November 2004November 30, 2004
Positive Economic News
Great economic news courtesy of NeophytePundit: The GDP rose 3.9% at an annual rate in the third quarter compared to 3.3% in second quarter; expected: 3.7%. Consumer spending rose 5.1% following a 1.6% increase during the second quarter. Business fixed investment rose 12.9% following a 12.5% increase during the second...Adult Stem Cells Treat Incontinence
Cells are removed from muscle tissue in the patient's arm, cultured in a lab, and injected into the wall of the urethra and the sphincter muscle. This prevents urinary incontinence - sometimes within 24 hours - by building up muscle volume and tone. [more]...November 29, 2004
Umbilical Cord Stem Cells Used for Leukemia Treatment
Umbilical cord blood, now used mostly to treat children with leukemia, could save thousands of adults with the disease each year who cannot find bone marrow donors, two large studies indicate. [more]...Adult Stem Cell Therapy Used to Treat Vision Loss
Some amazing developments are being reported in adult stem cell research, raising new questions about the wisdom of engaging in destructive embryonic stem cell research. Researchers have now shown that transplanted adult stem cells can improve vision in eyes that have been damaged by retinal disease. Why isn't adult stem...Stem Cell Therapy Reportedly Reverses Paralysis
The Korea Times reported that Korean researchers, using stem cells isolated from umbilical cord blood, succeeded in reversing the paralysis of the lower limbs caused by a spinal cord injury suffered by a 37 year-old female in 1985. Note that the therapy did not involve the use of embryonic stems...Brett Farve Day Nov. 29, 2004
Here is one issue on which I actually find agreement with Wisconsin's liberal Governor: Governor Jim Doyle proclaims Monday as "Brett Favre" Day in Wisconsin in honor of the quarterback’s 200th consecutive start in a NFL game on Monday against the Saint Louis Rams at Lambeau Field in Green Bay....November 25, 2004
Thanksgiving Day, 2004
Excerp from President Bush's Thanksgiving Day proclaimation: Almost four centuries ago, the Pilgrims celebrated a harvest feast to thank God after suffering through a brutal winter. President George Washington proclaimed the first National Day of Thanksgiving in 1789, and President Lincoln revived the tradition during the Civil War, asking Americans...November 23, 2004
Rather Steps Down, Finally
While on vacation I heard the announcement on CNN, after checking the internet I found that it is indeed true, Dan Rather is stepping down. Dan Rather, embattled anchor of the "CBS Evening News," announced Tuesday that he will step down in March, on the 24th anniversary of taking over...November 20, 2004
Don't Mess with W
President Bush on Saturday reached into a throng of squabbling bodyguards and pulled a Secret Service agent away from Chilean security officers after they stopped the U.S. agent from accompanying the president at a dinner. [more] At one time Bush said, "Don't mess with Texas." It's a good idea to...Google Rolls Out Search Product for Scholars
Searching technical subjects just got a whole lot easier. I like this ... a lot. [hat tip: mmulibra] SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Web search leader Google Inc. on Wednesday unveiled Google Scholar, a new search product aimed at helping users search scholarly literature such as technical reports, theses and abstracts....Kerry Blames Bin Laden (Not Bush)
I was surprised to read that John Kerry blamed Usama Bin Laden for his failed election attempt. "It was that Usama tape — it scared them [the American people]," he said in a recent interview. This is the first time I've heard Kerry blame someone other than Bush for something...November 17, 2004
Speculation Continues Over Arafat's Death
Uncertainty and speculation have surrounded the death of Yasser Arafat and the refusal, based on French Law, of his doctors to comment has fueled conspiracy theories. Despite denials by French authorities, Palestinian leaders believe he was poisoned: Palestinian leaders plan to send a delegation to Paris to seek details on...Scramjet Hits Mach 10
A tiny unmanned NASA "scramjet" soared above the Pacific Ocean Tuesday at nearly 10 times the speed of sound, or almost 7,000 mph, in a record-breaking demonstration of a radical new engine technology. [ABC News]. That's Los Angeles to New York in about 20 minutes. But this jet won't...November 16, 2004
CBS Credibility Continues Decline
Does CBS really take seriously their responsibility for reporting a story based on fraudlent memos that reflected poorly on a presidential candidate shortly before an election? The expose' of the president, which has been thoroughly discredited, was certainly meant to be of relevance to the American voter and influence the...November 15, 2004
Private Schools Preferred by Educators
Teachers in urban public schools send their own children to private schools at nearly double the national rate of private-school attendance, according to a new study by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute in Washington, D.C. [Arizona Republic]. In http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/11/15/free/">La Shawn Barber's commentary on the article she notes that politicians, and...November 14, 2004
Vast Majority Support Peterson Verdict
I ran across an interesting post at the Furnace Journal, a new member of Pro-Life Blogs, regarding the verdict against Scott Peterson. Here is an excerpt, Consider the results of this poll by Fox News/Opinon Dynamics on April 22-23, 2003 (MOE +/-3%). In this poll, 900 registered voters were queried...Prayer for those Suffering Persecution
Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. Hebrews 13:3 "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church." Church-father Tertullian Today is the International Day of Prayer for the Persectued Church [Reasons Why]....November 13, 2004
Americans United for Life Response to Peterson Verdict
Press Release, November 12, 2004 – Today's conviction of Scott Peterson for the double homicide of both Laci Peterson and her unborn son, Conner, shows that fetal homicide laws make good sense to juries said Americans United for Life (AUL). "This very public case shows that juries are certainly willing...Cheney in Hospital for Tests
Vice President Dick Cheney, who has a history of heart trouble, was being taken to a hospital on Saturday for tests after experiencing some shortness of breath, a White House spokesman said. [more] Update: Cheney walks out of the hospital. "I feel fine," he said. More links on BlogsforBush....November 12, 2004
Peterson Found Guilty of Murdering Wife and Son
Scott Peterson was found guilty today of murdering his wife, Laci, and the couple's unborn child. [sfgate, CNN]. I'm grateful that this jury has taken a stand for justice and for life by convicting Peterson of both murders. My prayers are for Connor and Laci's family, may they find closure...Omissions in Arafat’s Obituary
The death of Yasser Arafat has spurred the United Nations to fly its flag at half-staff, noting his supposed contribution to peace in the Middle East. Glowing tributes were paid to Palestinian President Yasser Arafat at a memorial meeting held at the United Nations General Assembly "highlighting his historic acceptance...Increased Traffic with Blog Explosion
Well, I found it actually does work. Blog Explosion does significantly increase web traffic [here is my prior post introducing it]. I don't know what the business model is but for now the service is free and is "exploding" in popularity. The only negative is that users are randomly sent...November 11, 2004
Arafat dead. No, really.
After following the press and jumping the gun in my blog entry, Arafat Reportedly Died (Again), I can now safely say that Arafat has indeed passed away. (Thanks to A Physicist's Perspective for the title) Speculation continues over the cause of death as does the power struggle that began during...November 10, 2004
Exploiting a Mistake (Mark Belling)
I’ve appreciated conservative talk show host Mark Belling (WISN, Milwaukee) for three reasons. First, and obviously, he is a conservative. While I’ve differed with his conclusions on a number of issues, I find his prevailing commentary refreshing. Second, Belling’s clarity of thought and analytical abilities are exceptional. Third, unlike many...John Ashcroft Resigns, Replaced with Alberto Gonzales
Attorney General John Ashcroft’s resignation and replacement have been officially announced today. Ashcroft begins his letter of resignation to President Bush with Nothing in my life compares to the high honor of serving America as Attorney General in your administration...and ends it with May God continue to bless, guide, and...Abortion Debate Flares in Australia
The issue of abortion is becoming an increasingly hot topic in Australia, with the federal treasurer claiming it is a regional, and not a federal matter. [more]...Regulating Assisted Suicide in Oregon?
The Bush administration on Tuesday appealed a federal appellate court's decision preventing it from restricting the use of federally controlled drugs in assisted suicides in Oregon. Attorney General Ashcroft ruled that the drugs used in assisted suicides in Oregon violate the Controlled Substances Act because killing a patient does not...November 9, 2004
Arafat Reportedly Died (Again)
Amid power struggles over the notorious terrorist's wealth between his wife and Palestinian leaders, sources now say Yasser Arafat is dead. In a brief showdown, his wife insisted that Arafat was "fine" and "coming home" and that others were trying to "bury him alive". Despite her protests, Palestistian leaders were...Neophyte Pundit Review
The NeophytePundit Pundit Review is online. Check it out here....November 8, 2004
Pray for Our Troops in Falluja
Thousands of U.S. Marines and Iraqi troops backed by tanks stormed into Falluja as night fell on Monday, the start of a fierce ground assault to retake the rebel stronghold. Several tanks thrust into the city and guerrillas were putting up some resistance, Marine radio traffic showed. Intense U.S. air...November 7, 2004
Specter and Judge Bork
The controversy surrounding Sen. Arlen Specter's remarks has led many pro-lifers to call for a fight against his appointment as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Others, notably Hugh Hewitt, urge caution and Specter disagrees with the way the now controversial interview has been reported. David Limbaugh takes the debate...Power Struggle Continues Over Arafat's Future
Amid reports that Yasser Arafat's senior deputies plan to visit the critically ill Palestinian terrorist in Paris his wife has publicly opposed the visit. ABC News reports that during a screaming telephone call from Arafat's hospital bedside, Suha Arafat told pan-Arab Al-Jazeera television that she was issuing "an appeal to...Al Qaeda in Arizona?
For nearly two decades, the most important nexus for international jihad outside of Pakistan and the Middle East has been Arizona. [Arizona Monthly via Kitchen Network]...Hugh Hewitt Advises Pro-Lifers About Arlen Specter
Hugh Hewitt, a conservative and pro-life advocate, writes on the brewing controversy surrounding Sen. Arlen Specter: I understand that Senator Specter voted against Robert Bork, and that Senator Specter is not a friend of the pro-life movement. But genuine progress in the fight to return American public opinion to an...Do Pro-Life Laws Make a Difference?
A recent analysis by political scientist Michael New for the Heritage Foundation suggests that pro-life legislation, passed in the states, led to a drop in abortion rates in the 1990s. No surprise, pro-life politicians were behind these laws. -- Andrew Grossman via Hispanic Pundit....Election Conspiracy Theories
Curtis suggests, "Conspiracy theories running rampant on leftist sites on the internet as of late." I'm not sure where he gets that idea. Perhaps here, here, here or here. Or maybe here, here or here....Arafat Update: Out of Coma and Stable
Yasser Arafat is in a stable condition and not in a coma, an aide said on Sunday, while militants pressed for decision-making powers in a unified Palestinian leadership if the president dies. [Reuters]. Given that he reportedly died a few days ago this is quite a feat....November 6, 2004
Arafat's Sudden Illness Fuels Speculation
The sudden, contradictory and secretive nature of Yasser Arafat's health degradation has fueled speculation about whether or not the father of modern terrorism is dying from AIDS. [hat tip: Matt Naugle, more here] Of course, others speculate that he was poisoned [more from the NY Daily News]. The difference between...Not the Brightest Way to Win an Election
The 25-year-old son of newly elected congresswoman Gwen Moore [Democrat] was arrested Friday by Milwaukee police and later released in connection with the election day slashing of tires on 20 vans and cars rented by the Republican Party, according to police records. [Milwaukee Journal, hat tip: Powerline]...Want More Traffic? Try Blog Explosion
Blog Explosion is a new (and free) service that allows you to increase traffic to your blog by surfing other blogs. It is a fascinating service and the response is likely to be tremendous. I'm evaluating it and have found, like others, that being directed to random sites is...November 5, 2004
Finding Liberals who Oppose Abortion
Recently Serge on Imago Dei posted an interesting article on liberalism and pro-life beliefs. It seems that one of his liberal friends, who is pro-life, has had difficulty finding an acceptable pro-life candidate. Serge asks, Is the Pro-Life View Consistent with Liberalism?. Apparently Serge's friend is not alone. A pro-life...Contradiction Dominates Reporting on Arafat
Major news outlets continue to report mixed messages from sources concerning the fate of Yasser Arafat. Apparently he is in a "reversible coma" but not brain dead, his spokeswoman said Friday. "I can assure you that there is no brain death," Leila Shahid, the Palestinian envoy to France, told French...Why Arafat is the Father of Modern Terrorism
An organization known as Camera (Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America) has a fairly extensive and stunning timeline that supports Arafat's role in history as the "father of modern terrorism." [update: see also AP's Biased Timeline commented on by Powerline and Camera]...La Shawn Barber Celebrates One Year
Congratulations to La Shawn Barber for one year of highly successful and excellent blogging. I regularly visit her blog and appreciate the insight, charity, Christian worldview perspective and personal touch that dominates her writing. Way to go!...November 4, 2004
Conflicting Reports About Yasser Arafat
Some report that the notorious terrorist leader has died: Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat has died after slipping into a coma on Wednesday at a French military hospital. [article, article]or is brain dead: Palestinain leader Yasser Arafat has been declared brain dead, reports Israeli TV, citing French sources. [article via Wizbangblog]others...American Life League Responds to Bush's Election
Many pro-life groups are gleefully declaring victory following George W. Bush's apparent re-election, but I cannot share in their enthusiasm. It is true that Mr. Bush defeated one of the most solidly pro-abortion candidates to ever seek the White House. However, the Bush administration's first term has been less than sterling in terms of total commitment to the pro-life effort.
If only more people had voted ...
Michelle Malkin comments on voter turn-out: Desperately clinging to the disabused notion that those at the bottom of the electoral barrel would have broken universally for Kerry, Democrats in denial will now blame computers, the Swift Boat Veterans, the rain, the heat, surfing conditions, sinister bus schedules and conspiratorial bloggers...Pro-Life Judges Opposed by Moderate Republicans
With "moderate" Republicans supporting abortion, pro-life advocates will continue to face an uphill battle in congress. Although many assume that President Bush will appoint pro-life judges to the Supreme Court, he has plainly stated that he does not have a litmus test for judicial nominees. This position may be motivated...Putin About Bush Victory
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday welcomed a victory for George W. Bush in the U.S. presidential race, saying it meant Americans had not allowed themselves to be cowed by terrorists. [Reuters]...November 3, 2004
Left-Side of the Blog Reactions to the Election Results
LEFT-WING BLOGOSPHERE REACTIONS: John Kerry’s side of the blogosphere offers a diverse range of views of Bush’s victory. JollyBlogger brings a fresh perspective to left-wing comments (see point seven) and more liberal reactions are summarized by Stacy Harp and the American Mind. Update: Joe Carter at the Evangelical Outpost has...The Revenge of Mozilla
Although Microsoft still dominates the Web browser space, its Internet Explorer continues to lose market share to open-source rival Mozilla [more]. I'm evaluating Mozilla Firefox and so far am impressed by its stability, speed, pop-up blocking capabilities and anti-spyware measures. I also find the tabbed browsing (in a single window)...Values, Character, Morality and Worldview Counts
Morality does matter and character does count. In their analysis of the election results several insightful bloggers are concluding that values and voter's and candidate's worldviews played a substantial role in voter decisions. Here is a round-up of excerpts. From Joshua Claybourn: In my estimation, there is a stronger undercurrent...Thank You John Kerry - Congratulations George W. Bush
President Bush won a second term from a divided and anxious nation, his promise of steady, strong wartime leadership trumping John Kerry's fresh-start approach to Iraq and joblessness. After a long, tense night of vote counting, the Democrat called Bush Wednesday to concede Ohio and the presidency, The Associated Press...States Vote Against Gay Marriage
Gay rights activists received a rebuke from the Deep South to North Dakota as voters in 11 states approved constitutional amendments to ban same-sex marriage in a clean sweep for proponents of traditional one-man, one-woman unions. [more]. Predictably, gay-rights activists rejected the overwhelming vote of U.S. citizens and are taking...Bush Wins, Kerry Disputes Ohio
Bush leads the popular vote by 3.7 million and is ahead of Kerry in Ohio by approximately 140,00 votes (3%) with 99 percent of the precincts reporting. While FoxNews and NBC News have both called Ohio in favor of Bush, several other news networks remain on the fence (notably, ABC...November 2, 2004
Bush Wins Ohio (and the Election)
Foxnews has called Ohio for Bush giving the incumbent 269 electoral votes [hat tip: Powerline]. With Bush leading in NM by 5 percent (80% precincts reporting) this essentially assures him the victory. Thank God!...Bush Ahead in FLorida by Five
I'm surprised that this race has not been called because it looked Bush early on. With 96% of precincts reporting, Bush leads Kerry 52-47%. Update: ABC News just gave Florida to Bush....Incumbents Sweep Arizona’s Federal Races
Arizona - The Washington Post has given the election in seven out of eight U.S. Congressional races to the incumbent. J.D. Hayworth (Rep), Jeff Flake (Rep), Raul Grijalva (Dem), Jim Kolbe (Rep), Ed Pastor (Dem), John Shadegg (Rep), and Trent Franks (Rep) have all kept their seats, winning by wide...Bush Wins Big in Arizona
With 77% of precincts reporting and Bush leading Kerry 54.9% to 44.5%, the Washington Post has given Arizona to Bush....Early Results favor Bush in Arizona
With 39% of polls reporting, Bush leads Kerry 54.2 to 45.2%. [source: AZ Secretary of State] Updates: With 55% of polls reporting, Bush leads 54.5 to 44.9%. With 66% of polls reporting, Bush leads 55.1 to 44.3%. With 76% of polls reporting, Bush leads 54.9 to 44.5%....Can You Trust Exit Polls?
It is hard to conduct exit polls that are not in some way biased by time, geographic location or polling method. While the exit poll numbers are currently favoring Kerry, remember that in the 2000 election they were used as the basis for the erroneous call in favor of Gore....McCain Declared Winner in Arizona
Incumbent John McCain (Rep) has been listed the winner of the Arizona senatorial race by the Washington Post....Waiting, Watching, Posting - 2004 Election
Tonight I'm posting Arizona news at the Command-Post. This is an excellent resource for up-to-the-minute election results from across the country as bloggers everywhere represent their states. Good news from Florida: Bush leads 53-46 with 53% reporting (Washington Post, I first noticed this on Powerline). CNN presently has Bush leading...Arizona Draws Large Crowds
The main story in Arizona, as in other parts of the country, is the large voter turn out. Polling locations have reported long lines and waits well over one hour. Sen. John McCain made a brief statement after voting earlier today: "I think it is great that we're going to...The Final Slice (2004 Election)
Steven Taylor's guide to election polls and stories ends with the final prediction: Kerry is French Toast (but Bush and hs supporters will be singed by heartburn before it is all said and done)....November 1, 2004
Record Voter Turn-Out Expected in Arizona
The Arizona Republic reports the number of registered voters in Arizona rose 470,000, or 21 percent, since elections in 2000. Experts believe three-fourths of those registered might vote in Tuesday's election. In 2002, only 55 percent went to the polls in Maricopa County....Pre-Election Summary of the Arizona 2004 Presidential Race
According to the Washington Post, Arizona's 10 electoral votes will be cast in favor of George Bush. Democrats had hoped to make this a presidential battleground, but Bush is in good shape. Sen. John McCain (R) will easily win a fourth term against math teacher Stuart Starky (D). Freshman Rep....Election Short Shots
Last minute must read posts from a number of conservative and moderate bloggers.
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