Just a little countryside... Posted 8/24/2008 2:35:26 AM http://www.ogmug.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=33 (4) Comments

Ramblings: Pretty interesting what is being taught... but you decide...is this just fear mongering? Posted 7/22/2008 1:08:19 PM A Textbook Case of IntoleranceChanging the world one schoolbook at a time. By Anne Applebaum Posted Monday, July 21, 2008, at 8:01 PM ET Saudi textbooks Because they are so clearly designed for the convenience of large testing companies, I had always assumed that multiple-choice tests, the bane of any fourth grader's existence, were a quintessentially American phenomenon. But apparently I was wrong. According to a report put out by the Hudson Institute's Center for Religious Freedom last week, it seems that Saudi Arabians find them useful, too. Here, for example, is a multiple-choice question that appears in a recent edition of a Saudi fourth-grade textbook, Monotheism and Jurisprudence, in a section that attempts to teach children to distinguish "true" from "false" belief in god: Q. Is belief true in the following instances: a) A man prays but hates those who are virtuous. b) A man professes that there is no deity other than God but loves the unbelievers. c) A man worships God alone, loves the believers, and hates the unbelievers. The correct answer, of course, is c). According to the Wahhabi imams who wrote this textbook, it isn't enough just to worship god or just to love other believers—it is important to hate unbelievers as well. By the same token, b) is also wrong. Even a man who worships god cannot be said to have "true belief" if he loves unbelievers. "Unbelievers," in this context, are Christians and Jews. In fact, any child who sticks around in Saudi schools until ninth grade will eventually be taught that "Jews and Christians are enemies of believers." They will also be taught that Jews conspire to "gain sole control of the world," that the Christian crusades never ended, and that on Judgment Day "the rocks or the trees" will call out to Muslims to kill Jews. These passages, it should be noted, are from new, "revised" Saudi textbooks. Following a similar analysis of earlier versions of these same textbooks in 2006, American diplomats immediately approached their Saudi counterparts about the more disturbing passages, and the Saudis agreed to conduct a "comprehensive revision … to weed out disparaging remarks towards religious groups." The promised revision—hailed, at the time, as a great diplomatic success—was supposed to be finished by the beginning of the 2008-09 school year and was accompanied by a Saudi PR campaign. Among other things, the Saudis sponsored an interfaith dialogue last week, one that all participants hailed as a great breakthrough—despite the fact that the actual meetings took place in Spain as it would be too embarrassing for Saudi Arabia to host Christian and Jewish religious leaders on its own soil. But although the beginning of the 2008-09 school year is nearly upon us, the only textbook revisions have been superficial, and the most disturbing part of the message—that faithful Muslims should hate Jews and Christians—remains. Normally, the contents of another country's textbooks would be of no interest to us. Indeed, I've no doubt that there are plenty of U.S. textbooks that contain insane, incorrect, or otherwise unacceptable information. Saudi school textbooks are a special case, however. They are written and produced by the Saudi government and subsequently distributed, free of cost, to Saudi-sponsored schools as far afield as Lagos, Nigeria, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Americans are not the only ones who worry about their influence. In Britain, a small political storm began last year when British mosques were found to be distributing Saudi books that called on Muslims to kill all apostates. Still, even if U.S. diplomacy is a legitimate response to this peculiarly insidious form of propaganda, it clearly isn't a sufficient response. Far more significant, and surely more effective, would be a unified response from the rest of the world's Muslims, the vast majority of whom do not share Saudi views and do, occasionally, say so. The Hudson Insitute report cites a few of them, outside as well as inside Saudi Arabia. It would be useful, for us but especially for them, if they would say so more often and more loudly. Of course, we are not a Muslim nation, and Americans cannot, by themselves, orchestrate a meaningful Muslim response to Saudi extremism. But we do have a large Muslim population, we do have friends in the moderate Muslim world, and we do have some money, much of which is wasted, to spend on public diplomacy. We also have two presidential candidates who are arguing hard this week about the best ways to combat terrorism, the best way to deploy guns and aid, the best uses of American military power. Here is a novel idea for both of them: Make sure that children in Iraq, Afghanistan, and in Islamic schools all around the world have decent fourth-grade textbooks. It might save a lot of trouble later on. (2) Comments

Grumblings: Blame the Bush Posted 7/9/2008 12:46:43 PM So I heard a very interesting comment by Harry Reid today, in regards to Congress's approval rating. "Any time you have a president that is down so, so far in poll numbers, it drags down a city councilmember. It drags down any elected official, including us, and we recognize that," Reid said when asked about Congress’s rating. --http://briefingroom.thehill.com/2008/07/08/reid-ties-congresss-approval-rating-to-bush/ I think it is hilarious that Dirty Harry blames Bush. Well, in reality I kinda expected it, as it is the mantra of the Liberal Left to blame Bush for everything. Based on their ideology, Bush is the Antichrist! Let's look at some of these: Congress's approval rating: Currently it is at 9 percent. Reid blames Bush's low approval rating for causing congress to fail. Nevermind that most pollsters put Bush's approval at 31 (though Reid says he "talked" to some polsters who put it below 12%). HOW THE HELL CAN YOU CLAIM HE HAS BROUGHT YOU DOWN WHEN HIS RATING IS OVER 3x YOURS!!! Sheesh. way to avoid personal responsibility. Nevermind that this democratic congress promised great change in the first 100 days and failed to deliver. Nevermind that this democratic congress promised to be the most honest, and integrity bound one in history, but has been rife with scandals, lies, and "misstatements". Nevermind that this democratic congress promised to "reach across the aisle in a new era of bipartisanship" and yet is the most divisive in a long time. California Brush Fires: "While Bush is attempting to score compassion points with the people of California, let's tell him not to burn Californians by blocking their duly enacted laws. The EPA must allow the state's Pavley, or "Clean Cars" fuel emission standards to go forward - along with the standards of a dozen other states that have followed California's lead." --http://action.foe.org/content.jsp?content_KEY=3406 Nevermind the fact that California has had wildfires FOREVER. There were wildfires in CA in the 70s back when it was GLOBAL COOLING and the new ICEAGE! Nevermind that fires were caused by lightning strikes (though later ones have been caused by campfires, etc). Nevermind that this is nature's way of renewing the forest ("...the seeds of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) are only released from their serotinous cones following a forest fire and the seedlings establish quickly on the exposed soil." --http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/plan/plan8c_E.asp#f2). Nevermind that a lot of the "Green laws" are actually causing fire hazards (See Lake Tahoe area and their draconic rules on clearing brush around your own home, etc) High Oil Prices: Bush is blamed for not developing alternative sources. While this is true in part, it is not a complete truth, and is close to falsehood. Alternative sources of energy have been developed more in the last 8 years than during the Clinton administration. In March of 2007 Bush was calling for alternative fuels. However, in all fairness, this ethanol nonsense is a bit out of hand. Yes, we CAN drill our way out of this mess IF ... AND ONLY IF ... we couple that with aggressive pursuit of the alternative fuels. Biodiesel, Electric cars, Nuclear Power, Hydrogen Fuel Tech, etc. I like McCain's suggestion of a reward for the next gen battery, but he needs to define better criteria. War In Iraq: Ok. This one is Bush's fault. Economy: Bush has been blamed for the housing slump and the Economy. Nevermind that the economy has grown since he took office, at leaps and bounds. Nevermind that the housing market slump was caused by unscrupulous lenders (but maybe bush was pulling their strings). Nevermind that unemployment is still MUCH lower than in the 90s... Please bear in mind that I really don't like Bush. He has made many, MANY bad decisions, and while portraying himself as a conservative has been acting as a social liberal. Basically, lying. I just prefer to see things for what they are. Present me with facts. If you say something be prepared to back it up. I can and often do change my opinion if I can find a valid, trustworthy source (and no, i don't think fox nor cnn are that trustworthy. Frankly, I don't think journalism in general is as trustworthy as the Ideal of the 40/50/60s is. Journalists these days don't report the news, they try to give you their interpretation.) (18) Comments

questoin for figgy when she gets back Posted 6/19/2008 5:15:35 PM Figgy? If you are against most of the dems lately because they refuse to impeach bush... Did you know Obama was against impeaching Bush? he even said: "I think you reserve impeachment for grave, grave breaches, and intentional breaches of the president's authority," he told USA Today "I believe if we began impeachment proceedings we will be engulfed in more of the politics that has made Washington dysfunction. We would once again, rather than attending to the people's business, be engaged in a tit-for-tat, back-and-forth, non-stop circus." ---Barry in USA Today, 7/2/07. Does that mean you hold him in the same contempt as Nancy, and the rest? (15) Comments

Grumblings: Tired of Gas prices? So am I. Why isn't this getting mass produced? Posted 6/18/2008 4:52:06 PM Hybrid car that runs on Soybean oil and gets over 50mpg Why, oh why isn't this getting mass produced? Big Oil? Yes, in part. Media? Yep, another piece of the puzzle. Congress? Ever hear of oil lobbyists? Yep, another piece of the massive jigsaw we call corruption. And what ever happened to this car? /sigh. Don't just say BUSHCO. It is beyond even his abilities (or at least the ones the lefties attribute to the man... sheesh! Lefties give him WAY too much credit). (3) Comments

Ramblings: ummm. Canada finds cure for inebriation? Posted 6/9/2008 11:50:00 AM I found this from a link from icanhascheezburger.com, and had to laugh. Man.. he is awfully old looking for an 18 year old. What are you doing to young men up there! LOL more funny fail pictures at FAIL Blog (5) Comments

Thanks Janis: I like this one much better Posted 5/29/2008 6:07:54 PM Thank you again Janis. I like this one much better, and I think the questions are more balanced Conservative/Progressive score: 7 You are a social moderate. You think the progressive movement is overall well meaning, but sometimes it goes too far. On issues like abortion and affirmative action, you see the negatives of both extremes on the issue. You probably value religion, but at the same time you think it should still stay separate from the government Capitalist Purist/Social Capitalist score: 6 You are a Moderate Capitalist. You support an economy that is by and large a free market, but has public programs to help people who can't help themselves or need a little help. Pretty much you believe in the American economy how it currently is. Libertarian/Authoritarian score: 2 You are libertarian. You think that the government is making way too many unnecessary laws that are taking away our innate rights. You believe that the government's job is primarily to protect people from harming other people, but after that they should mind their own business, and if we give the government too much power in controlling our lives, it can lead to fascism. Pacifist/Militarist score: 6 You're a Moderate. You think that in very rare occasions, the United States should invade a country in order to make the world better by spreading democracy or ending a tyrants rule. You also think that defense is very important, and we shouldn't lower the defense budget. You think that, while the Iraq War probably was a mistake, that we can make the world a better place by sticking with it and spreading democracy in the middle east. Overall, you would most likely fit into the category of Moderate Take the quiz! (1) Comments

Obama: Oh....say...can.. you ...LEAD... Posted 5/29/2008 5:52:52 PM Mr. Obama. Why are you willing to sit down without pre-conditions with people like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, yet you won't go visit the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines you desire to be the commander in chief of? I can fully understand your disdain of the war. Your record of voting shows it well. But you would rather meet with an anti-semite, than one of your own troops? Listen to the words of a person known to deny the holocaust than the words of your commanders in the fields? Why, Mr. Obama do you think it would be a waste of time. Are you afraid that your assumptions of the situation there are not correct? Certainly, having only visited Iraq once, and only for 2 days must have shaped your view that there is absolutely no progress in Iraq. After all, seeing teeming markets in areas controlled by the coalition does not mean that the country is on the mend. Mr. McCain had invited you to join him, and his agenda was clear. To visit and meet with the commanders in the field. To visit and meet with the Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. You in turn claim it is nothing more than another "Mission Accomplished Banner" political stunt. Is it a stunt? Could be. Yet it also shows the depth of character a person has. You claim you want to be our leader, yet you won't visit those you claim to desire to lead? You claim you want to be a diplomat to countries, yet you won't visit those who we are trying to help. You claim to have experience, but your own oversight committee has yet to hold a single hearing on its subject: Afghanistan. If, as you say, you have the nomination of democratic candidate sewn up (paraphrased), then why not take some time to see the world, Mr. Obama. Even if it is a political stunt, a good leader can turn this type of thing to his advantage, and the advantage of the American people. You want to be our president? Then try acting like one. (4) Comments

Out of curiosity: A political leanings poll Posted 5/29/2008 3:25:59 PM So, out of curiosity on where I supposedly stand politically, I searched and found the following poll. Now, to me some of the questions were a bit odd, and seemed to have an agenda but then again, most things do these days. I have always thought of myself as more moderate, as I seem to dislike a lot of the current republicans as I do democrats, mostly for their hypocracy on spending habits (ear marks). Anyway, this is the results. If someone knows of a more objective poll, or if we can come up with ones of our own that are more objective, maybe we can come up with our own litmus test: Your Political Profile: Overall: 65% Conservative, 35% Liberal Social Issues: 75% Conservative, 25% Liberal Personal Responsibility: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal Fiscal Issues: 75% Conservative, 25% Liberal Ethics: 25% Conservative, 75% Liberal Defense and Crime: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal How Liberal Or Conservative Are You? (5) Comments

New Bush Tell-all: McClellan spills the beans Posted 5/28/2008 7:18:25 PM So, the big talk all over the radio today is about the new Tell-all book by Scott McClellan. What are your thoughts? Did a man, who stood by the press releases, briefings, etc suddenly have a turn of conscience and begin spilling allegations of misuse of the public trust (propaganda), or did he just do it for the money. On the one hand: Here is a man, who admits in his own book that he "admires Bush", who stood by the man for over 10 years, or longer and suddenly turns about and publishes (a lucrative business or so I am told) a book about all the dirty little secrets of the whitehouse. Critics say that "this isn't the Scott we know", and call his book "disingenuous" etc. On the other hand: Here is a man who was privy to some of the biggest secrets of the whitehouse, a man who would (supposedly) know the reasons behind the way things are said. After all, he was the press secretary right? So, is it a case of profiteering, a change of heart, or are there other, darker secrets of a puppetmaster pulling strings! Only the shadow knows! muhahahahah (3) Comments

Grumblings: Right or wrong, these are just some observations. Posted 5/14/2008 8:55:06 PM The differences between a Military operation, and a "peaceful protest" as performed by SOME liberals. A military operation is usually planned for weeks, with targets selected because of thier strategic value. They are usually targets that enable the enemy to continue to wage war against the military. A "Peaceful Protest" is often only thought out as far as getting permits and how much media coverage can be obtained. The target is usually a nebulous object, such as an idea, or a corporation whose main headquarters is probably located thousands of miles away. A military operation must be approved by a chain of command, and has many analysis of the consequences performed before it is even submitted to the Commanding officers for approval A "Peaceful Protest" usually has a loose organization of coordinators, and the logistics are usually limited to getting the people to the site, and making sure they have banners and signs. A military operation has rules, that must be adhered to. If they are broken, someone is held responsible. A "Peaceful Protest" has very limited rules. Most seem to enjoy when anarchy breaks out. A military operation tries to minimize damage. A "Peaceful Protest" seems to revel in damage and chaos. A military operation tries to minimize casualties from the civilians. A "Peaceful Protest" has no concern for others who do not share thier point of view. A military operation is scrutinized by the public, and accepts the criticisms heaped upon it. A "Peaceful Protest" meets scrutiny and criticism with statements of oppression, bigotry, and "Police State". (5) Comments

For Figgy Posted 4/29/2008 11:54:07 AM Figgy You asked how well the camera i have takes close up photos. Mind you I did not bring out my tripod, so there may be some camera shake. Also I reduced the size of these to 800x600. At the end is a link to a full size image so you can see how big it does take them. Pink Jasmine Flower White jasmine: These flowers are only 1/2 inch across Full size pic of the one above (5) Comments

Ramblings: Genetic Experimentation has gone way too far now! Posted 4/24/2008 9:25:59 PM Yes folks, it is true. Through a freak accident, scientists have cloned a Unix Admin. Now the world will run much more efficiently, even if all responses will be heavily weighted with sarcasm and a "I am better than you simple, lowly, windows user..." attitude. Here is the Proof!!!!! (4) Comments

Next Update Posted 4/9/2008 11:27:19 PM Well, the next update is a geeky one... I updated my page "About me: D&D", (3) Comments

Next Update Posted 3/31/2008 11:29:22 PM I have added a few more pics of my past pets to the "My Pets" main page.. .check it out if you like. www.ogmug.com (2) Comments

So, another year older Posted 3/26/2008 10:33:49 PM Now, while last saturday wasn't my Bday, it was the closest thing to it, or at least after it. My GF decided to get me back for her cake, and got this: then she thought it would be fun to put the candles on it!!! LOL (2) Comments

Updated home page Posted 3/26/2008 9:53:26 PM Well, just an update. I have updated my home page (www.ogmug.com) with some pics of my older pets, and some stories. See the main page for the exact update. (3) Comments

More camera fun Posted 3/22/2008 5:26:17 AM Earlier in the day, i took some pics of my pets... :D Petra: Harlan: and Jaqueline: (2) Comments

Pappa got a brand new toy Posted 3/22/2008 5:20:47 AM Well, another year closer to death. As part of a birthday gift to myself, (along with my new 42inch hd tv), i bought a SLR camera (digital) and am just starting to learn to use it. Since I have always been fascinated with the moon and the outdoors, i decided to learn how to shoot the moon (LOL). This part may be done wrong, or explained wrong, but here goes: i used a 1/100s aperature, with an 8.0 fstop, and iso of 100, with metering mode set to center, and did some post prod work by decreasing the brightness and increasing the contrast... and the result is........ Hope you like it. (4) Comments

A Sad Day Posted 3/5/2008 1:29:08 PM Well, Gary Gygax, father of modern roleplaying died yesterday. He was an influential figure in the world of roleplaying, video games, and even fantasy fiction and movies. He will be missed. (0) Comments

So I finally got it! Posted 1/1/2008 3:59:08 AM I FINALLY GOT MY PS3 :D And Assassin's Creed is AWESOME! Rock Band? Pretty Cool! Eye of Judgement: Fun, but need more cards! Ratchet and Clank: Pretty Funny Folklore: .. Having a hard time getting into it. (3) Comments

The pretentious title! Posted 11/2/2007 2:37:32 PM My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is: The Very Reverend Paul the Tenuous of Happy Bottomshire Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title (1) Comments

Halloween pics up at ogmug.com Posted 11/1/2007 12:52:56 PM title says it all :P they are at the bottom of the home page, as well as a new vid of halloween night. (0) Comments

Latest edit is up Posted 10/28/2007 11:40:11 PM This week i included a preliminary video of the home, days before halloween while I am still setting it up ! :D (On the front page) (0) Comments

Next edit up Posted 10/21/2007 1:03:20 PM Yep, added a few more pics, added a new vid, new link and a new pic. (0) Comments

New Site up Posted 10/14/2007 2:00:56 PM Well, I revamped my home page. If you are interested, I have added new content, redesigned the layout, and whatnot. Check it out, if you have time. www.ogmug.com (1) Comments

Videos: just... so.. .wrong. Posted 8/25/2007 12:02:49 PM Horny Dog Add to My Profile | More Videos (2) Comments

Gaming fun: a graveyard Posted 8/17/2007 12:02:21 AM some of the graveyard(s) that will surround it (1) Comments

Gaming fun: More creativity Posted 8/16/2007 11:50:03 PM A close up of the front (0) Comments

Gaming fun: And the creativity continues Posted 8/16/2007 11:48:46 PM This is the first level of the Cathedral that the players will explore.... followed by the second: and phase 1 of the roof: and phase 2 (0) Comments