From The Newark Star Ledger, via Boing Boing:
Screeners at Newark Liberty International Airport failed 20 of 22 security tests conducted by undercover U.S. agents last week, missing an array of concealed bombs and guns at checkpoints throughout the hub’s three terminals, federal security officials familiar with the results said.
In the screeners’ defense, I bet those undercover agents didn’t sneak any water past them.
I have no idea how the latest anti-Kerry scandal is going to play out, but this NY Times article about the “controversy” is a perfect example of how the media looooooves to stand on the sidelines and pretend that each side of the “debate” somehow deserves equal consideration. Dig this:
The latest flap, in which Mr. Kerry accused Republicans of distorting what he said on the West Coast on Monday, was another example of the heated rhetoric surrounding the war issue as the Congressional elections approach.
Now, Kerry didn’t just accuse the Republicans of distorting what he said. The Republicans did distort what he said. It’s as asinine as saying, “The Republicans accused Osama bin Laden of making threats against America.” It is a fact that Osama bin Laden has made threats against America. There’s no question that John Kerry would not disparage American troops. You wanna know why? Because no one would disparage American troops. No politician, no citizen, no one. Especially a Vietnam vet like John Kerry. So why does the Times intimate that the Republicans might actually have a point?
At least they quoted the most important part of his rebuttal. Which, if you haven’t heard the whole thing, you really should check it out (via CNN … scroll down for link to video). It’s about freaking time someone actually defended reality:
“If anyone thinks a veteran would criticize the more than 140,000 heroes serving in Iraq and not the president who got us stuck there, they’re crazy,” Mr. Kerry said in a statement. “I’m sick and tired of these despicable Republican attacks that always seem to come from those who never can be found to serve in war, but love to attack those who did.
“I’m not going to be lectured by a stuffed-suit White House mouthpiece standing behind a podium, or doughy Rush Limbaugh, who no doubt today will take a break from belittling Michael J. Fox’s Parkinson’s disease to start lying about me just as they have lied about Iraq,” Mr. Kerry went on. “It disgusts me that these Republican hacks, who have never worn the uniform of our country lie and distort so blatantly and carelessly about those who have.”
Damn you, Internet. Why must you constantly expose me to new sites filled with fascinating content?
(Thanks, Boing Boing!)
I don’t know what it is about this game that creeps me out, but it is worth wasting a few minutes on:
(Thanks, Com$tock!)
Sarah & I went over to her sister (Julia) & brother-in-law’s (Sonny) place last night and chopped up some pumpkins.
Sarah’s is on the right. It’s a Macintosh pumpkin. Julia’s is in the middle. She was going for a friendly pumpkin that would not scare her 1-year-old son, Ben. Mine is on the left. My pumpkin is meant to induce SPINE-CHILLING TERROR.
Twyla Tharp’s new musical is based on the music of Bob Dylan. It sounds like a brilliant new level of awfulness:
Attend a performance of Twyla Tharp’s new Bob Dylan musical The Times They Are A-Changin’, and you’ll inevitably find yourself wondering: What on earth would Bob Dylan make of this? What would he make of the “Highway 61 Revisited” production number, during which a circus ringleader bellows, “For the first time anywhere — live on our stage — God!” … at which point a dancer, dressed as the white-bearded and be-dreadlocked deity, lurches onstage atop 10-foot stilts? And what about “Like a Rolling Stone,” a spectacle that features a mammoth balloon shaped like a circus sideshow fat lady, clowns bouncing on exercise balls, and an earnest young man belting out “How does it feeeel?” while air-strumming an oversized sequined guitar?
I love Bill Maher. I know, I know, he’s a total chauvinist. He’s friends with Ann Coulter. I wouldn’t want him holding elected office, nor, probably, would I want to party with him. But as the guy who facilitates conversations that no one else is having and calls people on his bullshit, he’s all right. He comes correct in this interview with Joe Scarborough.
(Thanks, Crooks and Liars!)
This is disgustingly addictive. Proceed at your own risk.
(Thanks, Aspidistra!)
Bad Behavior has blocked 126 access attempts in the last 7 days.
