Columbus Day Special

Columbus: The Great Explorer

Christopher Columbus: Hero or Murderer?

Everything You Ever Did
or Didn't Want to Know About Christopher Columbus

Christopher Columbus: His Gastronomic Persona

And finally-
Ray Columbus and the Invaders with 'She's a Mod'

NJW Podcast #3

NewsJog Weekly Podcast no.3
was recorded on 10/5/07 and is now available for your listening enjoyment.

BTW:
The weekly podcast can be found on iTunes-
Just do a search for News Jog Weekly and subscribe.

News Jog 10/5/07

The New York Times continues lending its helping hand to the enemy by throwing road blocks in the way of Bush's war plans whenever possible. The paper's latest investigative bombshell concerns two secret memos out of the Justice Department from 2005 that clarify certain authorized harsh interrogation methods to be used on high profile prisoners believed to be in possession of information that could be useful to our interests. The arguments of the Left- that these tactics never yield any good information and that our use of these tactics put our own soldiers at risk if they become prisoners of war are patently ridiculous. First of all, if the methods of interrogation employed by the U.S. are not culminating in good intel- why is it that we've been able to thwart every terrorist plot on the homeland since 9/11? Secondly, does anyone really believe that al-Qaeda would be influenced by any established protocols concerning the treatment of captured American soldiers? Danny Pearl and the others who have been beheaded weren't even soldiers. One can only imagine the horrors that would be visited upon an actual member of the military unlucky enough to find themselves in the hands of the enemy. To read the stories linked below is to step through Alice's looking glass. The New York Times and the Left wants to fight an enemy that simply doesn't exist. These are hyper-violent crazed killers who do not respond to reason and will only give up important information when pushed to the extreme. The Jog doesn't condone the kind of torture that results in dismemberment, organ failure, or any kind of lasting physical damage. But making someone believe that they are about to die when we know they're not is a perfectly justifiable way to extract information that will potentially save the lives of thousands of Americans working in a high-rise tower or driving through a targeted tunnel. Al-Qaeda isn't interested in fighting our military- they want to kill you and me. Right at this moment- in a cave or tent or hotel room somewhere in this world our enemy is making plans to kill U.S. citizens. The Jog believes it's imperative that when one of those conspirators ends up in our hands we squeeze his gonads until he tells us what he knows. We get our good intel through the use of these harsh methods. Al-Qaeda has the luxury of getting their good intel from the front page of The New York Times.
White House Memos Authorize 'Torture-Style' Tactics
US Denies Breaking Torture Laws After Memos Exposed
Why Torture is Okay. (Shhh!)

Here's another story the Left and our enemies can get equally outraged about:
Reduced Charges Urged for Marine who Killed Iraqis

Ah- sweet diplomacy: US Envoy to Meet Burma's Leaders

Wacky Paki Update: Will Bhutto Boost Musharraf?

School to Keep Christmas, Halloween; Will Add Ramadan

Larry 'I swear to god I don't respond sexually to phallic images' Craig is still in a fighting mood:
Judge says Sen. Craig Can't Take Back Guilty Plea
Sen. Craig Now says He'll Remain in Senate

At least they didn't torture her:
Record Industry Bankrupts Single Mom
Minn. Woman Must Pay Record Companies $222K for Sharing Songs

Campaign drivel:
The Third Age of Clinton
Rudy Leads Repub Money Race
Mitt Raises $18 Million in 3rd Quarter
Romney, Giuliani Clash on Tax, Spending
McCain Reverses Fortunes with Tidy Sums in Bank

What happened to Benz?
DaimlerChrysler Becomes Daimler

e.Coli Update:
USDA Defends 18-day Wait on Beef Recall but Will Change Policy

More Fish for Pregnant Women? Seafood Debate Rages

Why? So we can find out what causes their obesity? Isn't it obvious?
Landmark Health Study Will Track Metro Kids

How did we miss this story from earlier in the week?
CBS Producer Accused of Soliticing Sex with 11-Year Old

Remember the airplane that overshot the runway and hit the car in Chicago a couple years ago?
Southwest Crew Faulted for MDW Overrun

Playoffs:
Lofton, Cleveland Rock Yankees 12-3
Rockies Taking Day-by-Day Approach

Olympic Champion Marion Jones Reverses Denials of Steroid Use

The Vick saga continues:
Falcons Want $22m from Vick
Vick Could Escape State Charges

Box Office:
Weekend Movie Guide
Review: Michael Clayton
Review: Performances Help 'Austen' Overcome Missteps
Farrelly Brothers Share a 'Heartbreak Kid' Laugh

That new Springsteen album may not be as great as advertised:
Listening In: ‘Magic’—the Album That Isn’t

Aren't the members of 'Hanson' still a little young for this?
Guitarist Isaac Hanson has Surgery at Baylor Hospital

Bill Gates still knows how to make money:
Microsoft says "Halo" 1st-Week Sales were $300M

I'm No Zune Hater--Really

As long as there are ignorant people there will be internet scams:
Yahoo, eBay Work to Block Phishing

Japanese Satellite Reaches Lunar Orbit

Our favorite headline today is: Primitive Plants Trade Food for Sex

And finally-
The latest dispatch from Britney's last days on earth:
Britney Gets One Last Chance from Irate Judge

There's plenty more News,
but there's no more News Jog.
We're done.

News Jog 10/4/07

The Jog chooses to laugh as the country continues its descent to hell in a hand basket. Perhaps we're overstating it but the silly and the ignorant are certainly ganging up on the reasonable.

Case in point:
Both parties play this silly game of giving wonderful names to onerous pieces of legislation in order to make bad ideas seem like common sense. What kind of monster would vote against the Peace and Happiness for All Children Bill? Only a cold-hearted politician who doesn't like peace, happiness, or children of course. Who would dare vote no on the Joyous Sunshine Act? Aren't we all in favor of sunshine and joy? It is in this context that we present today's top story- the President's veto of the instrument of creeping socialism referred to as the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007.

First of all check out this picture that ran with an online ABC piece on the veto that juxtaposes the image of the grim, mean President with the smiling, caring doctor and her young patient. Why would such a mean guy want to hurt that child when nice people are trying to help? You decide if ABC is reporting or advocating:



Secondly- the Jog challenges any reader to find anything of substance about the nuts and bolts of the bill being vetoed in the following stories. After all, why get into the meat of the legislation when the name says it all? The President vetoed the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007- it's quite obvious that the man just hates children and wishes for them to be unhealthy. Why should reporters bother digging any deeper?
Fair and balanced?
Bush Vetoes Child Health Coverage
DeGette: Fight for Children is On
Dems See Child Health Veto as Ammo for 2008
Reid: President Bush Turns His Back on America's Children

The Jog says if the Iraqi PM really wants Blackwater USA to leave the country we should let him know he has that right as a sovereign leader- but the U.S. should assume that this is a request for all Americans to leave. It is unconscionable that a government that can't get their own act together in a dangerous war zone should assume for a second that we'll stay to protect them while sending home the people who protect our diplomats. If Blackwater leaves- everyone leaves and his government can protect itself from the bloodthirsty hounds at the door.
Iraqi PM Says Security Firm Should Leave Iraq
Paper Finds Contractors Shoot Often, Report Little

So let's get this straight- the fact that Rush Limbaugh referred to a phony soldier as a phony soldier means that he's anti-troop? We're not following. At the center of this manufactured scandal is a bona fide phony soldier- but why bother with details. You've just gotta love this country and its current state of word-phobia. A guy makes a living speaking publicly for 15 hours a week- and two words set off a firestorm. Then again, the Dems should know anti-troop sentiment when they hear it- they invented it.
Controversy Continues Over Limbaugh's 'Phony Soldiers' Comment

It's about time- its only been 50 some odd years!
North, South Korea Pledge to Push for Peace Agreement

Hey Pakistan get a clue. If you kill Osama and his henchmen- we won't have to:
Musharraf to Bar U.S. in Pakistan

Has it occurred to anyone that the concept of tribal leaders might be the problem?
Mediators at Darfur Talks Need Patience-Elders

Coming soon- Peace in the middle east. Yeah right:
Olmert and Abbas Hold Talks on Peace Process

Jot this down- working underground is a bad idea:
Rescuers Save 1,950 South African Gold Miners

"Many Dead" as Plane Crashes in Congo's Capital

Please make it stop! Pt. II:
Diana Inquest: Three Key Questions

A perfect storm is brewing for Dems in the Senate:
N.M. Senator Quitting for Health Reasons

Look at the child molester apologists getting all high and mighty:
Archbishop May Deny Communion to Rudy

The latest on the most interesting and underreported story of the primary season:
Ron Paul's Impressive Haul

The latest from the 'politics makes strange bedfellows' file:
Secessionists Meeting in Tennessee

There are no experts on airline travel here at Jog Central- but it seems to us that if every company is giving bad service then the problem is probably the system, not the individual airlines. Just a guess:
Airlines Delay, Divert or Shelve Nearly 30% of Flights

FDA Mulls Expanding US Drug Sales

The latest on the sex harassment front:
Anger Still Fresh in Clarence Thomas' Memoir
Trial Lifts Lid on Sex and Sleaze at the New York Knicks
Who's Going to Clean Up Madison Square Garden?

The latest on the Britney front:
Spears Loses Bid to Regain Custody of Sons
Tatum O'Neal Offers Advice for Troubled Mom
Dr. Phil Has a Few Tips for Spears
Dr. Phil to Tell Spears What She Must Do

Who would risk jail time for this?
Suspect Charged in "Indiana Jones" Theft

Who would risk jail time for this?
Nicolas Cage Confronts Nude Intruder

Instant Karma's gonna get him:
Spector Attorneys Quit

Anna Nicole's Lawyer Sues Over Gay Sex Claims
Rita Cosby Stands by Her Anna Nicole Smith Bio

Aw darn!
Eva Longoria's 'Sex Tape': She's Just Fooling Around

TV Stuff:
Top Chef Hangs Title on Hung
Jerry Seinfeld's on '30 Rock' & Show is a Gem
Hulk to Host New 'American Gladiators'

It was 50 years ago today, Nikita Kruschev taught the band to play:
Oct. 4, 1957: Russ Puts Man-Made Moon in Orbit!

Looking for a lame interview with Bill Gates? Today's your lucky day:
Q&A with Bill Gates: Microsoft's Pushing its Frontiers

What if you threw a 'social network' and nobody came?
Microsoft Looks to Social Networking for Zune 2.0

Those Stuck with iPhone Bricks Should Blame Apple, not AT&T
Verizon Adds iPhone Lookalike in Challenge to Apple

UC Berkeley Post Full Lectures onto YouTube

The latest in corporate dinosaur news:
RIAA: Music Download Suits Will Continue

The latest in real dinosaur news:
New Dinosaur Discovered

Soon the dentist will be your friend:
New Anesthesia Method Blocks Pain Without Numbness or Paralysis

And finally:
The most bizarre thing to happen at a Reality TV awards show this week:
'Survivor' Star Accuses Bonaduce of Assault



There's plenty more News,
but there's no more News Jog.
We're done.

News Jog 10/3/07

News Jog Thought Experiment:
Watch this video of Government Reform Committee Chairman Henry Waxman confronting Erik Prince, the founder of Blackwater USA, and ask yourself one question. If you were on a sinking ship in a 'Poseidon Adventure' type of situation and Henry Waxman and Erik Prince both said they knew how to get to safety but their plans were diametrically opposed. Which one would you follow?



This guy's security firm has been protecting American diplomats in Iraq for five years and they haven't lost one to the murderous designs of the enemy. Although they have lost 35 of their own men protecting those diplomats. This firm has a perfect record and the thanks they get for it is an appearance before a kangaroo court set up by the Democrat party. It's shameful. When will our government stop doing the bidding of our enemies? The fact that rabble-rousers in Iraq want this security firm gone should be enough evidence that it's in our best interest that they stay. It's about time we start prosecuting an effective end to the war and stop persecuting the good men and women who voluntarily put themselves in harm's way to help us win.
Blackwater Chairman Defends His Company
Bush Meets Iraq's President
Britain to Pull More Troops Out of Iraq

The Jog actually agrees with the underlying argument for a war tax. Unfortunately the Dems have only floated this as a novelty with a proposed tax rate that is foolish. The Jog believes that a 5% war tax should be added to every item purchased in America. If you think that's asking too much go talk to a mother who has given the life of her child to the war effort. The Jog is anti-tax- but hot wars should be paid for outside of normal budgetary considerations and every citizen should be expected to contribute.
Democrats Propose to Raise Taxes to Cover War

Comedy- Iranian style:
Iranian University Invites Bush to Speak

The dangerous Paki soap opera continues:
Musharraf Names Army Chief
Pakistan to Grant Amnesty to Benazir Bhutto

Yet more evidence that Kim Jong-il is a crazed douche bag:
South Korean Leader to Watch N. Korean Propaganda Show
South Korean Leader Rejects Extra Day of Summit Talks

Please make it stop!
Diana Jury to Hear More Evidence

Nice try Obama but Hillary's pulling away:
Clinton Leads Obama in Fundraising, Quarterly Reports Show

None of this would be necessary if drugs were legal:
High Court Examines Judges' Power to be Lenient

He Said, She Said- Sixteen Years Later:
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas Sets the Record Straight
Anita Hill says She Told Truth on Thomas Harassment

Did he mention 'Long Dong Silver'?
Jury Finds Isiah Thomas, MSG Guilty of Harassment

This is the Jog's favorite moment from the Isiah Thomas sexual harassment trial. Isiah contends that it's ok for a black man to call a black woman a bitch. But it's not ok when a white man does the same thing. Surprisingly, his defense didn't win the day:


Sexism in heart disease? Where does it end?
Studies Find Gender Gap in Use of Heart Device

Better think before downloading your next illegal MP3:
RIAA Rips Defendant in Nation's First Filesharing Jury Trial

Nasdaq to Buy Boston Stock Exchange

West Nile Update: Virus Kills First Idahoan in Valley

You can kill two people in cold blood but you can't keep the watch:
O.J. Simpson Ordered to Surrender Rolex

Halle Berry is finally pregnant. Now maybe she'll shut up about it... uh, guess not:
Halle Berry Speaks of Pregnancy Joy

Does anyone have a stranger life than Nicholas Cage?
Cage Confronts Naked Intruder in Home

The Jog isn't all that excited about Bruce Springsteen hitting the road to tell us all how we should vote. But some people are:
Springsteen Performs "Magic" in Concert Tour Open

That new show 'Pushing Daisies' is great!
'Daisies' Pushes Dramedy to Limits

That new show 'Pushing Daisies' sucks!
Forced Quirkiness Pushes New Drama 'Daisies' Over the Top

Oh no- what if we lose "Caveman'?
Hollywood Union Asks Writers to Authorize Strike

It's just sad- PBS lies to Nielsen about ratings:
Correction: Ratings for `The War'

Pervs on the internet update:
New Jersey Subpoenas Facebook Over Sex Offenders

Apple Sued for $1m Over $200 iPhone Discount
Hackers Reopen iPhone Hunting Season
Is Apple On the Wrong Path?

Microsoft looks to be on a glide path to divorce with the division that created the Halo trilogy. But don't worry the division that created the Zune is still safely in-house:
Report: Bungie Studios Departing From Microsoft

Free Nintendo Wii 'Jackets' Fight Sweaty Palms

eBay: What to Do with Skype?

The coolest thing in the universe today is:
Star "Jewel Box" Spotted by Hubble

And finally-
The latest dispatch from Britney's last days on earth:
Custody Loss May Be "Wake-Up Call" for Britney

There's plenty more News,
but there's no more News Jog.
We're done.

News Jog 10/2/07

Never doubt that we here at Jog Central have our priorities straight. We have no problem separating the important from the trivial and our news judgment will never be compromised in favor of flashy headlines and celebrity headlines. Well, except for this one time...
Britney Loses Kids
Losing Kids May Be Just What Britney Wanted
Britney Spears: Worst of the Mommy Dearests

Okay- so sue us.
Here's the hard news you elitist bastards:
The Jog finds it interesting that nearly every pundit in America is willing to assume the para-military employees of Blackwater Security just had to be in the wrong during the controversial shootout that took place on the streets of Baghdad a while back. The Jog assumes them innocent until proven guilty- though that's become a quaint notion these days. It's striking that the same types who call for lawyers to defend enemy combatants in Gitmo need no evidence to publicly condemn the brave people who protect our diplomats in Iraq. Maybe there is something to that 'blame America first' mentality after all.
Blackwater Plans a Fierce Defense
Blackwater Chief Refutes 'Negative and Baseless Allegations'

Soon we'll be all alone in Iraq:
New English PM Visits Iraq for Basra Talks

Another day, another suicide bombing:
Suicide Bomb Kills 12 Afghan Police on Bus

The Jog congratulates Beyonce for not acquiescing to Muslim demands that she cover up her gorgeous body while on stage. When will people realize that this is not about cultural differences. The idiots that are demanding Beyonce cover up are the same types that demanded that Elvis be shown on television from the waist up. It's just that these idiots wear turbans rather than suits and ties- that's the only difference. Cultural idiots exist in every culture.
Beyonce Dumps Malaysia Concert After Muslims Ban Cleavage

Wacki Paki update: Pakistan Opposition MPs Resign Over Musharraf Vote

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss:
Putin Suggests He Plans to Continue to Rule After Presidency Ends
The Grandmaster With a Mission: Kasparov's Big Match

The latest in Orange Revolution growing pains:
Rivals Claim Victory in Ukraine Poll

Austria Arrests 2nd Man After U.S. Embassy Incident

When will this end? It's an open and shut case- she died 'cos she was a moron. Now please everyone just shut up about it:
Diana Inquest Opens

One more reason to be glad you don't live in Sudan:
Rebel Attack Came at End of Ramadan Fast

U.N. Envoy Meets With Myanmar Leader

Don't you feel safer already?
Supreme Court Back in Session

The Jog would like to point out that as a general rule it isn't a good idea to prosecute people who are trying to help you:
Doctors Acquitted in Canada Tainted-Blood Trial

Obama is raising record-smashing amounts of money:
Obama Raises $20M in Third Quarter

But will it buy him any votes?
Obama, With Money On His Side, Still Seeks Traction

Okay, just because you asked- Here's the latest on Washington state's primary system:
Justices Skeptical of State's Primary System

e.Coli Update:
Meat Recalls Point to Possibility Threat is Growing
U.S. Beef Supply Safe, Official Says

Phoney-balony health scare of the day:
FDA: Kids' Medicines NOT Recommended

Phoney-baloney earth scare of the day:
Scientists See Dramatic Drop in Arctic Sea Ice

Elton is Pissed, Takes his Ball and Goes Home

Just because it's funny for 30 seconds doesn't mean it's gonna be funny for 30 minutes:
'Cavemen' is a Stone Stinker From the Geico

Radiohead wants you to pay whatever you think their new album is worth. The Jog is willing to toss in a few bucks so long as this album, unlike their others, doesn't sound like it was recorded while the band members were still in bed:
Name Your Price For Radiohead Album

The Boss is still charging full price:
Springsteen Still Has the Magic Touch

Bruce Springsteen Denounces Bush's America


Honeymoon over?
Trouble in iPhone Paradise
Apple Users Talking Class-Action Lawsuit Over iPhone Locking

EBay Takes a Blow on Skype

Zune 2.0 anyone? Hello... is this thing on?
Microsoft to Launch Zune 2.0 This Week

Yet another Microsoft launch doomed to failure:
Microsoft Office Heads to the Web
Five Reasons Google Docs Beats Office Live Workspace

Are you ready for Organic TV?
Sony Plans to Release OLED TV Display in December

Start standing in line now you silly sheep:
Nintendo Won't Meet Wii Holiday 2007 Demand

Will Guitar Heroes pay for 'Rock Band'?
'Rock Band' Price Tag Troublesome

And finally:
A few more reasons to hate the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame:
Rolling Stone Magazine Hits a Sour Note With Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees

There's plenty more News,
but there's no more News Jog.
We're done.

News Jog 10/1/07

TGIM!
Thank God It's Monday!
Now get up off your behind and go find a way to make this week work for you. You'll only get this week once in your life- don't squander the opportunity.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Jog isn't a fan of war but we are a fan of facing the harsh realities of this world. We sense the story below is being dangled out there to put some fear into the Mullahs that currently run Iran. We particularly like the part that describes Dick Cheney as itching to go to war. If we need to take them out, we should take them out. But making them believe we're just crazy enough to do it might obviate the need to actually do it. Just as in personal life standing up to a bully immediately is usually the best way to avoid a fight. Then again, saber-rattling does at times lead to conflict- so stay tuned.
US Weighs Possible Strikes on Iran's Military

Or- maybe we should give 'em a little more time, surely they'll come around:
World Powers Delay Iran Sanctions

It's time to start calling 'em 'French' Fries again!
France to Propose European Sanctions Against Iran

This would be fun to see:
Iran Invites Bush to Speak at University

Things are going well in Iraq:
US Military in Iraq Reports Success Against Terrorists

Things are not going so well in Iraq:
US Military 'Regrets' Civilian Deaths in Iraq

BLACKWATER'S UGLY AMERICANS

Another reason to be glad you don't live in Pakistan:
Pakistan Poll Ruling Sparks Riots

Another reason to be glad you don't live in Yemen:
Eight Killed as Volcano Erupts Off Yemen

Oh yeah- like this'll help:
U.N. Envoy Arrives in Myanmar to Talk Peace

Satellite Images Reveal Burmese Atrocities

Why does he feel the need to kowtow to this bogus issue?
Bush Vows to Reduce Climate Change

Well, as long as the Euros are still angry- we're still happy:
Europeans Angry After Bush Climate Speech

Wow- he must really hate children!
Veto Is Certain, Bush Tells Pelosi

Ah Unions- so relevant in grandpa's day:
Benefits Stable, Union Says

The Jog kinda likes Newt Gingrich but we're glad he decided not to run for president. Professorial types make good professors- they don't make good presidents.

Barack vs. Bill update:
Bill Clinton Wades in to Defend Hillary’s Reputation

No, not 'cos he's a Mormon... silly
Romney Seeks to Assure Supporters Over Campaign

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has written a new autobiography- presumably because he's the only author willing to write anything good about Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.

Don't worry- Michigan is still open for business.

e.Coli Update:
Topps Vastly Expands Ground Beef Recall

The Jog's favorite teams aren't doing so well this NFL season so watching Green Bay QB Brett Favre shock the world has been our favorite story this past four weeks.

The Jog simply can't stand the concept of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Rock and Roll stars should be rebelling against the people who build halls of fame not being enshrined in them:
Madonna Nominated for Rock Hall of Fame

What Year is This? Beatles in the News

Admit it now- you know The Rock has charisma:
'Game Plan' Tops North America Box Office

Bond's 'Moneypenny' Dies at 80

Kiefer Sutherland could go to jail for a few months- or years.

Oprah Winfrey has already stolen the mind of every woman in America and to add insult to injury she just keeps getting richer and richer as a result of her vagio-mental thievery.

Listen closely and you'll hear the lonely sound of geeks losing wood:
Jessica Biel Says No To ‘Justice League’

Lindsay Lohan's dad is a felonious drug addict so who better to help her cope after rehab?

Nostalgic for last week?
Week in Photos: Dawn Lifts Off, Pike Poisoned, More

Nostalgic for all things Halo 3 that happened last week?
The Week in Halo 3

Review: 'Halo 3' Good, but Not Spectacular

Nostalgic for the cold war?
10 Things You Didn't Know About Sputnik

It's fun to be rich!
Son to Follow Father's Footsteps in Space

Even the best companies know how to waste money:
Google Reportedly Buying Mobile Social Network Zingku

And finally:
The Queen of good decisions, Pamela Anderson, is about to marry the guy in the Paris Hilton sex tape. Unreal.

There's plenty more News,
but there's no more News Jog.
We're done.