the void spills

"this is a unanimous decision by all imams of islam that whoever insults the prophets deserves to be killed and whoever will take this insulting man to his end will get this prize"

That is, $1,025,000 and a car.

So says "prayer leader" Mohammed Yousaf Qureshi.

The lack of audible Muslim voices in disagreement makes me think the decision really is unanimous.

Here's what Bill Clinton had to say:

"I can tell you, most people in the United States deeply respect Islam ... and most people in Europe do."

Really?

a word to the good ones

A large and presumably fresh-on-the-force crew on black & white motor bikes has just streamed down the block past my window. Although I have yet to commit a crime more heinous than possessing glass on Fiesta Island, the sight of them initiates in me a potent sequence of unpleasant physiological events. My heart rate increases, my lightheartedness is suddenly sobered and my demeaner is tinged with a bit of indignation.
I suppose some people may have had an opposite experience upon seeing them, but I wonder how many.
This week I met the second person I now know who has left law enforcement for no other reason than he wasn't enough of an asshole to continue being on the same "team" as his colleagues. Maybe, for instance, he would have felt a bit uncomfortable as he stood in a circle with another officer who thought it important to shout "that's a crime, you know!" at an innocent person (i.e. me) riding his skateboard to work because he has no car or bike (both of which, by the way have no more business being considered legal means of transportation than a skateboard). That's a very mild example of course, but it's the freshest on my mind since it just happened today. On to my point...
To all the good cops out there: know that you are appreciated. You are real troopers.

settlers of catan, eat your heart out

The Settlers of Zarahelma can build Temples of holy worship faster than you can build your vulgar settlements!

"for them, we are like animals in the zoo"

Here's why:

1. Pat Robertson should be assassinated;

2. The majority of anthropoligists are heartless;

3. New tribes needs to quit pushing its wacked eschatology.

invaders ... marauding

Invaders
(Harris)

Longboats have been sighted the evidence of war has begun
Many Nordic fighting men their swords and shields all gleam in the sun
Call to arms defend yourselves get ready to stand and fight for your lives
Judgement day has come around so be prepared don't run stand your ground

They're coming in from the sea
they've come the enemy
beneath the blazing sun
the battle has to be won
Invaders ... Pillaging
Invaders ... Looting

Set ablaze the campfires alert the other men from inland
Warning must be given there's not enough men here for a stand
The Vikings are too many much too powerful to take on our own
We must have reinforcements we cannot fight this battle alone

They're coming over the hill
they've come to attack
they're coming in for the kill
there's no turning back
Invaders ... Fighting
Invaders ... Marauding

Axes grind and maces clash as wounded fighters fall to the ground
Severed limbs and fatal woundings bloody corpses lay all around
The smell of death and burning flesh the battle weary fight to the end
The Saxons have been overpowered victims of the mighty Norsemen

You'd better scatter and run
the battle's lost and not won
you'd better get away to fight another day
Invaders ... Raping
Invaders ... Plundering