Year: 2005

Via The Corner: Rehnquist and Stevens resign tomorrow.

In terms of information gathering and the reporting of news, the Internet is priceless. Within hours of the attacks in London today, a Wikipedia entry focusing on the event was born and continues to grow by the minute.

Check out the incredibly detailed and comprehensive information there.

Tim Porter talks of his unread newspapers, and what that means today, when instant news is reported electronically.

More: The Wall Street Journal features blogs who played a role in reporting today’s tragedy as it unfolded.

I’m sure he’s not the only idiot to speak today, but at this moment, he holds the title of ‘King Moonbat’.

Londoners have paid the price for Iraq and Afghanistan, says George Galloway.

The Respect MP, whose Bethnal Green and Bow constituency includes the site of at least one of the bomb attacks, said the attacks were “despicable”.

He told the Commons it was the US-led coalition’s actions in Afghanistan, Iraq and Guantanamo which had inflamed hatred of the West in the Muslim world.

Mr Galloway who was expelled from the Labour Party over his outspoken comments on the Iraq war, linked the deaths of people in London to the deaths of those in Falluja at the hands of coalition forces.

In a statement, the MP said: “The loss of innocent lives, whether in this country or Iraq, is precisely the result of a world that has become a less safe and peaceful place in recent years.

“We have worked without rest to remove the causes of such violence from our world.

“We argued, as did the security services in this country, that the attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq would increase the threat of terrorist attack in Britain.

“Tragically Londoners have now paid the price of the government ignoring such warnings.”

Liberals: they just don’t get it. 

London, 7/7/05

   We must find the terrorists and kill them.

Various pictures of the blasts that hit London today.

More: Video and additional pictures here.

Still More: Flickr slideshow.

The BBC has all the information you’ll need. Michelle Malkin is rounding up news as it happens. Glenn Reynolds has a lot of it too.

More: Trey Jackson has video reaction from officials, including President Bush.

I’ve been searching for the words to express the blogging funk I’ve been in lately. Today, I read this post from Ace, and he sums up exactly everything I’ve been feeling. So, as you read what he wrote, make believe you’re reading it here too, because I’m in the same spot.

Shared combs and brushes have been banned from Britain’s lower House of Commons in a bid to thwart headlice.

The news prompted some members of the US Congress to consider banning the communal use of the roll-on deodorant stick located in Senator Chuck Schumer’s congressional office bathroom. Fearing retribution from other members of the senate, Schumer’s staffers were quick to respond saying that the roll-on would remain available until further notice, especially for Senator Ted Kennedy and Senator Barbara Boxer.

So, the 2012 Summer Olympics have been awarded to the city of London. Economically speaking, it’s a huge deal, as most host cities realize. Development of the infrastructure alone will create thousands of jobs. Then there’s the constant supply of needed goods and services which will touch every square inch of the United Kingdom. There’s no doubt that there will be an enormous amount of money to be made, and spent.

On paper, this will be a boon for tourism. I suppose there is data somewhere that speaks to the millions of people who will visit the UK between now and the close of the 2012 Olympics. I would bet that there are people thinking right now, today, about making plans to travel to London for this event.

My advice? Don’t do it. 

I’ve been to London three times. For the most part, I like the place, but the negatives far outweigh the positives.

• The cost to stay in London is ENORMOUS. Average UK hotels are priced at US $200 per day. And don’t be mistaken about the word ‘average’. UK hotel rooms are small – very small. If you are travelling with a family, you’ll need two rooms, minimum.
• Food costs are just as high. Plan on spending double what you spend in the US.
• Train travel is expensive. If you decide you want to leave London and head up to visit the countryside, expect to spend a minimum of $100 per ticket.
• The best way to travel in and around London is on the TUBE (subway). Problem is, the TUBE route lines can change unexpectedly, and your favorite, most convenient route could be closed for an entire weekend. Taking another route can add up to 30 minutes to your travel time.
• EVERYONE RIDES THE TUBE, so it’s constantly crowded. And in the summer, the temperatures underground can be excruciating. Not fun.

I could go on and on.

Watch the Olympics on TV instead.