Washingtonpost.com has stated the following:
Bill Gates leads the list for the 9th straight year, but the Microsoft co-founder's net worth fell 23 percent from a year ago to $40.7 billion. Investment guru Warren Buffett remained in second place with $30.5 billion, a 13 percent drop from last year.
Gates' personal wealth, much of it in company stock, has diminished by 60 percent since April 1998, when it briefly reached $100 billion. His worst year was 1999, when it plunged by a third as the government pursued an antitrust case against Microsoft. Forbes notes he is also the world's biggest giver, donating $1 billion annually to charity, largely to vaccine research.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A13082-2003Feb27.html
Is it time to start bashing Gates again just because he's rich? I think not! I sure wish I could donate a billion dollars!
Friday, February 28, 2003
Public schools stike again!
-----------------------------------------------------------
CHILDREN OF MAINE GUARD UNIT TAUNTED BY TEACHERS
Robert Stacy McCain
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
-----------------------------------------------------------
Members of the Maine National Guard, called up to prepare for an attack on Iraq, have asserted that their children are being harassed at school by teachers who oppose the war.
Guard members say their children are "coming home upset, depressed, crying," said Maj. Peter Rogers, a spokesman for the Maine National Guard. "This was based on some incidents that were happening in school, both in the classroom and on the playground."
In an e-mail sent to the parents of one child who had complained of harassment at school, National Guard officials said they had "over 30 complaints that name schools and individual principals, teachers and guidance counselors."
It was still not clear yesterday whether the state will discipline any of the named teachers or schools over the incidents.
"In Maine, local superintendents make local policy for local schools," said Tammy Morrill, assistant to J. Duke Albanese, state commissioner of education.
A "fact-gathering" process about the incidents is under way, Maj. Rogers said. The incidents involved students in elementary and middle schools, some as young as 7 years old, he said.
"What we're hearing is that some of the educators are talking about the possible war in Iraq being unethical and that those who would fight it are unethical," Maj. Rogers said.
The state commissioner of education has urged school officials to be more "sensitive" to military children.
"Recently it has been brought to our attention that some school personnel ... may have been less than sensitive to children of military families regarding our continued strained relations with Iraq," Mr. Albanese wrote in a letter sent Tuesday to all superintendents and principals in Maine.
"In some cases, parents � who are about to be deployed � have observed added stress and anxiety among their children who perceive a staff member or their peers as being insensitive to their beliefs and the potential danger to loved ones," Mr. Albanese wrote.
The commissioner said that, while supporting "the right to discuss controversial issues," he wanted "to remind school personnel ... that the families of military personnel need our sensitivity."
Complaints about harassment in schools first surfaced, Maj. Rogers said, after two of Maine's Army National Guard units were mobilized recently for deployment to the Middle East.
"About a week ago, we started doing our family-assistance-center briefings," Maj. Rogers said, explaining that the centers provide support for the families of Guard troops on active duty. "In these briefings, a number of families came forward and talked about their children coming home upset, depressed, crying."
Maj. Rogers said the state commissioner's office "has been very supportive" of the military families in responding to the complaints. "We're hoping [Mr. Albanese's letter to school officials] will end the issue," Maj. Rogers said. "We're not looking at pointing fingers or anything."
Mr. Albanese told the Bangor Daily News that only one complaint involved classroom remarks, after the child of a Guard member became upset during a discussion of Iraq when a teaching assistant "took up the anti-war" argument.
Other incidents, according to Mr. Albanese, involved a child who had requested to leave school early for a military-related activity and a student who was teased on a school bus because he has a parent in the military.
Teachers across the country have tried to find proper ways to teach children about the war on terrorism. Last year, the National Education Association was criticized for posting a link to an online lesson plan for the September 11 anniversary recommending that teachers discuss "historical instances of American intolerance" so that America could avoid "repeating terrible mistakes."
The incidents involving the children of National Guard members in Maine were "a surprise to us," Maj. Rogers said. "We are certainly hoping that none of it was done maliciously. ... We certainly value the freedom of speech and fight for it, but we hope that people would be sensitive to the kids."
-----------------------------------------------------------
This article was mailed from The Washington Times
(http://www.washtimes.com/national/20030227-8550156.htm)
For more great articles, visit us at http://www.washtimes.com
Copyright (c) 2002 News World Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
-----------------------------------------------------------
CHILDREN OF MAINE GUARD UNIT TAUNTED BY TEACHERS
Robert Stacy McCain
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
-----------------------------------------------------------
Members of the Maine National Guard, called up to prepare for an attack on Iraq, have asserted that their children are being harassed at school by teachers who oppose the war.
Guard members say their children are "coming home upset, depressed, crying," said Maj. Peter Rogers, a spokesman for the Maine National Guard. "This was based on some incidents that were happening in school, both in the classroom and on the playground."
In an e-mail sent to the parents of one child who had complained of harassment at school, National Guard officials said they had "over 30 complaints that name schools and individual principals, teachers and guidance counselors."
It was still not clear yesterday whether the state will discipline any of the named teachers or schools over the incidents.
"In Maine, local superintendents make local policy for local schools," said Tammy Morrill, assistant to J. Duke Albanese, state commissioner of education.
A "fact-gathering" process about the incidents is under way, Maj. Rogers said. The incidents involved students in elementary and middle schools, some as young as 7 years old, he said.
"What we're hearing is that some of the educators are talking about the possible war in Iraq being unethical and that those who would fight it are unethical," Maj. Rogers said.
The state commissioner of education has urged school officials to be more "sensitive" to military children.
"Recently it has been brought to our attention that some school personnel ... may have been less than sensitive to children of military families regarding our continued strained relations with Iraq," Mr. Albanese wrote in a letter sent Tuesday to all superintendents and principals in Maine.
"In some cases, parents � who are about to be deployed � have observed added stress and anxiety among their children who perceive a staff member or their peers as being insensitive to their beliefs and the potential danger to loved ones," Mr. Albanese wrote.
The commissioner said that, while supporting "the right to discuss controversial issues," he wanted "to remind school personnel ... that the families of military personnel need our sensitivity."
Complaints about harassment in schools first surfaced, Maj. Rogers said, after two of Maine's Army National Guard units were mobilized recently for deployment to the Middle East.
"About a week ago, we started doing our family-assistance-center briefings," Maj. Rogers said, explaining that the centers provide support for the families of Guard troops on active duty. "In these briefings, a number of families came forward and talked about their children coming home upset, depressed, crying."
Maj. Rogers said the state commissioner's office "has been very supportive" of the military families in responding to the complaints. "We're hoping [Mr. Albanese's letter to school officials] will end the issue," Maj. Rogers said. "We're not looking at pointing fingers or anything."
Mr. Albanese told the Bangor Daily News that only one complaint involved classroom remarks, after the child of a Guard member became upset during a discussion of Iraq when a teaching assistant "took up the anti-war" argument.
Other incidents, according to Mr. Albanese, involved a child who had requested to leave school early for a military-related activity and a student who was teased on a school bus because he has a parent in the military.
Teachers across the country have tried to find proper ways to teach children about the war on terrorism. Last year, the National Education Association was criticized for posting a link to an online lesson plan for the September 11 anniversary recommending that teachers discuss "historical instances of American intolerance" so that America could avoid "repeating terrible mistakes."
The incidents involving the children of National Guard members in Maine were "a surprise to us," Maj. Rogers said. "We are certainly hoping that none of it was done maliciously. ... We certainly value the freedom of speech and fight for it, but we hope that people would be sensitive to the kids."
-----------------------------------------------------------
This article was mailed from The Washington Times
(http://www.washtimes.com/national/20030227-8550156.htm)
For more great articles, visit us at http://www.washtimes.com
Copyright (c) 2002 News World Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
Thursday, February 27, 2003
Oh those poor silly Canadians!
MP Carolyn Parrish was speaking to reporters about Canada's diplomatic initiative on Iraq. At the end of her comments Parrish said, "Damn Americans � I hate those bastards."
Late last year, the prime minister's communications director, Francoise Ducros, resigned after calling U.S. President George W. Bush "a moron" during a conversation with a reporter in Prague.
http://cbc.ca/stories/2003/02/26/bastards030226
MP Carolyn Parrish was speaking to reporters about Canada's diplomatic initiative on Iraq. At the end of her comments Parrish said, "Damn Americans � I hate those bastards."
Late last year, the prime minister's communications director, Francoise Ducros, resigned after calling U.S. President George W. Bush "a moron" during a conversation with a reporter in Prague.
http://cbc.ca/stories/2003/02/26/bastards030226
Wednesday, February 26, 2003
Danish pizzeria bans French and Germans
A Danish pizzeria has banned French and Germans from dining there because of their country's stance on a war with Iraq.
Aage Bjerre, who owns Aage's Pizza on the island of Fanoe, said he's tired of French and German attitudes toward the United States.
Aage said: "Hadn't the United States helped Europe in defeating Germany, there would have been photos of Adolf Hitler hanging on the walls around here."
Danish pizzeria bans French and Germans
A Danish pizzeria has banned French and Germans from dining there because of their country's stance on a war with Iraq.
Aage Bjerre, who owns Aage's Pizza on the island of Fanoe, said he's tired of French and German attitudes toward the United States.
Aage said: "Hadn't the United States helped Europe in defeating Germany, there would have been photos of Adolf Hitler hanging on the walls around here."
Danish pizzeria bans French and Germans
Friday, February 14, 2003
A letter I found on wnd.com points out some good reasons why we shouldn't let France be an ally any more.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2003
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The military history of France:
Gallic Wars � Lost. In a war whose ending foreshadows the next 2,000 years of French history, France is conquered by, of all things, an Italian.
Hundred Years War � Mostly lost, saved at last by a female schizophrenic who inadvertently creates The First Rule of French Warfare: "France's armies are victorious only when not led by a Frenchman."
Italian Wars � Lost. France becomes the first and only country to ever lose two wars when fighting Italians. Wars of Religion � France goes 0-5-4 against the Huguenots
Thirty Years War � France is technically not a participant, but manages to get invaded anyway. Claims a tie on the basis that eventually the other participants started ignoring her.
War of Devolution � Tied. Frenchmen take to wearing red flowerpots as chapeaux.
The Dutch War � Tied.
War of the Augsburg League / King William's War / French and Indian War � Lost, but claimed as a tie. Three ties in a row induces deluded Francophiles the world over to label the period as the height of French military power.
War of the Spanish Succession � Lost. The war also gave the French their first taste of a Marlborough, which they have loved every since.
American Revolution � In a move that will become quite familiar to future Americans, France claims a win even though the English colonists saw far more action. This is later known as "de Gaulle Syndrome," and leads to the Second Rule of French Warfare: "France only wins when America does most of the fighting."
French Revolution � Won, primarily due the fact that the opponent was also French.
The Napoleonic Wars � Lost. Temporary victories (remember the First Rule!) due to leadership of a Corsican, who ended up being no match for a British footwear designer.
The Franco-Prussian War � Lost. Germany first plays the role of drunk frat boy to France's ugly girl home alone on a Saturday night.
World War I � Tied and on the way to losing, France is saved by the United States. Thousands of French women find out what it's like to not only sleep with a winner, but one who doesn't call her "Fraulein." Sadly, widespread use of condoms by American forces forestalls any improvement in the French bloodline.
World War II � Lost. Conquered French liberated by the United States and Britain just as they finish learning the Horst Wessel song.
War in Indochina � Lost. French forces plead sickness, take to bed with the Dien Bien Flu.
Algerian Rebellion � Lost. Loss marks the first defeat of a Western army by a Non-Turkic Muslim force since the Crusades, and produces the First Rule of Muslim Warfare: "We can always beat the French." This rule is identical to the First Rules of the Italians, Russians, Germans, English, Dutch, Spanish, Vietnamese and Esquimaux.
War on Terrorism � France, keeping in mind its recent history, surrenders to Germans and Muslims just to be safe. Attempts to surrender to Vietnamese ambassador fail after he takes refuge in a McDonald's.
The question for any country silly enough to count on the French should not be "Can we count on the French?" but, rather, "How long until France collapses?"
G. Kilber
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
France's history of military failure
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The military history of France:
Gallic Wars � Lost. In a war whose ending foreshadows the next 2,000 years of French history, France is conquered by, of all things, an Italian.
Hundred Years War � Mostly lost, saved at last by a female schizophrenic who inadvertently creates The First Rule of French Warfare: "France's armies are victorious only when not led by a Frenchman."
Italian Wars � Lost. France becomes the first and only country to ever lose two wars when fighting Italians. Wars of Religion � France goes 0-5-4 against the Huguenots
Thirty Years War � France is technically not a participant, but manages to get invaded anyway. Claims a tie on the basis that eventually the other participants started ignoring her.
War of Devolution � Tied. Frenchmen take to wearing red flowerpots as chapeaux.
The Dutch War � Tied.
War of the Augsburg League / King William's War / French and Indian War � Lost, but claimed as a tie. Three ties in a row induces deluded Francophiles the world over to label the period as the height of French military power.
War of the Spanish Succession � Lost. The war also gave the French their first taste of a Marlborough, which they have loved every since.
American Revolution � In a move that will become quite familiar to future Americans, France claims a win even though the English colonists saw far more action. This is later known as "de Gaulle Syndrome," and leads to the Second Rule of French Warfare: "France only wins when America does most of the fighting."
French Revolution � Won, primarily due the fact that the opponent was also French.
The Napoleonic Wars � Lost. Temporary victories (remember the First Rule!) due to leadership of a Corsican, who ended up being no match for a British footwear designer.
The Franco-Prussian War � Lost. Germany first plays the role of drunk frat boy to France's ugly girl home alone on a Saturday night.
World War I � Tied and on the way to losing, France is saved by the United States. Thousands of French women find out what it's like to not only sleep with a winner, but one who doesn't call her "Fraulein." Sadly, widespread use of condoms by American forces forestalls any improvement in the French bloodline.
World War II � Lost. Conquered French liberated by the United States and Britain just as they finish learning the Horst Wessel song.
War in Indochina � Lost. French forces plead sickness, take to bed with the Dien Bien Flu.
Algerian Rebellion � Lost. Loss marks the first defeat of a Western army by a Non-Turkic Muslim force since the Crusades, and produces the First Rule of Muslim Warfare: "We can always beat the French." This rule is identical to the First Rules of the Italians, Russians, Germans, English, Dutch, Spanish, Vietnamese and Esquimaux.
War on Terrorism � France, keeping in mind its recent history, surrenders to Germans and Muslims just to be safe. Attempts to surrender to Vietnamese ambassador fail after he takes refuge in a McDonald's.
The question for any country silly enough to count on the French should not be "Can we count on the French?" but, rather, "How long until France collapses?"
G. Kilber
AOL/Netscape had the following story... I though I'd add my comments...
http://channels.netscape.com/ns/love/content.jsp?file=love/fun/singlevalentines.jsp
No Valentine?
Diversions for Singles
8 Ways for Singles to Beat the Valentine's Day Blues
By Patty Lamberti
So you don't have a date for Valentine's Day? No worries. February 14th is nothing but another way for card companies to rake in more money. But we have a feeling that when the clock strikes 6pm, and you're sitting in your apartment, alone, knowing this won't make you feel much better. So here are a few ways to have some fun, either alone or with a lonelyheart of the opposite sex, on this manufactured day for lovers.
February 14th is nothing but another way for card companies to rake in more money. Preach it sister!!
Go to the movies. There's no better way to entirely forget your own life than sitting in a darkened theater. There's a caveat : don't watch a romantic comedy on Valentine's day. The movie theater has an added benefit. It's an often-overlooked place to meet another single. Go with a buddy and perhaps you'll run into two members of the opposite sex in the popcorn line. Ask them out for a drink after the movie.
Couple problems with this... I work. At night. How many members of the opposite sex will my buddy and I meet at the noon show? Odds are I'd go to jail for trying to take a 12 year old out for drinks after the movie.
Belly up to the bar. Plenty of single men and women spend Valentine's drowning their woes at a bar. Let's not mince words - most of them are there to hook up. This is the only night of the year during which a line like, "I can't believe you're alone tonight" will work.
"I can't believe you'er alone tonight" might work, but then it will probably work everytime you try it on someone who's stone cold drunk... Anyways I don't drink. There are much better ways to wast my money.
Tire yourself out during the day. Go running, rock climbing or skiing so that the last thing you'd want to do at night is romance someone. In the morning, you'll be well rested as you listen to your coupled friends tell you Valentine Day horror stories.
Great plan if only I didn't work the night shift.
Rent movies with femme fatales. Every film noir has a femme fatale, a woman who entraps men with her seductive ways, then eats them alive. Modern movies with femme fatales include The Last Seduction, Body Heat and The Man Who Wasn't There. Be glad you are alone. If you had a blind date tonight, she might be fatal.
Let me get this straight. You think I should go rent some crappy moive I don't really care to see? That's supose to make me feel all happy and perky on the most depressing day of the year? Oh yeah, what if I was a girl?
Go out clubbing. Clubs are full of single people on Valentine's Day. There's nothing like sharing sweat to instigate an intimate moment.
Again there is the work issue. Also I've not heard of too many girls who like sweaty guys.
Plan an auto erotic night. You don't need someone else to physically gratify yourself. Afterwards, you won't have to talk or share a cigarette.
I guess Patty's going to be doing the female version of spanking the mokey or the hand jive... I guess this is supost to go along with renting dumb kinky moives that we really don't want to see. I guess if this way to have fun isn't talking about masterbation, then physically gratifying myself must mean holding my own hand? That doesn't sound like very much fun.
Chat online. Lots of lonelyhearts visit chat rooms on Valentine's Day. Maybe you'll find one to hang out with by Memorial Day.
Finally somehting that might work for me... but I'm not going to do it :)
Plan ahead. Get a date before Valentine's Day. Don't tell us you can't meet anyone. Maybe it's time to try your luck in a personal ad. Our personals site has lots of great singles, waiting for someone like you.
I've got a personal add. They don't work.
Copyright 2003 Fun Online Corporation.
http://channels.netscape.com/ns/love/content.jsp?file=love/fun/singlevalentines.jsp
No Valentine?
Diversions for Singles
8 Ways for Singles to Beat the Valentine's Day Blues
By Patty Lamberti
So you don't have a date for Valentine's Day? No worries. February 14th is nothing but another way for card companies to rake in more money. But we have a feeling that when the clock strikes 6pm, and you're sitting in your apartment, alone, knowing this won't make you feel much better. So here are a few ways to have some fun, either alone or with a lonelyheart of the opposite sex, on this manufactured day for lovers.
February 14th is nothing but another way for card companies to rake in more money. Preach it sister!!
Go to the movies. There's no better way to entirely forget your own life than sitting in a darkened theater. There's a caveat : don't watch a romantic comedy on Valentine's day. The movie theater has an added benefit. It's an often-overlooked place to meet another single. Go with a buddy and perhaps you'll run into two members of the opposite sex in the popcorn line. Ask them out for a drink after the movie.
Couple problems with this... I work. At night. How many members of the opposite sex will my buddy and I meet at the noon show? Odds are I'd go to jail for trying to take a 12 year old out for drinks after the movie.
Belly up to the bar. Plenty of single men and women spend Valentine's drowning their woes at a bar. Let's not mince words - most of them are there to hook up. This is the only night of the year during which a line like, "I can't believe you're alone tonight" will work.
"I can't believe you'er alone tonight" might work, but then it will probably work everytime you try it on someone who's stone cold drunk... Anyways I don't drink. There are much better ways to wast my money.
Tire yourself out during the day. Go running, rock climbing or skiing so that the last thing you'd want to do at night is romance someone. In the morning, you'll be well rested as you listen to your coupled friends tell you Valentine Day horror stories.
Great plan if only I didn't work the night shift.
Rent movies with femme fatales. Every film noir has a femme fatale, a woman who entraps men with her seductive ways, then eats them alive. Modern movies with femme fatales include The Last Seduction, Body Heat and The Man Who Wasn't There. Be glad you are alone. If you had a blind date tonight, she might be fatal.
Let me get this straight. You think I should go rent some crappy moive I don't really care to see? That's supose to make me feel all happy and perky on the most depressing day of the year? Oh yeah, what if I was a girl?
Go out clubbing. Clubs are full of single people on Valentine's Day. There's nothing like sharing sweat to instigate an intimate moment.
Again there is the work issue. Also I've not heard of too many girls who like sweaty guys.
Plan an auto erotic night. You don't need someone else to physically gratify yourself. Afterwards, you won't have to talk or share a cigarette.
I guess Patty's going to be doing the female version of spanking the mokey or the hand jive... I guess this is supost to go along with renting dumb kinky moives that we really don't want to see. I guess if this way to have fun isn't talking about masterbation, then physically gratifying myself must mean holding my own hand? That doesn't sound like very much fun.
Chat online. Lots of lonelyhearts visit chat rooms on Valentine's Day. Maybe you'll find one to hang out with by Memorial Day.
Finally somehting that might work for me... but I'm not going to do it :)
Plan ahead. Get a date before Valentine's Day. Don't tell us you can't meet anyone. Maybe it's time to try your luck in a personal ad. Our personals site has lots of great singles, waiting for someone like you.
I've got a personal add. They don't work.
Copyright 2003 Fun Online Corporation.
Monday, February 10, 2003
Hey! I just got spammed! Logged onto Hotmail to check my email and had about 25 emails that had bounced back to me. They were of the typical nasty spam sort about making something or other bigger and more attractive to women. Slight problem. I didn't send them, but they bounced back to me anyway. Some lousy spammer forged my email in the return address of their mass mailing. I took a screen shot of my Hotmail inbox at work. I'll see if I can't it posted on my webpage later after I get off. I guess there is an odd chance that I could lose the Hotmail account, but that's why I have 4 or 5 backup email accounts :)
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