My two bits on the World Cup so far...

The third round of group play has begun and that means there are still 28 games left. No, it is not nearly over yet. And I'm glad. Much more, and possibly better, to come.

The vuvuzelas aren't that bad.

If you don't like soccer, that's ok- I don't like baseball. But please don't pretend you represent all of America by hating soccer and the fact it's on American television.

The jabulani affects this tourney, yes. But its the same ball for every game, every practice, every team. The outcomes are not being affected, only the goal count (yes, there is a difference).

ESPN's gamecast is definitely the best.

Semi-related info:
"Soccer" as opposed to "football"
Diplomatic England vs US banter

Russel Moore on Healthcare, March Madenss, and Christians

If we were half as outraged by our own sin and self-deception as we are by the follies of our political opponents, what would be the result? If we rejoiced as much that our names are written in heaven as we do about such trivialities as basketball brackets, what would be the result?

whole article

Earthquakes (plural)

Haiti is certainly devastated as was Sichaun two years ago. Drudge showed that Grand Cayman just got rocked, but not devastated. According to the USGS, there are quite a few earthquakes every day (as I write, one in Chile within the last hour) and thankfully not many of them carry the destruction and loss as in Haiti.

Happy RamaHanaKwanzmas

from Glenn Beck

The Top %7.16

...Richest People in the world. Me? Wow.

via Global Rich List

Good to know- The "War on Terror" is "over"

White House: 'War on terrorism' is over

'Jihadists' and 'global war' no longer acceptable terms

If only just changing words actually worked.

Definition of Irony:

Nashville breaks low temperature record. Note: Nashville is the home town of Al Gore.

Obamacare- the Visual

Prepared by the Republican party.

Book Report-- State of Fear

State of Fear M, G
by Michael Crichton

Fiction


Recommend for any Crichton fan- One of his last. As high caliber as Jurassic Park, albeit with a little bit more adult content.

Definitely recommend for anyone interested in the Global Warming debate (from either side)- Masterfully presented in a fictional story, Crichton explains his (and science's) problems with the Global Warming movement.

Pirate Hunting

Your next vacation?

Movie Review-- Body of Lies

Body of Lies

Genre: Action/Drama

Summary: A CIA agent in the Middle East tracks a terror cell while struggling against the Agency

My Grade: %82


Pros:

• Unapologetically true perspectives on terror, Islam, politics, etc
• Amazing filming locations- all over the world
  
• Quality look at espionage in the age of terror
  

Cons:

• Half of all dialogue is made of up a few select words
• Harsh portrayals of torture (more plausible and nauseating than 24)

How the FBI broke Sadaam

A very interesting series of posts from the Counterterrorism Blog, this.

Did you know...

that there are 160,000 glaciers in the world. Of these, about 67,000 have been inventoried and extended data exists on only 79 glaciers. Of these 79, some are melting.

from journal articles quoted in State of Fear, Michael Crichton, 2004.

Shocking Muslim Indoctrination Video

Yes, this is real. The English translation of the song title: "When We Seek Martyrdom". And yes, those are kids singing and acting.

At least they're consistent

Fly vs Obama vs PETA

Did You Know...

Khalid Sheikh Mohammad, architecht of 9/11, also attempted, at different times, to attack the Sears Tower, the NYSE, and the Panama Canal, as well as to assassinate Presidents Carter and Clinton and the Pope?

whole list in Rosenberg's Inside the Revolution, page 127

Book Report-- Inside the Revolution

Inside the Revolution B
By Joel Rosenberg

Non-fiction


Rosenberg's most recent work is as interesting as it is long. As per the subtitle, it is an effort to inform about and explain the history and current events of the Middle East from three dominant perspective.
This book covers and includes a lot of the same information as Epicenter. That, however, does not render either useless. Each have their own format and intended goals. This most recent volume expands many points made in Epicenter and drives them home.
While it is voluminous, it does not handle some topics to great depth, such as the doctrine of jihad or even the doctrine of salvation. Each topic is adequately represented though and seems to be more of an intro to each philosophy.
The best thing about the book was being able to read the amazing testimonies of Muslims around the world coming to Christ, even former terrorists.

Book Report-- Christian Worldview for Students

Christian Worldview for Students M
by Brannon Howse

Non-fiction


Though technically a little late, I still think this was a good read. It was short- like 3 pages per reading of which there were 30. It covered a wide range of topics, from the trustworthiness of the Bible to the philosophies of capitalism and socialism to abortion.
I think this would be especially good for students off to secular campuses, though I'm sure a reader of any age or circumstance could profit.

Islam and Jihad

Because I've been reading about Islam lately, I've been trying to clarify my answer to a certain questions:

Is violence (radical Islam/jihad) inherent in Islam?
Yes and no. Muhammad taught both violence and peace, both intolerance and tolerance. Because it is a man-made system of faith, it is not perfectly consistent. Muslim clerics throughout the centuries have taught, from the Koran and the Hadith, a variance of doctrines. To say that Islam=violence is wrong. To say that Islam=peace is wrong.

I think I wanted to be able to say "yes," absolutely. I'm not sure why, yet.

Movie Review-- Slumdog Millionaire

Slumdog Millionaire

Genre: Suspense/Drama

Summary: An uneducated Indian slumdog is successful at Who Wants to be a millionaire and everyone wants to know why.

My Grade: %90


Pros:

• Very unique and creative plot
• Excellent actors, especially the kids
• Very funny at times
• Amazing filming
• Jai-Ho
  

Cons:

• The nitty-gritty of the lives of many Indians is not something that makes you want to watch it again and again (unless you're my sister)
  
• I don't know if the host was a legit Indian- at least his hair wasn't