8/31/10

Catch of the Day ... in Northern Ontario


The Old Young Man and the Lake Sea
.

Wid III, blogger's relative; Photo credit: Rick N.

Inside Look at a Dropout Factory

Fascinating account of a bright Mexican-American engineering student's miserable experience at Chicago State University.

Some colleges should just their doors. CSU is one of them.

8/29/10

Sunday Inspiration: Making St. Louis Proud

8/28/10

Machete Premiere

Jessica Alba, one of the stars of Machete and fake Latina, show offs her metallic dress and co-stars, Danny Trejo and Michelle Rodriguez at the recent L.A. premiere of the controversial immigration flick. More about the movie here, but the opening sentence should provide a clue why this one isn't for the folks who live in their heads: "In Robert Rodriguez's new grindhouse feature 'Machete,' the vengeful title character uses vicious cutlery to butcher his enemies."


Lindsay Lohan (pictured) plays a nun in Machete. (No, I'm not making this up.)

Boycott worthy!

P.S. Here's the trailer, in all its gory (not a typo), with the Cinco de Mayo warning to Arizona. Language, sleaze advisory.

8/27/10

The Magic Espresso Book Machine

It's not what you think: See Tom Woods' lively column about the economic realities involved with (conventional) non-fiction publishing. But he doesn't mention self-publishing or the miracle of on-demand publishing.

Behold the Espresso Book Machine at the Shapiro Libary at the University of Michigan (which is located right by the place that sells frou-frou coffees)!

Earlier this week, I had a chance to see it - up close and personal - and chat with the machine's 'caretaker.' This is a wonderful, fast way to publish if a) the author wants a small run; and b) if the author wants to completely bypass the middlemen typically involved in creating a book; and c) if the author is in a hurry. (It takes 2 hours to convert the PDF file into a paperback.)

Jeff Marshall is the inventor of this marvel (pictured below).



Update: Today's Wall Street Journal has an article about digital printers and mentions the Espresso which retails for about $100,000.

8/23/10

In Ann Arbor

Among the X-Files: I'm spending a couple of days at the Bentley Historical Library at the University of Michigan, so blogging will resume on Wednesday.

8/20/10

Not Friday Fun: Antonio Cromartie

Talk about lacking self-control! Antonio, who plays for the New York Jets, is the 'father' of seven kiddos by six different women.

He is only 26 years old. Mama mia!

Oh, yeah. Did I mention the five paternity suits? Maybe Tony Dungy, a man of high moral standards, could have a word with this Gridiron Romeo when he visits' Jets' practice.

8/19/10

Bravo, Belgrade News Editor

Andy Malby has a hissy fit, and it's a beautiful thing.

In this column, he complains about local, state, and federal governments still spending like it's 2006.

Read the whole thing; it's a good, fast read.

8/18/10

Extreme Makeover: Immigration Edition

Brenda Walker has given her website - Immigration's Human Cost - a new look. If you are unfamiliar, this is Brenda's ongoing tribute to the victims of crimes committed by illegal aliens.

8/17/10

Those Cultural Reference Points


The New Old: wristwatches, writing in cursive, and sending emails.

Worth a read especially for those of you old enough to still be attached to a phone with a cord.

On the other hand, these economic indicators aren't endearing at all.

8/16/10

Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson Radio Show

I will be chatting with the Reverend, and another guest, about SB 1070, Christianity, and immigration.

Tomorrow, 8 a.m. PST.

In the photo: The Host

The Border Gets a Band


Wear your support! Ordering information here. Buy a bunch; hand 'em out!

Bankrupted by Jackpot Babes

The findings of a very recent Pew Hispanic Center report: "An estimated 340,000 of the 4.3 million babies born in the United States in 2008 were the offspring of unauthorized immigrants, according to a new analysis of Census Bureau data by the Pew Hispanic Center."

No mention in the report about the exorbitant cost to taxpayers or society. Those messy questions and answers are left to the 'bad guys' at FAIR, CIS, or NumbersUSA.

Meanwhile, this Miami Herald story features a woman, an illegal from Nicaragua, who bore not one, not two, but three daughters at Miami's Jackson Memorial Hospital - Shirley, Ashley, Yardley. Lovely names, and, lovely, how mom isn't exactly hiding in the shadows. No fear of La Migra.

In the photo: Jackson Memorial Hospital, a place I'm fond as my two sons where born in Jackson's midwife-staffed birthing center; a fantastic facility which no longer exists.

Update: Wendy Murphy, a New England law professor and no conservative, has tough words about anchor babies.

She writes, "Finally, we need to stop 'birthright citizenship'; the idea that when an illegal immigrant births a child here, the baby automatically becomes a citizen, which means the parents are allowed to remain in this country to care for the child until adulthood. No surprise then that an entire industry of 'pregnancy tourism' has evolved where non-citizen women about to give birth come to the U.S. for a 'visit' and then, oops, go into labor.

These end-runs around illegal immigration are harmful to American society and to the babies being created because many are born to selfish parents who want a kiddie cash cow. Federal law should be amended to require deportation of parents and baby as soon as the umbilical cord is cut. Sounds cruel, I know, but it's crueler to reward the birthing of unloved children to exploitive parents.

Citizenship in this country comes with duties as well as rights – not just rights."

'Nother Update: Roy Beck says that opponents of birthright citizen don't want the 14th Amendment repealed. He writes, "But most of us opponents of birthright citizenship do not believe the 14th amendment even needs to be clarified. We believe Congress could pass a law requiring a baby to have at least one parent who is a citizen or legal immigrant before being given U.S. citizenship. We also believe it would be taken to court and the Supreme Court would ultimately decide." Bring it on!

Hybrid Muslim-Christian Poses Topless

Rima Fakih, Miss USA


Modest she ain't, which renders her religious beliefs meaningless.

The Miss Universe pageant, where the comely lass will showcase her wares, is August 23. R.Fake-ee will dress as an eagle for the national costume portion of the pageant. (Photo-op of that event today.)

Saith the chosen one of the chosen one: "The eagle holds an olive branch and arrows which denote the powers of peace and war. The eagle faces right to show a preference to peace over war. They symbol of this costume is a tribute to your work to bring peace to the world." She finishes by saying, "Fly high, Mr. President."



I'm glad I gave away my Chi flat iron - the sponsor of Miss Coexist's sappy paen to Obama.

8/15/10

Sunday Inspiration: Retiring, at His Peak

Glen Coffee, outstanding pro-football player for the 49ers, is retiring, and he's only 23. Walking away from fame and fortune and many a young man's dream, is no small thing. But Coffee wants to finish his schooling and says his heart's just not into football, anymore.

Given his farewell statement - "I've already told Christ it's time to go" - it appears that Coffee is pondering a full-time career as a fisher of men.

Maybe there's a football chaplain post in this athlete's future.

Check out Steve DeBardelaben, Glen.

Sunday Inspiration: Theology & Amnesty

Not long ago, Dr. James Edwards, of the Center for Immigration Studies, testified before the House Immigration Sub-Committee about the injustice (especially to poor, unemployed and underemployed Americans) of rewarding millions of illegals with amnesty.

Dr. Edwards does a fine job explaining the role of civil government and Romans 13.

More about this topic is here, especially the Old Testament passages about the 'sojourner among you.'

8/14/10

Benishek Wins - By 15 Votes

In Northern Michigan: Dr. Dan Benishek, a UP surgeon, is the Republican nominee for the lst Congressional district. That is, unless State Senator Jason Allen, Benishek's opponent, requests a recount.

The seat is currently held by the retiring Bart Stupak, the Wolverine State's most controversial ObamaCare supporter.

Classy Move Update: Allen won't seek a recount. Instead, he's committing himself to helping Benishek defeat his Democratic opponent.

Ray Tranchant: Victim

While it was his teenage daughter, Tessa, that was killed by a 22-year-old drunk illegal alien driver, Ray Tranchant is also a victim.

Candidly and personally, he writes about going to the hospital and seeing Tessa, and Ali Kunhardt (her 17-year-old buddy who was also in the accident) deceased.

"When I got to the hospital in what seemed like a dream sequence, Tessa’s bed was lying next to Ali’s, separated by a privacy curtain. Both girls were perfectly still, skin cold to the touch.

Tess was covered with a hospital blanket, and her clothes lay in a bag by her bedside, cut off by the EMT and the ER doctor who tried to revive her, to no avail. I looked at her large brown eyes, pupils dilated, eyes wide open, staring at the ceiling. She still had a mask taped to her mouth with a long rubber tube. The center of the tube was filled with bright red blood. Amazingly, she had only a little bruise on her forehead, and her big toe was bleeding. I noticed that she had had a couple of her nails done with glitter, probably had just enough money to do two. She worked at the Golden Corral; Ali worked at The Fresh Market."

Please read the entire essay, as Mr. Tranchant does not shy away from making several salient political arguments.

In the photo: Ray Tranchant at Tessa's grave

Update: A Q&A with Ray.

8/13/10

More Friday Fun: The Sky Garage

Behold, an architectural and engineering marvel.

Friday Fun: America's Favorite Underdog

If you haven't seen #6, I recommend it. The last scene, in this trailer, is a classic.

8/12/10

Elias Abuelazam: Alleged Serial Killer

The knife-wielding serial killer, who preyed on black men in Flint, Michigan, had an expired passport.

Mlive.com has continuing updates about this horror story, and the suspect who may be responsible for 5 homicides and 11 stabbings!

The Opposite of Multiculturalism

An FYI for you bookworms and deep thought thinkers: The press release about "Culturism: A Word, A Value, Our Future" by Dr. John Kenneth Press.

Dr. Press, an academic, is also affiliated with the Brooklyn Tea Party.

His website is here.

July's Unemployment Numbers

The magic number is 9.5 More about the marginally employed here.

8/11/10

Operation Hanky-Panky

Look who had legit. student visas in the Los Angeles-area.

A troubling trend:'Mom-and-pop brothels.' Another troubling trend: Massage parlors doubling as centers of prostitution, affiliated with organized Chinese crime, springing up in small-town America.

From Washington to California to Oklahoma to Massachusetts. ~sigh~

Photo: Wang Xin, busted in OKC by the vice squad.

Globalists Get Huge Hand-Outs from the Gates

Look at the millions that Bill and Melinda Gates' foundation gave to the National Council of La Raza.

Now visualize a conservative Latina wanting to start a national (pro) immigration enforcement organization. Visualize her submitting a grant proposal to B&M, and getting as much as La Raza.

Easier to visualize peace in the Middle East, right?

More information about who funds what (open-borders' supporters) here, and note that Kevin Lamb gets mentioned in the Infowars piece.

Update: Look what else Bill and Mel are funding: A poll, which concludes, that many Latinos, who mostly speak English, are increasingly watching Spanish-language television and listening to Spanish-language radio.

Of E.coli, Contaminated Water, & Tresspassers

According to Mark Shaffer, of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, the San Pedro River (near Sierra Vista) is not too clean.

"Sources of the E. coli are believed to be from a number of contributing factors, said Shaffer. They include trash and debris left by illegal immigrants walking along the river, such recreational activities as hiking, horseback riding and off-road vehicles, septic tanks in close proximity to the waterway and cattle grazing operations in the area."

Wonder what the conservationists who donate money and time to these 'preserve the river' organizations have to say about this one.

Mini-photo of the upper San Pedro river.

Rewarding Lobbyists; Growing Gigantic Gov

My latest Belgrade News column is about how the Big Sky's national reps. - Senator Jon Tester and Senator Max Baucus - are a pair of zeroes. Go here.

In the photo: Montana's Senators flank Interior Secretary Ken Salazar. FYI: Here's who donated to Jon. Here's who donated to Max.

8/10/10

Mr. Parks Opines on Birthright Citizenship

Everybody's talking about it, and I can hear the words they're saying.*



*paraphrase of Harry Nilsson song

That Unsecured Border: Recent Footage



Much more here.

Baby, Baby, Baby



CBS story, from 2008, that deals with babies, born to illegals, on U.S. soil. Mexico, at least according to the mama in the story, isn't very nice to the newborns of its pobrecitos, as we are. This woman - Fabiola - is also unafraid to speak to a reporter and go on camera, because she has her anchor baby, Elliott, and we are mandated to pay for her health care costs.

While we're on the subject, this National Review contributor offers a bizarro, unsubstantiated argument for maintaining the status quo regarding birthright citizenship.

Cesar Conda, there is no monolithic 'Latino voter.' As David Stoddard, retired Border Patrol put it: "Pandering to illegal aliens to get the Hispanic vote is a dead end." Amen.

HT: BigJ.

A Fantastic Invention

The electric washing machine is 100 years old.

Chris Epting explains here.

All hail this most useful of appliances.

From this: To this:

8/9/10

United Border Coalition Tea Party Event

This coming weekend in Cochise County, AZ. Details here.

The event's purpose: To show continued public support of SB 1070; speakers include State Sentaor Russell Pearce, Sharron Angle, Sheriff Larry Dever, and Sue Krentz, widow of Rob Krentz.

It's Not Your Turn!

Alicia Colon (pictured) writes, at Big Journalism, about Hispanic-Americans she has encountered: "Hispanics born here, like myself, and naturalized immigrants are against illegal immigrants and the idea of amnesty.

Joanna Marzullo is Hispanic and the President of NYICE (New Yorkers for Immigration Control and Enforcement) which holds counter protest rallies against those opposing the Arizona legislation. Pamela Hall, one of the original organizers of the Stop the Madrassa Coalition, videotaped Marzullo at a recent counter-protest rally that, of course, was never reported in the MSM.

My daughter’s friend from El Salvador spent twelve years getting approved for citizenship. My son’s Panamanian friend is still awaiting the process after many years. The idea that citizens here illegally will get a fast run for the gold ahead of him and others is unconscionable. Doesn’t everybody loathe those who cut a waiting line?"

Sí!

"This is How Nations are Lost"


Thanks to John P. for sending this timely Victor Davis Hanson essay - "The Truths We Dare Not Speak About Illegal Immigration" This is not the typical 'secure-the-borders' piece. Much more philosophical. In fact, it'd be a nice read for a current events discussion group.

8/8/10

Burden on Taxpayers & Hospital Personnel

A staggering statistic from Parkland Memorial Hospital (located in Dallas County, Texas): "Last year at Parkland, 11,071 babies were born to women who were noncitizens, about 74 percent of total deliveries. Most of these women are believed to be in the country illegally."

No wonder these (long overdue) discussions about 'anchor babies' and the 14th Amendment have become mainstream.

Addition: A story about an 'extremist Hutu' who lived the American Dream. The skinny: A Rwandan named Beatrice Munyenyezi, who lied to obtain refugee status/U.S. Citizenship, got busted. Note the generosity of various individuals in Manchester, New Hampshire (where she lived) who helped her out, but also note the comment by the gentleman who also admits, "She knew how to work the system."

8/7/10

Because I'm Fond of New England ...

Laura W. has such an artful way with words: "IN A FEW DAYS, the midsummer meadows of New England will outlive their prime. The milkweed and the goldenrod, the Queen Anne’s lace and the thistle are already beginning to flag and fade. The scent of grass and mineral that rises from the hidden, exhaling earth is not as forceful as it was weeks ago. There is not much time to spare."

But I'm not fond of the raging culture war that rages from Hartford, Connecticut to Boston, Massachusetts to Bangor, Maine where conservatives, Christians, and (moral) counterculturalists aren't appreciated.

Truly, there is not much time to spare ...

8/6/10

Friday Fun

Time for another Tim Tebow anecdote, and it's a cheesy one.

It involves Nick Swisher, an outfielder for the New York Yankees, and a mysterious Wikipedia entry which claimed that the Florida QB turned Denver Bronco played a role in helping Nick S. propose to his girlfriend, Joanna Garcia.

The hard-nosed Nick, it turns out, A) doesn't care for reporters who cite the Internet encyclopedia; or B) guys who rely on Tebow to be their marriage broker.

Aw, Nick, lighten up. You coulda had fun with this one.

Update: If you want a pair of Tim Tebow Limited Edition Sneakers ... too late. The orange and blue shoes sold out super fast.

'The T2 Friar' could be the Next Big 'Do? Nah.

Our Governing Document & Immigration

Libertarian Lew Rockwell makes an interesting point about immigration:

"Oh, and as to immigration, it is also mentioned nowhere in the Constitution (unlike naturalization), and therefore is the responsibility of the states under the current legal regime, as it was in the early days of the republic. Constitutionally, which is not to endorse things otherwise, Arizona is entirely within its rights. No federal judge has authority to say it nay."

However, what Arizona faces is an invasion and that is mentioned in the U.S. Constitution in Article 4: "The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against invasion ... "

Yes, Arizona is within its rights to take action, but only because FedGov has completely abandoned its responsibility to protect the residents of the Grand Canyon state.

Philly Convention

8/5/10

The Next 'Miss Arizona'

The headline, for this article, sounds as if several states are vying for a beauty contest title - 'who will be the next Arizona.' Then, again, states exercising their right to protect their citizens is a beautiful thing. The short list: Texas, Utah, Virginia, Florida.

In the photo: Miss Arizona 2010, Kathryn Bulkley.

Frustrated in Frederick

"The more we enable illegal immigration, the more we'll pay."


Hardy Stone writing for the Frederick News-Post (Maryland). Mr. Stone also contributes to Veterans Today.

8/4/10

The Show Them State

The electorate has spoken: "ST. LOUIS • Missouri voters on Tuesday overwhelmingly rejected a federal mandate to purchase health insurance, rebuking President Barack Obama's administration and giving Republicans their first political victory in a national campaign to overturn the controversial health care law passed by Congress in March."

"The citizens of the Show-Me State don't want Washington involved in their health care decisions,' said Sen. Jane Cunningham, R-Chesterfield, one of the sponsors of the legislation that put Proposition C on the August ballot. She credited a grass-roots campaign involving Tea Party and patriot groups with building support for the anti-Washington proposition."

Hat tip: Kenny R.

Kansas Sec. of State Race

Nationally-known immigration lawyer Kris Kobach won his Republican primary, yesterday. Congratulations, Kris!

Update: His Facebook page.

Selective Amnesty & Irreparable Damage

This illegal boracho* sure didn't come here to work those mythical jobs Americans won't do.

The Washington Times reports: "The Virginia man suspected in a drunken-driving crash that killed a Catholic nun in Prince William County this weekend is an illegal immigrant and repeat offender who was awaiting deportation and who federal immigration authorities had released pending further proceedings, police said Monday."

'Repeat offender' as in arrested two previous times while driving while intoxicated.

This is sick in so many ways, and it's certainly a prime example of what occurs when 'government becomes our enemy,' to paraphrase Sheriff Babeu. In addition to Sister Denise Mosier (in the photo) being killed, two other nuns were injured. Bishop Loverde's statement about the Sister. RIP.


*drunk male

Hat tip: Ana Santana

Update: Sorry, but I think some of these nuns are doing the politicizing.

8/3/10

The Sheriff for the Sheriff

From BouchardforGovernor.com:
Oakland County - Mike Bouchard, Republican candidate for governor, today has gained the endorsement of "America’s Toughest Sheriff" Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County in Arizona. Bouchard’s latest endorsement adds to the tremendous list of supporters including the Michigan Fraternal Order of Police, Police Officers Association of Michigan and 42 Sheriffs in Michigan.

"I am extremely pleased to have earned the endorsement of one of my esteemed colleagues who understands the threat of illegal immigration and border security," said Bouchard. "Michigan needs a strong leader like Sheriff Joe who shows backbone. On Day One, I will be the leader Michigan needs."

Bouchard gained attention for being the first in Michigan to stand with Arizona for enforcing their own illegal immigration law when the federal government failed to secure our borders and called for Michigan to adopt similar legislation.

"This country needs are more men of action who are capable of making difficult decisions. Mike Bouchard is a decisive leader and I am confident under his watch Michigan will once again be a great state," said Sheriff Joe Arpaio. "I am proud to support and endorse Mike Bouchard for governor of Michigan. As Michigan’s next governor, Mike will work to stop the flow of illegal immigrants in our country and secure Michigan’s borders. Mike Bouchard is a strong leader and a straight shooter."

Look Who Opposes 1070

It's Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta. Lady Gaga.

The reigning Queen of Social Networking recently told a Phoenix audience that SB 1070 is "disgusting."

This from someone who sings, "I want your disease."

This from someone who glamorizes a mass poisoning.

This from someone who swallows rosary beads.

This from someone who doesn't miss an opportunity to disrobe.

This from someone whose principal customers are gullible teens.

This from someone who wrote the book on disgusting.

8/2/10

Virginia's 1070

From Roz Helderman, a WaPo blogger: "Law enforcement officials in Virginia can inquire into the immigration status of those they stop or arrest -- just as they can under a controversial new immigration law in Arizona -- Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli has ruled in an official legal opinion.

Written in response to a request for legal advice from Del. Bob Marshall (R-Prince William), Cuccinelli ruled that police officers and other legal authorities can look into the immigration status of anyone stopped or arrested."

Here's a copy of the letter from Attorney General Cuccinelli to Delegate Marshall.

Michigan Primary - August 3rd

Some thoughts about the Wolverine State's primary ...

Those of us who live in Congressman Bart Stupak's first district have the opportunity to hire a new representative, since Democrat Stupak called it quits earlier this year. The only woman who is running, in this race, is scrappy Linda Goldthorpe, a pro-bono attorney from the UP. Her views on immigration, as I've previously mentioned, are excellent, and she knows how to inspire a large crowd.

Unfortunately, Linda G. has "suspended" her campaign, but her name remains on the ballot. No explanation as to why she made this unexpected decision, but I hope she runs again for office in the near future.

The likely GOP winner of this primary (and, perhaps, the election) will be Dr. Dan Benishek, a UP surgeon. He isn't especially well-spoken and has a plodding manner, but he seems to be a solid enough conservative.

In the gubernatorial race, the candidate who understood - early on - that criminal illegal alien crime is a serious problem, even in the Mitten State, is Sheriff Mike Bouchard of Oakland County. He's also supportive of right-to-work legislation; an important, if impolitic, position given Michigan's high unemployment rate and sympathy for labor unions. As sheriff, he was involved in privatizing the county jails food services. More about him here.

Here's Mike speaking at an anti-amnesty rally in Lansing.

Bold Move or Political Folly?

Former congressman Tom Tancredo, who has been a longtime opponent of comprehensive immigration reform, is running for governor in Colorado on the Constitution Party ticket! And Tancredo's dog is already part of the campaign. Woof.

The Republican establishment, as well as several Tea Party leaders, aren't enthused about Tom's decision to go third party. More about that here.

BTW: What's with candidates campaigning with pets and children, ad nauseam? I thought this fella, running for lite gov. in Oklahoma, got carried away having his two kids hawk his credentials.

Anyway, it'll be interesting to see what kind of support and money Tancredo's bold decision generates. The CP is pretty excited about having such a high-profile politician make the switch. Will it last? Or, will Tancredo's commitment to the Constitution Party be as short-lived as Pat Buchanan's flirtation with the Reform Party?

FYI: Here's a column I wrote about Chuck Baldwin two years ago. He was the Constitution Party's presidential nominee, and he's still committed to this Third Wave, if you will, of alternative conservative movements.

8/1/10

The Wrong Kind of Flag Waving



Note this dope, making a statement about amnesty, during the all-American game of baseball ... here's the details.

Whatcha think would happen if some hapless gringo, waving Old Glory, ran across a soccer field in Mexico during a game? Would he (or she) be civilly escorted off the field? The Mexican-American patriots, who wrote this letter, sure weren't treated with respect, and they were acting appropriately.

Sun. Inspiration: Joni's Battle w/ Breast Cancer

Artist Joni Eareckson Tada, who has been a quadriplegic for four decades, faces another extremely difficult health trial. Yet in typical Joni fashion, she is full of faith, not fatalistic.

That's her husband, Ken Tada, in the photo. She wed Ken in 1982. Like Joni, he's also a remarkable Christian.

Update: Joni shares her testimony with Larry King. Sniff.