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581 comments
1 Dancing along the light of day  Fri, Jul 31, 2009 11:15:24pm

Honco Late Night Lizards are welcome here!
Hi Y'all!

2 zombie  Fri, Jul 31, 2009 11:16:02pm
Go, go, go, said the bird: human kind
Cannot bear very much reality.

Reality interferes with my dreamworld! Feh!

3 Noam Sayin'  Fri, Jul 31, 2009 11:17:48pm

I'm checking out.

4 Dancing along the light of day  Fri, Jul 31, 2009 11:19:29pm

re: #3 Noam Sayin'

Sleep tight!
See you tomorrow!

5 Syrah  Fri, Jul 31, 2009 11:20:21pm

Reality is a handicap used by those who can't surf their delusions.

Hang Ten Everybody!

6 SpaceJesus  Fri, Jul 31, 2009 11:20:53pm

del taco has done spacejesus wrong for the last time this night

7 Silvergirl  Fri, Jul 31, 2009 11:21:41pm

re: #6 SpaceJesus

del taco has done spacejesus wrong for the last time this night

List your grievances.

8 Walter L. Newton  Fri, Jul 31, 2009 11:22:04pm

re: #6 SpaceJesus

del taco has done spacejesus wrong for the last time this night

GAZE

9 Silvergirl  Fri, Jul 31, 2009 11:23:05pm

re: #8 Walter L. Newton

GAZE

I got here late. Is he not talking about a fast food restaurant?

10 zombie  Fri, Jul 31, 2009 11:24:13pm

OK, in case there are any of you left who doubt that England is completely and utterly ruined as a nation, this should dispel those doubts permanently:

Health and safety row over man who died in 18in of water as 999 teams were told it was too risky to rescue him

Police, firemen and paramedics refused to go to the aid of an accident victim who was drowning in just 18 inches of water... because they believed it was too dangerous.

A senior fire officer banned his men from using ropes and ladders to climb down a 15ft bank to the victim after carrying out a ‘risk assessment’.

Acting on advice, ten police officers who attended the emergency also failed to rescue father-of-three Karl Malton, 32, as he lay face down in the shallow water.

His body lay there for three hours after a decision was made to send for a ‘water rescue team’ based more than 50 miles away.

When relatives arrived at the scene, they found emergency workers standing around drinking tea.

An inquest into Mr Malton’s death yesterday heard that officers no longer have to swim or receive life-saving training.

11 Walter L. Newton  Fri, Jul 31, 2009 11:25:08pm

re: #9 Silvergirl

I got here late. Is he not talking about a fast food restaurant?

My point being, why even talk to him, he's a jerk most of the time.

12 freetoken  Fri, Jul 31, 2009 11:25:46pm
Go, go, go, said the bird: human kind
Cannot bear very much reality.

Regardless of whether we can or cannot bear much reality, we still eat them birds, so we win.


/what's our prize?

13 Silvergirl  Fri, Jul 31, 2009 11:26:14pm

re: #11 Walter L. Newton

My point being, why even talk to him, he's a jerk most of the time.

Most isn't all. I've been highly entertained at times.

14 Walter L. Newton  Fri, Jul 31, 2009 11:27:27pm

re: #10 zombie

OK, in case there are any of you left who doubt that England is completely and utterly ruined as a nation, this should dispel those doubts permanently:

Health and safety row over man who died in 18in of water as 999 teams were told it was too risky to rescue him

This makes good sense, as the article indicates that the rescuers probably had no skills in swimming or life saving, and the only thing that would have been accomplished would probably be the death of more men.

Wise move.

15 Walter L. Newton  Fri, Jul 31, 2009 11:27:53pm

re: #13 Silvergirl

Most isn't all. I've been highly entertained at times.

Then go for it. Enjoy.

16 zombie  Fri, Jul 31, 2009 11:30:03pm

re: #14 Walter L. Newton

This makes good sense, as the article indicates that the rescuers probably had no skills in swimming or life saving, and the only thing that would have been accomplished would probably be the death of more men.

Wise move.

Missing a sarc tag?

Look at the pictures. It was 18 inches of water! 18 inches! Down at the bottom os a 15 foot embankment at about a 30-degree slope! Jeebus Creepers! I myself would have slid down that bank on my ass in five seconds and pulled the guy's face out of the water, and I can't swim worth shit.

It is emergency crews' JOBS to save people.

17 KingKenrod  Fri, Jul 31, 2009 11:31:51pm

re: #14 Walter L. Newton

This makes good sense, as the article indicates that the rescuers probably had no skills in swimming or life saving, and the only thing that would have been accomplished would probably be the death of more men.

Wise move.

Can someone be called a "rescuer" if they have no skills in "life saving"?

18 Walter L. Newton  Fri, Jul 31, 2009 11:33:28pm

re: #16 zombie

Missing a sarc tag?

re: #17 KingKenrod

Look at the pictures. It was 18 inches of water! 18 inches! Down at the bottom os a 15 foot embankment at about a 30-degree slope! Jeebus Creepers! I myself would have slid down that bank on my ass in five seconds and pulled the guy's face out of the water, and I can't swim worth shit.

It is emergency crews' JOBS to save people.

No I wasn't missing anything. Considering the lack of training, these men did what was in the best interest for them, not put themselves in danger.

Of course it's sick, but it makes a point.

19 austin_blue  Fri, Jul 31, 2009 11:37:13pm

re: #16 zombie

Missing a sarc tag?

Look at the pictures. It was 18 inches of water! 18 inches! Down at the bottom os a 15 foot embankment at about a 30-degree slope! Jeebus Creepers! I myself would have slid down that bank on my ass in five seconds and pulled the guy's face out of the water, and I can't swim worth shit.

It is emergency crews' JOBS to save people.

I'm with Zombie on this one. Who wouldn't have taken the risk? Granted, my job description (click the nic) puts me in a supervisory position in situations like this, but this one is beyond the pale.

20 ThingFish  Fri, Jul 31, 2009 11:38:51pm

re: #19 austin_blue

Put me in the me too crowd. I don't see how any emergency personnel could, in good conscience, think that it's ok to NOT try to do anything to help.

21 capitalist piglet  Fri, Jul 31, 2009 11:38:57pm

Here's a cool story. Something like this happened to me.

Sacramentan buys old vinyl 45s, finds out they were his mom's

His mother had been gone for thirty years, and he picked up records in an antique shop earlier this summer, discovering his mother's labels on them - after he got them home.

22 brookly red  Fri, Jul 31, 2009 11:40:02pm

so the rescuers are not trained deal with 18" of water, but the corpsman is?

23 zombie  Fri, Jul 31, 2009 11:40:15pm

re: #18 Walter L. Newton

No I wasn't missing anything. Considering the lack of training, these men did what was in the best interest for them, not put themselves in danger.

Exactly my point -- proof positive that England is ruined as a nation.

When even the police, fire and rescue personnel do only what is in THEIR best interests, then the thin blue line has been totally erased.

We pay (and respect) these men to RISK THEIR LIVES to save other people. If that is no longer part of the job description, then England should just throw in the towel and should just dismantle the police and fire departments entirely. Why waste money one useless dilettantes more concerned with saving their own skins?

24 freetoken  Fri, Jul 31, 2009 11:41:51pm

re: #16 zombie

Some of the saddest news stories I read while in Japan had to do with drownings, and how when children fall into the local rivers/ditches no one runs to their rescue.

Happened on several occasions.

/it's a real survival-of-the-fittest society

25 Noam Sayin'  Fri, Jul 31, 2009 11:45:06pm

re: #10 zombie

WTF?!

26 Fenway_Nation  Fri, Jul 31, 2009 11:45:39pm

Hiya lizards...just catching up on some light reading (i.e. the 1st 25 posts in this thread...)

27 austin_blue  Fri, Jul 31, 2009 11:46:29pm

re: #20 ThingFish

Put me in the me too crowd. I don't see how any emergency personnel could, in good conscience, think that it's ok to NOT try to do anything to help.

It's a risk/reward determination. We had a fire Thursday up in Bryan/College Station at a chemical facility that made fertilizer. The warehouse was full of ammonium nitrate (Hello Tim McVeigh!). The locals evacuated 85,000 people, going truly apeshit paranoid because of this :

[Link: en.wikipedia.org...]

But, you know? I don't begrudge them their actions. Given history, it was not unreasonable.

As for as the end of the story, they let the fire burn itself out and nothing detonated. Good result.

28 eddiespaghetti  Fri, Jul 31, 2009 11:49:28pm

re: #23 zombie

Reminds me of this story, wrt to 'doing what was in the best interest for them'. Disgusting, agreed.

29 Fenway_Nation  Fri, Jul 31, 2009 11:50:31pm

re: #27 austin_blue

I'll see you an ammonium nitrate warehoues and raise you any town along a railway line where a tank car has derailed- they could be carrying any number of things; ethanol, molten sulfur, diesel fuel, hydrochloric acid, LNG, phosphorous, cholrine, corn oil...water.

30 kynna  Fri, Jul 31, 2009 11:52:52pm

re: #23 zombie

Exactly my point -- proof positive that England is ruined as a nation.

When even the police, fire and rescue personnel do only what is in THEIR best interests, then the thin blue line has been totally erased.

We pay (and respect) these men to RISK THEIR LIVES to save other people. If that is no longer part of the job description, then England should just throw in the towel and should just dismantle the police and fire departments entirely. Why waste money one useless dilettantes more concerned with saving their own skins?

I can imagine how many rescue workers would have been saved on 9/11 if they'd done that risk assessment. And how many more civilians would have died. That's why rescue workers are thought to be heroic. Their best interest is always in line with the victim's best interest. Or at least it used to be.

31 ThingFish  Fri, Jul 31, 2009 11:56:36pm

re: #27 austin_blue

It's a risk/reward determination. We had a fire Thursday up in Bryan/College Station at a chemical facility that made fertilizer. The warehouse was full of ammonium nitrate (Hello Tim McVeigh!). The locals evacuated 85,000 people, going truly apeshit paranoid because of this :

[Link: en.wikipedia.org...]

But, you know? I don't begrudge them their actions. Given history, it was not unreasonable.

As for as the end of the story, they let the fire burn itself out and nothing detonated. Good result.

I agree that makes perfect sense, in that case. With any emergency situation it's part of the supervisor's job to perform risk management analysis in developing a plan of action. However, in the case of the British man drowning, I think that the supervisor's decision was incorrect. There are ways that rescuers could have been lowered down or taken precautions to help the drowning man without compounding the problem. Not to mention the water being 18 inches deep is only about knee high.

32 austin_blue  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:01:06am

re: #29 Fenway_Nation

I'll see you an ammonium nitrate warehoues and raise you any town along a railway line where a tank car has derailed- they could be carrying any number of things; ethanol, molten sulfur, diesel fuel, hydrochloric acid, LNG, phosphorous, cholrine, corn oil...water.

No shit! I don't do rail accidents and am overjoyed not to! There is a very specific kind of explosion known as a BLEVE (boiling expanding vapor explosion) that relates to things like butane or rail car tanks. Imagine half of a railroad tank car being rocketed 4,000 feet from the site of the derailment. And three years ago we had a train derailment in SW San Antonio that punctured a chlorine tank car and left several dead.

Nasty.

I do fixed facilities in my ER work. It can be really bad, but it is generally controllable with a little imagination.

33 austin_blue  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:02:08am

re: #31 ThingFish

I agree that makes perfect sense, in that case. With any emergency situation it's part of the supervisor's job to perform risk management analysis in developing a plan of action. However, in the case of the British man drowning, I think that the supervisor's decision was incorrect. There are ways that rescuers could have been lowered down or taken precautions to help the drowning man without compounding the problem. Not to mention the water being 18 inches deep is only about knee high.

I agree absolutely.

34 SpaceJesus  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:02:39am

re: #7 Silvergirl

List your grievances.


the chicken in my chicken taco is hard and old for the one millioneth time.

...ramen to the rescue.

35 Silvergirl  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:06:15am

You are living on hope and change with Del Taco and it's not working.

One million chances are more than enough.

36 eddiespaghetti  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:15:40am

Damage control from the race-baiting A-hole Gates.

37 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:15:59am

Heya folks! What's shaking so early on the east coast? :)

38 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:18:21am

BTW...if the economy was really recovering like some people insist it is, wouldn't CD rates be better than 1%? 2% if you're lucky

Hell...wouldn't US Series EE savings bonds be sold at a slightly higher rate than 0.70%?

39 Syrah  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:19:46am

re: #10 zombie

OK, in case there are any of you left who doubt that England is completely and utterly ruined as a nation, this should dispel those doubts permanently:

Health and safety row over man who died in 18in of water as 999 teams were told it was too risky to rescue him

It is at least still outrageous enough that it makes the news there. When it becomes such a commonplace occurrence that it no longer makes the news, England will truly be history.

40 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:20:41am

re: #36 eddiespaghetti

What did the note say? 'Sorry my hateful rhetoric was taken seriously'?

41 Syrah  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:23:17am

re: #38 Fenway_Nation

BTW...if the economy was really recovering like some people insist it is, wouldn't CD rates be better than 1%? 2% if you're lucky

Hell...wouldn't US Series EE savings bonds be sold at a slightly higher rate than 0.70%?

This was linked on Drudge today.

Recession Worse Than Prior Estimates, Revisions Show (Update1)
By Bob Willis

July 31 (Bloomberg) -- The first 12 months of the U.S. recession saw the economy shrink more than twice as much as previously estimated, reflecting even bigger declines in consumer spending and housing, revised figures showed.

The world’s largest economy contracted 1.9 percent from the fourth quarter of 2007 to the last three months of 2008, compared with the 0.8 percent drop previously on the books, the Commerce Department said today in Washington.

42 TheMatrix31  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:23:26am

Sick of this hope and change fucking nonsense.

My boss' business has been destroyed over the last few months (economy, taxes, questionable practices by the franchsiors)...

He's been behind on his rent, and an absolute mess because of all the stress and money, we're about 20-25% down these last few months from their 2008 counterparts...

Today the guy gets a letter from the landlord for our space about being late on rent. No money coming in leads to no money being able to go out. Guy's got three days to come up with 11 grand or else he's gotta leave. I felt so bad having to hand it to him.

43 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:23:39am

Didn't the dollar tank today?

44 eddiespaghetti  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:23:53am

re: #40 Fenway_Nation

I know not what you are talking about, I must have missed it. There was a note?

45 swamprat  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:24:28am

re: #38 Fenway_Nation

I know that the ecomy is great, because Yahoo says it is.
I know that Obama is the Anti-reagan, because Fox says he is.

Dan Rather wants to save the media, but I feel like Phil Collins.

46 eddiespaghetti  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:25:25am

re: #44 eddiespaghetti

Never mind, I'm slow. You are probably right on what was said...

47 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:25:33am

re: #45 swamprat


Dan Rather wants to save the media, but I feel like Phil Collins.

Hey I know that Danny boy cried asking for government help...he has to be sincere!!! Just like that "letter"!

48 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:27:21am

And for a song for this, I present Faith No More "As The Worm Turns"

Let's hope that baby flips the entire House.

49 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:27:47am

re: #44 eddiespaghetti

Dow-Jones and NASDAQ had a good month (best July in about 20 years, actually) which are the lea-leaves that some people are reading to indicate that the we're out of the woods.

Other indicators aren't so promising- high unemployment and lowered interest rates (good for lending, bad for investing)...and they show no signs of letting up.

50 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:31:10am

Hey Fenway, how do you feel about Victor Martinez?

51 shortshrift  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:32:11am

re: #23 zombie

And furthermore, do rescue teams in England not have ropes?

52 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:33:05am

re: #51 shortshrift

And furthermore, do rescue teams in England not have ropes?

government ropes?

53 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:33:44am

You know, only work four days a week 30 weeks a year.

54 shortshrift  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:33:47am

re: #52 Deseeded

No. Just red tape.

55 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:34:40am

re: #54 shortshrift

No. Just red tape.

lol. Sounds slippery! If if it was thrown in to an icy pond, it's probably cheaper to just drown.

56 austin_blue  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:35:01am

re: #38 Fenway_Nation

BTW...if the economy was really recovering like some people insist it is, wouldn't CD rates be better than 1%? 2% if you're lucky

Hell...wouldn't US Series EE savings bonds be sold at a slightly higher rate than 0.70%?

Well, it certainly puts that rampant inflation meme into the shitter, doesn't it?

Me? I'm throwing as much money into my mortgage as I can.

57 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:36:42am

While we were raiding the Pit Sox's Pirates pantry, we should've taken Ryan Doumit as well. Just as versatile as Martinez (1B/C/DH- altho' the last one's a little rare for an NL player) but much younger. Seems like the Pirates let everybody but go Doumit this month...

Oh...and I saw this whole thing with Big Papi coming since A-RoidRod was busted earlier this year. Not in Ortiz's performance earlier this year...just an obfuscatory answer he gave when the subject came up in an interview that seemed custom-made to let himself off the hook...

58 shortshrift  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:36:52am

re: #55 Deseeded

Sticky situations are best avoided.

59 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:37:02am

re: #56 austin_blue

Well, it certainly puts that rampant inflation meme into the shitter, doesn't it?

Me? I'm throwing as much money into my mortgage as I can.

Oh hell yeah. I bought my first place last October at a steal. I have refinanced once already and I'm awaiting the next drop. Bought the house for 145. 3bd 1bath, 1/2acre of mowable lawn. I am hoping I found bottoms!

60 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:38:23am

re: #57 Fenway_Nation

While we were raiding the Pit Sox's Pirates pantry, we should've taken Ryan Doumit as well. Just as versatile as Martinez (1B/C/DH- altho' the last one's a little rare for an NL player) but much younger. Seems like the Pirates let everybody but go Doumit this month...

Oh totally agree! And as far as the Papi thing...we had to expect it...it was obvious when Manny was suspended. What a shame. What a stupid shame.

61 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:39:00am

re: #56 austin_blue

re: #38 Fenway_Nation


Well, it certainly puts that rampant inflation meme into the shitter, doesn't it?

Me? I'm throwing as much money into my mortgage as I can.

Not really- or at least not yet. This time last year, I had my money in CD's that were earning 5% and Savings Bonds that are still earning anywhere from 3% to 5.75% APY.

62 TheMatrix31  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:39:14am

HUGE fan of getting Adam LaRoche back. Very solid move. Wish we added an arm for the pen though.

63 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:40:04am

re: #62 TheMatrix31

HUGE fan of getting Adam LaRoche back. Very solid move. Wish we added an arm for the pen though.

I am super happy the Sox traded back LaRoche. He was great for the Braves for three years. I hope he shines again!

64 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:40:27am

re: #60 Deseeded

As much of a letdown as that is...at least I'm not a Padres fan.

65 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:40:57am

re: #64 Fenway_Nation

As much of a letdown as that is...at least I'm not a Padres fan.

Hahahahahaha!

Indeed! lol

66 austin_blue  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:42:33am

re: #59 Deseeded

Oh hell yeah. I bought my first place last October at a steal. I have refinanced once already and I'm awaiting the next drop. Bought the house for 145. 3bd 1bath, 1/2acre of mowable lawn. I am hoping I found bottoms!

Where are you? Here, we have seen no no real decrease in base prices. Folks who bought a lot and scraped the houses and built on spec are taking it up the patootie but most of us have seen no real decrease in value. Be aware that I am in one of the most close-in 'hoods in Austin.

67 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:43:03am

Wait, what about the Nationals? (Lost to the Pirates tonight)

If DC can't manage a baseball team...hahaha

68 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:43:15am

re: #65 Deseeded


"...And in Baseball news today, the San Diego Padres traded their ace pitcher Jake Peavy to the Chicago White Sox for a handful of magic beans..."

69 [deleted]  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:45:34am
70 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:45:44am

re: #67 Deseeded


God help us all if our healthcare is Nationals-ized.

71 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:45:59am

re: #68 Fenway_Nation

"...And in Baseball news today, the San Diego Padres traded their ace pitcher Jake Peavy to the Chicago White Sox for a handful of magic beans..."

Ohhh hahahaha!

72 TheMatrix31  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:46:03am

re: #63 Deseeded

I am super happy the Sox traded back LaRoche. He was great for the Braves for three years. I hope he shines again!

Yep, and he's a second half player too. Exactly what we needed.

73 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:46:54am

re: #72 TheMatrix31

Yep, and he's a second half player too. Exactly what we needed.

He is a great player and I hope we see him in the World Series!

74 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:47:41am

re: #70 Fenway_Nation

God help us all if our healthcare is Nationals-ized.

Cash for Clunkers = Cash to Euthanize your old relatives.

75 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:48:07am

Jerry Rheinsdorf is a busy guy this week...besides his ChiSox picking up Jake Peavy, it's looking like he's the successful bidder to the NHL's Phoenix Coyotes franchise.

76 Syrah  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:48:34am

re: #69 Deseeded

Take a look at the TOS up top.

77 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:48:44am

Fenway, are you in Boston? It is late/early you know...

78 austin_blue  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:50:29am

re: #69 Deseeded

Massachusetts. I bought a foreclosure for 30k under asking. I made my first bid and it was rejected. Two weeks later my agent got a call from the bank and we renogiated and I asked for 10k under my original offer...expecting a negative...but they took it!

zillow.com - 100 Kendig St. Worcester, MA

Don't stalk me. I'll be mad. :p

Well, good for you! Mazel tov!

That's lovely.

One can only hope that the market has hit bottom in your area. If so? Ding, ding, ding!

79 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:50:34am

re: #77 Deseeded

I am about as far removed from Boston as one could be while still being in the continental United States...

Red Sox/Bruins home games are an extremely rare treat for me.

80 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:51:28am

re: #78 austin_blue

Well, good for you! Mazel tov!

That's lovely.

One can only hope that the market has hit bottom in your area. If so? Ding, ding, ding!

Well here's hoping its the bottom here! If ot I still love the area and the people.

Syrah, TOS of zillow or LGF?

81 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:52:03am

re: #80 Deseeded

I think LGF...

82 Syrah  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:52:31am

re: #80 Deseeded

Of LGF.

The part about street addresses.

83 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:52:58am

re: #79 Fenway_Nation

I am about as far removed from Boston as one could be while still being in the continental United States...

Red Sox/Bruins home games are an extremely rare treat for me.

Well Im glad you can still see them sometimes! You aren't really missing much. My friend on his way to Dallas happened to see a certain Mr. Vick in Logan...

84 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:53:25am

re: #81 Fenway_Nation

I think LGF...

Uh oh what did I do wrong? I apologize...

85 TheMatrix31  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:53:34am

re: #73 Deseeded

He is a great player and I hope we see him in the World Series!

Let's hope so.

86 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:54:09am

re: #83 Deseeded

re: #79 Fenway_Nation


Well Im glad you can still see them sometimes! You aren't really missing much. My friend on his way to Dallas happened to see a certain Mr. Vick in Logan...

I'll slip him a C-note if he starts singing 'Who let the dogs out!? Who!? Who!?' in front of Mr. Vick...

87 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:54:30am

re: #85 TheMatrix31

Let's hope so.

No reason to think you all can't do what you did four years in a row a few years ago!

88 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:55:19am

re: #86 Fenway_Nation

I'll slip him a C-note if he starts singing 'Who let the dogs out!? Who!? Who!?' in front of Mr. Vick...

The Pats are trying to become the home of miscreant wanderers it seems...Dillon, Moss...uhhh Vick. Wow.

89 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:56:23am

re: #88 Deseeded

To be fair, it's the only aspect in which the Oakland Raiders can beat the Pats...

90 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:57:15am

re: #89 Fenway_Nation

To be fair, it's the only aspect in which the Oakland Raiders can beat the Pats...

Haha! It's true! Snow storm aside. :)

91 TheMatrix31  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:57:52am

re: #87 Deseeded

No reason to think you all can't do what you did four years in a row a few years ago!

Win the division? Nah, too far our and the Phillies are hot.

Wild Card at BEST.

92 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:58:41am

re: #91 TheMatrix31

And it's not like Wild Cards have accomplished anything noteworthy the last couple of World Series...

/

93 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 12:58:54am

re: #91 TheMatrix31

Win the division? Nah, too far our and the Phillies are hot.

Wild Card at BEST.

Well I know a team that took the wild card straight out...why not...the Braves got a team that buckles down. Take out those damn Phillies.

94 Throbert McGee  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:00:19am

re: #16 zombie

It is emergency crews' JOBS to save people.

That's certainly true, zombie, but:

Yesterday’s inquest in Spalding, Lincolnshire, heard that Mr Malton, a mechanic, was hit by a car as he walked along an unlit country road near his home in Crowland just after 11pm on May 13 last year.

The driver pulled up and dialled 999 but was told to stay in his car and not try to find the victim.

Paramedic Sonya Lawrence arrived within 14 minutes but began to search on the nearside of the car, although it was damaged on the offside.

Another 19 minutes later a second ambulance crew arrived and found Mr Malton, who had been thrown unconscious into the dyke by the collision.

In other words: He'd been lying face-down in the water for over a half-hour before they discovered him. At that point, resuscitation would've been PRETTY unlikely.

Admittedly, there is a tiny possibility that he'd been conscious and face-up and still breathing air (though too injured to climb out of the water) until 30 seconds before they found him, at which point he suddenly had a seizure and collapsed face-down in the water, but still quite alive. But -- shee-yit, let's get real. He was struck by a car with enough force to launch him at least several feet in the air, causing him to fly off the road, over whatever barrier was there, and 15 feet down into the ditch. (Though he was not killed instantly by the impact, as his lungs and diaphragm continued to work until his lungs filled with ditch water.)

On top of all this, it was pitch dark, which would've made any scramble down the slope considerably more hazardous. While I (as someone with no rescue training at all) would've made the desperate scramble anyway if the guy was clearly still alive and in need of help, what's the point of risking even a twisted ankle when the facts of the case clearly suggest that he'd gone from "accident victim" to "cadaver" a good quarter-hour before they spotted him?

95 TheMatrix31  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:03:48am

re: #92 Fenway_Nation

And it's not like Wild Cards have accomplished anything noteworthy the last couple of World Series...

/

You're right, as long as we're in! It's gonna be tough, we've got like four teams in front of us, four games back now.

re: #93 Deseeded

Well I know a team that took the wild card straight out...why not...the Braves got a team that buckles down. Take out those damn Phillies.

I like the attitude, I'll settle for a playoff birth lol.

96 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:03:54am

re: #94 Throbert McGee

Hey, sorry to bump in to this...the person was thrown and someone found them from a distance and then called? This person just sat there?

97 theheat  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:04:28am

re: #23 zombie

I'm with zombie on this one. I live in a state that is swamped every winter. A couple years ago, with no rescue training whatsoever, I rescued a 900 pound horse trapped on its side in a steep ditch in 3 feet of water, in sub-freezing temperatures.

It's called Yankee ingenuity. And maybe just a tiny bit of guts. Maybe it's a simple case of more balls than brains, lack of common sense, whatever. Which ever the case, I wouldn't expect less from a crowd of people supposedly in the rescue business. You'd think between them all, they could have engineered some kind of plan without letting the poor guy drown.

FAIL.

98 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:06:10am

re: #96 Deseeded

The dispatcher advised the person to just sit there...

Just like the dispatcher kept asking about the race of the men breaking into Prof. Gates' home...these dispatchers are nothin but troublemakers, I tell ya!

///

99 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:06:30am

re: #95 TheMatrix31

I like the attitude, I'll settle for a playoff birth lol.

Hey I'm just hoping to go to a playoff game down there where you tell me there are seats and I go. I have never seen a Braves game and I'd like to go. It's pretty selfish, but a Braves/Sox game is perfect.

100 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:09:06am

re: #98 Fenway_Nation

The dispatcher advised the person to just sit there...

Just like the dispatcher kept asking about the race of the men breaking into Prof. Gates' home...these dispatchers are nothin but troublemakers, I tell ya!

///

Wow.

Just...wow. And the person listened and watched someone drown. Not to be a weirdo, but as a Boy Scout I would have gone and got the guy out and with my CPR training would have attempted single resuscitation.

101 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:09:38am

not to throw anything in to it, but I would rather face a lawsuit than let a person die.

102 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:10:38am

What a horrible story. :( Errgh face.

103 eddiespaghetti  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:11:17am

re: #97 theheat

Your correct, its guts, natural instinct an good nature that you possess. Why even be here unless when the chips are on the table with another persons life in peril, you try to do something.

Alternatively, hide behind the bureaucratic system, be a pussy, live with your guilt and fail.

104 theheat  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:11:25am

re: #100 Deseeded

Whether the imapct had killed him, or he'd been in the water too long - who knows - but I would have expected some kind of effort to at least get down there and see.

Makes you wonder, if you're better off having a Boy Scout come to your rescue, than a rescue team.

105 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:12:11am

re: #104 theheat

Whether the imapct had killed him, or he'd been in the water too long - who knows - but I would have expected some kind of effort to at least get down there and see.

Makes you wonder, if you're better off having a Boy Scout come to your rescue, than a rescue team.

How about just be freaking human? Why would yo ever sit and watch a body? Shit.

106 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:13:18am

Hey what's on American Idol, those people are heroes! /end sarc

107 austin_blue  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:15:53am

Adios, Dear Lizards. Enjoy the early morning fruit cup. I will be reviewing climate data tomorrow, which is brutal based on yesterdays report:

TEMPERATURE IN F: :PCPN: SNOW: WIND :SUNSHINE: SKY :PK WND
===
1 2 3 4 5 6A 6B 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
12Z AVG MX 2MIN
DY MAX MIN AVG DEP HDD CDD WTR SNW DPTH SPD SPD DIR MIN PSBL S-S WX SPD DR
===

1 93 74 84 1 0 19 0.09 0.0 0 2.2 9 310 262 31 1 13 14 40
2 104 73 89 6 0 24 0.00 0.0 0 3.3 13 150 777 92 1 22 140
3 102 76 89 6 0 24 0.00 0.0 0 4.0 13 160 650 77 2 23 170
4 104 79 92 9 0 27 0.00 0.0 0 7.1 15 160 690 82 1 25 150
5 105 78 92 9 0 27 0.00 0.0 0 5.0 13 110 679 81 1 20 80
6 97 78 88 5 0 23 0.00 0.0 0 3.0 9 10 217 26 2 14 50
7 101 79 90 6 0 25 0.00 0.0 0 3.9 13 150 615 73 4 22 130
8 106 78 92 8 0 27 0.00 0.0 0 5.3 14 170 601 72 2 8 21 160
9 105 78 92 8 0 27 0.00 0.0 0 5.6 13 170 785 94 1 8 22 150
10 103 77 90 6 0 25 0.00 0.0 0 6.7 15 140 756 90 1 25 170
11 101 76 89 5 0 24 0.00 0.0 0 5.0 15 150 677 81 1 24 140
12 102 77 90 6 0 25 0.00 0.0 0 4.6 13 160 821 98 0 20 160
13 105 77 91 7 0 26 0.00 0.0 0 5.5 14 170 837 100 0 23 170
14 104 77 91 7 0 26 0.00 0.0 0 7.6 16 150 836 100 0 28 160
15 104 76 90 6 0 25 0.00 0.0 0 5.7 15 170 820 98 0 22 150
16 105 77 91 7 0 26 0.00 0.0 0 4.5 14 160 827 99 0 26 200
17 101 79 90 6 0 25 0.00 0.0 0 3.9 13 60 653 78 1 18 350
18 102 74 88 4 0 23 0.00 0.0 0 2.9 17 100 525 63 1 29 90
19 100 79 90 6 0 25 0.00 0.0 0 5.5 15 160 375 45 2 3 24 150
20 101 78 90 5 0 25 0.00 0.0 0 5.4 16 150 151 18 2 3 25 150
21 103 78 91 6 0 26 0.00 0.0 0 5.7 12 150 357 43 4 22 200
22 101 74 88 3 0 23 0.13 0.0 0 2.6 12 20 432 52 3 138 18 30
23 99 73 86 1 0 21 0.00 0.0 0 2.6 10 20 212 26 0 20 40
24 100 78 89 4 0 24 T 0.0 0 4.6 14 160 284 34 0 24 160
25 104 76 90 5 0 25 0.00 0.0 0 5.5 14 140 784 95 1 24 150
26 105 77 91 6 0 26 0.00 0.0 0 5.8 16 160 758 92 0 28 160
27 105 79 92 7 0 27 0.00 0.0 0 7.3 15 150 749 91 0 25 150
28 104 78 91 6 0 26 0.00 0.0 0 8.5 15 160 738 90 0 25 160
29 98 81 90 5 0 25 0.00 0.0 0 7.2 13 170 235 29 5 23 160
30 97 73 85 0 0 20 0.03 0.0 0 4.7 15 350 131 16 5 3 25 340
===
SM 3061 2307 0 741 0.25 0.0 151.2 17234 41
===
AV102.0 76.9 5.0 FASTST 574 69 1 MAX(MPH)
MISC ---> # 17 100

We hit 101 today, so this will be, officially, the hottest July on record. This isn't global warming. For this summer, at least, it's just really freaking hot. But last year, we had 50 days over 100 and 2 over 103. This year, we have had 42 days over 100 and 16 over 103. This year is weather. If we see this drought/ heat trend continue over several decades, it becomes climate change. And God help us if it is a fact . Whiskey's for drinking, water's for fighting.

Same as the West Bank.

108 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:17:19am

re: #107 austin_blue

101 in Austin, TX? What about a little Woostah, MA? I see rain and another day I don't get to use my new tractor.

109 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:17:58am

Heh...I drank a toast to Sgt. Crowley last night (shots of Patron). The thing is, I was born and raised in Western Massachusetts, and when I moved out to the west coast, nobody was convinced I came from the Bay State because of my pronounced lack of an accent. We just don;'t do accents once ya get west of the Quabbin...

I can mimic the Boston accent fairly convincingly, tho' and did so for my toast to Sahgeant Crowley of the Cambridge Police Depahtment

110 theheat  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:18:02am

re: #107 austin_blue

We're broiling up north, too. We set records this past week. Sending some Clapton your way.

111 austin_blue  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:18:59am

re: #110 theheat

We're broiling up north, too. We set records this past week. Sending some Clapton your way.


[Video]

Sweet! Thankee!

112 TheMatrix31  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:19:02am

re: #99 Deseeded

Hey I'm just hoping to go to a playoff game down there where you tell me there are seats and I go. I have never seen a Braves game and I'd like to go. It's pretty selfish, but a Braves/Sox game is perfect.

I live in Los Angeles, so unfortunately never been to a Braves home game. They're coming out here next Thursday-Sat though. I'm only going to be able to go on Thursday!

113 Areozol  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:19:20am

Anyone have ideas how to argue with a creationist? Just recently, I spotted a thread where creationist was arguing, that for example, "evolution is no longer supported by recent discoveries", "Darwin had merely transliterated theory of social evolution, to biology field" (sic!) and so on.

114 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:20:04am

re: #109 Fenway_Nation

It's not just out west, dude. I reformed my accent from Wooostah and found an equilibrium where I talk with all my r's and about half the speed when I work and meet people. Hhahaha!

Otherwise it's all ahhhsss and heeeys

115 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:21:16am

re: #113 Areozol

Anyone have ideas how to argue with a creationist? Just recently, I spotted a thread where creationist was arguing, that for example, "evolution is no longer supported by recent discoveries", "Darwin had merely transliterated theory of social evolution, to biology field" (sic!) and so on.

Yeah. You quote hundreds of years of science and theories. When the argue, just laugh.

116 theheat  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:21:31am

re: #113 Areozol

If you look in the archives here there's a trillion links and great arguments. But the flat earthers are pretty hard core, so the reality is you'd probably get farther talking to a potted plant, and feel far less violated.

Consider it hours of your life you'll never get back.

117 eddiespaghetti  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:21:32am

re: #107 austin_blue

Weather jargon to boot. Here is the TAF for KFAT:

KFAT 010534Z 0106/0206 30011KT P6SM SKC
FM010800 31006KT P6SM SKC
FM011400 VRB03KT P6SM SKC
FM012300 31009KT P6SM SKC

Over the millennium, its been hotter, its been colder here. It all seemed to work out ok.

118 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:22:22am

re: #113 Areozol


I dunno...got any pointers on how I can repeatedly bang my head against a brick wall for no apparent reason and with no discernable outcome?

119 TheMatrix31  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:22:27am

re: #109 Fenway_Nation

Heh...I drank a toast to Sgt. Crowley last night (shots of Patron). The thing is, I was born and raised in Western Massachusetts, and when I moved out to the west coast, nobody was convinced I came from the Bay State because of my pronounced lack of an accent. We just don;'t do accents once ya get west of the Quabbin...

I can mimic the Boston accent fairly convincingly, tho' and did so for my toast to Sahgeant Crowley of the Cambridge Police Depahtment

"Well you see, Norm, it's like this... A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo and when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Now, as we know, excessive drinking of alcohol kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. And that, Norm, is why you always feel smarter after a few beers."

120 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:23:36am

re: #118 Fenway_Nation

I dunno...got any pointers on how I can repeatedly bang my head against a brick wall for no apparent reason and with no discernable outcome?

I suggest the way Douglas Adams did it:

The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy also mentions alcohol. It says that the best drink in existence is the Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster. It says that the effect of a Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster is like having your brains smashed out by a slice of lemon wrapped round a large gold brick.

121 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:28:35am

re: #119 TheMatrix31

Typecasting aside, John Ratzenberger- the guy who played Cliff Clavin in Cheers and did a bunch of voices in those Pixar movies- is a pretty interesting guy.

Originally he was supposed to audition for the role of Norm Peterson, and when he was rejected he improvised the Cliff Clavin charachter on the spot, telling the producers that 'every bar needs a resident know-it-all'.

I'm not sure if it's out on the Travel Channel still, but he also has a show called Made in America with John Ratzenberger where he goes on various factory tours for those all-to-rare made in the USA products. the episodes featuring Corvette, Ruger, Sam Adams and GE Locomotives are near and dear to my heart...

122 TheMatrix31  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:29:37am

re: #121 Fenway_Nation

Typecasting aside, John Ratzenberger- the guy who played Cliff Clavin in Cheers and did a bunch of voices in those Pixar movies- is a pretty interesting guy.

Originally he was supposed to audition for the role of Norm Peterson, and when he was rejected he improvised the Cliff Clavin charachter on the spot, telling the producers that 'every bar needs a resident know-it-all'.

I'm not sure if it's out on the Travel Channel still, but he also has a show called Made in America with John Ratzenberger where he goes on various factory tours for those all-to-rare made in the USA products. the episodes featuring Corvette, Ruger, Sam Adams and GE Locomotives are near and dear to my heart...

Yeah, I knew about that bit of trivia. It's awesome. Is his accent real?

123 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:30:01am

My dad still jokes im the "mailman's kid" and when we golf he likes to say "remember your father, Cliff Clavin" hhaahah he's tough to golf with.

124 eddiespaghetti  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:30:03am

This is actually pretty accurate depiction of Gaza.

125 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:31:08am

re: #122 TheMatrix31

He's actually from Connecticut- if the accent isn't real, then it's a pretty informed/authentic mimic.

126 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:31:50am

re: #125 Fenway_Nation

It has to be semi-real...we all weren't as bitchy back then.

127 TheMatrix31  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:33:25am

My favorite episode of Three's Company is on right now -- Mobster food critic, Felipe goes off to tend to his newborn, Jack fills in...

"I like a girl, who loves her mama."

128 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:33:57am

Bwahahah! Gosh why can I remember that!

129 Areozol  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:34:06am

re: #116 theheat

Well, the same you can say about "moon landing was a hoax!" crowd. Post any solid evidence, and they'll shout "FAKE!!".

130 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:35:21am

The Smithereens- Blood & Roses on XM Ch. 44.

131 theheat  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:35:57am

re: #129 Areozol

All that explains why I have a lot of potted plants. At least plants generate oxygen.

132 theheat  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:36:18am

re: #130 Fenway_Nation

Most excellent!

133 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:36:56am

Ok, good night folks!

134 Deseeded  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:37:40am

until tomorrow!

135 theheat  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:38:05am

re: #134 Deseeded

'Night, Deseeded.

136 TheMatrix31  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:39:12am

Good night!

137 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:39:50am

Interesting concept- I'm looking at an FDIC-insured bank that offers foreign currency denominated Certificates of Deposit, so even if the interest rates on CD's suck, maybe you could make a littlesomething by getting one when the $$$ is wqeak and cashing it in when it rebounds...

It would be a little tricky to time it, tho'

138 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:40:57am

Now it's True FaithYour text to link... by New Order...

139 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:41:52am

Ooops...let's try that one more time:

True Faith by New Order.

140 theheat  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:42:56am

re: #139 Fenway_Nation

No XM here in the office. I'm jealous. Have to suffer with mp3 playlists from a pile of unmarked CDs :-(

141 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:44:34am

re: #139 Fenway_Nation

Or you could follow the link to a video gmsc embedded last month ;)

142 theheat  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:47:56am

re: #141 Fenway_Nation

Speakers on my 'puter stopped working. I think my USB link went TU. Just have a stereo.

It's old school around here. I suck.

143 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:50:43am

re: #142 theheat

Heh...I recently rediscovered my Best of The Cult CD and tend to crank that whenever I'm in my car, since there's only a limited number of right-wing-tastic talk shows I'll listen to these days...

144 TheMatrix31  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:51:44am

US Tourists Captured by Iran

Why aren't we breaking these fuckers' backs?

145 eddiespaghetti  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:52:35am

Althouse has this too, but it's just too funny. Write the subtitle to this Obama indifference picture as you see fit...

146 theheat  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:53:14am

re: #143 Fenway_Nation

I burn tons of CDs off iTunes and whatever I have on my 'puter. Problem is, it's been hard to sample new stuff to burn since I can't hear it first. Unless I already know what it is, it's like having Helen Keller choose your playlist.

Here's how much I suck: I don't even have a CD player in my car. Mr. Heat keeps threatening to install a new stereo (I already have), but keeps finding more interesting things to do.

147 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:53:56am

re: #144 TheMatrix31


Because they can sense weakness- and the fucker @ 1600 Pennsylvania Ave has obliged so far...

148 Cannadian Club Akbar  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:55:44am

2 questions early (or late lizards). Is drcordell trying to set a record in hitting the bottom 10 and WTF is space jesus's obsession with the south?

149 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:55:57am

Holy crap! I made the top 10 comments today?

150 theheat  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:56:09am

re: #144 TheMatrix31

Because they aren't Somali pirate whores that can be taken out by snipers. And because our negotiations for the past several years have consisted of talking them to death. Now we don't even bother to do that.

151 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:56:43am

re: #148 Cannadian Club Akbar

I thought he was just being a pedantic douchebag...

152 Cannadian Club Akbar  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:57:51am

re: #151 Fenway_Nation

I thought he was just being a pedantic douchebag...

which one?

153 TheMatrix31  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 1:59:00am

re: #150 theheat

Because they aren't Somali pirate whores that can be taken out by snipers. And because our negotiations for the past several years have consisted of talking them to death. Now we don't even bother to do that.

**sigh**

154 littleoldlady  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 2:00:06am

Good morning, afternoon, evening *everyone*!™

Fruitcup is on the buffet → → → → →
Help yourselves!

155 Cannadian Club Akbar  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 2:00:45am

Gmorn, LoL...

156 theheat  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 2:00:48am

re: #154 littleoldlady

Holy cherries jubilee, it's fruitcup time!

157 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 2:02:04am

re: #152 Cannadian Club Akbar

Both of them...drcordell specifically.

There's a difference between being too cool for school while not giving a shit what others think and being a narcicisstic juvenile petulant contrarian asshole who will disagree just because he loves the sound of himself boldly proclaiming 'Nuh-uh!' even when he know's he's in the wrong...

158 Throbert McGee  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 2:02:11am

re: #98 Fenway_Nation

The dispatcher advised the person to just sit there...

Because it was 11 pm on an unlit road bordered by a steep embankment dropping 15 feet down to water of a depth unknown to the driver or the dispatcher. Also, I would imagine that the driver was probably not in a cool and collected state while on the phone with the dispatcher.

And if you're a 911 999 phone operator and the person on the other end is babbling "Oh sweet Jesus Christ I didn't see him and then he was in the headlights and I hit him and oh fucking god I hope I didn't kill him please god don't let there be a body embedded in my front bumper if I get out and look...", encouraging the panicky individual to do ANYTHING but sit in his car safely away from the steep, dark, watery ditch would be -- in the words of Chris Rock -- just ign'int.

Admittedly, one would hope that in the 14 minutes before the first rescue vehicles arrived, the driver would've calmed down enough to get out of the car and start surveying the scene with whatever light source was available. Maybe the driver did, but the news story doesn't tell us.

159 Areozol  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 2:02:37am

An absurd story from my country, about highways:
Dude, where is my highway?

160 littleoldlady  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 2:02:49am

Hi everyone. :-)
You're welcome. :-)
Fine, thanks, and you? :-)

You know that old saying...Insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting a different outcome.

Well, I'M THE FRIKKEN POSTER CHILD of that expression.

Can't stay. Gotta go. :-(

Good day, ALL!™

161 theheat  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 2:04:23am

re: #160 littleoldlady

Was it my deoderant? Really, I remembered to wear it today.

162 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 2:04:25am

re: #160 littleoldlady

Bye LoL...seems like you just got here!

163 TheMatrix31  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 2:05:17am

Thanks...see ya!

164 Cannadian Club Akbar  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 2:05:19am

re: #159 Areozol

An absurd story from my country, about highways:
Dude, where is my highway?

You're Polish?

165 eddiespaghetti  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 2:05:41am

re: #160 littleoldlady

Well said, I'm out 2. Night!

166 theheat  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 2:07:58am

re: #165 eddiespaghetti

'Night, eddiespaghetti.

Sniffs.

Maybe it is my deodorant.

167 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 2:15:19am

re: #159 Areozol

An absurd story from my country, about highways:
Dude, where is my highway?

Makes a great argument for railways as a matter of fact. I'm not sure what the ratio in Poland and elsewhere in Europe would be, but one boxcar is thought to take the equivalent of three trucks off the road. The less trucks meandering through the narrow surface streets of various small towns, the better- but then again, the rail infrastructure there could be in just as woeful shape as the highways.

I think this company has holdings in Poland.

168 Cannadian Club Akbar  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 2:23:53am

re: #167 Fenway_Nation

One thing I have noticed on radio is the amount of ads for rail shipments. While it makes total sense, when people get caught at a crossing all they do is bitch. Perfect example of emotion replacing common sense. Around here, we have Tropicana. Their trains are constantly moving. And people complain, not realizing Tropicana is one of the, if not thee biggest,employer in the county.

169 Areozol  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 2:27:44am

re: #167 Fenway_Nation

Makes a great argument for railways as a matter of fact. I'm not sure what the ratio in Poland and elsewhere in Europe would be, but one boxcar is thought to take the equivalent of three trucks off the road. The less trucks meandering through the narrow surface streets of various small towns, the better- but then again, the rail infrastructure there could be in just as woeful shape as the highways.

I think this company has holdings in Poland.

Well, a company in my country is building so-called "bimodal platforms" - dual use boxcars, that could be used both on rails, and on roads. Sadly, they are not widely used.

There was a unsuccessful campaign called "trucks on rails" - it made sense, but the state of our national railway service is another topic...

170 Areozol  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 2:32:19am

re: #164 Cannadian Club Akbar

You're Polish?

Yes.

171 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 2:33:13am

Here you go, Areozol-

This company has holdings in Canada, the USA, Poland and Estonia.

The Estonian one is particularly bad-ass, since it's literally replacing delapidated secondhand former Soviet motive power with unambiguoulsy kick-ass American horsepower.

/Kinda wish more European freight-haulers would do that.

172 TheMatrix31  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 2:42:35am

Eating hammos at 2:45am is an excellent, awesome late snack.

173 Cannadian Club Akbar  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 2:43:42am

re: #170 Areozol

I am an American mutt. Polish on my mothers side. The older I get, the more I want to see where my relatives started. Guess it is just human nature. But the older I get, the stronger the want is.

174 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 2:49:41am

re: #168 Cannadian Club Akbar

Yeah...the whole 'ship-by-rail' deal has been 'green' even before green was a vapid marketing buzzword.

Having said that, cap and trade is pretty much going to decimate the smaller reigonal and short-haul railways. I didn't see anything pertaining to the gov't dictating what sort of motive power the railways must use (altho' I wouldn't put it past them to slip something in), but this will choke off alot of traffic for the smaller shortlines/reigonals/feeder lines who rely on hauling coal, petrochemicals or ancillary items for oil and natural gas exploration ('frac sand', drilling rqupiment, pipes, etc)...

There's also the tangential effect of the factories and plants that serve as the main customers for these smaller railways deciding it's too expensive to operate under the carbon credit scheme and move offshore.

And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the 'green' locomotives various manufacturers are coming out with. Most of them rated at only 1750h.p. to 2200 h.p. when 3000h.p. is really the desirable minimum for long distance freight. Canada's Rail Power Int'l came out with a 'green goat' that seemed more or less ideal for switching when it wasn't busy bursting into flames (to be fair, some of those fires were percipitaed by lightning strikes...but not all of them). Most of the Class I railways (plus some switcing and terminal railways) have some sort of 'Green goat' or 'eco-friendly' loco on their roster- I initially attributed this to them being altruistic or at least publicity savvy. Turns out before there was 'Cash for Klunkers', various state and federal agencies were offering subsidies of up to 80% of the purchase price for the new 'green' locomotives...with the caveat that they strike a number of older (if serviceable) locomotives from their roster...

175 Cannadian Club Akbar  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 2:59:01am

re: #174 Fenway_Nation

From what we have seen from the current guvment, I wouldn't be surprised if they try to consolidate the commercial rail system. I honestly don't think they will be able to do it unless we have Zero re elected in '12 and they still have both the House and the Senate. I don't see that happening. But then again, if people got behind rail, some group will pop up and sue because it will endanger some habitat of a frog or bird or some insect that serves no purpose.

176 Cannadian Club Akbar  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 3:05:38am

[Link: www.620wdae.com...]
Train vs. Tornado

177 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 3:12:57am

re: #175 Cannadian Club Akbar

That was actually done to an extent in 1976 with the formation of Conrail, who was formed from the ashes of the Reading, Erie-Lackawana, Penn Central, Lehigh & Hudson River, Central New Jersey and Lehigh Valley...but that was primarily the northeast and 'rust belt'...

Ten years ago, CSX and Norfolk Southern effectively wishboned Conrail with reigonal railways like Indiana Southern; Providence & Worchester; Reading & Northern; Louisville & Indiana; Connecticut Southern; Nittany & Bald Eagle; New York, Susquehanna & Western either acquiring the trackage from Conrail before the breakup or from NS or CSX when they deemed certain lines redundant.

I'm not so sure 0bama- even with *shudder* a 2nd term- would seek to consolidate the nation's railways...the remote, low-volume branchlines have been viewed by the larger railways as a headache they're more than willing to abandon or sell off to a local operator...especially in the last 30 years or so.

178 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 3:20:49am
But then again, if people got behind rail, some group will pop up and sue because it will endanger some habitat of a frog or bird or some insect that serves no purpose.

Which is why we're never going to see a MagLev from California to Las Vegas. For the last 15-20 years, the Union Pacific has been seeking to expand capacity on it's Los Angeles-Salt lake City route (which takes it through Las Vegas). Basically the most pivotal part of having that line accomodate more trains is extending the already existing sidings so that longer trains can fit in. Except UPRR can't do that because some environmental group said it would endanger some turtle or snake or rat or something...and has been litigating against any expansion ever since.

Now if the Union Pacific can't do any work on their own trackage that's already existed for over a century, what makes people think that they'll somehow magically be able to build a maglev train through the very same desert filled with all sorts of endangered critters from scratch?

/I'm only 15 seconds in on the video- damn dial-up!

179 Cannadian Club Akbar  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 3:28:19am

In Florida, there is a fierce push to get light rail for paggengers. Not a bad idea on its face. Problem is, this isn't NYC or Chicago. While some people might commute from Tampa to Orlando for work, there is so much sprawl that even after you get off of a train, then you have to get on a bus. Many politicians down here talk about tourist using it, but then you are taking away car rental. Plus, I can't recall someone visiting Tampa, Miami, and Orlando all in 1 vacation. To much to do in each place unless you plan on a 2 plus week vacation.

180 Cannadian Club Akbar  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 3:31:15am

re: #178 Fenway_Nation

Now that rail makes sense. Many visit LA and a short hop to Vegas is doable. And don't tell me it can't be done, Harry Reid said it would be done.
//

181 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 3:44:49am

re: #176 Cannadian Club Akbar

Wow...that train got all kinds of fucked up. I was fairly nonplussed until the momentum carried the tank car and the remainder of the train into the decelerating locomotives.

/looks like the footage was from an event recorder. Didn't know cameras were part of the deal...

182 laZardo  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 3:48:42am

Back for a little bit.

Corazon Aquino, the housewife cast into the spotlight with her pro-democracy husband's assassination which led to the non-violent revolution that toppled dictator Ferdinand Marcos from power has died after a battle with colon cancer.

183 UncleRancher  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 3:49:58am

Greetings lizards :-)

184 laZardo  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 3:50:21am

re: #183 UncleRancher

G'devening Ranch.

185 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 3:50:58am

re: #182 laZardo

Would I be dating myself too badly if I said I remember doing a report on her in school? And it was considered current events?

186 laZardo  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 3:53:00am

re: #185 Fenway_Nation

Must've been back in '86?

187 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 3:53:49am

re: #186 laZardo


I think it was after she was elected but just before one of the coup attempts against her...

188 laZardo  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 3:56:41am

re: #187 Fenway_Nation

Yeah..quite a few people were happy that she got placed in power. In the twisted spirit of Filipino politics, IIRC one of them later got elected Senator. Although thankfully, pretty much every coup attempt afterward was really half-assed.

On a lighter note, I like to think that People Power was the real catalyst to the '89 "Autumn of Change." q;

189 laZardo  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 3:57:04am

re: #188 laZardo

quite a few people were unhappy

/pimf

190 Cannadian Club Akbar  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 3:57:35am

Man, back then my biggest concern was waitng for Rush or Iron Maiden to come in concert.

191 UncleRancher  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 3:58:33am

re: #182 laZardo

FTA: United States President Barack Obama was deeply saddened by the news of the death of Aquino.

That seems a little off the wall ??

laZardo :-)

192 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 3:59:39am

re: #188 laZardo

Wasn't it Philippine Army officers staging a mutiny? That part I didn't have to write in my report...

193 UncleRancher  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:00:17am

re: #185 Fenway_Nation

Would I be dating myself too badly if I said I remember doing a report on her in school? And it was considered current events?

I would still think you are a youngster ;-)

194 revobob  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:02:19am

re: #185 Fenway_Nation

Would I be dating myself too badly if I said I remember doing a report on her in school? And it was considered current events?

Dating yourself- Is that what you kids are calling it these days?

195 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:03:17am

re: #194 revobob

If I don't, who will?
/

196 revobob  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:04:20am

re: #195 Fenway_Nation

If I don't, who will?
/


Actually I'm just jealous- for me the Kennedy assassination was current events- both of them!

197 SixDegrees  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:07:41am

re: #16 zombie

Missing a sarc tag?

Look at the pictures. It was 18 inches of water! 18 inches! Down at the bottom os a 15 foot embankment at about a 30-degree slope! Jeebus Creepers! I myself would have slid down that bank on my ass in five seconds and pulled the guy's face out of the water, and I can't swim worth shit.

It is emergency crews' JOBS to save people.

Careful - the photo in the article has a weasely label attached to it. It shows a ditch, with the caption "The area of Lincolnshire where Mr Malton died is covered with ditches". So it's quite likely this isn't the ditch where the drowning took place; it may not even be a representative ditch. Given that English tabloids are notorious for...well, tabloid journalism, it's entirely possible that there's a whole lot more to this story than what is related.

I'd like to have more facts before leaping to judgment.

198 laZardo  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:07:49am

re: #191 UncleRancher

It's the latest there is (was?) at the time. She's being interred at the Catholic high school my little bros attended. This particular high school is of historical significance here because it's where the independent recount took place for the rigged presidential election preceding People Power.

re: #192 Fenway_Nation

IIRC yeah.

199 Cannadian Club Akbar  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:08:13am

When I was in 6th grade the Iranian hostage crisis was going on. We had a student assembly in the gym and were lectured on Freedom. Don't see that anymore.

200 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:08:57am

Oh...and since CD rates absolutely suck right now, here's a financial insturment that combines the potential gains of currency exchange with the security of an FDIC backed investment vehicle.

Interest rates for much of them still suck, but you could still come out ahead with a favorable exchange rate.

/Too bad there's a $10K minimum...

201 revobob  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:10:52am

re: #199 Cannadian Club Akbar

When I was in 6th grade the Iranian hostage crisis was going on. We had a student assembly in the gym and were lectured on Freedom. Don't see that anymore.


Did you start the day with The Pledge Of Allegiance?

202 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:11:46am

re: #198 laZardo

Remember when dictators knew when the jig was up and had the termity to go into exile, get tossed in jail or get themselves killed by their own military or people once the tide had turned?

Why can't Mugabe, Chavez or Achmedinjahd follow the sterling example of Ferdinand Marcos, Nicolai Caceascu or Manuel Noriega?

203 Cannadian Club Akbar  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:12:43am

re: #201 revobob

Did you start the day with The Pledge Of Allegiance?


Yes, even in high school. And a moment of silence. I also remember supporting the people who didn't stand for the pledge. Guess I have always been a first amendment guy.

204 laZardo  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:15:11am

re: #202 Fenway_Nation

Those people stand against US "oppression." They're different.

///

205 revobob  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:15:56am

re: #203 Cannadian Club Akbar

Yes, even in high school. And a moment of silence. I also remember supporting the people who didn't stand for the pledge. Guess I have always been a first amendment guy.

No disparagement of you, but in my schools in suburban Milwaukee I do not remember anyone who would not stand for the pledge.

206 A Man for all Seasons  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:16:21am

The Hoopster's weekly movie review
Into the Wild 3 1/2 Stars (2007) Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch) Sheds his possessions and makes an ill- fated trek to Alaska (Adventure)
I know exactly when this movie came out and reviewed the MSNBC critics review of the movie and read the background of Mr. McCandless..
A tragic true story of a young man chased by his demons into the wilderness..
I don't know who wrote the screenplay...But they found the soul of the man.
and the direction was great.
There are scenes that are just magical..And there are places in the script that just captures the essence of every young man when he views the world before him and needs to decide the direction he takes..To walk within it's confines or just go camping out in Alaska...
This is on my must see list for the lizards..I think the script is brilliant.

207 UncleRancher  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:18:42am

re: #205 revobob

No disparagement of you, but in my schools in suburban Milwaukee I do not remember anyone who would not stand for the pledge.

When I was in school everyone stood for the pledge. The war was on.

208 SixDegrees  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:18:47am

re: #167 Fenway_Nation

Makes a great argument for railways as a matter of fact. I'm not sure what the ratio in Poland and elsewhere in Europe would be, but one boxcar is thought to take the equivalent of three trucks off the road. The less trucks meandering through the narrow surface streets of various small towns, the better- but then again, the rail infrastructure there could be in just as woeful shape as the highways.

I think this company has holdings in Poland.

Not only that. It's really hard to beat the low frictional losses you get from steel wheels on steel rails. Train transport is inherently energy efficient. I'd love to see a comparison of how much fuel it takes to move a ton 100 miles by truck versus train.

As you point out, though, it isn't a complete solution. There are major trunk lines available for rail shipment, but you still need lots of trucks to bridge that final gap between terminal and destination.

209 Cannadian Club Akbar  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:19:46am

re: #205 revobob

No disparagement of you, but in my schools in suburban Milwaukee I do not remember anyone who would not stand for the pledge.

Well, the ones I remember are probably in a "chow line" right about now as guards toss their cells:)

210 laZardo  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:20:30am

re: #208 SixDegrees

As far as I know, there are better arguments for rail transportation for cargo in the United States than, say, rail transportation for passengers.

Just wondering though, is that where low-cost airlines are filling the gap?

211 SixDegrees  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:21:59am

re: #200 Fenway_Nation

Oh...and since CD rates absolutely suck right now, here's a financial insturment that combines the potential gains of currency exchange with the security of an FDIC backed investment vehicle.

Interest rates for much of them still suck, but you could still come out ahead with a favorable exchange rate.

/Too bad there's a $10K minimum...

I'm slowly building my cash reserves back up. In a couple of years, inflation is going to be a problem, and the Fed will certainly respond by raising interest rates. If I can lock in long-term CDs in the high single digits, I'm there.

If I can lock them in at the mid- to high-teen levels seen during the Carter years, I'm so there. In fact, it'll probably be time to consider retirement.

212 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:25:09am

re: #204 laZardo

Ah yes...the only noble cause remaining, accoring to the international left.

Speaking of international events in the 1980s, I'm still trying to draw a timeline on when the anti-Apartheid movement began picking up momentum here in the USA...

South Africa was really putting the hurt on not just Angolan commies, but also the Cubans and their Soviet sugar daddies in what's been called 'The Border War'. Did the American left only embrace the anti-Apartheid movement once it was becoming clear that Botah's South Africa was running roughshod over Angola's MPLA and their Cuban advisors?

213 UncleRancher  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:25:28am

re: #208 SixDegrees

Chevrolet Suburban about 20 ton-miles / gal
Dodge-Cummins turbo diesel 4x4 70 ton miles / gal
Kenworth w/3206 Cat & single trailer about 150 ton-miles / gal
Railroads are somewhere around 3-5 times that for the Kenworth as I recall. GVW basis.

214 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:26:47am

re: #210 laZardo

Yes- most of the railway lines in the USA and Canada are owned by frieght-haulers.

215 revobob  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:27:48am

re: #210 laZardo

As far as I know, there are better arguments for rail transportation for cargo in the United States than, say, rail transportation for passengers.

Just wondering though, is that where low-cost airlines are filling the gap?


As far as rail for cargo- definite advantages. Here in SoCal at least the railroads have been advertising the fuel costs- something like a ton of cargo 200 miles on a gallon of fuel (I may be misremembering, but it is impressive). In the LA area there have been ongoing efforts to push light rail for commuters, but I frequently have to wait at Metrolink crossings, and the cars look on average to be 30-50% full (eyeball estimate). I believe that the subsidies necessary to operate the trains are on the order of 1.5 to 2x the prices charged for tickets. I think as a nation we have had the benefit of great roads and cheap fuel so long that we cherish the autonomy to go where we want, when we want without dependence on any other schedule than our own. And I for one do not want to give that up.

216 SixDegrees  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:28:35am

re: #210 laZardo

As far as I know, there are better arguments for rail transportation for cargo in the United States than, say, rail transportation for passengers.

Just wondering though, is that where low-cost airlines are filling the gap?

Passenger rail is a whole 'nother matter. You can't beat the speed of jet transport, and for people, time is money. For cargo, though, it's hard to beat trains in terms of energy efficiency.

Air transport is horrendously energy intensive, no matter how efficient the planes are. You can't even use the standard "miles per gallon" metric; it's much more sensible to talk in terms of gallons per mile. Planes are completely off the charts compared to other forms of transport when it comes to energy efficiency. They basically suck at it.

To make matters worse for trains, though, non-stop transcontinental trains are pretty much out of the question. There's very limited track to run on, so any train is going to have to make frequent stops simply to accommodate passengers along the very few routes that exist. This slows things down even more, making a New York to LA run a multi-day affair, instead of the few hours it takes by air.

It's a classic trade-off between speed and efficiency.

217 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:30:03am

re: #211 SixDegrees

6°- Every time I see the most recent interest rates for savings/investing, I get nostalgic for the 3%-5.75% APY that was being offered on Savings Bonds and Certificates of Deposit last year.

218 revobob  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:34:10am

re: #216 SixDegrees

Passenger rail is a whole 'nother matter. You can't beat the speed of jet transport, and for people, time is money. For cargo, though, it's hard to beat trains in terms of energy efficiency.

Air transport is horrendously energy intensive, no matter how efficient the planes are. You can't even use the standard "miles per gallon" metric; it's much more sensible to talk in terms of gallons per mile. Planes are completely off the charts compared to other forms of transport when it comes to energy efficiency. They basically suck at it.

To make matters worse for trains, though, non-stop transcontinental trains are pretty much out of the question. There's very limited track to run on, so any train is going to have to make frequent stops simply to accommodate passengers along the very few routes that exist. This slows things down even more, making a New York to LA run a multi-day affair, instead of the few hours it takes by air.

It's a classic trade-off between speed and efficiency.


There's also the matter that passenger train travel is not especially cheap- my wife is a train lover, and we have discussed a long trip to visit family around the country, but the ticket costs at that time were almost equal to air fare for roughly 4x the days spent on-route. We just couldn't force it to make sense!

219 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:34:29am

...and even tho' I managed to steer the topics towards a number of things I'm interested in, I must bid all the assembled lizards and honcos aideu...

220 Fenway_Nation  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:34:45am

G'nite, even!

221 revobob  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:35:50am

re: #219 Fenway_Nation

...and even tho' I managed to steer the topics towards a number of things I'm interested in, I must bid all the assembled lizards and honcos aideu...


Keep posting your train photos- I do enjoy them. I'm going back to wrestling with insomnia. Nite all.

222 SixDegrees  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:36:54am

re: #217 Fenway_Nation

6°- Every time I see the most recent interest rates for savings/investing, I get nostalgic for the 3%-5.75% APY that was being offered on Savings Bonds and Certificates of Deposit last year.

True. Fortunately, inflation is also very low right now. Inflation and interest rates tend to move together. This can cancel out the benefits of high savings returns, but it depends. If you're in transition, say, entering retirement, you're also shedding expenses - smaller house, lower property taxes, less transportation cost - and this can offset inflation to a large extent. At other times, inflation can gnaw away at your savings at an alarming rate.

A huge pop in CD rates would be an indication of a highly inflationary environment. But it's very likely that it wouldn't last long. Locking in the rates in long-term CDs lets you keep that advantage long after rates have dwindled again.

223 laZardo  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:37:49am

re: #212 Fenway_Nation

I'd think South Africa was always a "sticking point." Maybe after Aquino's success they were just waiting for a Mandela or Tutu to really rise to prominence rather than a violent militia group.

224 laZardo  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:38:28am

re: #220 Fenway_Nation

Cheers!

225 UncleRancher  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:40:27am

re: #219 Fenway_Nation

Take care. Keep those railroads rollin'.

226 SixDegrees  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:42:12am

re: #218 revobob

There's also the matter that passenger train travel is not especially cheap- my wife is a train lover, and we have discussed a long trip to visit family around the country, but the ticket costs at that time were almost equal to air fare for roughly 4x the days spent on-route. We just couldn't force it to make sense!

Yeah. My kid was taking Amtrak back and forth to college for a while, and it was more expensive than the bus. The Greyhound station wasn't as convenient to home, though. And the train has snacks.

Right now, there are a few passenger trains set up as novelty excursions - a lot of them take you for a tour through beautiful landscapes for a few hours, and serve you a gourmet dinner as part of the bargain. Sounds very nice, and if I were trying to run a more conventional passenger line, I would push onboard dining as the distinguishing factor that made the choice worthwhile. You can make really good profits serving high-end meals to a captive audience. And for some, there's the advantage of an actual bar, although drunks in confined spaces, whether planes or trains, are unpleasant.

227 laZardo  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 4:43:52am

Brb, dinnar. Please to pray for Corazon Aquino and her family.

228 Cannadian Club Akbar  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 5:10:46am

So CBS news started the day singing the praises of the CFC car fiasco. Then they had some hack on saying this was the best stimulus ever. He was saying all car dealers were getting their money, kumbaya, and all that shit.
[Link: thelede.blogs.nytimes.com...]

229 Steffan  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 5:25:54am

If you haven't already seen it, this is a beautiful quote:

The other day, a reader sent me an e-mail in which she stated: “Obama is economically illiterate, 100% politically motivated, a bold-faced liar, thin-skinned and completely incompetent. And I must say that, contrary to the majority of the population, I believe he is inarticulate. I don’t know what it is that others are seeing, but it certainly escapes me.”

In response, I wrote, “Apparently they see the great and powerful Oz, whereas you and I see the mumbling, bumbling bumpkin that Toto exposed behind the curtain.”

My first reaction to that reader's statement was, "And those are his good points."

Go read the whole thing. It's a keeper.

230 [deleted]  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 5:28:03am
231 Cannadian Club Akbar  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 5:32:52am

re: #230 taxfreekiller

Rebuild you schools without the NEA etal's poor quality bricks .


I had a "debate" with a public school band teacher about vouchers. Surprise, he was against them. He is also a Paulian.

232 SixDegrees  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 5:35:31am

re: #231 Cannadian Club Akbar

I had a "debate" with a public school band teacher about vouchers. Surprise, he was against them. He is also a Paulian.

The Ronulan connection is incidental; practically all teachers, and all NEA members, oppose vouchers because it threatens their jobs. Next thing you know, we'll be demanding competency.

233 [deleted]  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 5:39:08am
234 MandyManners  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 5:40:06am

re: #233 taxfreekiller

So, if we are supposed to hate our insurance companies due to their high evil profits, what do we do about the NFL, NBA, and Major League Baseball?

Hold non-stop hearings in Congress!

235 Steffan  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 5:45:16am

re: #216 SixDegrees

A British Airways study some time ago (link no longer available on its website, but the discussion is here) said that a 747-400 will travel 576 miles in an hour, burning 3378 gallons of jet fuel. That's .17 miles per gallon.

The airline claimed that if that plane was 75% full (the plane's capacity is 409 passengers), that works out to 52.2 mpg.

By contrast, a tour guide on the Queen Mary claimed that the ship, carrying significantly more passengers and cargo, managed to get three miles per gallon using steam engines and oil-fired boilers.

236 SasquatchOnSteroids  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 5:45:30am

Damn, Special K or cherry pie.
Is it too early for pie?

237 Cannadian Club Akbar  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 5:45:32am

re: #234 MandyManners

Hold non-stop hearings in Congress!

Can't. They are all consumed trying to figure out the BCS for college football. Nothing better to do, I guess.

238 Cannadian Club Akbar  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 5:46:58am

re: #236 SasquatchOnSteroids

Damn, Special K or cherry pie.
Is it too early for pie?

Lift the top crust, add Special K. Replace crust. Eat.

239 MandyManners  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 5:47:45am

re: #237 Cannadian Club Akbar

Can't. They are all consumed trying to figure out the BCS for college football. Nothing better to do, I guess.

BCS? Brith Control Shots?

240 MandyManners  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 5:48:10am

re: #236 SasquatchOnSteroids

Damn, Special K or cherry pie.
Is it too early for pie?

It's never too early for pie.

241 A Man for all Seasons  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 5:48:41am

re: #236 SasquatchOnSteroids

Damn, Special K or cherry pie.
Is it too early for pie?

Well you could drink raw eggs for breakfast like Rocky... or you could have a piece of cherry pie with some ice cream on top Microwaved for 15 secs..
I'm here to make life easier for you..
*wink*

242 Steffan  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 5:48:47am

re: #236 SasquatchOnSteroids

Damn, Special K or cherry pie.
Is it too early for pie?

According to Pogo, it's never too early for pie, it being his favorite vitamin.

Porky Pine claimed, "It's good for you -- clears warts an' all."

243 [deleted]  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 5:51:01am
244 A Man for all Seasons  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 5:51:32am

re: #240 MandyManners

It's never too early for pie.

I am drinking some Italian Roast with a shot of french flavoring that is just outstanding!
Good Morning Mandy..Hope you and the kid are well and healthy today

245 MandyManners  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 5:52:10am

re: #243 taxfreekiller

Pie cures handovers.

Best hang-over cure is cold, left-over T-bone, green onions and tomato.

246 SasquatchOnSteroids  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 5:52:29am

Toast it is !

Mini me wants some, who am I to argue ?

247 Cannadian Club Akbar  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 5:53:48am

re: #245 MandyManners

Best hang-over cure is cold, left-over T-bone, green onions and tomato.

Or, just keep drinking.

248 MandyManners  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 5:53:55am

re: #244 HoosierHoops

I am drinking some Italian Roast with a shot of french flavoring that is just outstanding!
Good Morning Mandy..Hope you and the kid are well and healthy today

He's still asleep but, no more sleeping late in the mornings because school starts soon. How are you and yours, Hoops?

249 A Man for all Seasons  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 5:53:57am

re: #243 taxfreekiller

Pie cures handovers.

Amen Brother! Omelette's at 3am help a lot also...Chocolate milk is from the gods...

250 MandyManners  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 5:54:36am

re: #247 Cannadian Club Akbar

Or, just keep drinking.

Ya' gotta' stop some time.

251 A Man for all Seasons  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 5:56:05am

re: #248 MandyManners

He's still asleep but, no more sleeping late in the mornings because school starts soon. How are you and yours, Hoops?

Doing wonderful Mandy..We fly up to the Cabin Sunday Afternoon...
I love this time of the year...I'm feeling pretty good..I got a top 10..
My agent is ecstatic ! :)
kind regards

252 SasquatchOnSteroids  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 5:56:34am

re: #243 taxfreekiller

Pie cures handovers.

Really ?
I'd just slug another one down the ole gullet. Wake that baby up.

253 MandyManners  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 5:57:39am

Gonna' go slurp coffee on the deck. bbiab

254 [deleted]  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:00:33am
255 [deleted]  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:01:26am
256 A Man for all Seasons  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:01:32am

re: #252 SasquatchOnSteroids

Really ?
I'd just slug another one down the ole gullet. Wake that baby up.

It was so funny before and during the beer summit lizards were just trashing Bud light...finally i spoke up..guys i drink Bud light...Then I hear a Get em!
Last I remember i caught a glimpse of hordes of pitchfork welding lizards chasing me...I lost them...they kept spilling their beer.
My eyes are wide open..:)

257 A Man for all Seasons  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:04:33am

re: #255 taxfreekiller

menudo,,, too

Can't eat it...Most food grosses me out anyway..I'm a picky eater...
Good Morning TFK.. Hope you are well

258 SasquatchOnSteroids  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:05:47am

re: #256 HoosierHoops

It was so funny before and during the beer summit lizards were just trashing Bud light...finally i spoke up..guys i drink Bud light...Then I hear a Get em!
Last I remember i caught a glimpse of hordes of pitchfork welding lizards chasing me...I lost them...they kept spilling their beer.
My eyes are wide open..:)

I drink Bud Light. It's fine. Regular Bud OTOH gives me a freakin' headache.

259 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:08:07am

re: #256 HoosierHoops

Coors Light, baby!

260 A Man for all Seasons  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:09:33am

re: #258 SasquatchOnSteroids

I drink Bud Light. It's fine. Regular Bud OTOH gives me a freakin' headache.

Good Morning...anything heavier leads to a beer gut..There is nothing more unattractive on a person than a beer gut...Especially at a beach..LOL
/with speedo's
GAK I'm sorry!

261 SasquatchOnSteroids  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:12:45am

If it's cold, it's drinkable.
My BIL drinks Pabst Blue Ribbon. But that's because he's a cheap SOB.
Conveniently drinks anything I bring to a gathering. BTW, I like a nice cold chunks of ice on the top Fosters every once in a while too.

262 A Man for all Seasons  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:13:11am

re: #259 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Coors Light, baby!

1999 I was at a pool part in PHX with some friends..We drank 24 cases of Coors light that night..beer pong was involved...
I wished I had a camera when the sun came up.. People every where passed out around the pool. Priceless

263 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:13:36am

PBR? The slogan?... "Well, it's beer."

264 [deleted]  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:14:18am
265 SasquatchOnSteroids  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:18:20am

re: #260 HoosierHoops

Good Morning...anything heavier leads to a beer gut..There is nothing more unattractive on a person than a beer gut...Especially at a beach..LOL
/with speedo's
GAK I'm sorry!

Agreed. I'm close enough to the sands to go a few times to see the latest fashions.
It can get pretty damned ugly down there.

But it can be awful fine, too.
*wink*

266 Jewels (AKA Julian)  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:19:07am

Any warhammer 40,000 fans in the thread this morning? I came across this lovely costume from a Comic Con thread. The creator puta lot of work into it

[Link: forums.relicnews.com...]

267 Ojoe  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:19:56am

All night and 260 + comments, the island of sanity is shrinking.

268 [deleted]  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:20:45am
269 Ojoe  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:20:53am

Towercam is blank at the moment.

270 SasquatchOnSteroids  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:21:06am

re: #263 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

PBR? The slogan?... "Well, it's beer."

No it isn't. It's the squeegied bubble suds leftover from a peep show floor.
N-A-S-T-Y.

271 SixDegrees  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:21:11am

re: #235 Steffan

A British Airways study some time ago (link no longer available on its website, but the discussion is here) said that a 747-400 will travel 576 miles in an hour, burning 3378 gallons of jet fuel. That's .17 miles per gallon.

The airline claimed that if that plane was 75% full (the plane's capacity is 409 passengers), that works out to 52.2 mpg.

By contrast, a tour guide on the Queen Mary claimed that the ship, carrying significantly more passengers and cargo, managed to get three miles per gallon using steam engines and oil-fired boilers.

What's missing in each of these examples is how much weight can be moved over that distance. 300 passengers at is only ~20-25 tons. So the airplane is only able to move about 4 ton miles/gallon - 5 times worse than the Chevy Suburban mentioned upthread.

Similarly, the Queen Mary is a dog in terms of absolute miles per gallon - but she can haul an enormous tonnage. No idea how much, but easily hundreds of tons - more likely thousands of tons (the ship itself weighs around 150,000 tons). It isn't very fast, especially compared to a jet. But it can move a huge amount of cargo over long distances at little cost per pound.

272 Ojoe  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:25:29am

re: #235 Steffan

Ships are famously efficient.
But not quite that efficient.

273 [deleted]  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:25:33am
274 rain of lead  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:26:40am

mornin all
looks like it,s gonna be a great day here in middle tenn
it's a nice 74 deg, the wife and kid are still asleep and the cat is in a
good mood :)

275 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:26:42am

Well good morning y'all - from a warmish (74 degrees going up to 88 degrees) cloudy and lightly raining Charlotte!
How is everyone doing today? I've been away (until late last night) for a variety of reasons but it's good to be back with with my friends here!

276 SixDegrees  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:27:11am

re: #240 MandyManners

It's never too early for pie.

Correct. And besides, somewhere in the world it's later.

277 wahabicorridor  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:27:36am

morning real!

278 Cannadian Club Akbar  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:28:56am

Mornin' RW.

279 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:29:21am

re: #275 realwest

Hey!

280 Walter L. Newton  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:29:55am

re: #275 realwest

Well good morning y'all - from a warmish (74 degrees going up to 88 degrees) cloudy and lightly raining Charlotte!
How is everyone doing today? I've been away (until late last night) for a variety of reasons but it's good to be back with with my friends here!

Morning all, it's 42 degrees here, sunny, chance of weather today.

281 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:30:05am

re: #240 MandyManners

It's never too early for pie.

There's pie?

282 Walter L. Newton  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:30:40am

re: #281 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

There's pie?

Not for you, you like cake.

283 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:30:55am

I'm frickin' STARVIN! Ain't got no bread. Got a big beautiful homegrown tomato though. The tomato is sitting on the counter, just taunting me. What to do? What to do?

284 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:31:13am

re: #282 Walter L. Newton

Not for you, you like cake.

Dude? Pie is liquid cake.

285 [deleted]  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:31:43am
286 Ojoe  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:32:38am
Cunard state that their liner, the RMS Queen Elizabeth 2, travels 49.5 ft (15.1 m) per 1 imperial gallon (4.546 l) of diesel oil, and that it has a passenger capacity of 1777.[21] From those figures, fuel consumption can be calculated as 0.009375 miles per imperial gallon (30,130 L/100 km). Carrying 1777 passengers, that equates to 16.7 miles per imperial gallon (16.9 L/100 km) per passenger.


Link

287 Cannadian Club Akbar  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:33:21am

re: #283 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

I'm frickin' STARVIN! Ain't got no bread. Got a big beautiful homegrown tomato though. The tomato is sitting on the counter, just taunting me. What to do? What to do?

Brush with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper, top with parm cheese, toss in oven.

288 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:34:26am

re: #287 Cannadian Club Akbar

I've got some fakin' bacon in the freezer that just opened the lid and flipped me off. I'm going to go get some bread.

289 [deleted]  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:34:27am
290 [deleted]  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:35:32am
291 wahabicorridor  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:37:20am

re: #285 taxfreekiller

sails on ships

seems smaller computer controled sails could be used to augment
power on trains on long distance hauls, they could be retracted
for underpasses and stuff??

Don't think so.Wind dynamics are tricky and I don't think you could get a train to tack.

292 [deleted]  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:38:48am
293 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:39:31am

re: #277 wahabicorridor
Morning {wahabi!} Good to see you again!

294 SixDegrees  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:40:06am

re: #291 wahabicorridor

Don't think so.Wind dynamics are tricky and I don't think you could get a train to tack.

True. Some companies, however, are testing huge kites on cargo ships. So far, they seem to be worthwhile.

295 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:40:28am

re: #278 Cannadian Club Akbar
and
re: #279 Fat Bastard Vegetarian
HEY back y'all! How are you doing?!

296 wahabicorridor  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:41:16am

re: #292 taxfreekiller

the mast would be on a rotating base, on each car, the computer would adjust to the wind direction

My crystal ball shows a train derailing.

297 [deleted]  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:42:09am
298 Cannadian Club Akbar  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:42:35am

re: #295 realwest

and
re: #279 Fat Bastard Vegetarian
HEY back y'all! How are you doing?!

Good here. Glad you back.

299 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:42:35am

re: #289 taxfreekiller
Hey TFK my friend - PLEASE have Mrs. TFK fix it pronto, my friend!
Always on the treeline - actually on a swivel front, back and both sides, constant.

300 Jewels (AKA Julian)  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:43:04am

Caribbean Lamb Curry (serves 4-6)

2 pounds boned leg of lamb
1/4 cup of curry powder
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 large onion, chopped
4 thyme springs or 3 teaspoon dried thyme
3 bay leaves
1 Tablespoon (30 grams) ground allspice
1/8 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup butter or margarine
3.5 cups of stock or water
1 fresh hot chili pepper, chopped
cooked rice, to serve
cilantro springs, to garnish

Step 1: cut the meat into 2-inch cubes, discarding excess fat and gristle

Step 2: place the lamb, curry powder, garlic, onion, thyme, bay leaves, allspice, and oil into a large bowl and mix. Marinate in the fridge for 3 hours or overnight.

Step 3: melt the butter or margarine in a large heavy saucepan, add the seasoned lamb and fry over a moderate heat for about 10 minutes, turning meat frequently.

Step 4: stir in the stock and chili pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover the pan, and simmer for 1.5 hours, or until meat is tender. Serve with rice, garnish with Cilantro.

301 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:44:03am

re: #298 Cannadian Club Akbar Thanks my friend. But I don't know how long I'll be back for today - still really, REALLY tired.
Hope you're well!

302 [deleted]  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:49:36am
303 Jewels (AKA Julian)  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:51:50am

Jewel's Lazy Turkey Curry (also works with chicken)
Makes 4 servings
¼ cup chopped onion
1 can cream of mushroom soup
¼ cup milk.
1 cup sour cream
½ teaspoon curry powder
1 tbspn butter
1 cup cubed turkey
Step 1: cook the onion in the butter.
Step 2: add the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir until smooth
Step 3: add the sour cream and curry powder.
Step 4: add turkey and heat. Serve over rice
note: keep stirring the mix as this can burn to the bottom of your pots rather easily

304 SasquatchOnSteroids  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:52:11am

re: #302 taxfreekiller


tfk was 1-0/blockquote>

Always.

305 reine.de.tout  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:52:43am

re: #301 realwest

Thanks my friend. But I don't know how long I'll be back for today - still really, REALLY tired.
Hope you're well!

good morning, Realwest. Good to "see" you here. Missed you last week.

306 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:52:53am

Hey y'all - I posted this in the spinoff links last night, but now the link is dead but:
DEMS WIN BIG VOTE ON HEALTHCARE
WASHINGTON – In a triumph for President Barack Obama, Democrats narrowly pushed sweeping health care legislation through a key congressional committee Friday night and cleared the way for a September showdown in the House.

The 31-28 vote in the House Energy and Commerce Committee, along party lines, was weeks later than either the White House or Democratic leaders had hoped.

As part of a last-minute series of changes, the committee agreed to cap increases in the cost of insurance sold under the bill, and also to give the federal government authority to negotiate directly with drug companies for lower prices under Medicare. [SNIP]
In the run-up to final approval, the panel handed the drug industry a victory, voting 47-11 to grant 12 years of market protection to high-tech drugs used to combat cancer, Parkinson’s and other deadly diseases.
Ah yes, our taxdollars at work. Well, actually our great grandchildren's tax dollars at work!

307 JCM  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:53:03am

re: #301 realwest

Morning RW!

Morning Honcos!

Where's the hatchling with the coffee service!

308 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:54:33am

re: #305 reine.de.tout
Thanks reine! It's good to be back - I just needed to recharge my batteries some. So I took an enforced (by me) vacation. But I'm still tired as all get out.
How are y'all doing today?

309 [deleted]  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:54:40am
310 A Man for all Seasons  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:55:11am

re: #307 JCM

Morning RW!

Morning Honcos!

Where's the hatchling with the coffee service!


Hi..My Name is the Hoopster..I'll be your waiter today.
The Italian Roast is outstanding today sir...

311 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:55:40am

re: #307 JCM Hello JCM, how are you?
Do we have any new hatchlings around to fetch us some BADLY needed coffee?!?

312 SasquatchOnSteroids  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:55:46am

re: #308 realwest

Thanks reine! It's good to be back - I just needed to recharge my batteries some. So I took an enforced (by me) vacation. But I'm still tired as all get out.
How are y'all doing today?

Colder here without you, big guy.

313 SasquatchOnSteroids  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:56:34am

re: #311 realwest

Hello JCM, how are you?
Do we have any new hatchlings around to fetch us some BADLY needed coffee?!?

On me. Let's see...Folgers or Folgers ?

314 A Man for all Seasons  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:56:47am

re: #311 realwest

Hello JCM, how are you?
Do we have any new hatchlings around to fetch us some BADLY needed coffee?!?

I gotcha covered Bro...Here ya go...just a touch of Baileys
Hope you are well today

315 [deleted]  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:59:10am
316 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:00:26am

re: #309 taxfreekiller
Well it's gonna be interesting while Congress is away (yea just for their being on recess!).
Huckabee (yeah, I know, Huckabee) on F&F said he thought a LOT of blue dog dems (which now accoding to the Huckster) includes every Dem congresscritter from Ohio) are gonn catch HELL from their contitutents on Health care and Cap and Trade!
I wish we could figure out a way to keep Congress from ever getting back in sesssion until, oh, January 2010 or so!

317 Irish Rose  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:00:58am

Good morning, lizards.
A beautiful, breezy morning here along the Lake Michigan shoreline with a nice Summer day on tap.

I just put up a post about the Obama administrations' commitment to putting the framework for a high-speed rail system in place here in the US.

While it would certainly be impossible to fund it entirely in this economy, and will be until we experience some major economic recovery, I'm glad to see the current administration is willing to move forward on it. I think that it would have a tremendous impact on our economic future, and it would also help reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

I've long been an advocate of bullet trains... the high-speed rails systems that are in place throughout Japan and Europe are admirable, and have been greatly beneficial to their respective economies. We could do a lot more in this country to improve the light rail system, as well.

We're Americans, the most innovative and hard-working people on the planet... but we're roughly fifty years behind the rest of the world in the development of an efficient high-speed rail system.

I'm curious what the rest of you think about the development of a high-speed rail system in the US?

318 SasquatchOnSteroids  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:01:39am

re: #315 taxfreekiller

about every 20 min. a new thunder cloud makes up just over us,
moves off east, weird , been going on all morning long

Blue sky with puffy clouds.
Lawn needs some attention.
Enjoy your day, sir.

319 A Man for all Seasons  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:03:00am

re: #317 Irish Rose

Good Morning Irish.. We need a high speed line between Indy and Chicago..
The shopping sucks in Indiana...
/

320 FrogMarch  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:03:12am

re: #10 zombie

OK, in case there are any of you left who doubt that England is completely and utterly ruined as a nation, this should dispel those doubts permanently:

Health and safety row over man who died in 18in of water as 999 teams were told it was too risky to rescue him

re: #10 zombie

Unreal and sad. What a bunch of pussies and wimps.

321 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:03:13am

re: #312 SasquatchOnSteroids
and
re: #313 SasquatchOnSteroids
Why thanks for that Sasquatch! (I refuse to type your whole nicname out and the abbreviation of SOS doesn't seem to fit you either! LOL!) ummm, decisions, decisions...FOLGERS!
[Link: www.imeem.com...]

322 freetoken  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:04:28am

re: #317 Irish Rose

We could do a lot more in this country to improve the light rail system, as well.

I wish the $3 billion going into the clunkers program would have instead gone to rail infrastructure.

323 Irish Rose  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:06:15am

re: #322 freetoken

I wish the $3 billion going into the clunkers program would have instead gone to rail infrastructure.

You and me both.
Total waste of money, IMO.

324 Cannadian Club Akbar  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:07:59am

[Link: www.hr2499.org...]
51 Stars, anyone...

325 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:13:33am

re: #317 Irish Rose
Good morning Irish Rose! I LOVE the idea of a light rail service here, but we have a relatively new one down here in Charlotte and - since the politicians got involved in it, it went something like 300% over budget and only covers, iirc, something like 20 miles down here (cause they ran outta money) and it neved got out here to the suburbs.
The idea is fascinating, however obtaining the land rights requisite to installing a light rail would cost a fortune! And IIRC, Amtrack looked into it and discovered that to run light rail - high speed trains - would require retrofitting existing rail lines and that would mean closing them down for Lord knows how long = too many folks without the crappy train service they have now for however many years it took 'em to retrofit the existing rail lines here.

WHAT I'D LOVE TO SEE, HOWEVER, IS MORE NUCLEAR POWERED ENERGY IN THE USA. And, sadly, the phrase "nuclear power" isn't even IN the Cap and Trade bill.
We could have electric cars, busses, even a lot of trucks, all powered by electricity produced by nuclear power - France gets 75%+ of all it's national electrical power from nuclear power!

326 SasquatchOnSteroids  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:13:56am

re: #321 realwest

and
re: #313 SasquatchOnSteroids
Why thanks for that Sasquatch! (I refuse to type your whole nicname out and the abbreviation of SOS doesn't seem to fit you either! LOL!) ummm, decisions, decisions...FOLGERS!
[Link: www.imeem.com...]

I'll make it easy for you, you can pick one of these :

1) Hey you
2) Dude
3) Secret Agent 009

327 JCM  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:14:49am

re: #317 Irish Rose

Interesting.

My first instinct is always free market. That railways already have a nationwide network of right of ways to work with, and if money were to be made they'd be working on high speed rail.

Stepping by from first instinct:
My question would be who would be served? Major markets already have air travel, some lots of it. There are probably 20 daily flights Seattle to LA. I make day business trips to San Jose, it's a long day but it works. What's the cost / benefit to high speed rail vs. other forms already in place? What would be additional debt load? To make it self sustaining what would fares be? Would those fares be competitive in the market? What's lost by not having high speed rail?

IMHO, when those questions start getting answered, the value and benefit wouldn't justify high speed rail.

328 avanti  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:15:47am

Good morning all, anything exciting happening ?

329 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:17:05am

re: #326 SasquatchOnSteroids Hey You! Yeah you, agent 009, what's the matter, you don't care for Sasquatch, Dude?!?!

330 A Man for all Seasons  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:19:40am

re: #329 realwest

Hey You! Yeah you, agent 009, what's the matter, you don't care for Sasquatch, Dude?!?!

You need a coffee refill Real?

331 JCM  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:19:42am

re: #320 FrogMarch

re: #10 zombie

Unreal and sad. What a bunch of pussies and wimps.

Here's how American's do it...
Troopers pull man from burning car.

332 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:20:03am

re: #327 JCM
Hey JCM - you need to remember that the railroads in the East anyway, sold off most of their right of ways, retaining only enough to maintain existing tracks, stations and the like. Then most of 'em went broke anyway (hence Amtrack).
The problem is also: where the hell do we get the electric power requisite for Light Rail?

333 SasquatchOnSteroids  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:20:36am

re: #327 JCM

Interesting.

My first instinct is always free market. That railways already have a nationwide network of right of ways to work with, and if money were to be made they'd be working on high speed rail.

Stepping by from first instinct:
My question would be who would be served? Major markets already have air travel, some lots of it. There are probably 20 daily flights Seattle to LA. I make day business trips to San Jose, it's a long day but it works. What's the cost / benefit to high speed rail vs. other forms already in place? What would be additional debt load? To make it self sustaining what would fares be? Would those fares be competitive in the market? What's lost by not having high speed rail?

IMHO, when those questions start getting answered, the value and benefit wouldn't justify high speed rail.

Good questions.

334 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:20:47am

re: #330 HoosierHoops
Uh, no thanks!

335 SasquatchOnSteroids  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:23:42am

re: #329 realwest

Hey You! Yeah you, agent 009, what's the matter, you don't care for Sasquatch, Dude?!?!

Whatever you call me, I'll answer to.
At your service.
Need to make the place look a bit more respectable, though
Lawns a bit shaggy and the hedges could use some attention.
Y'all have a fabulous day, now.

336 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:24:35am

re: #335 SasquatchOnSteroids Ah, do y'all do windows and stuff?!

337 SasquatchOnSteroids  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:25:57am

re: #336 realwest

Ah, do y'all do windows and stuff?!

I point a garden hose at 'em every once in a while.
Does that count ?

338 JCM  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:26:45am

re: #332 realwest

Hey JCM - you need to remember that the railroads in the East anyway, sold off most of their right of ways, retaining only enough to maintain existing tracks, stations and the like. Then most of 'em went broke anyway (hence Amtrack).
The problem is also: where the hell do we get the electric power requisite for Light Rail?

Seattle's light rail when sold to the people would have cost, if their ridership projections were met cost $1.60 per ride, the cost now is $5.80, if they meet ridership which is doubtful. By their own admission, impact on traffic will be negligible.

339 FrogMarch  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:27:49am

re: #327 JCM

Interesting.

My first instinct is always free market. That railways already have a nationwide network of right of ways to work with, and if money were to be made they'd be working on high speed rail.

Stepping by from first instinct:
My question would be who would be served? Major markets already have air travel, some lots of it. There are probably 20 daily flights Seattle to LA. I make day business trips to San Jose, it's a long day but it works. What's the cost / benefit to high speed rail vs. other forms already in place? What would be additional debt load? To make it self sustaining what would fares be? Would those fares be competitive in the market? What's lost by not having high speed rail?

IMHO, when those questions start getting answered, the value and benefit wouldn't justify high speed rail.

Railways would be wonderful. But I fear American government is completely incapable of ever making such an achievement. Billion of dollars are wasted just to "study" the issue (over and over - making special interests rich) Meanwhile - as decades fly by, nothing happens. It will cost trillions of dollars just to complete a few miles or rail. Our government is so ineffectual and inefficient. American ingenuity doens't exist inside of our governement. It's gone - it's dead.

We here in CO would love high speed rail stretching from Cheyenne Wy all the way down to Trinidad or even further to Santa Fe. Shit - Fort Collins to Colorado Springs would be nice with a leg out to the airport. But it won't happen - it's just too expensive.

340 Dark_Falcon  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:28:25am

re: #45 swamprat

I know that the ecomy is great, because Yahoo says it is.
I know that Obama is the Anti-reagan, because Fox says he is.

Dan Rather wants to save the media, but I feel like Phil Collins.

Don't worry. Even Against All Odds, we'll make it through.

341 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:28:41am

re: #337 SasquatchOnSteroids
Well it does for me! Hell I don't even have a garden hose!

342 JCM  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:28:50am

re: #333 SasquatchOnSteroids

Good questions.

I'm not opposed, but it needs to be effective. The national highway system besides being a national defense asset also has more than paid for itself by the increased efficiencies in moving freight and people around.

343 FrogMarch  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:29:28am

re: #331 JCM

Here's how American's do it...
Troopers pull man from burning car.


My word -- That poor guy is on fire. In England I suppose they would settle in for a spot of tea with pinkies extended while they wait for the official properly covered meat fire extinguishers to arrive.

344 SasquatchOnSteroids  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:31:07am

re: #341 realwest

Well it does for me! Hell I don't even have a garden hose!

You pee sitting down !?

/developing news story...

Hey, I couldn't resist.

345 Dark_Falcon  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:33:43am

re: #344 SasquatchOnSteroids

You pee sitting down !?

/developing news story...

Hey, I couldn't resist.

SMACK!

346 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:33:48am

re: #338 JCM
Lemme guess - the politicians got involved, right? Or some transit system set up by two or more governmental agencies?!
WHAT would do a LOT for the emissions from auto's and trucks would be to make better electric autos and trucks and then FIND SOMEPLACE to plug 'em in - hence my pushing for nuclear energy! Might not help with traffic congestion, but at least would make the entire area "greener".
And, fwiw, I am a "Greenie" - I'm all for conservation and using grass (bamboo) instead of other woods for flooring and stuff, but Solar and Wind power are just too far out from being practicable, and pose their own environmental problems that I just don't understand the reluctance to use Nuclear Power!
Hell We have Two Nuke's here in N.C. and one operational and another set to come on line in South Carolina in the near future!

347 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:35:19am

re: #340 Dark_Falcon

Don't worry. Even Against All Odds, we'll make it through.


Yep, I can feel it coming in the air tonight!

348 Jewels (AKA Julian)  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:35:29am

"It's not dead yet" Hot Salsa
Serving Size : 1 Preparation Time :0:00
5 whole Habaneros -- seeded
10 whole tomatillos -- husked and rinsed
2 whole Vidalia onions -- skinned
6 whole sweet red peppers -- seeded
2 whole smoked Habaneros
3 whole chipolte peppers
1 Tablespoon cumin
2 ounces balsamic vinegar

Process ingredients in a blender individually in order listed until you reach the dried peppers and place in a non-reactive container. Place smoked habs and chipotles in blender and drain juice from mixture in bowl into the blender and process. Add to the mixture in the bowl. Add cumin and stir well.
Drizzle Balsamic vinegar over the top. Let marinate overnight. Best served warm


- - -

Serving Ideas : Best served warm the day after.

349 wahabicorridor  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:35:35am

gotta hop - busy day, have a good one...

350 SasquatchOnSteroids  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:36:19am

re: #345 Dark_Falcon

SMACK!

Deserved every bit of it.

351 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:38:03am

re: #344 SasquatchOnSteroids

You pee sitting down !?

/developing news story...

Hey, I couldn't resist.


TRY HARDER!
LOL! Hey, do you do any inside housecleaning - vaccuming, dusting and that sorta stuff? Cause me and Mom could sure use your services!

352 Dark_Falcon  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:38:08am

re: #346 realwest

Good points. I have to go, but I'll respond tonight.

353 SasquatchOnSteroids  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:40:00am

re: #351 realwest

TRY HARDER!
LOL! Hey, do you do any inside housecleaning - vaccuming, dusting and that sorta stuff? Cause me and Mom could sure use your services!

What are those things and why do you do them ?

354 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:40:11am

re: #352 Dark_Falcon
Shoot, I'm not sure I'll be around tonight!

355 avanti  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:41:16am

My California dealer is off to pursue my own cash for clunkers sale at a big estate sale. I'm trying to buy the last Studebaker convertible built, another late convert, and look at some others. The sale is

Here. and all the cars are priced well below market. If any collectors of the other makes are interested, let me know and I'll get more info.
BTW, "my dealer", is really just one of a network of Studebaker friends that prep cars for ebay for me that are too far away.

356 albusteve  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:41:23am

stating the obvious...from the party that brought you this recession in the first place...with so little of the pork money trickling down how does BO explain the perceived turnaround?...he doesn't of course...and prople sop up this blabola

[Link: www.bloomberg.com...]

357 [deleted]  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:42:13am
358 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:43:41am

re: #353 SasquatchOnSteroids

What are those things and why do you do them ?

I do 'em cause Mom says we need to do 'em. Problem is with her age and diabetes and my cancer/med's, together we don't even manage to make one entire person for doing housework.
And we'd hire some "maids" outfit or something, but every month we keep throwing our dough at our Medicare and medicines.
Do you at least do carpet cleaning? A six pack of beer we can afford to buy ya!

359 [deleted]  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:43:46am
360 JCM  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:44:45am

re: #346 realwest

Lemme guess - the politicians got involved, right? Or some transit system set up by two or more governmental agencies?!
WHAT would do a LOT for the emissions from auto's and trucks would be to make better electric autos and trucks and then FIND SOMEPLACE to plug 'em in - hence my pushing for nuclear energy! Might not help with traffic congestion, but at least would make the entire area "greener".
And, fwiw, I am a "Greenie" - I'm all for conservation and using grass (bamboo) instead of other woods for flooring and stuff, but Solar and Wind power are just too far out from being practicable, and pose their own environmental problems that I just don't understand the reluctance to use Nuclear Power!
Hell We have Two Nuke's here in N.C. and one operational and another set to come on line in South Carolina in the near future!

Thumb nail, the set up a Regional Transit Authority (RTA) (staffed with good ole boys).
They then voted put up a vote for regional light rail. It failed.

Then then adjusted the RTA boundaries so it encompassed the precincts where it passed and cut out those where it failed.

The people voted for 21 miles for $10B by 2004. We have 11 miles for $20B in 2009.

If I contracted with a vendor and got half of what I ordered at twice the quoted price and years late, we'd be talking lawsuit country real fast.

361 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:45:27am

Gosh, that was good. The 'mater has ceased to be. It is a former 'mater.

362 BlueCanuck  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:45:43am

Good morning all. Nice day out there today, undecided what I want to do. Think I will start with laundry. A special good morning out to you {realwest}, good to see you. You were missed this week.

363 JCM  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:46:24am

re: #357 taxfreekiller

railroad vs trucks

railroad's they only have say 4 union members per train, and only 40 or so to keep the track runing, and 100 or so to keep the rolling stock and engines ok.

now truck,
drivers for each of them,
loading docks
transfer work
the union guys building the trucks
the union

Democrats will never go rail
not enough votes in alpa order

Trucks do get to every village, hamlet and out of the way corner rail doesn't service.

364 SasquatchOnSteroids  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:46:54am

Damn, Mom just called and tells me a Tornado went through their woods about 5PM last night. She's a little shook up looking at the damage path, tore some big trees up and went through the neighbors back yard and tore through one of his sheds.
Gonna get over there and check it out.
BBIAB.

365 [deleted]  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:46:55am
366 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:47:48am

re: #362 BlueCanuck

Whaddup Blue? You Canadian expletive!

367 SasquatchOnSteroids  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:48:49am

You sir, have just given me an idea !
I'll e-mail you later when I get back.

368 Irish Rose  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:49:34am
369 BlueCanuck  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:50:01am

re: #366 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Whaddup Blue? You Canadian expletive!

Not much you tofu muncher. ;)

/brain still shifting into drive.

370 Jewels (AKA Julian)  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:52:51am

Lamb Vindaloo

Yield: 4-6 Servings
Ingredients:
Paste
½ ounce garlic
1 ounce ginger
8 red chiles
10 (1-inch) cinnamon sticks
½ ounce cumin
½ ounce coriander seeds
½ ounce turmeric powder
3 ½ ounces malt vinegar

Marinade
½ ounce black peppercorns
3 green chiles
4 ounces malt vinegar
½ ounce sugar
8 green cardamom pods
8 whole cloves
Salt, to taste

Vindaloo
1 ½ pounds leg of lamb
2 ounces onions
7 ounces potatoes
3 ½ ounces groundnut oil
Oil, for frying
Salt, to taste
½ ounce coriander
Method:
For Paste:
Peel and roughly chop garlic. Peel and roughly chop ginger. Combine garlic and ginger with rest of ingredients in blender or food processor. Add 2 ounces water to make a fine paste.
For Marinade:
Crush peppercorns with mortar & pestle. Wash, stem & deseed chiles. Combine crushed peppercorns and chiles with rest of ingredients.
For Vindaloo:
Trim leg of lamb, removing excess fat. Debone and cut into 1-inch cubes. Combine lamb cubes with marinade and let sit 1 hour.
Peel and finely chop onions. Set aside. Wash, peel and cut potatoes into cubes. Deep fry potatoes in oil over medium heat until golden brown. Clean, wash and chop coriander.
Heat oil in large sauté pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until golden brown. Add paste and cook until fat is melted. At this time, add marinated lamb, along with marinade, stirring 2 minutes. Add approximately 1 quart water, bring to boil, then cover and simmer until lamb is tender. Now add the potatoes and cook until potatoes are soft.

371 Bobblehead  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:54:29am

re: #370 Jewels (AKA Julian)

Oh my.. you're making my mouth water. Sounds delicious

372 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:56:05am

Was just on SportsCenter...

"If he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."

With a very cool picture of Theodore Roosevelt.

373 albusteve  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:56:08am

Little Feat...train music


[Link: www.imeem.com...]

374 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:56:59am

re: #360 JCM
You know it's really a damn shame. We have SO MUCH ingenuity and intelligence in this country, but instead of letting IT help make consumer type decisions, we are turning more and more of that power over to the government and the govenerment doesn't do very much very efficiently, quickly or carefully enough.
And while the MSM SOMETIMES mentions Cap and Tax Trade, and dribbles information out to us on health care, private industry is "too industrious". This morning on F&F (yeah I know, it's Fox) they were talking about the Dems - Harry Reid in particular - pontificating about how the drug companies have made "obscene" profits over the last decade or so*, while his House counterparts were only too pleased to give Drug Companies a HUGE break by extending for 12 years the proprietary rights for drugs that could deal with cancer, Altzheimers and the like, all to the financial disadvantage of the consumer - or at least some of us consumers.
When there are only TWO Houses of Congress and the leader of each can't agree on something, you know that turning healthcare - and yes we are talking about turning health care, not health insurance, over to the Government is a BAD FUCKING IDEA.
*BTW, again according to Fox and it's economic experts, the drug companies made half the profit last year than they did the year before. It's really just that the drug companies and the drug insurance companies are the whipping boys du jour for the effin' politicians.
And they passed that last subcommittee in the House needed to bring Health Care Reform, in the face of OVERWHELMING popular disatisfaction with it just yesterday.

375 SasquatchOnSteroids  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:57:08am

Shoot. Camera batteries down, have to recharge it.
Stuck on LGF for a while longer.
Any excuse, huh.

376 JCM  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:57:20am

re: #370 Jewels (AKA Julian)

HMMM Lamb Vindaloo!

*drool*

377 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:58:23am

re: #362 BlueCanuck
Good morning Blue and thank you - it's good to be back!

378 Bobblehead  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:58:47am

LaGuardia evacuated after a bomb scare.

379 SasquatchOnSteroids  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 7:58:51am

re: #372 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Was just on SportsCenter...

"If he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."

With a very cool picture of Theodore Roosevelt.

Saw that last night. Nice.
Cliff Lee pitched a brilliant game for his Phillie debut.

380 Born Again Republican  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:00:20am

Happy 21st birthday EIB

Check out that airplane!

381 SasquatchOnSteroids  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:02:11am

re: #380 Born Again Republican

Happy 21st birthday EIB

Check out that airplane!

Armaments - Classified.
LMAO.

382 JCM  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:02:12am

re: #374 realwest

The new demon, insurance companies.

Notice the list of "bad actors" the (D)s accuse. Oil companies, banks, auto companies, now insurance companies.

Doesn't anyone not step and and say "wait a minute, those all can't be bad?"

All you have to do is look at nationalized health care around the world, compare it to what we have and it's a no brainer.

383 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:02:13am

re: #378 Bobblehead

LaGuardia evacuated after a bomb scare.

Question. Why the eff do you pull passengers off of a plane and through the airport and out the front doors because there's a bomb scare at security? I don't get it.

384 FrogMarch  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:02:54am

re: #380 Born Again Republican

Happy 21st birthday EIB

Check out that airplane!

And he makes all his money without coercion. That's why progressive-socialist democrats hate him so much.

385 Irish Rose  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:04:03am

I think we're locked in the archaic mindset here in America that HSR is something that will be too difficult and too expensive to accomplish. We justify refusing to commit to the idea by finding one reason after another to put it off. We assert that people probably won't use it, and speculate that it might not be worth the investment in the long run.

The reality is the HSR has significantly contributed to economic growth to both Europe and Asia. If the American people should collectively decide that HSR should be a priority here in the states, and commit to making it a funding priority, basic HSR could be implimented in a relatively quick timeframe. If Japan and Europe can do it, on post-war budgets, then so can we.

The real problem is that we're addicted to our cars. We'd rather throw billiions of dollars into road repair every single year to accomodate those cars, than make a long term investment in our economic future.

My two cents.

386 Jewels (AKA Julian)  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:04:49am

re: #371 Bobblehead

re: #371 Bobblehead

I cook as a Hobby :D

387 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:06:26am

re: #368 Irish Rose
Sorry Rose, but it's not a game changer. Aside from the fact that your link is to an article written by
Peter Gertler, the High Speed Rail Services Chair, HNTB Corp., Oakland, Calif. and hardly likely to be balanced, the fact is that light rail is still RAIL. And ya know folks who live in anyplace USA still need cars, trucks and other vehicles to get from the train station or freight yard to the supermarkets, hospitals, doctor's offices and etc.
I've had this same discussion with LOTS of folks in urbanized areas and for some reason they don't understand that you need some way to get goods and people from the rail stations to their terminus.
That's why we need CHEAPER forms of electrical energy - electric cars and trucks would be SO much better for the economy and the "climate" than light rail - hell, most railroads in this country are already electrified.
All light rail really is, is a FASTER way to get the railroads from point A to Point B.

388 Bobblehead  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:08:19am

re: #383 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Question. Why the eff do you pull passengers off of a plane and through the airport and out the front doors because there's a bomb scare at security? I don't get it.

God only knows!

389 Bobblehead  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:09:40am

re: #386 Jewels (AKA Julian)

re: #371 Bobblehead

I cook as a Hobby :D

I'm making the salsa for our next pot luck at work...

390 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:10:03am

re: #388 Bobblehead

Okay... Back the planes away from the gate? I see that. They sent people closer to the guy with the "bomb'?

WTF?

391 sattv4u2  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:11:12am

re: #387 realwest

heya Real

Quick drive-by

A) how are you doing?
B) have you found anyone to take over the prayer list? The day you asked, I offered with the caveat that I probably wouldn't be able to start till early September. I don't know if you saw/ answered me

C) Be well

392 sattv4u2  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:12:07am

re: #383 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Question. Why the eff do you pull passengers off of a plane and through the airport and out the front doors because there's a bomb scare at security? I don't get it.

CHANGE!

393 Jewels (AKA Julian)  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:12:57am

Salsa Borracha
Makes about 3 cups

3 oz dried pasilla chilies, seeded and stemmed
4 Tablespoons diced White Onion
1.5 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1.25 cups (1 bottle) dark beer, such as Boc
2 cloves of roasted Garlic
3 Roma Tomatoes, blackened
.5 teaspoon toasted ground cumin
.5 teaspoon toasted ground oregano
.75 teaspoon salt
4 oz feta or dry-aged goat cheese

Toast the chilies and rehydrate them in 2 cups warm water. Drain the chilies, reserving .5 cup of the water. Devin the chilies and transfer to a blender. If it is not bitter, add the reserved chili water ; otherwise, ad .5 cup water. Sauté the onions in the oil for about 5 min over a medium heat, then add to the chilies. Add the garlic, tomatoes, cumin, oregano, salt, and beer. Blend until pureed , transfer to serving bowl and sprinkle the cheese over the top

394 [deleted]  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:13:05am
395 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:13:40am

re: #385 Irish Rose
Well let's not forget that Japan and Europe did what they did with HSR while the USA footed the bill for their military defense. And they never really developed the "car culture" there that we have here. And hell, you can get from city to city in Japan (and country to country in Europe) by walking. We have hundreds of millions of people here in "flyover" country that NEED vehicles to do the farming, harvesting and getting crops and livestock to the railheads. And last, but most assuredly not least, they STILL USE TRUCKS and other FOSSIL FUELED vehicles to get people and goods to the supermarkets and hospitals and other places.

396 sattv4u2  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:14:22am

re: #390 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Okay... Back the planes away from the gate? I see that. They sent people closer to the guy with the "bomb'?

WTF?

The only rational conclusion I can come up with is to re-screen everyone just in case
A) the nut had an accomplice
who
B) got through security somehow

397 96RoadKing  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:16:36am

re: #385 Irish Rose If I can respond: Europe and Asia (Japan specifically) are much smaller land masses than the US. Could we invest in High Speed Rail: yes. How effective and efficient would it be? Questionable. Those areas that would best be served would either be the East & West Coast between high density locations as a people mover (New York to Washington, LA to San Francisco for instance)or as bulk load transport across long distances with little in the way to slow them down (from New York to LA via Chicago, for instance). The cost/benefit is very questionable, as there are other less costly solutions at this time. Trying to apply European/Oriental solutions to US issues have a tendency towards failure. Just as American solutions to European/Oriental have a tendency towards the accusation of Imperialism...My penny's worth.

398 JCM  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:17:32am

re: #395 realwest

Well let's not forget that Japan and Europe did what they did with HSR while the USA footed the bill for their military defense. And they never really developed the "car culture" there that we have here. And hell, you can get from city to city in Japan (and country to country in Europe) by walking. We have hundreds of millions of people here in "flyover" country that NEED vehicles to do the farming, harvesting and getting crops and livestock to the railheads. And last, but most assuredly not least, they STILL USE TRUCKS and other FOSSIL FUELED vehicles to get people and goods to the supermarkets and hospitals and other places.

Also take into account geography, and density. The US needed different solutions for a different transportation problem.

399 sattv4u2  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:17:35am

re: #397 96RoadKing

good analysis

400 Bobblehead  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:17:39am

re: #393 Jewels (AKA Julian)


Another winner. Had to look up pasilla chiles though. Haven't seen those in the grocery store.

401 Jewels (AKA Julian)  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:17:46am

Peppered Catfish
Serves six

Pepper rub
3 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper
2 tablespoons kosher or sea salt, coarsely ground
1.5 tablespoons coarsely ground white pepper
.5 teaspoon cayenne

6 8-oz catfish fillets

Catfish Mop
2 cups seafood or chicken stock
.5 cup vegetable oil
juice of 3 limes
1-2 tablespoons of Pepper Rub

Step 1: at least 2.5 hrs before you plan to BBQ, or preferably the night before, mix the rub ingredients in a small bowl. Cover the catfish lightly and evenly in the rub, reserving 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture if you plan to baste the fish. Place the fillets in a plastic back and refrigerate for 2.5 hrs or overnight.

Step 2: prep the smoker/oven for cooking, temperature to 180F-200F

Step 3. Remove fillets from refrigerator, let them sit a room temp for about 20 min

Step 4. mix mop ingredients in small saucepan and warm over low heat

Step 5. place the catfish in the oven/smoker on a small grill rack as far from the fire as possible. Cook for 1.5 hrs, dabbing the cat fish with the mop about every 20 min or so, when cooked, the fish should be opaque and firm, but flaky.

402 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:18:30am

re: #391 sattv4u2
Hi sattv4u2 - yes wahabicorridor has taken over the List.
When I posted last Sunday I said I couldn't do it anymore and asked for volunteers to e-mail me. Wahabi was the only one to do so and so she's taking over the List, has updated it and will be posting it tomorrow.

403 96RoadKing  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:18:44am

re: #387 realwest
In addition, Light Rail's costs per mile are incredibly high and have always resulted in the local government having to subsidize the cost with taxpayer money far and above the value realized from the system.

404 austin_blue  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:19:39am

Good morning to you all!

The Brits have lots of rail and they do it with monstro rights-of-way, generally two or three tracks in each direction. One is reserved for locals, the others for expresses. A triangular high speed corridor connecting San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston (with a stop in Austin) would probably be a viable option, but it would require the purchase of a shitpot of land and the disruption of a lot of neighborhoods to drive into the City centers. The Brits had the advantage of pre-existing corridors. We generally don't. It'd be a tough nut, politically. But in the next fifty years or so, I don't see an alternative. Gasoline won't be getting any cheaper.

And {Realwest}, good to see you! I agree that the lack of nuclear is crippling in the long term for our energy policy.

405 sattv4u2  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:19:40am

re: #402 realwest

Hi sattv4u2 - yes wahabicorridor has taken over the List.
When I posted last Sunday I said I couldn't do it anymore and asked for volunteers to e-mail me. Wahabi was the only one to do so and so she's taking over the List, has updated it and will be posting it tomorrow.

Great ,, thanks

406 SasquatchOnSteroids  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:20:52am

re: #390 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Okay... Back the planes away from the gate? I see that. They sent people closer to the guy with the "bomb'?

WTF?

Every contingency is planned for except for what to do. This guy might sue, that lady might have a hissy fit, the bomb has to be checked out and neutralized. It's chaos. Such a paperwork jumble with Policy and Procedure to protect everyone involved that a beaurocrat 2,000 miles away sitting at a desk hammers out a plan that the guy on the ground thinks is stupid because he's there and doesn't know which way to turn sometimes. Not saying these aren't good people, but it's just a mess.

My .02

407 96RoadKing  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:21:26am

re: #399 sattv4u2

good analysis


Thanks. Just finished re-reading Ambrose's "Nothing Like it in the World" about the creation of the first transcontinental railroad, so the concept of distances is still quite fresh.

408 Irish Rose  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:21:48am

I'm not in any way suggesting that we should do away with our cars and trucks, of course we're still going to need and use them.

But here's a major reason why we need to commit to the rehabilitation of our existing and underused rail system, and give people the option of light rail service... improved access to good paying jobs.

I live in a small city along the lake Michigan shoreline. Our area is economically depressed, because most of the jobs are located in major Michigan cities like Grand Rapids and Detroit. We have absolutely no public transportation options available to us, that allow us to access those jobs. If we don't have cars that can make the minimum 60 minute one-way commute to get to work, then we're out of luck.

A travesty, in light of the fact that we have an extensive rail system in this state that is sitting idle.

409 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:21:50am

re: #397 96RoadKing
AND
re: #398 JCM
That's why I said "you can get from city to city in Japan (and country to country in Europe) by walking.We have hundreds of millions of people here in "flyover" country that NEED vehicles to do the farming, harvesting and getting crops and livestock to the railheads."

410 _RememberTonyC  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:22:31am

dinner party at my house tonight ... pretty small crew ... 8 people ... 7 liberal dems and myself ... I'd say that's a fair fight ... but my wife is gonne give me the evil eye when I defend myself ... oh well ... beer, wine, and this cool rum punch I'm gonna mix up ... fireworks by 10:00pm ET.

Wish me well, Lizards!

411 Bobblehead  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:23:49am

re: #410 _RememberTonyC

dinner party at my house tonight ... pretty small crew ... 8 people ... 7 liberal dems and myself ... I'd say that's a fair fight ... but my wife is gonne give me the evil eye when I defend myself ... oh well ... beer, wine, and this cool rum punch I'm gonna mix up ... fireworks by 10:00pm ET.

Wish me well, Lizards!

Have fun!

412 96RoadKing  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:23:57am

re: #404 austin_blue

Good morning to you all!

The Brits have lots of rail and they do it with monstro rights-of-way, generally two or three tracks in each direction. One is reserved for locals, the others for expresses. A triangular high speed corridor connecting San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston (with a stop in Austin) would probably be a viable option, but it would require the purchase of a shitpot of land and the disruption of a lot of neighborhoods to drive into the City centers. The Brits had the advantage of pre-existing corridors. We generally don't. It'd be a tough nut, politically. But in the next fifty years or so, I don't see an alternative. Gasoline won't be getting any cheaper.

And {Realwest}, good to see you! I agree that the lack of nuclear is crippling in the long term for our energy policy.

I remember a Sci-Fi TV show a long time ago that had high speed subways crisscrossing the US. I don't know how they dealt with the aquifers, but at least they didn't have to deal with right of ways...

413 SasquatchOnSteroids  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:24:19am

re: #410 _RememberTonyC

dinner party at my house tonight ... pretty small crew ... 8 people ... 7 liberal dems and myself ... I'd say that's a fair fight ... but my wife is gonne give me the evil eye when I defend myself ... oh well ... beer, wine, and this cool rum punch I'm gonna mix up ... fireworks by 10:00pm ET.

Wish me well, Lizards!

Q : Now why would you do that to yourself ?

A : Because I likes to Party.

Good luck.

414 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:24:28am

re: #404 austin_blue
Thank you autin_blue - and yeah, I still don't get it. The ONLY PROVEN NON-FOSSIL FUEL which would make CLEAN ENERGY and make us ENERGY INDEPENDENT is Nuclear Power.
Why don't the Democrats want to talk about that, I wonder?

415 JCM  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:24:49am

re: #409 realwest

AND
re: #398 JCM
That's why I said "you can get from city to city in Japan (and country to country in Europe) by walking.We have hundreds of millions of people here in "flyover" country that NEED vehicles to do the farming, harvesting and getting crops and livestock to the railheads."

I've got friends out in WY and MT out on ranches, it's a 2 hour drive to groceries.

416 [deleted]  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:24:59am
417 [deleted]  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:25:49am
418 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:27:28am

re: #396 sattv4u2

That actually makes some sense.

419 _RememberTonyC  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:27:43am

re: #411 Bobblehead

Have fun!

Thanks ... I will give them HELL :)

420 wrenchwench  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:27:53am

re: #348 Jewels (AKA Julian)

"It's not dead yet" Hot Salsa
Serving Size : 1 Preparation Time :0:00
5 whole Habaneros -- seeded
10 whole tomatillos -- husked and rinsed
2 whole Vidalia onions -- skinned
6 whole sweet red peppers -- seeded
2 whole smoked Habaneros
3 whole chipolte peppers
1 Tablespoon cumin
2 ounces balsamic vinegar

Process ingredients in a blender individually in order listed until you reach the dried peppers and place in a non-reactive container. Place smoked habs and chipotles in blender and drain juice from mixture in bowl into the blender and process. Add to the mixture in the bowl. Add cumin and stir well.
Drizzle Balsamic vinegar over the top. Let marinate overnight. Best served warm

- - -

Serving Ideas : Best served warm the day after.

The bolded information is highly questionable.

421 [deleted]  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:28:17am
422 _RememberTonyC  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:28:29am

re: #413 SasquatchOnSteroids

Q : Now why would you do that to yourself ?

A : Because I likes to Party.

Good luck.


they're good people ... they just need a bit of re-education!

423 Irish Rose  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:28:29am

re: #395 realwest

Well let's not forget that Japan and Europe did what they did with HSR while the USA footed the bill for their military defense. And they never really developed the "car culture" there that we have here. And hell, you can get from city to city in Japan (and country to country in Europe) by walking. We have hundreds of millions of people here in "flyover" country that NEED vehicles to do the farming, harvesting and getting crops and livestock to the railheads. And last, but most assuredly not least, they STILL USE TRUCKS and other FOSSIL FUELED vehicles to get people and goods to the supermarkets and hospitals and other places.

You're looking at the concept of light and HS rail service implimentation as an either-or, real... it's not. People are still going to use their cars, they'll just have additional options available to them.

And it means that Americans who either can't drive or can't afford a car, will actually HAVE an option.

424 _RememberTonyC  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:29:06am

re: #417 taxfreekiller

beat them to the "punch."...


always dude!

425 96RoadKing  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:29:18am

re: #409 realwest
Just augmenting your argument. I can understand Irish Rose's argument regarding rail, however I think the cause of unemployment and underemployment in Michigan is not due to lack of transportation. IR: even if Light Rail was available from the Lake to Detroit, do you think there would be a general migration towards the city, or away? Is there a greater job market currently in the large cities, or in the smaller? For that matter, if memory serves, I believe Michigan has been experiencing a flight of workers out of the state, rather than a migration into the state. Perhaps the problem is more systemic than a transportation problem...

426 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:29:53am

re: #408 Irish Rose
Oh, I agree with you completely Irish Rose - although I read somewhere that the Detroit region has something like a 25% unemployment rate and it's been going up for the last decade or so.
All I'm reall arguing for here is Nuclear Energy - to provide electricity to heat and light and air condition our homes, offices and factories and to be able to re-charge our electric vehicles. But instead of using our tax dollars' wisely - to pormote and develop that nuclear energy, the government is going to piss a LOT of it away trying to do light rail which, in our current geographic configuration STILL leaves us with all the other problems I've mentioned. Lets get the electric cars, trucks and busses out into the flyover country and then focus on light rail.

427 _RememberTonyC  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:30:05am

later Lizards ... gotta hit the liquor store ... BBL

428 SasquatchOnSteroids  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:30:19am

re: #416 taxfreekiller

rail is bad for poor people
if you go rail and cut down
the car and truck traffic

no road kill food if you do away with cars and trucks

its mean to the unemployed and poor,,

see you can think like a dumb ass democrat do gooder wack job if you just try

How can you not like this guy ?
TFK 1-0.

429 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:30:58am

re: #410 _RememberTonyC
Good hunting!

430 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:31:38am

re: #410 _RememberTonyC

Make sure you throw in a "WHILE YOU ARE IN MY HOUSE, DRINKING MY BOOZE; EATING MY FOOD!"

431 SasquatchOnSteroids  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:34:27am

OK, Going for real this time.
Battery should have enough juice for a few snaps.

L8R, peoples.

Really good to see you again, real.

432 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:35:14am

re: #430 Fat Bastard Vegetarian ROTFLMAO!! And he ought to water down their booze and serve 'em Tofu while he eats a steak!
Uh, waitaminute, gee, I'm sorry about that last bit, FBV!!!

433 96RoadKing  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:35:38am

re: #423 Irish Rose

You're looking at the concept of light and HS rail service implimentation as an either-or, real... it's not. People are still going to use their cars, they'll just have additional options available to them.

And it means that Americans who either can't drive or can't afford a car, will actually HAVE an option.


IR, the problem with your argument is the limited amount of funding available for either LR, HSR, or roads. Every dollar spent for one is one dollar less for the others. Again, it comes down to cost/benefit. The cost of Light Rail has to take into account replacement or upgrading existing rail lines, adding rail lines and stations, and dealing with purchasing private land for right of way. For HSR you have to deal with replacing existing track that is fine for existing rail but unable to handle the additional forces required to keep a high speed train on the tracks. On the other hand, the cost of adding or improving an existing road is much less for a greater benefit for more people.

434 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:35:53am

re: #431 SasquatchOnSteroids It's been great seeing you too Hey Dude! LOL!
Have a great day!

435 96RoadKing  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:37:23am

Wife just walked in and gave me my marching orders for the day.

BBL!

436 JCM  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:43:01am

re: #435 96RoadKing

Wife just walked in and gave me my marching orders for the day.

BBL!

Wimp!

//;-P

437 austin_blue  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:43:37am

re: #414 realwest

Thank you autin_blue - and yeah, I still don't get it. The ONLY PROVEN NON-FOSSIL FUEL which would make CLEAN ENERGY and make us ENERGY INDEPENDENT is Nuclear Power.
Why don't the Democrats want to talk about that, I wonder?

There are a lot of Luddites on my side of the aisle. They see themselves as enlightened beings and the 'pubs as anti-science troglodytes, but they refuse to see their own silly prejudices. It is very hypocritical. I agree with them that the waste disposal issue is troubling, but at this point we have much bigger fish to fry. We need to add terawatts of nuclear generated electricity and we need it much ricky tick.

438 Irish Rose  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:44:33am

re: #426 realwest

My personal feeling is that we have a lot of good reasons to make funding of light and HS rail service in this country a top priority.

So I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree on this one ;).

439 FrogMarch  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:46:31am
440 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:46:49am

Hmm- hope this makes it in one post - from Rasmussen:
Over the past few months, Rasmussen Reports has conducted many surveys on the topic of health care reform. As July comes to an end and Congress prepares to take a break from Washington, the following reports highlight public attitudes on a variety of health care topics.

Just 47% Favor Congressional Health Care Reform, 49% Oppose

23% Believe Health Care Costs Will Go Down if Reform Passes Congress

Only 18% Say Those With Chronic Conditions Should Pay More in Health Insurance

Cost, Not Universal Coverage, is Top Health Care Concern for Voters

50% Oppose Government Health Insurance Company

78% Say Health Care Reform Likely to Mean Higher Taxes for the Middle Class

Massachusetts: 26% Consider State’s Health Care Reform a Success

Americans Evenly Divided Over Urgency of Health Care Reform

Americans Support Universal Health Coverage, But Not If It Covers Illegal Immigrants

Congressional Consensus on Health Care Gets Mixed Reviews from Public

31% Say Healthy Should Be Required to Buy Health Insurance

50% Support More Taxes on Alcohol To Help Fund Universal Health Care

42% Favor Free Health Care For All Americans – Unless Their Own Coverage Has To Change

56% of Uninsured Rate U.S. Health Care System as Poor, 26% Receive Poor Care

32% Would Pay Higher Taxes to Provide Health Insurance for All

35% Rate U.S. Health Care Good or Excellent

70% of Insured Rate Health Insurance Coverage As Good or Excellent

Most Arizona Voters Put Immigration Over Health Care as More Important Reform Goal
[Link: www.rasmussenreports.com...]

441 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:47:52am

re: #438 Irish Rose
OK! At least we can discuss this - even if we disagree - in a polite and reasonable fashion and I appreciate that a lot Rose!

442 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:48:10am

re: #435 96RoadKing

Wife just walked in and gave me my marching orders for the day.

BBL!

Several wave files on this page. Hit them at your leisure. (or have her hit them for you.)

443 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:50:52am

re: #442 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Linky don't worky/ sorry.

444 DEZes  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:51:10am

re: #441 realwest

OK! At least we can discuss this - even if we disagree - in a polite and reasonable fashion and I appreciate that a lot Rose!

Nice to see you this morning Mr. Realwest.

445 The Other Les  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:51:43am

Got a question for my fellow Objectivists.

Did I nail it stylistically, of not?

Leave a response here or there.

446 Irish Rose  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:52:19am

re: #433 96RoadKing

A good and reasonable arguement, but I don't think that it's enough to take the development of light and HS rail service off the table completely.

Bottom line, we need to get this economy back on track by finding a way to give Americans access to good paying jobs. It's not enough to just "create jobs" in this country... people need a better way to get to those jobs.

447 JCM  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:52:46am

The future of High Speed Rail, circa 1979!

;-)

448 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:53:08am
449 JCM  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:54:21am

Badly, Bizarrely And Overloaded Vehicles

450 Killgore Trout  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:54:43am

Suspect identified in LaGuardia bomb scare

A law enforcement official close to the investigation said the man is Scott McGann, 32, of New York.

The man raised the suspicions of a Transportation Security Administration employee because he appeared intoxicated, Paul Browne, the New York Police Department's deputy commissioner for public information, told CNN.

The man had a duffel bag with wires sticking out of it, and inside the bag, batteries were connected to the wires, Browne said.

The NYPD bomb squad determined the device was not dangerous, Browne said.

"It was a hoax device," he said.

Asshole.

451 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:55:01am

re: #437 austin_blue
Well there are a lot of know-nothings on both sides of the aisle and, I'm not looking for a fight here, ya understand, but YOUR (Democrat) side of the Aisle OWNS the US Government. And blaming Bush just won't cut it anymore: healthcare, Cap and Trade, government takeover of Chrysler (with a 17% ownership to the UAW) and General Motors is on your side of the Aisle.
We Republicans will do what we can to deal with our know-nothings, but right now, from a goverment point of view, we don't really count for very much - can't y'all do something about Pelosi, Waxman, Reid and their ilk?

452 FrogMarch  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:55:24am

re: #447 JCM

The future of High Speed Rail, circa 1979!

Decades later - bupkis.
Tax increases are in order!

453 A Man for all Seasons  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:55:56am

re: #451 realwest

When all else fails..Blame Bush!

454 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:56:02am

re: #444 DEZes
Hello DEZes! It's good to see you again, too! How have y'all been doing this past week?

455 austin_blue  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:56:17am

re: #445 The Other Les

Got a question for my fellow Objectivists.

Did I nail it stylistically, of not?

Leave a response here or there.

Well, you need to drop the "she" in the first sentence and change "from" to "for". but outside of that, yeah, it reads will. BTW, are the other ships in that class named "Locke" and "Hobbes"?

456 The Other Les  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:58:52am

re: #455 austin_blue

Well, you need to drop the "she" in the first sentence and change "from" to "for". but outside of that, yeah, it reads will. BTW, are the other ships in that class named "Locke" and "Hobbes"?

01 Aristotle
02 Ayn Rand
03 Anson McDonald (pen name of Robert A. Heinlein)
04 Allen Keller (Fictional character)

457 DEZes  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:59:14am

re: #454 realwest

I have been fine, thanks for asking.

458 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 8:59:40am

re: #449 JCM

Well, those people are acting out of industriousness or stupidity.

I see a little of both there.

459 tradewind  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:00:58am

Stuart Smalley, hard at work for MN constituents.
(After all, this is what they elected him to do, right?)...
[Link: www.politico.com...]

460 DEZes  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:01:33am

re: #458 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Well, those people are acting out of industriousness or stupidity.

I see a little of both there.

Did that donkey have that, I told you so look in his eyes?

461 albusteve  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:02:00am

re: #438 Irish Rose

My personal feeling is that we have a lot of good reasons to make funding of light and HS rail service in this country a top priority.

So I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree on this one ;).

I worry that MI may be doomed beyond even the next generation...for any substantial tax relief that go to east side entitlements, those masses of people need to work, but who is going to invest to create those jobs, without corporate and small business tax breaks?...it's a catch-22 nightmare...the heavy taxation is what drives away business in the first place...look what happened to Whirlpool and Benton Harbor...it's possible the situation is just not reversible without some massive change in demographics

462 austin_blue  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:02:46am

re: #451 realwest

Well there are a lot of know-nothings on both sides of the aisle and, I'm not looking for a fight here, ya understand, but YOUR (Democrat) side of the Aisle OWNS the US Government. And blaming Bush just won't cut it anymore: healthcare, Cap and Trade, government takeover of Chrysler (with a 17% ownership to the UAW) and General Motors is on your side of the Aisle.
We Republicans will do what we can to deal with our know-nothings, but right now, from a goverment point of view, we don't really count for very much - can't y'all do something about Pelosi, Waxman, Reid and their ilk?

I blame two decades of general idiocy on both sides of the aisle. And no, I can't do anything about Pelosi (San Franciscans could), or Reid (Nevadians could) or any of the others. I'm in Texas, where I can't do anything about Governor Goodhair, either, being that the 'pubs could run a convicted sex offender for a statewide office and he would beat the Archangel Michael if he was running as a Dem.

Joking!!

Kind of...

463 The Other Les  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:02:59am

re: #459 tradewind

Stuart Smalley, hard at work for MN constituents.
(After all, this is what they elected him to do, right?)...
[Link: www.politico.com...]

We reelected Norm Colman. Franken lawyered hhis way into the Senate.

464 rightymouse  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:03:42am

re: #446 Irish Rose

A good and reasonable arguement, but I don't think that it's enough to take the development of light and HS rail service off the table completely.

Bottom line, we need to get this economy back on track by finding a way to give Americans access to good paying jobs. It's not enough to just "create jobs" in this country... people need a better way to get to those jobs.

When I lived in Northern VA (a suburb), I had a car. My job was in downtown D.C. I drove to the Metro every day and paid to park my car there. Then I paid to ride the Metro both ways. It cost more per month to do that than my monthly car payment.

465 avanti  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:03:51am

Do you have any idea how lucky we are to have LGF ? I was just checking out Hot Airs comments on the cash for clunkers program and even assuming you hate the CFC program, you'd go really nuts if you read HA about it.
The factual errors posted are largely uncorrected, and one misstatement, is expanded by another. Reading HA, you'd think dealers were buying cars from the junk yard for $50 each and getting $4500 each, or folks were towing in cars found on the side of the road for new Corvettes. The ones I hate the most are the "I heard on Rush that one guy traded in 20 clunkers" type story. It's no wonder that folks on the left and right both are so pissed off when they hang out in echo chamber blogs.
I see a lot more intellectual honesty on here, even about programs that we disagree with than I see on most left/right blogs. Just wanted to give the Lizards and Charles a atta-boy.

466 austin_blue  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:04:03am

re: #456 The Other Les

01 Aristotle
02 Ayn Rand
03 Anson McDonald (pen name of Robert A. Heinlein)
04 Allen Keller (Fictional character)

Nice ones!

467 Sharmuta  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:05:55am

re: #465 avanti

LGF is the best.

468 austin_blue  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:06:01am

re: #465 avanti

Do you have any idea how lucky we are to have LGF ? I was just checking out Hot Airs comments on the cash for clunkers program and even assuming you hate the CFC program, you'd go really nuts if you read HA about it.
The factual errors posted are largely uncorrected, and one misstatement, is expanded by another. Reading HA, you'd think dealers were buying cars from the junk yard for $50 each and getting $4500 each, or folks were towing in cars found on the side of the road for new Corvettes. The ones I hate the most are the "I heard on Rush that one guy traded in 20 clunkers" type story. It's no wonder that folks on the left and right both are so pissed off when they hang out in echo chamber blogs.
I see a lot more intellectual honesty on here, even about programs that we disagree with than I see on most left/right blogs. Just wanted to give the Lizards and Charles a atta-boy.

I completely agree. An upding for you!

469 vxbush  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:06:26am

re: #467 Sharmuta

LGF is the best.

Bar none, thanks to Charles' efforts!

470 vxbush  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:06:44am

Oh: good morning.

471 BlueCanuck  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:06:51am

re: #465 avanti

Well we do tend to disagree a lot. We only bring down the hammer on true idiots. *cough*spacejesus*cough* *cough*drc*cough*...

/thank the good lord above there aren't that many idiot posters about.

472 tradewind  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:07:28am

re: #463 The Other Les

Then beats me why Coleman & Co. weren't able to out-lawyer a second rate comic to save that seat.

473 A Man for all Seasons  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:07:53am

re: #470 vxbush

Oh: good morning.

hi VX ...Hope today finds you feeling great...It's a great Saturday! Sunny and warm!

474 BlueCanuck  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:08:08am

W00T1!!1!! I just noticed I got my first top ten comment. :D

475 Irish Rose  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:08:10am

Argh... the big annual parade is going past my house next street over, I can sit and watch it go by through my back window. What the hell is it with people, that they feel like they can just walk all over my lawn and drive their damned motorcycles through my yard to get over there?

Disrespectful bastards!

476 vxbush  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:08:27am

re: #473 HoosierHoops

hi VX ...Hope today finds you feeling great...It's a great Saturday! Sunny and warm!

Not here. Cloudy, and rain predicted.

477 albusteve  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:08:32am

re: #472 tradewind

Then beats me why Coleman & Co. weren't able to out-lawyer a second rate comic to save that seat.

the judges and election commissioners are in on the fix

478 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:08:35am

re: #465 avanti
Geez, what some poeple will say just to get extra Karma points!
/Good morning Avanti! And good comment, too!

479 The Other Les  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:09:09am

re: #472 tradewind

Then beats me why Coleman & Co. weren't able to out-lawyer a second rate comic to save that seat.

Franken is third rate at best.

480 austin_blue  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:09:29am

re: #475 Irish Rose

Argh... the big annual parade is going past my house next street over, I can sit and watch it go by through my back window. What the hell is it with people, that they feel like they can just walk all over my lawn and drive their damned motorcycles through my yard to get over there?

Disrespectful bastards!

Two words:

Electric. Fence.

481 DEZes  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:09:43am

re: #474 BlueCanuck

W00T1!!1!! I just noticed I got my first top ten comment. :D

I saw that, congrats.

482 A Man for all Seasons  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:10:02am

re: #474 BlueCanuck

W00T1!!1!! I just noticed I got my first top ten comment. :D

We are on the board together! Woo-hoo!
---oo---
Fist bump!

483 tradewind  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:10:09am

This cash for clunkers fiasco just might turn out to be the thing that saves us from Obamacare. If the Republicans can point out that this crashes the government computers, imagine what the government would do when trying to process annual checkups...

484 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:11:04am

re: #474 BlueCanuck

W00T1!!1!! I just noticed I got my first top ten comment. :D


And I just gave it another upding to hopefully keep y'all in the top ten!

GO BLUE!!

485 tradewind  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:11:12am

re: #477 albusteve

Then TTBO**.
**Throw the bastards out

486 FrogMarch  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:11:26am

Healthcare: Answering Olympia’s question

Now here’s a second idea. Study up on the Dutch Healthcare System. They mandate health insurance, but only through private insurers, making it competitive, not state run. Outside of the military, the government doesn’t do much of anything well – for which we all have plenty of recent evidence. Why trust it with anything as complex as health insurance?

Unfortunately, The "Congressional Progressive Caucus" - - (featuring creepy uber- leftist Jared Polis) will never give-in to anything short of a government run (on the road to single payer) plan.

487 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:11:54am

re: #480 austin_blue

Two words:

Electric. Fence.

Two better words: toll booth!

488 avanti  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:12:26am

re: #469 vxbush

Bar none, thanks to Charles' efforts!

Yep, Charles is one guy, and even though Huffington has 25 paid paid folks to maintain order, more bull shit often gets through without correction. Try going to HP and debate health care for example. I've seen Lizard's post facts that did not support their argument when found, even change opinions on occasion. Imagine a dream world where our leaders did the same.

489 vxbush  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:12:30am

re: #487 realwest

Two better words: toll booth!

Much better idea! Hey, real, how are you? I hope you're well.

490 austin_blue  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:12:43am

re: #487 realwest

Two better words: toll booth!

Capitalism!

491 Irish Rose  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:13:03am

re: #465 avanti

Do you have any idea how lucky we are to have LGF ? I was just checking out Hot Airs comments on the cash for clunkers program and even assuming you hate the CFC program, you'd go really nuts if you read HA about it.
The factual errors posted are largely uncorrected, and one misstatement, is expanded by another. Reading HA, you'd think dealers were buying cars from the junk yard for $50 each and getting $4500 each, or folks were towing in cars found on the side of the road for new Corvettes. The ones I hate the most are the "I heard on Rush that one guy traded in 20 clunkers" type story. It's no wonder that folks on the left and right both are so pissed off when they hang out in echo chamber blogs.
I see a lot more intellectual honesty on here, even about programs that we disagree with than I see on most left/right blogs. Just wanted to give the Lizards and Charles a atta-boy.

I stopped wasting my time over at Hot Air months ago, for just that reason.

492 DEZes  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:13:03am

re: #482 HoosierHoops

We are on the board together! Woo-hoo!
---oo---
Fist bump!

I bumped it up for you, but what kind of sports legend does a fist bump?

493 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:13:24am

re: #472 tradewind
That's cause Coleman's lawyers didn't have ACORN as their paralegals!

494 FrogMarch  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:13:43am

re: #483 tradewind

This cash for clunkers fiasco just might turn out to be the thing that saves us from Obamacare. If the Republicans can point out that this crashes the government computers, imagine what the government would do when trying to process annual checkups...

Here's the layout.

495 debutaunt  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:14:40am

re: #465 avanti

Do you have any idea how lucky we are to have LGF ? I was just checking out Hot Airs comments on the cash for clunkers program and even assuming you hate the CFC program, you'd go really nuts if you read HA about it.
The factual errors posted are largely uncorrected, and one misstatement, is expanded by another. Reading HA, you'd think dealers were buying cars from the junk yard for $50 each and getting $4500 each, or folks were towing in cars found on the side of the road for new Corvettes. The ones I hate the most are the "I heard on Rush that one guy traded in 20 clunkers" type story. It's no wonder that folks on the left and right both are so pissed off when they hang out in echo chamber blogs.
I see a lot more intellectual honesty on here, even about programs that we disagree with than I see on most left/right blogs. Just wanted to give the Lizards and Charles a atta-boy.

The word 'stupidly' fits in there somewhere.

496 avanti  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:15:27am

re: #478 realwest

Geez, what some poeple will say just to get extra Karma points!
/Good morning Avanti! And good comment, too!

Trust a leftie on this one, I meant every word of it. I was just reading the back and forth this AM before I posted and it just stuck me to speak up.

497 vxbush  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:15:37am

re: #494 FrogMarch

Here's the layout.

You do realize that the Democrats are preventing the Republicans from mailing that diagram to their constituents? There is some committee that controls congressional mailings and Dems aren't releasing funds for Republicans to mail their districts with the images.

498 A Man for all Seasons  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:15:45am

re: #492 DEZes

I bumped it up for you, but what kind of sports legend does a fist bump?

I couldn't figure out the key strokes to do a High Five!
LOL

499 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:16:34am

re: #489 vxbush
Hi ya {vxbush} I'm doing ok, just really tired again.
May have to leave shortly.
Damned meds. Well, I mean damn meds for making me so tired all the time, otherwise "Good Meds, good meds!" LOL!

500 BlueCanuck  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:17:14am

re: #484 realwest

Thanks real. It won't be on there for long. Was posted almost 24 hours ago now. Still feels good.

501 DEZes  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:17:54am

re: #498 HoosierHoops

I couldn't figure out the key strokes to do a High Five!
LOL

Oh, your a wrestling fan. ;)

How you doing this fine day Hoops?

502 JCM  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:17:54am

re: #487 realwest

Two better words: toll booth!

Hell with that!
CWIS!

/// ;-P

503 avanti  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:18:01am

re: #483 tradewind

This cash for clunkers fiasco just might turn out to be the thing that saves us from Obamacare. If the Republicans can point out that this crashes the government computers, imagine what the government would do when trying to process annual checkups...

That's not a bad line of attack, especially if dealers have trouble getting payment. The flip side is that if car sales go way up, the problems may get lost in the good news.

504 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:18:14am

re: #498 HoosierHoops

I couldn't figure out the key strokes to do a High Five!
LOL

Any keystrokes for a middle finger? (just in case Sharmuta shows up)

505 Walter L. Newton  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:18:18am

re: #465 avanti

Do you have any idea how lucky we are to have LGF ? I was just checking out Hot Airs comments on the cash for clunkers program and even assuming you hate the CFC program, you'd go really nuts if you read HA about it.
The factual errors posted are largely uncorrected, and one misstatement, is expanded by another. Reading HA, you'd think dealers were buying cars from the junk yard for $50 each and getting $4500 each, or folks were towing in cars found on the side of the road for new Corvettes. The ones I hate the most are the "I heard on Rush that one guy traded in 20 clunkers" type story. It's no wonder that folks on the left and right both are so pissed off when they hang out in echo chamber blogs.
I see a lot more intellectual honesty on here, even about programs that we disagree with than I see on most left/right blogs. Just wanted to give the Lizards and Charles a atta-boy.

And, these comments you found posted on Hot Air, did you research them and find out that they were ALL false, or are you just assuming that they are?

The intellectual honest thing to do would be to investigate the claims made in the comments and post a rebuttal there, or here, since you did mention the content of the comments.

506 vxbush  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:18:20am

re: #499 realwest

Hi ya {vxbush} I'm doing ok, just really tired again.
May have to leave shortly.
Damned meds. Well, I mean damn meds for making me so tired all the time, otherwise "Good Meds, good meds!" LOL!

I feel for you, Real. Having battled my own exhaustion recently, I know exactly what you're talking about, even if the cause is different!

But I'm with you: Good meds! Go meds!

507 albusteve  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:18:24am

re: #497 vxbush

You do realize that the Democrats are preventing the Republicans from mailing that diagram to their constituents? There is some committee that controls congressional mailings and Dems aren't releasing funds for Republicans to mail their districts with the images.

control the information by denial and deceit
rule #1

508 BlueCanuck  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:18:27am

re: #498 HoosierHoops

I couldn't figure out the key strokes to do a High Five!
LOL

_5_
high

Hows that HH?

509 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:19:09am

re: #508 BlueCanuck

That's pretty cool.

510 BlueCanuck  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:19:20am

re: #504 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Any keystrokes for a middle finger? (just in case Sharmuta shows up)

_ _ %P% _ _

There you go. :)

511 JCM  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:19:22am

Nothing sounds like a Rolls Royce Merlin!

512 JCM  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:19:53am

re: #510 BlueCanuck

_ _ %P% _ _

There you go. :)

‹^› ‹(•¿•)› ‹^›

513 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:19:57am

re: #496 avanti

Trust a leftie on this one, I meant every word of it. I was just reading the back and forth this AM before I posted and it just stuck me to speak up.

I couldn't agree with you more about LGF - although I will point out that the quality of the comments here is much, MUCH higher than anyplace else I can think of! I think LGF is really the sum of Charles and the commenters here.

514 A Man for all Seasons  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:19:58am

re: #501 DEZes

Oh, your a wrestling fan. ;)

How you doing this fine day Hoops?

It's really good...Hope you are well...I'm sitting on the deck getting sunburned..
How are you? How is life bro?

515 Walter L. Newton  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:20:09am

re: #503 avanti

That's not a bad line of attack, especially if dealers have trouble getting payment. The flip side is that if car sales go way up, the problems may get lost in the good news.

The news is never going to be good if the computers can't keep up with the demand, and the dealers can't finish the deals and they can't get paid, or don't get paid, or find other problems.

How can you call the problems good news?

516 albusteve  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:21:18am

re: #511 JCM

Nothing sounds like a Rolls Royce Merlin!


the Queen of the Rodeo...

517 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:21:54am

re: #497 vxbush
Yep, there's your hope and change and transparency in government at work!

518 FrogMarch  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:22:11am

re: #497 vxbush

You do realize that the Democrats are preventing the Republicans from mailing that diagram to their constituents? There is some committee that controls congressional mailings and Dems aren't releasing funds for Republicans to mail their districts with the images.

Really? Screw it. Mail it out anyway.

519 Irish Rose  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:22:22am

OK, some asshat just let his golden retriever take a big dump in my yard on the way through.

It's time to @#$# lock and load... later, folks.

520 A Man for all Seasons  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:22:46am

re: #515 Walter L. Newton

Thank you Walter! just in case you missed it before...I am blown away...

521 DEZes  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:22:49am

re: #514 HoosierHoops

It's really good...Hope you are well...I'm sitting on the deck getting sunburned..
How are you? How is life bro?

I am sitting in my den avoiding the suns damaging rays. ;)
I have to go out in a bit though.

522 vxbush  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:23:02am

re: #518 FrogMarch

Really? Screw it. Mail it out anyway.

It costs money to print it out and mail. That money has to come from somewhere.

523 BlueCanuck  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:23:17am

re: #519 Irish Rose

Rock salt works real well for getting the point across. Happy hunting.

524 Walter L. Newton  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:23:42am

re: #507 albusteve

control the information by denial and deceit
rule #1

This is not quite the issue. The Republicans want to use their free franking privileges to mail this chart, but this chart is not non-partisan, there for the funding for the mailing must come from the Republican Party treasury, not the tax payers.

525 austin_blue  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:24:07am

She Who Must Be Obeyed wants a front porch rail planter. So I am off to Home Depot to acquire the necessary parts to construct a front porch rail planter, 4 feet wide by one foot deep and one foot in height. Stained.

My mission is clear. The Honey-Do list rules.

Later Lizards!

526 vxbush  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:24:57am

re: #524 Walter L. Newton

This is not quite the issue. The Republicans want to use their free franking privileges to mail this chart, but this chart is not non-partisan, there for the funding for the mailing must come from the Republican Party treasury, not the tax payers.

Is the chart accurate about the additional overhead and organization bodies that make up the health care bill? How can they argue that it is partisan, then?

527 avanti  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:25:10am

re: #505 Walter L. Newton

And, these comments you found posted on Hot Air, did you research them and find out that they were ALL false, or are you just assuming that they are?

The intellectual honest thing to do would be to investigate the claims made in the comments and post a rebuttal there, or here, since you did mention the content of the comments.

Walter, I did a CFC deal, and walked a friend through another, so I know the rules in place. i.e. you can't just buy a clunkers and get the rebate, you need to insure and own it for a year. You can't do 20 cars, only one per owner, Corvette's don't make the milage cut and so on. Posting a rebuttal there is a waste of time, they like the echo chamber, just as Huffington does.

528 FrogMarch  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:25:36am

re: #522 vxbush

It costs money to print it out and mail. That money has to come from somewhere.

The RNC sends out mail all the time. Are you saying the D's control that?

529 JCM  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:25:40am

re: #516 albusteve

the Queen of the Rodeo...

Kenmore Air runs a fleet of DeHaviland Beavers float planes form the North end of Lake Washington all over Puget. When they take off to the South, they turn North over my house. I get treated to the rumble of radials all day long.

Best was on the 50th Anniversary of the B-17, all the flyable ones in the US were at Boeing field, the factory building is still there. The flew in formation right over my house!

530 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:25:51am

re: #525 austin_blue

*CRACK!*

531 Bear  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:26:01am

re: #511 JCM

For me it was the screaming of the "Forked Tail Devil" (P-38) passing overhead.

532 Walter L. Newton  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:26:25am

re: #526 vxbush

Is the chart accurate about the additional overhead and organization bodies that make up the health care bill? How can they argue that it is partisan, then?

It doesn't matter, free franking cannot be used to fight partisan battles. That's law.

533 vxbush  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:27:20am

re: #528 FrogMarch

The RNC sends out mail all the time. Are you saying the D's control that?

No. Walter is right; Repubs want to use government money to mail out the information. The GOP could use their own money, but then it gets an extra "gloss" of "partisanship" because it's coming from the minority party as opposed to the elected representative of the district.

Why the heck do they call it "franking," though? Sounds like a hot dog maneuver.

534 JCM  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:27:26am

re: #531 Bear

For me it was the screaming of the "Forked Tail Devil" (P-38) passing overhead.

Personally I'm partial to big radials, former boss had a F4-U Corsair. It was one of the planes used in Baa Baa Black Sheep.

535 Walter L. Newton  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:27:58am

re: #533 vxbush

No. Walter is right; Repubs want to use government money to mail out the information. The GOP could use their own money, but then it gets an extra "gloss" of "partisanship" because it's coming from the minority party as opposed to the elected representative of the district.

Why the heck do they call it "franking," though? Sounds like a hot dog maneuver.

[Link: en.wikipedia.org...]

536 avanti  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:28:42am

re: #515 Walter L. Newton

The news is never going to be good if the computers can't keep up with the demand, and the dealers can't finish the deals and they can't get paid, or don't get paid, or find other problems.

How can you call the problems good news?

Walter, I'm too busy to spent a lot of time fighting, but the results of the CFC program could be good news, although the implementation could have been better. i.e. like the Iraq war, or Social Security.

537 Henchman Ghazi-808  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:30:01am

re: #524 Walter L. Newton

This is not quite the issue. The Republicans want to use their free franking privileges to mail this chart, but this chart is not non-partisan, there for the funding for the mailing must come from the Republican Party treasury, not the tax payers.

That is my understanding of the situation as well. They should just shuddup and have the RNC mail it out. They're acting like Bay Area Democrats!

538 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:30:06am

re: #515 Walter L. Newton
Good Morning Walter. I gotta say that the "good economic news" will NEVER be very good as long as unemployment and Underemployment continue to rise. IIRC, unemployment is now well over 9% and for measuring underemployment, well you'd need to take the amount of dollars the IRS has received so far (they're down something like $900 BILLION so far this year) subtract out the Unemployment taxes and then you'd have some gross idea of the Underemployment figures. Or at least how much less tax revenue the IRS is grabbing after deducting the Unemployment non-taxes.
I'm NOT saying Obama and the Dems CAN'T pull the economy out, what I am saying is that as long as folks don't have jobs, or have jobs that pay significantly less than the jobs they used to have, you can never have what I'd consider to be "Economic Recovery".

539 vxbush  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:30:31am

re: #535 Walter L. Newton

[Link: en.wikipedia.org...]

Thank you, sir. From that page:

The phrase franking is derived from the Latin word "francus" meaning free. Another use of that term is speaking "frankly", i.e. "freely".
540 BlueCanuck  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:31:00am

re: #534 JCM

Personally I'm partial to big radials, former boss had a F4-U Corsair. It was one of the planes used in Baa Baa Black Sheep.

Nothing like the sound of a Hurricane doing a low pass over an airfield. Bastard was too fast for me to take a shot with my camera. Did it a couple of times one summer when I was taking gliding lessons.

541 Render  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:31:01am

24 hours ago they (Washington Post) said they (the White House and Dept of Def) were cutting "extra" C-17's from the budget. They said that the existing C-17's and refurbished, rebuilt C-5's would be more then enough.

CNN appears to be attempting to memory hole this related story...

[Link: 74.125.47.132...]

"WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A $106 billion war spending law signed by President Barack Obama last week allows the Air Force to retire its oldest Lockheed Martin Corp C-5 transport planes, which suffer chronic readiness problems."

"Defense Secretary Robert Gates told Congress in April that the Air Force had 59 C-5As and was starting to build up excess transport capacity, given lawmakers' addition of extra C-17s to the budget in recent years. The Air Force has about 50 newer C-5 "B" and "C" models. The Air Force currently has 205 C-17s delivered or on order, and lawmakers added eight more to a fiscal 2009 war spending law signed by Obama last week. At the time, Gates called it a "zero-sum game," noting that even if the Air Force was allowed to retire some C-5s, it would have to give up other programs to buy more C-17s."

So those refurbished rebuilt C-5's aren't going to happen either.

Clue phone time...

205 C-17's and 109 C-5's are not enough to evacuate the entire Coalition force and all of its heavy equipment from Afghanistan, should the need to do an aerial Dunkirk arise (and it very well could). Even if every single C-130 in active service were used to move the troops, leaving the heavy lift aircraft to move equipment, most of that equipment would still have to be left behind - including an entire Brigade of over 300 brand spanking new Stryker vehicles. How much would it cost the taxpayers to lose all of those vehicles?

Having already killed the F-22, The White House and its executioner of the US military Robert Gates, now have their sights set on the C-17 program. Gates's veiled threat to "other programs" becomes even more veiled. What "other programs" belonging to the Air Force is Gates threatening? The only major Air Force program he and the White House hasn't cut yet is the only major fighter aircraft program that hasn't produced a single production aircraft yet, the F-35.

Second call on the clue phone...

Stop giving free money to the Palestinians and other assorted undeserving scumbags. Cut John Murtha out of the loop. Defend this nation, support its troops when they are in combat - which is right now.

FLAME
UNITS
ONLY,
R

542 MandyManners  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:31:03am

re: #519 Irish Rose

OK, some asshat just let his golden retriever take a big dump in my yard on the way through.

It's time to @#$# lock and load... later, folks.

Time to do a little tracking and preparing for the flaming bag of dog poop on his porch in conjunction with a ring-and-run?

Nah. That'd be trespassing and arson.

However, if you go to his house with the poop in a shovel/sack, stand on the street and put it on his lawn, you're doing nothing more than returning his property to him.

543 avanti  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:31:33am

re: #524 Walter L. Newton

This is not quite the issue. The Republicans want to use their free franking privileges to mail this chart, but this chart is not non-partisan, there for the funding for the mailing must come from the Republican Party treasury, not the tax payers.

A perfect example of intellectual honesty and what I was talking about.

544 Walter L. Newton  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:31:33am

re: #536 avanti

Walter, I'm too busy to spent a lot of time fighting, but the results of the CFC program could be good news, although the implementation could have been better. i.e. like the Iraq war, or Social Security.

Why, when you get questioned, do you call it "fighting?" I wasn't being snarky or mean or anything. It's a tactic you use and so do other progressives use here on LGF. You don't have an answer or don't want to answer, blame the other guy, call it "fighting" or "squabbling," call it anything but "I don't know the answer."

545 JCM  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:32:52am

re: #541 Render

Do not get me started on our dependance on a 45 year old air tanker fleet.

546 albusteve  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:33:18am

re: #529 JCM

Kenmore Air runs a fleet of DeHaviland Beavers float planes form the North end of Lake Washington all over Puget. When they take off to the South, they turn North over my house. I get treated to the rumble of radials all day long.

Best was on the 50th Anniversary of the B-17, all the flyable ones in the US were at Boeing field, the factory building is still there. The flew in formation right over my house!

I've fortunate in that regard myself, Kal Aero in Kalamazoo owns some cool vintage planes the owners would fly all over the countryside...a Ford Tri Motor was one...they own a Tomcat and would team up with all the other Grumman Cats for the air show and low level all over the county, just so eveybody got a good view...very generous people at Kal Aero and their museum...everyday they fly one of their warbirds...at other times Ive seen the one B29, and a very rare B17...lots of vintage stuff around Kalamazoo/Battle Creek

547 vxbush  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:34:35am

Good info, Render. Updinged and favorited.

548 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:34:42am

re: #534 JCM

Personally I'm partial to big radials, former boss had a F4-U Corsair. It was one of the planes used in Baa Baa Black Sheep.


Well I'm partial to the P-38 - and not just because my Dad flew one in WWII - have you ever heard that sucker pulling up from a high speed dive? Whooo!

549 Walter L. Newton  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:34:51am

re: #543 avanti

A perfect example of intellectual honesty and what I was talking about.

And you are a perfect example of intellectual dishonesty. You don't agree with my comment about the Cash for Clunkers program, so you accuse me of "fighting."

I make a point in the above comment about franking, which supports your position, so you are sucking up to me.

You sir just put your foot right in your mouth

550 BlueCanuck  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:35:01am

re: #541 Render

Sounds like the set up for a scenario like "The Last Centurion" by John Ringo.

551 avanti  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:36:37am

re: #544 Walter L. Newton

Why, when you get questioned, do you call it "fighting?" I wasn't being snarky or mean or anything. It's a tactic you use and so do other progressives use here on LGF. You don't have an answer or don't want to answer, blame the other guy, call it "fighting" or "squabbling," call it anything but "I don't know the answer."

Again I thought I answered, but I'll try again. The CFC program could be good news in the end, warts and all. It all depends on the level of success, and the size of the warts. BTW, that's where the MSM has it's effect, some will spin the warts, others the success.

552 avanti  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:37:35am

re: #549 Walter L. Newton

And you are a perfect example of intellectual dishonesty. You don't agree with my comment about the Cash for Clunkers program, so you accuse me of "fighting."

I make a point in the above comment about franking, which supports your position, so you are sucking up to me.

You sir just put your foot right in your mouth

You have a nice morning Walter, I know I will.

553 JCM  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:38:05am

re: #548 realwest

Well I'm partial to the P-38 - and not just because my Dad flew one in WWII - have you ever heard that sucker pulling up from a high speed dive? Whooo!

AIRWAR!
;-)

P-47 dude, awesomest flying tank ever!

We could debate warbirds all day!

554 Cygnus  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:38:27am

re: #74 Deseeded

Cash for Clunkers = Cash to Euthanize your old relatives.

Or as Laura Ingraham likes to say, 'Down the hospice chute!'

555 Bear  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:38:49am

re: #548 realwest


Was it not a P-38 the first plane to break the sound barrier? As I recall hearing that it did in an unintentional dive.

556 albusteve  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:39:05am

re: #551 avanti

Again I thought I answered, but I'll try again. The CFC program could be good news in the end, warts and all. It all depends on the level of success, and the size of the warts. BTW, that's where the MSM has it's effect, some will spin the warts, others the success.

the feds are out of bounds...they have no right to be in the car business...it's intrusive...it does not matter how successful the program is...it's wrong

557 albusteve  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:40:47am

re: #555 Bear

Was it not a P-38 the first plane to break the sound barrier? As I recall hearing that it did in an unintentional dive.

F-86 I believe

558 Walter L. Newton  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:41:29am

re: #552 avanti

You have a nice morning Walter, I know I will.

Obviously you agree with me that you are intellectually dishonest, thank you for not "fighting" over that point.

559 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:42:45am

re: #551 avanti
And I'll say what I said in #538 AGAIN - as long as unemployment and Underemployment rates remain high - and they show no signs of going anywhere but up, I don't give a shit about the clunkers or anything else.
Folks WANT to work; Folks NEED to work; and so far, in spite of the Stimulus Bill and all the other money the Democrats are throwing at the problem, a lot of FOLKS can't work.
There is no better measure of an economy than unemployment rates. And ours have done nothing but go up under Obama and the Democrats.

560 Walter L. Newton  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:43:11am

re: #555 Bear

Was it not a P-38 the first plane to break the sound barrier? As I recall hearing that it did in an unintentional dive.

Yes and no. It was the pilot breaking the sound barrier because of his scream during the unintentional dive. :)

561 albusteve  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:43:34am

re: #558 Walter L. Newton

Obviously you agree with me that you are intellectually dishonest, thank you for not "fighting" over that point.

that whole thing just oozes with irony...what a laffer

562 realwest  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:44:34am

Well folks it's been fun being back, but I gotta go now.
Hope you all have a GREAT day and that I get the chance to see you all down the road.

563 Walter L. Newton  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:44:43am

re: #559 realwest

And I'll say what I said in #538 AGAIN - as long as unemployment and Underemployment rates remain high - and they show no signs of going anywhere but up, I don't give a shit about the clunkers or anything else.
Folks WANT to work; Folks NEED to work; and so far, in spite of the Stimulus Bill and all the other money the Democrats are throwing at the problem, a lot of FOLKS can't work.
There is no better measure of an economy than unemployment rates. And ours have done nothing but go up under Obama and the Democrats.

Obama inherited this from the Reagan administration, you can't blame the democrats :)

564 Bear  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:46:01am

re: #557 albusteve

Could be but the jet flight was intended and if my memory is correct the possible P-38 was an accident where far too much power was applied in a dive.

565 Bear  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:47:17am

re: #560 Walter L. Newton

I suspect also there was a much needed cleaning job of the flight suit.

566 FrogMarch  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:47:20am

re: #524 Walter L. Newton

This is not quite the issue. The Republicans want to use their free franking privileges to mail this chart, but this chart is not non-partisan, there for the funding for the mailing must come from the Republican Party treasury, not the tax payers.

That makes the most sense.

567 albusteve  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:49:02am

re: #564 Bear

Could be but the jet flight was intended and if my memory is correct the possible P-38 was an accident where far too much power was applied in a dive.

myth has it that the F86 broke the sound barrier often in combat, years before Yeager did it in his little Bell thing...any piston driven plane would be shredded at that speed

568 irongrampa  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:49:16am

re: #527 avanti

Wait'll you get a load of the revised mileage requirement, with this manner of micro-management, the program will turn into another gov't fiasco.

569 opnion  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:49:20am

re: #556 albusteve

the feds are out of bounds...they have no right to be in the car business...it's intrusive...it does not matter how successful the program is...it's wrong

Bingo! The govt is picking winners & losers just like they did in the fianacial sector. This is an attempt to force behavior modificatin on citizens & make us obedient to Obama's will.
If he gets his hands on healthcare, the govt will also pick winners & losers. Losing in healthcare can be literally fatal.

570 albusteve  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:51:12am

re: #569 opnion

Bingo! The govt is picking winners & losers just like they did in the fianacial sector. This is an attempt to force behavior modificatin on citizens & make us obedient to Obama's will.
If he gets his hands on healthcare, the govt will also pick winners & losers. Losing in healthcare can be literally fatal.

as far as I'm concerned, arguing about the degree of success is in itself intellectually dishonest

571 opnion  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:51:37am

re: #570 albusteve

as far as I'm concerned, arguing about the degree of success is in itself intellectually dishonest


yup

572 albusteve  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:53:00am

re: #571 opnion

yup

as Render might say...

CUT
TO
CHASE

573 Cygnus  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:54:34am

re: #449 JCM

Hello JCM! How are you this fine Saturday morning? Did you survive the heat wave ok?

574 Bear  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:54:42am

re: #567 albusteve

Well there were lots of tall tails told during WW2.

575 Cygnus  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:59:03am

re: #519 Irish Rose

OK, some asshat just let his golden retriever take a big dump in my yard on the way through.

It's time to @#$# lock and load... later, folks.

Just remember to blame the asshat owner, not the dog.

576 JCM  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 9:59:50am

re: #567 albusteve

myth has it that the F86 broke the sound barrier often in combat, years before Yeager did it in his little Bell thing...any piston driven plane would be shredded at that speed

IIRC highest recorded dive speed in a piston powered propeller driven aircraft was mach 0.91 by a Spitfire. It lost it's propeller and reduction gear during the test.

577 JCM  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 10:01:33am

re: #573 Cygnus

Hello JCM! How are you this fine Saturday morning? Did you survive the heat wave ok?

We did, ran room AC units and a kiddie pool for the kids to play in, pleasant 60°F this morning.

578 JCM  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 10:07:32am

re: #574 Bear

Well there were lots of tall tails told during WW2.

P-47 drivers did report transonic effects during dives, but that's 0.8-1.2 Mach. They could have easy hit 0.80 - 0.85 which would have been around 600-650mph.

Dive testing a P-47 gave this indicated airspeed result, not official recorded.

To illustrate the rapidity of the increase in airspeed of the P-47 in a high speed dive, an event occurred during testing on November 13, 1942 by Lieutenant Harold Comstock and Roger Dyar of the 63rd Fighter Group, who were performing a test level run at 30,000 feet at over 400 mph. After the first run, they put their P-47Cs into a dive to go to the next level for testing, and during the dive, the airplane's speed increased very rapidly. Within seconds their airspeed indicated the equivalent of 725 mph.
579 AFVetWife  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 5:41:33pm

Hi, All! Been too busy all week to check in or check out, as the case may be. Sorry to say, I'm a bit concerned about the direction some of the posts have taken. I follow, on radio and/or on TV, Quinn & Rose, Bill Bennett, Glenn Beck, Rush, Hannity, Huckabee. On line, I regularly check out IBD Editorials, Human Events, Townhall, Real Clear Politics, American Thinker, American Spectator, Front Page Magazine, Hot Air, Michelle Malkin, and others. For the most part, I believe in what I read on these sites and/or hear/see on their programs. I was attracted to LGF for its anti-terrorism viewpoints. I'm sad to see it distracted to these other viewpoints. My husband and I are staunch conservatives, and I, for one, support Sarah Palin and anyone else who will support TRUE conservative principles - regardless of party label. I hope these honest views don't make me a pariah here at LGF, as I truly enjoy reading everyone's comments. May God bless you all; and I look forward to all your interesting replies.

580 AFVetWife  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 5:54:44pm

It was requested on another thread that I post what I said here. Sorry, I don't know how to do that :=( If you're intersted, please check out my most recent post (before this one). Thanks!

581 FurryOldGuyJeans  Sat, Aug 1, 2009 6:51:32pm

re: #580 AFVetWife

Just go ahead, get it over with, and flounce, dammit! You know you really, really want to!


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