Pehaps appropriately, given where find ourselves in Iraq, Sec. Def. Gates this morning quoted the movie "Apollo 13", summing up the administration stance there as well as anyone.
"Failure is Not an Option"
###
He also announced that from this moment forward rerservists will be involuntarily mobilized for only one year at a time, which is less than now.
He's also going to look at hardship waivers and other mobilization policies.
Also, he claims they exceeded their recruiting goals for the month of December.
******************************************************************************
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Mike Barnicle - Liar
Since Atrios comments are down, I feel compelled to point here on my own blog that Mike Barnicle just bashed Hillary Clinton on Hardball saying that "does she know where Iraq is?" and she hasn't said anything about Iraq in months, which I am willing to bet is a fucking lie.
I'm not Hillary Clinton's biggest supporter, but lying is lying and slander is slander and strutting on tv like a jackass, preening for well-known Hillary-hater Chris Matthews, is utterly contemptible.
******************************************************************************
I'm not Hillary Clinton's biggest supporter, but lying is lying and slander is slander and strutting on tv like a jackass, preening for well-known Hillary-hater Chris Matthews, is utterly contemptible.
******************************************************************************
CHRIS DODD IS RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT
Senator Dodd will announce that he's running for President tomorrow.
He's a nice guy, though I don't rate his chances very high. At a minimum, he's going to have distance himself from Joe Lieberman. Dodd endorsed Ned Lamont, so I think it's safe to say their no longer friends; nevertheless, they used to be close, of course.
His bigger problem is that while people like John McCain, Hillary Clinton and even Barack Obama are nationally famous, not as many people know who Dodd is, and even fewer, I'd guess, could say what Dodd stands for.
Dodd is a respected Senator from New England - no offense to John Kerry, who I think ran a decent campaign and is a good guy, but we tried that already. Like Joe Biden, Dodd is prominent in Washington, but unlikely to make much headway with this.
*************************************************************************
He's a nice guy, though I don't rate his chances very high. At a minimum, he's going to have distance himself from Joe Lieberman. Dodd endorsed Ned Lamont, so I think it's safe to say their no longer friends; nevertheless, they used to be close, of course.
His bigger problem is that while people like John McCain, Hillary Clinton and even Barack Obama are nationally famous, not as many people know who Dodd is, and even fewer, I'd guess, could say what Dodd stands for.
Dodd is a respected Senator from New England - no offense to John Kerry, who I think ran a decent campaign and is a good guy, but we tried that already. Like Joe Biden, Dodd is prominent in Washington, but unlikely to make much headway with this.
*************************************************************************
Duncan Hunter: "It's a Handoff"
According to Duncan Hunter, we're in phase two of a well-planned operation, and this is just a "handoff", like in football.
Democrats in Congress will be to blame if we lose.
***********************************************************************
Democrats in Congress will be to blame if we lose.
***********************************************************************
GREAT MOMENTS IN LITERATURE
Bush is going to give his speech from the White House Library.
No word yet if he will read to the nation from "My Pet Goat."
*********************************************************
No word yet if he will read to the nation from "My Pet Goat."
*********************************************************
Sunday, January 07, 2007
BIDEN: HORTATORY
The Biden Campaign:
"Horton Hears a Hortatory"
****************************************************************
"Horton Hears a Hortatory"
****************************************************************
Joe Klein is Full of It, As Usual
Chris Mathews:
Would Al Gore be President today if he had gone after the issue [of global warming] back in 2000?
“Yes, because he would have sounded like a human being, and not a robot.”
- Joe Klein
Not only is typically gratuitously insulting, from Joe ("Democrats Hate America") Klein, it is also obtuse, poor election analysis, and almost certainly false.
***********************************************************************
Would Al Gore be President today if he had gone after the issue [of global warming] back in 2000?
“Yes, because he would have sounded like a human being, and not a robot.”
- Joe Klein
Not only is typically gratuitously insulting, from Joe ("Democrats Hate America") Klein, it is also obtuse, poor election analysis, and almost certainly false.
***********************************************************************
Thursday, January 04, 2007
CONGRATS, MALIKI!
"Bush congratulated the Prime Minister on the decision" [to execute Saddam].
– Tony Snow, White House Spokesman, January 4, 2006.
– Tony Snow, White House Spokesman, January 4, 2006.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Tucker Carlson's Smear Festival
Tucker Carlson has been engaging an evening long smear of Nancy Pelosi, accusing her of creating a cult of personality and culminating in comparing to vicious dictator Nikolai Ceausescu.
**************************************************************************
**************************************************************************
Giuliani Early Plans Laid Out
From the New York Times:
"As former Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani was campaigning for Republican candidates last fall, his aides were secretly planning a Giuliani presidential campaign despite his statements to the contrary, targeting potential donors and assessing possible liabilities, including his controversial former aide, Bernard B. Kerik, and his ex-wife Donna Hanover, according to a 140-page strategy document apparently prepared by Giuliani advisers.
The public disclosure of the document, which was leaked by a Giuliani adversary to The Daily News, is potentially damaging for Mr. Giuliani, given that he has portrayed himself as a leader on security issues and strategic planning.
Indeed, for better or worse, he gained a reputation as mayor for tightly controlling and shaping public information; such a security breach in any presidential operation, but especially his, stands as an unusual embarrassment, as well as a boon to his potential opponents who want to know his thinking."
The worst news is that somebody close to his team is willing to hand over this document to a newspaper.
***************************************************************************
"As former Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani was campaigning for Republican candidates last fall, his aides were secretly planning a Giuliani presidential campaign despite his statements to the contrary, targeting potential donors and assessing possible liabilities, including his controversial former aide, Bernard B. Kerik, and his ex-wife Donna Hanover, according to a 140-page strategy document apparently prepared by Giuliani advisers.
The public disclosure of the document, which was leaked by a Giuliani adversary to The Daily News, is potentially damaging for Mr. Giuliani, given that he has portrayed himself as a leader on security issues and strategic planning.
Indeed, for better or worse, he gained a reputation as mayor for tightly controlling and shaping public information; such a security breach in any presidential operation, but especially his, stands as an unusual embarrassment, as well as a boon to his potential opponents who want to know his thinking."
The worst news is that somebody close to his team is willing to hand over this document to a newspaper.
***************************************************************************
Friday, December 15, 2006
Will President Tommy Thompson Get Chipped?
Now that Tommy Thompson is running for President, will he finally get that microchip implanted like he promised?
From World Net Daily
July 22, 2005
"WASHINGTON – When former Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson joined the board of directors of a company promoting the broad implantation of microchips into Americans for identification purposes, he pledged to get chipped himself as an example.
But Thompson doesn't appear to be in any hurry to get the implant.
Last July, Thompson, who now sits on the board of VeriChip Corp., the leading manufacturer and promoter of the technology, encouraged Americans to get chipped so their electronic medical records would be available in emergencies.
"It's very beneficial and it's going to be extremely helpful and it's a giant step forward to getting what we call an electronic medical record for all Americans," he told CBS MarketWatch.
When asked later by a CNBC reporter if he would take the chip himself as an example for Americans, he replied: "Absolutely, without a doubt."
****************************************************************************
From World Net Daily
July 22, 2005
"WASHINGTON – When former Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson joined the board of directors of a company promoting the broad implantation of microchips into Americans for identification purposes, he pledged to get chipped himself as an example.
But Thompson doesn't appear to be in any hurry to get the implant.
Last July, Thompson, who now sits on the board of VeriChip Corp., the leading manufacturer and promoter of the technology, encouraged Americans to get chipped so their electronic medical records would be available in emergencies.
"It's very beneficial and it's going to be extremely helpful and it's a giant step forward to getting what we call an electronic medical record for all Americans," he told CBS MarketWatch.
When asked later by a CNBC reporter if he would take the chip himself as an example for Americans, he replied: "Absolutely, without a doubt."
****************************************************************************
Twenty Thousand Men
"The Bush administration is leaning toward temporarily sending as many as 20,000 additional U.S. troops to Iraq"
– The Wall Street Journal, December 15, 2006
Witness this army of such mass and charge
Led by a delicate and tender prince,
Whose spirit with divine ambition puff'd
Makes mouths at the invisible event,
Exposing what is mortal and unsure
To all that fortune, death and danger dare,
Even for an egg-shell. Rightly to be great
Is not to stir without great argument,
But greatly to find quarrel in a straw
When honour's at the stake. How stand I then,
That have a father kill'd, a mother stain'd,
Excitements of my reason and my blood,
And let all sleep? while, to my shame, I see
The imminent death of twenty thousand men,
That, for a fantasy and trick of fame,
Go to their graves like beds, fight for a plot
Whereon the numbers cannot try the cause,
Which is not tomb enough and continent
To hide the slain? O, from this time forth,
My thoughts be bloody, or be nothing worth!
- William Shakespeare, Hamlet
******************************************************************************
– The Wall Street Journal, December 15, 2006
Witness this army of such mass and charge
Led by a delicate and tender prince,
Whose spirit with divine ambition puff'd
Makes mouths at the invisible event,
Exposing what is mortal and unsure
To all that fortune, death and danger dare,
Even for an egg-shell. Rightly to be great
Is not to stir without great argument,
But greatly to find quarrel in a straw
When honour's at the stake. How stand I then,
That have a father kill'd, a mother stain'd,
Excitements of my reason and my blood,
And let all sleep? while, to my shame, I see
The imminent death of twenty thousand men,
That, for a fantasy and trick of fame,
Go to their graves like beds, fight for a plot
Whereon the numbers cannot try the cause,
Which is not tomb enough and continent
To hide the slain? O, from this time forth,
My thoughts be bloody, or be nothing worth!
- William Shakespeare, Hamlet
******************************************************************************
Monday, December 11, 2006
Jeff Greenfield: Terrorist ?
"The senator was in New Hampshire over the weekend, sporting what's getting to be the classic Obama look. Call it business casual, a jacket, a collared shirt, but no tie.
It is a look the senator seems to favor. And why not? It is dressy enough to suggest seriousness of purpose, but without the stuffiness of a tie, much less a suit. There is a comfort level here that reflects one of Obama's strongest political assets, a sense that he is comfortable in his own skin, that he knows who he is.
But, in the case of Obama, he may be walking around with a sartorial time bomb. Ask yourself, is there any other major public figure who dresses the way he does? Why, yes. It is Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who, unlike most of his predecessors, seems to have skipped through enough copies of "GQ" to find the jacket-and-no-tie look agreeable.
Now, it is one thing to have a last name that sounds like Osama and a middle name, Hussein, that is probably less than helpful. But an outfit that reminds people of a charter member of the axis of evil, why, this could leave his presidential hopes hanging by a thread. Or is that threads?"
- Jeff Greenfield
The Damning Evidence
********************************************************************
It is a look the senator seems to favor. And why not? It is dressy enough to suggest seriousness of purpose, but without the stuffiness of a tie, much less a suit. There is a comfort level here that reflects one of Obama's strongest political assets, a sense that he is comfortable in his own skin, that he knows who he is.
But, in the case of Obama, he may be walking around with a sartorial time bomb. Ask yourself, is there any other major public figure who dresses the way he does? Why, yes. It is Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who, unlike most of his predecessors, seems to have skipped through enough copies of "GQ" to find the jacket-and-no-tie look agreeable.
Now, it is one thing to have a last name that sounds like Osama and a middle name, Hussein, that is probably less than helpful. But an outfit that reminds people of a charter member of the axis of evil, why, this could leave his presidential hopes hanging by a thread. Or is that threads?"
- Jeff Greenfield
The Damning Evidence
********************************************************************
Sunday, December 10, 2006
SIR, WE’VE LOST SENATOR SMITH
“I, for one, am at the end of my rope when it comes to supporting a policy that has our soldiers patrolling the same streets in the same way being blown up by the same bombs day after day. That is absurd. It may even be criminal. I cannot support that any more. I believe we need to figure out not just how to leave Iraq but how to fight the War on Terror and to do it right.”
- Senator Gordon Smith, Republican, Oregon
***************************************************************************
- Senator Gordon Smith, Republican, Oregon
***************************************************************************
The Worst Thing Ever
“Political correctness is the worst thing that’s ever happened to this country."
- Senator Conrad Burns, Republican, Montana.
Why does Conrad hate September 11?
******************************************************************************
- Senator Conrad Burns, Republican, Montana.
Why does Conrad hate September 11?
******************************************************************************
Friday, December 08, 2006
Monday, December 04, 2006
John Bolton Resigns
International horror show John Bolton has resigned.
Bye, bye, John!
****************************************************************************
Bye, bye, John!
****************************************************************************
Friday, December 01, 2006
Cat Blogging
Tiger posing with a photo of himself as a kitten.
**********************************************************************************
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Sonic Rivals vs. The Iraq Study Group
Iraq Study Group Recommendations:
"Go Big," "Go Long" and "Go Home"
-------------------------------------------------------
Sonic Rivals PlayStation Game Slogan:
"Go Fast, Go Hard, or Go Home!"
***********************************************************************
"Go Big," "Go Long" and "Go Home"
-------------------------------------------------------
Sonic Rivals PlayStation Game Slogan:
"Go Fast, Go Hard, or Go Home!"
***********************************************************************
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
More Than 3,700 Iraqis Killed in October
BBC:
"The Iraqi death toll hit a record high in October, with more than 3,700 people losing their lives in the ongoing violence, according to a UN report.
The majority of the 3,709 people who died were killed in sectarian attacks - nearly 200 more than in the previous record month of July.
The brunt of the violence was borne in Baghdad, while the report also noted that women were increasingly victims.
The UN bases its figures on data collected by the Iraqi Health Ministry."
*************************************************************************************
"The Iraqi death toll hit a record high in October, with more than 3,700 people losing their lives in the ongoing violence, according to a UN report.
The majority of the 3,709 people who died were killed in sectarian attacks - nearly 200 more than in the previous record month of July.
The brunt of the violence was borne in Baghdad, while the report also noted that women were increasingly victims.
The UN bases its figures on data collected by the Iraqi Health Ministry."
*************************************************************************************
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Tucker Carlson Wasting MSNBC's Money?
Noted stupid person Tucker Carlson is deeply worried, about the question, as his headline puts it, "Hillary Wasting Donor's Money?"
This is because Hillary spent a lot in a very expensive state and won by a whopping margin.
What's more wasteful? Spending millions on a winnning campaign or millions on a losing one?
I eagerly await his report on how much George Allen and Rick Santorum "wasted."
******************************************************************************
This is because Hillary spent a lot in a very expensive state and won by a whopping margin.
What's more wasteful? Spending millions on a winnning campaign or millions on a losing one?
I eagerly await his report on how much George Allen and Rick Santorum "wasted."
******************************************************************************
Sunday, November 19, 2006
McCain on "This Week"
Shorter John McCain:
"If I believed what I believed then I would call for troops to withdraw, but I haven't yet determined if I believe what I believe."
*********************************************************************************
"If I believed what I believed then I would call for troops to withdraw, but I haven't yet determined if I believe what I believe."
*********************************************************************************
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Vilsack Benefits Hillary?
Not really.
If Vilsack wins Iowa and Hillary Clinton comes in second, it will help her, but only be what people expect.
If Clark, or Edwards, or whoever, comes in a strong third, they benefit most of all.
If anyone beats Clinton for second place in Iowa, and it could certainly happen, then that person is in position of strength, and she darn well better come in first in New Hampshire.
Gore is an exception to this. He would have beat or tie Hillary in at least one of those first two states or he would also not have met expectations.
Iowa also remains important because the last place finisher, depending on the results, will get pressure to drop out.
If Vilsack wins Iowa and Hillary Clinton comes in second, it will help her, but only be what people expect.
If Clark, or Edwards, or whoever, comes in a strong third, they benefit most of all.
If anyone beats Clinton for second place in Iowa, and it could certainly happen, then that person is in position of strength, and she darn well better come in first in New Hampshire.
Gore is an exception to this. He would have beat or tie Hillary in at least one of those first two states or he would also not have met expectations.
Iowa also remains important because the last place finisher, depending on the results, will get pressure to drop out.
Today's Quiz: Rudy For Prez?
Which of the following will NOT hurt Rudy Giuliani in the primaries:
(A) He married his cousin
(B) He’s in favor of gay rights
(C) His best friend and Homeland Security choice is a crook
(D) He dumped his second wife on television
(E) He’s pro-gun control
(F) He moved his girlfriend into the mayor’s mansion, while still married
(G) He’s not anti-choice
(H) He lived with two gay men
(I) He favors amnesty for illegal aliens
(J) He’s unpopular with minorities
(K) He likes to dress in women’s clothing
Answer: (J)
*************************************************************************
(A) He married his cousin
(B) He’s in favor of gay rights
(C) His best friend and Homeland Security choice is a crook
(D) He dumped his second wife on television
(E) He’s pro-gun control
(F) He moved his girlfriend into the mayor’s mansion, while still married
(G) He’s not anti-choice
(H) He lived with two gay men
(I) He favors amnesty for illegal aliens
(J) He’s unpopular with minorities
(K) He likes to dress in women’s clothing
Answer: (J)
*************************************************************************
Friday, November 10, 2006
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Can we expect a different military strategy from Al Qaeda based on what's happened here in the U.S.?"
- Rita Cosby, MSNBC, November 10, 2006
*****************************************************************
- Rita Cosby, MSNBC, November 10, 2006
*****************************************************************
Studio 60 on the Via Dolorosa
Odd morning tv note -- both Good Morning America and The Today Show are from Jerusalem. Specifically, Diane Sawyer and Matt Lauer nearly tripped over each other reporting live from the Via Dolorosa.*
*CBS has Donny Osmond.
What gives?
If then End Times are here, someone shoot me an e-mail.
*******************************************************************
*CBS has Donny Osmond.
What gives?
If then End Times are here, someone shoot me an e-mail.
*******************************************************************
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Bush Administration Turns to Figure Skater to Revive America's Image
"Hoping to boost America's image abroad, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice appointed U.S. figure skating star Michelle Kwan on Thursday as a public diplomacy envoy for the Bush administration.
Once an aspiring skater herself, Rice said Kwan showed humility and grace under pressure during her athletic career and was the perfect choice as a goodwill ambassador.
"It is a time of great consequence in the world and I know you are going to play an important and valuable role for our nation," said Rice, with Kwan, 26, at her side."
Next Week:
Tonya Harding to lead American Forces in Iraq.
************************************************************************
Once an aspiring skater herself, Rice said Kwan showed humility and grace under pressure during her athletic career and was the perfect choice as a goodwill ambassador.
"It is a time of great consequence in the world and I know you are going to play an important and valuable role for our nation," said Rice, with Kwan, 26, at her side."
Next Week:
Tonya Harding to lead American Forces in Iraq.
************************************************************************
Ed Bradley of "60 Minutes" Dies
Like many people I grew up watching 60 Minutes and Ed Bradely on the show. No need to go in depth on his years of experience and great reporting. Recently we saw him do good work on the Duke case and had a fun interview with Tiger Woods.
Too bad.
**********************************************************************************
Too bad.
**********************************************************************************
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
QUESTION OF THE DAY
Donald Rumsfeld was:
(A) The Youngest Secretary of Defense Ever
(B) The Oldest Secretary of Defense Ever
(C) The Weirdest Secretary of Defense Ever
(D) The Worst Secretary of Defense Ever
(E) All of the Above
***********************************************************************
(A) The Youngest Secretary of Defense Ever
(B) The Oldest Secretary of Defense Ever
(C) The Weirdest Secretary of Defense Ever
(D) The Worst Secretary of Defense Ever
(E) All of the Above
***********************************************************************
Bush Will Raise the Minimum Wage
In his press conference Bush signaled he is ready to make a deal to raise the minimum wage.
Also, will get some reauthorization of No Child Left Behind.
***************************************************************************
Also, will get some reauthorization of No Child Left Behind.
***************************************************************************
Stay the What?
Bush on the American People:
"Somehow it steeped in their consciousness, that my strategy was 'Stay the Course.'"
"Somehow it steeped in their consciousness, that my strategy was 'Stay the Course.'"
Robert Gates to be the new Secretary of Defense
Bush is dipping into Poppy's well.
Gates was head of the CIA under Bush 41.
********************************************************************
Gates was head of the CIA under Bush 41.
********************************************************************
Rumsfeld To Resign
_____________________________________________________________________
Secretary of Defense Will Resign
The fallout from The Blue Wave continues.
*******************************************************************
Secretary of Defense Will Resign
The fallout from The Blue Wave continues.
*******************************************************************
Tester Wins
______________________________________________________
Tester Wins By 3,000 votes
Current Senate Count:
Democrats 50
Republicans 49
Webb in Virginia leads by 8,000 votes.
***********************************************************************
Tester Wins By 3,000 votes
Current Senate Count:
Democrats 50
Republicans 49
Webb in Virginia leads by 8,000 votes.
***********************************************************************
Norquist Vows to Fight On
"Nancy Pelosi will do for the Republicans what [Bill] Clinton did for the Republicans — become the lightning rod to explain that their congressman who they thought was a reasonable guy was really a left-wing wacko."
– Grover Norquist
Bill Clinton was reallly a left-wing wacko?
That's his reality and he's sticking with it.
******************************************************************************
– Grover Norquist
Bill Clinton was reallly a left-wing wacko?
That's his reality and he's sticking with it.
******************************************************************************
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Bush Insults the Troops! Will He Apologize?
"This bill meets our commitment to America's Armed Forces by preparing them to meet the threats of tomorrow. Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we."
– George W. Bush, August 5, 2004
Source: Office of the Press Secretary, The White House
Bush Apology Watch:
Day 817
***********************************************************************************
– George W. Bush, August 5, 2004
Source: Office of the Press Secretary, The White House
Bush Apology Watch:
Day 817
***********************************************************************************
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Scary Cat!
Well, not that scary, but kinda scary.
***********************************************************************
Building a Bridge to Nowhereville
Wall Street Journal -- Forget the polls, prognosticators and angsty anonymous quotes from Republican Party insiders, Alaska’s only congressman, Republican Don Young, has a prediction of his own: House Republicans won’t lose any seats next week.
Arguing that the solidifying convention wisdom that Republicans will lose control of the House next week is a creation of the media, Young told an Associated Press reporter: “I’m predicting we’re not going to lose any seats.” Young added: “My prediction is as good as anybody else’s. The day after the election, we’ll see who was right.”
*******************************************************************************
Arguing that the solidifying convention wisdom that Republicans will lose control of the House next week is a creation of the media, Young told an Associated Press reporter: “I’m predicting we’re not going to lose any seats.” Young added: “My prediction is as good as anybody else’s. The day after the election, we’ll see who was right.”
*******************************************************************************
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Cat Blogging Returns
After a long hiatus, cat blogging returns...
******************************************************************************
******************************************************************************
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Iraq Update
5 U.S. Soldiers Killed on Wednesday.
96 U.S. Soldiers Killed in October.
**************************************************************************
96 U.S. Soldiers Killed in October.
**************************************************************************
Elmo Caught Smuggling Meth?
"(AP) Drug agents broke up an aggressive northern Colorado ring that shipped methamphetamine hidden in Elmo dolls and other toys, authorities said Wednesday.
The alleged ringleader was among 19 people in custody, authorities said. Agents said they seized more than 45 pounds of what they described as high-quality methamphetamine worth $864,000 and capable of supplying 4 million doses."
By Colleen Slevin -- Associated Press Writer
*******************************************************************************
The alleged ringleader was among 19 people in custody, authorities said. Agents said they seized more than 45 pounds of what they described as high-quality methamphetamine worth $864,000 and capable of supplying 4 million doses."
By Colleen Slevin -- Associated Press Writer
*******************************************************************************
105 Year Old Woman Sworn in as Citizen
.
She's originally from Iran, so maybe she just figured would avoid the Christmas rush.
*************************************************************************
She's originally from Iran, so maybe she just figured would avoid the Christmas rush.
*************************************************************************
Odd Headline of the Day
.
GUITARIST SPLITS
FROM DURAN DURAN
This is shocking...if it's 1983
*********************************************************************************
GUITARIST SPLITS
FROM DURAN DURAN
This is shocking...if it's 1983
*********************************************************************************
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Paging Steven Spielberg
"Bee Fossil, DNA Generate A Buzz"
Scientists have identified the oldest known bee, a 100 million-year-old specimen preserved in amber.
The discovery coincides with the publication of the genetic blueprint of the honeybee, which reveals surprising links with mammals and humans.
The ancient insect, trapped in tree sap, is at least 35-45 million years older than any other known bee fossil.
It appears to share features with both bees and wasps, and supports theories of bee evolution.
Keep that can of Raid handy, just in case.
***************************************************************************
Scientists have identified the oldest known bee, a 100 million-year-old specimen preserved in amber.
The discovery coincides with the publication of the genetic blueprint of the honeybee, which reveals surprising links with mammals and humans.
The ancient insect, trapped in tree sap, is at least 35-45 million years older than any other known bee fossil.
It appears to share features with both bees and wasps, and supports theories of bee evolution.
Keep that can of Raid handy, just in case.
***************************************************************************
Los Alamos Secrets Found in Drug Bust
Los Alamos Secrets Found in Drug Bust -
Authorities Investigating How to Blame Bill Clinton
*************************************************************************
Authorities Investigating How to Blame Bill Clinton
*************************************************************************
German Soldiers Pose With Human Skull
From the BBC:
"Photos apparently showing German troops posing with a skull in Afghanistan have caused outrage in Germany.
The tabloid newspaper Bild, which carried the photos, says they show German troops in Afghanistan in 2003.
On one of the pictures, a soldier is seen holding the skull next to his exposed penis, on another - soldiers pose with the skull on their jeep.
German Defence Minister Franz Josef Jung expressed disgust at the photos and ordered an immediate investigation."
The Germans, it seems to me, given their history, have to meet the highest standard of behavior for their soldiers in combat. This is not a good sign.
"Photos apparently showing German troops posing with a skull in Afghanistan have caused outrage in Germany.
The tabloid newspaper Bild, which carried the photos, says they show German troops in Afghanistan in 2003.
On one of the pictures, a soldier is seen holding the skull next to his exposed penis, on another - soldiers pose with the skull on their jeep.
German Defence Minister Franz Josef Jung expressed disgust at the photos and ordered an immediate investigation."
The Germans, it seems to me, given their history, have to meet the highest standard of behavior for their soldiers in combat. This is not a good sign.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Iraqis Silent on Iraqi Goals
The Army held a major Press Conference to announce that the Iraqis have agreed to try to meet some targets in a year and a half.
News reports:
"Missing from the press conference:
Any Iraqis."
***********************************************************************
News reports:
"Missing from the press conference:
Any Iraqis."
***********************************************************************
Monday, October 23, 2006
Bush the Decider
"I said to the Generals, 'You Choose'"
*********************************************************************************
*********************************************************************************
Great Moments In Free Speech
MOSCOW, Oct. 21 — A group of men burst into a contemporary art gallery here Saturday, destroying work by an ethnic Georgian artist and beating up the owner, Marat Guelman. Mr. Guelman is well known both for his display of politically inspired and irreverent art and, most recently, his public attacks on neofascists for their dislike of non-Russians and of Western influence on Russian society.
Mr. Guelman said the attack was carried out by 10 men who looked like skinheads. The attack was the latest incident to raise troubling questions about xenophobia and freedom of expression in Russia.
Mr. Guelman said the attack was carried out by 10 men who looked like skinheads. The attack was the latest incident to raise troubling questions about xenophobia and freedom of expression in Russia.
Friday, October 20, 2006
What We Don't Know
An Excerpt from an Op-Ed piece in the New York Times:
A few weeks ago, I took the F.B.I.’s temperature again. At the end of a long interview, I asked Willie Hulon, chief of the bureau’s new national security branch, whether he thought that it was important for a man in his position to know the difference between Sunnis and Shiites. “Yes, sure, it’s right to know the difference,” he said. “It’s important to know who your targets are.”
That was a big advance over 2005. So next I asked him if he could tell me the difference. He was flummoxed. “The basics goes back to their beliefs and who they were following,” he said. “And the conflicts between the Sunnis and the Shia and the difference between who they were following.”
O.K., I asked, trying to help, what about today? Which one is Iran — Sunni or Shiite? He thought for a second. “Iran and Hezbollah,” I prompted. “Which are they?”
He took a stab: “Sunni.”
Wrong.
Al Qaeda? “Sunni.”
Right.
– By Jeff Stein, National Security Editor at Congressional Quarterly.
A few weeks ago, I took the F.B.I.’s temperature again. At the end of a long interview, I asked Willie Hulon, chief of the bureau’s new national security branch, whether he thought that it was important for a man in his position to know the difference between Sunnis and Shiites. “Yes, sure, it’s right to know the difference,” he said. “It’s important to know who your targets are.”
That was a big advance over 2005. So next I asked him if he could tell me the difference. He was flummoxed. “The basics goes back to their beliefs and who they were following,” he said. “And the conflicts between the Sunnis and the Shia and the difference between who they were following.”
O.K., I asked, trying to help, what about today? Which one is Iran — Sunni or Shiite? He thought for a second. “Iran and Hezbollah,” I prompted. “Which are they?”
He took a stab: “Sunni.”
Wrong.
Al Qaeda? “Sunni.”
Right.
– By Jeff Stein, National Security Editor at Congressional Quarterly.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Galaxy 2006
An image of the Antennae galaxies merging taken by the Hubble telescope.
(NASA, ESA/Hubble, and B. Whitmore - Space Telescope Science Institute/Handout/Reuters)
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Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Stem Cell Research is Shrill and Extreme
"Talent's move to the center is countered by his opponent, Claire McCaskill, who has highlighted Talent's opposition to stem cell research in poignant ads featuring Missourians with medical problems who might be helped by such research."
- David Ignatius, Washington Post.
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- David Ignatius, Washington Post.
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Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Doctrine of Wingnut Infallability
Think Progress:
Last night, the CBS Evening News turned their broadcast over to a man named Brian Rohrbough, who lost his son during the Columbine massacre. Mr. Rohrbough proceeded to blame recent school shootings on: 1) the teaching of evolution, and 2) abortion.
Last night, the CBS Evening News turned their broadcast over to a man named Brian Rohrbough, who lost his son during the Columbine massacre. Mr. Rohrbough proceeded to blame recent school shootings on: 1) the teaching of evolution, and 2) abortion.
"Hello, You've Reached The White House"
"Hello, you've reached the White House."
If you're outraged about Iraq, Press 1."
If you're outraged about Afghanistan, Press 2."
If you're outraged about Repubilcan Corruption, Press 3."
If you're outraged about Republican Congressional harrassment cover-ups, Press 4."
If you're outraged about torture, Press 5."
If you're outraged about suspension of Constitutional Rights, Press 6."
If you're outraged about another issue, please remain on the line, and an operator will be with you shortly. Remember, you're call is important to us."
**********************************************************************************
If you're outraged about Iraq, Press 1."
If you're outraged about Afghanistan, Press 2."
If you're outraged about Repubilcan Corruption, Press 3."
If you're outraged about Republican Congressional harrassment cover-ups, Press 4."
If you're outraged about torture, Press 5."
If you're outraged about suspension of Constitutional Rights, Press 6."
If you're outraged about another issue, please remain on the line, and an operator will be with you shortly. Remember, you're call is important to us."
**********************************************************************************
Monday, October 02, 2006
Summer Page Lecture Series
Summer 2006
Official Congressional Page Summer Lecture Series
June 10:
"Congress - Its Powers and Functions in the Federal System"
June 25:
"From Proposal to Markup: The Legislative Process"
July 15:
"Capitol Hill v. Pennsylvania Avenue - Congress and The President"
August 21:
"The Third Branch: Judicial Review and The Role of the Supreme Court"
September 7:
"Snails and Oysters: Gladiators Movies from Heston to Crowe"
***************************************************************
Official Congressional Page Summer Lecture Series
June 10:
"Congress - Its Powers and Functions in the Federal System"
June 25:
"From Proposal to Markup: The Legislative Process"
July 15:
"Capitol Hill v. Pennsylvania Avenue - Congress and The President"
August 21:
"The Third Branch: Judicial Review and The Role of the Supreme Court"
September 7:
"Snails and Oysters: Gladiators Movies from Heston to Crowe"
***************************************************************
Dark Side of Globalization
From The New York Times:
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast
September 28, 2006
"It was his infant son’s cries, gasping and insistent, that first woke Salif Oudrawogol one night last month. The smell hit him moments later, wafting into the family’s hut, a noxious mélange reminiscent of rotten eggs, garlic and petroleum.
Six-month-old Salam Oudrawogol of Abidjan, Ivory Coast, has been covered with sores since he was exposed to toxic waste in August. More Photos »
Mr. Oudrawogol went outside to investigate. Beside the family’s compound, near his manioc and corn fields, he saw a stinking slick of black sludge.
“The smell was so bad we were afraid,” Mr. Oudrawogol said. “It burned our noses and eyes.”
Over the next few days, the skin of his 6-month-old son, Salam, bloomed with blisters, which burst into weeping sores all over his body. The whole family suffered headaches, nosebleeds and stomach aches.
How that slick, a highly toxic cocktail of petrochemical waste and caustic soda, ended up in Mr. Oudrawogol’s backyard in a suburb north of Abidjan is a dark tale of globalization. It came from a Greek-owned tanker flying a Panamanian flag and leased by the London branch of a Swiss trading corporation whose fiscal headquarters are in the Netherlands. Safe disposal in Europe would have cost about $300,000, or perhaps twice that, counting the cost of delays. But because of decisions and actions made not only here but also in Europe, it was dumped on the doorstep of some of the world’s poorest people.
So far eight people have died, dozens have been hospitalized and 85,000 have sought medical attention, paralyzing the fragile health care system in a country divided and impoverished by civil war, and the crisis has forced a government shakeup."
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast
September 28, 2006
"It was his infant son’s cries, gasping and insistent, that first woke Salif Oudrawogol one night last month. The smell hit him moments later, wafting into the family’s hut, a noxious mélange reminiscent of rotten eggs, garlic and petroleum.
Six-month-old Salam Oudrawogol of Abidjan, Ivory Coast, has been covered with sores since he was exposed to toxic waste in August. More Photos »
Mr. Oudrawogol went outside to investigate. Beside the family’s compound, near his manioc and corn fields, he saw a stinking slick of black sludge.
“The smell was so bad we were afraid,” Mr. Oudrawogol said. “It burned our noses and eyes.”
Over the next few days, the skin of his 6-month-old son, Salam, bloomed with blisters, which burst into weeping sores all over his body. The whole family suffered headaches, nosebleeds and stomach aches.
How that slick, a highly toxic cocktail of petrochemical waste and caustic soda, ended up in Mr. Oudrawogol’s backyard in a suburb north of Abidjan is a dark tale of globalization. It came from a Greek-owned tanker flying a Panamanian flag and leased by the London branch of a Swiss trading corporation whose fiscal headquarters are in the Netherlands. Safe disposal in Europe would have cost about $300,000, or perhaps twice that, counting the cost of delays. But because of decisions and actions made not only here but also in Europe, it was dumped on the doorstep of some of the world’s poorest people.
So far eight people have died, dozens have been hospitalized and 85,000 have sought medical attention, paralyzing the fragile health care system in a country divided and impoverished by civil war, and the crisis has forced a government shakeup."
Saturday, September 30, 2006
The School Buses!
Congressman Foley said he was e-mailing to find out if the teenager was OK after Hurricane Katrina and "wanted a photo to see that the former page was all right," Shimkus said.
Give a whole new meaning to "the school buses!"
Give a whole new meaning to "the school buses!"
Iraqis Want Americans to Leave
*************************************************************************
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Hundreds of Contacts Between White House
From The New York Times
Report Links White House and Lobbyist
By Philip Shenon
Washington, September 28
"A bipartisan Congressional report documents hundreds of contacts between White House officials and the corrupt lobbyist Jack Abramoff and his partners, including at least 10 direct contacts between Mr. Abramoff and Karl Rove, the president’s chief political strategist.
The House Government Reform Committee report, based on e-mail messages and other records subpoenaed from Mr. Abramoff’s lobbying firm, found 485 contacts between Mr. Abramoff’s lobbying team and White House officials from 2001 to 2004, including 82 with Mr. Rove’s office.
The lobbyists spent almost $25,000 in meals and drinks for the White House officials and provided them with tickets to numerous sporting events and concerts, according to the report, scheduled for release Friday.
The authors of the report said it was generally unclear from available records whether the aides reimbursed Mr. Abramoff for the meals or tickets. Ethics rules bar White House officials from accepting lobbyists’ gifts worth more than $20.
A White House spokeswoman, Dana Perino, said Thursday that while White House officials had not seen the report, earlier evidence showed that Mr. Abramoff had exaggerated his ties to the administration and was “ineffective in terms of getting government officials to take actions.”
Report Links White House and Lobbyist
By Philip Shenon
Washington, September 28
"A bipartisan Congressional report documents hundreds of contacts between White House officials and the corrupt lobbyist Jack Abramoff and his partners, including at least 10 direct contacts between Mr. Abramoff and Karl Rove, the president’s chief political strategist.
The House Government Reform Committee report, based on e-mail messages and other records subpoenaed from Mr. Abramoff’s lobbying firm, found 485 contacts between Mr. Abramoff’s lobbying team and White House officials from 2001 to 2004, including 82 with Mr. Rove’s office.
The lobbyists spent almost $25,000 in meals and drinks for the White House officials and provided them with tickets to numerous sporting events and concerts, according to the report, scheduled for release Friday.
The authors of the report said it was generally unclear from available records whether the aides reimbursed Mr. Abramoff for the meals or tickets. Ethics rules bar White House officials from accepting lobbyists’ gifts worth more than $20.
A White House spokeswoman, Dana Perino, said Thursday that while White House officials had not seen the report, earlier evidence showed that Mr. Abramoff had exaggerated his ties to the administration and was “ineffective in terms of getting government officials to take actions.”
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Yet Another Jeanine Pirro Scandal
Jeanine Pirro and Bernie Kerik were in on a plot to wiretap her husband so she could spy on him.
There's a brain trust at work.
No word yet if the pot-bellied pigs were in on the plot or even had their feeding trough tapped.
There's a brain trust at work.
No word yet if the pot-bellied pigs were in on the plot or even had their feeding trough tapped.
Monday, September 25, 2006
I can't wait to hear George Allen's thoughts on "Diff'rent Strokes"
James Wolcott:
"According to an exclusive report on Salon, Allen, his tongue loosened after too many hits of snuff, snidely disparaged the sitcom dry-cleaning magnate George Jefferson, performed with such panache by Sherman Hensley, "as a cocky little squirt who needed to be taught a lesson" and Tom Willis as "a traitor to his race--the human race." Allen's running critique of the show also betrayed uneasy hints of homophobia, evidenced by his jibes that Mr. Bentley was a bit "minty" for his tastes."
You won't believe what he said during "All in the Family."
************************************************************************
"According to an exclusive report on Salon, Allen, his tongue loosened after too many hits of snuff, snidely disparaged the sitcom dry-cleaning magnate George Jefferson, performed with such panache by Sherman Hensley, "as a cocky little squirt who needed to be taught a lesson" and Tom Willis as "a traitor to his race--the human race." Allen's running critique of the show also betrayed uneasy hints of homophobia, evidenced by his jibes that Mr. Bentley was a bit "minty" for his tastes."
You won't believe what he said during "All in the Family."
************************************************************************
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Chafee an "Upstart"?
CNN:
"Moderate Republican upstart Sen. Lincoln Chafee
declared victory in a tough Rhode Island primary that
bolstered GOP prospects for keeping control of the Senate."
"Upstart"?
Son of Senator, rich white man, incumbent member of the majority party of the Senate, is an "upstart"?
I do not think that words means what they think it means.
"Moderate Republican upstart Sen. Lincoln Chafee
declared victory in a tough Rhode Island primary that
bolstered GOP prospects for keeping control of the Senate."
"Upstart"?
Son of Senator, rich white man, incumbent member of the majority party of the Senate, is an "upstart"?
I do not think that words means what they think it means.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Friday Cat Blog
One solitary spot of sun......
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WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE!!
****************************************************************************
Thursday, August 31, 2006
YOU TALKIN' TO ME?
CNN Headline:
"Senator Burns: Terrorists drive
taxis by day, kill at night"
****************************************************************
"Senator Burns: Terrorists drive
taxis by day, kill at night"
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THIS MAY BE THE STRANGEST JUSTIFICATION FOR FUCKING UP I'VE EVER HEARD
"War, as French politician Georges Clemenceau said, is a series of catastrophes that result in victory,"
- Donald Rumsfeld, Tuesday, August 29, at the American Legion convention.
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- Donald Rumsfeld, Tuesday, August 29, at the American Legion convention.
********************************************************************************
Friday, August 25, 2006
Thursday, August 24, 2006
ANOTHER BLOW TO THE CULTURE OF TRUTH
The New York Times
"Evolution Major Vanishes From Approved Federal List"
By CORNELIA DEAN
"Evolutionary biology has vanished from the list of acceptable fields of study for recipients of a federal education grant for low-income college students."
"Evolution Major Vanishes From Approved Federal List"
By CORNELIA DEAN
"Evolutionary biology has vanished from the list of acceptable fields of study for recipients of a federal education grant for low-income college students."
DISPATCHES FROM ANOTHER PLANET
"NEW YORK (Billboard) -- Heavy metal maven Dave Mustaine is so angry with the United Nations that he is naming his group Megadeth's next album "United Abominations."
"I was watching TV and saw the trucks that said 'UN' on them and said, 'Man, you are so uncool, ineffective, anything," the singer/guitarist said in a recent Billboard interview.
"I thought, 'Wow, I've got to run with this. I got it -- United Abominations, 'cause it's an abomination what they're doing!' "
The longtime bane of American conservatives, the United Nations has been criticized for its slow responses to humanitarian crises in hot spots such as Darfur and Rwanda. U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan recently expressed frustration that the group took so long to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon."
That's right. They hate the UN because it didn't solve Rwanda and Darfur. Sure.
"I was watching TV and saw the trucks that said 'UN' on them and said, 'Man, you are so uncool, ineffective, anything," the singer/guitarist said in a recent Billboard interview.
"I thought, 'Wow, I've got to run with this. I got it -- United Abominations, 'cause it's an abomination what they're doing!' "
The longtime bane of American conservatives, the United Nations has been criticized for its slow responses to humanitarian crises in hot spots such as Darfur and Rwanda. U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan recently expressed frustration that the group took so long to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon."
That's right. They hate the UN because it didn't solve Rwanda and Darfur. Sure.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
2nd Circuit Upholds Subway Bag Searches
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has upheld the Constitutionality of random bag searches conducted in New York City subways.
They were begun in July of 2005 after bombings in London.
The Court found the searches were justified given the overall circumstances in which they took place.
They were begun in July of 2005 after bombings in London.
The Court found the searches were justified given the overall circumstances in which they took place.
Need For National ID?
Title of an Editorial in the Palm Beach Post:
"Border lapses show need for a National ID card"
The editorial is about border security. An excerpt:
Congress passed a "Real ID" bill last year that attempts to standardize driver licenses by requiring states to include more information. It is the first step toward a national ID card that would use identifying biometrics such as fingerprints. Opposition to the national ID is based on privacy concerns, but the country may be at a point where border security trumps worries about potential problems with ID security.
Isn't this called a "passport"?
"Border lapses show need for a National ID card"
The editorial is about border security. An excerpt:
Congress passed a "Real ID" bill last year that attempts to standardize driver licenses by requiring states to include more information. It is the first step toward a national ID card that would use identifying biometrics such as fingerprints. Opposition to the national ID is based on privacy concerns, but the country may be at a point where border security trumps worries about potential problems with ID security.
Isn't this called a "passport"?
Friday, August 11, 2006
BE THE FIRST IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD TO TELL JOE IT'S TIME TO GO
"New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson became the first prominent national Democrat to call on Sen. Joe Lieberman to drop his independent bid for re-election in Connecticut.
Richardson, chairman of the Democratic Governors Association and a possible 2008 White House contender, called Lieberman "a good friend of mine" and a "true public servant."
But he said in a statement Thursday that he was backing Ned Lamont, the man who defeated Lieberman in this week's Democratic primary.
"I look forward to supporting Ned as he fights to help Democrats take back the Senate, and I call on Joe Lieberman to respect the will of the voters and step aside," Richardson said."
********************************************************************
Richardson, chairman of the Democratic Governors Association and a possible 2008 White House contender, called Lieberman "a good friend of mine" and a "true public servant."
But he said in a statement Thursday that he was backing Ned Lamont, the man who defeated Lieberman in this week's Democratic primary.
"I look forward to supporting Ned as he fights to help Democrats take back the Senate, and I call on Joe Lieberman to respect the will of the voters and step aside," Richardson said."
********************************************************************
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
LET THE WHINING BEGIN!
"This type of dirty politics has been a staple of the Lamont campaign from the beginning, from the nonstop personal attacks to the intimidation tactics and offensive displays to these coordinated efforts to disable our Web site," said Smith in a statement e-mailed to reporters Monday evening.
"There is no place for these Rovian tactics in Democratic politics, and we demand that our opponent calls off his supporters and their online attack dogs."
*****************************************************************************
QUESTION OF THE DAY
How did today's New York Times describe Ned Lamont?
(A) "Patriot"
(B) "Businessman"
(C) "Teacher"
(D) "Politician"
(E) "Insurgent"
Answer: E
(A) "Patriot"
(B) "Businessman"
(C) "Teacher"
(D) "Politician"
(E) "Insurgent"
Answer: E
LIEBERMAN'S GETTING UPSET!
Re: the Lieberman web site.
Lieberman campaign spokesman Dan Gerstein says that the campaign has filed a complaint with Connecticut's Attorney General and Chief State's Attorney, and the United States Attorney's Office.
They've called the U.S. Attorney, the State AG, the FBI, the Secret Service, the State Police, the county Sherriff, New Haven PD, the CIA, the NSA, the DIA, the Coast Guard, Homeland Security, Bo Dietl, Office Krupke, and McGruff.
***********************************************************************
Lieberman campaign spokesman Dan Gerstein says that the campaign has filed a complaint with Connecticut's Attorney General and Chief State's Attorney, and the United States Attorney's Office.
They've called the U.S. Attorney, the State AG, the FBI, the Secret Service, the State Police, the county Sherriff, New Haven PD, the CIA, the NSA, the DIA, the Coast Guard, Homeland Security, Bo Dietl, Office Krupke, and McGruff.
***********************************************************************
Lieberman's Selling Point: Republicans Like Me
"More than in recent days, the senator came across as both contrite and self-satisfied Monday. He lamented that he had not “clarified” his criticism of the war and the White House earlier, but he also argued that Republicans were “salivating” over the possibility that Democrats would pick an antiwar liberal instead of Mr. Lieberman."
– The New York Times
Do you think anyone really believes that?
***************************************************************
– The New York Times
Do you think anyone really believes that?
***************************************************************
THERE'S A CONFIDENCE BUILDER
"Mr. Lieberman’s advisers said that he was seeking victory but that if he lost, he wanted the smallest possible margin, on the theory that a narrow loss would help him rebuff any Democratic demands that he drop out."
- The New York Times
****************************************************
- The New York Times
****************************************************
Israel Promises to Attack All Vehicles South of Litani
According to CNN, The Israeli military dropped leaflets today over the southern Lebanese city of Tyre, warning of stepped-up operations and urging people not to drive. One leaflet said, "All cars and of any type will be shelled if seen moving south of the Litani River."
Thursday, August 03, 2006
BRAZILIAN MILITARY FIGHTS FOR PENGUINS!
SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP)
"Brazil is staging a military operation involving a Hercules transport plane and Navy ships - all to return four dozen wayward penguins to the icy waters of Antarctica, authorities said Wednesday."
The 50 birds are the survivors among 135 that started appearing in Rio de Janeiro in early June, dragged to warm Brazilian waters by ocean currents, said Giselda Candiotto, president of Rio's Niteroi Zoo Foundation, which is caring for the penguins.
A Hercules C-130 transport airplane will take the flightless birds to Pelotas in southern Brazil on Sept. 23 for the first leg of their journey home, the Air Force's press office said. There, they will be examined by veterinarians at the Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center of the Eliezer de Carvalho Rios Oceanographic Museum.
From Pelotas, the penguins will be driven to the coast and placed on Navy ships. They will be taken 40 miles offshore before being released into the southern Atlantic.
"Ocean currents will hopefully carry them back to their natural habitat," Candiotto said. "If everything goes smoothly, the penguins should be back in Antarctica within 10 days after leaving Rio."
"They are young, inexperienced animals that, in their search for food, get caught in the ocean currents," she said. The birds arrive near Rio extremely debilitated and having lost about two-thirds of their normal body weight. About half die of hyperthermia, hyperglycemia and exhaustion, she added."
"Brazil is staging a military operation involving a Hercules transport plane and Navy ships - all to return four dozen wayward penguins to the icy waters of Antarctica, authorities said Wednesday."
The 50 birds are the survivors among 135 that started appearing in Rio de Janeiro in early June, dragged to warm Brazilian waters by ocean currents, said Giselda Candiotto, president of Rio's Niteroi Zoo Foundation, which is caring for the penguins.
A Hercules C-130 transport airplane will take the flightless birds to Pelotas in southern Brazil on Sept. 23 for the first leg of their journey home, the Air Force's press office said. There, they will be examined by veterinarians at the Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center of the Eliezer de Carvalho Rios Oceanographic Museum.
From Pelotas, the penguins will be driven to the coast and placed on Navy ships. They will be taken 40 miles offshore before being released into the southern Atlantic.
"Ocean currents will hopefully carry them back to their natural habitat," Candiotto said. "If everything goes smoothly, the penguins should be back in Antarctica within 10 days after leaving Rio."
"They are young, inexperienced animals that, in their search for food, get caught in the ocean currents," she said. The birds arrive near Rio extremely debilitated and having lost about two-thirds of their normal body weight. About half die of hyperthermia, hyperglycemia and exhaustion, she added."
Friday, July 28, 2006
George W. Bush: Weird Elitist?
"There's this kind of almost -- kind of a weird kind of elitism that says well maybe -- maybe certain people in certain parts of the world shouldn't be free; maybe it's best just to let them sit in these tyrannical societies."
– George W. Bush, July 28, 2006.
You were saying?
*************************************************************************
– George W. Bush, July 28, 2006.
You were saying?
*************************************************************************
Glenn Beck Attacks Glen Beck
"Well, guess what? I`m an observer, too."
"But to act merely as an observer is not only pointless, it's totally delusional."
– Glenn Beck, July 27, 2006.
********************************************************************************
"But to act merely as an observer is not only pointless, it's totally delusional."
– Glenn Beck, July 27, 2006.
********************************************************************************
Thursday, July 27, 2006
CHINESE GOVERNMENT CLAIMS ACTIVIST BEAT HIMSELF UP
Chinese anti-government activist Fu Xiancai, was severely beaten and paralysed after and now the government says he did it to himself.
Must be more of that diabolical asymetrical warfare.
Fu is an activist fighting for for people displaced by the Three Gorges Dam.
According to BBC News, after Chinese police athorities siezed him, and let him leave, he was viciously attacked on his was home.
He was hit so hard on the back of his neck that three of his vertebrae were broken.
From the BBC: "Officials told Mr Fu's son, Fu Bing, that investigators had failed to find anyone else's footprints at the scene of the attack, and had concluded that he must have hit himself."
Human Rights in China (HRIC) is on the case, poiting out that the "investigation" is being carried out by the same public security bureau that had a record of harassing Mr. Fu.
Must be more of that diabolical asymetrical warfare.
Fu is an activist fighting for for people displaced by the Three Gorges Dam.
According to BBC News, after Chinese police athorities siezed him, and let him leave, he was viciously attacked on his was home.
He was hit so hard on the back of his neck that three of his vertebrae were broken.
From the BBC: "Officials told Mr Fu's son, Fu Bing, that investigators had failed to find anyone else's footprints at the scene of the attack, and had concluded that he must have hit himself."
Human Rights in China (HRIC) is on the case, poiting out that the "investigation" is being carried out by the same public security bureau that had a record of harassing Mr. Fu.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
LIEBERMAN CAMPAIGN DOING JUST FINE
**************************************************************************
You Had a Bad Day
Where is the moment when we need it the most?
You kick up the leaves, and the magic is lost...
They tell me your blue sky's faded to grey
They tell me your passion's gone away
Cause you had a bad day,
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around,
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and
you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day
You see what you like
And how does it feel,
one more time!
You had a bad day
You had a bad day
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
There's That Word Again
Time is describing Bush's plan for peace in the Middle East as:
(A) "Dubious"
(B) "Failed"
(C) "Bold"
(D) "Non-existent"
Answer: C
*************************************************************
(A) "Dubious"
(B) "Failed"
(C) "Bold"
(D) "Non-existent"
Answer: C
*************************************************************
Francis Crick, Seeker of Truth
What a blogger Francis Crick would have made!
Crick helped discover DNA and the genetic code.
From a review in the New York Times by Nicholas Wade of new biography by Matt Ridley called “Francis Crick, Discoverer of the Genetic Code."
************************************************************
"Crick forged his own path through life. Mr. Ridley dwells only briefly on Crick’s heterodox views and experimental way of life. He seldom read newspapers, because working in intelligence had convinced him that most stories never reached the press. He experimented with marijuana and LSD, Mr. Ridley reports.
Crick and his wife Odile held lively parties and enjoyed the company of their many bohemian friends, like John Gayer-Anderson, who made pornographic pottery.
“Though they did not have an explicitly ‘open marriage,’ Francis was an incorrigible flirt,” Mr. Ridley writes, “and Odile at least affected not to mind.”
Crick refused to meet the queen when she visited Cambridge’s new Laboratory of Molecular Biology because he disapproved of royalty, and he declined a knighthood. He deeply disliked religion, saying once that Christianity was all right between consenting adults but should not be taught to children.
He refused to attend weddings or funerals, though he was always up for the party afterward. He resigned from Churchill College when it decided to build a chapel like any other Cambridge college.
Desire to undercut religious obscurantism was a cogent motive in Crick’s scientific career, shaping his choice first of the gene and later of consciousness as problems that, if cracked, would destroy the last refuges of vitalism.
“Throughout, he stayed true to himself: ebullient, loquacious, charming, skeptical, tenacious,” Mr. Ridley writes in an eloquent coda. “He would have liked to find the seat of consciousness and to see the retreat of religion. He had to settle for explaining life.”
###
Crick “saw himself as a dedicated seeker of great truths who had worked very hard, with long hours of reading, calculation, and intuition, to get to the point where he could make a great discovery."
************************************************************************************
Crick helped discover DNA and the genetic code.
From a review in the New York Times by Nicholas Wade of new biography by Matt Ridley called “Francis Crick, Discoverer of the Genetic Code."
************************************************************
"Crick forged his own path through life. Mr. Ridley dwells only briefly on Crick’s heterodox views and experimental way of life. He seldom read newspapers, because working in intelligence had convinced him that most stories never reached the press. He experimented with marijuana and LSD, Mr. Ridley reports.
Crick and his wife Odile held lively parties and enjoyed the company of their many bohemian friends, like John Gayer-Anderson, who made pornographic pottery.
“Though they did not have an explicitly ‘open marriage,’ Francis was an incorrigible flirt,” Mr. Ridley writes, “and Odile at least affected not to mind.”
Crick refused to meet the queen when she visited Cambridge’s new Laboratory of Molecular Biology because he disapproved of royalty, and he declined a knighthood. He deeply disliked religion, saying once that Christianity was all right between consenting adults but should not be taught to children.
He refused to attend weddings or funerals, though he was always up for the party afterward. He resigned from Churchill College when it decided to build a chapel like any other Cambridge college.
Desire to undercut religious obscurantism was a cogent motive in Crick’s scientific career, shaping his choice first of the gene and later of consciousness as problems that, if cracked, would destroy the last refuges of vitalism.
“Throughout, he stayed true to himself: ebullient, loquacious, charming, skeptical, tenacious,” Mr. Ridley writes in an eloquent coda. “He would have liked to find the seat of consciousness and to see the retreat of religion. He had to settle for explaining life.”
###
Crick “saw himself as a dedicated seeker of great truths who had worked very hard, with long hours of reading, calculation, and intuition, to get to the point where he could make a great discovery."
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At Least We Keep Our Committments
"Do you see it as contradictory? On one hand, you allow Israel to kill people, and civilian, in particular, and on the other hand, you're trying to aid the very people that have been suffering and killed as a result?"
PRESIDENT BUSH: "No, I don't see a contradiction in us honoring commitments we made prior to Hezbollah attacks into Israeli territory."
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MAX CHERRY: "You want your money? Your bond refund?"
(He tosses stack of bills to Ordell.)
ORDELL: "That's all?"
MAX CHERRY: "I have a bond receipt for you to sign."
ORDELL: "You know what the fuck I'm talkin' about."
PRESIDENT BUSH: "No, I don't see a contradiction in us honoring commitments we made prior to Hezbollah attacks into Israeli territory."
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MAX CHERRY: "You want your money? Your bond refund?"
(He tosses stack of bills to Ordell.)
ORDELL: "That's all?"
MAX CHERRY: "I have a bond receipt for you to sign."
ORDELL: "You know what the fuck I'm talkin' about."
Monday, July 24, 2006
Begone!
"Joe Lieberman said he believes hospitals that refuse to give contraceptives to rape victims for "principled reasons" shouldn’t be forced to do so. "In Connecticut, it shouldn’t take more than a short ride to get to another hospital," he said." [New Haven Register]
Barbara Boxer:
"What he has said is, he believes the hospital has an obligation to take care of the patient, and let's say there was a hospital next door, walk, get the patient help, that's what he meant."
Begone, before someone drops a primary on you.
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Barbara Boxer:
"What he has said is, he believes the hospital has an obligation to take care of the patient, and let's say there was a hospital next door, walk, get the patient help, that's what he meant."
Begone, before someone drops a primary on you.
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Wrap Yourself the Flag Act of 2006
"The Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005"
A condominium association, cooperative association, or residential real estate management association may not adopt or enforce any policy, or enter into any agreement, that would restrict or prevent a member of the association from displaying the flag of the United States on residential property within the association with respect to which such member has a separate ownership interest or a right to exclusive possession or use.
Why can't the free market take care of this problem?
You know, like for Americans trapped in a war zone?
A condominium association, cooperative association, or residential real estate management association may not adopt or enforce any policy, or enter into any agreement, that would restrict or prevent a member of the association from displaying the flag of the United States on residential property within the association with respect to which such member has a separate ownership interest or a right to exclusive possession or use.
Why can't the free market take care of this problem?
You know, like for Americans trapped in a war zone?
Baghdad's Morgues Full
Every one of 20 people who spoke to Reuters around their workplace in central Baghdad, from a variety of sects and ethnic groups, had a horror story of conflict touching their lives.
Oh, wow...now is definitely the time to buy, before demand for summer homes there sends real estate prices out of control.
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Oh, wow...now is definitely the time to buy, before demand for summer homes there sends real estate prices out of control.
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Thursday, July 20, 2006
All-Out Assault on Baghdad?
"Bombings and shootings soared by 40 percent in the Baghdad area in the past week, the U.S. military said Thursday. An American general said extremists were preparing "an all-out assault" on the capital in a decisive battle for the future of Iraq"
"There is an opening in the city's main shaft that leads to the core," he said. "If a small rebel vehicle were to somehow break through the defenses shield and enter the shaft, it's possible it could hit the core with a single, well-placed shot and destroy the entire city."
"There is an opening in the city's main shaft that leads to the core," he said. "If a small rebel vehicle were to somehow break through the defenses shield and enter the shaft, it's possible it could hit the core with a single, well-placed shot and destroy the entire city."
Friday, July 14, 2006
Prime Time Stupidity
Last night ABC aired a bizarre documentary recounting the adventures of a 19-year old college student getting rich convincing people he can heal them of serious diseases by waving his hands around and fiddling with their "aura."
Naturally it never works and they turn to crazy ideas like "surgery" and "chemotherapy."
Anyway, one storyline was this kid's attempt to heal a girl of multiple sclerosis. Or so they said. But their visuals, including their flashy pictures of the Internet and web sites, all said "muscular dystrophy."
Multiple sclerosis. Muscular dystrophy.
Two different diseases. Get it right, ABC.
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Naturally it never works and they turn to crazy ideas like "surgery" and "chemotherapy."
Anyway, one storyline was this kid's attempt to heal a girl of multiple sclerosis. Or so they said. But their visuals, including their flashy pictures of the Internet and web sites, all said "muscular dystrophy."
Multiple sclerosis. Muscular dystrophy.
Two different diseases. Get it right, ABC.
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Thursday, July 13, 2006
Talkin' Tough
"Ahmadini....Ahmedinia...Ahmeadiajia...Ahmadeniajiahh.... c'mon Dubya, yew ken do this...."
Friday, July 07, 2006
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Outrage Of The Week
Regardless of whether you love or hate Noam Chomsky, this is unacceptable:
New York Times
By Lawrence Van Gelder
Published: July 5, 2006
"Fatih Tas, the Turkish publisher of a book by the American intellectual Noam Chomsky, said yesterday that he and two of his colleagues were facing prison sentences as long as six years on charges of "denigrating national identity" and "inciting hatred," Agence France-Presse reported. Mr. Tas, owner of the Aram Publishing House, said that he and his colleagues Omer Faruk Kurhan and Taylan Tosun had been charged over the book "Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media," written by Mr. Chomsky and Edward S. Herman, which argues that corporate and government pressures distort news coverage.
Mr. Tas said that Ender Abadoglu, the translator of the book, published in Turkey in March, was also likely to be indicted. Mr. Tas was tried and acquitted in 2002 for publishing "American Interventionism," a collection of essays by Mr. Chomsky that included criticism of the Turkish government's treatment of its Kurdish minority and of American arms sales to Turkey. The European Union has warned Turkey that prosecution of intellectuals and writers is harmful to its bid for membership."
New York Times
By Lawrence Van Gelder
Published: July 5, 2006
"Fatih Tas, the Turkish publisher of a book by the American intellectual Noam Chomsky, said yesterday that he and two of his colleagues were facing prison sentences as long as six years on charges of "denigrating national identity" and "inciting hatred," Agence France-Presse reported. Mr. Tas, owner of the Aram Publishing House, said that he and his colleagues Omer Faruk Kurhan and Taylan Tosun had been charged over the book "Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media," written by Mr. Chomsky and Edward S. Herman, which argues that corporate and government pressures distort news coverage.
Mr. Tas said that Ender Abadoglu, the translator of the book, published in Turkey in March, was also likely to be indicted. Mr. Tas was tried and acquitted in 2002 for publishing "American Interventionism," a collection of essays by Mr. Chomsky that included criticism of the Turkish government's treatment of its Kurdish minority and of American arms sales to Turkey. The European Union has warned Turkey that prosecution of intellectuals and writers is harmful to its bid for membership."
Missed Alaska by THAT much
They call it "Rocket Science" for a reason.
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