It's not unusual that I find myself disagreeing with a democrat. But this time it's really ironic.

Former Vice President Walter Mondale says he supports a pre-emptive U.S. strike against a North Korean missile that is raising nuclear fears around the globe.

. . .

Mondale said on WCCO-AM Friday that the United States should tell North Korea "defuel that missile. It has three boosters. Dismantle it and put it back in the sheds. Because if you're getting ready to fire this, we'll take it out."

. . .

Mondale and other former top Democrats are convinced apparently that action is the key to ending the standoff.

"This is such a legitimate thing for the United States to do," Mondale said. "The nature of the threat is so serious that I think we should knock it out right there if they won't stop."

I'm against shooting down the missile. Firing a test missile, assuming they aim it at international waters, is provocative as Condoleezza Rice said. But it is not an act of war. Shooting a test missile down is an act of war. We don't need to escalate this latest confrontation with North Korea into a hot war.

I'm not sure whether Mondale thinks we can shoot the missile out of the sky or whether he thinks we should hit it before it launches. In the audio, he said that

. . . one missile like the one that took out Zarqawi could take out this [the North Korean] missile.

Now if we were to blow up the test missile on the ground, we would ignite a shit storm of unimaginable proportions. North Korea would be able to claim justification for some kind of retaliation, and the world might start calling us the rogue state. I would not be surprised if the UN Security Council met to discuss sanctions against the US.

If we were to shoot the missile out of the sky, we'd run the risk that our anti-missile missile might miss. That would be worse than doing nothing. Our anti-missile technology is far from perfect. The task has often been described as "hitting a bullet with a bullet." If we were to try for the Korean missile, we could not afford to miss. And I don't care for the odds.

However, if we let the North Koreans shoot their wad, we can monitor its performance much better than even they can. We'll gain important intelligence on their capabilities, both in missile technology and in electronic missile tracking. (Since they'll be watching the missile, we'll be able to watch their radars.) Diplomatically, we can use their "provocative act" against them if and when we need international support for action in the future.

I say, complain about it, but if they're determined to test their missile, don't stop them.

h/t to Larry at Beth's.

Posted by: annika at 08:48 AM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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If I had an internet messenger chat with Larry King, i think it might go a little bit like this:

larrykinglive: tonight, a journey from private heartbreak to internet superstardom with annika. she shares memories and family secrets and more in an emotional hour next on LARRY KING LIVE

annikagyrl: wha?

larrykinglive: hello annika!

annikagyrl: who are you?

larrykinglive: A great pleasure to welcome to LARRY KING LIVE, annika becker, of annika's journal, we'll get to your calls in a moment. but first annika, why blogging?

annikagyrl: what do you mean?

larrykinglive: did it surprise you how popular blogs have become?

annikagyrl: is that you Jason? cut it out.

larrykinglive: you were diagnosed as bi-polar schizophrenic with homicidal tendencies as a child. did that affect you growing up?

annikagyrl: wha? are you on something dude?

larrykinglive: do you enjoy blogging?

annikagyrl: umm yeah

larrykinglive: speaking of um yeah, he'll be our guest on LARRY KING LIVE tomorrow night. we're on with annika becker of annika's journal. Do you get many trolls?

annikagyrl: actually the people who comment at my site are mostly all nice... there was this one guy who..

larrykinglive: ...let's take some calls. pompano beach florida, hello

callerdude: hi annika, big fan here

larrykinglive: did you have a question for our guest?

annikagyrl: this is really weird. are you sure you're not some kind of bot?

callerdude: I just wanted to say that you're just great. Up until you i found you, I was reading margret cho's blog but you totally set me straight,

annikagyrl: oh that's good. i'm glad you stopped reading that awful blog

callerdude: oh no i read you both, i think youre both just great

larrykinglive: do you enjoy reading other people's blogs?

annikagyrl: yes, i try to whenever i can,

larrykinglive: barbra streisand has a blog

annikagyrl: does she, i didn't think she did

larrykinglive: marvelous voice don't you think

annikagyrl: well, i guess, she's not one of my favorites

larrykinglive: rosie o'donnell has a blog it's very funny

annikagyrl: it's horrible, she's a terrible writer

larrykinglive: have you ever thought about entering politics?

annikagyrl: actually when i was little, i wanted to be president

larrykinglive: the first lesbian president...

annikagyrl: im not a lesbian

larrykinglive: it says here you're a lesbian

annikagyrl: where?

larrykinglive: on your blog

annikagyrl: i think you must be looking at rosie's blog

larrykinglive: oh your right, i am. Austin texas, you're on with annika becker

callerchick: yes hello annika, i'm a bi-polar schizophrenic with homicidal tendencies too, i was wondering if you had any drug recommendations?

larrykinglive: any drug recommendations... annika?

annikagyrl: drug recommendations? but i am not a schizophrenic, i don't know why you said that, i think you're on drugs

larrykinglive: did you enjoy rehab?

annikagyrl: what the fucxx?

larrykinglive: many talented people suffer from mental disorders. Next week, Tom Cruise will be on the show. Let's get another call. Mapleside Maryland, hello...

confusedcaller: hello annika

annikagyrl: hello

confusedcaller: first i want to say i love you and i think you're great

annikagyrl: well thanks

confusedcaller: is there any chance you might try to qualify for another PGA event?

larrykinglive: another PGA in your future annika?

annikagyrl: i'm not that annika

larrykinglive: michelle wie can really hit the ball, are you two friends?

annikagyrl: i dont even play golf

larrykinglive: right now we go to west chenango, new york. hello

liberalcaller: i think you're a worthless no-talent whore and a shill, you're bad for america, and only an idiot cares what you say. i'm going to have a party the day you quit, which i hope is soon because i cant fucking stand you and you make me sick

annikagyrl: well, i don't know how to respond to that...

liberalcaller: actually i was talking to larry

larrykinglive: Next week Celine Dion! we have time for one more call. Rubidoux, California, hello

annikagyrl: i love the name of that town

larrykinglive: don't you? it's fun to say. rubidoux rubidoux rubidoux

rubycaller: hello annika?

larrykinglive: rubidoux ruby rubidoux

annikagyrl: lol

rubycaller: i was wondering annika, what's the deal with the pumpkin?

larrykinglive: that's all the time we have. Tomorrow night on LARRY KING WEEKEND, we'll talk with Bill Maher. Boy, can he tell a joke, right annika.

annikagyrl: not really

larrykinglive: Until then, arrivaderci.

Posted by: annika at 09:12 PM | Comments (8) | Add Comment
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Update: More great photoshopping on this subject at Beth's and Darleen's Place. And of course at Michelle Malkin's, whose idea it was.

Posted by: annika at 04:25 PM | Comments (22) | Add Comment
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I found a really mindless game that is strangely therapeutic for a Friday afternoon. It's called Short Bus Rampage. The game sets up like this:

Tired of being ridiculed by the other students, you and the rest of the Special Ed class have taken control of the bus and are out for revenge.

Posted by: annika at 03:18 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Please take this short customer satisfaction survey, to help me better serve you. I would appreciate your most honest answers, and your best estimates, so I have disabled the comment and the view results buttons. Please only vote once per question. This survey will remain at the top of the page until Sunday morning, so please scroll down for newer posts. more...

Posted by: annika at 02:48 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Instead of just starting a blog, why not enter a contest?

Cotillion sister Greta at Hooah Wife is running "Blogging Contributor Idol," just like American Idol, only for bloggers not singers.

Submit your entry here!

Posted by: annika at 08:40 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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I realize this is old, but today's Coolest Thing On The Internets Of The Day is Sean Gleeson's Autorantic Virtual Moonbat.

He's automated, he's progressive, and he fits on your sidebar.

Actually, this robot is a very accurate portrayal. There's a dude who stands outside the Van Nuys Courthouse and rants incoherently, but sounds exactly like this robot.

Sean designed a chat machine too. It must be channelling Robert MacLelland's spirit, or spit, or something.

Someone should create a computerized voice version. Air America could save a fortune by replacing their on-air personalities with robots. I wonder if anyone would notice. They'd probably just think it was Al Gore.

Posted by: annika at 07:50 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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Find your own pose!

via Watermark.

Posted by: annika at 06:11 AM | Comments (10) | Add Comment
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I hate spiders. This morning after my shower, I grabbed some underwear out of the drawer, and as I was putting it on a spider fell out of it and landed on the floor. How does a spider get into the underwear drawer? And no, I do not live in the basement.

I hate spiders because they are sneaky. At least a bee will let you know it's there before it stings you. But spiders are always crawling around where you can't see them. They're like the viet cong.

I hate spiders almost as much as I hate sappy poems.

Spiders

by Janet Bruno

Spiderlings hatch from eggs.
Each one has eight tiny legs.
A spider has more eyes than you.
Most have eight, and you have two.
A spider has two body parts.
Across its web it quickly darts.
From a spider's spinnerets
Sticky spider silk jets.
Spiders feel the frantic tugs,
Of their favorite food; it's bugs!

Posted by: annika at 11:17 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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In the closest voting ever, La Femme Nikita has beaten Beatrix Kiddo to advance to the final round.

Her opponent: Jason Bourne. Let the final round begin.

Previous updates can be found here, here, and here.

Posted by: annika at 09:17 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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Dang, this was a long day.

Posted by: annika at 08:49 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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This has got to be a muhfukkin joke right?

Saudis Offered Scholarships for Aviation Courses in US

JEDDAH, 20 June 2006 — The Ministry of Higher Education and the General Authority of Civil Aviation are offering scholarships to Saudi men and women to study various majors related to civil aviation in the United States.

The forms are available online at the ministryÂ’s website until July 12 for both bachelorÂ’s and post-graduate studies. Nominations will be announced on July 31. Interviews will take place in August and final scholarship winners will be announced on Sept. 2.

The scholarships are available in majors such as communications, electrical and computer engineering, computer science, systems analysis, air traffic control, flight safety, and other majors related to the airline transport industry.

Applicants for the bachelorÂ’s program must have a minimum score of 85 percent in the science section and 90 percent in other sections, such as QurÂ’an memorizing, administrative and commercial sciences. [emphases mine]

Oh, I guess I shouldn't be xenophobic. Because Saudi universities are so well known for their pro-western curriculum. Student visas for everybody!

hat tip: Free Thoughts.

Posted by: annika at 06:39 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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Very interesting discussion going on in the comments section of my poll on Hillary vs. Rudy for New York's electoral votes. You didn't disappoint me.

I think Rudy wins New York, running against Hillary. But it would be a squeaker.

Now let's throw a monkey wrench into the debate.

New York is 31 electoral votes. Assume Rudy gets the nomination, and wins New York. Look at this map of the '04 results. I say Rudy also wins "barely Kerry" Pennsylvania and New Jersey too. That's a 67 point switch!

I've never heard of a Republican "northern strategy," but with sixty seven points, Rudy could lose most of the Southern states and still come out ahead. (I also believe Rudy could win Florida, which was "weak Bush" last time only because of the northeastern transplants in south Florida. Add FL and you get a 94 point switch.) Hillary still wins the other Kerry states, but who cares?

Debunk my theory.

Posted by: annika at 03:44 PM | Comments (11) | Add Comment
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The world's greatest blogger once had a tip jar, just so he could get a cheapo car.

I however, need a set of wheels like these:

Anybody wanna flow annika's journal a spare thou, so she can cruise the Westside in style?

Posted by: annika at 10:31 PM | Comments (11) | Add Comment
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From the Times of London:

Taleban fighters used women and children as human shields as they tried to escape into the mountains of Afghanistan, British troops claimed yesterday.

The tactics were revealed in the first account by those who fought in one of the main battles faced by the men of 3 Para and the Royal Gurkha Rifles in Helmand province, where 3,300 British troops are stationed.

The TalebanÂ’s use of human shields happened during a six-hour battle that began when British troops arrived in a remote area to flush out a suspected Taleban hideout.

They came under attack seven times and fired 2,000 rounds as the rebels set ambushes and opened fire with rocket-propelled grenades. About 21 Taleban were killed.

“It happened twice where they pushed women and children in front of them. The first time they ran into a compound and pushed them out the front to stop the assault,” said Corporal Quintin Poll, 29, from Norfolk.

“The second time they were firing through a building with women and children inside. My guys had to go around the left and right to get them.”

The fighting was so intense that rounds set fire to nearby wheat fields. At one stage Private Bash Ali, 20, from London, was hit by a bullet from a Kalashnikov assault rifle. It lodged in the spare magazine of his SA80 rifle, around his waist, setting fire to a tracer round.

“I was going around a corner hearing fire and didn’t know where it was coming from. The next thing I knew I fell to the ground. I thought I’d been hit by an RPG. I was dazed and was pulled into cover by a comrade,” he said.

Apache helicopters and A-10 tankbusters were called in to provide air support and at one stage raked a compound housing militants with their 30-millimetre canons.

“The guys were superb. I left the day with a huge amount of pride,” said Major Will Pike, 36, who has been in the Army for 14 years and said that this was the fiercest day of fighting he had ever seen.

Posted by: annika at 09:55 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Romeocat recently visited the National Air & Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center recently. You can see pictures of her trip here. This annex, near Dulles Airport, houses the first Space Shuttle, the Enola Gay, the Concorde, and many other awesome sights, including an SR-71, the most kick-ass airplane ever built.

Posted by: annika at 09:14 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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Half of the reason I write this blog is to sample opinions from a wide variety of really smart people, that's you.

So here's a question I was thinking about today, which I haven't seen addressed anywhere.

What do you think?

Posted by: annika at 08:57 PM | Comments (23) | Add Comment
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I'll be really busy today, but I did want to link this WaPo op-ed by none other than Mowaffak al-Rubaie, Iraq's national security adviser. It contains information that should please all political stripes, and is definitely worth reading.

I was perplexed by this cryptic passage.

While Iraq is trying to gain its independence from the United States and the coalition, in terms of taking greater responsibility for its actions, particularly in terms of security, there are still some influential foreign figures trying to spoon-feed our government and take a very proactive role in many key decisions. Though this may provide some benefits in the short term, in the long run it will only serve to make the Iraqi government a weaker one and eventually lead to a culture of dependency.

h/t Michelle Malkin.

Posted by: annika at 09:29 AM | Comments (12) | Add Comment
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Today we mourn the loss of Pfc. Kristian Menchaca, 23, of Houston, Texas and Pfc. Thomas L. Tucker, 25, of Madras, Oregon.

Spc. David J. Babineau, 25, of Springfield, Massachussetts was also killed during the initial battle near Yousifiya last Friday.

All were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division from Fort Campbell, Ky.

Posted by: annika at 06:48 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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Holy stratosphere, is that Moxie with Ann Coulter at Cathy Seipp's party for her daughter Maia?

And Sandra Tsing Loh was there too? (She's totally a hero of mine.)

I didn't even get a puppet show for my grad party. wtf?

Oh, you'll note too that Moxie smokes my brand.

And that Ann Coulter's tits are bigger than I had realized.

Via Tony Pierce, who's now turned his benevolent gaze upon LAist, a blog about Los Angeles.

Posted by: annika at 08:02 PM | Comments (30) | Add Comment
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