Is that a sailboat I see floating in the left side of the frame?

Not quite getting it...

I see no supertankers...but than again, at that angle, it's probably for the best.

We haven't had a Pier Flounce yet...

Clearly global warming has hit LGF if the last dry open threads turned into these. q:

Alas, I need to go to bed soon... Be well all.

Just one more post:

Buzzin Fly -Tim Buckley

Oh...and while we're on an open thread, I might as well take this opportunity to not-so-discreetly plug my brand new spiffy blog:

Which doesn't exist. Instead, there's this clunker.

Not Another New England Sports Blog!

re: #1 victor_yugo

Is that a sailboat I see floating in the left side of the frame?

Not quite getting it...

The jib of a carbon-accredited solar-powered supertanker?

Okay, it's getting slow on here, and so am I.

'Nytol.

re: #8 Clemente

Sure hope it's double-hulled.

re: #10 victor_yugo

Fare thee well, winner of the former socialist Balkan republic persuasion!

brb late lunch. Then it's off to be a lousy 'do-gooder' again because there's no school until Saturday (community service classes). =_=

For those of you just tuning in, this is what I've been doing for the last few afternoons:

29 September
30 September

re: #13 laZardo

Godspeed, laZardo!

Attitudes of Republicans & Conservatives by demographic to evolution

re: #14 Fenway_Nation

I RESENT THAT AS I AM AN ATHEIST.

/but thanks for the good wishes. :D

re: #15 HelloDare

Be a good post for a spin-off link...

re: #16 laZardo

Umm...secularspeed then?

/doesn't exactly roll off the tongue.

re: #3 BigPapa

Charles, why do you hate dry land?
/

Sorry but that picture can't hold a candle to the view I am blessed with experiencing every morning!

re: #15 HelloDare

Attitudes of Republicans & Conservatives by demographic to evolution

Thought this was interesting as well:

Political Affinities of Americans With no Religion

Their title was, "The rise of the Secular Left." I think it's very telling to note the switch between parties. The Republicans held a very strong of 21% secular in 1990. That's a rather significant percentage. This was almost at the crest of the "Republican revolution." Interesting.

re: #3 BigPapa

We haven't had a Pier Flounce yet...

re: #20 Maui Girl

Sorry but that picture can't hold a candle to the view I am blessed with experiencing every morning!

First Pier flounce!

/

AP follow up looks like a big rip off, perhaps;

[Link: www.google.com...]

Soon I will be seeing whales breaching from my kitchen window.

Rough week in the The Far East / the West Pacific :

Quake toll in western Indonesia reaches 467

Aid flows to tsunami-hit Samoas; death toll at 120

Ketsana leaves more than 360 dead across SE Asia

re: #25 freetoken

Jeez...I've actually been to Pago Pago before (arrived and left via C141). Not quite the tropical paradise some would imagine, but very pleasant and laid-back nonetheless (custom's officer's wearing traditional garb under their unifrom, etc.).

I only saw a few pictures from Pago Pago yesterday, but it didn't look good.

I'm fading, so it's time for me to go to bed. See you all back here in about 6-7 hours.

re: #27 Dark_Falcon

It's me, isn't it? Be honest...

G'nite!

re: #24 Maui Girl

Soon I will be seeing whales breaching from my kitchen window.

I wouldn't brag about being a cook on a pirate ship. Just sayin'.
:)

re: #24 Maui Girl

Are they the breakfast?

re: #32 iceweasel

Yup, looks like Limbaugh is pimping Cashill. Beck has Limbaugh on the defensive, and Rush knows he will have to compete for the fringers.

re: #32 iceweasel

Not this debunked bullshit again.

Why Ayers wrote Obama's books don't you know. Why for sure we is gonna get this one guy name Bobby Jindal to run against him in '12 and he is gonna beat him.

re: #34 Gus 802

Why Ayers wrote Obama's books don't you know. Why for sure we is gonna get this one guy name Bobby Jindal to run against him in '12 and he is gonna beat him.

Oops, forgot my sarcasm tags.

//

It sucks that we're a week into school and there's already a fucking quiz.

I'm not a fan of these "five minute reading quizzes" spanning hundred pages of material. Either cut down the reading or make the quizzes worth while.

re: #33 freetoken

It's a short stroll for him to join the fringe. Very short.

re: #36 TheMatrix31

Just out of curiosity, what kind of reading? Is it History or English or ???

re: #38 theheat

It's for an "Arms Control & International Security" class, so it's interesting at least.

re: #39 TheMatrix31

Whoa. That's serious stuff. It does sound interesting, though.

Well, I'm off to read. Maybe there'll be some posts in five minutes when I get distracted and come back here!

Well, thanks to all Lizards for making this Hatchlings first day fun and informative! Have a good night y'all...

re: #42 Surabaya Stew

Why do I have this sudden craving for Satay?

re: #39 TheMatrix31

Timely, if nothing else.

re: #44 Fenway_Nation

What inspired you to start a blog? And where are the trains? I expected full frontal train pron!

re: #45 theheat

Give it time. It's only day one for Not Another New England Sports Blog!, theheat.

I'm kind-of sort-of caving in to pressure from my big sis about opening up a facebook account or some other stalker-friendly internet application social networking thingey.

This is my idea of meeting her halfway.

BTW, it's 'Not Another New England Sports Blog!' in the sense that 'Not Another Teen Movie!' was...well...a Teen movie. The avatar should be a hint that the content will likely include train pr0n at some point.

re: #43 Fenway_Nation

Damn, I just had to lurk before turning in...could there be another Satay fan on LGF?

Well, good luck with it. When you start with the train pron, I'll come lurk. Just be sure to include lots of rusty and Deco-inspired trains. Those are my favs.]

I don't blog. I don't tweet. I don't do Facebook. I know Id never keep up with it, so I don't even try.

re: #47 Surabaya Stew

Done properly, yes.

I may be provinical, but I've set foot in some pretty damn interesting places in my fairly brief lifespan. But some of that is nothing compared to certain family members who resided in that part of the world working for various oil companies...

re: #48 theheat

I don't blog. I don't tweet. I don't do Facebook. I know Id never keep up with it, so I don't even try

Word up...my parents always told me its better to do one thing successfully than to fail doing many things at once...after many years ignoring them, all the shitty user-created content on the internet has shown me the truth to this fact!

"Jesus Christ, Just give the dog his fucking food. Why's he gotta do a trick first? YOU don't have to do shit before YOU eat."

re: #48 theheat

Thankyew, TheHeat...I'll need to strike a balance between 'arrested decay but serviceable' and 'derelict rusting hulks with their innards strewn across the landscape' .

The History Channel did a show on salvage and recycling, and it started off with a Montana Rail Link SD45 being scrapped, starting with some front-end loader thingey ripping off the carbody. It was kind of like an out-of-body experience...I remember howling 'NOOOooo! That thing still has a couple thousand miles left in it! WHY!?' at the TV screen...I think I blacked out from there.

re: #28 michaelasher

Not particularly reliable sources; they're all opinion columns.

More to the point, however: is "catching on" the new substitute for actual news? It makes it sound as though even those promoting this idea know it's bullshit, but are insisting on pushing it anyway in the hope that sheer repetition will jam it into people's heads as though it were confirmed fact. It's reminiscent of the chants of "Blood for Oil!", accusations that aid was withheld from Louisiana because they voted Democrat and other sheer nonsense.

And of course there's the central question: even assuming this were true, so what? Is there some point to this accusation? Yes, Ayers is an asshole (and one who ought to be in jail, but I digress) but what is the specific harm or misrepresentation or evil that flows from his speculative authorship? Are there misrepresentations that Ayers put in the text? Outright lies? Distortions? Omissions? In short, what is it about the book that is worthy of criticism if Ayers is the author? Or is this simply an ad hominem attack, a sort of reverse Argument from Authority that seeks to stain 0bama through mere association? I'm just not getting how this is supposed to be a bad thing in and of itself without some evidence that the book is somehow suspect due to it's authorship.

re: #52 Fenway_Nation

Yes, it's painful to watch, almost like cannibalism.

Yes, please throw in the occasional rusted hulk. I like things with rust. I have whole collections of photos of things that are rusty. I find the texture very intriguing, as are all the untold stories about the objects themselves. I'd be delighted if I could have my own rusty train car - like a playhouse for adults.

re: #49 Fenway_Nation
Agreed about Satay; I especially like the kind made with clams that is in fact is a speciality of Surabaya, but its so easy to get good Satay throughout the entire country (and in Singapore/Malaysia). Here...not so much, as I'm sure you already know!

BTW, you don't sound provincial at all (good to hear there are some fellow travelers here), and I'm quite jealous of those certain family members of yours...as I'd love to work in the region as well.

re: #53 SixDegrees

Obama can be judged by his own mistakes, without resorting to these kinds of bullshit allegations. If his accusers spent even a fraction of the time they spend thinking up this kind of garbage, and focused on palatable ideas and real world solutions, we'd all be better off.

(But what would the freepers do with all that free time on their hands?)

re: #54 theheat

Of course, some of them just get a fresh coat of paint and keep on trundling along.And look damn good doing it.

re: #53 SixDegrees

Assuming it were true (which I do NOT believe it is) it would prove that Ayers is more than "just a guy" in Obama's life and past.

re: #56 theheat

Obama can be judged by his own mistakes, without resorting to these kinds of bullshit allegations. If his accusers spent even a fraction of the time they spend thinking up this kind of garbage, and focused on palatable ideas and real world solutions, we'd all be better off.

(But what would the freepers do with all that free time on their hands?)

I completely agree. And there's a real danger of becoming marginalized; when there really is a wolf, cries of concern will be ignored out of weary habit.

re: #58 TheMatrix31

Not that we needed PROOF that Ayers is "just a guy", because we all know that fucker and Obama are like this. **finger-twisting-motion-thingy**

re: #57 Fenway_Nation

Geez, that is impressive. I see that site has all kinds of train pics - zillions of them. Psst - now we know where to find you.

re: #55 Surabaya Stew

I haven't graduated much beyond the run-of-the mill Chicken or beef satays. And to be fair, I've never set foot in Indonesia, Singapore or Malaysia. Having said that, I've been to a couple of restaurants in Australia and New Zealand that were run by Indonesians or Malays.

Some relatives also make a pretty good Satay or Bakmi Goereng (sp?) too, but I only see them two or three times a year.

re: #59 SixDegrees

when there really is a wolf, cries of concern will be ignored out of weary habit.

Absolutely. I'm so numb to the daily hysterics and distractions I could spit. Either give me something I can sink my teeth into, or STFU. Debunking every crazy theory that comes down the pike has become tiresome. Not to mention, it has openly outed people you wouldn't normally know were nuts as lunatics. Their credibility is nil, exactly like the boy that cried wolf.

re: #57 Fenway_Nation

Bro, you fetish is ... disturbing, to say the least. FYI, I'll be looking for a new roommate tomorrow, dude. Sorry.
/

Like, this photo is so pretty it doesn't look real.

re: #60 TheMatrix31

Not that we needed PROOF that Ayers is "just a guy", because we all know that fucker and Obama are like this. **finger-twisting-motion-thingy**

Maybe so. And the proof of such a connection would play well to...well, to those who are never, ever going to support 0bama or his policies, ever. To the rest, it'll either be denied (given that no actual evidence is likely to emerge proving the connection) or, more likely, ignored.

It would be far better to concentrate on the book's content. Apparently, several former coworkers have claimed that 0bama's account of his responsibilities, achievements and peer relations are, shall we say, pure fiction. If bloggers and pundits were truly interested in developing a "new media," they'd be interviewing these folks and trying to get at the truth, and likewise going over other parts of the tome line by line looking for other departures from reality.

And, as an aside, they wouldn't be shooting their wads more than a year before the midterms, giving the opposition plenty of time to bury any such unpleasant information and mock it as "old news" when it comes up closer to the elections. But that sort of behavior strongly implies leadership in the GOP, and at the moment there doesn't appear to be any.

re: #61 theheat

I don't have much of a presence at that site- I'm more of a lurker.

Having said that, this is one of my all-time favorites. Not because the motive power or settings are particularly unique or breathtaking, but just excellent composition.

re: #62 Fenway_Nation

I've been to a couple of restaurants in Australia and New Zealand that were run by Indonesians or Malays.

Ah, of course; I'm sure they serve something close to the real thing there, as do a few places here in New York. And it all works out fairly, as I've never been in Australia or New Zealand.

Oh, and bakmi goreng (sp!) is great stuff, but most Indonesians that I know stick to the thinner Mie Goreng instead for some reason. Like any exotic (re: non-mainstream) food, the best way to get the good stuff is to get invited over to people's homes, and of course its always more fun that way.

BTW-am liking those RR pics...and I'm a old subway fan!

re: #67 Fenway_Nation

Sort of Norman Rockwell-ish.

re: #64 Slumbering Behemoth

Oh...this is coming from the guy who brought the one-legged pre-op tranny hooker back to the pad and...wouldn't ya know it? 3 days later, all the sheets have to be burned and the erm- special- shampoo has to be oh-so-discreetly ordered.

Good Morning LGF.

'US Jews back military strike on Iran'
A majority of American Jews support military action against Iran to prevent the Teheran regime from obtaining nuclear weapons, a new study claims.
'Asked if they would support American military action, 56% of American Jews said they would, while just 36% opposed it, according to the American Jewish Committee's 2009 Annual Survey of American Jewish Opinion.
An even greater number support Israeli military action against the Iranian nuclear program, with 66% in favor and just 28% against.

[Link: www.jpost.com...]

Was this poll conducted under the bus?

re: #69 theheat

That's part of the appeal.

For me, at least.

Besides- if you look real close, you can see a younger Johnny Depp calling out 'Arnie! Why don't you come on down?' at the base of the water tower.

re: #70 Fenway_Nation

You didn't complain then. As I recall, you hollered "Best. Night. Evar"!

And like I told you then, if you just friggen shaved, and doused your junk with rubbing alcohol like I did, you wouldn't have to go through the embarrassment of ordering that special shampoo.

Duty calls. I have work due, and people won't understand if I told them I spent the wee hours looking at rusty trains and reading about tranny hooker cooties. I could try to explain, but I don't think it would fly.

re: #73 Slumbering Behemoth

That's not what the videotape says. Besides- that was before an ash from your cigarette made it's way down to your rubbing-alcohol soaked drawers and they burst into flames. Remember?

re: #68 Surabaya Stew

Glad you like them...closest thing we had to a subway in Massachusetts was the T...which was never sure if it wanted to be a trolley, a subway or the L...

Oh...and don't forget to visit Seven's Alehouse while in the Beacon Hill section of Boston, lizards!

re: #75 Fenway_Nation

An ash from my cigarette? My cigarette? I remember you flinging lit matches at me, that's what I remember!

In hind sight, it was actually pretty funny. When everything caught fire, that peg-legged hooker couldn't "beat foot" out of there fast enough.

Ahh... Good times.

re: #78 Slumbering Behemoth

Yea- too bad the camera's memory card was used up by then.

re: #79 Fenway_Nation

Coulda made good money with that on the internet. Oh well.

'nite Fenway, 'nite Lizards. Stay scaly!

Feels like I never left.

Good morning.

re: #76 Fenway_Nation

Glad you like them...closest thing we had to a subway in Massachusetts was the T...which was never sure if it wanted to be a trolley, a subway or the L...

Those green lines on the T rock; as trolleys are nearly extinct around NYC! Peace out lizzards...

G'nite Slumbering, Surabaya!

Morning bloodnok!

re: #81 Bloodnok

Feels like I never left.

Good morning.

Morning, Spare O'Lake!

re: #83 Fenway_Nation

G'nite Slumbering, Surabaya!

Morning bloodnok!

Morning! This early stuff ends for me on Saturday. It's ludicrous being up at this hour unless you haven't gone to bed yet (in which case it is freaking cool).

Good morning/evening Lizardia! I've been holding and cuddling the big guy so his mom can go online for a while.

re: #17 freetoken

Be a good post for a spin-off link...

It's been there for 3 1/2 hours with no updings.

Over the next few days most seem to expect that Iran will refuse to discuss the dismantling of its nuke program and will tell the West to fuck right off. Ineffectual economic sanctions will then be proposed, watered down and further discussed, perhaps even implemented, but all to no effect on Iran's nuke development.
Israel would then finally be forced to face the proof that the Obama administration is prepared to sacrifice Israel's ultimate security and to continue to allow itself to be led around like a big, dumb ox on a nosering, and to tolerate America's own ongoing humiliation and mocking at the hands of the Islamofascists.
Israel alone will then need to decide whether it can afford to gamble that its own nuclear deterrent will be sufficient to deter a demonstrably insane Iranian Islamofascist leadership from carrying out its avowed genocidal intentions. Or not.

re: #86 Bloodnok

Did the graveyard shift thing last month when I had a temp job. Usually too tired to post on LGF when I got in and by the time I'd wake up, it was time for lunch and off to work again.

/only somewhat offset by a 4-day workweek.

News flash:
Regime change in Iran: Ahmadinejad splits a gut and dies of laughter.
///

re: #90 Fenway_Nation

Did the graveyard shift thing last month when I had a temp job. Usually too tired to post on LGF when I got in and by the time I'd wake up, it was time for lunch and off to work again.

/only somewhat offset by a 4-day workweek.

I know that shift well. Dark when you get up, dark when you get home. Truly burning the candle at both ends (of the day: That'll be my phrase origin of the day).

This isn't Graveyard Shift, more like Pet Sematary (though this dog is no Cujo). I'm watching my sister's dog while she and her husband galavant around Europe.

Ack! Puns hurt at 6:30.

re: #87 Alouette

Good morning/evening Lizardia! I've been holding and cuddling the big guy so his mom can go online for a while.

Tough job! I'm sure she appreciates it and you don't mind much!

Good Morning Lizards. Another cool day in Jax (high in the low 80s counts as cool for us).

re: #94 rwdflynavy

Good Morning Lizards. Another cool day in Jax (high in the low 80s counts as cool for us).

Good morning rwdflynavy.

re: #94 rwdflynavy

Good Morning Lizards. Another cool day in Jax (high in the low 80s counts as cool for us).

It's 45 here in the northeast. We'll be lucky if we hit 60.

Mary Oliver, Cold

Cold now.
Close to the edge. Almost
unbearable. Clouds
bunch up and boil down
from the north of the white bear.
This tree-splitting morning
I dream of his fat tracks,
the lifesaving suet.

I think of summer with its luminous fruit,
blossoms rounding to berries, leaves,
handfuls of grain.

Maybe what cold is, is the time
we measure the love we have always had, secretly,
for our own bones, the hard knife-edged love
for the warm river of the I, beyond all else; maybe

that is what it means the beauty
of the blue shark cruising toward the tumbling seals.

In the season of snow,
in the immeasurable cold,
we grow cruel but honest; we keep
ourselves alive,
if we can, taking one after another
the necessary bodies of others, the many
crushed red flowers.

36 here in southeastern Michigan, with a frost warning out.

re: #90 Fenway_Nation

I did ask this on a previous thread but you probably missed it.
If I understand correctly you are a railway aficionado. Can you recommend any good train simulator? Is Trainz the one to buy or are there any better?

re: #98 shimoda

Can you recommend any good train simulator?

Actually, no...I honestly couldn't give you an informed opinion on any of the simulator software out there because I haven't tried any of them myself.

Sorry.

And now for more shameless do-gooding.

re: #99 Fenway_Nation

Actually, no...I honestly couldn't give you an informed opinion on any of the simulator software out there because I haven't tried any of them myself.

Sorry.

Ok, I have an old copy of Trainz (2006 I think) and has not upgraded it. I understood MS Train Simulator has been sold off to a third party. Maybe it did sell as well as MS FS.

re: #101 shimoda

Ok, I have an old copy of Trainz (2006 I think) and has not upgraded it. I understood MS Train Simulator has been sold off to a third party. Maybe it did sell as well as MS FS.

Stupid me. Maybe it did NOT sell as well as MS FS

re: #94 rwdflynavy

Oh...and good morning rwdflynavy.

re: #102 shimoda

I know there's some company out there that makes software the various railways use to train employees on the use of remote controlled locomotives (for yard and industrial applications) called trainmaster, but I think that was designed with railways and different instructional institutions in mind.

Well...I should probably get myself some shuteye.

LaZardo- may the agnostic non-divine whomever bless you for your efforts

shimoda- sorry I wasn't much help in your quest to upgrade your simulator software

bloodnok- that's about It for me. I'll have to be Carrie-d off to bed before I can think of any decent puns.

6Degrees, rwdflynavy, Spare O'Lake- stay warm and stuff.

/also be sure to visit my brand-spankin' new craptastic blog!

re: #105 Fenway_Nation

Night Fen.

re: #105 Fenway_Nation

GN Fenway.

What sweater will I wear today?

YAY!

re: #108 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

What sweater will I wear today?

YAY!

I got a sweater for my birthday. I wanted a moaner, but hey, it is the thought that counts!

re: #109 SteveC

I take 'em how I can get 'em.

re: #9 lrsshadow

You guys following the American Police Force incident in Harding...This guy is tracking;

[Link: www.blacklistednews.com...]

*click link*

2nd link in the blogroll: What Really Happened

Spare me!

No time left for you...
On my way to better things...

No, not a flounce. Just have a long work-day ahead.

Y'all have fun...

One more Tim Buckley song for the morning:

Good day all.

Song To The Siren

re: #111 SteveC

*click link*

2nd link in the blogroll: What Really Happened

Spare me!

Lew Rockwell and Jeff Rense, too.

Typhoon Parma looks like it is about to become a Super Typhoon... and it is headed towards Northern Philippines, where so much flooding from Typhoon Ketsana happened only a few days ago, as documented by our own laZardo (see tonight's and last night's LNDT.)

re: #114 MandyManners

Lew Rockwell and Jeff Rense, too.

Any of the three... *makes the "LOSER" sign with his thumb and forefinger*

Good morning, everyone.

re: #111 SteveC

*click link*

2nd link in the blogroll: What Really Happened

Spare me!

That's one of the original batshit crazypants sites, right up there with Dennis "Justin" Raimondo's site.

re: #117 irish rose

Good morning, everyone.

Looking fantabulous this morning, young lady!

Morning Lizards. Cold and thunderstorms here in the wild north country; I kinda like it.

My daughter is freaking out and threatening to mop the floor herself on her hands and knees if my son-in-law and I don't clean everything up to her exact specifications. I think I will lock her in the computer room with her baby.

re: #119 SteveC

LOL thanks.
Very cold here too, we had our first heavy frost last night.
I'm waiting for the sun to get up higher in the sky so I can hang my laundry outdoors without freezing my hands off.

re: #121 Alouette

My daughter is freaking out and threatening to mop the floor herself on her hands and knees if my son-in-law and I don't clean everything up to her exact specifications. I think I will lock her in the computer room with her baby.

Better yet, hand her the bucket while you go shopping. Teh crazy may be contagious, no use picking up a case of it.

re: #121 Alouette

My daughter is freaking out and threatening to mop the floor herself on her hands and knees if my son-in-law and I don't clean everything up to her exact specifications. I think I will lock her in the computer room with her baby.

This is her first one, right?

re: #120 thedopefishlives

Morning Lizards. Cold and thunderstorms here in the wild north country; I kinda like it.

9 hours of solid downpour last night, more slated for Bangkok tonite as we slide into 7pm in the jasmine-scented suburbs of The Big Mango...

/thank God, NO FLOODS here, but bad flooding in UbonTani

re: #125 Karridine

9 hours of solid downpour last night, more slated for Bangkok tonite as we slide into 7pm in the jasmine-scented suburbs of The Big Mango...

/thank God, NO FLOODS here, but bad flooding in UbonTani

I'm glad you're well, I've been thinking about you.

re: #116 SteveC

Any of the three... *makes the "LOSER" sign with his thumb and forefinger*

DOANT POAK DA KRAAZEE!!ELEVENTY!!

re: #125 Karridine

9 hours of solid downpour last night, more slated for Bangkok tonite as we slide into 7pm in the jasmine-scented suburbs of The Big Mango...

/thank God, NO FLOODS here, but bad flooding in UbonTani

{Karridine} Haven't seen you around, but I looked at the recent comments and see that you've been active. Good to know you're okay.

As for the Fishbowl, forecast says lots of rain, but thankfully that should stave off the frost. I only hope the farmers have been getting busy, because the late start to the growing season has us all worried.

While I'm thinking about it, are there any additions to the prayer list?

re: #121 Alouette

Get a snuggle for me!

re: #122 irish rose

LOL thanks.
Very cold here too, we had our first heavy frost last night.
I'm waiting for the sun to get up higher in the sky so I can hang my laundry outdoors without freezing my hands off.

It's starting to get cold in the mornings - 50's and 60's. That's not really cold but I'm taking blood thinners, so to me the first cold snap feels like I'm living in a freezer!

re: #131 MandyManners

Get a snuggle for me!

*thinks about snuggling with Mandy, but sees the Whack! Stick where she can get to it quickly and thinks better of it.*

re: #128 Liberal Classic

The problem is that there is no corroboration. All of the sources trace back to the same anonymous claim from the same World Nut Daily writer.

I hate all these political memoirs / books that come out around election time, anyway. They're all drek. I try to read, or at least skim parts of these politico-autobiographies in order to get a feel for how the candidates want to present themselves. Unfortunately, all of these books are nearly unreadable. They are filled with self-serving, self-aggrandizing, moralistic pap. If Chins Could Kill, Confessions of a B Movie Actor by Bruce Cambell is a far superior literary work than any of them, including Faith of My Fathers, Audacity of Hope, and My Life. I predict Rogue will be no different.

Whether Ayers had anything to do with Obama's book (and I don't think he did) doesn't really change my already low opinion of him. He associated with Ayers and attended an openly racist church for 20 years. I don't need much more dirt than that on the guy. We should focus on the facts, not speculation. The facts are damning enough!!!

re: #124 irish rose

This is her first one, right?

It's her fourth. You'd think she would know better. She is my 6th. I keep telling her to let it go, that's it's impossible to keep a perfectly clean house with a bunch of kids running around, and she screamed, "I don't want my kids to grow up in a pigsty like I did!" Then she started to list all the cleaning chores she had to do while growing up "which none of the other kids had to do."

I let her rant. It's all those postpartum hormones.

re: #125 Karridine

9 hours of solid downpour last night, more slated for Bangkok tonite as we slide into 7pm in the jasmine-scented suburbs of The Big Mango...

/thank God, NO FLOODS here, but bad flooding in UbonTani

Another typhoon heading in, and the aid center near my house is suspending operations tomorrow. =_=

Grayson calls health care crisis 'holocaust'

Boker effen Tov.

Any word of a boycott of Whoopi and View yet?

re: #137 Ben Hur

Grayson calls health care crisis 'holocaust'

Boker effen Tov.

My granddaughter is having a meltdown because I put her blankie in the washing machine. It's another holocaust.

/

From Politico: Iran: Will sanctions work? If not, then what? By Walter Russell Mead, Henry A. Kissinger senior fellow for U.S. foreign policy, CFR

Normally I agree with those who discount the ability of sanctions. They soothe and refresh our sensitive consciences but rarely accomplishing anything more.

Sometimes, however, they work. It’s just possible that this could be one of those times. Iran is deeply divided today, and the clerical establishment is on the defensive. Clever, effective and well targeted sanctions might just tip the domestic political balance. Or not – there’s really no way to know in advance.
Unfortunately, I don’t think those are the kind of sanctions we will get out of the Security Council. Russia and China aren’t as interested as we are in resolving this situation and they may feel there is more to be gained from weakening American power in the Middle East than would be lost in living with a nuclear Iran. There is an outside chance that the Europeans together with the Americans could come up with some sanctions that we could jointly apply without the Security Council – but this is a very long shot. Reduce...

So overall, I don’t think sanctions are going to give us a way to avoid hard choices in the Middle East.

Even so, I support the President’s apparent determination to try yet another round. Building as broad an international coalition as possible is a helpful thing to do; it’s worth trying to keep as many of the important European countries on side as possible as we move toward the next phase. It’s also important to show that the US isn’t trying to pick a fight with Iran – we are sincerely trying to avoid it.

In the not too distant future, the most likely scenario is that sanctions will fail. We should go seriously and sincerely into this next round of negotiations – with Iran and with the Security Council – but we need to negotiate without illusions.

re: #137 Ben Hur

Grayson calls health care crisis 'holocaust'

Boker effen Tov.

Okay, if it can be proven that lack of socialized health care has killed 6 million people, we can call it a holocaust. Otherwise, STOP USING THAT WORD, PEOPLE.

re: #138 Ben Hur

Any word of a boycott of Whoopi and View yet?

Wait, people actually watch that? /

re: #140 Flyers1974

Sanctions of the right kind could work on North Korea...in this case, freeze the Party's coffers.

Unfortunately you're dealing with a masochistic regime in Iran that wants to take out everyone with them as they slowly collapse from the inside...

re: #130 irish rose

While I'm thinking about it, are there any additions to the prayer list?

Good Morning all,

Yes, might I request prayer for Jim, an old friend. Colonoscopy two days ago showed extensive cancer in the large intestines. Surgery to remove all the large intestine will take place next tuesday the 6th and hopefully its not as bad as it looks. Jim tells me the doctors feel they can hook up the small intestines with the anus. I hope so. Jim and wife Debby have been longtime friends and working cohorts.

Thanks for asking.

re: #140 Flyers1974

Forgot link:
[Link: www.politico.com...]

'Today's' Matt Lauer Discusses Positive Aspects of Smoking Marijuana

For the record, I am not Matt Lauer, BOYEEE!

Leave Ben Hur alone! Just leave him alone!

Good morning, folks. Feeling sore this morning. We're going on vacation in around 6 weeks and I'm going nuts dieting and exercising to lose some pounds/inches. Getting back into a lifting regimen is a pain, literally but I have to fit in my clothes, right? Man, it gets harder to do this as I get older.

Hope everyone is doing fine this beautiful day.

From a current AP article about morons in high, high places:

GENEVA - The U.S. and five other world powers began high-stakes talks Thursday with Iran to demand a freeze of its nuclear activities, with a senior U.S. official saying Washington is open to rare one-on-one talks with Iranian diplomats.

re: #146 Pianobuff

Good morning, folks. Feeling sore this morning. We're going on vacation in around 6 weeks and I'm going nuts dieting and exercising to lose some pounds/inches. Getting back into a lifting regimen is a pain, literally but I have to fit in my clothes, right? Man, it gets harder to do this as I get older.

Hope everyone is doing fine this beautiful day.

The most important thing is "Pre-hab:"

Warm up and stretch.

Do rotator cuff exercises.

Don't wear spandex.

re: #146 Pianobuff

My skillsaw weighs more than it used to, so it seems at 59, when design work runs out and I fall back to actually building things.

What we see is congressional legislation that cannot fail to improve national security and energy independence lying dead in the water while a dubious bill fraught with angry disagreement and questionable consequences has center stage

[Link: spectator.org...]

some interesting numbers...even encouraging...but Congress dithers away playing the CYA game

re: #140 Flyers1974

All sanctions and negotiations do is give the Iranians more time and encourage them in thinking that the West is weak and will not act.

IMHO.

re: #148 Ben Hur

The most important thing is "Pre-hab:"

Warm up and stretch

Check

Do rotator cuff exercises.

Well, I'm stretching them anyway.

Don't wear spandex.

Not even a remote possibility. Never got into the whole Richard Simmons/Jane Fonda look.

re: #138 Ben Hur

Any word of a boycott of Whoopi and View yet?

Fuck Whoopi.

re: #153 MandyManners

Fuck Whoopi.

Um, EW. No thanks.

re: #150 albusteve

What we see is congressional legislation that cannot fail to improve national security and energy independence lying dead in the water while a dubious bill fraught with angry disagreement and questionable consequences has center stage

No kidding, and brought to you by the ego of the man at the top and the gullibility of many who voted for him.

I hope we are not hit by a big attack, because it looks like the first thing we would say would be "Huh? ! ?"

re: #143 Semper Fi

Good Morning all,

Yes, might I request prayer for Jim, an old friend. Colonoscopy two days ago showed extensive cancer in the large intestines. Surgery to remove all the large intestine will take place next tuesday the 6th and hopefully its not as bad as it looks. Jim tells me the doctors feel they can hook up the small intestines with the anus. I hope so. Jim and wife Debby have been longtime friends and working cohorts.

Thanks for asking.

Done.

re: #15 HelloDare

Attitudes of Republicans & Conservatives by demographic to evolution

That was fun. I finished Dawkins' new book a couple of days ago, and I would recommend it. My main criticism is that it's rather spread out (426 pages), so it's difficult to remember all of the evidence that he raises. The discussion of Andrew Schlafly's response to Lenski's experiment is most amusing, and Dawkins gives the link to PZ Meyers' extensive coverage of the affair.

Many of those reviewers on Amazon who had clearly read both Dawkins' book and Coyne's book (Why Evolution is True) seemed to prefer Coyne, and I took out a library copy yesterday. Dawkins himself speaks highly of the book.

re: #137 Ben Hur

Grayson calls health care crisis 'holocaust'

Boker effen Tov.

Toda effing raba.

re: #142 laZardo

Sanctions of the right kind could work on North Korea...in this case, freeze the Party's coffers.

Unfortunately you're dealing with a masochistic regime in Iran that wants to take out everyone with them as they slowly collapse from the inside...

Agree with what you say about N. Korea.

Regarding the highlighted portion, we will see by the Israeli government's future actions whether or not they concur.

Happy Birthday, Julie!

re: #155 Ojoe

No kidding, and brought to you by the ego of the man at the top and the gullibility of many who voted for him.

I hope we are not hit by a big attack, because it looks like the first thing we would say would be "Huh? ! ?"

too late, it's coming probably sooner than later

re: #161 albusteve

I will say "SOB" & not just the initials.

Happy Birthday, Scott!

re: #159 Flyers1974

Ambiguity i.e. "neither confirm nor deny" is the Israelis' tactic.

But at least I can trust the Israelis more when it comes to ambiguity as a tactic than the Iranians.

Question, folks: is posting the prayer list on Sunday sufficient, or do you think I should do it more frequently?

re: #165 irish rose

I'm still not clear on what happened with the prayer list ownership issue...but I'm pretty sure the owners posted the Prayer list every day when they logged in.

re: #165 irish rose

Question, folks: is posting the prayer list on Sunday sufficient, or do you think I should do it more frequently?

My opinion - Sunday only is fine.

Have a great day, Lizards!

re: #166 laZardo

I'm still not clear on what happened with the prayer list ownership issue...but I'm pretty sure the owners posted the Prayer list every day when they logged in.

Not a problem, I can do that on the morning open. I'm here every morning before class anyway.

I'd give you the history of the LGF prayer list, but I'd rather not get into it. I volunteered to take it over last week... Charles thinks that it's a good idea, and he wants it to continue here at LGF. He asked me to start over again with a fresh list.

re: #165 irish rose

Wednesday afternoon would be a good time too, because Wednesday evening is traditionally prayer meeting time for some.

Thanks for taking it over.

"Funds dry up so it becomes harder for kids to engage in sports, to learn how to swim, to even ride a bike,

[Link: www.sfexaminer.com...]

we need more federal learn to ride a bike funds

re: #169 irish rose

All right. Please to add the victims of the Philippine typhoon, and Indonesian and Samoan disasters to your list.

re: #172 laZardo

All right. Please to add the victims of the Philippine typhoon, and Indonesian and Samoan disasters to your list.

Done.

re: #151 Ojoe

All sanctions and negotiations do is give the Iranians more time and encourage them in thinking that the West is weak and will not act.

IMHO.

The problem is that the available options make the West's position weak from the start, i.e., military force will be painful and have consequences not fully known. So I'd suggest that the West IS weak here and that everyone, including Iran knows this.

re: #165 irish rose

Question, folks: is posting the prayer list on Sunday sufficient, or do you think I should do it more frequently?

I like Sunday.

re: #174 Flyers1974

Ah, but military force always has unknown consequences & I think our weakness is in our hesitation to make the least bad choice, when a worse choice - talk & sanctions - is temporarily more comfortable.

Looks like someone is taking out the garbage before they go to work...

Some prayers are more urgent, so I think I'll post the prayer list every couple of days on the morning open. That way everyone can have it for their respective prayer services.

If something is really urgent, I'll put it up right away.

He needs big money--the kind of revenue generated by large tax increases or slowing the growth in major federal entitlement programs.

[Link: www.weeklystandard.com...]

Big Money will come straight out of your little pocket...bet on it

re: #67 Fenway_Nation

I don't have much of a presence at that site- I'm more of a lurker.

Having said that, this is one of my all-time favorites. Not because the motive power or settings are particularly unique or breathtaking, but just excellent composition.

ah - That photo is great. Reminds me of the small town where I was born.

re: #24 Maui Girl

Soon I will be seeing whales breaching from my kitchen window.

Jealous, I am.

re: #179 albusteve

He needs big money--the kind of revenue generated by large tax increases or slowing the growth in major federal entitlement programs.

[Link: www.weeklystandard.com...]

Big Money will come straight out of your little pocket...bet on it

I think the democrats are in for a shock when they see what that does to the economy.

re: #137 Ben Hur

Grayson calls health care crisis 'holocaust'

Boker effen Tov.

Well, Palin said "death panels" - so the lefties get a free pass. They can say WTF ever they want with reckless abandon.

Here's the midweek posting then, folks. I've added a new section for our lizards who have active-duty friends and family members.

LIZARD PRAYER LIST :
Prayers for thanks, praise, comfort, strength, healing, and hope
Please send updates to roseinheather@gmail.com

Part 1 of 4: Community Prayer

Charles
Friends and former friends who've parted company with us, but are still in need of prayer
The victims of the Philippine typhoon, the earthquakes in Indonesia, and the tsunami in Samoa.

Part 2 of 4: Health issues

gregb - 4 year old son who suffered a head injury last Friday and spent the weekend in the ICU with some lingering effects all week.
Semper Fi – longtime friend and co-worker “Jim” diagnosed with intestinal cancer. Surgery to remove entire large intestine scheduled for the 6th of October. Also pray for his wife, Debbie.

Part 3 of 4: Family, friend, and life situations

irish rose… midlife retraining for a new career
lurking faith… prayers for an aunt

Part 4 of 4: Active duty military personnel, friends and family

Irish Rose… son in the Marine Corps

In Memoriam:
Dublin(CA)Dude
USMC 1968
ElderZion
Obi Wan
All our Troops who have died protecting our Freedom and their families.

re: #175 Semper Fi

I like Sunday.

I posted too late. Wednesday is also good as there are many church services that day as well.

re: #77 Fenway_Nation

Oh...and don't forget to visit Seven's Alehouse while in the Beacon Hill section of Boston, lizards!

I was in Boston back in May. Wonderful town with wonderful history, architecture and amazing Italian food. I'd hate to to have to drive and park there tho.

to

re: #184 irish rose

I think Miguel down in Mexico might have passed on.

re: #176 Ojoe

Ah, but military force always has unknown consequences & I think our weakness is in our hesitation to make the least bad choice, when a worse choice - talk & sanctions - is temporarily more comfortable.

tough sanctions should have been imposed or denied last winter...BO has done nothing to change the paradigm and events have over taken him...he certainly inherited the crisis but has waffled away his chances of improving the situation...now there is little to be done except militarily and he does not have the nads to face up to that reality...instead of working up a coalition to take out the facilities, he does the exact opposite and gives Israel a red light with co-operation...the whole thing is slipping into a do or die situation...Israel can strike but with only limited effect...flexing US military muscle is repulsive to BO yet there is no other choice...it's all on him as CinC

re: #167 reine.de.tout

My opinion - Sunday only is fine.

Reine, I sent you an email...

re: #188 Ojoe

I think Miguel down in Mexico might have passed on.

I think so too, but I hate to put him in the memorium section until we know for sure.

From the Jerusalem Post.

Iran ready to discuss nukes in return for global disarmament

Isn't this really a complete waste of time?

I suppose the other parties to the talks could say, "Yeah, yeah, we'll discuss global disarmament," but insist on the Iranians first agreeing to give up their ambitions for nuclear weaponry. When that's done, they can say, "Oh, global disarmament? Not happening, oh and thanks for giving up the idea of an atom bomb." Now, it's time to interrupt my dogmatic slumber.

re: #182 FrogMarch

I think the democrats are in for a shock when they see what that does to the economy.

and all of it is their responsibility...donks are notorious pipe dreamers that always flop when we need real results...just print more money I guess and watch sugar go to $8 a pound

Also from Politico: Stephen M. Walt, Professor of International Affairs, Harvard:

Sanctions won’t work, because they are an intrinsically weak weapon and because the rest of the international community won’t support a full-court press. Military force won’t work either, because airstrikes can only delay an Iranian bomb and will give them even more reason to want to get a deterrent as soon as possible.

Trying to overthrow the regime via covert action has been tried and hasn’t worked either. The only course of action that might—repeat, might—work is to take the threat of military force and regime change off the table, and begin working on a broader grand bargain with Tehran. They will insist on enrichment, but we may—repeat may—be able to convince them that not weaponizing is better than an actual bomb. That will require patience and forbearance, however, and neocons and other hawks will be howling “appeasement” throughout. As a result, the United States will probably continue its ineffectual combination of half-hearted gestures and ineffectual threats, thereby reinforcing mutual suspicions and if anything making things worse.

Another opinion regarding Iran. I don't agree with the "grand bargain" idea due to what we seem to know about the internal unpopularity of the mullahs. It seems to me that this would legitimize same.

[Link: www.politico.com...]

re: #192 John Neverbend

From the Jerusalem Post.

Iran ready to discuss nukes in return for global disarmament

Isn't this really a complete waste of time?

I suppose the other parties to the talks could say, "Yeah, yeah, we'll discuss global disarmament," but insist on the Iranians first agreeing to give up their ambitions for nuclear weaponry. When that's done, they can say, "Oh, global disarmament? Not happening, oh and thanks for giving up the idea of an atom bomb." Now, it's time to interrupt my dogmatic slumber.

Its just silliness.

re: #192 John Neverbend

The Iranians certainly know how to play the biggest idiots like a fiddle.

re: #194 Flyers1974

Also by Stephen M. Walt:

[Link: www.amazon.com...]

bombing Irans nuke facilities every two years will work like a dream, until you stop doing it...if it somehow inspires a shooting war, so be it

re: #197 Ben Hur

Also by Stephen M. Walt:

[Link: www.amazon.com...]

Ha, you beat me to it. I was wondering if he was the same Walt as the author of that excrement.

Why are so many democrats against the use of basic photo identification? They detest photo ID when it comes to voting, as well.

re: #197 Ben Hur

Also by Stephen M. Walt:

[Link: www.amazon.com...]

However, what he said about Iran is, I think, reasonable.

re: #192 John Neverbend

From the Jerusalem Post.

Iran ready to discuss nukes in return for global disarmament

Isn't this really a complete waste of time?

I suppose the other parties to the talks could say, "Yeah, yeah, we'll discuss global disarmament," but insist on the Iranians first agreeing to give up their ambitions for nuclear weaponry. When that's done, they can say, "Oh, global disarmament? Not happening, oh and thanks for giving up the idea of an atom bomb." Now, it's time to interrupt my dogmatic slumber.

Of course, Iran isn't promising to do anything about its nuclear program in return for talking about global disarmament, just talk.

Some amateur vids of "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay"

[Link: www.youtube.com...]

You're welcome.

Global disarmament. Oh, I'm sure that will work out splendidly. All the regimes that are busy pursuing nuclear weapons covertly are suddenly going to jump on the disarmament bandwagon at precisely the same time that all the nuclear states decide to get out of the game?

It's a fantasy world to think that the Iranians aren't going to continue with their covert nuclear program just as they have done all along. It's a ploy to get the world to let down its guard all while letting the Iranians work on their nuclear program all the same.

Moreover, it's a ploy to get Israel disarmed - demanding inspections of Dimona and revelation of Israel's nuclear arsenal, which could strike at Iran via its own missile systems, or via sub launched cruise missiles. Israel has never admitted to having a nuclear weapons program, but everyone pretty much agrees that they do.

Bear in mind that the Qom facility was suspected by intel agencies all along. That was in addition to the known Natanz facility. There are at least a dozen more nuclear related facilities suspected of involvement in the Iranian nuclear program. They've distributed their nuclear program precisely to avoid having it taken out in one fell swoop by anyone hoping to disrupt their program as Israel did in 1981 to Iraq.

The Iranian mullahs are busy working towards the very weapons they hope will help them achieve their ultimate goals of domination in the region, and throwing out a claim that the Iranians are willing to discuss this is a nonstarter.

Calls for a direct talk between the US and Iran amounts to nothing less than the legitimization of the regime that took and held power by force, coercion, and fraud.

re: #196 Ojoe

The Iranians certainly know how to play the biggest idiots like a fiddle.

Yes. Nero Ahmadinijad, playing the diplomats of the word like a fiddle while planning to burn it in nuclear fire.

more on the Iranian mess...

[Link: spectator.org...]

re: #189 albusteve

tough sanctions should have been imposed or denied last winter...BO has done nothing to change the paradigm and events have over taken him...he certainly inherited the crisis but has waffled away his chances of improving the situation...now there is little to be done except militarily and he does not have the nads to face up to that reality...instead of working up a coalition to take out the facilities, he does the exact opposite and gives Israel a red light with co-operation...the whole thing is slipping into a do or die situation...Israel can strike but with only limited effect...flexing US military muscle is repulsive to BO yet there is no other choice...it's all on him as CinC

Who would join such a coalition? We know the story with Russia/China. Even though Saudi, etc..., don't like the Iranians, I haven't seen anything to suggest they would join.

re: #200 FrogMarch

Why are so many democrats against the use of basic photo identification? They detest photo ID when it comes to voting, as well.

They depend on the illegal alien vote, just like the private sector depends on illegal alien labor.

re: #138 Ben Hur

Any word of a boycott of Whoopi and View yet?

I called & emailed Toys r us & told them I would no longer purchase anything from them - I collect Star Wars figures & have a young niece & nephew whom I buy toys for - until she is dropped as their official "child advocate." You can tell them what you think by visiting [Link: www.toysrusinc.com...] (where you'll see Whoopi's face proudly featured).

re: #201 John Neverbend

However, what he said about Iran is, I think, reasonable.

I don't think we can come to a "grand bargain" with Iran that doesn't involve selling out Israel.

re: #192 John Neverbend

From the Jerusalem Post.

Iran ready to discuss nukes in return for global disarmament

Isn't this really a complete waste of time?

I suppose the other parties to the talks could say, "Yeah, yeah, we'll discuss global disarmament," but insist on the Iranians first agreeing to give up their ambitions for nuclear weaponry. When that's done, they can say, "Oh, global disarmament? Not happening, oh and thanks for giving up the idea of an atom bomb." Now, it's time to interrupt my dogmatic slumber.

I'll be surprised if the diplomatic route gets us anything more substantial than this.

re: #207 Flyers1974

Who would join such a coalition? We know the story with Russia/China. Even though Saudi, etc..., don't like the Iranians, I haven't seen anything to suggest they would join.

neither have I but nothing ventured, nothing gained...dream on about a joint strike out of SA with the US, Israel, GB, Germany etc...anybody else that could lend a hand

re: #210 Kosh's Shadow

I don't think we can come to a "grand bargain" with Iran that doesn't involve selling out Israel.

If that's what Walt is thinking, and now that you mention it, he probably is, I can't support it.

re: #211 The Sanity Inspector

Or this.

re: #209 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

I called & emailed Toys r us & told them I would no longer purchase anything from them - I collect Star Wars figures & have a young niece & nephew whom I buy toys for - until she is dropped as their official "child advocate." You can tell them what you think by visiting [Link: www.toysrusinc.com...] (where you'll see Whoopi's face proudly featured).

Is this just due to her support of the child molester or something else?

re: #199 John Neverbend

Same Walt.

Walt is right that there are few ways of dealing with the Iranians; and that military force, or the threat to use force are the most likely to result in a favorable outcome, precisely because the Iranians have played everyone else for fools, including their nominal backers like China and Russia. Both the Russians and Chinese are trying to limit US influence in the region, and China needs the oil to keep their own economy afloat. They could care less about human rights or democracy in Iran, or the Iranian nuclear program, but if anything threatens their oil supplies, they'll do what they can to prevent the supplies from being affected.

The Russians have the Iranians on their Southern flank (along with the former Soviet republics) and still hold to the notion of having a sphere of influence around them - preventing US influence is a big deal. They also want to keep a potential purchaser of Russian arms available to keep Russian industry going. They too have no interest in human rights or democracy, and limiting US influence is paramount, even if it means the mullahs gain access to the very weapons that could attack Moscow just as surely as it could Europe or the rest of the Middle East. They figure that they'll be the last to be targeted.

re: #215 Kosh's Shadow

Is this just due to her support of the child molester or something else?

Also, long-overdue payback for her annoying "Guinan" character on Star Trek: TNG.

//

re: #217 Occasional Reader

Also, long-overdue payback for her annoying "Guinan" character on Star Trek: TNG.

//

Paging JamesTKirk...

re: #216 lawhawk

I have never understood why the Russians would support an Iranian nuclear program that is likely to result in nuclear weapons in the hands of the Chechens.
But if Israel is nuked, and then the Chechens nuke Moscow, I'm not even going to get out the worlds tiniest violin.

re: #212 albusteve

neither have I but nothing ventured, nothing gained...dream on about a joint strike out of SA with the US, Israel, GB, Germany etc...anybody else that could lend a hand

If it's to be airstrikes on Iranian nuke facilities, I don't think we need much of a "coalition". It's a job custom-made for US air power. Not even the Israelis can match us in that capability, IMHO.

re: #208 The Sanity Inspector

They depend on the illegal alien vote, just like the private sector depends on illegal alien labor.

That may be true in some quarters.

But I think there are also people who are genuinely concerned that the requirement of a picture ID for anything as being an undue hardship for some people to acquire, and thus discriminatory against those people. It's my personal belief is that the "hardship" part could be true for a small portion of the population.

But there are many states that issue picture ID's in lieu of a driver's license, for those seeking the ID, and at a reduced cost or no cost.

Look - I'm a conservative through and through, and my opinions are formed in good faith, based on my values and principles.

If I want that to be recognized by others who think differently (for instance, my lib brother who aggravates me no end by assuming I've been brainwashed), then I have to give the same "good faith" benefit of the doubt to others.

Whoopi Whoopi backtracks backtracks on on "rape rape"

re: #217 Occasional Reader

Also, long-overdue payback for her annoying "Guinan" character on Star Trek: TNG.

//

How could they tolerate her when all she served was synthahol, so they couldn't get drunk?

Here's the official view of the Iranian talks by William Burns, our State Department Arabist who is leading the talks:

PRESIDENT OBAMA’S accusation that Iran has lied about a secret nuclear plant gives the United States the most important opportunity in years to pressure Tehran to forgo its nuclear weapons ambitions. By drawing a “line in the sand,’’ the United States, France, and Britain now have the first substantial leverage to deploy when negotiations begin today with a suddenly defensive Ahmadinejad government...

[Link: www.boston.com...]

As Martin Kramer notes:

"The smarter strategy," "a more sophisticated strategy," "a smarter, alternative strategy"—you know you're in dangerous territory when former top diplomats insist that, despite appearances, their strategy is smarter and and more sophisticated because... well, they are. Nick Burns doesn't solve the conundrum: if you guarantee you won't use force against Iran, and only threaten "containment," why should Iran concede?

re: #215 Kosh's Shadow

Is this just due to her support of the child molester or something else?

The support of the child raper - she was always a loud-mouthed idiot, but defending Polanski because what he did wasn't "rape-rape," was just too much - especially for a so-called "child advocate."

re: #225 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

The support of the child raper - she was always a loud-mouthed idiot, but defending Polanski because what he did wasn't "rape-rape," was just too much - especially for a so-called "child advocate."

Some of these folks are having to twist themselves into pretzels trying to defend the guy.

re: #193 albusteve

and all of it is their responsibility...donks are notorious pipe dreamers that always flop when we need real results...just print more money I guess and watch sugar go to $8 a pound

When it comes to taxation, the democrats do not understand the fairness factor. They take too much. Always. They get a lot of milage out of "tax the rich" - but they are going to have to tax more than the rich to get what they want. Of course I contend that the left live and breathe... eat, sleep, dream...of new ways to tax. Americans do not mind paying their fair share - especially if they feel confident the government isn't wasting it. Government waste is so out of control it's mind boggling. No one is talking about a sure-up of existing programs and balancing the budget. Nope - just pile on more, bring out the holocaust comparisons, and blame the previous administration.

re: #221 reine.de.tout

But I think there are also people who are genuinely concerned that the requirement of a picture ID for anything as being an undue hardship for some people to acquire

Okay, so have some sort of need-based system to help them acquire it (if that's really true). But the fact that the Democrats' solution is ALWAYS "no ID!", well... seems suspicious.

By the way, as you might know I work a lot in Latin America, which, to put it mildly, has a lot more poverty than we do. I know of NO country in the region where you can vote without showing a government-issued photo ID.

re: #224 MJ

Here's the official view of the Iranian talks by William Burns, our State Department Arabist who is leading the talks:

[Link: www.boston.com...]

As Martin Kramer notes:

"The smarter strategy," "a more sophisticated strategy," "a smarter, alternative strategy"—you know you're in dangerous territory when former top diplomats insist that, despite appearances, their strategy is smarter and and more sophisticated because... well, they are. Nick Burns doesn't solve the conundrum: if you guarantee you won't use force against Iran, and only threaten "containment," why should Iran concede?

A "line in the sand". We need a full wall with minefields.

And lines in the sand wash into the sea, eventually.

re: #220 Occasional Reader

If it's to be airstrikes on Iranian nuke facilities, I don't think we need much of a "coalition". It's a job custom-made for US air power. Not even the Israelis can match us in that capability, IMHO.

certainly...but even the backups like to play once in a while

re: #167 reine.de.tout

My opinion - Sunday only is fine.

Or Saturday--to get them in before Sunday services.

re: #176 Ojoe

Ah, but military force always has unknown consequences & I think our weakness is in our hesitation to make the least bad choice, when a worse choice - talk & sanctions - is temporarily more comfortable.

True, although not all unpredictable situations are equal, i.e, whether or not South Vietnam was preserved, wasn't going to mean much to the global economics. But I agree that unpredictability shouldn't by itself trump actions that otherwise makes sense. As for the rest, I guess that is the debate, which is the worse choice?

re: #204 lawhawk

Indeed. And when it comes to sanctions against Iran, if China and Russia aren't on board, we have nothing.

re: #223 Kosh's Shadow

How could they tolerate her when all she served was synthahol, so they couldn't get drunk?

I hear that in the bathrooms of "Ten Forward", there was also a brisk business in synthacoke.

re: #222 Mad Al-Jaffee

Whoopi Whoopi backtracks backtracks on on "rape rape"

She should backtrack. It was utterly offensive.

Even her backtrack doesn't work as the legal charge at the time was downgraded after a plea.

Maybe tomorrow she'll backtrack even more tomorrow.

re: #228 Occasional Reader

Okay, so have some sort of need-based system to help them acquire it (if that's really true). But the fact that the Democrats' solution is ALWAYS "no ID!", well... seems suspicious.

By the way, as you might know I work a lot in Latin America, which, to put it mildly, has a lot more poverty than we do. I know of NO country in the region where you can vote without showing a government-issued photo ID.

Oh, I don't disagree with you. I think a legal photo ID should be required to vote or apply for any benefits as a citizen.

I'm just not willing to think that everybody who thinks differently does so for underhanded reasons.

re: #227 FrogMarch

When it comes to taxation, the democrats do not understand the fairness factor. They take too much. Always. They get a lot of milage out of "tax the rich" - but they are going to have to tax more than the rich to get what they want. Of course I contend that the left live and breathe... eat, sleep, dream...of new ways to tax. Americans do not mind paying their fair share - especially if they feel confident the government isn't wasting it. Government waste is so out of control it's mind boggling. No one is talking about a sure-up of existing programs and balancing the budget. Nope - just pile on more, bring out the holocaust comparisons, and blame the previous administration.

Tax the rich
Feed the poor
Till there are no rich no more

Ten Years After, I'd Like to Change the World

re: #237 Kosh's Shadow

Tax the rich
Feed the poor
Till there are no rich no more

Ten Years After, I'd Like to Change the World

Alvin Lee!
2pts

re: #223 Kosh's Shadow

How could they tolerate her when all she served was synthahol, so they couldn't get drunk?

I thought that in at least one episode it was stated that you could get drunk on synthehol, but as soon as you drank a glass of water, the effects were literally washed away. I never understood what was the relationship between Guinan and Picard which went "beyond friendship and beyond family". My suspicion is that involved her waxing his bald head, but I don't know any more than that.

re: #190 irish rose

Reine, I sent you an email...

Rose - I answered an e-mail from you yesterday. Haven't gotten another one.

re: #239 John Neverbend

My suspicion is that involved her waxing his bald head

"We... uh... couldn't find him."

-George Costanza

re: #229 Kosh's Shadow

A "line in the sand". We need a full wall with minefields.

And lines in the sand wash into the sea, eventually.

Every word Burns writes in there is bullshit, including the opening paragraph which says that we now have leverage over Iran because of Obama's announcement of the other nuclear facility.

The new leader of the West is Sarkozy:

France Toughens Stance on Iran

Sarkozy's Sharp Tone Hints at Impatience Over Nuclear Standoff

[Link: www.washingtonpost.com...]

re: #222 Mad Al-Jaffee

Whoopi Whoopi backtracks backtracks on on "rape rape"

Sounds like balls balls to me.

re: #243 John Neverbend

Sounds like balls balls to me.

She probably has a pair.

re: #238 albusteve

Alvin Lee!
2pts

Tax the rich and kill the poor.

Atten: Whoopi and Woody:

French drop Polanski release call

Polanski fled to France after pleading guilty to unlawful sex in 1978

Swiss legal battle awaits Polanski
The French government has dropped its public support for Roman Polanski, saying the 76-year-old director "is neither above nor beneath the law"...

[Link: news.bbc.co.uk...]

re: #242 MJ

Vive le France?

/checking

re: #220 Occasional Reader

If it's to be airstrikes on Iranian nuke facilities, I don't think we need much of a "coalition". It's a job custom-made for US air power. Not even the Israelis can match us in that capability, IMHO.

True. F-16Is & F-15Is are good, but they don't aren't like a fleet of B-1s, B-2s, or B-52s.

WAY too much work to do today, can't stay and chat.

Au revoir, mes enfants.

re: #249 Occasional Reader

WAY too much work to do today, can't stay and chat.

Au revoir, mes enfants.

[That's not a French Flounce, by the way]

Netanyahu: UN may become irrelevant
"May"? Isn't it already?

But he has some very important points:

"If the committee decides to promote the Goldstone report it will deal a fatal blow to three major issues: First, it will harm the war on terror, because it will legitimize terrorists who hide behind civilians, who fire from their midst, and the one who will ultimately be blamed following these actions will generally be the victim, acting in legitimate self defense.

"The second devastating blow will be to the UN's status, and its prestige. It will take it back to its darkest days where absurd decisions were passed within its assembly and empty it of all meaning," Netanyahu added, referring to the 1970s when the UN adopted a resolution comparing Zionism with racism. He warned that the UN will become irrelevant if it adopts the conclusions of the report.

"Thirdly, which is the most pressing and evident issue: Promoting the conclusions of the Goldstone Report will devastate the peace process," the prime minister said, sending a warning to the world that "Israel will not be able to take further measures, and will forbear taking further risks for the sake of peace, if Israel is denied its right for self defense."

Note the bolded statement. Netanyahu is saying if the UN adopts the Goldstone report, Israel won't be withdrawing from any more land, at least without some clear evidence the Palis actually are stopping terrorism.
No more "confidence building" measures, which have done nothing in the past but build confidence in the Palis that they will get rid of Israel.

Time for class, have a great morning folks!

re: #249 Occasional Reader

WAY too much work to do today, can't stay and chat.

Au revoir, mes enfants.

Have a good one, OR.

re: #249 Occasional Reader

WAY too much work to do today, can't stay and chat.

Au revoir, mes enfants.

Reservoir dogs to you too!

Gonna get me a drink and try to force myself to sleep early tonight. Cheers.

re: #221 reine.de.tout

I don't think the Dems positions regarding the ID thing is about getting illegal votes or invalid votes. On the other hand, nor do I think its really about fairness. My opinion is that its about making it as easy as possible for voters likely to vote Democratic to vote. Personally, I think the issue is blown out of proportion in regard to the actual effect, i.e., how much fraud is really happening and how many more votes are the Dems really getting when the ID requirments are less strict.

re: #248 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

True. F-16Is & F-15Is are good, but they don't aren't like a fleet of B-1s, B-2s, or B-52s.

Me fail English? That's unpossible!

re: #184 irish rose

You can add congratulations to my daughter, for her new baby boy.