The Horrific of Two Views

Todays news story poses two responses:

AP News, 4.14.07 BAGHDAD - A car bomb blasted through a busy bus station near one of Iraq's holiest shrines on Saturday, killing at least 56 people, police and hospital officials said. The bombing occurred about 200 yards from the Imam Hussein shrine in Karbala, where the grandson of Islam's Prophet Muhammad is buried — one of the most important sites for Shiites. State television aired footage from the scene, in which rescue workers could be seen evacuating casualties. The charred body of a child laid motionless on a stretcher. At least six children were among the dead, according to an official at Al-Hussein Hospital. Iranian and Pakistani pilgrims were also among the casualties, he said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release the information.

View # 1: My gosh we've been there for 4 years and yet suicide bombers are still able to ravage the lives of innocent iraqi citizens whose crime consists of simply going about daily activities. We should just get out of there!

View #2: What kind of a person is capable of intentionallyblowing up innocent people at a bus station?

Which view is more disturbing? To be honest, I've been feeling we should get out of Iraq but now... now I'm not so sure. I'm not sure we should leave the evil that exists over there (as seen in this story) alone. I don't think taking a defensive stance with these determined extremists is a wise decision. We have to remember they came here on 9.11 when were were not in Iraq. If you disagree I urge you to view this video: http://www.obsessionthemovie.com/

Attack of the $5,000 Bag Ladies

Fashion Week, New York City, 2007
Is it just me? Or does anyone else think those fashion shows are a little out of touch. Do people actually wear clothing like that? Out in public?? (aside from halloween). Wow. It's funny, when I was a kid there was a book/cartoon story called "The Emperor's New Clothes". If you know the story you'll get the connection. If you don't, it's basically about people going along with the 'in' crowd, even when it goes against logic, reason and better judgement. Not sure who's looking up to these people but I feel a bit sorry for them. No wonder most of those models use drugs,I'd think I'd have to be on something to wear those strange, high-priced rags too.

All Brawn No Brain

I originally wanted to see the new Rocky movie, now I am not so interested.

In the AP news story "Stallone attacks Mexican border fence", Stallone was quoted stating: "I support Mexicans who work in my country" as he criticized plans to build 700 miles of fence along the border as an immigration-control measure. Such a fence is "crazy" and "ridiculous," he said, arguing that nations should be able to interact without being divided by walls.

The Mexican government has also argued against the fence idea - with former President Vicente Fox comparing it to the Berlin Wall. OK, for one we do not need advice from a country where people are literally dying to get out. And two, nations are well within their right to secure their borders. People like Stallone need to get a clue. Perhaps.. Ay Yo.. he's a little more like his Rocky character than we know.

In Middle East News

AP News - Assailants gunned down a Muslim preacher because of his anti-Hamas views witnesses said, moments after he exited a mosque where he delivered a sermon criticizing the Islamic group's role in a wave of Palestinian violence.

But America and Israel are the bad guys.

Thailand Adresses Morality

This was interesting (and no, not for the obvious reason). In Thailand scantly clad dancing young ladies are being hired by street vendors to help generate sales (there's that sex sells thing again). They're known as 'Cyote Girls', a title inspired by the movie 'Cyote Ugly'. Recently this stirred controversy when they performed near a Buddhist temple, on one of the religion's holiest days. The Queen and Culture Ministry have stepped in and banned them from dancing in public places, particularly near Buddhist temples. - From the Article "Royal Displeasure Over `Coyote Girls'", Wednesday December 27, AP News.

And of course there were protesters who felt the Queens line of moral judgement was too hard. I guess they have Liberal Leftists there too.

Transformers Grow Up

Whoa, I just viewed the trailer for the upcoming movie 'Transfomers'. I thought it was going to be something for kids, but I was wrong. This movie is in the 'Terminator' category. Looks like an exciting thrill ride if you're into the sci-fi CGI. Slated for summer '07. I'm game.

Study: Video Games Are Good

The Federation of American Scientists held a summit titled "Harnessing the Power of Video Games for Learning". Here's the gist of it...

(From http://fas.org/gamesummit/)
Modern video and computer games offer a rich landscape of adventure and challenge that appeal to a growing number of Americans. Games capture and hold the attention of players for hours as they struggle to operate a successful football franchise, help Romans defeat the Gauls, or go through the strict regimen of Army basic training in virtual landscapes.
People acquire new knowledge and complex skills from game play, suggesting gaming could help address one of the nation’s most pressing needs — strengthening our system of education and preparing workers for 21st century jobs. Numerous studies of American competitiveness completed in the past few years have emphasized that America’s position in the world depends increasingly on maintaining leadership in technology. The success of complex video games demonstrates games can teach higher- order thinking skills such as strategic thinking, interpretative analysis, problem solving, plan formulation and execution, and adaptation to rapid change. These are the skills employers increasingly seek in workers. Games and simulations can also serve as powerful “hands-on” tools for teaching practical and technical skills, from automotive repair to heart surgery. To explore how the United States can harness the powerful features of digital games for learning, the Federation of American Scientists, the Entertainment Software Association, and the National Science Foundation convened a National Summit on Educational Games, on October 25, 2005 in Washington, DC. The Summit brought together nearly 100 experts to discuss ways to accelerate the development, commercialization, and deployment of new generation games for learning.

The picture above is a screenshot from "Immune Attack", one of the games unveiled at the summit. Immune Attack is a new generation video game that engages students and teaches complex biology and immunology topics. In this first person strategy game human body tissue structures serve as the playing field where immune cells face off against bacterial and viral infections. A teenaged prodigy with a unique immunodeficiency must teach his immune system how to function properly, or die trying. Using a nanobot and aided by a helpful professor, the teenager explores biologically accurate and visually detailed settings in pursuit of this goal.
Sounds Interesting! Some ammo for the die hard gamers out there :)

Redefining Beauty

Sex sells - you don't have to look very far to see this marketing strategy being utilized. Sadly companies that use this tactic fuel low self esteem by portraying idyllic beauty as the norm, creating a society that is obsessed with outer perfection and generally unsatisfied with themselves. This has dramatic affects on people's health (particularly women), and has contributed to what I would call the plastic surgery revolution.

Interestingly enough, the very same venue that has created this social status plague is now seeing movements to help remedy the issue. In 2005 Dove launched their "Real Beauty" advertising campaing in which average women were used in place of supermodels. The recently released TV show "Ugly Betty" also seems directed at the issue. In the show Actress America Ferrera plays a relatively unattractive woman working in the fashion industry who achieves success via qualities such as intelligence, hard work, assertiveness and altruism. The show has sparked the soon to be launched "Be Ugly 07" Public Service campaing that will encompass appearances, website (BeUgly07.com) and various events - all promoting the theme "Be real, be smart, be passionate, be true to yourself and be ugly."

While I wouldn't say America Ferrera is ugly, I do appreciate and value the motive behind the concept. Your comments?

Offended? Too Bad!

Still having a hard time with our culture's assault on public expressions of religious Christmas music and decorations. The holiday Christmas is celebrated in America because of its Christian heritage. All countries are entitled to celebrate the traditions of their heritage, and people that move there DO NOT have the right to change that. If one moves to another country surely they can not expect it to remove all public expressions of its heritage simply beacuse it's not in-line with thier own. Why why why then is it expected here? Put liberalism and litigation together and that's what you get. I'm sorry, if you are in store during the holiday season and they are playing Christmas music too bad if that offends you. Live with it! America needs to get a backbone and put its foot down. Just like every other country, it has the right to public expression of its traditions.

Three Cheers for Evel

You have to love people who are not afraid to tell it like it is.

AP News | Tue Dec 12 Evel Knievel Sues Kanye West Over Video
Evel Knievel has sued the rapper Kanye West, taking issue with a music video in which the rapper takes on the persona of "Evel Kanyevel" and tries to jump a rocket-powered motorcycle over a canyon. "The guy just went too far using me to promote his filth to the world," said Knievel.

I've always said that I have no respect for people who are contributing to the moral decline of our society. The so called 'Gansta rappas' are a prime example of such people. Three cheers for people like Evel Knievel who are not afraid to go on public record to speak against the negative influence these dregs promote.