The Impudent One: March 2006

Lincoln on Doing What Is Just

"The probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not to
deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just."

The Quotation Page

My Blogger Random Question

Question: How do you pronounce the 'g' in bologna?

My Answer: The right way, of course.

Sean Penn Plays With Dolls

Contact Music reports that, actor and aspiring mariner, Sean Penn has his own little Abu Ghraib:

Hollywood activist SEAN PENN has a plastic doll of conservative US columnist ANN COULTER that he likes to abuse when angry. The Oscar-winner actor has hated Coulter ever since she blacklisted his director father LEO PENN in her book TREASON. And he takes out his frustrations with Coulter, who is a best-selling author, lawyer and television pundit, on the Barble-like doll. In an interview with The New Yorker magazine, Penn reveals, "We violate her. There are cigarette burns in some funny places. She's a pure snake-oil salesman. She doesn't believe a word she says."

Whatever floats your boat, Sean . . . so to speak.

Scalia's Gesture Reinterpreted

I have avoided doing posts about a certain offensive hand gesture. I think you can guess which one that would be. However, in the public interest, I am going to make an exception.

For those of you who have been searching the internet for a photo of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia deploying "the impudent finger", you won't find it here or anywhere else. You have been victimized by web-gossip. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer has the story:

The Boston Herald reported Monday that the justice made "an obscene gesture under his chin" - which prompted some online reports that Scalia had used his middle finger...

"It was a hand off the chin gesture that was meant to be dismissive," Supreme Court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg said.

You may now go back to searching the internet for the latest on blond teachers accused of sexually assaulting their students.

Lincoln on Bad Laws

"Let me not be understood as saying that there are no bad laws, nor that grievances may not arise for the redress of which no legal provisions have been made. I mean to say no such thing. But I do mean to say that although bad laws, if they exist, should be repealed as soon as possible, still, while they continue in force, for the sake of example they should be religiously observed."

The Quotation Page

A Grain of Wheat in Afghanistan?

I noticed a possible example of the sovereignty of God in the case of Abdul Rahman. The afghantimes.com has reported that the ministry of Hussain Andaryas has received an unexpected response because of the persecution of Mr. Rahman:

"In the past 24 hours we have received many emails from Afghans around the world and Afghanistan who are asking, how can I obtain a bible? How can I become Christian? Why Afghan are leaving their religion? what is wrong with changing your religion? etc. etc." Said Hussain Andaryas the editor and producer of the Afghan Christian Radio and Television and Internet Ministries.

It could just be a coincidence, but I doubt it. We, of course, pray for Mr. Rahman's release from prison and safe passage to a place of safety. However, should he lose his life for the sake of his Redeemer, it will not be in vain.

"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain
of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone;
but if it dies, it bears much fruit." ~ John 12:24

[HT: Domo Arigato Mr. Cognito and CaNN]

UPDATE:
CNN.com reports that Abdul Rahman, who faced execution in Afghanistan for converting to Christianity, has been granted asylum by Italy.

Related post:
They Still Kill Christians

Easter Bunny Gets the Boot in Saint Paul

The Saint Paul Pioneer Press reported today that the Saint Paul City Council has banned the Easter Bunny and colored eggs from City Hall because "non-Christians might find the holiday decoration offensive". What about banning them because Christians might be offended by the pagan fertility symbolism? I suppose if the PC police in Saint Paul had thought of that, they might have had second thoughts about the ban.

They Still Kill Christians

An Afghan man has been charged with a crime and may receive the death penalty. What is his crime? He converted to Christianity 16 years ago. Read the news story here.

"Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:27

"And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved." Mark 13:13

The Voice of the Martyrs

George Harrison Meets Tiny Tim?

Muzzy of Blogizdat has a video post that I thought was amazing. A guy plays an incredible version of George Harrison's While My Guitar Gently Weeps on a ukulele. Watch it here.

Now That's a Huge Bass

This 25+ pound bass is nearly 3 pounds heavier than the current world record. Read the San Diego Union Tribune story to find out why this bass may not make it into the record books.

[HT: Drudge]

Lincoln On Slavery

"Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery,
I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally. "

The Quotation Page

Proof That Anyone Can Become a Citizen

You Passed the US Citizenship Test

Congratulations - you got 10 out of 10 correct!

Could You Pass the US Citizenship Test?

Black Five Reviews 'The Unit'

Mil-Blogger Black Five provides his opinion about the new CBS series, The Unit. The series depicts daily life for the soldiers and families of the military's Delta Force.

Bottom line, I really enjoyed "the Unit" and will try to catch it every week if I can. While it leans to the melodramatic (because it IS television), it was interesting and the character development will prove to be it's strong suit.

I have only provided his "bottom line" assessment. Go read his entire post to get the complete context and details.

Failure In Iraq

If you followed my suggestion to visit RCP, you may already have seen this article by Ralph Peters. Mr. Peters went to Iraq and personally uncovered clear and convincing evidence of failure there. I must say that, after reading his article, I am sure he is right. Here are a few select quotes:

During a recent visit to Baghdad, I saw an enormous failure...
No one with first-hand experience of Iraq would claim the country's in rosy condition...
We've made grave mistakes...
...any first-hand observer could declare that Iraq's been irrevocably "lost."

Now go read the article yourself, unless you fear the truth.

RCP - New and Improved

One of my favorite websites, Real Clear Politics, has been given a virtual facelift. If you haven't seen it yet, go take a look. It looks great, in my opinion. (No pun intended)

Lincoln On Excellence

"Whatever you are, be a good one."

The Quotation Page

Prince Caspian Release Set For 2007

Disney has officially announced that they like making money . . . er, I mean, that the next Narnia film, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, will be released in 2007.

More info at NarniaWeb.

Blame It On Original Sin

You Are 24% Evil

A bit of evil lurks in your heart, but you hide it well.
In some ways, you are the most dangerous kind of evil.

How Evil Are You?

[HT: Eckernet]

Lincoln On Vices and Virtues

"It has been my experience that folks who have no vices
have very few virtues."

The Quotation Page

Seeing Is Dis-Believing

The 3-D sidewalk chalk art of Julian Beever must be seen to be . . . well, you won't believe it. Here's a sample:

[HT: BTW]

Street Gangs, Beltway Clerks and the UAE Fiasco

What do American street gangs, Beltway clerks and the recent Dubai Ports controversy have in common? The answer is Homeland Security. Austin Bay provides the connections in this post.

Thank You Mr. Bass

Thanks to Doug Bass for mentioning TIF on his blog MOBANGE!. We have had the pleasure of meeting at previous MOB events. As Doug mentioned, I have elected to post exclusively on TIF at least for the immediate future. I am still keeping open the option of posting again on Solablog. Thanks again Doug!

I'm Glad They Got That Cleared Up

Court says urinating in public is illegal under California law.

[HT: Drudge]

Cogito Ergo Chuck Norris

Douglas Beaumont of Tu Quo Que argues for the Existence of Chuck Norris.

Okay, but can Chuck Norris create a rock so heavy he can't roundhouse kick it?

Lincoln on . . . Lawyers?

"Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. As a peacemaker the lawyer has superior opportunity of being a good man. There will still be business enough."

The Quotation Page

Consider the Source

Apparently, several evangelical leaders who signed on to the Evangelical Climate Initiative (ECI) failed in their due diligence.

...The National Center for Public Policy Research has formally requested the last three years of tax returns of the ECI's sponsor, the Evangelical Environment Network. The National Center's Amy Ridenour says the funders of ECI and EEN seem to have less to do with Christianity than with liberal causes:

What we are finding so far is what we expected to find: the group is a far-left environmental project funded by leftists with an interest in environmental issues and no track record of promoting or supporting Christianity, evangelical or otherwise. We are seeking, among other things, evidence that donors also fund explicitly anti-Christian activities. This would demonstrate that their interest here is definitely not the promotion of Christianity, but the hijacking of Christianity for political purposes.

Read Jennifer Biddison's entire article here.

Physicians of the Soul

In the latest issue of Christian History & Biography, J. I. Packer explains who the Puritans were and why we ought to read and remember them.

Lincoln On His Religion

"When I do good, I feel good;
when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion."

The Quotation Page

S&B's New Source of Moonbat Traffic

Fellow MOB blogger (and fraternal sibling) Shock & Blog has received the dubious distinction of being mentioned in the Minneapolis Star Tribune's feature The Blog House. The topic being addressed: The Katrina Tapes or What Would Nixon Do?

Tim O'brien, occupant of The Blog House, begins by demonstrating that the liberals at the Strib are still waxing nostalgic for their glory days:

Richard Nixon said the one thing he'd do differently if he had the chance was burn the tapes. President Bush is probably wishing he'd had taken Tricky Dick's advice. The only question: Which tape would he torch first?

. . . Or would it be the recently uncovered tape of an Aug. 28, 2005, video conference -- the day before Katrina hit New Orleans -- in which the president is told by a National Hurricane Center meteorologist: "I don't think any model can tell you with any confidence right now whether the levees will be topped or not but that is obviously a very, very grave concern"?

Mr. O'brien does go on to quote two pro-Bush and two anti-Bush blog posts. That must be his attempt to be "fair and balanced". Nice try, Timmy.