Monday, February 11, 2008
Bush, the budget, and projections
Bloomberg did an interesting analysis, of what would our budget look like if we took Clinton's last budget (including long-term budgetary projections), and added in the War on Terror costs.
The result: $152 billion surplus.
It makes you sick to think about it. All that money wasted on ethanol and bridges to nowhere has accumulated into a pile that massive. Uncle Sam ate a whopping helping of apple pie every day for seven years, and now he is obese.
The result: $152 billion surplus.
It makes you sick to think about it. All that money wasted on ethanol and bridges to nowhere has accumulated into a pile that massive. Uncle Sam ate a whopping helping of apple pie every day for seven years, and now he is obese.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
What's with the Washington State GOP?
Washington GOP trying to pull the wool over our eyes?.
I first noticed this on TPM. I don't know what to make of it. Anyone else?
I first noticed this on TPM. I don't know what to make of it. Anyone else?
Saturday, February 09, 2008
They eat their own...
maybe one day i'll remember to post here with regularity. lord knows, the people that know me know i'm never at a loss for words...
in watching this whole political drama we call "Decision '08" unfold, i'm caught off guard by just how splintered the Republicans are. i mean, it's been clear for awhile that they are a party divided by moderates vs. religious...um...loons, and a party turned upside-down by traditional Republican values no longer holding sway, such as being fiscally conservative, or local and states rights vs. federal rights.
but still, the level of division is astonishing to me. would you have EVER, in your wildest dreams (or nightmares, i suppose), imagined Ann Coulter, and patron skeleton...err, saint, of conservatives everywhere, saying she would vote for Hillary over McCain...now, granted, her rationale is that a Hillary presidency would be a 4 year disaster followed by 30 years of Republican rule, while a McCain presidency would be a 4 year disaster followed by 30 years of Democrat rule, so, for the long term, it kind of makes sense.
isn't that putting the cart before the horse, however? by most accounts, the Bill Clinton presidency was hardly a disaster. Yes, for the religious...um...loons, it was, and they took a blow job and turned it into sweeping victories in congress, and ultimately, a presidential selection for GW Bush.
As a result of all that, the loons took over the Republican party, destroyed it from within, lost congress barely a decade after taking control and seeming like they would hold it for eons, and have now caused the aforementioned splintering.
I'd like to think the American people have learned their lessons. We allowed a small minority to convince a near-majority that the true test of a leader was some sort of random morality test. And then, when that small minority was elected to public office, they proceeded to abuse their power, commit felonies of which they've since been convicted, approve of war crimes which they may well be convicted of one day, and basically trample all over the U.S. Constitution in the name of a War on Terror that we're fighting in a nation that wasn't even a threat to us until AFTER we attacked them unprovoked and opened the door for terrorism to take over that nation.
Anyway, it's truly fascinating watching what's happening in the Republican party. When the Democrats did this on a smaller scale in 2000, it cost them the presidency. But the large scale in which Republicans are turning on each other may not just cost them the presidency, it may cost them their party, and their party's relevancy.
in watching this whole political drama we call "Decision '08" unfold, i'm caught off guard by just how splintered the Republicans are. i mean, it's been clear for awhile that they are a party divided by moderates vs. religious...um...loons, and a party turned upside-down by traditional Republican values no longer holding sway, such as being fiscally conservative, or local and states rights vs. federal rights.
but still, the level of division is astonishing to me. would you have EVER, in your wildest dreams (or nightmares, i suppose), imagined Ann Coulter, and patron skeleton...err, saint, of conservatives everywhere, saying she would vote for Hillary over McCain...now, granted, her rationale is that a Hillary presidency would be a 4 year disaster followed by 30 years of Republican rule, while a McCain presidency would be a 4 year disaster followed by 30 years of Democrat rule, so, for the long term, it kind of makes sense.
isn't that putting the cart before the horse, however? by most accounts, the Bill Clinton presidency was hardly a disaster. Yes, for the religious...um...loons, it was, and they took a blow job and turned it into sweeping victories in congress, and ultimately, a presidential selection for GW Bush.
As a result of all that, the loons took over the Republican party, destroyed it from within, lost congress barely a decade after taking control and seeming like they would hold it for eons, and have now caused the aforementioned splintering.
I'd like to think the American people have learned their lessons. We allowed a small minority to convince a near-majority that the true test of a leader was some sort of random morality test. And then, when that small minority was elected to public office, they proceeded to abuse their power, commit felonies of which they've since been convicted, approve of war crimes which they may well be convicted of one day, and basically trample all over the U.S. Constitution in the name of a War on Terror that we're fighting in a nation that wasn't even a threat to us until AFTER we attacked them unprovoked and opened the door for terrorism to take over that nation.
Anyway, it's truly fascinating watching what's happening in the Republican party. When the Democrats did this on a smaller scale in 2000, it cost them the presidency. But the large scale in which Republicans are turning on each other may not just cost them the presidency, it may cost them their party, and their party's relevancy.
Administration: Immigration law enforcement more important that a faster process
Once again, the Administration has their head up their ass on immigration.
Until you start encouraging legal immigration, emphasizing the illegal side (walls, more agents, rooting out businesses which hire illegals) is like dabbing the blood from a cut after it has run down your arm a bit. Just fix the damn cut!
Until you start encouraging legal immigration, emphasizing the illegal side (walls, more agents, rooting out businesses which hire illegals) is like dabbing the blood from a cut after it has run down your arm a bit. Just fix the damn cut!
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
A Lenten Prayer
Thomes Merton (ht: Andrew Sullivan):
My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Vote on Feb. 5
If you're in one of the primary states, vote. And if you vote, I say "Vote Obama." I am a liberal, and a registered Dem, so I won't discuss the Republicans although I would say that for those who can choose, and are on the fence, I think the Republican party (and their neo-con offshoot) have done enough damage to our fiscal situation and national security, especially compared to the 1990s, so I suggest giving the Dems another chance.
If you're a Dem, and are unsuare, or want to have a discussion of the merits of the two candidates, I say vote Obama, and here's why: I think he is potentially transformational. I say this because he's different, his MO is different, his platform is different, and always has been (not about "me" but about "you;" not about Dems. vs Republicans, but about common ground; not about the war on terrorism, but about building bridges between America and all other nations). He's charismatic, intelligent, wise, and willing, seemingly genuinely interested in unifying our broken political system, and image abroad.
Regarding Hillary, she is no slouch. I think Hillary is smart, knowledgeable, driven, and largely aligned with Obama's policies (policy discussion b/w the two is splitting hairs, and definitely not the most critical factor in choosing the Dem nomination...maybe b/w Romney and McCain, and of course in the general election, but Hillary and Obama are pretty similar, and don't forget, Congress has to agree with their policies, too). The differences are whether one thinks that the Clintons or Obama would be more effective in turning our country around. I think Obama will be less divisive (whether it's Hillary's fault or not, the Repubs like her (a lot) less), less combative, and more reasoned. I think thier motivations are different. Hillary wants to win her political battles; Obama seeks to mend political divisions. He does have a liberalish agenda, and that may not be suitable for conservatives, but he is not going to ram a liberal agenda down anyone's throats. Hillary is decisive, and highly policy-knowledgeable, but also potentially distracted by heavy partisan politicing -- some of which she will initiate or exacerbate. It's her MO. I think our country needs to move forward, going back to Clintons and back and forth between Clinton and Bush is not the kind of change our country needs now. I liked Bill, I like Bill, and for the most part, I like and respect Hillary, but not everyone feels that way, and they know it, and when they feel it, they make it worse. It's their style. She's a strong candidate at the wrong time. I really believe that Hillary would unfortunately continue us along a path of partisan politics where little gets done.
If you don't believe that Obama has the leadership capabilities or the right kind of experience to lead, that's fair, but I think at this stage, it's a belief in their respective leadership potential, effectiveness at governing, and their overally underlying messages, that will determine who gets the Dem nom. I think Hillary's time has passed. The country needs something more than a smart, knowledgeable driven but divisive leader. It's time for someone new, someone who is thinking broad, beyond the Dem party, and for the country. Someone who comes into the role with at least some Republicans interested and supportive. Someone who truly speaks of change and who has enacted change on a grass roots level. I trust Obama and believe he can get bipartisan politics started. It may take 8 years and another president to continue it. It's going take compromise and negotiation, tact and diplomacy, skill and judgment. These are his strengths. What we need, he has. Our country does not need a divisive leader. We need the best unifier out there.
If you're a Dem, and are unsuare, or want to have a discussion of the merits of the two candidates, I say vote Obama, and here's why: I think he is potentially transformational. I say this because he's different, his MO is different, his platform is different, and always has been (not about "me" but about "you;" not about Dems. vs Republicans, but about common ground; not about the war on terrorism, but about building bridges between America and all other nations). He's charismatic, intelligent, wise, and willing, seemingly genuinely interested in unifying our broken political system, and image abroad.
Regarding Hillary, she is no slouch. I think Hillary is smart, knowledgeable, driven, and largely aligned with Obama's policies (policy discussion b/w the two is splitting hairs, and definitely not the most critical factor in choosing the Dem nomination...maybe b/w Romney and McCain, and of course in the general election, but Hillary and Obama are pretty similar, and don't forget, Congress has to agree with their policies, too). The differences are whether one thinks that the Clintons or Obama would be more effective in turning our country around. I think Obama will be less divisive (whether it's Hillary's fault or not, the Repubs like her (a lot) less), less combative, and more reasoned. I think thier motivations are different. Hillary wants to win her political battles; Obama seeks to mend political divisions. He does have a liberalish agenda, and that may not be suitable for conservatives, but he is not going to ram a liberal agenda down anyone's throats. Hillary is decisive, and highly policy-knowledgeable, but also potentially distracted by heavy partisan politicing -- some of which she will initiate or exacerbate. It's her MO. I think our country needs to move forward, going back to Clintons and back and forth between Clinton and Bush is not the kind of change our country needs now. I liked Bill, I like Bill, and for the most part, I like and respect Hillary, but not everyone feels that way, and they know it, and when they feel it, they make it worse. It's their style. She's a strong candidate at the wrong time. I really believe that Hillary would unfortunately continue us along a path of partisan politics where little gets done.
If you don't believe that Obama has the leadership capabilities or the right kind of experience to lead, that's fair, but I think at this stage, it's a belief in their respective leadership potential, effectiveness at governing, and their overally underlying messages, that will determine who gets the Dem nom. I think Hillary's time has passed. The country needs something more than a smart, knowledgeable driven but divisive leader. It's time for someone new, someone who is thinking broad, beyond the Dem party, and for the country. Someone who comes into the role with at least some Republicans interested and supportive. Someone who truly speaks of change and who has enacted change on a grass roots level. I trust Obama and believe he can get bipartisan politics started. It may take 8 years and another president to continue it. It's going take compromise and negotiation, tact and diplomacy, skill and judgment. These are his strengths. What we need, he has. Our country does not need a divisive leader. We need the best unifier out there.
More corruption, from on high
Court filing claims HUD head retaliated against Philadelphia for not playing along.
Maybe it is the cynic in me, but I suspect that if the Administration was Democratic that we wouldn't be seeing this filing--Philly would have played along. I'm not excusing the behavior at all, just saying that Philly is no stranger to backscratching nor to partisanship.
Maybe it is the cynic in me, but I suspect that if the Administration was Democratic that we wouldn't be seeing this filing--Philly would have played along. I'm not excusing the behavior at all, just saying that Philly is no stranger to backscratching nor to partisanship.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Friday, February 01, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
"Which proves, again, that Hillary Clinton is a liar."
The New Hampshire Union Leader t-bones Hillary Clinton:
Courting voters in Iowa and New Hampshire, last August Sen. Hillary Clinton signed a pledge not to "campaign or participate" in the Michigan or Florida Democratic primaries. She participated in both primaries and is campaigning in Florida. Which proves, again, that Hillary Clinton is a liar.
Courting voters in Iowa and New Hampshire, last August Sen. Hillary Clinton signed a pledge not to "campaign or participate" in the Michigan or Florida Democratic primaries. She participated in both primaries and is campaigning in Florida. Which proves, again, that Hillary Clinton is a liar.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
Slamming the NYT endorsement of Hillary Clinton
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Dollar Starbucks coffees?
They don't say what the size of this "short" cup is (whatever happened to good-old-fashioned reporting?) but interesting news. As household budgets shrink so do the overpriced coffee budgets.
Thanking the Monkey
Like Bill Maher, I'm a carnivore, and I don't make any real apologies about it. But this doesn't mean that I support cruel farm practices. There is a new book out, Thanking the Monkey by Karen Dawn which helps give some balance to the argument.
Despite the strident tones in the video on that site from pro-vegans, the book offers a cornucopia of tips for those who simply want to do right by animals without taking the Full Monty of going vegan. In fact, I think that is the book's greatest strength: While it offers some compelling reasons for a change in diet to eliminate animals from it, it isn't preachy and offers a wide range of options for those of us interested in making changes.
One of the failings of the animal rights movement has been to go extremist and lose a whole range of people who might otherwise be interested in the arguments for moderation (and, in the end, large numbers of people making small changes can bring about greater things than small numbers of people getting extreme and preachy).
Full disclosure: I worked on this book early on, clearing photo and text rights. I don't get anything from book sales, though!
Despite the strident tones in the video on that site from pro-vegans, the book offers a cornucopia of tips for those who simply want to do right by animals without taking the Full Monty of going vegan. In fact, I think that is the book's greatest strength: While it offers some compelling reasons for a change in diet to eliminate animals from it, it isn't preachy and offers a wide range of options for those of us interested in making changes.
One of the failings of the animal rights movement has been to go extremist and lose a whole range of people who might otherwise be interested in the arguments for moderation (and, in the end, large numbers of people making small changes can bring about greater things than small numbers of people getting extreme and preachy).
Full disclosure: I worked on this book early on, clearing photo and text rights. I don't get anything from book sales, though!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
The Vindictive Rudy: Mayor of 9/12
As someone who lived in New York and witnessed, upfront, the incredible pettiness of Rudy Giuliani, this New York Times article is a nice recap. After the courtly Dinkins, Rudy came in like a loud obnoxious frat boy eager to make up what he thought of as the weaknesses of Dinkins (which were, of course, merely his courteousness--something Rudy simply couldn't fathom.
The Government screwing of Padilla finally climaxes
So. to speak. 17 years, for, as far as I can tell, thinking about being a terrorist.
According to Judge Cooke: "There is no evidence that these defendants personally maimed, kidnapped or killed anyone in the United States or elsewhere"
Talk about hate crimes.
According to Judge Cooke: "There is no evidence that these defendants personally maimed, kidnapped or killed anyone in the United States or elsewhere"
Talk about hate crimes.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Fortune cookies--originally from Japan
The lack of fortune cookies in China might be explained by a theory that they are actually from Japan.
World Anti-Doping Agency slams baseball
In the wake of MLB's appearance before Congress, the World Anti-Doping Agency slaps them around a bit. MLB, in response, takes a typical "we've got a monopoly here" approach and tells the WADA to butt out. Nice.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Friday, January 11, 2008
Iranian speedboats, and the nature of confrontation with this Administration
I've been reading quite a bit about those Iranian speedboats who "threatened" the US ships in the Strait of Hormuz. It sounds like very suspicious behavior, but really kind of nuts--gnats against the elephant kind of thing.
Of course, maybe it isn't so clear after all.
It should surprise no one that Iran is being confrontational in this way. After all, our own Administration (from the President on down) have been confrontational with Iran for several years now. Is there any wonder that Iran is responding in this way?
This isn't a confirmation of their aggressive nature, as Bush would have us believe. This is causal. Brought about because of this Administration's almost pathological need to wave its collective dick around.
We reap what we sow. And we've been sowing fear and discord for several years now. It'll be a bitter harvest until we rotate our crops.
Of course, maybe it isn't so clear after all.
It should surprise no one that Iran is being confrontational in this way. After all, our own Administration (from the President on down) have been confrontational with Iran for several years now. Is there any wonder that Iran is responding in this way?
This isn't a confirmation of their aggressive nature, as Bush would have us believe. This is causal. Brought about because of this Administration's almost pathological need to wave its collective dick around.
We reap what we sow. And we've been sowing fear and discord for several years now. It'll be a bitter harvest until we rotate our crops.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
So, how is it where you live?
Pantless man rescued from kitchen vent after New Year's celebration
When people ask me about how it is around here, I think I'll point to this article if I don't like them.
When people ask me about how it is around here, I think I'll point to this article if I don't like them.
New Hampshire voting
Maybe the polls weren't wrong...
I tell you--we use an electronic machine here, and I love them. Very easy to use. But it is all moot if they can't give you the right totals at the end of the night.
I tell you--we use an electronic machine here, and I love them. Very easy to use. But it is all moot if they can't give you the right totals at the end of the night.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Take a sec.
A chance to help the family of a hero.
I know, I know--there are thousands of these families. But maybe just starting with one will help strengthen the connections between ourselves in these divisive times.
Post-Christmas, many of us get back into our burrows. Keep the giving going just a little longer.
I know, I know--there are thousands of these families. But maybe just starting with one will help strengthen the connections between ourselves in these divisive times.
Post-Christmas, many of us get back into our burrows. Keep the giving going just a little longer.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
It's the end of the world as we know it...
...and Brit Brit does not feel fine.
we've got wars, we've got presidential elections in the U.S., we've got all kinda of chaos and dust-ups in countries all over the world, but all of that pales in comparison to Britney Spears having another breakdown and refusing to give her kids back to her ex-hubby K-Fed, and as a result, losing any visitation rights to said kids.
i mean, shoot, she lost her kids to a guy who doesn't even have a real website at the moment. how lame is that.
and we all thought K-Fed was the loser in this twosome when they got together. how wrong we all were!
personally, i think Brit just is crying for attention. now that 16-year-old sis Jamie Lynn is knocked up, Britney has been as stale as month-old bread.
yessir, it's the end of the world as we know it. so panic if you must, run screaming through the streets as dogs and cats play nice together, but remember, through it all, at least your not likely part of the Spears clan, America's favorite white trash family.
we've got wars, we've got presidential elections in the U.S., we've got all kinda of chaos and dust-ups in countries all over the world, but all of that pales in comparison to Britney Spears having another breakdown and refusing to give her kids back to her ex-hubby K-Fed, and as a result, losing any visitation rights to said kids.
i mean, shoot, she lost her kids to a guy who doesn't even have a real website at the moment. how lame is that.
and we all thought K-Fed was the loser in this twosome when they got together. how wrong we all were!
personally, i think Brit just is crying for attention. now that 16-year-old sis Jamie Lynn is knocked up, Britney has been as stale as month-old bread.
yessir, it's the end of the world as we know it. so panic if you must, run screaming through the streets as dogs and cats play nice together, but remember, through it all, at least your not likely part of the Spears clan, America's favorite white trash family.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Friday, December 28, 2007
Chuck Norris
Some are dumb, others are repetitive. But damn some are laugh out loud funny.
Did you know...
-Chuck Norris was born in a log cabin that he built with his bare hands.
-Chuck Norris puts the FUN in Funeral.
-Chuck Norris is capable of photosynthesis.
-Chuck Norris is allowed to talk about Fight Club.
-Guns don't kill people. Chuck Norris kills people.
- There is no chin under Chuck Norris' Beard. There is only another fist.
-Chuck Norris does not sleep. He waits.
Did you know...
-Chuck Norris was born in a log cabin that he built with his bare hands.
-Chuck Norris puts the FUN in Funeral.
-Chuck Norris is capable of photosynthesis.
-Chuck Norris is allowed to talk about Fight Club.
-Guns don't kill people. Chuck Norris kills people.
- There is no chin under Chuck Norris' Beard. There is only another fist.
-Chuck Norris does not sleep. He waits.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
this is totally unrelated to anything...
...in fact, Fred might boot me for this. but i was given an award by a friend on her blog, (a great blog, by the way, if you want to read about a modern mother raising three children), and i told her i would brag to the hills for the award.
so here it is:
Really, i swear i'm straight.
so here it is:
Really, i swear i'm straight.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
The dichotomy of a Christian worldview
At least, a US Christian. A letter writer to Andrew Sullivan nails it.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Lynne Spears' parenting book delayed indefinitely...
your 16 year old is knocked up and your other daughter lost custody of her two kids because she wouldn't stop getting drunk and high....
yea, Lynne Spears, maybe you're probably not really the best person to be writing a book about parenting skills...and apparently Christian book publisher Thomas Nelson, Inc. agrees, since they apparently won't be putting out your book on parenting, oh mother of hapless Britney and pregnant Jamie Lynn...
umm, so why exactly was a Christian book publisher involved here to begin with??
yea, Lynne Spears, maybe you're probably not really the best person to be writing a book about parenting skills...and apparently Christian book publisher Thomas Nelson, Inc. agrees, since they apparently won't be putting out your book on parenting, oh mother of hapless Britney and pregnant Jamie Lynn...
umm, so why exactly was a Christian book publisher involved here to begin with??
Monday, December 17, 2007
Sunday, December 16, 2007
"The Surveillance State"
Glenn Greenwald on the nature of the US spying on its own citizens.
Let's be clear, here, since many people, especially Republicans, continue to spout the Administration talking point that it is only foreigners (i.e., "potential terrorists") calling from overseas who are getting spied upon. This is a lie. Literally millions of records of Americans are being collected for no reason at al (excepting, of course, that the government is paranoid).
I don't want to overstate the problem, but I don't want to understate it either. Truth be told, what the US government is doing right now has parallels in totalitarial societies, and has no place in democratic ones, even ones mistakingly feeling as if they are under attack.
Let's be clear, here, since many people, especially Republicans, continue to spout the Administration talking point that it is only foreigners (i.e., "potential terrorists") calling from overseas who are getting spied upon. This is a lie. Literally millions of records of Americans are being collected for no reason at al (excepting, of course, that the government is paranoid).
I don't want to overstate the problem, but I don't want to understate it either. Truth be told, what the US government is doing right now has parallels in totalitarial societies, and has no place in democratic ones, even ones mistakingly feeling as if they are under attack.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
JAG lawyers to come under the thumb of the Administration?
After trading away the independence of the Justice Department, apparently the Administration wants to silence JAG lawyers as well. Idiots.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Mike Huckabee's surge
Temporary, IMO, and merely reflecting the understandable disatisfaction the Republicans are having with the candidates, making them cycle through them like a bunch of bad holiday sweaters one is forced to hold up against oneself in the mirror, saying "Maybe I can live with this in public."
This Huckabee parody is pretty good, IMO:
This Huckabee parody is pretty good, IMO:
Sorry for the delay...
A college friend of mine *finally* got married, and I took some tme off, Back in the saddle!
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Some nice news, from the NBA of all places
Washington Wizards and some good deeds.
I realize that these guys don't want, and never sought, the publicity for what they do. But this is warming news in any case. Nice job, fellas.
I realize that these guys don't want, and never sought, the publicity for what they do. But this is warming news in any case. Nice job, fellas.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Clinton takes Obama to task for a health care plan that doesn't cover people who don't want it
At least, that's what I get from the hubub. Jay agrees with me.
If I were Clinton I wouldn't be talking so much about my weaknesses.
If I were Clinton I wouldn't be talking so much about my weaknesses.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
The NRO and "truthiness"
Matt seems to have the best take on Smith-gate, IMO.
What a waste. When editorial writers try to write "news" this is what happens, I think.
Some background at TPM.
What a waste. When editorial writers try to write "news" this is what happens, I think.
Some background at TPM.
Fear mongering in light of facts
"But they can start up at any time!" seems to be the new talking point on Iran's non-existant nuclear programs.
Both North Korea and Pakistan made huge strides toward nuclear arms under this administration, but the irony of Bush's statement seems lost on him.
Update: Apparently the NIE has been on the President's desk for six months. The information isn't new to him. Perhaps the military is finally taking a bit of a stand on the inside against this rogue administration?
Both North Korea and Pakistan made huge strides toward nuclear arms under this administration, but the irony of Bush's statement seems lost on him.
Update: Apparently the NIE has been on the President's desk for six months. The information isn't new to him. Perhaps the military is finally taking a bit of a stand on the inside against this rogue administration?
First "America" map
Accurate, then "corrected" late with errors. I'm going to resist drawing any current political parallels.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Woman sues KMart and wins
No tax on toilet paper in Pennsylvania. The woman represented herself and won $100 plus court costs.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Has it bottomed yet? Links to foreclosures
With so many foreclosures, it might make sense for people looking for a good deal to check out the houses available directly from the banks. Here are some links:
Bank of America
PNC
Countrywide
Also LoopNet (for HSBC, and others)
Also, government homes are always interesting to look through:
HUD homes
Government sales (including USDA farms & ranches)
Update
Forgot two biggies: Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae
Bank of America
PNC
Countrywide
Also LoopNet (for HSBC, and others)
Also, government homes are always interesting to look through:
HUD homes
Government sales (including USDA farms & ranches)
Update
Forgot two biggies: Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae
How could someone do this?
Fatal Hoax
This story, which is not "breaking news," nor very current, is now being more widely published, and I cam upon it today. I am just stunned and saddened and mad that people can do such things, and then "be okay" with them. I'm talking about the woman, Ms. Drew, who did the hoax. As a parent, it just's just so so so sad to read about a young person killing herself. As a righteous moral indignant mofo, I am mad as heck that the "hoaxer" is not doing something, anything, everything, to make some amends (can't make it right, but can try). I just cannot fathom this one.
This story, which is not "breaking news," nor very current, is now being more widely published, and I cam upon it today. I am just stunned and saddened and mad that people can do such things, and then "be okay" with them. I'm talking about the woman, Ms. Drew, who did the hoax. As a parent, it just's just so so so sad to read about a young person killing herself. As a righteous moral indignant mofo, I am mad as heck that the "hoaxer" is not doing something, anything, everything, to make some amends (can't make it right, but can try). I just cannot fathom this one.
Hugo Chavez: Make me President-for-Life or I'll take your stuff
Hugo Chavez, apparently in a tizzy that his efforts to change the constitution in his country to allow him to run as long as he wants, has threatened to seize the assets of those opposing his reform policies.
Nice. A pro-active redistribution of wealth, I suppose you'd call it. His defenders continue to point out that he was democratically elected as though that excuses his bullying while in office. George W. Bush was democratically elected as well (yes, yes, I've read all about Florida 2000 and Ohio 2004 and it is a lot of nothin'). The point isn't that he has some kind of mandate to do what he's doing and so we should simply stand aside. It is that what you do when you are in office is more important that simply whether you got their legally.
HT: JWF
Nice. A pro-active redistribution of wealth, I suppose you'd call it. His defenders continue to point out that he was democratically elected as though that excuses his bullying while in office. George W. Bush was democratically elected as well (yes, yes, I've read all about Florida 2000 and Ohio 2004 and it is a lot of nothin'). The point isn't that he has some kind of mandate to do what he's doing and so we should simply stand aside. It is that what you do when you are in office is more important that simply whether you got their legally.
HT: JWF
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Where Not to Go For Brain Surgery
Rhode Island hospital has its third "wrong side" brain surgery
Apparently it really is brain surgery.
Apparently it really is brain surgery.
catching up
In between watching to little guy, here are some things I'm reading:
Astor son looted millions, according to grandson.
Redskins player Sean Taylor dies after being shot. Sounds like the guy was turning it around, too. Very sad.
Is IQ a determinant to income? Perhaps we're just obsessed with numbers.
Astor son looted millions, according to grandson.
Redskins player Sean Taylor dies after being shot. Sounds like the guy was turning it around, too. Very sad.
Is IQ a determinant to income? Perhaps we're just obsessed with numbers.
Monday, November 26, 2007
The Year of the Ugly NFL QB
Maybe it is me, but aren't the NFL QBs a lot uglier than they used to be?
Derek Anderson, Cleveland:
Jeff Garcia, TB (never a good looking guy, but there you go):
Lost twins Joey Harrington, Atlanta & JP Losman, Buffalo:
Even the scrubs aren't much better. Here's Charlie Whitehurst, San Diego. Looks like he's very sad. Maybe because he carries around a clipboard for hundreds of thousands of dollars a year:
PSST! Jamie! *There's something on your head!*
Duuude! Kyle Orton!
Brian St. Pierre (Pittsburgh) looks like he's about to break into song. "The hills are alive! With the sound of music!"
"You vill vall down when I throw the ball against you! Vall down!"
On the other hand, Vinny looks pretty good at 63. I'm hoping he plays two more years to collect full Social Security benefits:
Derek Anderson, Cleveland:
Jeff Garcia, TB (never a good looking guy, but there you go):
Lost twins Joey Harrington, Atlanta & JP Losman, Buffalo:
Even the scrubs aren't much better. Here's Charlie Whitehurst, San Diego. Looks like he's very sad. Maybe because he carries around a clipboard for hundreds of thousands of dollars a year:
PSST! Jamie! *There's something on your head!*
Duuude! Kyle Orton!
Brian St. Pierre (Pittsburgh) looks like he's about to break into song. "The hills are alive! With the sound of music!"
"You vill vall down when I throw the ball against you! Vall down!"
On the other hand, Vinny looks pretty good at 63. I'm hoping he plays two more years to collect full Social Security benefits:
Friday, November 23, 2007
Military requires return of signing bonuses by wounded vets?
A bureaucracy gone mad? A little more information here, including the fact that a Congressman has put in a bill to prevent the military from requesting a return of bonuses paid, or from withholding bonuses promised but not paid because a soldier's active duty wounds prevented their committment from being fulfilled.
Update Looks like the Army is coming to its senses. No word on what happened, but at least they are moving to fix the problem.
Update Looks like the Army is coming to its senses. No word on what happened, but at least they are moving to fix the problem.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Too much information?
New Jersey squirrels now OK to eat. This article contained this lovely paragraph:
"A blender that was used to process the tissues into usable samples was defective and was identified as the source of the lead contamination...
Eeeeach!
"A blender that was used to process the tissues into usable samples was defective and was identified as the source of the lead contamination...
Eeeeach!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Just one of several reasons I don't vote Libertarian...
Their passion is there, but their logic isn't, Part IX: Eliminating the IRS.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Torturing the innocent
Like the death penalty, torture should be avoided, if for no other reason, than the innocent are often snared in the "rush for justice." The case of Mahar Arar is no exception. I've been following this for a long time, and if there is one thing I hope we hang around Bush's neck as his "legacy" (of many honorees) this case is the one.
All that damn time...
Here's kind of a cool interactive map, with commuting time & population shifts. The Day/Night population maps are cool, though I wish there were more cities represented.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Constitution suspended---just a little bit at a time...
Want to challenge your parking ticket in Boston or DC? It'll cost you a $275 non-refundable fee.
Screw that whole "right to trial" thingy.
Screw that whole "right to trial" thingy.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Unintelligent design
I caught most of the NOVA program last night about the Dover, PA court case on the forced teaching of Intelligent Design in the public school. An excellent program, which goes to lengths to make sure that ID proponents have their say, although it is pretty clear that the arguments don't exactly get very far. I might have more to say on this later, but the attempts by ID backers to hide from the religious component of their theory is seriously undermined by their own actions in calling people "un-Christian" for believing in evolution.
Frankly, I've never felt that learning more about God's creation is a bad thing, even if it takes us in unexpected directions. God is bigger than anything, including the Bible.
BTW, Greg Arnig Jr. with a nice blog piece on the parallels between ID and the conservative movement in general.
Frankly, I've never felt that learning more about God's creation is a bad thing, even if it takes us in unexpected directions. God is bigger than anything, including the Bible.
BTW, Greg Arnig Jr. with a nice blog piece on the parallels between ID and the conservative movement in general.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Tancredo: Crazy like...a crazy guy
Rep Tancredo has long been a fear mongerer, because, apparently, "someone has to say it." His latest ad is also what I'd call a "strawman" argument. A fictionalized terror attack that only he can stop, it seems.
He forgets that Americans realize, after electing Cheney twice, that this kind of thing only grows worse, not better, when you elect a fear mongerer.
He forgets that Americans realize, after electing Cheney twice, that this kind of thing only grows worse, not better, when you elect a fear mongerer.
Obama gaining in Iowa?
I know this is a very long speech that Obama made in Iowa, but on this Veteran's Day it is important, I think, so critically examine who might be the next Commander-in-Chief.
Obama delivers a great, great speech, IMO. I'm tired of the canned and the shrill, the divisive and the cheerleading. Like a tough education, Obama's best speeches are ambitious affairs which halt the dumbing down of political speeches in its tracks. They tell us we can do better by showing us a better speech. Take a listen--the speech is near the bottom of this Andrew Sullivan page.
Obama delivers a great, great speech, IMO. I'm tired of the canned and the shrill, the divisive and the cheerleading. Like a tough education, Obama's best speeches are ambitious affairs which halt the dumbing down of political speeches in its tracks. They tell us we can do better by showing us a better speech. Take a listen--the speech is near the bottom of this Andrew Sullivan page.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
FEMA, and fake news
Apparently FEMA doesn't have enough on their hands, trying to recover from the Katrina disaster. So they put out a fake press briefing in which the audience was FEMA staffers, asking questions just like real reporters.
In their defense, the staffers were asking questions in order to "salvage" the event. [For what purpose, exactly? There was no one else there].
In their defense, the staffers were asking questions in order to "salvage" the event. [For what purpose, exactly? There was no one else there].
Friday, November 09, 2007
Are you a gamer?
I'm not at all, but I can't help but be impressed with this collection, now for sale.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
It's always a little weird to me...
...when fictional television shows incorporate real life incidents into their shows. I suppose if it's something completely planet-altering like 9/11, that's one thing.
But this past week, Criminal Minds, one of my favorite shows on TV, ended up investigating a series of murders that took place in Montana, in militia country. Of course militia members and government agents don't mix well, so it made for an interesting dichotomy when they had to work together to stop the killer.
During the climactic scene of the show, Special Agent David Rossi - the newest character on the show, and played by Joe Mantegna - admitted to one of the militia men that he was involved in Ruby Ridge *and* Waco. Now, while Waco was one of those things that caused a seismic shift, I'm not so sure Ruby Ridge was.
To those who know about it, it was definitely a turning point in how a lot of people felt about our government. But, if you took a poll, I'm pretty sure that most people you ask, aren't going to know what Ruby Ridge is.
So, it just struck me as odd that a show would incorporate one of its central characters into an event that probably isn't a blip on the radar for most people. Definitely a cool plot device as far as I'm concerned, but still, odd.
But this past week, Criminal Minds, one of my favorite shows on TV, ended up investigating a series of murders that took place in Montana, in militia country. Of course militia members and government agents don't mix well, so it made for an interesting dichotomy when they had to work together to stop the killer.
During the climactic scene of the show, Special Agent David Rossi - the newest character on the show, and played by Joe Mantegna - admitted to one of the militia men that he was involved in Ruby Ridge *and* Waco. Now, while Waco was one of those things that caused a seismic shift, I'm not so sure Ruby Ridge was.
To those who know about it, it was definitely a turning point in how a lot of people felt about our government. But, if you took a poll, I'm pretty sure that most people you ask, aren't going to know what Ruby Ridge is.
So, it just struck me as odd that a show would incorporate one of its central characters into an event that probably isn't a blip on the radar for most people. Definitely a cool plot device as far as I'm concerned, but still, odd.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Farm bill follies
I've long taken the annual Farm Bill to task, for, among many other things, not doing a damn thing except spend my money. Really--it doesn't actually accomplish much of anything except spend gobs of money. And attract poorly-conceived projects which, if proposed by someone in New Jersey, would surely invite FBI investigation as a money-laundering scheme.
Monday, November 05, 2007
The nuts and bolts of America's reputational decline
Andrew Sullivan has been on a bit of a kick lately, about how legal visitors to this country are being put through the ringer because, essentially, they are trying to come into (or leave) the country while being, well, foreign. His latest post combines the newly legitimized border control rudeness with a sprinkling of moral superiority and a dash of tsking.
Since the Right, particularly the Christian Right, are unable to stigmatize the divorced or the "bastards" (since they are divorced and often bringing up children out-of-wedlock themselves), I guess when faced with gay foreigners it is hard to hold back.
I know, of course, that the border control workers aren't all Christianists. But in a bureaucracy, tone is set high up. And this one starts at the top.
Since the Right, particularly the Christian Right, are unable to stigmatize the divorced or the "bastards" (since they are divorced and often bringing up children out-of-wedlock themselves), I guess when faced with gay foreigners it is hard to hold back.
I know, of course, that the border control workers aren't all Christianists. But in a bureaucracy, tone is set high up. And this one starts at the top.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Friday, November 02, 2007
The FBI and the use of informants
I've been hearing, over the last few years, how the FBI are not only using nastier and nastier informants, but their programactually gets in the way of both themselves and other law enforcement groups pursuing criminal investigations.
I understand the use of snitches. But it appears that the use has gotten far too widespread making us very lazy in doing the hard work of solving crimes.
I understand the use of snitches. But it appears that the use has gotten far too widespread making us very lazy in doing the hard work of solving crimes.
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