that— the only thing less popular ...

Full post...


New Mexico Stealth Creationism Bill Dies, No One Mourns

Science | Sun, Mar 22, 2009 at 3:23:35 pm PDT

As we’ve noted previously, New Mexico is one of several states in which Republican politicians have introduced bills intended to sneak the teaching of creationism into science classes, under the deceptive mantle of “academic freedom.” This multi-state effort is based on a Discovery Institute “model bill,” and many of the ...

Full post...


Chavez and Obama: Where Did the Love Go?

World | Sun, Mar 22, 2009 at 2:27:25 pm PDT

Venezuelan thug-in-chief Hugo Chavez has called Barack Obama an “ignoramus.” “He goes and accuses me of exporting terrorism: the least I can say is that he’s a poor ignoramus; he should read and study a little to understand reality,” said Chavez, who heads a group of left-wing Latin American leaders ...

Full post...


Debunking the Troofer Loons

Moonbats | Sun, Mar 22, 2009 at 2:11:06 pm PDT

At CounterKnowledge.com, Joseph Welch has gone several rounds with pod people from the “9/11 Truth” movement, and he winds up with a great post on an especially dishonest Troofer: 15 questions for truthers: a final response to Stewart Bradley.

Full post...


Sunday Afternoon Open

Open | Sun, Mar 22, 2009 at 1:07:32 pm PDT

Here’s an open thread, with bonus open registration. As always, there are some simple rules: %%LIST=Don’t register with a proxy. Don’t register with a throwaway email address. Don’t register more than one account at a time. Don’t be a jerk. Don’t be a troll. Do play nice.%% And then everything will be groovy. UPDATE at 3/22/09 3:20:06 pm: Now closed, ...

Full post...

Tags:

Galloway Threatens to Sue Canada

World | Sun, Mar 22, 2009 at 12:07:57 pm PDT

Malevolent, terror-supporting British MP George Galloway has been barred from entering Canada, and now he’s threatening to sue. OTTAWA — An outspoken British MP who’s opposed to the war in Afghanistan says he intends to take legal action against the federal government over its decision to refuse him entry to ...

Full post...


Video: Gregg Says Obama Will Bankrupt America

Politics | Sun, Mar 22, 2009 at 11:16:21 am PDT

Republican Senator Judd Gregg, who withdrew as Barack Obama’s Commerce Secretary, says Obama’s economic policies will bankrupt the country. But at the same time, he praises Obama’s policies for restoring the banking system to health. It’s not clear how these two contradictory opinions can be reconciled. [Video]

Full post...


Atlas Shrugs Still Raving About Nirth Certifikit, Cites 9/11 Troofer As Source

Blogosphere | Sun, Mar 22, 2009 at 9:41:52 am PDT

Just when you think shrieking lunatic Pamela Geller can’t possibly get any more raving cuckoo insane, she posts another one of her fetid rants claiming that the birth announcements for Barack Obama published by Honolulu newspapers in 1961 were “forged.” By the “C-I-A.” Yes, really. With extra added crazy person capitalization: Atlas ...

Full post...


Saturday, March 21, 2009

Overnight Open Thread

Open | Sat, Mar 21, 2009 at 11:22:45 pm PDT

How full of briers is this working-day world! — William Shakespeare, As You Like It

Full post...

Tags:

Saturday Music: John Hiatt, 'Riding with the King'

Video | Sat, Mar 21, 2009 at 8:40:59 pm PDT

A classic John Hiatt song, with Sonny Landreth tearing it up on slide guitar in Basel, Switzerland: Riding with the King. [Video]

Full post...


Saturday Night Phlogiston

Blogosphere | Sat, Mar 21, 2009 at 6:46:39 pm PDT

As an excuse for an open thread, here’s another reminder that LGF now has automatic updates on Twitter, every time a new post appears out of the phlogiston.

Full post...


International ANSWER and Hezbollah in Washington DC

Moonbats | Sat, Mar 21, 2009 at 5:17:41 pm PDT

More pictures from today’s demonstration by International ANSWER moonbats in Washington DC, at This ain’t Hell, but you can see it from here: ANSWER March on the Pentagon. Where else would you find communists mingling with Hezbollah supporters?

Full post...


Tech Note: Automatic Ajax Comments

Science | Sat, Mar 21, 2009 at 1:46:33 pm PDT

A new feature of the LGF Blog: a little checkbox underneath the comments area, labeled “Auto.” When checked, this option will automagically load and display any new comments in a thread, at 10 second intervals. (If you’re registered and logged in to your account, that is.) When you’re typing a new ...

Full post...


The Populist Rage Bus Tour

Politics | Sat, Mar 21, 2009 at 11:49:39 am PDT

When even the President of the United States is demonizing AIG executives and talking about his “anger,” this is the kind of thing that results: Busload of Crazies to Tour Homes of AIG Executives This Weekend. This insanity is going to end up with someone getting hurt or killed. Less than ...

Full post...


No Sign of Iranian Fist Unclenching

World | Sat, Mar 21, 2009 at 10:33:04 am PDT

I don’t understand. Barack Obama reached out to Iran with all the force of his magnificent personality, and they’re still clenching their fists? How can this be? Iran’s supreme leader dismisses Obama overtures. In his most direct assessment of Obama and prospects for better ties, Khamenei said there will be no ...

Full post...


International ANSWER Soldiers On

Moonbats | Sat, Mar 21, 2009 at 9:45:10 am PDT

What? You mean, in the new era of hopenchange, the communists and antisemites at International ANSWER are still holding moronic convergences?

Full post...


Friday, March 20, 2009

Overnight Open Thread

Open | Fri, Mar 20, 2009 at 11:20:59 pm PDT

If nature has made any one thing less susceptible than all others of exclusive property, it is the action of the thinking power called an idea, which an individual may exclusively possess as long as he keeps it to himself; but the moment it is divulged, it forces itself into ...

Full post...

Tags:

Texas School Board Chairman Endorses Book Calling Pro-Evolution Parents 'Monsters'

Science | Fri, Mar 20, 2009 at 6:35:55 pm PDT

We’ve had several posts about the chairman of the Texas State Board of Education, Don McLeroy, a dentist and young earth creationist who is doing his best to drag science education in Texas back into the Dark Ages, with help from the deceptive propagandists at the Discovery Institute. In an ...

Full post...


Onion: New Dinosaur Predator Discovered

Video | Fri, Mar 20, 2009 at 5:42:40 pm PDT

[Video] (Warning: slightly racy dinosaur humor.)

Full post...


Krauthammer: Bonfire of the Trivialities

Opinion | Fri, Mar 20, 2009 at 4:08:22 pm PDT

Charles Krauthammer on the absurd populist circus: Bonfire of the Trivialities. A $14 trillion economy hangs by a thread composed of (a) a comically cynical, pitchfork-wielding Congress, (b) a hopelessly understaffed, stumbling Obama administration, and (c) $165 million. That’s $165 million in bonus money handed out to AIG debt manipulators who ...

Full post...


The Door Opens - Update: The Door Closes

Open | Fri, Mar 20, 2009 at 11:52:02 am PDT

Registration is open for a limited time. Read all the rules before you register, and commit them to memory. The short version: %%LIST=Don’t register with a proxy. Don’t register with a throwaway email address. Don’t register more than one account at a time. Don’t be a jerk. Don’t be a troll. Do play nice.%% And then everything will ...

Full post...

Tags:

Video: Aussie Islamic Leader Vandalizes Own Mosque

World | Fri, Mar 20, 2009 at 11:02:21 am PDT

The Australian Islamic leader who compared women without veils to “uncovered meat,” Sheik Taj al-Din al-Hilali, is back in the news—for vandalizing his own mosque and then trying to implicate an innocent man. [Video]

Full post...


Obama Bars Press from Press Award Ceremony

Politics | Fri, Mar 20, 2009 at 10:28:46 am PDT

You couldn’t make up stuff like this. Barack Obama was elected commander in chief promising to run the most transparent presidential administration in American history. This achievement and the overall promise of his historic administration caused the National Newspaper Publishers Assn. to name him “Newsmaker of the Year.” The president is to ...

Full post...


The Photographic History of Medicine

Images | Fri, Mar 20, 2009 at 10:08:47 am PDT

The National Museum of Health and Medicine has begun posting its extraordinary photographic history of medicine at Flickr: Otis Archives. Hours of fascination await.

Full post...


Video: Obama's Special Message to Iran

World | Fri, Mar 20, 2009 at 8:36:44 am PDT

The President of the United States lavishes praise on a totalitarian Islamic state hellbent on acquiring nuclear weapons. [Video] Today I want to extend my very best wishes to all who are celebrating Nowruz around the world. This holiday is both an ancient ritual and a moment of renewal, and I hope ...

Full post...


Thursday, March 19, 2009

Overnight Open Thread

Open | Thu, Mar 19, 2009 at 11:05:19 pm PDT

I’ve never looked through a keyhole without finding someone was looking back. — Judy Garland

Full post...

Tags:

Obama Insults Disabled People

Politics | Thu, Mar 19, 2009 at 6:18:10 pm PDT

Unbelievable. The first appearance by a sitting president on “The Tonight Show” may well end up being the last. President Obama, in his taping with Jay Leno Thursday afternoon, attempted to yuk it up with the funnyman, and ended up insulting the disabled. Towards the end of his approximately 40-minute appearance, the ...

Full post...


Wrong Region

Politics | Thu, Mar 19, 2009 at 6:06:43 pm PDT

When British PM Gordon Brown visited the US recently, Barack Obama responded to his gift of a penholder carved from the timbers of an anti-slavery ship by giving Brown a boxed set of 25 classic American movies on DVD. Movies that won’t play on European DVD players. While not exactly a ...

Full post...


The Case of the Creationist Mom

US News | Thu, Mar 19, 2009 at 3:58:00 pm PDT

Our post about the child custody case in North Carolina (in which a judge ordered a home-schooling mother to put her kids in public school) was hotly debated, with more than 1400 comments; now there’s a written decision from the judge making it clear that the media’s reporting of the ...

Full post...


Thursday Afternoon Open

Open | Thu, Mar 19, 2009 at 2:18:32 pm PDT

An ordinary human being, with a personal conscience, personally answering for something to somebody and personally and directly taking responsibility, seems to be receding farther and farther from the realm of politics. Politicians seem to turn into puppets that only look human and move in a giant, rather inhuman theatre; ...

Full post...

Tags:

Bayefsky: Obama Should Denounce Durban II

World | Thu, Mar 19, 2009 at 1:46:09 pm PDT

The United Nations has released a new draft declaration for the Durban II “anti-racism” conference, removing some of its anti-Israel language, but Anne Bayefsky says it’s a sham. Durban II represents a global showdown on the ideological battlefield between Democrats and anti-Democrats, between tolerance and intolerance. For years, the worst ...

Full post...


Tsunami Warning After 7.9 Earthquake

Video | Thu, Mar 19, 2009 at 12:17:10 pm PDT

A tsunami warning has been issued for the South Pacific near Tonga, after a mammoth 7.9 earthquake was recorded today. Here’s some Reuters footage of an undersea volcano that’s been erupting in the area of the earthquake: [Video]

Full post...


Internet Explorer 8 Released

Science | Thu, Mar 19, 2009 at 11:48:02 am PDT

Microsoft released version 8 of their web browser today: Internet Explorer 8: Home page. I haven’t installed it yet, so this may not be entirely fair, but based on past experience developing web software for Internet Explorer I admit to feeling a sense of dread.

Full post...


Dodd Altered Stimulus Bill to Allow AIG Bonuses

Politics | Thu, Mar 19, 2009 at 11:12:14 am PDT

In case you haven’t already seen this news: Chris Dodd AIG admission: Senator says he helped adjust bill to allow bonuses. HARTFORD, Conn. — Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.) suffered a political blow Wednesday with the admission that he had been involved in key legislative changes that helped pave the way ...

Full post...


Schwarzenegger to Help Obama

Politics | Thu, Mar 19, 2009 at 10:16:08 am PDT

Lending support to Barack Obama today in California: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is eager to get some of that bailout money.

Full post...


IPhone 3.0 Features in Detail

Science | Thu, Mar 19, 2009 at 10:09:50 am PDT

TidBITs has a detailed summary of the new features announced in the iPhone 3.0 Software. At a special press event at its headquarters today, Apple previewed the new iPhone 3.0 software, which adds the long-awaited push notification capability, support for subscriptions and purchases within applications, and copy and paste, among ...

Full post...


Rescind John Murtha's Award from the Navy

US News | Thu, Mar 19, 2009 at 9:19:14 am PDT

Our outrage of the morning: the Department of the Navy has given Congressman John Murtha a “Distinguished Service” award. Yes, that’s the same John Murtha who accused the Haditha Marines of being murderers without evidence, before their trial, then refused to apologize when all charges against them were dropped. Here’s a ...

Full post...


Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Overnight Open Thread

Open | Wed, Mar 18, 2009 at 11:15:58 pm PDT

One of the nice things about puppets is that it’s your own hand in there. You can make it do anything you want it to. — Jim Henson

Full post...

Tags:

Eric Holder Says Gitmo Prisoners Might Be Released in the US

US News | Wed, Mar 18, 2009 at 7:04:46 pm PDT

Well, isn’t this lovely: Some Guantanamo prisoners could be released in U.S. WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Some of the Guantanamo Bay prisoners could be released into the United States while others could be put on trial in the American court system, Attorney General Eric Holder said on Wednesday.

Full post...


Why It Matters if Canada's Science Chief is a Creationist

Science | Wed, Mar 18, 2009 at 6:57:26 pm PDT

Phil Plait makes some good points about Canadian Science Minister Gary Goodyear, and why it matters if Canada’s chief science guy is a creationist: Canadian Science Minister update: kinda. As I pointed out in my post yesterday, religion is irrelevant only if it doesn’t affect the job. But as we ...

Full post...


Tariq Ramadan Tries Again

US News | Wed, Mar 18, 2009 at 4:07:04 pm PDT

Islamist “scholar” Tariq Ramadan was barred from entering the United States in 2004 by the Bush State Department, and left-wing academics, the ACLU, and the Muslim Brotherhood have been relentlessly trying to get the ban lifted ever since. Now that Foggy Bottom’s under the control of Barack Obama, they might ...

Full post...


Canada's Science Minister: A Creationist?

Science | Wed, Mar 18, 2009 at 12:27:54 pm PDT

Is Canada’s Minister of State for Science and Technology a creationist? In today’s news stories he’s trying to obfuscate the remarks that caused an uproar; the Globe and Mail calls it “clarifying:” Minister clarifies stand on evolution. OTTAWA — Science minister Gary Goodyear now says he believes in evolution. “Of course I ...

Full post...


Photo of the Day

Images | Wed, Mar 18, 2009 at 10:10:56 am PDT

Barack Obama’s next international challenge will be the Flying Chinese Militia. (Discovered at Photo Polygon.)

Full post...


Will Obama, McCain, and Dodd Return Their AIG Bonuses?

Politics | Wed, Mar 18, 2009 at 9:21:08 am PDT

As politicians on both sides of the aisle make populist hay out of the AIG bonuses scandal, ABC News asks: Will Obama, McCain, Dodd Return Contributions From AIG Employees? AIG employees kept doling out donations to politicians, including presidential candidate Barack Obama, after getting bailed out with federal funds last ...

Full post...


Bush: 'Essential' to Help Barack Obama

Politics | Wed, Mar 18, 2009 at 9:00:37 am PDT

Speaking in Canada, former President George W. Bush said it’s ‘essential’ to support Barack Obama. Bush declined to critique the Obama administration in Tuesday’s speech, saying the new president has enough critics and that he “deserves my silence.” Former Vice President Dick Cheney has said that Obama’s decisions threatened America’s safety. ...

Full post...


Obama: Lost Without His Script

Politics | Wed, Mar 18, 2009 at 8:23:24 am PDT

During an address with the Prime Minister of Ireland yesterday, Barack Obama ended up thanking himself. Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen was just a few paragraphs into an address in Washington when he realised it all sounded a bit too familiar. It was. He was repeating the speech President Barack Obama ...

Full post...


Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Overnight Open Thread

Open | Tue, Mar 17, 2009 at 11:11:08 pm PDT

You don’t have to be a fantastic hero to do certain things — to compete. You can be just an ordinary chap, sufficiently motivated. — Edmund Hillary

Full post...

Tags:

A Turkish Creationist with Way Too Much Influence

Science | Tue, Mar 17, 2009 at 7:28:04 pm PDT

The Wall Street Journal has an article on wacko Islamic creationist Harun Yahya, aka Adnan Oktar, and his disturbing progress in promoting his anti-science nonsense in Turkey: An Islamic Creationist Stirs a New Kind of Darwinian Struggle. ISTANBUL — As scientists around the world celebrate the 150th anniversary of Charles ...

Full post...


Tuesday Night Music: Ben Folds, 'Effington'

Video | Tue, Mar 17, 2009 at 5:44:38 pm PDT

A great live performance of “Effington,” from Ben Folds’ latest, Way to Normal. [Video]

Full post...

Tags: ,

Tuesday Afternoon Open

Open | Tue, Mar 17, 2009 at 12:48:24 pm PDT

Those people who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do. — Isaac Asimov

Full post...

Tags:

AIG Financial Products Head Digs Che Guevara at Cuba-Themed Event

Politics | Tue, Mar 17, 2009 at 11:35:00 am PDT

Here we see the current head of AIG Financial Products and former vice chairman of Morgan Stanley, Gerry Pasciucco, at an event called “Fiesta Cuba,” wearing a Che Guevara T-shirt. The photo comes from this page at Fairfield County Look, where we learn more about the fun-filled evening: Family Centers took ...

Full post...


Dems Threaten to Tax AIG Bonuses

Politics | Tue, Mar 17, 2009 at 11:04:27 am PDT

The problem with all of this populist outrage about the bonuses being paid to AIG executives is that the company is contractually obligated to pay them, which means that if AIG reneges, the execs can and will sue the pants off the already pantless insurance giant. That’s why Barack Obama, ...

Full post...


iPhone 3.0 Preview Live

Science | Tue, Mar 17, 2009 at 10:31:00 am PDT

Engadget is liveblogging the iPhone 3.0 software preview event: Live from Apple’s iPhone OS 3.0 preview event. Looks like almost everything iPhone users have requested is in there...

Full post...


Automatic Tweeting Lizard

Blogosphere | Tue, Mar 17, 2009 at 9:40:22 am PDT

In case you missed our announcement last Sunday, we have a new feature in the LGF Blog that automatically sends a Twitter update when a new article is posted. Here’s the page where you can follow the tweeting lizardoid.

Full post...


Another Secret Left-Wing List Surfaces

Politics | Tue, Mar 17, 2009 at 9:25:56 am PDT

Politico’s Michael Calderone has an article about a secretive discussion list on which mainstream journalists, selected left-wing bloggers, and academics figure out talking points and coordinate strategies: JournoList: Inside the echo chamber. For the past two years, several hundred left-leaning bloggers, political reporters, magazine writers, policy wonks and academics have ...

Full post...


American Legion Outraged at Obama Plan to Make Wounded Vets Use Private Insurance

US News | Tue, Mar 17, 2009 at 8:15:23 am PDT

As we noted last Thursday, Barack Obama is proposing to make wounded veterans pay for their own health care with private insurance; the American Legion is outraged: Legion to White House: Don’t Bill Our Heroes. WASHINGTON, DC (March 16, 2009) – The leader of the nation’s largest veterans organization says ...

Full post...


Monday, March 16, 2009

Overnight Open Thread

Open | Mon, Mar 16, 2009 at 11:28:48 pm PDT

When a man sits with a pretty girl for an hour, it seems like a minute. But let him sit on a hot stove for a minute and it’s longer than any hour. That’s relativity. — Albert Einstein

Full post...

Tags:

Europe Suddenly Wary of Gitmo Detainees

World | Mon, Mar 16, 2009 at 9:26:16 pm PDT

The European countries who screamed the loudest for Guantanamo Bay to be closed are now hedging on accepting detainees for resettlement. European countries that have offered to help the Obama administration close the detention center at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, by resettling detainees have begun raising questions about the security risks ...

Full post...


The Door Opens

Open | Mon, Mar 16, 2009 at 6:05:28 pm PDT

Registration is open for a limited time. Read all the rules before you register, and commit them to memory. The short version: %%LIST=Don’t register with a proxy. Don’t register with a throwaway email address. Don’t register more than one account at a time. Don’t be a jerk. Don’t be a troll. Do play nice.%% And then everything will ...

Full post...

Tags:

Texas Lawmaker Backs Creationist 'Degree'

Science | Mon, Mar 16, 2009 at 4:58:51 pm PDT

Last year the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board refused to approve a master’s degree program in “science education” offered by the Institute for Creation Research, a young earth creationist institution in Dallas founded by Henry Morris in 1972. Morris is one of the authors of The Genesis Flood, a founding ...

Full post...


Monday Afternoon Open

Open | Mon, Mar 16, 2009 at 3:08:44 pm PDT

Speaking for the great white father in Washington and all the American people, let me say we respect you savages for your native ability to instantly adapt and survive in whatever Godforsaken wilderness we move you to. — Firesign Theatre

Full post...

Tags:

iPhone 3.0 Preview

Science | Mon, Mar 16, 2009 at 12:19:38 pm PDT

Apple is previewing (not releasing) version 3.0 of the iPhone software tomorrow, and hordes of iPhoniacs are clamoring for copy-paste features, with smaller hordes muttering about “push notification” (a type of mobile device multi-tasking). Kevin Rose of Digg.com says copy-paste is a done deal, and MacWorld lists 15 iPhone 3.0 features ...

Full post...


Obama Tries to Stop AIG Bonuses

Politics | Mon, Mar 16, 2009 at 10:29:35 am PDT

President Obama has asked the Secretary of the Treasury to try to block AIG bonuses. WASHINGTON — President Obama vowed to try to stop the faltering insurance giant American International Group from paying out hundreds of millions of dollars in bonuses to executives, as the administration scrambled to avert a ...

Full post...


Questions Obama Doesn't Want to Answer

Politics | Mon, Mar 16, 2009 at 10:08:05 am PDT

At the Washington Post, Charles Lane asks why Barack Obama hasn’t said a single word about the withdrawal of Charles Freeman: A Parting Shot That Maligns Obama, Too. Freeman himself wrote that the affair “will be seen by many to raise serious questions about whether the Obama administration will be ...

Full post...


'Apocalyptic' Intelligence on the Situation in Pakistan

World | Mon, Mar 16, 2009 at 9:16:13 am PDT

Apparently, Barack Obama didn’t ask them to unclench their fists nicely enough: Obama told: help Pakistan or risk a repeat of 9/11 in America or Britain. A team headed by Bruce Riedel, a former CIA Middle East expert, asked to overhaul US policy on Afghanistan and Pakistan, has concluded that ...

Full post...


British Taxpayers Pay for Palestinian Hate Education

Middle East | Mon, Mar 16, 2009 at 8:59:41 am PDT

A British group called the Taxpayer’s Alliance has issued a report on the astonishing amount of British money going to genocidal hate education in the Middle East. * Britain gave nearly £100 million in aid to the Palestinian territories in 2007. * This money supports attempts to indoctrinate the Palestinian population ...

Full post...


Shire Network News Relaunches

Blogosphere | Mon, Mar 16, 2009 at 8:44:54 am PDT

Shire Network News is back with an attractive new website and new podcasts.

Full post...


Sunday, March 15, 2009

Overnight Open Thread

Open | Sun, Mar 15, 2009 at 11:13:12 pm PDT

ERUDITION, n. Dust shaken out of a book into an empty skull. — Ambrose Bierce

Full post...

Tags:

Picture Has Been Blurred

Weird | Sun, Mar 15, 2009 at 6:29:31 pm PDT

Why can’t America have political scandals like this?

Full post...


RIP, Ron Silver

US News | Sun, Mar 15, 2009 at 5:27:30 pm PDT

I knew Ron Silver was ill, but I had no idea it was this far along. Rest in peace, Ron. You’ll be missed. Once a self-identified lifelong Democrat, Silver was a founding member of the liberal-leaning Creative Coalition in 1989. But he made a breathtaking political transformation, going from far ...

Full post...


Live Video: Space Shuttle Discovery

Science | Sun, Mar 15, 2009 at 4:19:36 pm PDT

Via NASA TV, here’s the live video feed for the launch of the space shuttle Discovery... [Video feed removed...] UPDATE at 3/15/09 5:00:20 pm: A perfect launch! It’s on the way to the International Space Station.

Full post...


Tea in Cincinnati

Politics | Sun, Mar 15, 2009 at 3:54:21 pm PDT

Instapundit has photos from the Tea Party protest in Cincinnati, with quite a large turnout: THE CINCINNATI TEA PARTY IS UNDERWAY, and a reader sends this photo via Blackberry ...

Full post...


Space Shuttle Night Launch on Schedule

Science | Sun, Mar 15, 2009 at 1:41:42 pm PDT

The space shuttle Discovery is scheduled to launch at 7:43 pm Eastern; you can watch live over the web at NASA TV, where they’re currently showing the astronauts preparing to enter the spacecraft...

Full post...


LGF Updates on Twitter

Blogosphere | Sun, Mar 15, 2009 at 11:49:14 am PDT

Using the Twitter API, the LGF Blog now automatically sends out a Twitter update whenever a new article is posted. A “tweet,” if you will. To get these tweets, follow the lizardoid. UPDATE at 3/15/09 12:09:21 pm: Ed Driscoll has a video intro to the wonders of tweeting: Twitter On The Edge ...

Full post...


Washington Post: Paranoia = Analysis

Media | Sun, Mar 15, 2009 at 11:38:31 am PDT

What a strange tone in this Washington Post article on Arab media reaction to the withdrawal of Charles Freeman and his statement lashing out at the “Israel lobby.” The Post calls this stuff “analysis.” A better term might be “paranoid conspiracy theories.” Mideast Publications Question Obama Over Top Intelligence ...

Full post...


How to Destroy Civilization with Nanotechnology

Video | Sun, Mar 15, 2009 at 10:24:24 am PDT

If you’ve always dreamt of unleashing an unstoppable horde of self-replicating nanobots that will ingest everything on Earth, this video how-to guide created by Ransom Riggs of Mental Floss will come in handy. [Video]

Full post...


Scientific Illiteracy in America

Science | Sun, Mar 15, 2009 at 9:44:09 am PDT

In a 1995 interview, Carl Sagan said: We have designed our civilization based on science and technology and at the same time arranged things so that almost no one understands anything at all about science and technology. This is a clear prescription for disaster. These were prescient words, and since ...

Full post...


Saturday, March 14, 2009

Overnight Open Thread

Open | Sat, Mar 14, 2009 at 11:03:11 pm PDT

Not only do we not understand the universe, if someone explained it to us, we wouldn’t know what he was talking about. — Isaac Asimov

Full post...

Tags:

Muslim Council of Britain Spokesman Arrested in Stabbing Incident

World | Sat, Mar 14, 2009 at 8:08:37 pm PDT

Inayat Bunglawala of the Muslim Council of Britain, who worked at the same Reuters News Canary Wharf office from which we received a death threat in 2006, has been arrested in connection with a stabbing at his home. A Muslim who advised the Government following the July 7 London bombings ...

Full post...


Video: Charles Darwin and the Tree of Life

Science | Sat, Mar 14, 2009 at 5:26:56 pm PDT

The BBC still does documentaries like no one else. This special hosted by David Attenborough for the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birthday is beautifully produced and filmed, and actually informative as well. It’s posted in six parts at YouTube: [Video] [Video] [Video] [Video] [Video] [Video] (Hat tip: Jimmah.)

Full post...


Angry Islamists, Leftists and Neo-Nazis Riot Against Israel in Sweden

World | Sat, Mar 14, 2009 at 3:20:06 pm PDT

Paulina Neuding, a writer for Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet, has a disturbing report on the city of Malmö and the riots that happened when the Israeli soccer team was invited to play there: Welcome to Ramallmö. Last Saturday, roughly a month after the mob met Jews off Malmö’s main square, ...

Full post...


Saturday Afternoon Hope-a-Dope

Open | Sat, Mar 14, 2009 at 12:09:59 pm PDT

Max: Chief, we must use the Cone of Silence if we are to continue this conversation. Chief: Max, the Cone of Silence never works. Max: Still we must use it. [The Cone of Silence lowers over them.] Chief: Can you hear me? Max: What? — Get Smart

Full post...

Tags:

Dead Man Talking

World | Sat, Mar 14, 2009 at 10:32:53 am PDT

Released through Al Jazeera, the terror-friendly Arab network that continues trying to gain a foothold in the US, here’s another tedious rant from “Osama bin Laden” calling on all Muslims to kill Jews, take over Iraq, take over Jordan, and wipe out Israel. Same old same old. And of course, the ...

Full post...


Russian Strategic Bombers in Cuba and Venezuela?

World | Sat, Mar 14, 2009 at 8:46:51 am PDT

For today’s test of Barack Obama, Russia is hinting about putting strategic bombers in Cuba and Venezuela. MOSCOW – A Russian Air Force chief said Saturday that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has offered an island as a temporary base for strategic Russian bombers, the Interfax news agency reported. The chief of ...

Full post...


Friday, March 13, 2009

Overnight Open Thread

Open | Fri, Mar 13, 2009 at 11:23:25 pm PDT

Books won’t stay banned. They won’t burn. Ideas won’t go to jail. In the long run of history, the censor and the inquisitor have always lost. The only sure weapon against bad ideas is better ideas. — Alfred Whitney Griswold

Full post...

Tags:

Judge Orders Creationist Mom to Put Kids in Public School

US News | Fri, Mar 13, 2009 at 6:19:31 pm PDT

A judge in Raleigh, North Carolina, has ordered a woman who was home-schooling her children with creationist beliefs to put them in public school. RALEIGH, N.C. — A judge in Wake County said three Raleigh children need to switch from home school to public school. Judge Ned Mangum is presiding ...

Full post...


Friday Afternoon Open

Open | Fri, Mar 13, 2009 at 1:54:10 pm PDT

Registration is open for a limited time. Read all the rules before you register. Commit them to memory. Don’t register with a proxy. Don’t register with a throwaway email address. Don’t register more than one account at a time. Don’t be a jerk. Don’t be a troll. Do play nice. And then everything will be groovy. UPDATE at 3/13/09 2:55:31 ...

Full post...

Tags:

Obama Abandons 'Enemy Combatant'

US News | Fri, Mar 13, 2009 at 12:55:03 pm PDT

The Justice Department says they will no longer describe the detainees at Guantanamo Bay as “enemy combatants.” WASHINGTON (AP) - The Obama administration is abandoning one of President George W. Bush’s key phrases in the war on terrorism: enemy combatant. In court filings Friday, the Justice Department said it will no ...

Full post...


Google Voice: A New Approach to Voice Communications

Science | Fri, Mar 13, 2009 at 11:58:14 am PDT

Google is starting to roll out a new service based on “Grand Central,” a multi-phone/voicemail management business they recently acquired, with some very interesting features: Here comes Google Voice. As you may know, GrandCentral offers many great features, including a single number to ring your home, work, and mobile phones, ...

Full post...


Krauthammer: Obama and Stem Cells

Opinion | Fri, Mar 13, 2009 at 10:46:06 am PDT

Charles Krauthammer has been in favor of relaxing Bush administration limits on funding embryonic stem cell research, but he’s disturbed at the way Obama did it: President Obama and Stem Cells — Science Fiction. President Bush had restricted federal funding for embryonic stem cell research to cells derived from embryos ...

Full post...


Poll: Should Steele Step Down?

Politics | Fri, Mar 13, 2009 at 9:26:08 am PDT

Social conservatives are up in arms about RNC chairman Michael Steele’s less than pure opposition to abortion, and calling for his job. Allahpundit puts up a poll: Is it time for Steele to go? I’m curious to see how LGF readers feel on the subject, so here’s our own poll: [Poll]

Full post...


North Korea Announces Detailed Flight Plan

World | Fri, Mar 13, 2009 at 8:41:52 am PDT

For today’s test of Barack Obama, North Korea has released plans for its ballistic missile launch. McKittrick has constructed a map of the flight path. Connecting the dots between the launch site (orange triangle) and the two danger zones where the two stages will splash (red triangles), we can see where ...

Full post...


Thursday, March 12, 2009

Overnight Open Thread

Open | Thu, Mar 12, 2009 at 11:03:32 pm PDT

Offer not good after curfew in sectors R or N. — Firesign Theatre

Full post...

Tags:

Thursday Night Music: Andy McKee, 'Into the Ocean'

Video | Thu, Mar 12, 2009 at 6:45:46 pm PDT

Here’s Andy McKee playing a mutant harp/guitar. The tune is “Into the Ocean,” from the album Art of Motion. [Video]

Full post...


Bomb Scare in Amsterdam Leads to Arrests

World | Thu, Mar 12, 2009 at 4:54:12 pm PDT

Seven people (reportedly of Moroccan-Dutch heritage) were arrested today in connection with a bomb scare in Amsterdam: Amsterdam Mayor Cohen says the threat was aimed at stores. What stores exactly remains unclear. The offices, however, have not been closed. Reporters asked Cohen about this - why not also evacuate offices? ...

Full post...


Michael Steele Gets on Pro-Life's Bad Side

Politics | Thu, Mar 12, 2009 at 1:54:48 pm PDT

RNC chairman Michael Steele told an interviewer that he supports “individual choice” in abortion, and now all heck has broken loose; Steele is trying to spin it, but fundamental pro-lifers are not amused: Steele, under fire, walks back ‘choice’ remark. This is Steele’s latest statement, supporting the GOP platform’s call for ...

Full post...


Pope Admits Mistakes with Holocaust Denying 'Bishop'

Religion | Thu, Mar 12, 2009 at 11:16:20 am PDT

In an unusual letter to the world’s Catholic bishops, Pope Benedict has acknowledged Vatican mistakes in the case of Holocaust denier Richard Williamson. Benedict said the controversy resulted from an “unforeseen mishap” that made his efforts of “mercy” toward the excommunicated bishops seem like a repudiation of reconciliation between Christians ...

Full post...


Obama Admin Wants to Make Wounded Vets Use Private Insurance

Politics | Thu, Mar 12, 2009 at 10:10:54 am PDT

The Obama administration has to make cuts somewhere to push out this immense spending bill, so guess where they’re looking to save some money? Senators slam plan for wounded vets to use private insurance. WASHINGTON (CNN) — Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki confirmed Tuesday that the Obama administration is considering ...

Full post...


From Fish to Football

Blogosphere | Thu, Mar 12, 2009 at 9:59:07 am PDT

Thanks to Andrew Marcus of Founding Bloggers for the words of support and the groovy Darwinian LGF logo: Little Green Darwin. In homage to Charles Johnson’s Little Green Footballs, and his continuing efforts to expose the escalating movement to thrust creationism into tax payer funded education, we here at Founding ...

Full post...


FBI Searches Office of Obama's Chief Technology Officer

US News | Thu, Mar 12, 2009 at 9:06:42 am PDT

Yes, it’s another scandal involving an Obama appointee: FBI raids office of D.C. CTO, Obama appointee. Federal agents this morning are searching the office of Washington, D.C.’s Chief Technology Officer. The search of the office at 1 Judiciary Square is part of “an ongoing investigation,” said a spokeswoman for the FBI’s ...

Full post...


Shoe Tosser Gets 3 Years

World | Thu, Mar 12, 2009 at 8:16:14 am PDT

The Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at President Bush has been sentenced to three years in jail, and people who think it’s cool to assault the President of the United States are seething and whining. Chief defense attorney Dhia al-Saadi then demanded that the charge be dismissed, saying his ...

Full post...


Washington Post on Freeman's 'Crackpot Tirade'

Politics | Thu, Mar 12, 2009 at 8:01:05 am PDT

A Washington Post editorial on Charles Freeman’s paranoid “Israel lobby” rant. What’s striking about the charges by Mr. Freeman and like-minded conspiracy theorists is their blatant disregard for such established facts. Mr. Freeman darkly claims that “it is not permitted for anyone in the United States” to describe Israel’s nefarious ...

Full post...


Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Overnight Open Thread

Open | Wed, Mar 11, 2009 at 11:04:42 pm PDT

Travel is glamorous only in retrospect. — Paul Theroux

Full post...

Tags:

Onion: Experts Agree, Giant Crabs Pose No Threat

Video | Wed, Mar 11, 2009 at 7:58:43 pm PDT

[Video]

Full post...


Creation Vacations to Evolution HQ

Science | Wed, Mar 11, 2009 at 3:37:32 pm PDT

Here’s a creationist movement of which we can heartily approve: Creationist Students Take Trip to Evolution Headquarters: The Smithsonian. Every winter, David DeWitt takes his biology class to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, but for a purpose far different from that of other professors. DeWitt brings his Advanced Creation ...

Full post...


Shuttle Launch Postponed

Science | Wed, Mar 11, 2009 at 12:29:17 pm PDT

NASA has postponed the scheduled launch of the space shuttle Discovery until Sunday or Monday. CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA has postponed the launch of space shuttle Discovery because of a gas leak. The leak of gaseous hydrogen occurred as the launch team was filling the external fuel tank for ...

Full post...


Former Nazi Guard Charged 29,000 Times

World | Wed, Mar 11, 2009 at 10:37:10 am PDT

Former Nazi death camp guard John Demjanjuk has been charged in Germany with 29,000 counts of accessory to murder. BERLIN – German prosecutors said Wednesday they have charged retired Ohio auto worker John Demjanjuk with more than 29,000 counts of accessory to murder for his time as a guard at ...

Full post...


Tariq Aziz Gets 15 Years

World | Wed, Mar 11, 2009 at 9:46:22 am PDT

Saddam Hussein henchman Tariq Aziz has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for his part in the kangaroo court trial and execution of 42 Baghdad merchants; apparently Aziz still has influence in Iraq, because two of Hussein’s half-brothers are going to be hanged. BAGHDAD, March 11 — An Iraqi ...

Full post...


Five Years Since the Madrid Bombings

World | Wed, Mar 11, 2009 at 8:53:15 am PDT

Jose Guardia pays tribute to the victims of the Madrid train bombings, 5 years after the Islamic terror attacks in Spain: In memoriam, five years after.

Full post...


Chas Freeman's Paranoid Statement

Politics | Wed, Mar 11, 2009 at 8:26:31 am PDT

If you need any more evidence why Chas Freeman was not fit to hold the office of Director of the National Intelligence Council, have a look at his paranoid, antisemitic statement about his withdrawal: Exiting, Chas Freeman Attacks ‘Israel Lobby’. Freeman says, “The libels on me and their easily traceable ...

Full post...


NYT Writer Still Missing in Afghanistan

World | Wed, Mar 11, 2009 at 8:17:26 am PDT

Back in November, New York Times journalist David Rohde was kidnapped in Afghanistan. Michael Yon notes that he is still missing, but the story appears to have been hushed up.

Full post...


Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Overnight Open Thread

Open | Tue, Mar 10, 2009 at 11:16:26 pm PDT

Only difference between me and other actors is I’ve spent more time in jail. — Robert Mitchum

Full post...

Tags:

And Now for a Baby Wombat

Images | Tue, Mar 10, 2009 at 7:14:50 pm PDT

From the Internet Center for the Study of Animal Cuteness, aka Zooborns, who link to Australia’s Taronga Conservation Society.

Full post...


Our Friends the Saudis

Religion | Tue, Mar 10, 2009 at 4:13:20 pm PDT

More of the ugly misogyny that makes the religious apartheid Kingdom of Saud so special: Saudis order 40 lashes for elderly woman for mingling. (CNN) — A Saudi Arabian court has sentenced a 75-year-old Syrian woman to 40 lashes, four months imprisonment and deportation from the kingdom for having two ...

Full post...


Video: Pelosi's Crush Turns Creepy

Video | Tue, Mar 10, 2009 at 3:43:28 pm PDT

[Video]

Full post...


Palin Goes Rogue Again

Politics | Tue, Mar 10, 2009 at 3:24:55 pm PDT

Sarah Palin made a surprising pick for the Alaska state Supreme Court: Sarah Palin defies conservative advice, names woman to Supreme Court. The Alaska Family Council, a conservative group that opposes same-sex marriage and abortion, favored another Superior Court judge, Eric Smith of Palmer, saying he would be more inclined ...

Full post...


Breaking: Freeman Pulls Out As NIC Chairman

Politics | Tue, Mar 10, 2009 at 2:11:11 pm PDT

The Obama administration’s Pro-Saudi nominee to head the National Intelligence Council, Chas Freeman, has bailed out after a flood of bad publicity. A statement from Director of National Intelligence Dennis C. Blair: “Director of National Intelligence Dennis C. Blair announced today that Ambassador Charles W. Freeman Jr. has requested that his ...

Full post...


Tuesday Afternoon Open

Open | Tue, Mar 10, 2009 at 1:18:32 pm PDT

I’m posting with the iPhone, since the Underground Lizard HQ cable feed has been off-line most of the day... so here’s the traditional midday thread.

Full post...

Tags:

Galloway Hands Cash to Hamas

World | Tue, Mar 10, 2009 at 10:34:27 am PDT

British MP George Galloway is nothing if not brazen. This may be the stunt that finally lands him in serious hot water, as he personally hands over 100 vehicles and thousands of dollars in cash to Hamas. “We are giving you now 100 vehicles and all of their contents, and ...

Full post...


State Dept Forgets to Condemn Palestinian Terror Attack

World | Tue, Mar 10, 2009 at 10:14:39 am PDT

It’s the Steve Martin State Department: We forgot!

Full post...


Covering the Churchill Trial

US News | Tue, Mar 10, 2009 at 8:48:40 am PDT

Here’s a blog dedicated to covering the suit brought by Ward “Little Eichmanns” Churchill against the University of Colorado: The Race to the Bottom - Ward Churchill. Also see: The Anti-American Academy

Full post...


Monday, March 09, 2009

Overnight Open Thread

Open | Mon, Mar 9, 2009 at 11:06:30 pm PDT

You’ll be riding along in an automobile. You’ll be the driver perhaps. You’re a Christian. There’ll be several people in the automobile with you, maybe someone who is not a Christian. When the trumpet sounds you and the other born-again believers in that automobile will be instantly caught away - ...

Full post...

Tags:

El Marco: Ward Churchill Trial in Denver

Moonbats | Mon, Mar 9, 2009 at 5:54:59 pm PDT

El Marco is covering the Ward Churchill trial in Denver; here’s his photo of Churchill’s throng of raging supporters. OK, so it’s not exactly a “throng.”

Full post...


Monday Evening Music: Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, 'Big Country'

Video | Mon, Mar 9, 2009 at 5:34:19 pm PDT

The album on which this Bela Fleck opus first appeared is out of print, but the original recording of “Big Country” is still available on this greatest hits collection: Bela Fleck & The Flecktones - Greatest Hits Of The 20th Century. [Video]

Full post...


The Creationist in Charge of Texas Education

Science | Mon, Mar 9, 2009 at 2:58:31 pm PDT

Young earth creationist Don McLeroy, recently reappointed as chairman of the Texas State Board of Education by Republican Governor Rick Perry, is profiled by the Austin-American Statesman: Education board leader set to challenge evolution. COLLEGE STATION — Some go to church to find answers. Bryan dentist Don McLeroy, chairman of ...

Full post...


Monday Afternoon Open

Open | Mon, Mar 9, 2009 at 1:18:38 pm PDT

My formula for success is rise early, work late, and strike oil. — J. Paul Getty

Full post...

Tags:

Chinese Ships Harass US Navy Vessel

World | Mon, Mar 9, 2009 at 11:13:00 am PDT

Joltin’ Joe Biden warned that Obama would be tested; now it’s China’s turn. WASHINGTON  — The Pentagon charged Monday that five Chinese ships shadowed and maneuvered dangerously close to a U.S. Navy vessel in an apparent attempt to harass the American crew. Defense officials in the Obama administration said the incident ...

Full post...


Obama Lifts Ban on Funding for Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Science | Mon, Mar 9, 2009 at 9:41:24 am PDT

President Obama has ended the Bush administration’s limits on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is ending Bush-era limits on using federal dollars for embryonic stem cell research. Obama was signing an executive order Monday, with scientists at his side. He said “medical miracles ...

Full post...


Totten: Obama's Diplomacy Needs a Reset Button

Politics | Mon, Mar 9, 2009 at 9:13:30 am PDT

Michael J. Totten on President Obama’s shockingly inept and graceless handling of the visit of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown: The U.S. Needs a Reset Button for Britain. While President Barack Obama tries to improve U.S. relations with rogue states like Syria and Iran, he might want to ensure ties ...

Full post...


Sunday, March 08, 2009

Overnight Open Thread

Open | Sun, Mar 8, 2009 at 11:30:25 pm PDT

It is certain that a book is not harmless merely because no one is consciously offended by it. — T. S. Eliot

Full post...

Tags:

Galloway Stoned in Egypt

World | Sun, Mar 8, 2009 at 9:47:26 pm PDT

A humanitarian convoy bound for Gaza, led by malevolent British MP George Galloway, has been attacked in Egypt: George Galloway stoned in Egypt. A humanitarian convoy led by maverick MP George Galloway, carrying medical supplies for Gaza has come under attack in Egypt. The convoy, carrying aid worth £1m, was pelted ...

Full post...


Sunday Afternoon Open

Open | Sun, Mar 8, 2009 at 4:03:46 pm PDT

Did everyone remember to put those clocks ahead an hour? Here’s an open thread while we ponder the relative nature of time and space...

Full post...

Tags:

Penn and Teller: ESP

Video | Sun, Mar 8, 2009 at 12:55:45 pm PDT

This is from Penn and Teller’s first season of Bullsh-t! on Showtime, one of their best shows; a highly skeptical (to put it mildly) look at the phenomena of extra sensory perception. (Language warning!) [Video] [Video] [Video]

Full post...


Sunday Morning Music: Pat Metheny, 'The First Circle'

Video | Sun, Mar 8, 2009 at 11:29:37 am PDT

Pat Metheny and band in a flawless performance of “The First Circle,” from the album First Circle, on Italian television in 1988. (Dig Pat’s Italian leather pants.) [Video]

Full post...


Obama Botches Meeting with British PM

World | Sun, Mar 8, 2009 at 9:39:12 am PDT

Our new President ran for office on a promise to use the power of diplomacy much more effectively than George Bush; indeed, he seems to believe diplomacy alone can solve almost any problem, from the Taliban to Iran’s nuclear program. So what does it portend that his first major diplomatic visit ...

Full post...


Saturday, March 07, 2009

Overnight Open Thread

Open | Sat, Mar 7, 2009 at 11:07:06 pm PST

There are no ugly questions except those clothed in condescension. — John Steinbeck, East of Eden

Full post...

Tags:

And Now for Some Andy Timmons

Video | Sat, Mar 7, 2009 at 5:39:37 pm PST

Looks like Andy’s playing live in a studio with a backing track; the tune is “Carpe Diem,” from That Was Then, This Is Now. This guy is a monster. [Video]

Full post...


Little Green Panda Watch

Science | Sat, Mar 7, 2009 at 1:46:00 pm PST

A big LGF thank you goes to Timothy Sandefur at Panda’s Thumb, for his nice recommendation a little while back: LGF on Creationism - The Panda’s Thumb. It’s great when conservatives and others who tend to support the Republican party are willing to take a stand against the creationist elements ...

Full post...


Chavez to Obama: 'Ally With Us on the Path to Socialism'

World | Sat, Mar 7, 2009 at 1:39:26 pm PST

Venezuelan thug-in-chief Hugo Chavez has some advice for Barack Obama. “I recommend to Obama — they’re criticizing him because they say he’s moving towards socialism — come Obama, ally with us on the path to socialism, it’s the only road.” “Imagine a socialist revolution in the U.S. Nothing is impossible.” ...

Full post...


The Media’s Coffin Politics

Media | Sat, Mar 7, 2009 at 1:29:07 pm PST

At City Journal, Paul Beston has a piece on the history of the now-lifted ban on media coverage of slain soldiers’ coffins: The Media’s Coffin Politics. In force since the outset of the Gulf War in 1991, the ban was triggered by an incident in the aftermath of the invasion ...

Full post...


Kepler: Searching for Another Earth

Science | Sat, Mar 7, 2009 at 11:35:01 am PST

The $591 million Kepler mission launched successfully last night, and will soon begin looking for Earth-like planets in other solar systems. The Delta II rocket carrying the Kepler planet-hunting spacecraft lifted off on time at 10:49 p.m. EST from Launch Complex 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in ...

Full post...


Iowahawk: Time To Deal With the Mutineers Aboard the S.S. Conservatism

Humor | Sat, Mar 7, 2009 at 9:00:39 am PST

At Iowahawk, it’s the return of cherished conservative columnist/yachtsman T. Coddington Van Voorhees VII: I Daresay It Is Time We Deal With the Mutineers Aboard the S.S. Conservatism. Much has been written about the fate of the conservative movement in the months since last I corresponded with you. I won’t ...

Full post...


'Birth Certificate' Links Not Welcome

Blogosphere | Sat, Mar 7, 2009 at 8:45:42 am PST

I’ve posted this several times, but apparently it’s still not getting across to some people. So here it is again. Any posted spinoff links that try to promote the “Obama birth certificate” nonsense will be deleted. If you insist on continuing to post such links, I’ll block your account. Enough is more ...

Full post...


National Intelligence Council Nominee: 'What 9/11 Showed is That If We Bomb People, They Bomb Back'

US News | Sat, Mar 7, 2009 at 8:26:55 am PST

Martin Kramer has a post today on the Obama administration’s nominee to head the National Intelligence Council—Saudi puppet Chas Freeman: Chas Freeman and 9/11. How important has resentment of Israel been to Al Qaeda’s terrorism? Here is one side of the argument, by an American who knows Saudi Arabia well: ...

Full post...


Friday, March 06, 2009

Overnight Open Thread

Open | Fri, Mar 6, 2009 at 11:18:04 pm PST

We rub the darkness from our eyes, And face our thousand devious secret mornings . . . And do not see how the pale mist, slowly ascending, Shaped by the sun, shines like a white-robed dreamer Compassionate over our towers bending. — Conrad Aiken

Full post...

Tags:

Nirther Smack-Down

Weird | Fri, Mar 6, 2009 at 5:41:47 pm PST

We’re not the only ones well and truly fed up with the “nirth certifikit” craziness. The judges who have to deal with these kooks are also beginning to reach snapping point. D.C. District Judge James Robertson penned a particularly harsh memo yesterday dismissing a case called Hollister v. Soetero. “This case, ...

Full post...


Moon to Turn Japanese?

Science | Fri, Mar 6, 2009 at 4:19:31 pm PST

Japan. Robots. The moon. Need I say more? TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan is considering putting a robot on the moon by 2020 and an astronaut by 2030, a report from a government office showed on Friday, amid fears that the country will be left behind in Asia’s space race. The plans ...

Full post...


Militant Islam in Minneapolis Mosque?

US News | Fri, Mar 6, 2009 at 1:27:37 pm PST

CBS News has a surprisingly straightforward investigative piece on the Abubakar Islamic Center in Minneapolis; a Somali mosque with a history of turning out radicals. [Video] (Hat tip: Hot Air.)

Full post...


Friday Afternoon Open

Open | Fri, Mar 6, 2009 at 12:49:06 pm PST

Here’s an open thread as the analog metareality demands my attention...

Full post...

Tags:

Uncle Jimbo Apologizes, Banned User Lies

Blogosphere | Fri, Mar 6, 2009 at 10:29:06 am PST

At Ace of Spades, Uncle Jimbo apologizes: LGF calling me out. For the record the post about the Islam ads in SF that Charles at LGF called me out for was lame and poorly written. If I don’t have time to do a quality piece I will wait until I ...

Full post...


Another Massive Windfall for Palestinians

Middle East | Fri, Mar 6, 2009 at 8:32:11 am PST

For decades, money has been pouring into the coffers of one Palestinian strongman after another, from Arab states and clueless Westerners, and all the Palestinians have to show for it is the ultimate welfare state—a death cult society whose main business is indoctrinating their children to hate and kill. So naturally, ...

Full post...


Thursday, March 05, 2009

Overnight Open Thread

Open | Thu, Mar 5, 2009 at 11:20:57 pm PST

The world, unfortunately, rarely matches our hopes and consistently refuses to behave in a reasonable manner. — Stephen Jay Gould

Full post...

Tags:

Discovery Institute Raises Stink About Vatican Evolution Conference

Religion | Thu, Mar 5, 2009 at 6:43:10 pm PST

The Discovery Institute is seriously pissed off about being dissed by the Vatican, and they’re raising a stink about it through the media: The Associated Press: Rome meeting snubs intelligent design, creationism. ROME (AP) — A Vatican-backed conference on evolution is under attack from people who weren’t invited to participate: ...

Full post...


Et Tu, Meryl?

Blogosphere | Thu, Mar 5, 2009 at 6:20:43 pm PST

Now Meryl Yourish is calling for LGF to be shut down, for me to be publicly flogged, and for Zombie to be paraded through Ghirardelli Square in shackles: The heck with Little Green Footballs. /sarcasm

Full post...


Uncle Jimbo Jumps the Conclusion

Blogosphere | Thu, Mar 5, 2009 at 5:38:02 pm PST

Over at Ace of Spades, Uncle Jimbo jumped to a completely unwarranted conclusion and proceeded to slam both Zombie and me, over Zombie’s article on the pro-Islam bus advertising campaign: No ads for Islam. I guess I need a refresher on exactly what this freedom of speech thing is all ...

Full post...


Thursday Midday Hopin'

Open | Thu, Mar 5, 2009 at 12:26:26 pm PST

There is a thin line between genius and insanity. I have erased this line. — Oscar Levant

Full post...

Tags:

Stock Market Yo-Yo Watch

Business | Thu, Mar 5, 2009 at 10:33:33 am PST

After a small gain yesterday, the Dow index is now down another 200 points. Someone please ask the bears to unclench their fists...

Full post...


Focus on Palin's Looks May Have Hurt Her

Politics | Thu, Mar 5, 2009 at 9:40:57 am PST

Did sex appeal hurt Sarah Palin in the election?

Full post...


The Media Slants ... Right?

Media | Thu, Mar 5, 2009 at 9:12:02 am PST

You may have seen reports on a study from Indiana University concluding that the mainstream media is biased—in favor of the Republican Party. (Yes, really.) But according to Copious Dissent, there are severe problems in the study’s methodology: Analysis of the Indiana University Study on Republican Media Bias. Overall, this study ...

Full post...


Boot: Afghanistan Is Better Than You Think

World | Thu, Mar 5, 2009 at 8:47:28 am PST

Max Boot on the situation in Afghanistan: Better Than You Think. I have just returned from Afghanistan shocked by the depth of the disconnect between reality and reporting. The coalition officers that I spoke with expressed confidence that with the U.S. reinforcements now flowing into the country, they will be able ...

Full post...


Another Bulldozer Attack in Jerusalem

Middle East | Thu, Mar 5, 2009 at 8:33:31 am PST

Another Palestinian ran amok with a piece of heavy equipment this morning in Jerusalem, attempting mass murder but only succeeding in getting himself killed: 2 cops lightly hurt, terrorist shot dead in Jerusalem attack. The BBC, as usual, rushed out with a headline that portrayed the Palestinian driver as a victim: ...

Full post...


Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Overnight Open Thread

Open | Wed, Mar 4, 2009 at 11:09:05 pm PST

A lot o’ people don’t realize what’s really going on. They view life as a bunch o’ unconnected incidents ‘n things. They don’t realize that there’s this, like, lattice o’ coincidence that lays on top o’ everything. Give you an example, show you what I mean: suppose you’re thinkin’ about ...

Full post...

Tags:

New Mexico Stealth Creationist Bill Analyzed, Found Wanting

Science | Wed, Mar 4, 2009 at 6:40:02 pm PST

In New Mexico, the Legislative Education Study Committee has analyzed the stealth creationism bill (disguised as “academic freedom”) we recently noted, and discovered that it’s ... a stealth creationism bill. While it is difficult to predict the actual outcomes if SB 433 were enacted, the bill analyses by PED and ...

Full post...


And Now, Pencil Face

Video | Wed, Mar 4, 2009 at 5:45:46 pm PST

[Video] (Hat tip: Wimp.com.)

Full post...


Onion: Congressman Apologizes for Extramarital Affair

Video | Wed, Mar 4, 2009 at 4:26:52 pm PST

[Video]

Full post...

Tags: , ,

Wednesday Afternoon Open

Open | Wed, Mar 4, 2009 at 2:25:06 pm PST

Truth is much too complicated to allow anything but approximations. — John von Neumann

Full post...

Tags:

Kindle for iPhone Review

Science | Wed, Mar 4, 2009 at 11:25:35 am PST

When Amazon announced the Kindle 2 in early February they dropped hints about reading Kindle books on an iPhone, and here’s the reason for the hints: Kindle for iPhone. (iTunes App Store link.) Once you install this free application, all you have to do is enter your Amazon account’s email address ...

Full post...


PJTV: LGF on Media Bankruptcies

Media | Wed, Mar 4, 2009 at 10:01:09 am PST

Here I am via webcam at PJTV with Joe Hicks, discussing the recent rash of Chapter 11 filings by mainstream newspaper owners: Media 1.0 Deathwatch - Video.

Full post...


David Brooks Smells Something Funny

Opinion | Wed, Mar 4, 2009 at 9:27:38 am PST

New York Times columnist David Brooks wakes up, looks around, and says, “Hey, what happened?” Op-Ed Columnist - A Moderate Manifesto - NYTimes.com. Those of us who consider ourselves moderates — moderate-conservative, in my case — are forced to confront the reality that Barack Obama is not who we thought ...

Full post...


Iran Calls for All Muslims to Attack Israel

Middle East | Wed, Mar 4, 2009 at 8:25:39 am PST

As Hillary Clinton pressures Israel and vows to work for a Palestinian state, the Islamic supremacists who rule Iran are still clenching: Iran urges world Muslim ‘resistance’ against Israel. TEHRAN (AFP) – Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called on Wednesday for world Muslims to join the Palestinian “resistance” against ...

Full post...


Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Overnight Open Thread

Open | Tue, Mar 3, 2009 at 11:10:21 pm PST

We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. — Oscar Wilde

Full post...

Tags:

President Obama and Economics 101

Politics | Tue, Mar 3, 2009 at 6:33:22 pm PST

President Obama says he’s looking at the big picture, not sweating the small stuff. The stock market is story of like a tracking poll in politics. It bobs up and down day-to-day,“ Obama said. ”And if you spend all your time worrying about that, then you’re probably going to get ...

Full post...


The Day of the Square

Science | Tue, Mar 3, 2009 at 5:54:06 pm PST

The square root of a number x is a number r such that r2 = x, or, in other words, a number r whose square (the result of multiplying the number by itself) is x, and today is Square Root Day! REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – Dust off the slide rules ...

Full post...


The Kindle 2 Review

Science | Tue, Mar 3, 2009 at 2:27:34 pm PST

Amazon’s new Kindle 2 is more of an incremental improvement than a massive upgrade. As a Kindle 1 owner, the new features and display improvements (and the fact that I read so much) make it worth the price for me, but if you already have a Kindle 1 your mileage ...

Full post...


The Door Opens - Update: The Door Closes

Open | Tue, Mar 3, 2009 at 1:17:38 pm PST

Registration is open for a limited time. Read all the rules before you register. Commit them to memory. Don’t register with a proxy. Don’t register with a throwaway email address. Don’t register more than one account at a time. Don’t be a jerk. Don’t be a troll. Do play nice. And then everything will be groovy. UPDATE at 3/3/09 2:12:55 ...

Full post...

Tags:

Terror Attack In Pakistan

World | Tue, Mar 3, 2009 at 12:01:18 pm PST

Another highly organized Islamic terror attack in Pakistan, as a team of killers attacked the Sri Lankan cricket team, with tactics similar to the Mumbai terrorists. In a commando-style operation, a dozen gunmen attacked the Sri Lankan cricket team in the heart of Lahore, Pakistan’s cultural and political hub, at ...

Full post...


Left-Wing Kookspiracy Debunked, Media Mum

Media | Tue, Mar 3, 2009 at 10:38:32 am PST

The great right-wing Rick Santelli conspiracy that wasn’t: Anatomy of a Left-Wing Smear: The Great Tea Party Conspiracy Busted.

Full post...


Russia Dismisses Obama Admin 'Haggling' Over Missile Defense

World | Tue, Mar 3, 2009 at 9:09:59 am PST

Another slap in the face for Obama from Russia, without much love: Russia rejects link between missile defence and Iran. Madrid/Washington - Russian President Dmitri Medvedev on Tuesday showed willingness to discuss the US-planned missile defence system opposed by Moscow, but without “haggling” linking it to Iran. Medvedev was commenting during ...

Full post...


Bayefsky: Obama Double-Deals On Durban II

World | Tue, Mar 3, 2009 at 8:48:59 am PST

Anne Bayefsky says the Obama administration is double-dealing on Israel, pandering as much as possible to the antisemites at the UN while appearing to be pro-Israel. Durban II, scheduled for Geneva in April, is the U.N.’s attempt at a rerun of the 2001 global anti-Semitic hate fest held in Durban, ...

Full post...


Monday, March 02, 2009

Overnight Open Thread

Open | Mon, Mar 2, 2009 at 11:14:06 pm PST

[Talking about a rock] Frank Drebin: Where did it come from? Ted Olsen: That’s very interesting, I have a theory about that. As you know Frank, billions of years ago, our Earth was a molted mass. But for some reason, not understood by scientists, the earth cooled, forming a crust, a hard ...

Full post...

Tags:

Let's Get Literal

Video | Mon, Mar 2, 2009 at 8:28:03 pm PST

A very literal version of “Under the Bridge,” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. [Video]

Full post...


Jindal on 60 Minutes

Politics | Mon, Mar 2, 2009 at 3:57:41 pm PST

Here’s Governor Bobby Jindal interviewed by Morley Safer on 60 Minutes: [Video] (Hat tip: Hot Air.)

Full post...


A Question Whose Time Has Come

Science | Mon, Mar 2, 2009 at 3:44:43 pm PST

An evolution-based understanding of Hot Peppers - Why Are They Hot? Back in 1960s, Dan Johnson had an interesting proposal he dubbed “directed deterrence” which suggested that some plants may make choices as to exactly which herbivores to attract and which to deter. Hot peppers are prime candidates for such ...

Full post...


Stock Market Free Fall Monday

Business | Mon, Mar 2, 2009 at 1:02:34 pm PST

Ouch. The Dow closed down by ~300 points, bottoming at 6762, the lowest level since 1997. Obviously bad news for folks invested in the stock market, and not exactly a vote of confidence for the Obama administration. Here’s an open thread to discuss...

Full post...


Angel

Images | Mon, Mar 2, 2009 at 12:19:05 pm PST

Camera: Nikon D90.

Full post...


Canada PM Harper: Allies Can't Win in Afghanistan

World | Mon, Mar 2, 2009 at 11:54:39 am PST

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in an interview that allied forces will never defeat the Afghan insurgency. Remember way back in the early days of the Obama administration when the president went to Canada on his first foreign trip and as soon as Afghanistan came up in the concluding ...

Full post...


Flight 1549 Rolls Through New Jersey

US News | Mon, Mar 2, 2009 at 10:54:17 am PST

Photos and video of the plane that crash-landed in the Hudson River, US Airways Flight 1549, being towed through the streets of New Jersey: Flight 1549 rolls to Teterboro Airport » 9/11 Families for a Safe & Strong America. U.S. Airways Flight 1549 was made famous when it was fabulously ...

Full post...


Stock Market Yo-Yo Watch

Business | Mon, Mar 2, 2009 at 9:26:58 am PST

Down we go again; as we write, the Dow index is down 220 points, and the INDP has fallen below 7,000...

Full post...


Tariq Aziz Acquitted in Mass Murder of Shiites

World | Mon, Mar 2, 2009 at 9:16:58 am PST

Saddam Hussein henchman Tariq Aziz has been acquitted of mass murder in one of the cases pending against him. BAGHDAD — Iraq’s special criminal court on Monday acquitted Tariq Aziz, the man who once served as the urbane, cigar-smoking public face of Saddam Hussein’s rule, delivering the most significant not ...

Full post...


Iran Demands Apologies from Hollywood

World | Mon, Mar 2, 2009 at 8:30:14 am PST

Hollywood stars are out saving the world again (what would we do without them?), and getting a lesson in clenched fist method acting from the Islamic fanatics who rule Iran. TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — An adviser to Iran’s president on Sunday demanded an apology from a team of visiting Hollywood ...

Full post...


Another Guantanamo Detainee Becomes Suicide Bomber

World | Mon, Mar 2, 2009 at 8:09:46 am PST

Another prisoner released from Guantanamo turns suicide bomber, and the Washington Post finds a way to blame it on the US: A ‘Ticking Time Bomb’ Goes Off. But there is also a view in some quarters of the U.S. government that cases such as Ajmi’s are the inevitable result of ...

Full post...


Sunday, March 01, 2009

Overnight Open Thread

Open | Sun, Mar 1, 2009 at 11:04:58 pm PST

Bart: So, according to creationism, there were NO cavemen. Homer: Good riddance. Their drawings suck and they looked like hippies! Lisa: Dad, you’re not really reconsidering evolution, are you? Homer: My mind is always open to new ideas...(sees his plate) ONIONS IN THE PEAS?! WHAT THE HELL?! (throws plate at the wall behind ...

Full post...

Tags:

Bobby Jindal's 'Volcano Monitoring' Figures Were Way Wrong

Politics | Sun, Mar 1, 2009 at 5:49:10 pm PST

An interview with Richard Wunderman, volcanologist and museum specialist for the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History: Science Club: Rick Wunderman. DCist: As I’m sure you’ve heard, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, in his response to President Barack Obama’s congressional address, singled out a $140 million appropriation for the U.S. ...

Full post...


Florida Stealth Creationism Bill Filed

Science | Sun, Mar 1, 2009 at 5:18:02 pm PST

As we noted in early February, Florida State Sen. Stephen Wise (R) intends to require the teaching of “intelligent design”, even though he knows it will cost Florida a lot of money when it’s legally challenged. State Sen. Stephen Wise, a Jacksonville Republican, said he plans to introduce a bill ...

Full post...


'Nirth Certifikit' Kooks Get a Write-Up at Politico

Blogosphere | Sun, Mar 1, 2009 at 3:10:39 pm PST

Ben Smith doesn’t quite get the name right; it’s “Nirthers” (after one of the conspiracy bloggers missed the ‘B’ key and hit ‘N’, then left the misspelling in the post’s title for at least a day): Culture of conspiracy: The Birthers. And yes, these idiots are embarrassing — to themselves. LGF ...

Full post...


Christopher Hitchens on the UN's Anti-Blasphemy Resolution

Religion | Sun, Mar 1, 2009 at 2:59:58 pm PST

Here’s Christopher Hitchens on the Organization of the Islamic Conference’s latest attempts to use the United Nations to criminalize “blasphemy” (read: criticism of Islam) around the world. [Video]

Full post...


And Now for a Psychedelic Fish, Bouncing

Science | Sun, Mar 1, 2009 at 2:17:32 pm PST

We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming for a new species of freaky fish that bounces on the ocean floor like a psychedelic rubber ball. [Video]

Full post...


Adm. Mullen: 'A Very Very Bad Outcome'

World | Sun, Mar 1, 2009 at 12:47:13 pm PST

There’s certainly been plenty of warning; now the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff states that Iran has enough fissile materials for a bomb. WASHINGTON – The top U.S. military official said Sunday that Iran has sufficient fissile material for a nuclear weapon, declaring it would be a “very, ...

Full post...


Crow

Images | Sun, Mar 1, 2009 at 11:34:04 am PST

Camera: Canon Powershot G10 in ‘P’ mode (Program Auto Exposure), tripod-mounted, with wireless shutter release.

Full post...


Atlas Shrugs Promoting Neo-Nazi Agitprop

Blogosphere | Sun, Mar 1, 2009 at 9:25:55 am PST

Here’s a tale of the kind of sheer idiocy that gives blogs a bad name, as Pamela Geller has another meltdown: Atlas Shrugs: OBAMA GRANTS EMINENT DOMAIN RIGHTS TO AMERICAN LAND TO CHINA. The story may have originated with this Bloomberg article, about the Chinese asking Obama for assurances that the ...

Full post...


PJTV Video: Conservatism 2.0

Politics | Sun, Mar 1, 2009 at 8:29:28 am PST

Here’s what PJTV was up to at CPAC, in a free video featuring a good presentation by Deroy Murdock: Conservatism 2.0 Conference, Day 2.

Full post...


Saturday, February 28, 2009

Overnight Open Thread

Open | Sat, Feb 28, 2009 at 11:11:06 pm PST

I sit in one of the dives On Fifty-second Street Uncertain and afraid As the clever hopes expire Of a low dishonest decade: Waves of anger and fear Circulate over the bright And darkened lands of the earth, Obsessing our private lives; The unmentionable odour of death Offends the September night. — W. H. Auden, September 1, 1939

Full post...

Tags:

^ back to top ^

log in
Name:
Pass:

Register Forgot Your Password? My Account Re-send Confirmation (To log in, cookies must be enabled in your browser!)

► LGF Headlines

► Top 10 Comments

► Bottom Comments

► Recent Comments

► Tools/Info

► LGF Hits

► Slideshows

► Resources

► Never Forget

► Statistics

► Tag Cloud

► Contact

You must have Javascript enabled to use the contact form.
Your email:

Subject:

Message:


Messages may be published in our weblog, unless you request otherwise.
Tech Note:
Using the Contact Form

► News/Opinion

Tikatok Gift Cards - Capture your child's imagination . . . in a book!
More Partners

Compare Electricity Prices in your area. Texas Electricity is deregulated; you have the right to choose Texas Electric Rates from among many Texas Electric Companies.

You only get flats when you don't see the glass.


Discover the World's largest E-Book Store! Save big on bestsellers!
Read More, Spend Less. New Lower Prices on Thousands of Books!