--- And while we're on

--- And while we're on the topic of pharmaceuticals.

Levitra apparently produces the Goldilockian Erection.

It's just right.

Posted by: Kathy at 12:50 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 28 words, total size 1 kb.

--- And while we're on

--- And while we're on the topic of pharmaceuticals.

Levitra apparently produces the Goldilockian Erection.

It's just right.

Posted by: Kathy at 12:50 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 28 words, total size 1 kb.

--- Leery of being pulled

--- Leery of being pulled in by cute Suessian advertising on TV?

I bit.

Crestor is another lower your cholesterol drug.

Just in case you were wondering.

Posted by: Kathy at 12:47 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 37 words, total size 1 kb.

--- Leery of being pulled

--- Leery of being pulled in by cute Suessian advertising on TV?

I bit.

Crestor is another lower your cholesterol drug.

Just in case you were wondering.

Posted by: Kathy at 12:47 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 37 words, total size 1 kb.

The past few days have

The past few days have been crappy. Usually, I like to shop when this happens, and I never
like to shop. Shopping is anathema to me. Unless it's for shoes and
handbags and then it's fine. But it's usually muy dangeroso for me to
use shopping as a mood elevator. I'll buy like crazy. Usually it's
stuff I wanted, but didn't really need, and this is when the credit
card bills go through the roof. But we is 'po. No money to go and shop.
Currently, the mall holds all the appeal of a ninety-five pound wombat.
I just don't want to have anything to do with it.
So, to give myself a slight thrill that didn't really do much in the
skirt-blowing department, but nonetheless quelled the nasties, I made a
wish list at Amazon. All the fun of shopping without the joys of the
husband yelling at me when the credit card statement arrives. You can
find it over on the left hand side, if you're so inclined to see what I
categorize as wants and not needs. I don't expect you to buy me
anything. You're safe from any financial obligations (read begging) for
reading The Cake Eater Chronicles until Needless Markup
figures out that some bloggers would really like a wish list option
because they want shoes. Only then will I expect remuneration for my
efforts. In the form of Manolos. You'll have to get together and pool
your resources, but it can be done. I'm sure of it. Anything's
possible, after all.

Posted by: Kathy at 12:36 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 267 words, total size 2 kb.

The past few days have

The past few days have been crappy. Usually, I like to shop when this happens, and I never
like to shop. Shopping is anathema to me. Unless it's for shoes and
handbags and then it's fine. But it's usually muy dangeroso for me to
use shopping as a mood elevator. I'll buy like crazy. Usually it's
stuff I wanted, but didn't really need, and this is when the credit
card bills go through the roof. But we is 'po. No money to go and shop.
Currently, the mall holds all the appeal of a ninety-five pound wombat.
I just don't want to have anything to do with it.
So, to give myself a slight thrill that didn't really do much in the
skirt-blowing department, but nonetheless quelled the nasties, I made a
wish list at Amazon. All the fun of shopping without the joys of the
husband yelling at me when the credit card statement arrives. You can
find it over on the left hand side, if you're so inclined to see what I
categorize as wants and not needs. I don't expect you to buy me
anything. You're safe from any financial obligations (read begging) for
reading The Cake Eater Chronicles until Needless Markup
figures out that some bloggers would really like a wish list option
because they want shoes. Only then will I expect remuneration for my
efforts. In the form of Manolos. You'll have to get together and pool
your resources, but it can be done. I'm sure of it. Anything's
possible, after all.

Posted by: Kathy at 12:36 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 267 words, total size 2 kb.

NeorealismThe realist tradition has furnished

NeorealismThe realist tradition has furnished an abundant basis
for the formation of what is termed a neorealist approach to
international relations theory. Neorealism purports to refine and
reinvigorate classical realism by developing propositions based upon
the disaggregation of independent and dependent variables, and by
integrating what is termed as classical realist theory into a
contemporary framework based upon comparative analysis. A neorealist
theory would inject greater rigor into the realist tradition by
developing a series of propositions that could be subjected to
empirical testing and investigation. {â€Â¦} For neorealism, power
remains a key variable, although it exists less as an end in itself
than as a necessary and inevitable component of a political
relationship. According to Kindermann, “just as the instrument of
power and of sanctions does not exhaust the nature of law, the nature
of Politics is also not exhausted by primarily referring to power as
its most important tool.”
Indeed, the neorealist approach represents and effort not only to draw
from classical realism those elements of a theory adequate to the world
of the late twentieth century, but also to link conceptually other
theoretical efforts. Thus the structural realism of Kenneth Waltz draws
heavily upon systems constructs and the neorealism of Kindermann̢۪s
Munich School has as its basis a constellation, or configuration,
consisting of a “systems of interaction---relations between states
and other action-systems of international politics at a given moment or
within a defined period of history past or present.” This neorealist
approach contains as interdependent categories of inquiry 1. system and
decision (leadership) 2. interest and power 3. perception and reality,
4. cooperation and conflict (behavioral strategy) and 5. norm or
advantage. Thus neorealism posits the existence of an international
system consisting of interactive elements that are to be studied by
reference to concepts derived from classical realism, but also based on
variables drawn on cross-cultural comparative analysis. To quote again
from Kindermann’s description: “Neorealism, in other words,
proceeds from the assumption that a much higher degree of of concrete
and quasi-institutionalized cross-disciplinary cooperation is required
before essential progress can be made in our ability to analyze and, if
possible, to predict political action processes of systems as complex
as, for instance, the nation-state and its structurally essential
subsystems.” If the flawed nature of man forms a crucially important
point of departure for classical realist analysis, neorealism has as
its focus the international system. Stated differently, it is the
structure that shapes the political relationships that take place among
its members. For structural realism, international politics is more
than the summation of the foreign policies of states and the external
balance of other actors in the system. Thus, Waltz argues for a
neorealist approach based on patterned relationships among actors in a
system that is anarchical. In this respect, drawing upon the paradigm
of international politics of classical realism, structured realism
contains and emphasis on those features of the structure that mold the
way in which the components relate to one another.{â€Â¦}
The focus of structural realism is the arrangement of the parts of the
international system with respect to each other. According to Waltz,
“The concept of structure is based on the fact that units differently
juxtaposed and combined behave differently and interacting produce
different outcomes.” Basic to the anarchic system, by virtue of its
structure, is the need for member units to rely on whatever means or
arrangements than can generate in order to ensure survival and enhance
security. In such a system, based as it is on the principle of
self-help, states pursue one or both of two basic courses of action in
keeping with Waltz̢۪s approach to structure as a variable
conditioning, or circumscribing, political behavior. They engage in
internal efforts to increase their political, military and economic
capabilities and to develop effective strategies. They also undertake
attempts to align, or realign, with other actors. The structure of the
system, notably the number of actors and their respective capabilities,
shapes the patterns of interaction that will take place, including the
number of states aligned with each other in opposing groupings as part
of a balance of power. In the anarchical structure all units confront
the minimal need or functional requirements for security, although
there are wide variations among them in their respective capabilities
for this purpose. In Waltz̢۪s perspective, international systems are
transfigured by changes in the distribution of capabilities among its
units. As structures change, so do interactive patterns among its
members as well as the outcomes that such interactions can be expected
to produce. Although the capabilities constitute attributes of units,
their distribution among the various units forms a defining
characteristic of the structure of the system, and in this case, of
structural realism. In sum, central to structural realism, and
especially to the approach developed by Waltz, tis the proposition that
only a structural transformation can alter the anarchical nature of the
international system.{â€Â¦}
Contending Theories of International Relations. James Dougherty and Robert Pfaltzgraff, Jr.

Posted by: Kathy at 12:33 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 835 words, total size 6 kb.

NeorealismThe realist tradition has furnished

NeorealismThe realist tradition has furnished an abundant basis
for the formation of what is termed a neorealist approach to
international relations theory. Neorealism purports to refine and
reinvigorate classical realism by developing propositions based upon
the disaggregation of independent and dependent variables, and by
integrating what is termed as classical realist theory into a
contemporary framework based upon comparative analysis. A neorealist
theory would inject greater rigor into the realist tradition by
developing a series of propositions that could be subjected to
empirical testing and investigation. {â€Â¦} For neorealism, power
remains a key variable, although it exists less as an end in itself
than as a necessary and inevitable component of a political
relationship. According to Kindermann, “just as the instrument of
power and of sanctions does not exhaust the nature of law, the nature
of Politics is also not exhausted by primarily referring to power as
its most important tool.”
Indeed, the neorealist approach represents and effort not only to draw
from classical realism those elements of a theory adequate to the world
of the late twentieth century, but also to link conceptually other
theoretical efforts. Thus the structural realism of Kenneth Waltz draws
heavily upon systems constructs and the neorealism of Kindermann̢۪s
Munich School has as its basis a constellation, or configuration,
consisting of a “systems of interaction---relations between states
and other action-systems of international politics at a given moment or
within a defined period of history past or present.” This neorealist
approach contains as interdependent categories of inquiry 1. system and
decision (leadership) 2. interest and power 3. perception and reality,
4. cooperation and conflict (behavioral strategy) and 5. norm or
advantage. Thus neorealism posits the existence of an international
system consisting of interactive elements that are to be studied by
reference to concepts derived from classical realism, but also based on
variables drawn on cross-cultural comparative analysis. To quote again
from Kindermann’s description: “Neorealism, in other words,
proceeds from the assumption that a much higher degree of of concrete
and quasi-institutionalized cross-disciplinary cooperation is required
before essential progress can be made in our ability to analyze and, if
possible, to predict political action processes of systems as complex
as, for instance, the nation-state and its structurally essential
subsystems.” If the flawed nature of man forms a crucially important
point of departure for classical realist analysis, neorealism has as
its focus the international system. Stated differently, it is the
structure that shapes the political relationships that take place among
its members. For structural realism, international politics is more
than the summation of the foreign policies of states and the external
balance of other actors in the system. Thus, Waltz argues for a
neorealist approach based on patterned relationships among actors in a
system that is anarchical. In this respect, drawing upon the paradigm
of international politics of classical realism, structured realism
contains and emphasis on those features of the structure that mold the
way in which the components relate to one another.{â€Â¦}
The focus of structural realism is the arrangement of the parts of the
international system with respect to each other. According to Waltz,
“The concept of structure is based on the fact that units differently
juxtaposed and combined behave differently and interacting produce
different outcomes.” Basic to the anarchic system, by virtue of its
structure, is the need for member units to rely on whatever means or
arrangements than can generate in order to ensure survival and enhance
security. In such a system, based as it is on the principle of
self-help, states pursue one or both of two basic courses of action in
keeping with Waltz̢۪s approach to structure as a variable
conditioning, or circumscribing, political behavior. They engage in
internal efforts to increase their political, military and economic
capabilities and to develop effective strategies. They also undertake
attempts to align, or realign, with other actors. The structure of the
system, notably the number of actors and their respective capabilities,
shapes the patterns of interaction that will take place, including the
number of states aligned with each other in opposing groupings as part
of a balance of power. In the anarchical structure all units confront
the minimal need or functional requirements for security, although
there are wide variations among them in their respective capabilities
for this purpose. In Waltz̢۪s perspective, international systems are
transfigured by changes in the distribution of capabilities among its
units. As structures change, so do interactive patterns among its
members as well as the outcomes that such interactions can be expected
to produce. Although the capabilities constitute attributes of units,
their distribution among the various units forms a defining
characteristic of the structure of the system, and in this case, of
structural realism. In sum, central to structural realism, and
especially to the approach developed by Waltz, tis the proposition that
only a structural transformation can alter the anarchical nature of the
international system.{â€Â¦}
Contending Theories of International Relations. James Dougherty and Robert Pfaltzgraff, Jr.

Posted by: Kathy at 12:33 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 835 words, total size 6 kb.

Uncredited swill passing for "journalism."

Uncredited swill passing for "journalism."

I know it's completely useless to ask, but where the hell do these people get off?

Revolting millions around the world, the video footage of
an American citizen's execution has also raised numerous questions
concerning its authenticity.
Even at first glance, internet bloggers were asking on Thursday why
Nick Berg was wearing an orange jumpsuit – just like US prisoners
wear.
Other net surfers point to the unlikely timing of the executioner's
dubbed announcement that Berg was to die for "Iraqi prisoner abuse".
Berg was last seen alive on 10 April, when his father Michael Berg
believes he was killed - two weeks before the Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse
scandal broke in the world's media. Some discussions focus on the
timing of the video's release - guaranteed to divert attention from the
outrage over US abuse of Iraqis.

Which "internet bloggers" were asking why Nick Berg was wearing an orange jumpsuit? Which
"net surfers" pointed to the unlikely timing of the excutioner's dubbed
announcement?
People, if I, the least technologically adept person in the world, can
figure out how to use the hyperlink key at the top of the page, I'm
assuming you can, too. Or didn't the Sheikh shell out the coin for
serious software before you started publishing stuff to the web?
What, are you writing articles on a Apple IIE and hoping that, by the
Grace of Allah, they'll somehow make it to the web? Who are your
sources? Who is saying this stuff and where are they saying it? Your
readers have a right to know, asshole.
But Smallman (nice Arabic name there, eh? I thought this was a by the
Arab, for the Arab operation.) doesn't only do this with bloggers, he
does it with mainstream media, too.

A US newspaper claims an official familiar with the case
knew that FBI agents had interrogated Berg, but had left him for two
weeks because he was in Iraqi - not American - custody.

Which US newspaper? There are more than a few. Or was it a wire article? Who wrote it and why won't you give credit?

It appears this Lawrence Smallman person is a stringer. A quick Google search
indicated that he's filed stories with many different media
organizations---but mostly with Al-Jazeera and other fringe sources.
You know, when the husband was working in Kuwait, due to the time
difference, I'd get two calls a day. One would happen before he went to
the office, which was when I was going to bed, and then he would call
me before he
went to bed---which was midafternoon, my time. His bedtime call was
always longer because he had time to chat and would fill me in on what
life was like for a westerner living out of a hotel room in Kuwait
City. Sometimes, just for variety, he would tell me what he was
watching on TV. TV in the Middle East is a whole new ballgame for
someone used to a hundred cable channels. Not too many choices, but he
liked Asian MTV (except for the Indian warblers)and CNN International.
He also said that "The Nanny" was almost tolerable with Arabic dubbing
because you didn't have to listen to Fran Drescher's nasal whining, but
the channel he really thought was horrible was Saudi TV. "Straight-up
propaganda," he commented. Apparently, there were a goodly number of
puff pieces about "The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques,"---the man
better known as King Fahd, but they never called him King Fahd.
Amazingly enough, the western media always takes reports from Saudi TV
with more than a grain of salt, declaring loudly that their source was
"state operated television in Saudi Arabia," and everyone knows what
that means. It means the source is not reliable; that they will only
publish what they want their people to hear and not a word more.
Al-Jazeera is "state owned and operated" as well. Qatar's emir, Hamad
bin Khalifa Al-Thani is the founder and operator of Al Jazeera. How
come we never hear the description "state-owned and operated" when the
western media describes what Al Jazeera is when they use their stories
as source material? Just asking.

Posted by: Kathy at 12:18 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 709 words, total size 4 kb.

Uncredited swill passing for "journalism."

Uncredited swill passing for "journalism."

I know it's completely useless to ask, but where the hell do these people get off?

Revolting millions around the world, the video footage of
an American citizen's execution has also raised numerous questions
concerning its authenticity.
Even at first glance, internet bloggers were asking on Thursday why
Nick Berg was wearing an orange jumpsuit – just like US prisoners
wear.
Other net surfers point to the unlikely timing of the executioner's
dubbed announcement that Berg was to die for "Iraqi prisoner abuse".
Berg was last seen alive on 10 April, when his father Michael Berg
believes he was killed - two weeks before the Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse
scandal broke in the world's media. Some discussions focus on the
timing of the video's release - guaranteed to divert attention from the
outrage over US abuse of Iraqis.

Which "internet bloggers" were asking why Nick Berg was wearing an orange jumpsuit? Which
"net surfers" pointed to the unlikely timing of the excutioner's dubbed
announcement?
People, if I, the least technologically adept person in the world, can
figure out how to use the hyperlink key at the top of the page, I'm
assuming you can, too. Or didn't the Sheikh shell out the coin for
serious software before you started publishing stuff to the web?
What, are you writing articles on a Apple IIE and hoping that, by the
Grace of Allah, they'll somehow make it to the web? Who are your
sources? Who is saying this stuff and where are they saying it? Your
readers have a right to know, asshole.
But Smallman (nice Arabic name there, eh? I thought this was a by the
Arab, for the Arab operation.) doesn't only do this with bloggers, he
does it with mainstream media, too.

A US newspaper claims an official familiar with the case
knew that FBI agents had interrogated Berg, but had left him for two
weeks because he was in Iraqi - not American - custody.

Which US newspaper? There are more than a few. Or was it a wire article? Who wrote it and why won't you give credit?

It appears this Lawrence Smallman person is a stringer. A quick Google search
indicated that he's filed stories with many different media
organizations---but mostly with Al-Jazeera and other fringe sources.
You know, when the husband was working in Kuwait, due to the time
difference, I'd get two calls a day. One would happen before he went to
the office, which was when I was going to bed, and then he would call
me before he
went to bed---which was midafternoon, my time. His bedtime call was
always longer because he had time to chat and would fill me in on what
life was like for a westerner living out of a hotel room in Kuwait
City. Sometimes, just for variety, he would tell me what he was
watching on TV. TV in the Middle East is a whole new ballgame for
someone used to a hundred cable channels. Not too many choices, but he
liked Asian MTV (except for the Indian warblers)and CNN International.
He also said that "The Nanny" was almost tolerable with Arabic dubbing
because you didn't have to listen to Fran Drescher's nasal whining, but
the channel he really thought was horrible was Saudi TV. "Straight-up
propaganda," he commented. Apparently, there were a goodly number of
puff pieces about "The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques,"---the man
better known as King Fahd, but they never called him King Fahd.
Amazingly enough, the western media always takes reports from Saudi TV
with more than a grain of salt, declaring loudly that their source was
"state operated television in Saudi Arabia," and everyone knows what
that means. It means the source is not reliable; that they will only
publish what they want their people to hear and not a word more.
Al-Jazeera is "state owned and operated" as well. Qatar's emir, Hamad
bin Khalifa Al-Thani is the founder and operator of Al Jazeera. How
come we never hear the description "state-owned and operated" when the
western media describes what Al Jazeera is when they use their stories
as source material? Just asking.

Posted by: Kathy at 12:18 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 709 words, total size 4 kb.

--- "I'm Batman!" Or at

--- "I'm Batman!"

Or at least Christian Bale is Batman.

Mmmmmmmm. Tasty.

Don't quite know what's up with the Batmobile though.

Batman apparently seems ready for the monster truck rally on SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY!

Who'd win? Gravedigger or The Batmobile?

Posted by: Kathy at 12:16 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 50 words, total size 1 kb.

--- "I'm Batman!" Or at

--- "I'm Batman!"

Or at least Christian Bale is Batman.

Mmmmmmmm. Tasty.

Don't quite know what's up with the Batmobile though.

Batman apparently seems ready for the monster truck rally on SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY!

Who'd win? Gravedigger or The Batmobile?

Posted by: Kathy at 12:16 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 50 words, total size 1 kb.

Power as a Determinant of

Power as a Determinant of International Behavior

Power is one of the words most frequently used in the study of
poltical science, especially in international relations. The absence of
at the international level of adequate institutions and procedures for
resolving conflict comparable to those in most domestic political
systems makes the so-called power element more obvious than at the
domestic level. In a textbook first published in 1933, Frederick L.
Schumann held that in an international system lacking a common
government, each unit “necessarily seeks safety by relying on its own
power and viewing with alarm the power of its neighbors.” According
to Nicholas J. Spykman, “All civilized life rests in the last
instance on power.” Power is the ability to move the individual or
the human collectivity in some desired fashion. Hans J. Morgenthau even
defined international politics, and indeed all politics, as a
“struggle for power.” Thus power has been conceptualized---with
some confusion---as both a means and an end. Morgenthau held that power
is “man’s control over the minds and actions of other men.” {â€Â¦}
{â€Â¦}the power of a state is said to consist of capabilities, some of
which are economic in nature---such as the levels of industrialization
and productivity, gross national product, national income and income on
a per capita basis. In an analysis of the economic dimension of
international politics and the political aspects of international
economics, Charles P. Kindleberger assesses power in its intertwined
economic and political contexts. He defines power as “strength
capable of being used efficiently,” that is, “strength plus
the capacity to use it effectively” in support of some objective.
Thus like several other writers, Kindleberger distinguishes between
means and ends, or the use of means for the attainment of ends. Thus
strength is a means that exists even in the absence of its use for some
goal, whereas power is the use of strength for a particular purpose.
According to Kindleberger, “Prestige is the respect which is paid to
power. Influence is the capacity to affect the decisions of others.
Force is the use of physical means to affect those decisions. Dominance
is defined as the condition under which A affects a significant number
of B’s decisions without B affecting those of A.” Power, thus
conceptualized, is related in Kindleberger̢۪s analysis of adaptability
and flexibility in a nation̢۪s economy. Such is the meaning of
efficiency in the use of power. Thus, power is dynamic and changing,
rather than static in nature. Those states or other entities best able
to adjust to change are likely to possess power, and to make most
effective use of it in support of posited goals. {â€Â¦}Power exists to a
certain extent in the eyes of the beholder. The element of perception,
or subjective assessment, may be high in calculating the resolve of an
adversary to use effectively the power at its disposal. Similar
considerations are operative in deterrence theory, which in turn is
closely related to power as discussed here. The perceptual dimension of
power has been studied by the scoring and ranking of 103 nations in
terms of power perception. It was concluded that the perceived national
power is some function of military expenditures if the state has not
been at war recently. {â€Â¦}
Contending Theories of International Relations James E. Dougherty and Robert L. Pfaltzgraff, Jr

Posted by: Kathy at 12:13 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 562 words, total size 4 kb.

Power as a Determinant of

Power as a Determinant of International Behavior

Power is one of the words most frequently used in the study of
poltical science, especially in international relations. The absence of
at the international level of adequate institutions and procedures for
resolving conflict comparable to those in most domestic political
systems makes the so-called power element more obvious than at the
domestic level. In a textbook first published in 1933, Frederick L.
Schumann held that in an international system lacking a common
government, each unit “necessarily seeks safety by relying on its own
power and viewing with alarm the power of its neighbors.” According
to Nicholas J. Spykman, “All civilized life rests in the last
instance on power.” Power is the ability to move the individual or
the human collectivity in some desired fashion. Hans J. Morgenthau even
defined international politics, and indeed all politics, as a
“struggle for power.” Thus power has been conceptualized---with
some confusion---as both a means and an end. Morgenthau held that power
is “man’s control over the minds and actions of other men.” {â€Â¦}
{â€Â¦}the power of a state is said to consist of capabilities, some of
which are economic in nature---such as the levels of industrialization
and productivity, gross national product, national income and income on
a per capita basis. In an analysis of the economic dimension of
international politics and the political aspects of international
economics, Charles P. Kindleberger assesses power in its intertwined
economic and political contexts. He defines power as “strength
capable of being used efficiently,” that is, “strength plus
the capacity to use it effectively” in support of some objective.
Thus like several other writers, Kindleberger distinguishes between
means and ends, or the use of means for the attainment of ends. Thus
strength is a means that exists even in the absence of its use for some
goal, whereas power is the use of strength for a particular purpose.
According to Kindleberger, “Prestige is the respect which is paid to
power. Influence is the capacity to affect the decisions of others.
Force is the use of physical means to affect those decisions. Dominance
is defined as the condition under which A affects a significant number
of B’s decisions without B affecting those of A.” Power, thus
conceptualized, is related in Kindleberger̢۪s analysis of adaptability
and flexibility in a nation̢۪s economy. Such is the meaning of
efficiency in the use of power. Thus, power is dynamic and changing,
rather than static in nature. Those states or other entities best able
to adjust to change are likely to possess power, and to make most
effective use of it in support of posited goals. {â€Â¦}Power exists to a
certain extent in the eyes of the beholder. The element of perception,
or subjective assessment, may be high in calculating the resolve of an
adversary to use effectively the power at its disposal. Similar
considerations are operative in deterrence theory, which in turn is
closely related to power as discussed here. The perceptual dimension of
power has been studied by the scoring and ranking of 103 nations in
terms of power perception. It was concluded that the perceived national
power is some function of military expenditures if the state has not
been at war recently. {â€Â¦}
Contending Theories of International Relations James E. Dougherty and Robert L. Pfaltzgraff, Jr

Posted by: Kathy at 12:13 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 562 words, total size 4 kb.

--- Activism on Sniffer's Row.

--- Activism on Sniffer's Row.

Melissa Smithey, a 19-year-old stripper from Janesville, said she
wouldn't have registered to vote if it hadn't been for the drive at The
Isabella Queen where she works.
"It makes people think we're not just about nudity, but that we're
taking part in society," Smithey said.
And we're also, umm, like, for government subsidized breast implants,
too! And wax jobs! We need help with those and...

Posted by: Kathy at 12:08 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 81 words, total size 1 kb.

--- Activism on Sniffer's Row.

--- Activism on Sniffer's Row.

Melissa Smithey, a 19-year-old stripper from Janesville, said she
wouldn't have registered to vote if it hadn't been for the drive at The
Isabella Queen where she works.
"It makes people think we're not just about nudity, but that we're
taking part in society," Smithey said.
And we're also, umm, like, for government subsidized breast implants,
too! And wax jobs! We need help with those and...

Posted by: Kathy at 12:08 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 81 words, total size 1 kb.

Amman - A Jordanian man

Amman - A Jordanian man who
killed his sister in a "fit of fury" when he learnt that she became
pregnant out of wedlock was released from prison after being held for
six months in jail, the Jordan Times reported on Wednesday. The
39-year-old man identified as Ahmad S strangled his sister in October
2003 to "cleanse the family honour" when he learned that she was
pregnant, the newspaper said, quoting court documents. {...} The court
found him guilty instead of committing a "misdemeanour" in line with
Article 98 of the penal code because he claimed he "killed his sister
in a fit of rage", the newspaper said. The father, of both the accused
and the victim, also dropped charges against his son, enabling him to
walk free.

He did this to "cleanse the family honour." Since when has the shedding of blood ever made anything cleaner?

(hat tip: Venomous Kate}

Posted by: Kathy at 12:07 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 161 words, total size 1 kb.

Amman - A Jordanian man

Amman - A Jordanian man who
killed his sister in a "fit of fury" when he learnt that she became
pregnant out of wedlock was released from prison after being held for
six months in jail, the Jordan Times reported on Wednesday. The
39-year-old man identified as Ahmad S strangled his sister in October
2003 to "cleanse the family honour" when he learned that she was
pregnant, the newspaper said, quoting court documents. {...} The court
found him guilty instead of committing a "misdemeanour" in line with
Article 98 of the penal code because he claimed he "killed his sister
in a fit of rage", the newspaper said. The father, of both the accused
and the victim, also dropped charges against his son, enabling him to
walk free.

He did this to "cleanse the family honour." Since when has the shedding of blood ever made anything cleaner?

(hat tip: Venomous Kate}

Posted by: Kathy at 12:07 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 161 words, total size 1 kb.