What Bin Laden Talked About Today

Bin Laden just issued a warning against his enemies. Did he condemn America for it's 'Zionist' actions? No, this time he centered his attacks on the Pope. Was it because the Pope's religion excludes Islam? No, it had to do with cartoons.

When I was a child I got into arguments about cartoons ("Batman's not a wuss, take that!") but now I only fight about important things, like which Star Trek captain is the best. (It's Picard.)

Anyway, Bin Laden says that the newspaper comics portraying Islam in a negative light are part of the Pope's secret agenda to...well, he didn't exactly say what the Pope was trying to do, but the Pope is definately behind this sinister plot involving newspaper political cartoons. (I don't get it.)

Out of respect for his religion we should probably stop showing images of these cartoons. In particular, actual images of the prophet are not to be tolerated, images like this one:

And they don't like being called 'violent', they prefer the 'religion of peace' moniker, so be sure not to show any images like this one...

Let's not forget that they treat their women well, so it wouldn't be right to reproduce this drawing:

And, for heaven's sake, this one is definately out of the question:

Keep this in mind and try not to offend anyone.

Rock n' Roll Injustice

Every year I go through the same anguish when the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame holds its inductee ceremony.

It's a total joke. Last year they honored rappers and pop stars. Why is Michael Jackson in there?

What is worse is the great stars who are NOT in the hall of fame. Here's an example of a group that does not find themselves there: Boston.



And these guys were just entered in last night.

Making Fun of Election Commercials with Mike Nelson

Mike Nelson is one of favorite comedians. He's mostly known for his work on Mystery Science Theater 3000 (the show that made fun of old movies) and lately he has become known for RiffTrax.com (which sells audio clips that make fun of movies.) Apparently, he has been making fun of presidential candidates, too, because I stumbled onto these on YouTube.

So, here's Mike Nelson on the candidacy of John McCain, Barack Obama, and Hillary Clinton.

Thoughts from Tony Blair's Speech

I just had the privilege of hearing Tony Blair speak at SMU, where I work. His speaking was witty and informative and he gave his point of view on where he thinks the world is going. Here's a list of his main points; I tended to agree with him most of the time. I've tried to type out his thoughts without adding my own. (Any of my own personal comments I added parenthetically.) Tell me if you agree with these things:

• Global interdependence - We need to see the world as a place where problems are solved by countries working together.

• Free trade between countries benefits all countries; isolationism should be avoided.

• When asked about the war on terror, he said that we must fight terrorists with our military but that the end of Islamic Terrorism will come from an exchange of ideas.

• Africa is a rich nation filled with poor people. Rather than spend another couple of decades exchanging wealth with Africa's leaders, we should attempt to help struggling African countries with conflict resolution and stamping out governmental corruption.

• If England were to completely shut down everything in their country that produces energy China would build enough factories, power plants, etc., in just two years to make up for it. Global pollution is not a problem one country can solve. (ed. - So, your third party Facebook application that says it can 'save the world' probably won't cut it.)

• To avoid being energy dependent, and, thus, being subject to the whims of those who supply us with energy, Tony Blair led England to get energy from a variety of sources and to embrace nuclear power.

• When asked to give advice to the next President of the United States, he said that the next President would need to be tough. Not to act tough in order to be a bully or just for the sake of being a tough guy, but the kind of leader who can assure the Americans and the American Allies that we will not be intimidated by the many world leaders who would take advantage of a weak American President. (ed. - FYI, These comments were not aimed at any particular Presidential candidate, he was just making the point that America must be strong because of its position in global politics.)

Overall, an excellent speech from a guy I respect. Thoughts?