The Iraqi government announced that Fadil Hussain Ahmed al-Kurdi, 26, a senior member of the Al Qaeda-linked network of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was captured in a raid in Baghdad along with two other terrorists. Kurdi, AKA Ridha, is the brother of Umar Baziyani, a Zarqawi lieutenant captured last May.

"Ridha was responsible for facilitating communications between Al Qaeda and the Zarqawi terror networks as well as coordinating the movement of terrorists in and out of Iraq," a Government statement said.

"Both Ridha and Umar Baziyani remain in detention and are being question [sic] by Iraqi and coalition forces."

It's also being reported that a Yemeni close to Osama bin Laden was one of seven militants killed in Wednesday's shootout with Saudi security forces in Riyadh. According to a security source,

"Ibrahim Ahmad Abdel Majeed al-Reemy, a Yemeni national, was among the seven militants killed on Wednesday evening," the source said.

Reemy, who does not figure on the Saudi kingdom's most-wanted list, is a "big shot in Al-Qaeda and is believed to be the link between the organisation in Saudi Arabia and bin Laden himself," the source said.

Splendid!

Companion post at Interested-Participant.

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According to this Sydney Morning Herald report, the Iraqi Oil Ministry has awarded a contract, the first since the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime, to develop the Kormale Dome oil field in the northern province of Irbil. Oil Ministry spokesman Assim Jihad said the contract was a $136 million joint venture agreement among three companies, the Kar Company of Iraq, Turkey's Avrasya, and Britain-based Dynamic Processing Solutions. Kormale Dome is expected to produce 100,000 barrels of oil and 100 million cubic meters of gas per day.

To address the frequent terrorist attacks on pipelines and other facilities, spokesman Jihad said the Ministry would soon open bidding for contracts to provide security services. Naturally, these developments are good news and it's interesting that security is going to be contracted out. Rather than have the government provide security, the Ministry appears to prefer a rental guard force. The relative effectiveness of a private security force will surely be scrutinized.

Companion post at Interested-Participant.

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The below is an entire re-post from Hyscience. It concerns helping the tsunami victims. You may also go to tsunamihelp.blogspot.com for more information on how to help. Please spread the word.

1. The S.M.Joshi memorial foundation's Arogya Sena is planning to send a team of medical experts and volunteers to Tamil Nadu and other affected places to assist in the relief operations. Those wishing to join the effort may contact Dr Abhijit Vaidya on Pune mobile no.98505 88008 (prefix 0 while dialling from outside Pune).

2. Rotary club of Pune Riverside is sending a team of Rorarians with relief material for Tamil Nadu, Andamans, Andhra and Kerala. The team is leaving Pune on 1st Jan.2005. Relief material like packaged food, vessels, biscuits and blankets can be handed over to them. For details contact, Rohit Jerajani on Pune Ph.26134686.

3. On behalf of Women's Collective based in Chennai, NGO Maitri is accepting the following: Rice (in sealed bags of 1 kg.), bed sheets and funds. A collection centre is being opened at Padale Palace, off Karve Road, Pune (Ph.25446511).

For any details regarding material to be sent to local Red Cross office at M.G.Road,Pune OR contributions to be made, please call me at Pune cell no.98220 04752 or write in at vmoorthy@rediffmail.com. Vijaya

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(Cleveland, Ohio) Using a sophisticated laser system, someone targeted the cockpit of an airplane on approach to Cleveland-Hopkins Airport. The flight originated Monday in Washington, D.C., and was traveling at 300MPH at 8,500 to 10,000 feet when the beam of green light invaded the cockpit. The laser is believed to have come from suburban Warrensville Heights. The FBI and the FAA are investigating. At present, it's unknown whether the incident was a prank or something more sinister.

Companion post at Interested-Participant.

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The Jawa Report got it's first Instalanche!! Maybe I should stay on vacation, like, forever? After begging Reynolds for a link for about 9 months I gave up on him. But he finally, of his own free will, links to this old post on Johnny Ramone. Why does this piss me off? Well, after I hit number 33 in the Ecosystem (granted the Ecosystem was screwed up at the time) I made it my goal to be the first Mortal Human to never get an Instalanche. Now Reynolds has to drop a link and take away my last ounce of dignity.

Reynoooolds!! (screamed out loud, eyes to heaven, think "Khaaaan!!")

Anyway, still on vacation. Limited access to the internet. Chad is doing excellent work banging away at the keys while I'm gone. Thanks for keeping us all informed man.

Interested Participant, Cranky Neocon, Flea, Buckethead have also been busy keping it real--Old School style. Thanks.

Don't know where BRD and Demosophist are. Maybe holed up in an Idaho bunker or something waiting for the Y2k thing to finally hit five years late.

Ok, back to visiting with relatives. How can one be both bored and extremely busy at the same time??

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...and may the Force be With you!!

PS-Still on vacation, but thank Allah I'm off the cruise!! My Christmas? Great. Best Christmas Present? My Pet Jawa in National Review Online. Thanks La Shawn!!!

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1 Mery Christmas.

Posted by: owoju at December 25, 2004 06:41 AM (hcfig)

2 Yip, Merry Christmas DR RS.

Posted by: qpr jon at December 25, 2004 07:10 AM (CYzuz)

3 Merry Christmas!

Mike

PS. ... and don't shoot your eye out!

Posted by: SA at December 25, 2004 04:21 PM (627+m)

4 Hope you're having a good time. Congrats on the "shout out"!

Posted by: Gordon at December 26, 2004 09:50 AM (dEFhD)

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Cranky Neocon visits Osama: Behind the Music in what is pure comedy.

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I just realized that despite the fact that Dr. Shackleford, eminent professor of stuff and blogperson extraordinaire, invited me to guest blog on his, uh, blog - he has not actually blogrolled my blog, The Ministry of Minor Perfidy. This is insupportable, intolerable and generally generally speaking, ungood.

What blog blatantly stole its name from an obscure comment once made by Lileks? The Ministry of Minor Perfidy.

What blog is in the forefront of warning the world about the dangers of giant fighting space robots? The Ministry of Minor Perfidy.

What blog regularly offers minute analysis of the music industry, space exploration, and tax policy? The Ministry of Minor Perfidy.

I think I hit my quota for over the top blog self-promotion, even though Rusty said I could promote my blog until my eyes bled. (I'm paraphrasing, of course. And he did use the word trust several times in that paragraph. I wonder what he meant by that?)

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This type of post would normally just appear on my site, however since Rusty gave me the keys to the grail, I'll use them to discuss this issue with his readers.

Numerous times on my site I've argued where some in the Left are out of touch with reality. Naturally this has led to many "courteous" emails from those I've offended, however there have now been two stories in prominent magazines (Time and Newsweek) with Lefty blogger Wonkette and "Conservative" blogger Andrew Sullivan that demonstrate how some are out of touch with reality.

Newsweek interviewed blogger Wonkette who seems to be a rising star in the blogoshpere for reasons beyond me. According to her own words from her few television appearences, she sees herself as a satirist and not a blogger. Fair enough, but I have a few words of advice for Wonkette following this brief excerpt from the interview (via Michelle Malkin).

What did you think of the bloggers' role in the Dan Rather affair?
I think they did a disservice to the debate because they made the debate about the documents and not about the president of the United States. There was another half to that story that had to do with verifiable events of what Bush may have been up to.

I need not re-hash Rathergate as it's been glorified for much too long, however the overall impact Rathergate had on news and American's view on the news has been drastic. The issue Wonkette would rather steer the political debate on was an old, tired out issue that has been debunked numerous times in the past; much like finding an intelligent brain cell inside of Wonkette's rather large noggin.

For further commentary on Wonkette, visit The American Mind

The second instance of a "Lefty" blogger being out of touch with reality is Andrew Sullivan. Now Sullivan calls himself a Conservative and does have many Conservative views, however his repeated mentions of Gay Marriage and his consistent attacks on Conservatives on this issue has led him out of the closet of Liberalism.

Sullivan writes a piece in Time Magazine calling 2004 The Year of the Insurgents (via Wizbang). One could argue whether this type of recognition has any merit, however that is not the reason for this post. Why would any American name a year after those that are killing our young men in women who are more brave, more dedicated to our freedoms and more dedicated to the freedoms of all of God's creatures than any one of us?

Perhaps the most interesting part of Sullivan's article is his close:

Did anyone win? Well, the President did. But the insurgency against him — fanatically deadly in Iraq, peacefully feisty at home — merely took a deep breath. And fought on.

Posted by: Chad at 04:17 PM | Comments (16) | Add Comment
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While Rusty's on vacation, he's asked me to help guest blog on his site. I know, we all miss Rusty, but maybe I can try to fill his shoes even partially while he's gone.

Allow me to introduce myself. Some of Rusty's readers know me already as I am an occassional commenter here as well as Rusty posts many of the similar stories that I do on my blog. My name is Chad Evans and I was born, raised and live in Texas. Being Texan naturally leads me to fulfill a few of the thousands of stereotypes about Texans, though I promise you not all of them are true (I don't own cattle).

I am 26 years old, operate my own small advertising agency/media buying company, do not have a family, and very proud of my alumni status as a graduate of the fine Texas Tech University.

I do not pretend to be an expert on anything I write other than my critiques on the media. Now how can I pretend to be an expert on the media? Well, I'm not an expert first off, but I have been published directly over 10 times, indirectly numerous times, performed media relations for two different sports organizations, have a degree in public relations and have a genuine interest in all things media related.

My hope during the next week or two, depending on his internet status during his second destination, is that I can keep you entertained and possibly enlightened on a few topics. There will be no test-blogging or gratuitous porn from me, but Rusty has promised both when he returns. more...

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Light posting....

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Rusty Shackleford, yours truly, will be heading for Los Angeles this Saturday through whenever I feel like leaving. If any of you want to meet the man behind the legend, a couple of other bloggers and frequent commenters are going to hook up some time after Christmas for some eats. I'm thinking we should eat at one of the restaurants run by the Nation of Islam south of 50th? But if that doesn't work out we'll probably eat somewhere in the downtown area. E-mail me if you want to join us.

Guest bloggers: I'll try to e-mail you guys tomorrow and get things straightened out. Sorry, I put this off and now I'm wicked busy. I will have internet access in Cali, but not on the stupid cruise ship.

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Wow, is the TTLB Ecosystem screwed up or what? more...

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But isn't the real question Flea, "Who would be better for the Global War on Terror: The Mighty Isis or Wonder Woman?"

more...

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1 Mighty Isis, only because too many bright colors scare me.

Posted by: Wine-aholic at December 15, 2004 02:34 PM (Wsn+K)

2 Wonder Woman, because: 1. I've never heard of Mighty Isis before. 2. Linda Carter as Wonder Woman was the object of 50% of my adolescent "Mrs. Robinson" fantasies.

Posted by: Brian B at December 15, 2004 03:22 PM (CouWh)

3 I'll have to go with a write-in from the big screen and go with Supergirl, because I am pretty sure bin Laden does not possess Krytonite and she cold locate him with her x-ray vision.

Posted by: Tig at December 15, 2004 04:09 PM (JCxVY)

4 Heh. In 2nd grade there was this wierd guy who was totally in love with Wonder Woman. We all thought he was crazy. Now, looking at the pictures of what she looked like back then...I'm trying to figure out how I ever could have missed that boat.

Posted by: King of Fools at December 15, 2004 04:10 PM (ktIW6)

5 OOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHH.....Gotta love dat Wonder Woman!!! I have to agree with Brian B. W.W starred in many of my adolescent Rosie Palm productions.....Isis does have have some nice legs though.

Posted by: Mighty Whitey at December 15, 2004 04:15 PM (l//r6)

6 Hey, I had that Wonder Woman poster (big shock, I know) but Mighty Isis is an archaeologist and that pretty much decides the issue for me. No wait, you were talking about the war on terror or something.

Posted by: Flea at December 15, 2004 04:20 PM (NtEYw)

7 Oh, absolutely Wonder Woman - every time. No idea who Mistress Isis is - think Lynda Carter knew how to dress better.

Posted by: PMC Office at December 15, 2004 04:40 PM (RpjvM)

8 There's a joke there about hands while viewing this, but I'm sure the point has been made before... In the 70s, my vote would have been for Lynda Carter. Sort of like my idea of what I would like once I knew what "it" was all about. But today my vote definitely goes for Isis (Joanna Cameron?). And no, I still have no idea what "it" is all about...

Posted by: Chrees at December 15, 2004 04:55 PM (RZfsx)

9 Wonderwoman could put a big hurt on any man out there. She get's my lust...er..ah...I mean vote. Never heard of the other one.

Posted by: Iggy at December 15, 2004 04:59 PM (1Z4Aq)

10 Here I go asking a legitimate War on Terror question and all you guys can think of is their looks!! I'm shocked, shocked I tells ya!!!!!

Posted by: Rusty at December 15, 2004 05:29 PM (JQjhA)

11 /sarcasm

Posted by: Rusty at December 15, 2004 05:51 PM (JQjhA)

12 Well, Wonder Woman does have experience fighting fascism in WWII. On the other hand, Isis presumably has more experience with the region, given her Egyptian roots, so that's a wash. They both look ridiculous flying- WW in her "invisible jet" and Isis, the only superhero who flys _standing up_. Ultimately, I guess I'm going to go with Isis. WW may use her golden lasso, but undoubtedly Amnesty International would probably make out golden lasso interrogations to be a violation of the Geneva Conventions. Isis, however, knows how to handle a staff.

Posted by: Eric at December 15, 2004 09:35 PM (EGPsr)

13 I gotta throw out props to the ancient-Egypt-themed Isis, if only to support the home town candidate.

Posted by: Sobek at December 15, 2004 11:17 PM (zKQ1y)

14 I have to vote for Isis because of all those days Wonder Woman made me waste, glued to the television hoping beyond all hope that just once she would spin too many times while changing.

Posted by: Dusty at December 16, 2004 02:01 AM (4ok/F)

15 Mighty Isis kinda has that Washingtonienne look in the USA jacket picture, where she's looking over her shoulder at you... I think that's a bad thing, but your mileage may vary.

Posted by: see-dubya at December 16, 2004 02:26 AM (PUZhO)

16 Linda Carter is still a hot chick. So is Barbara Eden. And Racquel Welch. That Isis hag needs to eat something and develop a real woman's body instead of aiming for the "crack whore" look.

Posted by: skh at December 16, 2004 08:37 PM (0xwoN)

17 I don't know who will win. But I'll take the loser anytime.

Posted by: greyrooster at December 16, 2004 09:32 PM (eLjJa)

18 Easy on Isis there, nutlap. She's no crack whore, she's my momma!

Posted by: Uncle Mikey at December 17, 2004 01:22 PM (kqBJN)

19 Though she'll never know it (the Court prohibits me from writing letters) WonderWoman made this boy a man. Just think how she could inspire our fighting men and lesbians today. I vote WonderWoman by a cup size, at least.

Posted by: Spoons at December 18, 2004 09:51 PM (X4FCJ)

20 Is there a question here? Wonder Woman...hands down. She has the experience. She has a freaking invisible plane! And bullet bouncing bracelets. And ehm other parts. On a more personal note...many of my friends used to write Santa Claus letters before Christmas. I used to write Wonder Women love letters. True story. So King of Fools...we probably went to school together.

Posted by: Kin at December 19, 2004 01:28 AM (L0Jaw)

21 Joanna Cameron, aka The Mighty Isis, did it for me when I was a kid, she still does it for me now. (It's gotta be those cute Egyption costumes...)

Posted by: EdWonk at December 21, 2004 08:35 PM (bQbts)

22 Wonder woman all the way hey her magic lasson makes people tell the truth(use it on bill clinton)and what about her invisible jet? how dose she manage to find it?

Posted by: sandpiper at December 24, 2004 03:19 PM (fvObb)

23 This is a no brainer, because Wonder Woman can "make a hawk a dove, stop a war with love". If she can stop a war with love, surely she can stop world terror with a sideways glance.

Posted by: Jamey at March 05, 2005 07:44 PM (QUGyQ)

24 Wonder Woman defeated a gal named Osira, but she didn't use all of isis powers in the story. Isis is the Egyptian equivalent of Hera the most powerful of the greek Goddesses, so I think Isis should win.

Posted by: Avion at April 05, 2005 02:59 AM (6mUkl)

25 Wonder Woman would win, no question. She is immortal; an Amazonian Princess, heir to the thrown. Her golden belt gave her supernatural strengh, her braclets stoped anything, her lasso could make anyone tell the truth and her tiara came in useful more than once.

Posted by: Brian E. at July 16, 2005 01:14 AM (KAPZj)

26 Hard to decide, for I loved BOTH these ladies. Wonder Woman for being an Amazon, and Isis, for the Egyptian angle (my favorite ancient civilization is ancient Egypt.). But why Wonder Woman OR Mighty Isis? I'd rather team the two together to stop terror. Maybe add Captain Marvel to the group and at least have one GUY on the team. (I'm female, By-the-way.)

Posted by: Draka Dracula at September 18, 2005 06:09 PM (Qxdri)

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One who believes that Jesus atoned for sin. That is all. Carry on.

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This week's Bonfire of the Vanities is up at Feste's blog. The Bonfire is a showcase for the worst posts written by some of the worst bloggers out there. I, of course, am featured weekly. I recommend all new bloggers check it out and participate in next week's shin dig.

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Second office party in a week. One more to go. I hate these things. The highlight of the afternoon will be those little tiny hot dogs in barbeque sauce. We have a copy machine. If we only had a few drunks things might get interesting. We don't. After the party I'm going to grade. Light blogging.

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I accuse the crew at Wizbang of copyright infringement. more...

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I'm aware of the commenting problem and working to fix it. Drop me a line if you need me.

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The votes are in and the 2004 Weblog Awards race is over. Congrats to Ace of Spades Headquarters, the only blog endorsed by me to win. So much for the crucial Rusty Shackleford endorsement.....

I have one bone to pick. I am pretty pissed about NRO's Kerry Spot winning for Best New Blog. Geraghty runs a great internet site, but it's not a blog. A blogger, by definition, doesn't have a boss. He might get paid through advertisements or donations, but he doesn't fill out a W-2. Geraghty is a columnist, Bill Ardolino is a blogger.

Kudos to Kevin Aylward who did his best to vet the process. I guess I'm partially to blame for some of the undeserving nominees making the final cut--I had promised him I'd help with the awards and then sort of cheesed out. Sorry, finals take a lot out of a guy. I had to decide whether to help with the awards or keep blogging. I chose the latter.

In the future, though, let's make sure blog awards go to, you know, bloggers. Not everyone who has a website is a blogger. Not everyone who writes online is a blogger. Bloggers are a community of the unprofessional. We are the pajamahadin. We are media entrepreneurs. We are what democracy looks like. We are the voice of the people.

We need to come up with a better definition for 'blog' and 'blogger'.

Ok, end pontification.

It was enough for me to make the final cut for Best New Blog of 2004. Thanks for the many endorsements--I lost track of them a day or so after the voting began. Shout out to all of you who didn't vote for me as instructed. Some props, too, for the homies who gave me their own awards. For instance, I received an award for Best Blog By A College Professor Who Can't Spell While Live Blogging During A Final Exam (in your face Llama Butchers) and one for Blogger most likely to appear under the headline 'Man Kills 5, Shoots Self' (update: read that one wrong earlier---I'm much happier with this one!!). I gladly accept those awards and thank all the little people that made this great occasion possible.....

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