Obama Deficit Hole

Very Funny. From Matt Wuerker at Politico.

Gmail Goes Offline (in a good way)!!!

OK, so I haven't posted in a while. Why am I posting for the first time in months about Gmail? Because this is something really great if you, like me, have wrestled with the benefits of Gmail (SO MANY), yet have been dogged by that one lingering (HUGE) problem - the fact that it is only available online. What happens if you lose your internet connection? What happens if your connection is slow? If you have ever, like me, at one time or another lost your own wireless router to a hacker and had to enlist the help of a friend to hijack it back and kick off the hacker, these are not theoretical questions. If you, like me, enjoy working or playing on your laptop from places on the road, such as a cafe that either doesn't have, or charges for, wifi, or your car, or your parents' house before they got high-speed internet access and a wireless router, these questions are all too real. You're very limited if you want to access your previously downloaded emails and want to compose new mail that doesn't necessarily need to be sent this instant but needs to be written right now.

But Seth, you say, you can always download your email to Outlook or Outlook Express (or some other email client of your choice if you happen to be savvy - but if you're so savvy, why do I need to explain the benefits of Offline Gmail to you? Hmm?)!

Yes, you could do that, but then you would lose all your tags and settings!

If you, like me, have a dozen or so filters for easy email sorting, this is a big deal. To all my Orthodox peeps out there - I get about 50 Divrei Torah a week. To everyone out there - I also get email from various lists: local community information; a friends with a really interesting, but very time consuming hobby of researching obscure figures in Jewish history and sending out lengthy articles to all his friends every other day; most importantly these days, a dozen or so job lists.

In other words, if I gave up (or lost) my filters by downloading my email to my desktop, I would have to sort through all of these emails that I genuinely want to read, though not necessarily right now, in order to get other important emails from my family, friends and business contacts.

So, thanks to Offline Gmail, now I can access my previous emails offline and compose new messages to be sent as soon as Gmail detects an internet connection.

There's a lot more to write about this, like how it works, how you access it in the first place, how you send mail, whether or not you can get your new mail if a connection is available fleetingly, and more. But that's all be published in this handy-dandy blog post on the Official Gmail Blog right here:

Official Gmail Blog: New in Labs: Offline Gmail

Palin's pastor problems vs. Obama's

My previous post has been getting some people a little bit heated. First of all, the question arose as to what part of the sermon that I posted I was referencing. The speaker of the sermon, David Brickner, is the executive director of Jews for Jesus. He was an invited guest of Sarah Palin's church, where he spoke about his mission in Israel. What he said was that terrorism in Israel is a judgment against the Jews for not accepting Jesus.

(I've also been asked "where are the videos??" by my friends on Facebook - guys, I'm importing my notes from my personal blog http://www.sethj.blogspot.com, and the videos aren't coming through - click on the bottom of the note where it says "View original post" to be redirected).

The second question that was asked was whether I should be concerned by comments made by a guest speaker to Sarah Palin's church. The answer is yes, as one of the videos shows an interview in which the pastor said he would absolutely re-invite David Brickner to speak at his church, even after hearing what he said the first time. His beliefs are in sync with that of the church and its membership.

The third question that was asked was whether I really want to get into a debate about pastor problems, when Obama has his own problem, especially since Obama was a member of the church where Jeremiah Wright spoke repeatedly against the United States and Obama had a very close relationship with Wright.

Here's the difference, as I see it, between Palin's problem and Obama's.

When I first brought up Palin's religious beliefs as a potential problem for the general citizenry of the United States should she be elected vice president, a friend made a point of telling me that at her synagogue, rabbis have spoken and said appalling things, and she asked me if that reflects on her. That's a fair point to make in reference to the Jeremiah Wright controversy. Just because the rabbi or pastor speaks in negative terms about the morals and ethics of the society around you, and says inflamatory things that can make one's skin crawl, that does not necessarily reflect on you for being there - or even for having a close relationship with that person. Many people hold vastly different beliefs, and still turn to one another for friendship, guidance and counsel.

The difference here is that David Brickner's sermon goes to a deeper issue, which is that what he said at Palin's church is what MAINSTREAM Evangelical and Pentacostal Christians believe. Jeremiah Wright was demagoguing. Even if he actually believes all the things he himself says in his church (which I doubt), it's a cultural thing, and it's the type of thing that is believed by those who have been put down and trodden upon by society; not well-educated, open-minded individuals who are multi-racial and who worked themselves from food-stamps to editor of the Harvard Law Review.

On the other hand, Jews for Jesus is on a mission. It's a mission to convert Jews - at any and all costs. They believe that Jews not only are going to Hell at the "End of Days", but that we are doomed to suffer in this world as well. And it's a mission and philosophy in which millions (over 100,000,000) Evangelical and Pentacostal Christians believe in America, as well as many other Christian groups around the world.

There is a very prominent rabbi in Israel, whom I will not name because I have not spoken to him in reference to this post, who is well known to raise money from Evangelical and Pentacostal groups on behalf of the State of Israel, and is also well known to say to those groups, "in the end we'll see who's right." I speak from a position of authority because, though I have not spoken to him about this post - as I stated above - I have heard him speak about this exact tactic of his personally.

But this sermon by Brickner demonstrates to me why that philosophy - tolerating their "eccentric" beliefs for the time being in this world - is very dangerous. These Christian groups believe that Jews must accept Jesus, or else they will not only go to Hell, but deserve to suffer in this world as well. They're only on our side while it's good for them, and they'll only tolerate us while it's politically incorrect not to.

Would a Vice President - or President - Palin set up a mission to convert Jews? Not likely. But would she support missionary efforts under the umbrella of "Faith-Based Initiatives"? Absolutely. Would she send money to Palestinian Islamic Jihad or Hamas? Definitely not! But would she turn a blind eye to a situation like that in Sderot - as Bush had done for over six years until very recently - saying to herself, "it's their own fault; if they'd only accept Jesus this would all stop; I'll intervene if the political pressure gets strong enough"? I am 100% convinced that she would. Yes. Would Obama? I doubt it - am I certain he wouldn't? No. But what I know about Christian society as a whole in America is that, while they support Israel, the Israel they are supporting is one in which Jews are slowly moved to accept Jesus so that he can return from the dead and bring the Rapture. They do not - LISTEN TO ME HERE - they do NOT support Jews living a Jewish life in the Land of Israel, Artzeinu HaKedoshah (OUR Holy Land). Nor do they particularly care if a synagogue in Los Angeles or Atlanta or Brooklyn gets vandalized. They don't like vandalism in general - it's bad for societal order - but they fundamentally believe, deep down, that we have it coming.

Look, ultimately it comes down to what you or I think is the more serious problem. Do I believe that Jeremiah Wright or his radical anti-America message is in any way going to influence an Obama-Biden administration, either in domestic policy or foreign policy? Not on your life. Would I ever have worried that the Jerry Falwells and David Brickners of the world would have influenced a McCain-Lieberman or a Giuliani-McCain (or vice versa) administration? No! But am I concerned that President Palin would conduct her policies with ignorance, and base her decisions on a fundamental belief that her work is the work of some twisted god that in no way resembles the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob? Ohh, you betcha! I'm not only concerned that she might; I'm convinced that she absolutely would. And I'm also convinced that if McCain is elected president on November 4, 2008, Sarah Palin would be sworn in as president no later than January 20, 2013. The Republican party bosses would make sure of it.

Palin's pastor problems

If I had more time I'd edit these to all the relevant parts, but for the time being, here are some good videos to learn about Sarah Palin's religious beliefs. (Hint: they are not friendly towards Jews, Israel, or any non American-brand Protestant Christian denomination.)






Now audio from that sermon in her church with the director of Jews for Jesus (taken from the church's own website by me - not some anti-Palin blogger):
http://wasillabible.org/sermon_files/2008_Sermons/wbc080914.mp3

And here is the transcript (this is the pdf version; I have the original Word document version on my other computer, so if this, the pdf, doesn't match the audio, Beli Neder, I'll update it):
http://www.wasillabible.org/sermon_files/2008_Transcripts/The%20Jerusalem%20Dilemma.pdf

Support for Palin Among Conservatives is Fading

Whatever your politics, and whatever your hopes for the outcome of this year's presidential election, there is one thing that cannot be ignored - Sarah Palin is, "Clearly Out Of Her League," writes conservative commentator Kathleen Parker, formerly a staunch supporter of the Republican Alaska governor-turned-vice-presidential-nominee, whom she once said, "makes feminists look like sissy-girls."

A video clip of Peggy Noonan and Mike Murphy blasting McCain's choice of Palin as a running mate when they thought they were off-camera has been widely circulated (see below).



Now, though, criticism comes from an early supporter of the vice-presidential candidate, culminating with a surprising demand - for Palin to drop out to, "save John McCain, her party, and the country she loves."

If you want to read how Parker's support has faded, read her columns in order:

http://townhall.com/columnists/KathleenParker/2008/09/03/palin_the_impaled

http://townhall.com/columnists/KathleenParker/2008/09/05/palins_palliative

http://townhall.com/columnists/KathleenParker/2008/09/10/arugula_fatigue

http://townhall.com/columnists/KathleenParker/2008/09/19/a_time_to_worry

http://townhall.com/columnists/KathleenParker/2008/09/26/the_palin_problem

Phone Atone

The Presidential candidates for 2008 atone for their sins for the New Year.....Bi-Partisan...phone atonements.....we are all very very sorry....and it's very very funny.... Happy Rosh Hashanah to all our Jewish friends on the left, right, and places in between.

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A Peek Into the Mind of the Average College Freshman

**Apparently the link to this article will expire soon, and it will only be available to paid subscribers after that. I hope that by posting the title of the publication and the author's name I won't get into any trouble. I'm only sharing this because it's fascinating. If I am asked by The Chronicle of Higher Education to take it down, I will oblige. Probably.**

The Chronicle of Higher EducationTuesday, August 19, 2008

A Peek Into the Mind of the Average College Freshman

By DON TROOP

Yes, professor, you really are getting old. Just take a look at the members of this year's freshman class.

Assuming the students in that class were born in 1990, they would have been conceived about the same time as the World Wide Web, taken their first steps as Clarence Thomas took the Supreme Court oath, and had their entire lives to angle for a gig with Teach for America. And the Warsaw Pact— what's that?

Each August, Beloit College publishes its Mind-Set List to help professors and administrators understand the average incoming freshman's frame of reference by describing how things have "always been," or at least how they've been for the past 18 years.

The two men who compile the list—Tom McBride, a professor of English, and Ron Nief, director of public affairs—note that while many things have changed since the Class of 2012 was born, some things seem remarkably similar to the world as it was in 1990: "Rising fuel costs were causing airlines to cut staff and flight schedules; Big 3 car companies were facing declining sales and profits; and a president named Bush was increasing the number of troops in the Middle East in the hopes of securing peace."

The Beloit College Mind-Set List

For these students, Sammy Davis Jr., Jim Henson, Ryan White, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Freddy Krueger have always been dead.

1. Harry Potter could be a classmate, playing on their Quidditch team.

2. Since they were in diapers, karaoke machines have been annoying people at parties.

3. They have always been looking for Carmen Sandiego.

4. GPS satellite navigation systems have always been available.

5. Coke and Pepsi have always used recycled plastic bottles.

6. Shampoo and conditioner have always been available in the same bottle.

7. Gas stations have never fixed flats, but most serve cappuccino.

8. The students' parents may have dropped them in shock when they heard George Bush announce "tax-revenue increases."

9. Electronic filing of tax returns has always been an option.

10. Girls in head scarves have always been part of the school fashion scene.

11. All have had a relative—or known about a friend's relative—who died comfortably at home with hospice.

12. As a precursor to "whatever," they have recognized that some people "just don't get it."

13. Universal Studios has always offered an alternative to Mickey in Orlando, Fla.

14. Grandma has always had wheels on her walker.

15. Martha Stewart Living has always been setting the style.

16. Häagen-Dazs ice cream has always come in quarts.

17. Club Med resorts have always been places to take the whole family.

18. WWW has never stood for World Wide Wrestling.

19. Films have never been X rated, only NC-17.

20. The Warsaw Pact is as hazy for them as the League of Nations was for their parents.

21. Students have always been "Rocking the Vote."

22. Clarence Thomas has always sat on the Supreme Court.

23. Schools have always been concerned about multiculturalism.

24. We have always known that "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten."

25. There have always been gay rabbis.

26. Wayne Newton has never had a mustache.

27. College grads have always been able to Teach for America.

28. IBM has never made typewriters.

29. Roseanne Barr has never been invited to sing the national anthem again.

30. McDonald's and Burger King have always used vegetable oil for cooking french fries.

31. The students have never been able to color a tree using a raw-umber Crayola.

32. There has always been Pearl Jam.

33. The Tonight Show has always had Jay Leno as its host and started at 11:35 p.m. Eastern time.

34. Pee-wee has never been in his playhouse during the day.

35. They never tasted Benefit cereal with psyllium.

36. They may have been given a Nintendo Game Boy to play with in the crib.

37. Authorities have always been building a wall along the Mexican border.

38. Lenin's name has never been on a major city in Russia.

39. Employers have always been able to do credit checks on employees.

40. Balsamic vinegar has always been available in the United States.

41. Macaulay Culkin has always been Home Alone.

42. The students' parents may have watched American Gladiators on TV the day they were born.

43. Personal privacy has always been threatened.

44. Caller ID has always been available on phones.

45. Living wills have always been asked for at hospital check-ins.

46. The Green Bay Packers (almost) always had the same starting quarterback.

47. The students have never heard a gasoline-station attendant ask, "Want me to check under the hood?"

48. Iced tea has always come in cans and bottles.

49. Soft-drink refills have always been free.

50. The students have never known life without Seinfeld references from a show about "nothing."

51. Windows operating systems have always made IBM PC's user-friendly.

52. Muscovites have always been able to buy Big Macs.

53. The Royal New Zealand Navy has never been permitted a daily ration of rum.

54. The Hubble Space Telescope has always been eavesdropping on the heavens.

55. 98.6 degrees F, or otherwise, has always been confirmed in the ear.

56. Michael Milken has always been a philanthropist promoting prostate-cancer research.

57. Off-shore oil drilling in U.S. waters has always been prohibited.

58. Radio stations have never been required to present both sides of public issues.

59. There have always been charter schools.

60. Students always had Goosebumps.