Monthly Archives: September 2006

Friday Islam Q and A

Continuing my ongoing Friday post series on the basics of Islam.  We’ve had some great questions, so far.  Keep ‘em coming, guys! As always, let me lay down the ground rules: 1.  Please keep your questions general.  This isn’t a … Continue reading

Posted in Religion and theology, The Poet Omar's Page | 12 Comments

Friday Islam Q and A (take deux)

I apologize for not being able to answer the excellent questions posed in my last Islam Q and A session.  Although I won’t reprint the questions and comments here, I will attempt to answer them in the order asked.  Additionally, … Continue reading

Posted in Religion and theology, The Poet Omar's Page | 12 Comments

Those Slippery Profits

The greedheads at Exxon/Mobil and Chevron/Texaco are at it again. Those clever devils who artificially raised oil prices so high that their profits gushed forth at @ a mediocre 10% margin have now cleverly turned the profit spigot down just … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Humor, Lance's Page | 27 Comments

The NIE and Agendas

There has been a lot of buzz the past few days about a recent National Intelligence Estimate (“NIE“), portions of which were leaked to the media, and just what it says about the current state of the GWOT. While the … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Foreign affairs, Media, MichaelW's Page, Uncategorized | 9 Comments

I’m so bored with the “Issue of the Day!”

(Listening notes: The Clash) I am not an attorney, and there are undoubtedly many things I do not understand about the legal points as to whether the NSA program complies with FISA or not, or whether the President has inherent … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Foreign affairs, Lance's Page, Law | 23 Comments

Byzantine comments

First, I’d like to apologize for my prolonged absence.  I assure you, gentle readers, that the rumors of my demise are greatly exaggerated.  I hope to redo my last post and respond to questions and comments related to it this … Continue reading

Posted in Foreign affairs, Religion and theology, The Poet Omar's Page | 14 Comments

Whither Lebanon?

(Listening notes:XTC) Update: More resistance to Hezbollah. When Israel launched its attack on Hezbollah back in July I was fearful. I have always had an attachment to Lebanon going back to my days in grade school when I did a … Continue reading

Posted in Foreign affairs, Lance's Page | Leave a comment

The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul

Theology and moral codes tell us to be good, in conflict with our natural desires and appetites, which tell us the opposite: be bad! Take what you want! Look out for #1! Socializing ourselves to develop a sense of empathy–that … Continue reading

Posted in Culture, Great Lyrics Series, Music, Robby's Page, Uncategorized | 10 Comments

Sweet Virginia-Updated

As of now my plan is to not give either of the major parties my vote in the upcoming elections. That could change, but nobody here in Baton Rouge has given me a reason to change my mind. Some races … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Lance's Page | 17 Comments

Maher Arar – Is CBS News Hiding Something?

The Honourable Dennis R. O’Connor, Associate Chief Justice of Ontario , issued a report concerning a factual inquiry into the Maher Arar case (“Inquiry“). As the Washington Post reports, the Inquiry found that: Canadian intelligence officials passed false warnings and … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Foreign affairs, Media, MichaelW's Page | Leave a comment

Póg mo thóin

It may be well known to you, dear reader, or it may not (it makes no difference), that Pogue Mahone is one of my favorite commenters, bloggers and writers. In fact, he’s been somewhat of a celebrity amongst my partners … Continue reading

Posted in Great Lyrics Series, Humor, MichaelW's Page | 3 Comments

The Attorney Cartel

There is an interesting debate going on over at Damnum Absque Injuria (Xrlq’s place) about whether or one should be required to be licensed with the state in order to practice law. It was inspired by an article arguing against … Continue reading

Posted in Law, MichaelW's Page, Uncategorized | 4 Comments

The Washington Post CAIRs

If you read the Washington Post yesterday, you may have noticed the story headlined, “Anti-Muslim Harrassment Complaints Jump 30 Percent” in which Michelle Boorstein “reports”: A national Muslim advocacy organization yesterday blamed a “negative and politically charged” environment on the … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Media, MichaelW's Page | 54 Comments

Now for something really important

Finally, Pogues back! Please go and shower him with abuse for lack of consideration towards his fans. Besides, anytime a Baldwin brother is given a good smack it is important to support the effort. [tags]Pogue Mahone, Steven Baldwin[/tags]

Posted in Culture, Humor, Lance's Page, Media, Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Isikoffed

Update again: (Read this from Hitchens as well on another famous quote.) In my quixotic campaign to indict people for what they do say, rather than what suits our prejudices, I direct you all to a post that is making … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Lance's Page, Media | 1 Comment

Vacation Bleg

My birthday is this Saturday and my lovely wife is taking me to Nashville, TN for Saturday and Sunday night as my present (yes, I am very lucky). We are staying at the Hilton, right downtown, and attending the Grand … Continue reading

Posted in MichaelW's Page, Uncategorized | 12 Comments

“Out Damned Spot …”

According to news reports, the muslim world is in a serious uproar over a perceived attack on their religion by the Pope. Muslims around the world expressed outrage Friday over Pope Benedict XVI’s comments on Islam, with Turkey’s ruling party … Continue reading

Posted in Foreign affairs, Media, MichaelW's Page, Religion and theology | 24 Comments

Oriana Fallaci RIP

***UPDATEx3*** The pugnacious Italian journalist has died. Reactions to that will no doubt vary. Her personal and intellectual bravery however cannot be doubted. A hat tip is owed to neo-neocon. UPDATED AGAIN:For another roundup of links, but more interestingly a … Continue reading

Posted in Foreign affairs, Lance's Page, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

How high is the death toll? The dark reality of “Never Again”

(Listening Notes: The Specials) Via Normblog I am reminded once again about another situation which I think will not get better. It will not get better because in fact we don’t care. We don’t care that approximately two million people … Continue reading

Posted in Foreign affairs, Lance's Page | 2 Comments

Short Sharp Sparks

A while back I mentioned a post by the wife of Peter, the proprietor of The Liberal Capitalist Party. Well the short brown firebrand who is the wife of the adorably pink Peter has her own blog now. If you … Continue reading

Posted in Lance's Page, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Subsidy in Blue; or Wal-Mart the Moocher

I hear all of the time about how this corporation is subsidized or that person received a subsidy, but I’m not entirely positive that the word always means the same thing. What exactly is a “subsidy”? Let’s look at the … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Economics, MichaelW's Page | 7 Comments

The Left I Admire and Imagine

(Listening notes: Van Morrison) ****UPDATED**** Originally Posted July 28th, 2006 One thing that bugs me, is the tendency of people to make general statements such as “wingers” always….. or you leftists always…. etc. It is silly and insulting, and I … Continue reading

Posted in Culture, Domestic Politics, Foreign affairs, Lance's Page | 17 Comments

The Free Market At Work

Omar got my mental wheels turning a few weeks ago when he wrote about the World Wildlife Fund debt-purchasing plan for conservation, as well as about some other free market alternatives to what is generally considered today to be in … Continue reading

Posted in Developmental economics, Economics, Foreign affairs, MichaelW's Page | 3 Comments

The limits to tolerance

Norm Geras has reached his, and his reasoning certainly resonates with me. On the other hand, I am trying to overcome my feelings about fans of Phish. Luckily my new brother-in-law, who is a musician, hates Phish, loves the Stooges. … Continue reading

Posted in Culture, Humor, Lance's Page, Music | 14 Comments

Pork and progressives

Bradford Plumer let the cat out of the bag today. I know, everybody is blogging about his justification of pork barrel spending as necessary for the growth of activist government, but Capt. Ed makes the best point about Plumer’s point: … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Lance's Page, Uncategorized | 7 Comments

Take some time to read

Milton Friedman sits down with Russ Roberts. You can also listen to the podcast. Elsewhere Ron Bailey has an article “The Man Who Fed the World,” on Norman Borlaug whose work may have saved more lives and relieved more suffering … Continue reading

Posted in Developmental economics, Domestic Politics, Economics, Environment, Foreign affairs, Lance's Page | Leave a comment

The Seeds of African Capitalism

(Listening notes: Who else but Fela Kuti) Cafe Hayek reminded me this week about one of the more interesting groups working to help in Africa, Enterprise Africa. One highlight has been the work of Monsanto: Enter the private sector, specifically … Continue reading

Posted in Developmental economics, Economics, Foreign affairs, Lance's Page | 3 Comments

Fascism Cannot Equal Freedom (UPDATED)

I have delayed addressing the previous posts regarding fascism in order to let the comments percolate and the issue become more defined. Before I do so here, please take the time to read the previous posts (here and here) and … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Foreign affairs, History, MichaelW's Page | 30 Comments

The Poet Omar

It’s time again for my weekly Questions and Answers session covering the beliefs and practices of Islam.  Feel free to jump in and ask any questions you’d like about Islam or Muslims.  The only rule, as always, is to keep … Continue reading

Posted in Religion and theology, The Poet Omar's Page | 5 Comments

Fascism Right or Left

***Corrected due to problem with missing text when posted originally*** One of our favorite commenters, Glasnost, who should have his own blog by the way, has left some trenchant criticisms of the argument that has haphazardly formed in the comments … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, History, Lance's Page | 19 Comments

Blog Spotlight- Open University

Typically I try to shine a bit of light on blogs that don’t seem to get the notice that they probably deserve, such as ourselves;^}, or Pogue’s place or The Conjecturer. However, I am sure todays blog will get plenty … Continue reading

Posted in Lance's Page, Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Has Tom Maguire Lost His Mind?

I am all for the pursuit of happiness, but what on earth would make Tom Maguire want to don[] an orange fright wig and dance down Main Street shouting “Flee before my majesty, working class minions! Fall down before my … Continue reading

Posted in Economics, Humor, MichaelW's Page | Leave a comment

Smither Campaign Update

Hammer of Truth has the latest news from the Smither Campaign: Bob Smither, the Libertarian nominee for Congress from Texas District 22, announced today that he has filed as a candidate for the Special Election to fill the remainder of … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics | Leave a comment

Defending Neville Chamberlain-History’s Judgment

In paying a tribute of respect and of regard to an eminent man who has been taken from us, no one is obliged to alter the opinions which he has formed or expressed upon issues which have become a part … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Foreign affairs, History, Lance's Page | 61 Comments

Steve Irwin (1962-2006)

One of the world’s greatest champions of wildlife education and conservation died this weekend doing what he loved best. Known to many as “The Crocodile Hunter,” Stephen Robert Irwin was killed when the poisonous barb of a stingray’s tail pierced … Continue reading

Posted in Culture, Environment, The Poet Omar's Page | 8 Comments

Ann Coulter and Little Greenwald’s Footballs

The Blogosphere, and politics in general, is full of arguments. We are not always fair, clear about what we say, or clear on what others mean. That should be no surprise nor is it in my mind of any particular … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Lance's Page | 13 Comments

The Turkish Invasion

hacked by tugra, Turkisd hacker, NO WAR! This is the claim of responsibility for the latest escalation in the war on terror. It is now official. Jon Henke and friends at QandO are now at war with Turkey. Jon and … Continue reading

Posted in Foreign affairs, Humor, Lance's Page | 31 Comments

And they say a Leopard can’t change it’s spots…

Ah, CAIR.  Where do I even begin?  If you’ve not had a chance to catch-up on the ongoing debate about “moderate” Muslims and the assimilation of Muslims in America or the quest for a “moderate” Muslim spokesperson/spokesagency, then CAIR is … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Religion and theology, The Poet Omar's Page | 3 Comments

Friday Islam Q&A

Better late than never!  It’s time again for my weekly Questions and Answers session covering the beliefs and practices of Islam.  Feel free to jump in and ask any questions you’d like about Islam or Muslims.  The only rule, as … Continue reading

Posted in Religion and theology, The Poet Omar's Page | 12 Comments

Conversations with a Three Year Old: a Series

WYATT: “Daddy, do you know what your favorite drink is?” ME: (amused) “Orange juice?” WYATT: “NooooOH!” ME: “Hmmm … apple juice?” WYATT: “NooooOH!” ME: (now puzzled) “Swee’tea?” WYATT: “NO! You’re favorite drink is wine, Daddy.” (pointing to a freshly cracked … Continue reading

Posted in Humor, MichaelW's Page | 4 Comments

Fascism and its Discontents

Ever since the Bush administration adopted the term Islamic Fascism as its moniker for the threats arising out of the Muslim world the debate on the appropriateness of the term has been bubbling through the blogosphere. McQ argued for the … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Foreign affairs, Lance's Page | 21 Comments