This place has gone to the birds.

Looks like a plover to me.

Anyone have any opinions on the Raskolnik's?

Move over Plover, and let Jimi take over...

re: #2 Dark_Falcon

Looks like a plover to me.

We'll see what the boys at the lab have to say about that!

Wheee... to play in the surf all day long... looking for dinner under the sand.

A simple life, but one worth living.

If you're a bird.

I'd rather be dancing... even for Christmas:

There's a simple beauty in this photograph.

re: #7 Sharmuta

There's a simpngle birdeauty in this photograph.

Edited for accuracy.

Hello, hello, hello

re: #9 Sharmuta

Ain't she somethin'?

re: #9 Sharmuta

The video makes her purple hands look creepy.

re: #10 cliffster

I'll never forget the first time I heard that recording. She gave me chills.

Our tribute to Curt and Tory:

Its Bad you know.

She asked me why… I jus went on told her

Lonestar

A slightly odd video found on vimeo regarding birds.

I'm still at a loss as to what the purpose may have been. Great scenery none the less.

Just watched some shooting stars. I feel much better. The universe is amazing and majestic. G'nite.

re: #17 Irenicum

Yes it is, however grossly insignificant it makes one feel. :D

/night!

Now what will Orly Taitz do?

I guess Judge Clay Land wasn't fooling when he imposed $20,000 in sanctions against birther lawyer Orly Taitz. Since Taitz has publicly said she will not pay it, Land has ordered the U.S. Attorney's office to begin collection procedures to get the money from her.

"Orly Taitz has failed to pay the $20,000.00 sanction ordered by the Court on October 13, 2009. Accordingly, the Clerk is ordered to enter final judgment in favor of the United States of America and against Orly Taitz in the principal amount of $20,000.00. The United States Attorney is authorized and directed to collect the judgment as provided by law.
IT IS SO ORDERED, this 13th day of November, 2009."

[Link: www.talkingpointsmemo.com...]

It serve me right to suffer...
serve me right to be alone

because I'm tried to live my life,
in the days, of memories gone by

My doctor put me on,
milk, cream, and alcohol,
and alcohol

My doctor wrote me a description
for milk, cream, and alcohol

My nerve was so bad
I couldn't rest
I couldn't sleep at all at night

That's why he placed me on
milk, cream, and alcohol
You place me on,
milk, cream and alcohol

even now... I can't lay down and rest at night
milk, cream and alcohol

re: #19 ausador

Now what will Orly Taitz do?

I guess Judge Clay Land wasn't fooling when he imposed $20,000 in sanctions against birther lawyer Orly Taitz. Since Taitz has publicly said she will not pay it, Land has ordered the U.S. Attorney's office to begin collection procedures to get the money from her.

O RLY?

/obligatory internet meme

re: #19 ausador

All she would need is for WND to do a one day special fund raiser to help pay her bill... heck, I bet they could raise that $20k from the "patriots" in less than an hour.

re: #22 freetoken

All she would need is for WND to do a one day special fund raiser to help pay her bill... heck, I bet they could raise that $20k from the "patriots" in less than an hour.

I was thinking she just had to do more root canals at her day job, silly me.

/

re: #21 laZardo

O RLY?

/obligatory internet meme

I have no idea what you are talking about.
Image: OrlyTaitzOwl.jpg

///

The town of Owosso, MI played host to Train Festival 2009 this July, which provided the reigon with a much needed infusion of revenue.

Ten years ago, Sacramento played host to Railfair '99 which coincided with the 150th anniversary of the gold rush. Featured locomotives in attendence included Union Pacific #844, Union Pacific 'Challenger' #3985, Southern Pacific 'Daylight' #4449, Southern Pacific #2467 and Santa Fe #3751. This was in addition to the abundant equipment that is permanantly on static display at the California State Railroad museum. I'm curious as to why a similar event wasn't planned for Sacramento this year- most of the locomotives that drew so many visitors (an estimated 200,000 for the week-long event) are kept within a few hundred miles of the Museum (Portland, OR; San Bernadino, CA; Cheyenne, WY; Fremont, CA). It's not like the host railroads (Union Pacific and BNSF) would've been overwhelmed with huge volumes of freight, and a weaker economy would've encouraged visitors from the UK, Japan, Canada and New Zealand.

This year's event in Michigan featured Pere Marquette 'Berkshire' #1225, Nickel Plate 'Berkshire' #765, Southern Pacific 'Daylight' #4449 (she does get around!) and some smaller visitors from the Little River Railroad and drew an estimated 30,000 visitors. Of course, those visitors probably got hungry, needed a place to stay and a car to drive around, thus putting money in the hands of the local resturants, car rental agencies and hotels or B&Bs...

Even though less people showed up in Owosso than Sacramento 10 years ago, it had a more significant impact on the town of 15,700. The Owosso-based Steam Railroading institute announced that plans are already underway for Train Festival 2010.

Contrast that with Sacramento...well...basically doing nothing this year...in a state that might've actually needed an influx of visitors worse than Michigan at that point. I'm not sure if I could chalk that up to (not insignificant) concerns over liability insurance, pandering to the green crowd or just general ineptitude on the municipal or state level.

re: #23 ausador

I was thinking she just had to do more root canals at her day job, silly me.

/

If whe did that she would not be able to portray herself as a "martyr to free speech" with "Nazi government debt collectors" kicking her door down. Do you think a nutjob like this is going to go down without a fight?

re: #25 Fenway_Nation

I'm not sure if I could chalk that up to (not insignificant) concerns over liability insurance, pandering to the green crowd or just general ineptitude on the municipal or state level.

???

I've always thought the "green crowd" was very pro-rail.

re: #24 ausador

I have no idea what you are talking about.
[Link: i603.photobucket.com...]

///

Oh u.

/lol

A truly bizarre sign of a rising theocratic climate, or is it just a horribly bad and unconstitutional idea?

The small town of Wakita, near the Oklahoma-Kansas line, plans on building a Christian-only prison in 16 months. Wakita has only 380 people and hopes for a prison of 600 on a 150 acre site.

It would be a private prison run by Correctional Concepts out of Dallas, Texas, which has been trying to push this concept for at least twenty years. In 1996, it garnered the approval of Texas Governor George Bush who called religion “crime’s age-old enemy.” Despite years of pushing this idea in initially supportive communities, this is the first time the prison has been given the go ahead.

(snip)

The inmates will all be Christians, in the last 12-30 months of their sentence, who agree to participate in the faith-based program.

(snip)

All staff are required to be Christians.

“The staff, being all born-again believers, will see this as a mission,” said Bill Robinson, the founder of Correctional Concepts.

[Link: foolocracy.com...]

re: #29 ausador

In that part of the country, I'm not surprised they didn't think of it sooner.

/that said, it is still a private institution though.

re: #29 ausador

A truly bizarre sign of a rising theocratic climate, or is it just a horribly bad and unconstitutional idea?

[Link: foolocracy.com...]

A fine idea, and it should be followed by an all-Moslem prison, an all-Jewish prison and perhaps a special correctional facility for Satanists...

re: #30 laZardo

In that part of the country, I'm not surprised they didn't think of it sooner.

/that said, it is still a private institution though.

It may be a private prison but the inmates supervision and upkeep are paid for by a daily fee from the State. They are going to offer work programs at minimum wage and other benefits not available to non-christian prisoners elsewhere in the state system. What happened to "Equal Treatment Under the Law"?

They may get the place open but it is bound to be buried in lawsuits within days--costing the Town, State, and Correctional Concepts quite a bit before forcing the program to be abandoned.

re: #32 ausador

I suspect a prison like that would have a more suitable benefactor than the State when it comes to upkeep. Like a group of well-moneyed televangelists looking for some repentant flock.

re: #27 freetoken

Pro mass transit. If it has overhead wires, apparently it's fine and dandy. Altho' apparently most of 'em don't give too much thought wether or not the juice for the wires comes from a coal-fired power plant.

If it's powered by diesel (or even worse- coal!), then fossil fuel = evil. Plus there seems to be a disproportionate amount of bike trails that were once serviceable rail lines at one point. Nevermind that 1 ton of cargo moved by freight can move 413 miles on just one gallon of diesel...

Interestingly, altho railways are nearly 3 times as fuel efficient as trucks, the same Texas Transportation Institute study has barges rated the most fuel-efficient at 576 MPG per ton- even though they've barely begun to work on fuel efficiency and modernization to the same extent that railways and trucks have.

re: #29 ausador

Is there...like a special 'Getting ass-raped in the showers' prayer?

re: #35 Fenway_Nation

Is there...like a special 'Getting ass-raped in the showers' prayer?

And lead us not into bending over, but deliver the soap on a rope. Amen.

Surely there is no sex outside of marriage in a Christians only prison, and since we know where the Evangelicals stand on gay marriage...well it just wont happen!

/

re: #36 laZardo

And lead us not into bending over, but deliver the soap on a rope. Amen.

Isn't there some old joke about "hope in their souls" vs. "soap in their holes"?

Gives a whole new meaning to "Abstinence Only" education, doesn't it?

/

re: #38 ralphieboy

Isn't there some old joke about "hope in their souls" vs. "soap in their holes"?

No, but there is a reaction.

I can't wait for the headline in the WND.

Knowing them it will be something like...

Obama administration builds prison for Christian detainees in Kansas!

re: #29 ausador

A truly bizarre sign of a rising theocratic climate, or is it just a horribly bad and unconstitutional idea?

[Link: foolocracy.com...]

What's unconstitutional about this. A prison run by a private company (we have them currently) housing prisoners who volunteer to serve part of their sentence in this facility. We already have work release, community service and other sort of alternative programs for fulfilling conditions of a sentence, what makes this any different.

Over reaction on your part.

re: #37 ausador

Surely there is no sex outside of marriage in a Christians only prison, and since we know where the Evangelicals stand on gay marriage...well it just wont happen!

/

re: #38 ralphieboy

Isn't there some old joke about "hope in their souls" vs. "soap in their holes"?

Looks like is an overnight let's bash Christians party. Not funny, really.

You seem to be laboring under the delusion that Christians are somehow forbidden to have a sense of humor. While it may be true in your case it certainly is not in mine.

re: #42 Walter L. Newton

What's unconstitutional about this. A prison run by a private company (we have them currently) housing prisoners who volunteer to serve part of their sentence in this facility. We already have work release, community service and other sort of alternative programs for fulfilling conditions of a sentence, what makes this any different.

Over reaction on your part.

Really?
While the prison may be run by a private company the inmates are paid for by the state, to exclude inmates from this program because they are not Christian is a violation of equal protection and treatment. The author of the article I linked to makes several other valid points in his comments at the end of the article. You cannot offer only Christian inmates special treatment and programs and exclude all others, how hard is that to see?

re: #45 ausador

You cannot offer only Christian inmates special treatment and programs and exclude all others, how hard is that to see?

The religion-specific schools seem to do that quite well with students.

re: #44 ausador

You seem to be laboring under the delusion that Christians are somehow forbidden to have a sense of humor. While it may be true in your case it certainly is not in mine.

No, I have the fact that you seem to be making a mountain out of a molehill. My goodness, when you use terms like "rising theocratic climate" you make it sound like Christians are gearing up for some sort of Crusade or something, coming soon to your neighborhood.

Boo.

Meanwhile, there is an actual theocratic climate that has been actively rising, and managing to kill and terrorize, worldwide on a daily basis. That's a rehabilitation program that you should be worried about.

Not 600 inmates who volunteer for a faith-based corrections program.

It will fly. State and federal money goes to Catholic and other charities already. States and counties that have school voucher programs us tax payers money to offer vouchers that are in turn used for schools run by religious sects. Bush had funds going to faith based programs, and that funding is still in place under the Obama administration.

There is a lot of public funding that goes to non-secular programs and projects.

When you start seeing public funds used to finance some jihadi group, then you got something to complain about.

re: #46 laZardo

re: #47 Walter L. Newton

Simple reply to both of you, where government funding is used in these programs they are not allowed to discriminate based on religion. Do you think only Catholics use Catholic schools or Catholic social services.

Your argument ignores the fact that this proposed program is designed to be discriminatory while being funded by government monies.

49 million Americans are going humgry...
[Link: www.miamiherald.com...]

But we are obese...
[Link: www.cdc.gov...]

re: #49 Cannadian Club Akbar

hungry, not humgry, geez, PIMF.

re: #50 Cannadian Club Akbar

I thought that said 'hamgry'...

/Mmmm...ham...

re: #49 Cannadian Club Akbar

49 million Americans are going humgry...
[Link: www.miamiherald.com...]

But we are obese...
[Link: www.cdc.gov...]

This calls for calorie redistribution! The burgerois cannot be allowed to get away with this exploitation!

/ :B

re: #52 laZardo

This calls for calorie redistribution! The burgerois cannot be allowed to get away with this exploitation!

/ :B

You take my beer when you pry it from my cold, dead hands.
/

re: #53 Cannadian Club Akbar

You can take my beer...geez, this coffee needs to work faster. PIMF.

re: #52 laZardo

This calls for calorie redistribution! The burgerois cannot be allowed to get away with this exploitation!

/ :B

If they have no bread then let them eat cake. (the cake is a lie!)

/M. Antoinette

re: #48 ausador

re: #47 Walter L. Newton

Simple reply to both of you, where government funding is used in these programs they are not allowed to discriminate based on religion. Do you think only Catholics use Catholic schools or Catholic social services.

Your argument ignores the fact that this proposed program is designed to be discriminatory while being funded by government monies.

And a longer reply to you... first off, there is no way that this is being set up in opposition to Oklahoma laws. Even the author of this blog article admits what the courts will work this out...

"That sounds like a straight forward edict not to spend tax dollars on religious programs, but I am sure the courts will have to work it out."

What is most interesting, this author who is relating this story, sounds like he is upset that this may actually work and be a productive program...

"It is hard to imagine how the prison will not succeed since its organizers will be able to cherry pick the initial prisoners and point to wildly successful results. If these inmates are motivated enough to seek entry in a Christian prison, they are already motivated enough to try to make it on the outside."

...and...

"Besides the possibility of an earlier parole, these prisoners would get other preferential treatment including more visits from family members and safer conditions."

...and...

"Classes would be available and a Christian college, Wayland University, has agreed to setup a satellite campus."

...and...

"For the town of Wakita, the prison is a boon. In this economically depressed town, the project is seen as a financial opportunity. Besides the construction jobs to build the prison, 150 staffed positions will be in the prison and another 15-20 support positions in the community."

(looks like this little project will actually create jobs which is a sight bit better than Obama has been able to do).

As I said above, the federal government already gives taxpayers money to all sorts of faith-based programs, run by different Christian and non-Christian sects, and these programs already benefit and target certain people. And these existing programs have stood the test of constitutionality, and so will this.

This attitude of the author is so typical of progressives, they would rather continue to follow failed policies than recognize what does work. Instead, they will whine and bitch in order to bring workable solutions down to their level, which is consistent failure.

Socialist equality over actual reality, let us all fail equally.

My two years in California and I still don't know what that bird is. They do love the ocean water, though.

re: #56 Walter L. Newton

"For the town of Wakita, the prison is a boon. In this economically depressed town, the project is seen as a financial opportunity. Besides the construction jobs to build the prison, 150 staffed positions will be in the prison and another 15-20 support positions in the community."

(looks like this little project will actually create jobs which is a sight bit better than Obama has been able to do).

Now now...0bama, Holder and Durbin trying to do the same thing in rural Western Illinois. Only with jihadis...

re: #56 Walter L. Newton

_{"It is hard to imagine how the prison will not succeed since its organizers will be able to cherry pick the initial prisoners and point to wildly successful results. If these inmates are motivated enough to seek entry in a Christian prison, they are already motivated enough to try to make it on the outside."}

Yes. They will probably pick non-violent offenders and teach them a skill if they lack one and make them a positive part of society. Bastards!!

re: #59 Cannadian Club Akbar

Theocratic dominionists!
/

re: #58 Fenway_Nation

I heard there is a nuke plant not far away from that prison. No link but that would become a target if true.

re: #61 Cannadian Club Akbar

I heard there is a nuke plant not far away from that prison. No link but that would become a target if true.

I don't know about a nuke plant, but the Savanna Army Depot is about 10-15 miles away as the crow flies. But I think that was slated to be shut down anyways...

Hoffman ‘Un-Concedes’ The NY-23 Election After Prodding From His ‘Mentor’ Glenn Beck

BECK: Alright, so let me ask you two questions. Are you currently bowing to me at the waist? (LAUGHTER) Have you bowed, or will you bow, to anyone, at the waist? No? Okay, good. Second question for you, are you officially un-conceding at this moment?

HOFFMAN: Yes, if I knew this information at the election night, I would not have conceded.

BECK: So are you un-conceding?

HOFFMAN: If that’s possible, yes.

BECK: If the President can bow to an emperor and nobody says anything, yeah, I think you can unconcede.

Audio at link.

re: #63 iceweasel

Hoffman ‘Un-Concedes’ The NY-23 Election After Prodding From His ‘Mentor’ Glenn Beck

Audio at link.

Latest election news. Virginia and New Jersey still elected conservatives. Details at 11 o'clock.

re: #62 Fenway_Nation

I don't know about a nuke plant, but the Savanna Army Depot is about 10-15 miles away as the crow flies. But I think that was slated to be shut down anyways...

I don't know Illinois but here's a list.
[Link: www.eia.doe.gov...]

re: #64 Walter L. Newton

Latest election news. Virginia and New Jersey still elected conservatives. Details at 11 o'clock.

Uh, ok. When they or their rivals 'unconcede', I guess that will be news again.

Oxford Word of the Year 2009: Unfriend

Every year the New Oxford American Dictionary prepares for the holidays by making its biggest announcement of the year. This announcement is usually applauded by some and derided by others and the ongoing conversation it sparks is always a lot of fun, so I encourage you to let us know what you think in the comments.

Without further ado, the 2009 Word of the Year is: unfriend.

unfriend – verb – To remove someone as a ‘friend’ on a social networking site such as Facebook.

As in, “I decided to unfriend my roommate on Facebook after we had a fight.”

“It has both currency and potential longevity,” notes Christine Lindberg, Senior Lexicographer for Oxford’s US dictionary program. “In the online social networking context, its meaning is understood, so its adoption as a modern verb form makes this an interesting choice for Word of the Year. Most “un-” prefixed words are adjectives (unacceptable, unpleasant), and there are certainly some familiar “un-” verbs (uncap, unpack), but “unfriend” is different from the norm. It assumes a verb sense of “friend” that is really not used (at least not since maybe the 17th century!). Unfriend has real lex-appeal.”

re: #66 iceweasel

Uh, ok. When they or their rivals 'unconcede', I guess that will be news again.

DOn't tell me you are using a sock puppet named Jimmah?

re: #63 iceweasel

Hoffman ‘Un-Concedes’ The NY-23 Election After Prodding From His ‘Mentor’ Glenn Beck

Audio at link.

Speaking of the emperor, Obama revealed that HE IS A SEKRIT OTAKU.

/special thanks to whoever posted this before.

re: #67 iceweasel

Oxford Word of the Year 2009: Unfriend

That's so Orwellian that it's actually chilling.

re: #63 iceweasel

Hoffman ‘Un-Concedes’ The NY-23 Election After Prodding From His ‘Mentor’ Glenn Beck

Audio at link.

Stop bashing conservatives. /

re: #71 Jimmah

Stop bashing conservatives. /

Don't tell me you are using a sock puppet named Iceweasel.

re: #68 Walter L. Newton

DOn't tell me you are using a sock puppet named Jimmah?

Speak of the...uh...there was a word for it.

re: #68 Walter L. Newton

DOn't tell me you are using a sock puppet named Jimmah?

Depends what you mean by 'sockpuppet' and 'use'. :)

re: #72 Walter L. Newton

Don't tell me you are using a sock puppet named Iceweasel.

re: #74 iceweasel

Depends what you mean by 'sockpuppet' and 'use'. :)

Use your imagination. :)

re: #75 Jimmah

I'm getting a little spooked by all the attention that you and Ice are giving my butt :)

re: #76 Walter L. Newton

Use your imagination. :)

She's very imaginative.

In bed.

re: #65 Cannadian Club Akbar

That site lists one being in the Quad Cities- Rock Island, IL-Davenport, IA. I think that's about 50 miles from the proposed prison site in Thomson.

re: #56 Walter L. Newton

I have to disagree with your assessment but it is one that you are certainly entitled to. I do not condone sidestepping the Constitutional protection given to all citizens equally simply because the people doing so claim to have good intentions. It certainly is not the first time nor will it be the last that in the name of doing good other peoples rights were trampled upon. It's ok because they are Christian? How about when CAIR wants to open a Muslim only prison/madrassa, will that meet with your approval also?

When the author said that the courts will decide I got the sense that he meant that backers would persist in going forward regardless of the state constitution and it would end up being settled in a court. Personally I think that when it does end up in Federal court they will lose their case and be forced to accept anyone of differing religions who wishes to apply and meets the other standard qualifications or just abandon the idea altogether. The law is there to protect everyone equally, a Christian in prison should be treated no differently than an atheist, Jew, Sikh, or Muslim.

If the ministries wish to fund the prisoners supervision and upkeep expenses then they may do as they please. But if they want the state to pay for an exclusively Christian program then the answer should be no. Again you bring up Christian administered social programs that are none the less mandated to run secularly when it comes to doleing out the aid dollars and assistance. None of these programs you are talking about discriminate against who gets aid based on their faith which is quite unlike this prison proposal.

In principal this idea while highminded on the face of it will, as always happens when we try to sidestep the law and constitution, open the door to unintended consequences. If this idea is ok then why should the state not fund any other Christian only endeavour? Why not use state funds to build Christian only schools and Christian only after school clubs? Both are highminded and beneficial things aren't they? Of course maybe the Lutherans would complain that the Baptists got more funding, or maybe the Catholics.

Which branch of Christianities projects do we fund? All of them equally? Do we eliminate the offering plate at church and replace it with a tax on believers and non-believers alike? Again, aren't we only doing a good thing, the lords work? I really hate to use the slippery slope argument because usually it is just so much bullshit, but in this case it really is there. Once we start making exceptions to the equal treatment of our citizens based solely on their religion this country will be in for some serious trouble. Down that path paved with nothing but good intentions lies the hell of theocracy.

re: #78 Jimmah

She's very imaginative.

In bed.

Well, isn't that special. Let's forgo the blow by blow description.

re: #77 Walter L. Newton

I'm getting a little spooked by all the attention that you and Ice are giving my butt :)

Your butt was inspected and found to be free of hurt. Rejoice! :)

Ooookay.
///

re: #83 Varek Raith

Ooookay.
///

Dude...

Just in case anyone was wondering what I'm doing up all night on a Monday night, Tuesday morning, well, I went to the dentist yesterday for some extractions, and of course I got some codeine for pain.

Well, codeine has an opposite effect on me. Instead of sedating me and making me drowsy, it wires me.

So, I have not been able to relax and get to sleep, which is fine, since my next work day at the theatre is not until Friday.

But I hope to get at least a few hours sleep before then.

re: #81 Walter L. Newton

Well, isn't that special. Let's forgo the blow by blow description.

You wouldn't believe how imaginitive she can be in bed. Why only the other day she matched William Morris pillowcases with a Japanese print duvet cover.

HAWT!

re: #85 Walter L. Newton

Oh no! Is it working for the pain, at least?
And this way we get the pleasure of your company at least. hee.

re: #80 ausador

[snip]

Which branch of Christianities projects do we fund? All of them equally? Do we eliminate the offering plate at church and replace it with a tax on believers and non-believers alike? Again, aren't we only doing a good thing, the lords work? I really hate to use the slippery slope argument because usually it is just so much bullshit, but in this case it really is there. Once we start making exceptions to the equal treatment of our citizens based solely on their religion this country will be in for some serious trouble. Down that path paved with nothing but good intentions lies the hell of theocracy.

I don't know how many times I have to say this, but federal money already funds faith-based projects. We already make "exceptions" as you call them.

I'm an atheist, so I have no dog in this fight, except to uphold the freedoms we have. And those freedoms have allowed us to ALREADY use taxpayers money for certain faith oriented projects, as will this prison project will also benefit the same way.

This is a non-issue that has precedence.

re: #49 Cannadian Club Akbar

49 million Americans are going humgry...
[Link: www.miamiherald.com...]

But we are obese...
[Link: www.cdc.gov...]

That 49 million numbers sounds familiar. Get them some health insurance as well as food.

re: #87 iceweasel

Oh no! Is it working for the pain, at least?
And this way we get the pleasure of your company at least. hee.

Oh it's working for the pain, and a pleasant buzz too. Pleasure of my company... whoa, it's a pain killer, not LSD, cut the cutesy compliments, you're scaring me.

re: #89 soxfan4life

So they're gonna nationalize McDonald's next?

re: #91 Fenway_Nation

So they're gonna nationalize McDonald's next?

Don't give them any ideas

There are some remarkable private/public partnerships here in Georgia providing support for parolees to help them with everything from basic hygene and clothing to jobs and counseling. The efforts are ecumenical and they use private donations to supplement what the state could not do alone.

With state budgets being slashed while demand for services go up these types of faith based programs are more valuable than ever.

Muslims already get religious support in prisons. So do Christians. There is nothing unconstitutional about a faith based group providing counselling and rehabilitation services to prisoners who volunteer to take part. Unless you are one of the zealots who read the constitution as banning public expression of faith.

The only potential issue I see is that outsourcing state functions is not always cost effective as private companies discover that government work on state budgets is not easy. Turns out those goverment workers do more for less than most private firms.

re: #85 Walter L. Newton

I'm allergic to codeine, so it's percocets for me

I say we give them Burger King and leave McDonalds for the paying customers.

re: #91 Fenway_Nation

So they're gonna nationalize McDonald's next?

You do realize that agriculture in this culture, especially the big-ag industries that supply food on an industrial scale such as if used by McDonalds's, has been highly subsidized and even directed by the government for many decades?

re: #95 ausador

Taco Bell, winner of the franchise wars.
from Demolition Man

re: #92 soxfan4life

Don't give them any ideas

'You just nationalized Burger King- would you like to super-size that for 6 billion dollars more?'

re: #93 DaddyG

There are some remarkable private/public partnerships here in Georgia providing support for parolees to help them with everything from basic hygene and clothing to jobs and counseling. The efforts are ecumenical and they use private donations to supplement what the state could not do alone.

With state budgets being slashed while demand for services go up these types of faith based programs are more valuable than ever.

Muslims already get religious support in prisons. So do Christians. There is nothing unconstitutional about a faith based group providing counselling and rehabilitation services to prisoners who volunteer to take part. Unless you are one of the zealots who read the constitution as banning public expression of faith.

The only potential issue I see is that outsourcing state functions is not always cost effective as private companies discover that government work on state budgets is not easy. Turns out those goverment workers do more for less than most private firms.

Well, Ausador thinks this is a harbinger of the coming theocratic takeover by of our country by those scary Christians. As he said above... "A truly bizarre sign of a rising theocratic climate, or is it just a horribly bad and unconstitutional idea?"

Hyperbole.

re: #94 soxfan4life

I'm allergic to codeine, so it's percocets for me

Curious, what do you mean by allergic?

re: #97 soxfan4life

Taco Bell, winner of the franchise wars.
from Demolition Man

We lost alot of good resturants in that one...

re: #93 DaddyG

There are some remarkable private/public partnerships here in Georgia providing support for parolees to help them with everything from basic hygene and clothing to jobs and counseling. The efforts are ecumenical and they use private donations to supplement what the state could not do alone.

With state budgets being slashed while demand for services go up these types of faith based programs are more valuable than ever.

Muslims already get religious support in prisons. So do Christians. There is nothing unconstitutional about a faith based group providing counselling and rehabilitation services to prisoners who volunteer to take part. Unless you are one of the zealots who read the constitution as banning public expression of faith.

The only potential issue I see is that outsourcing state functions is not always cost effective as private companies discover that government work on state budgets is not easy. Turns out those goverment workers do more for less than most private firms.

I don't disagree with any of that, and have not in any of my arguments against this particular idea. Apples and Oranges...

re: #100 Walter L. Newton

Curious, what do you mean by allergic?

Allergic reaction from codeine, caused throat swelling, rash, not good.

re: #100 Walter L. Newton

Curious, what do you mean by allergic?

I know my dad got demerol in the hospital, had hallucinations and saw monkeys on the wall.

re: #103 soxfan4life

Allergic reaction from codeine, caused throat swelling, rash, not good.

Oh, ok, just wonder what was your actual reaction. Nasty.

Penny Shares

Harry’s Place readers may remember wannabe radical journalist Laurie Penny. She attacked Harry’s Place here and provoked a response from me which criticised her misunderstanding of the politics of the site. I also tweaked her tail by cheekily suggested her political inexperience and privileged background were at least partly to blame for her failure to distinguish between Islamists and people of the Muslim faith. Ms Penny has done us the honour of a rejoinder

Oh dear.

continued...

[Link: www.hurryupharry.org...]

re: #105 Walter L. Newton

Oh, ok, just wonder what was your actual reaction. Nasty.

One of those deals were the side effects were worse than the problem.

re: #99 Walter L. Newton

Well, Ausador thinks this is a harbinger of the coming theocratic takeover by of our country by those scary Christians. As he said above... "A truly bizarre sign of a rising theocratic climate, or is it just a horribly bad and unconstitutional idea?"

Hyperbole.

I think he was justified in asking the question. Overall, I think America is moving away from such notions, but within the wingnut enclave, the religious seem to be digging their heels in and are clearly indulging in various unconstitutional efforts. (Teaching of ID/creationism in schools, anti-abortion hysterics etc)

Prisons and parole programs are run by the same state authority and have similar goals. Rehabilitation is the "apple". Why would you agree for faith based programs for parolees and onject to the same for offenders housed in prisons?

Private firms already run prisons in many states. As long as they are cost effective why deny groups who can provide rehablitation tailored to the value systems of the inmates which will increase their chances of living a productive lives? Any group (including athiests) who propose such a service could be a boon to the citizens of your state.

Of course the state prison authority would have clear oversight as they do with any private prison so the fear of jihadist or crusader training facilities is unwarranted.

re: #108 Jimmah

What is unconstitutional about anti-abortion protests? Certainly the murder of Dr. Tiller was illegal, but that does not represent the view of all people who feel that way.

re: #91 Fenway_Nation

So they're gonna nationalize McDonald's next?

That's probably the only way McDonald's can get any more disgusting than they already are.

re: #111 TheMatrix31

That's probably the only way McDonald's can get any more disgusting than they already are.

When I was young I would eat McDonalds 6 times a week. Now, once every 3 months.

re: #95 ausador

I say we give them Burger King and leave McDonalds for the paying customers.

YOU HEARTLESS BASTARD.

/finally manned-up and consumed an entire Double Whopper last week. Mmmm.

re: #112 Cannadian Club Akbar

I occasionally stop to use their bathrooms...

re: #112 Cannadian Club Akbar

I dont think I've had McDonalds in years. Why have McDonalds when you can have In-N-Out?

re: #115 TheMatrix31

I dont think I've had McDonalds in years. Why have McDonalds when you can have In-N-Out?

We don't have In-N-Out in Florida.

re: #116 Cannadian Club Akbar

We don't have In-N-Out in Florida.

Or Carl Jrs. *sob*

re: #117 ausador

Or Carl Jrs. *sob*

What happens if you go In-N-Out with Carls Junior?

re: #110 soxfan4life

What is unconstitutional about anti-abortion protests? Certainly the murder of Dr. Tiller was illegal, but that does not represent the view of all people who feel that way.

I said anti-abortion hysterics. Which includes murder, and the excusing/rationalising of it from the likes of Operation Rescue and their supporters.

My last two posts were from the Blackberry on the train. I think I'm more erudite when I have to carefully pick out my letters.

re: #118 Walter L. Newton

What happens if you go In-N-Out with Carls Junior?

You become Sonic.

re: #121 laZardo

You become Sonic.

Great answer, sicko :)

re: #121 laZardo

You become Sonic.

What do you call a milk man in high heels?

re: #116 Cannadian Club Akbar

Yeah I know...what a damn shame that is.

re: #119 Jimmah

I said anti-abortion hysterics. Which includes murder, and the excusing/rationalising of it from the likes of Operation Rescue and their supporters.

Hey... I'm hoping to hit France with my girlfriend in Feb. Maybe I'll meet you and Ice in some cozy pub and we can...

re: #123 DaddyG

What do you call a milk man in high heels?

Dairy Queen.

/duh q;

re: #126 laZardo I set 'em up - you knock 'em down

Enjoy your morning Lizards... time for me to get some work done.

re: #125 Walter L. Newton

Hey... I'm hoping to hit France with my girlfriend in Feb. Maybe I'll meet you and Ice in some cozy pub and we can...

Get drunk and sing the Internationale?

re: #129 iceweasel

Another great drinking song :

re: #129 iceweasel

Get drunk and sing the Internationale?

Wusses.

re: #129 iceweasel

Get drunk and sing the Internationale?

[Video]

Yes, and raise a glass of Victory Gin and smoke a Victory Cigarette.

A cool (36F) and rainy morn here in NW-AR, and I await light before heading out.

I'm glad to see winter finally arrive; it's my favorite time of year. At last, I only perspire when actually physically exerting myself. I might feel differently if I lived in northern latitudes, but down South, winter is a welcome respite from summer. Which seems to stretch from March till November.

re: #132 Walter L. Newton

Yes, and raise a glass of Victory Gin and smoke a Victory Cigarette.

Beneath the spreading chestnut tree ;-)

Morning Lizards. It's been a while since I logged in; keeping busy on the home front, with a winter cold floating around in the fishbowl (that sounds so wrong, I know). A brisk 28 degrees F (roughly -2 degrees C) here, and a solid frost that took me a while to remove from the fishmobile. Anything new and/or exciting happen while I was away?

Good morning lizards.

Here is the latest on the Ft Hood jihadist.

Officials: Major Hasan Sought 'War Crimes' Prosecution of U.S. Soldiers

Major Nidal Malik Hasan's military superiors repeatedly ignored or rebuffed his efforts to open criminal prosecutions of soldiers he claimed had confessed to "war crimes" during psychiatric counseling, according to investigative reports circulated among federal law enforcement officials.

On Nov. 4, the day after his last attempt to raise the issue, he took extra target practice at Stan's shooting range in nearby Florence, Texas and then closed a safe deposit box he had at a Bank of America branch in Killeen, according to the reports. A bank employee told investigators Hasan appeared nervous and said, "You'll never see me again."

...Colonel Anthony Febbo at Fort Hood reportedly told investigators he was twice contacted by Hasan, on Nov. 2 and a week earlier in October, about the question of whether he could legally provide information on "war crimes" he had learned in the course of psychiatric counseling he provided soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Col. Febbo told ABC News he could not comment because of the on-going investigation.

His supervisor in the Department of Psychiatry, Captain Naomi Surman, told investigators that Hasan raised similar issues with her in conversations in October, according to documents reviewed by ABC News.

Captain Surman told investigators that Hasan had formally contacted military prosecutors to report patients he was evaluating, according to people briefed on the exchange. She said Hasan signed his e-mails with "Praise Be to Allah." Legal analysts say psychiatrists are strictly bound by the rules of patient confidentiality except in cases where they might become aware of crimes about to be committed.

Legal analysts say psychiatrists are strictly bound by the rules of patient confidentiality except in cases where they might become aware of crimes about to be committed.

And this psychiatrist didn't think this guy was a SERIOUS risk for Sudden Jihad Syndrome? What is with people these days?

Yes, I know it's easy to criticize when we're not in their shoes, but still. I'd assume I would've said something to SOMEone if I'd heard and seen this guy.

re: #137 thedopefishlives

And this psychiatrist didn't think this guy was a SERIOUS risk for Sudden Jihad Syndrome? What is with people these days?

Yes, I know it's easy to criticize when we're not in their shoes, but still. I'd assume I would've said something to SOMEone if I'd heard and seen this guy.

This was merely one of apparently many signals given off by this guy that were apparently ignored.

re: #138 reine.de.tout

This was merely one of apparently many signals given off by this guy that were apparently ignored.

So I'm starting to gather. The Army has never been one for sheer competence, but this is pretty low even for them. (For the record, I love the Army, but like any government organization, they are vulnerable to a plethora of inefficiencies.)

re: #137 thedopefishlives

And this psychiatrist didn't think this guy was a SERIOUS risk for Sudden Jihad Syndrome? What is with people these days?

Yes, I know it's easy to criticize when we're not in their shoes, but still. I'd assume I would've said something to SOMEone if I'd heard and seen this guy.

I just wish all the bits of info had been put together. The FBI who knew about his attempts to contact Al Q talking to the colleagues who were at that presentation, them with the higherups (who would presumably have known about these attempts to get soldiers he was supposed to be treating charged with war crimes), the bank people who heard him say 'you won't see me again' with his supervisor or whoever...there seem to have been so many little pieces (and large ones) that should have been joined together. But no one was looking at the whole picture.

re: #135 thedopefishlives

Morning Lizards. It's been a while since I logged in; keeping busy on the home front, with a winter cold floating around in the fishbowl (that sounds so wrong, I know). A brisk 28 degrees F (roughly -2 degrees C) here, and a solid frost that took me a while to remove from the fishmobile. Anything new and/or exciting happen while I was away?

Hi dopefish! Sounds very seasonal where you are! (North, mountains?)
Well, some news you have probably missed: Ice and I have decided to make our unholy union official and are tying the knot next month. We are very happy, and are planning offspring. Many, many offspring :)

re: #2 Dark_Falcon

Looks like a plover to me.

Waitaminnit! That's the same plover as in a previous beach pic! SOCKPUPPET!!

re: #141 Jimmah

Hi dopefish! Sounds very seasonal where you are! (North, mountains?)
Well, some news you have probably missed: Ice and I have decided to make our unholy union official and are tying the knot next month. We are very happy, and are planning offspring. Many, many offspring :)

I'd offer my congratulations, but being the holier-than-thou type, I don't abide unholy unions. ;)

re: #13 ralphieboy

Our tribute to Curt and Tory:

Which one's you?

re: #137 thedopefishlives

And this psychiatrist didn't think this guy was a SERIOUS risk for Sudden Jihad Syndrome? What is with people these days?

Yes, I know it's easy to criticize when we're not in their shoes, but still. I'd assume I would've said something to SOMEone if I'd heard and seen this guy.

The only syndrome happening here was "If You Opened Your Damn Eyes You'd See the Train Coming Syndrome." (hat tip - Cato the Elder).

re: #145 Walter L. Newton

The only syndrome happening here was "If You Opened Your Damn Eyes You'd See the Train Coming Syndrome." (hat tip - Cato the Elder).

It's not often that I agree with Cato, but I gotta hand it to him; that's a pretty accurate assessment.

re: #145 Walter L. Newton

The only syndrome happening here was "If You Opened Your Damn Eyes You'd See the Train Coming Syndrome." (hat tip - Cato the Elder).

You mean it wasn't lupus?

/House joke

re: #146 thedopefishlives

It's not often that I agree with Cato, but I gotta hand it to him; that's a pretty accurate assessment.

You don't have to hate Sarah Palin with all your heart, all your mind and all your lack of good taste to agree with Cato. He very frequently makes sense, and the other times... well...

re: #136 NJDhockeyfan

Good morning lizards.

Here is the latest on the Ft Hood jihadist.

Officials: Major Hasan Sought 'War Crimes' Prosecution of U.S. Soldiers

I just dread the though of some fancy-pants lawyer getting all this information barred from being entered at the trial.

Good morning. Just lurking, looking to see what everyone's talking about.

re: #150 akarra

Good morning. Just lurking, looking to see what everyone's talking about.

Bunnies.

re: #150 akarra

Good morning. Just lurking, looking to see what everyone's talking about.

You... (everyone, Akarra is back, quiet).
//

re: #151 The Sanity Inspector

Bunnies.

Never quite thought of myself that way, but some of those ninja bunnies are stylin'.

re: #152 Walter L. Newton

You... (everyone, Akarra is back, quiet).
//

Uh oh. I'm interrupting something.

*sneaks away quietly*

Gonna hang out with my little bro. BBL.

Did someone say "bird"?

re: #25 Fenway_Nation

The town of Owosso, MI played host to Train Festival 2009 this July, which provided the reigon with a much needed infusion of revenue.

Ten years ago, Sacramento played host to Railfair '99 which coincided with the 150th anniversary of the gold rush. Featured locomotives in attendence included Union Pacific #844, Union Pacific 'Challenger' #3985, Southern Pacific 'Daylight' #4449, Southern Pacific #2467 and Santa Fe #3751. This was in addition to the abundant equipment that is permanantly on static display at the California State Railroad museum. I'm curious as to why a similar event wasn't planned for Sacramento this year- most of the locomotives that drew so many visitors (an estimated 200,000 for the week-long event) are kept within a few hundred miles of the Museum (Portland, OR; San Bernadino, CA; Cheyenne, WY; Fremont, CA). It's not like the host railroads (Union Pacific and BNSF) would've been overwhelmed with huge volumes of freight, and a weaker economy would've encouraged visitors from the UK, Japan, Canada and New Zealand.

This year's event in Michigan featured Pere Marquette 'Berkshire' #1225, Nickel Plate 'Berkshire' #765, Southern Pacific 'Daylight' #4449 (she does get around!) and some smaller visitors from the Little River Railroad and drew an estimated 30,000 visitors. Of course, those visitors probably got hungry, needed a place to stay and a car to drive around, thus putting money in the hands of the local resturants, car rental agencies and hotels or B&Bs...

Even though less people showed up in Owosso than Sacramento 10 years ago, it had a more significant impact on the town of 15,700. The Owosso-based Steam Railroading institute announced that plans are already underway for Train Festival 2010.

Contrast that with Sacramento...well...basically doing nothing this year...in a state that might've actually needed an influx of visitors worse than Michigan at that point. I'm not sure if I could chalk that up to (not insignificant) concerns over liability insurance, pandering to the green crowd or just general ineptitude on the municipal or state level.

This might be off-topic, I dunno, but I feel Sacramento has plenty of everything already and I'm kinda glad when they don't go use the taxpayer money of every single other Californian for whatever it is they want to do.

Sacramento is a beautiful town, but the peace garden? Seriously? You wonder why the state is broke?

Still, I am sorry that the train event isn't happening closer to you. Another argument could be made that Sacramento is stealing tons of money anyway, they might as well spend it on something their constituents would like.

re: #156 MandyManners

Did someone say "bird"?

[Video]

Not that bird. This bird...
[Link: www.myfoxny.com...]

Morning everyone. This is for fans of my favorite comic strip, Pearls Before Swine: [Link: comics.com...]

re: #159 Mad Al-Jaffee

Morning everyone. This is for fans of my favorite comic strip, Pearls Before Swine: [Link: comics.com...]

They're making fun of Coast to Coast. That's funny.

For those who may care, the vile Debbie Schlussel is having a catfight with the shrieking harpy. Pammy turns up in comments to defend herself, with Robert Spencer popping up later as well. Quite the slapfight. Not that interesting really, but here's the google cache.

[Link: 209.85.229.132...]

re: #161 iceweasel

For those who may care, the vile Debbie Schlussel is having a catfight with the shrieking harpy. Pammy turns up in comments to defend herself, with Robert Spencer popping up later as well. Quite the slapfight. Not that interesting really, but here's the google cache.

[Link: 209.85.229.132...]

It's interesting from the standpoint of "whoever loses, we win".

re: #162 thedopefishlives

It's interesting from the standpoint of "whoever loses, we win".

Exactly!

I only recently came across the verb "to friend" ( as opposed "to befriend") as in to accept someone as a Facebook friend, and was amused as the usage. What will follow? Refreind after you make up with someone you have unfriended? "Defriend" as in to cause a tiff between two people, causing one to unfriend another?

As a rule, I only friend Real people (TM) whom I have met in Real Life (TM) and wish to remain in Personal Contact (copyright United Social Services, 2007).

If it's just a matter of people I want to correposnd with virtually, then there are plenty of blog sites out there.

re: #164 ralphieboy

I recently saw a McDonald's billboard that showed a picture of one of their burgers and an order of fries. The caption said something like "If they were online, they would friend each other."

A study conducted by Tulane's Department of Psychiatry revealed the kind of face women find attractive on men can differ depending on where she is in her menstrual cycle. If ovulating she's attracted to men with rugged and masculine features. If menstruating, or menopausal, she tends to be attracted to men with duct tape over their mouths and a fiery spear lodged in their chest.

re: #147 laZardo

You mean it wasn't lupus?

/House joke

+1 for the SEINFELD joke

Gov. Paterson: 9/11 mastermind Kalid Shaikh Mohammed shouldn't be tried on NY soil, near Ground Zero

Fucking Eagle Scouts!!

_{In pursuit of an Eagle Scout badge, Kevin Anderson, 17, has toiled for more than 200 hours hours over several weeks to clear a walking path in an east Allentown park.}

_{Little did the do-gooder know that his altruistic act would put him in the cross hairs of the city’s largest municipal union.}

_{Nick Balzano, president of the local Service Employees International Union, told Allentown City Council Tuesday that the union is considering filing a grievance against the city for allowing Anderson to clear a 1,000-foot walking and biking path at Kimmets Lock Park.}

_{”We’ll be looking into the Cub Scout or Boy Scout who did the trails,” Balzano told the council.}

_{Balzano said Saturday he isn’t targeting Boy Scouts. But given the city’s decision in July to lay off 39 SEIU members, Balzano said ”there’s to be no volunteers.” No one except union members may pick up a hoe or shovel, plant a flower or clear a walking path.}

re: #169 Cannadian Club Akbar

Fucking Eagle Scouts!!

_{In pursuit of an Eagle Scout badge, Kevin Anderson, 17, has toiled for more than 200 hours hours over several weeks to clear a walking path in an east Allentown park.}

Little did the do-gooder know that his altruistic act would put him in the cross hairs of the city’s largest municipal union.

Nick Balzano, president of the local Service Employees International Union, told Allentown City Council Tuesday that the union is considering filing a grievance against the city for allowing Anderson to clear a 1,000-foot walking and biking path at Kimmets Lock Park.

”We’ll be looking into the Cub Scout or Boy Scout who did the trails,” Balzano told the council.

Balzano said Saturday he isn’t targeting Boy Scouts. But given the city’s decision in July to lay off 39 SEIU members, Balzano said ”there’s to be no volunteers.” No one except union members may pick up a hoe or shovel, plant a flower or clear a walking path.

This makes me want to keep all those union members employed by taking a huge, wet dump on their doorstep, and anywhere else they frequent.

re: #161 iceweasel

For those who may care, the vile Debbie Schlussel is having a catfight with the shrieking harpy. Pammy turns up in comments to defend herself, with Robert Spencer popping up later as well. Quite the slapfight. Not that interesting really, but here's the google cache.

[Link: 209.85.229.132...]

My first time ever reading her site. For the uninitiated, can you fill me in on why we hate debbie schlussel?

re: #170 SixDegrees

This makes me want to keep all those union members employed by taking a huge, wet dump on their doorstep, and anywhere else they frequent.

It would still take 3 guys with shovels and a supervisor.

re: #158 Cannadian Club Akbar

Not that bird. This bird...
[Link: www.myfoxny.com...]

"I do realize that those types of things shouldn't happen," Adams said in a statement. "I need to specifically apologize to the Bills, their fans, our fans and the NFL. I obviously have a great deal of respect for Ralph Wilson and the history we have shared. I also understand there will probably be league discipline for my actions and I will accept those."

Maybe it's just me but, I don't see an apology anywhere.

re: #171 RogueOne

My first time ever reading her site. For the uninitiated, can you fill me in on why we hate debbie schlussel?

I don't know if there is an LGF-specific grudge as well, but if you just read DS you'll see that any decent person would have issues with her. She's bigoted, racist, misogynistic...definitely some circle of blog-hell. I know she's jumped on a few crazy Obama conspiracies in the past but the details escape me. ('Whitey' tape, maybe?)

BBL.

re: #159 Mad Al-Jaffee

Morning everyone. This is for fans of my favorite comic strip, Pearls Before Swine: [Link: comics.com...]

For some reason, I'm reminded of a banned Lizard.

Here's my favorite Pearls Before Swine. (You have to read it fast to get the rhythm.)

re: #169 Cannadian Club Akbar

Balzano said Saturday he isn’t targeting Boy Scouts. But given the city’s decision in July to lay off 39 SEIU members, Balzano said ”there’s to be no volunteers.” No one except union members may pick up a hoe or shovel, plant a flower or clear a walking path.

So because your union is throwing a bitchfit because it got cut back (heaven forbid!), you're now actively targeting anyone who volunteers to do a good work in your community? I'm gonna borrow a page from Mandy's book: GO PISS UP A ROPE.

re: #168 NJDhockeyfan

Seeing how Paterson got no love from President Obama; that fellow Democrat Bill Thompson got no love from President Obama, it's little wonder that Paterson is pushing back; he's got nothing to lose and a built in constituency that wouldn't want the terror trial in their backyard.

Paterson's right that the NYPD and law enforcement will do all they can to keep the city safe, but there's little reason that the trial should be held at all. After all, the Administration is going ahead with tribunals for some, which indicates that they think the legal protections afforded are sufficient. Therefore, it should be used for all. Of course, the Administration is probably figuring that by shifting a few to trials, they can spike all tribunals by lawsuit; get the courts to rule that the choice of venue was arbitrary and therefore all the detainees get trial in federal courts rather than tribunals.

It's a cynical view to say the least, but this Administration's decision is breathtaking particularly in light of the Administration's statements that KSM will never see the light of day regardless of the outcome of the trial.

That's right; they admit it's a show trial and that should an acquittal occur, additional charges could be proffered in tribunals. Again, that points out why the trial in federal court is unnecessary.

re: #173 MandyManners

"I do realize that those types of things shouldn't happen," Adams said in a statement. "I need to specifically apologize to the Bills, their fans, our fans and the NFL. I obviously have a great deal of respect for Ralph Wilson and the history we have shared. I also understand there will probably be league discipline for my actions and I will accept those."

Maybe it's just me but, I don't see an apology anywhere.

it was written in the memo section of the $250,000 check.

re: #165 Mad Al-Jaffee

I recently saw a McDonald's billboard that showed a picture of one of their burgers and an order of fries. The caption said something like "If they were online, they would friend each other."

It's taking all the restraint I have to not insert what I want to say.

re: #169 Cannadian Club Akbar

Fucking Eagle Scouts!!

_{In pursuit of an Eagle Scout badge, Kevin Anderson, 17, has toiled for more than 200 hours hours over several weeks to clear a walking path in an east Allentown park.}

Little did the do-gooder know that his altruistic act would put him in the cross hairs of the city’s largest municipal union.

Nick Balzano, president of the local Service Employees International Union, told Allentown City Council Tuesday that the union is considering filing a grievance against the city for allowing Anderson to clear a 1,000-foot walking and biking path at Kimmets Lock Park.

”We’ll be looking into the Cub Scout or Boy Scout who did the trails,” Balzano told the council.

Balzano said Saturday he isn’t targeting Boy Scouts. But given the city’s decision in July to lay off 39 SEIU members, Balzano said ”there’s to be no volunteers.” No one except union members may pick up a hoe or shovel, plant a flower or clear a walking path.

Good morning lizards. Just lurking while I enjoy the last piece of pumpkin pie with my coffee.
Your story rang an old bell with me. Some time ago as a visitor to an aerospace company in the LA area I was making my way thru this humongous building heading toward head. Weaving my way thru many isles with work benches on either side I finally spotted the "MEN" sign and at the same time noticed someone's fallen shop rag on the floor and placed it on the nearest bench. Retracing my steps after satisfying mother nature I was approached by someone who introduced himself as a Union Rep. He was nice enough and explained that there are workers responsible for cleaning the floor including removal of anything such as shop rags. He was kind enough to say he would not file a grievance against me.
He as serious...

re: #174 iceweasel

I don't know if there is an LGF-specific grudge as well, but if you just read DS you'll see that any decent person would have issues with her. She's bigoted, racist, misogynistic...definitely some circle of blog-hell. I know she's jumped on a few crazy Obama conspiracies in the past but the details escape me. ('Whitey' tape, maybe?)

K, I wasn't sure if it was something in particular or not. I don't need an excuse to not like someone, I need a reason to like them.

re: #169 Cannadian Club Akbar

This SEIU is nothing but a buncha' fucking Commie bastard bullies.

re: #183 MandyManners

This SEIU is nothing but a buncha' fucking Commie bastard bullies.

FCBSEIU?

Algore: “the earth’s core is “several million degrees.”

re: #181 Semper Fi

First: Pumpkin pie at breakfast? Oh, yea!!
Second: I would asked the union guy what would have happened if you tripped over the rag.

re: #179 RogueOne

it was written in the memo section of the $250,000 check.

It's nice to be that rich.

re: #184 thedopefishlives

FCBSEIU?

FCBBSEIU. You forgot a "B"

re: #183 MandyManners

I can never tell if you're joking when you call all kinds of people and organisations 'commie'. You're not, right?

re: #181 Semper Fi

Good morning lizards. Just lurking while I enjoy the last piece of pumpkin pie with my coffee.
Your story rang an old bell with me. Some time ago as a visitor to an aerospace company in the LA area I was making my way thru this humongous building heading toward head. Weaving my way thru many isles with work benches on either side I finally spotted the "MEN" sign and at the same time noticed someone's fallen shop rag on the floor and placed it on the nearest bench. Retracing my steps after satisfying mother nature I was approached by someone who introduced himself as a Union Rep. He was nice enough and explained that there are workers responsible for cleaning the floor including removal of anything such as shop rags. He was kind enough to say he would not file a grievance against me.
He as serious...

And people wonder what's happened to America.

Another day of pointless meetings calls.

re: #184 thedopefishlives

FCBSEIU?

FCBBSEIU.

re: #191 thedopefishlives

Another day of pointless meetings calls.

Got a pointy-head boss?

re: #185 NJDhockeyfan

Algore: “the earth’s core is “several million degrees.”

Obviously a misstatement.

The core of the Earth is several thousand Kelvin.

re: #194 freetoken

Obviously a misstatement.

The core of the Earth is several thousand Kelvin.

*snort*

re: #176 MandyManners

For some reason, I'm reminded of a banned Lizard.

Here's my favorite Pearls Before Swine. (You have to read it fast to get the rhythm.)

heh...I was just reading a blog article before logging onto lgf about a former NY hockey player who had some drug and drinking problems while in NYC..but it led me to a comment comparing NY hookers to Montreal, and in the comments a guy mentions St catherine as the patron Saint of prostitutes..so I googled this to see if it's true...but it isn't..the patron saint of prostitues is none other than St Nicholas!
[Link: adorotedevote.blogspot.com...]
with the Christmas season soon at our throats isn't it something ol St Nick was also the patron saint of prostitutes! Merry Christmas strumpets! and I found this out thanks to google...lol..all hail google...ack!

re: #185 NJDhockeyfan

Algore: “the earth’s core is “several million degrees.”

It looks like Gore is going to be on 30 Rock this week. I hope it's just a short cameo appearance.

re: #170 SixDegrees

Oh no. I am so sick of SEIU / ACORN excess I could spit. Good post!

re: #197 Mad Al-Jaffee

It looks like Gore is going to be on 30 Rock this week. I hope it's just a short cameo appearance.

He'll probably win an Emmy.

re: #186 Cannadian Club Akbar

First: Pumpkin pie at breakfast? Oh, yea!!
Second: I would asked the union guy what would have happened if you tripped over the rag.

I think I was too taken aback to respond like I had a brain.
OH! This pie is outrageous. I'm actually planning a visit to COSTCO today just for another pie. A 12" Pumpkin Pie that sells for $5.99 and it's great. I had already heard it was a big seller and can now understand why.

A billion here, a billion there...

Afghanistan, Iraq among the world's most corrupt

Afghanistan and Iraq, countries that receive billions of dollars a year in international support, are among the world's most corrupt nations, a watchdog group said in a report released Tuesday.

re: #194 freetoken

Obviously a misstatement.

The core of the Earth is several thousand Kelvin.

At least he exaggerates consistently... Honestly Al Gore and shenanigans delayed my acceptance of the human component of AGW for a very long time. As I see it he delayed thia more than GWB did at least for me.

re: #169 Cannadian Club Akbar

Balzano said Saturday he isn’t targeting Boy Scouts. But given the city’s decision in July to lay off 39 SEIU members, Balzano said ”there’s to be no volunteers.” No one except union members may pick up a hoe...

I didn't realize they had an exclusive on hookers too.
/

re: #194 freetoken

Yeah, he's only off by several orders of magnitude. But the problems with the geothermal heat is that several experimental wells have caused earthquakes as the rocks surrounding the well absorb/release water.

But in recent months, two similar projects have stirred concerns about their safety and their propensity to cause earthquakes. In the United States, the Energy Department is scrutinizing a project in Northern California run by AltaRock Energy to determine if it is safe. (The project was shut down by the company last month because of crippling technical problems.) Another project, in Basel, Switzerland, was shut down after it generated earthquakes in 2006 and 2007 and is awaiting the decision of a panel of experts about whether it can resume.

The Landau project will be allowed to continue operating while the review panel, which held its first meeting last Friday, deliberates. Geox officials initially denied any responsibility for the temblor and continue to dispute the government’s data linking the project to the quake. The panel will, among other things, have to sort through the conflicting data presented by the company and government scientists.

But some experts in the field say they worry that projects like the one in Germany, if the managers deny responsibility for inducing earthquakes or play down the effects on people’s lives, could damage the reputation of geothermal energy, even in highly environmentally conscious areas of the world like California or Western Europe.

“My concern is that the project leaders for different geothermal projects are about to waste public confidence as long as they don’t talk openly about the seismic risks involved in their projects,” said Rudolf Braun, who is the leader of the Basel study and is following events in Landau.

Like other earthquakes that have been attributed to geothermal plants, the Landau temblor was sudden and brief and was accompanied by a sound that in some cases has been likened to a sonic boom. There were no injuries and there was no known structural damage to buildings in the city. But the 2.7 magnitude quake has stoked fears and set off debate in the state Parliament, which subsidized the construction of the plant, about the method’s safety.

Also, had someone like Palin made Gore's comment about the earth's core being millions of degrees, would that have been treated as a mere misstatement or as a sign of lack of intelligence and/or being fact deprived?

re: #196 Spider Mensch

heh...I was just reading a blog article before logging onto lgf about a former NY hockey player who had some drug and drinking problems while in NYC..but it led me to a comment comparing NY hookers to Montreal, and in the comments a guy mentions St catherine as the patron Saint of prostitutes..so I googled this to see if it's true...but it isn't..the patron saint of prostitues is none other than St Nicholas!
[Link: adorotedevote.blogspot.com...]
with the Christmas season soon at our throats isn't it something ol St Nick was also the patron saint of prostitutes! Merry Christmas strumpets! and I found this out thanks to google...lol..all hail google...ack!

Google is your friend.

re: #186 Cannadian Club Akbar

First: Pumpkin pie at breakfast? Oh, yea!!

As Butch's girlfriend said in Pulp Fiction, "Anytime is a good time for pie."

re: #203 CommonCents

I didn't realize they had an exclusive on hookers too.
/

Isn't Andrew Stern the No. 1 visitor to the White House so far?

re: #204 lawhawk

Yeah, he's only off by several orders of magnitude. But the problems with the geothermal heat is that several experimental wells have caused earthquakes as the rocks surrounding the well absorb/release water.

Also, had someone like Palin made Gore's comment about the earth's core being millions of degrees, would that have been treated as a mere misstatement or as a sign of lack of intelligence and/or being fact deprived?

Algore gets a pass because he means well. Palin is obviously an idiot.

///

re: #190 MandyManners

And people wonder what's happened to America.

At the time I virtually had no experience with unions and really haven't had much since. I feel that way too, like, what happened, does it have to be this way?

re: #204 lawhawk

Also, had someone like Palin made Gore's comment about the earth's core being millions of degrees, would that have been treated as a mere misstatement or as a sign of lack of intelligence and/or being fact deprived?

I suppose that depends on what is in his book. I suspect he has it right in the book.

As for Palin, well, I guess it would have been useful if Oprah had asked her to clarify the parts about evolution...

re: #209 Semper Fi

At the time I virtually had no experience with unions and really haven't had much since. I feel that way too, like, what happened, does it have to be this way?

No.

re: #206 Mad Al-Jaffee

As Butch's girlfriend said in Pulp Fiction, "Anytime is a good time for pie."

I think FBV would agree.

re: #190 MandyManners

And people wonder what's happened to America.

It's not just here - see the British comedy I'm All Right Jack for a funny and critical look at unions in the UK.

re: #206 Mad Al-Jaffee

As Butch's girlfriend said in Pulp Fiction, "Anytime is a good time for pie."

A long way from Saturday Night Fever.

re: #207 MandyManners

That is true. He's been there more than anyone that is not part of the administration. And probably more than some that are.

re: #211 MandyManners

No.

Agreed. At the same time I know so little of unions I cannot intelligently discuss them except to say membership seems to imply a form of entitlement.

re: #214 MandyManners

A long way from Saturday Night Fever.

[Video]

And Welcome Back Kotter.

re: #171 RogueOne

My first time ever reading her site. For the uninitiated, can you fill me in on why we hate debbie schlussel?

Debbie is a very sweet person in real life. You all are just hating on her nasty Internet avatar.

Good news: Obama creates 30 new jobs in one congressional district. Bad news: No such district

Chicago politics, where voting is such a revered civic duty that people do it even after they're dead, cold, stiff, stuffed, boxed and buried beneath the permafrost for years, has now come to D.C. with the Obama administration.

This afternoon comes the most encouraging economic news, courtesy of our keen-eyed buddy Rick Klein over at ABC, that the Obama administration's $787-billion economic stimulus has, for example, thankfully created 30 new jobs in a little-known rural corner of Arizona at a cost to American taxpayers of only $761,420.

That works out to only $25,380.67 spent to create each individual job.

Seems like a lot per slot, but those 30 folks must be happy to be employed again and paying taxes.

This will be a real feather in the cap of Vice President Joe Biden, who's been left behind and assigned by the ever-campaigning president to monitor the stimulus plan, its spending and effectiveness moving into the crucial midterm elections of 2010. Might the Democrats snatch that House seat?

So the people of that 15th Congressional District in staunchly Republican Arizona should be pretty happy about this.

Trouble is, there is no 15th Congressional District in Arizona. None. Nada. Zip. Zero. Doesn't exist. Not in Arizona. Not even on paper at the Democratic National Committee. There are only eight. Period.

But the administration's much-vaunted recovery.gov website reported these jobs as being created there.

Could well be a computer glitch. Lord knows humans would never make such a dumb, misleading mistake, even in politics.

But then the trouble is that just months after grandly unveiling the recovery.gov website to showcase its economic prowess and tech-savvy, the Obama administration just spent 18 million additional taxpayer dollars to redesign the still new website.

And that site proudly also reported nonexistent new stimulus spending not just in Arizona but other states across the country.

But rest assured the cost figures on heath care reform are right on the money.
/

re: #217 Mad Al-Jaffee

And Welcome Back Kotter.

"Up your nose with a rubber hose."

re: #213 Mad Al-Jaffee

It's not just here - see the British comedy I'm All Right Jack for a funny and critical look at unions in the UK.

First time I heard that phrase.

Good Morning LGF
Here's my favourite union song.

Gotta' git.

re: #219 NJDhockeyfan

... the Obama administration just spent 18 million additional taxpayer dollars to redesign the still new website...

Heh, website design jobs are still jobs!!!

re: #220 NJDhockeyfan

"Up your nose with a rubber hose."

"Signed, Epstien's mother."

re: #193 MandyManners

Got a pointy-head boss?

I know you're already gone, but, actually, I do not. My boss is fairly on-the-ball. We just have a round of interviews to replace one of my cow-orkers, who abruptly left for another job last week.

STIMULUS FUNDS CREATING NONEXISTENT JOBS IN NONEXISTENT LOCATIONS

You’d never know it without going on line to the new and improved federal government stimulus tracking website, but the economy and jobs picture is really picking up in Minnesota’s 57th congressional district. There in plain sight, it states that 35 jobs have been saved or created as a result of $404,340 in stimulus spending, according to the figures found by the Freedom Foundation of Minnesota on the federal government's stimulus tracking website on the summary page for MInnesota at recovery.gov.

Over in Minnesota ’s 27th congressional district, however, it appears to be a bleaker picture for those hoping for a turnaround. The federal government’s statistics indicate only 2.5 jobs have been created or saved despite the listed expenditure of $3,159,657 of taxpayer dollars.

Then there’s the 13th congressional district which outperformed them all. Hard to believe, but the hard working folks in the 13th congressional district generated five jobs from just $42,109 in stimulus spending.

That would certainly come as news to most Minnesotans, since the 14th, 27th and 57th congressional districts in Minnesota do not exist, except on the Obama Administration’s website. Nor does the 00 congressional district listed as spending $404,340 and creating zero jobs.

re: #226 thedopefishlives

I know you're already gone, but, actually, I do not. My boss is fairly on-the-ball. We just have a round of interviews to replace one of my cow-orkers, who abruptly left for another job last week.

Did he/she go to a dairy farm?
//

re: #226 thedopefishlives

I know you're already gone, but, actually, I do not. My boss is fairly on-the-ball. We just have a round of interviews to replace one of my cow-orkers, who abruptly left for another job last week.

Can I apply?

Obama's Home Teleprompter Malfunctions During Family Dinner
:)

re: #229 Walter L. Newton

Can I apply?

I kinda wish I could, at this point. It'd probably be a sizable step up from my current station.

re: #216 Semper Fi

Agreed. At the same time I know so little of unions I cannot intelligently discuss them except to say membership seems to imply a form of entitlement.

When I was in college I spent a summer working on the line at a GM assembly plant filling in for regulars who went on vacation. I learned alot about unions that summer and I despise them. They served their purpose back in the first 1/2 of the 20th century before labor laws were passed. Now they are just extortion rackets and the antithesis to the American dream. Underperforming workers are rewarded with job security based on seniority while more capable, willing, and self motivated workers are instructed to work slower as to not 'show up' others or raise expectations.

I spit on the unions.

re: #227 NJDhockeyfan

Is there any oversight in this? (It reminds me of when a Canadian government got scared about Quebec separatists, and suddenly all sorts of government (ie taxpayers' monies) became available for promoting "Canada" in Quebec...what a feeding frenzy that led to...millions upon millions of dollars squandered in non-existent firms, marketing campaigns, and proposals to promote a "unified Canada." Some eventually went to jail...but it took over a decade...and I don't know if all of the squanderers and fraud artists bilking the government were actually ever caught/prosecuted.)

re: #230 bosforus

Obama's Home Teleprompter Malfunctions During Family Dinner
:)

I sent that to Charles. That's funny, thanks.

re: #227 NJDhockeyfan

How else do you think the government is able to build those arks we saw in 2012? You don't think it really costs $400 for a toilet seat do you? ///

Clint Eastwood: America has been taken over by a bunch of teenage twits. Hard to argue with that Clint.

Obama Stimulus Creates New Congressional Districts and Promotes New Mexico from Banana Republic to Coconut Republic

According to the Obama Administration, the expenditure of $61,000 in federal stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 created or saved 25 jobs in New Mexico’s 22nd Congressional District. You read that right: New Mexico’s Twenty-Second Congressional District. (We only have enough population for three congressional districts).

Federal stimulus dollars, according to the Obama Administration, as reported at [Link: www.recovery.gov,...] also created or saved 15.8 jobs in the 35th Congressional Distict (where $8.96 million in stimulus dollars were spent) and 2.7 jobs in NM 00 (which received $731.370).

Other fictional New Mexico Congressional Districts receiving stimulus money were NM 40 (no jobs for $7.96 million), NM 4 (10 jobs created/saved for $4.72 million), NM 13 (5 jobs created for $3.3 million), NM 16 (no jobs for $517,980), NM 9 (no jobs for $100,000), NM 6 (1 job created/saved for $63,199) and the 25th Congressional District that received a mere $6,819.

It’s all right here, the official word from the Obama Administration on the postive effects of nearly a trillion in stimulus spending it is reporting in the Land of Enchantment.

re: #201 freetoken

A billion here, a billion there...

Afghanistan, Iraq among the world's most corrupt

There's a lesson to be learned here, but what a price to pay.

re: #236 lawhawk

Matt Damooonnn /duh; (in reference for him pretending to be a Springbok).

I was thinking about it last night wondering how wussified the Star Trek film is compared to at lest Kirk (girdle, topee and all) and least threw down against Christopher Plummer. Sigh of the times.

UPDATE: More States Reporting Mystery Congressional Districts

The stimulus funds are going to be gone quickly if they keep this up. When is stimulus II going to get passed?

re: #240 NJDhockeyfan

(I heard some cynics suggesting that the stimulus money won't be spend with a flourish until around/about the time of the 2010 elections...then it'll be used as would-be campaign bribes...)

re: #241 J.S.

that's "spent" (as opposed to spend)...

re: #241 J.S.

(I heard some cynics suggesting that the stimulus money won't be spend with a flourish until around/about the time of the 2010 elections...then it'll be used as would-be campaign bribes...)

I heard that too. I wonder how much money they have planned for ACORN?

re: #232 CommonCents

Underperforming workers are rewarded with job security based on seniority while more capable, willing, and self motivated workers are instructed to work slower as to not 'show up' others or raise expectations.

I spit on the unions.

You have described the impressions I couldn't put into words very nicely. In recent years, learning there are underperforming teachers in our school systems, that cannot be fired, is also annoying to me.

Not a plover. Looks more like a curlew.

re: #243 NJDhockeyfan

Here's one example for you. The DC metro is supposed to get about $200 million in stimulus funds. They've spent about $30 million to date. Most is going to get spent pre-election, even though the jobs created or saved is a mirage to date.

re: #230 bosforus

Obama's Home Teleprompter Malfunctions During Family Dinner
:)

I loved the part about Joe Biden reading his remarks off his arm where he writes them in Magic Marker.

Happy hatchday to me,
Happy hatchday to me,
Happy hatchday dear Silvergirl,
Happy hatchday to me!

(Taking a bow on my first year)

re: #248 Silvergirl

Happy hatchday to me,
Happy hatchday to me,
Happy hatchday dear Silvergirl,
Happy hatchday to me!

(Taking a bow on my first year)

Good for you!! Will there be cake?
/

Obama creates stimulus job creation miracle, doubles size of Congress

President Obama claims to have saved or created hundreds of thousands of jobs, but he isn't telling the American people about what is arguably his most amazing economic recovery accomplishment yet - He has doubled the size of Congress and it only cost about $6.4 billion!

You only thought Congress has 435 congressional districts. Thanks to the Obama stimulus program, 440 new districts have been created. How? By creating new congressional districts out of thin air, or bringing back old congressional districts long ago left in the dustbin of redistricting history, or ... well, I'll let Bill McMorris of Watchdog.org tell the tale:

"According to data retrieved from recovery.gov, nearly $6.4 billion was used to “create or save” just under 30,000 jobs in these phantom congressional districts–almost $225,000 per job. The web site operates on an $84 million budget and is tasked with monitoring the distribution of the $787 billion stimulus package passed by Congress–which, for the record, counts 435 members–in early 2009.

"The site’s monitors, however, are not too savvy about America’s political or geographic landscape. More than $2 million was given to the 99th District of North Dakota, a state which has only one congressional district. In order to qualify for 99 districts, North Dakota would have to have a population of almost 60 million, almost 24 million more people than California."

un
fucking
believable