Ow.

The Disneyland "Haunted Mansion" heads moonlighting.

I want one.

re: #3 Obdicut

I want one.

They are not so hard to make these days with the new polymer screens. A hologram is a matter of an interference pattern. Making a moving one is a matter of making a recording of the interference pattern and then being able to quickly change the interference pattern.

I'd rather be a hammer than a nail
Yes I would, if I only could, I surely would

re: #4 LudwigVanQuixote

What's the cost per square inch, do you know? Know anyone making these?

Serious question, since I work at an interactive toy company.

Optics are not my strong suit, so please forgive any ignorance on my part.

CBO: Stimulus bill created up to 2.1 million jobs

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office study also said the $862 billion stimulus added between 1.5 to 3.5 percentage points to the growth of the economy in 2009. The controversial stimulus law combined tax breaks for individuals and businesses with lots of government spending.

The report reflects agreement among economists that the measure boosted the economy. But the wide range of estimates means it won't resolve the debate over how effective the stimulus has been.

The White House says the stimulus bill has created 2 million jobs and will add another 1.5 million this year as economic recovery continues to take hold.

CBO projects that the stimulus measure to have a greater impact this year, boosting gross domestic product by 1.4 to 4 percentage points and lowering the unemployment rate by 0.7 to 1.8 percentage points.

The report said the most efficient parts of the stimulus include infrastructure projects such as road- and bridge-building and more generous unemployment benefits. On the other hand, the popular first-time homebuyer tax credit isn't a very efficient use of stimulus dollars, the report said.

Get ready for all the wingnut blogs to issue corrections and apologize for all the bullshit they've spewed over the past year.
/

re: #2 Alouette

The Disneyland "Haunted Mansion" heads moonlighting.

I was on the Haunted Mansion ride at Disneyland once a few years back and it broke down. Had some ghost sitting next to me for about 30 minutes...gave my eyes time to adjust and I was able to get a good idea of how the set was created though...so it wasn't a total loss. Would have loved to have had a good flashlight with me though, so I could really check out their set up.

re: #6 Obdicut

What's the cost per square inch, do you know? Know anyone making these?

Serious question, since I work at an interactive toy company.

Optics are not my strong suit, so please forgive any ignorance on my part.

Truthfully, I have no idea. I know that the technology has been in development for some time now though.

If you are really interested you should check out some of the industry leaders in such things like Sony and Samsung.

If you want to develop the components on your own for your own use you need to track down the patents. The physics behind it though is the same physics that applies to all holograms. The materials science that allows the rapid shifts in pattern is not my specialty.

Five Tips To Improve Your Home Cooking

re: #7 Killgore Trout

CBO: Stimulus bill created up to 2.1 million jobs

Get ready for all the wingnut blogs to issue corrections and apologize for all the bullshit they've spewed over the past year.
/

Get ready for the mainstream media to quote unemployment figures instead.

re: #9 LudwigVanQuixote

We won't be able to afford self-production of the components. I'll take a look at the state of the field, I haven't in awhile, and this definitely perked up my interest.

Thanks.

re: #7 Killgore Trout

In the spin-offs already is a link to Cato.org, saying the stimulus increased unemployment.

re: #13 freetoken

Ah, good old Cato.org. If the government done it, they's agin' it.

re: #13 freetoken

In the spin-offs already is a link to Cato.org, saying the stimulus increased unemployment.

I don't know how "ciphering" like this would hold up in a scientific study...

"WASHINGTON – The economic stimulus law added between 1 million to 2.1 million workers to employment rolls by the end of last year, a new report released Tuesday by congressional economists said."

Just a wiggle factor of 1.2 million workers. Well, hopefully at some point in time, we can come a little closer to the actual figure.

There is not a single figure in the article that agrees with each other, or is even in the ballpark.

No one has to spin this article or the figures, they speak for themselves... badly.

And meanwhile...

WASHINGTON, Feb 23 (Reuters) - The number of mass layoffs by U.S. employers edged up in January as manufacturers stepped up job cuts, data showed on Tuesday, but probably not enough to alter views that the economy is on the brink of creating jobs.

The Labor Department said the number of mass layoff actions -- defined as job cuts involving at least 50 people from a single employer -- increased by 35 to 1,761. Mass layoffs had trended lower since August.

A total of 182,261 workers were affected last month. In January, 486 mass layoff events were reported in manufacturing, resulting in 62,556 workers filing claims for state unemployment benefits. It was the first increase in mass layoffs in manufacturing since August.

re: #15 Walter L. Newton

Hopenchange denier!

EPA Chief Goes Toe-To-Toe With Senate GOP Over Climate Science

U.S. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson today defended the science underpinning pending climate regulations despite Senate Republicans' claims that global warming data has been thrown into doubt.

[...]

Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), the panel's ranking member, called on EPA to reconsider that determination after recent reports have revealed errors in the reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that were used to underpin EPA's finding and a recent controversy surrounding e-mails stolen from climate scientists that some have dubbed "Climategate."

"We've been told that the science still stands," Inhofe said. "We've been told that the IPCC's mistakes are trivial. We've been told that Climategate is just gossipy e-mails between a few scientists.

"But now we know there's no objective basis for these claims," he added. "Furthermore, Climategate shows there's no 'consensus;' the science is far from settled."

Committee Republicans released a report (pdf) today detailing concerns over the content of the e-mails that were lifted last year from computers at the Climatic Research Unit of the University of East Anglia, a research institute whose studies help form the basis of the IPCC reports.

Of all the people in the Senate to complain about lack of objectivity, certainly Inhofe is the most hypocritical.

re: #16 Walter L. Newton

They'll all find work, I'm sure - building light rail lines to take them and their fellow Americans to and from their Green condos and their jobs at the solar panel factory. Any day now...

re: #13 freetoken

In the spin-offs already is a link to Cato.org, saying the stimulus increased unemployment.

Ha!

re: #17 Guanxi88

Hopenchange denier!

I'm not denying anything. Considering I just left another job, and haven't been able to find full time work in going on 6 years now in the professional that I excel in, a little hope and change would be welcome.

Does it bother anyone that we can, on any given day, have 2-3 articles that widely contradict each other?

Maybe this has always gone on and the accessibility of info because of the internet just makes it more evident.

But, that's not the matter. The fact is, the amount of information that is at odds with itself is a bit frightening.

Does that bother anyone else?

BTW, at the NYTimes article to which I linked is a link to the GOP PDF on "climategate".

Quickly skimming it, I can summarize it in three words:
TEACH THE CONTROVERSY.

Just wait until the DI or someone steals the emails of biologists... whose interpersonal arguments no doubt will be certain proof that evolution is a hoax...

re: #18 freetoken

What do you expect to unfold with the legal challenges to the EPA?

I've gotten so much shit done at work today, it's incredible...and to think I've had time to post here only 22 times. Then again, I realized at my team meeting that I was behind on a couple of projects (damn 50+post days). Now I'm back on track with three of my larger projects, and the people who are relying on me to get my shit done.

Feels good.

re: #19 Guanxi88

They'll all find work, I'm sure - building light rail lines to take them and their fellow Americans to and from their Green condos and their jobs at the solar panel factory. Any day now...

I know what the problem is... they can't spin shit. I mean, when you have figures like that to work with in an article, there is only so many ways to present the data before you really have gone off the rails.

So, they try to show it in the best light, create a narrative that doesn't quite self-critique, but the bottom line is that can't make the numbers go away, just move them around the page so they don't just jump out and scream... bullshit.

re: #21 Walter L. Newton

I think the problem is that the 'net totally destroys our ability to weigh various sources. It used to take some work to get published, so it had at least the image of reliability.

I just read that Scott Brown was called Benedict Brown because of his vote. The person who came up with that was probably wearing a tri-cornered hat.

re: #23 Bagua

What do you expect to unfold with the legal challenges to the EPA?

I expect nothing from Inhofe except lies and deceit.

re: #28 freetoken

I expect nothing from Inhofe except lies and deceit.

No I don't mean Inhofe, I mean the legal challenges in court.

re: #26 windsagio

I think the problem is that the 'net totally destroys our ability to weigh various sources. It used to take some work to get published, so it had at least the image of reliability.

That's fine with obscure articles, from obscure sources and other such arcane stuff, but, I am going to ask you directly a simple question...

does it not bother you that the AP article tries to show CBO figures in a positive light, yet they still have to tell the truth with statement like this...

"WASHINGTON – The economic stimulus law added between 1 million to 2.1 million workers to employment rolls by the end of last year, a new report released Tuesday by congressional economists said."

The 1.1 million "difference" here is not a problem for you?

Simple question, simple answer?

re: #27 Silvergirl

I just read that Scott Brown was called Benedict Brown because of his vote. The person who came up with that was probably wearing a tri-cornered hat.

Oh, he's been called worse than that the last few days. If the teabaggers think angry words will scare him back into submission, they've got another thing coming. Brown seems like he might just be smart enough to know that a handful of racists does not a strong base make.

I agree with what you say though I don't call them tea baggers. I know, I know . . . they did it first. Then it turned vile and is all about dersion. I know, I know, they deserve it . . .

Congrats on your great work day you wrote about above.

re: #29 Bagua

The news article and link are explicitly about today's hearing in the Senate, and the minority report (of deception) released.

As for the other legal challenges to the EPA decision... we live in a litigious society, yet I would hope that courts will be some sort of reality check against all the false claims.

re: #10 Killgore Trout

Five Tips To Improve Your Home Cooking

Anyone wanting to look at Killgore's collection of gardening and food tips, click here!

There's also a link for volume 1 of the LGF cookbook. Check it out. The artwork by Jaunte is worth the price!

re: #33 freetoken

Thanks.

Anti Gay pogrom in Malawi:

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

Flagging confidence intensifies economic fears

NEW YORK – Americans' confidence in the economy has suffered a sudden relapse, dimming hopes that they will start spending — and spurring job growth — any time soon.

The Consumer Confidence Index figures released Tuesday were much worse than analysts had expected and showed that Americans are morose about the job market and their economic prospects. That bodes ill for the sort of uptick in consumer spending that normally powers economic recovery, and could raise pressure on the Obama administration and Congress to create jobs themselves.

The index fell almost 11 points to 46 in February, down from a revised 56.5 in January and the lowest level since a 40.8 reading in April 2009. It erased three consecutive months of improvement, according to the Conference Board, the research group that releases the monthly index.

Analysts were expecting only a slight decrease to 55. Economists watch the confidence numbers closely because consumer spending accounts for about 70 percent of U.S. economic activity.

Outside of the Great Recession, the index hasn't been this low since December 1974.

re: #34 reine.de.tout

Anyone wanting to look at Killgore's collection of gardening and food tips, click here!

There's also a link for volume 1 of the LGF cookbook. Check it out. The artwork by Jaunte is worth the price!

Good gardening stuff is hard to find this time of year but there should be more gardening tips as the season picks up.

re: #38 Killgore Trout

Here's a random question:

I've noticed that I can grow just about goddamn anything in San Francisco. Yet the soil seems kind of subpar, I mean, it's a city.

Where does SF get its magical growth powers from? And is the reason nearly anything grows because of the very temperate climate, and soil conditions don't really matter as much as I think?

"Two things you can always count on: I will defend my record on race to no one (sic), under any circumstances and, I will call out any racist, any time without regard to who they are ... and that includes our half white, racist president."

Mark Williams, Tea Party Express

re: #39 Obdicut

Here's a random question:

I've noticed that I can grow just about goddamn anything in San Francisco. Yet the soil seems kind of subpar, I mean, it's a city.

Where does SF get its magical growth powers from? And is the reason nearly anything grows because of the very temperate climate, and soil conditions don't really matter as much as I think?

Crystals and good vibes from all the hippies.

With the right crystals you can grow opium on the moon. ;^)

re: #41 Cato the Elder

The hippies live in Berkeley, where it's actually harder to grow stuff for some reason.

Perhaps patchouli poisoning.

re: #39 Obdicut

Here's a random question:

I've noticed that I can grow just about goddamn anything in San Francisco. Yet the soil seems kind of subpar, I mean, it's a city.

Where does SF get its magical growth powers from? And is the reason nearly anything grows because of the very temperate climate, and soil conditions don't really matter as much as I think?

I don't know, but I couldn't get zucchini going in the City. Flowered, wouldn't set fruit. I figured it was too cold.

Might depend where you are. I was in the Sunset.

re: #39 Obdicut

Here's a random question:

I've noticed that I can grow just about goddamn anything in San Francisco. Yet the soil seems kind of subpar, I mean, it's a city.

Where does SF get its magical growth powers from? And is the reason nearly anything grows because of the very temperate climate, and soil conditions don't really matter as much as I think?

Yeah, it's much more about climate rather than soil. That's why I wanted to move out the the southern Oregon coast which has the same weather as San Fran. The warmer night time temps really help. Soil conditions really don't matter as much.

re: #39 Obdicut

Here's a random question:

I've noticed that I can grow just about goddamn anything in San Francisco. Yet the soil seems kind of subpar, I mean, it's a city.

Where does SF get its magical growth powers from? And is the reason nearly anything grows because of the very temperate climate, and soil conditions don't really matter as much as I think?

Subpar soil yields subpar growth. Isothermal areas are ideal for some kinds of growing, but soil is soil. If it has no nutrients, it can not produce.

re: #33 freetoken

The news article and link are explicitly about today's hearing in the Senate, and the minority report (of deception) released.

As for the other legal challenges to the EPA decision... we live in a litigious society, yet I would hope that courts will be some sort of reality check against all the false claims.

Why is there so much fear in the scientific community about certain investigations into certain issues?

The British MET is beginning a three year study into the actual data that CRU has used over the years to build it's positions and papers.

The Royal Society is opening an investigation to the CRU's data handling methods (not the science itself) and this will be ready by Spring 2010.

Kevin Trenberth has suggest that the IPCC review the way they have developed some of their papers and try to amke the process better.

It seem to me that all this would be welcomed by the scientist and organizations involved. After all, it's scientist reviewing scientist work, and favorable scientist at that.

Yet, I seen explosive rhetoric get splashed around here when these different issues are brought up.

What's the problem?

re: #9 LudwigVanQuixote

I notice they are monochromatic. I guess you would need red, blue and green laser light to get colors. And still try to get get the interference pattern without severe chromatic aberrations.

re: #43 SanFranciscoZionist

Yeah, I'm in Western Addition, so more central, not as much cold. Still a little chilly last night, though.

re: #46 Walter L. Newton

Why is there so much fear in the scientific community about certain investigations into certain issues?

There isn't.

re: #44 Killgore Trout

Yeah, it's much more about climate rather than soil. That's why I wanted to move out the the southern Oregon coast which has the same weather as San Fran. The warmer night time temps really help. Soil conditions really don't matter as much.

I'm sure you'll agree it depends on what your growing. Many seeds will not germinate without freezing temps (rosemary). Some plants love cool nights (lettuces, spinach, asparagus). Squash varieties like melons and zukes as well as night shades love hot weather. This is why I love Ohio for growing shit.

re: #49 Obdicut

There isn't.

Right? You really do live in a magical SF. What shade of rose are your glasses?

re: #44 Killgore Trout

Thanks!
re: #45 Jeff In Ohio

Well, SF soil must somehow have a buttload of nutrients stored up. Maybe it's also because when I'm planting my gardens, I'm not loading it up with as many crops as a 'real' farmer type would.

re: #46 Walter L. Newton

Did you see the paper from Freetoken's Link?

They made a wrote a lot about the CRU. Seems central to their Report at first glance.

re: #51 Walter L. Newton

Why do you call it 'fear', Walter? Nobody is afraid of the investigations. Many see it as a waste of time, others are concerned that it'll give more ammo to the deniers and their ilk-- already a lot of people are pointing to the existence of the investigation as a sign of wrongdoing, in eye-rollingly predictable fashion.

I don't see fear. I see anger, irritation, and concern at the amount of time we're wasting when we could be addressing the problem and talking about solutions.

Why are you making the assumption that it's fear? I generally find that playing psychologist like that is presumptuous.

pimf: made a

re: #52 Obdicut

Thanks!
re: #45 Jeff In Ohio

Well, SF soil must somehow have a buttload of nutrients stored up. Maybe it's also because when I'm planting my gardens, I'm not loading it up with as many crops as a 'real' farmer type would.

Well, doubtful since the amount of stuff you can plant in a square foot doesn't really change if your planting a garden or a field. At some point you'll hit a spot, if your not giving back to the dirt, where it gives no more, or your yields suck. It's possible you just haven't been there yet. In my garden, it took 3 years.

re: #56 Jeff In Ohio

Ah, that could be it. I tend to plant whereever I am, but maybe I was the first.

Okay, another gardening question: I've heard Eucalyptus trees poison the soil. Is this true, and if so, how much does it take?

Police in Vancouver Search for Boner...really.

Has this been posted yet?

Federal judge orders Pa. schools to stop laptop spying
ACLU joins case as 'friend of the court,' claims schools violated students' 4th Amendment rights

Last week, Michael and Holly Robbins of Penn Valley, Pa., on behalf of their son Blake, sued Lower Merion, accusing it of spying on students and students' families using the iSight webcams in the MacBook laptops issued to each high school student in the district.

According to the original complaint, Blake Robbins was accused by a Harriton High School assistant principal of "improper behavior in his home" and shown a photograph taken by his laptop as evidence. In an appearance on network television last Saturday, Robbins said he was accused by the assistant principal of selling drugs and taking pills, but he claimed the pictures taken by his computer's camera showed him eating candy.

Also:

FBI Investigating Student Laptop, Candy Scandal

Tired of the kids? Rather have a cockatoo?

Woman sells two children to a Louisiana couple for a cockatoo

re: #44 Killgore Trout

From what I see Dragon_Lady do with her garden-soil is easy to adjust/amend.
Climate, famously No So Much! :)

re: #57 Obdicut

Dunno, never seen one. Do they have agricultural extensions in San Fran?

re: #58 darthstar

Police in Vancouver Search for Boner...really.

In bed.

Of course. Who writes these headlines?

re: #54 Obdicut

Why do you call it 'fear', Walter? Nobody is afraid of the investigations. Many see it as a waste of time, others are concerned that it'll give more ammo to the deniers and their ilk-- already a lot of people are pointing to the existence of the investigation as a sign of wrongdoing, in eye-rollingly predictable fashion.

I don't see fear. I see anger, irritation, and concern at the amount of time we're wasting when we could be addressing the problem and talking about solutions.

Why are you making the assumption that it's fear? I generally find that playing psychologist like that is presumptuous.

Ok... fear was the wrong word.

But if the British MET wants to look at the 160 of data, and the Royal Society want to examine the way the data was handled, then that is addressing the problems. That's called science. The MET and the Royal Society are all about science.

I agree with your estimation of what we are seeing from some of the scientific community... anger, irritation, and concern.

They are angry, irritated, and concerned that the MET and the Royal Society will be peer-reviewing aspects of their science. Gee, I thought that was one of the point of science?

re: #62 Jeff In Ohio

Good idea. There almost certainly is something like that. I'll check around.

Thanks again.

re: #32 Silvergirl

I agree with what you say though I don't call them tea baggers. I know, I know . . . they did it first. Then it turned vile and is all about dersion. I know, I know, they deserve it . . .

Congrats on your great work day you wrote about above.

Thanks...I just can't bring myself to respect them enough to not call them 'teabaggers'...but I can understand not using it...calling them 'scrotum suckers' probably would offend those who find that activity pleasurable.

re: #63 Silvergirl

In bed.

Of course. Who writes these headlines?

Oh, I see. You did. But the one they wrote was about the same--"Boner from Growing Pains"

re: #66 darthstar

Thanks...I just can't bring myself to respect them enough to not call them 'teabaggers'...but I can understand not using it...calling them 'scrotum suckers' probably would offend those who find that activity pleasurable.

Not if Sarah was doing it.

re: #60 Silvergirl

Tired of the kids? Rather have a cockatoo?

Woman sells two children to a Louisiana couple for a cockatoo

Member of PETA perhaps?

re: #64 Walter L. Newton

That's not what peer-review means, Walter, no. It always makes me wince when you abuse terms like that.

I don't think that my assumptions are necessarily correct, either. Maybe they're bored, titillated, and itchy at the thought of it.

I'm not sure why you're hauling this out yet again, so I'm just going to leave you with the stick and the dead horse to have fun thwacking it.

re: #61 Rightwingconspirator

A great source for a common sense approach to soil amending and maintenance is The Barefoot Farmer. Hippy alert.

And of course the Rodale Guide to Composting.

Zach Deputy - Most Don't Hear Real Music

re: #67 Silvergirl

Oh, I see. You did. But the one they wrote was about the same--"Boner from Growing Pains"

There's a joke in there somewhere. Not going to look for it.

re: #43 SanFranciscoZionist

I don't know, but I couldn't get zucchini going in the City. Flowered, wouldn't set fruit. I figured it was too cold.

Might depend where you are. I was in the Sunset.

Could be lack of pollinators. The lack of them can be a issue in a city environment in general.

re: #70 Obdicut

That's not what peer-review means, Walter, no. It always makes me wince when you abuse terms like that.

I don't think that my assumptions are necessarily correct, either. Maybe they're bored, titillated, and itchy at the thought of it.

I'm not sure why you're hauling this out yet again, so I'm just going to leave you with the stick and the dead horse to have fun thwacking it.

I didn't... Freetoken was the first on this thread to link to an article about another investigation of CRU, a US Senate one. He hauled out the subject, I'm just doing what comes natural on a blog thread... you're not going to shut me down, so don't try to waste your time.

CCR Bootleg, Bootleg

re: #39 Obdicut

I grew up in the area of SF that was near where SF State College was built. There were cabbage fields where now are College Buildings. The lot where I lived was built on sandy soil but with lots of work digging in garden and kitchen waste my Dad was able to grow prize winning dahlias. During WW2 Victory Gardens were planted out by SF City College.

Interesting thing on autism

[Link: www.physorg.com...]

For you green thumb apartment dwellers...
[Link: www.earthbox.com...]

re: #75 Walter L. Newton

What they are doing is far more rigorous than much of actual peer review. They will actually replicate the work.

I'm learning something new this year. Gonna start growing mushrooms.

El Nino picture...

[Link: www.physorg.com...]

re: #70 Obdicut

That's not what peer-review means, Walter, no. It always makes me wince when you abuse terms like that.

I don't think that my assumptions are necessarily correct, either. Maybe they're bored, titillated, and itchy at the thought of it.

I'm not sure why you're hauling this out yet again, so I'm just going to leave you with the stick and the dead horse to have fun thwacking it.

And if you don't consider the scientist at the Royal Society and the MET as peers... I didn't mean peer-reviewed as in the sense of reviewing by 4 unknown reviewers on for major aspects of a paper or journal, I meant peer review as in fellow scientist looking at another scientists work and giving support or criticism.

Peers examining each others sceince goes on all the time, but of course you knew that, but it was easier to deflect from my comment and go off on some other trek.

Transparent again.

re: #81 Jadespring

I'm learning something new this year. Gonna start growing mushrooms.

Plenty in Florida. But when you pick them, look out for the property owner. Moo!!

I've always heard that when it comes to soil what really matters is PH and consistency / how porous it is.

re: #84 Cannadian Club Akbar

Plenty in Florida. But when you pick them, look out for the property owner. Moo!!

Heh...

Ooh...here's a treat...I was at this show. Enjoy! If you've got 35 minutes to spare, listen to the Meat>Enter Sandman>Meat jam...if you've only got 15 minutes, listen to Opium or the encore Rebubula...great fuckin' songs.

re: #84 Cannadian Club Akbar

Plenty in Florida. But when you pick them, look out for the property owner. Moo!!

I'm actually going to be growing them on the property or at least setting some spawn in a couple of areas. The main thing I'm doing though is building a couple of mushroom houses, one for button and potabellos and the other for ones like shitake and oyster.

re: #80 Bagua

What they are doing is far more rigorous than much of actual peer review. They will actually replicate the work.

If you mean the MET, yes, I know that. They are going to go through 160 years of data, they expect to take three years to do it (it's not going to be some slip shod over the weekend project) and they are going to see if their research matches up with the current models.

It should be really interesting.

(P.S. The Brown Labor government is trying to stop the MET from doing this review of the data and models. Any wonder why?)

Just watched the Holographic video. Pretty trippy shit there Maynard.

re: #88 Jadespring

I remember a story where a guy bought an abandon salt mine and turned it into a mushroom farm. Perfect conditions.

Near the summit of Malapert Mountain

[Link: lunarnetworks.blogspot.com...]

re: #91 Cannadian Club Akbar

I remember a story where a guy bought an abandon salt mine and turned it into a mushroom farm. Perfect conditions.

That would be cool. :)

re: #93 Jadespring

That would be cool. :)

And he got the mine for pennies on the dollar. Some people can just see things differently.

Way cool!

An Astronaut Peeks Out from the Space Station's Lovely New 360-Degree Window

Space shuttle Endeavour has landed safely after installing a new observation deck on the International Space Station. But the Endeavour astronauts didn't leave without first checking out the new view from the cupola window.

Here we get a view of George Zamka, NASA astronaut and STS-130 commander, peeking out from the newly-installed cupola on February 19 while the space shuttle remained docked with the space station. ISS resident Soichi Noguchi has already made good use of the cupola to take pretty Earth Twitpics with his 800mm lens camera.

Speaking of Noguchi, the astronaut also took advantage of his fresh vantage point to capture this stunning image of the space shuttle making an s-turn while undergoing atmospheric reentry on its return home.

All you west coast lizards need to watch Jeopardy tonight.. It is so easy..
I've been smoking it...The first round had the bible category and you are thinking oh crap there will be questions about who Ruth's sister is...
They were something like who had 200 mistresses and had time to write a song section of the Bible? I dunno maybe Solomon's Songs? Just a wild guess..
The second round has..The Internet, Youtube and Yahoo Categories.
So if you are sitting around with your loved one and want to show off and show you really are a genius..Turn on Jeopardy tonight... I'll even post the final answer just to put the nail in the coffin..You are a genius..

re: #94 Cannadian Club Akbar

And he got the mine for pennies on the dollar. Some people can just see things differently.

Hmm...salt mines are a major industry south of here.

re: #95 NJDhockeyfan

So they can see the meteor now before it hits them!...

/
Seriously, that's wayyy cool. I want one too.

re: #97 Jadespring

Hmm...salt mines are a major industry south of here.

And they are worthless when all the product is gone.

re: #89 Walter L. Newton

If you mean the MET, yes, I know that. They are going to go through 160 years of data, they expect to take three years to do it (it's not going to be some slip shod over the weekend project) and they are going to see if their research matches up with the current models.

It should be really interesting.

Agreed. This is not an editorial review as in the bulk of peer review. This will be a repeat of the actual work which will give us far more accurate analysis of the data.

(P.S. The Brown Labor government is trying to stop the MET from doing this review of the data and models. Any wonder why?)

Perhaps the £243 million allocated the MET Office? No good having a messy inquiry into such a cash cow.

re: #99 Cannadian Club Akbar

And they are worthless when all the product is gone.

Not always true -- they are sometimes useful as data and industrial storage space.

re: #85 Thanos

I've always heard that when it comes to soil what really matters is PH and consistency / how porous it is.

Those things matter. Certain plants don't grow in certain ranges of PH's - blueberries like acidic soil (compost with coffee!), beans don't. Some don't care as long as it's with in a certain range. PH can be adjusted with mineral amendments. Good soil has 3 basic contributors - nitrogen, phosphorus and potash. Soil humus the 'porous', will determine how straight your carrots are, how deep your roots can go for water, how deep you can plant your asparagus, etc. The loser the humus, the better and a good indication of how you treat the dirt with compost, nutrients and the till. In the older sections of my garden, I can shove my hand down about 12" into the dirt without tilling and pull out deep, rich marvelous smelling dirt. Other sections it's still a lot of clay and it requires lot's of long hoe tilling, occasional sand additions and organic matter to make it 'porous'.

re: #101 Thanos

Not always true -- they are sometimes useful as data and industrial storage space.

Didn't know that. I know they are favorable for mushroom farming because of their depth. Weather shouldn't be a factor.

re: #96 HoosierHoops

All you west coast lizards need to watch Jeopardy tonight.. It is so easy..
I've been smoking it...The first round had the bible category and you are thinking oh crap there will be questions about who Ruth's sister is...
They were something like who had 200 mistresses and had time to write a song section of the Bible? I dunno maybe Solomon's Songs? Just a wild guess..
The second round has..The Internet, Youtube and Yahoo Categories.
So if you are sitting around with your loved one and want to show off and show you really are a genius..Turn on Jeopardy tonight... I'll even post the final answer just to put the nail in the coffin..You are a genius..

No... you need not watch anything but the next episode of LOST.

Wiimote-Controlled Robot Drum Circle Makes Human Hippies Obsolete

A musician has harnessed the power of two Nintendo Wiimotes to become a cyborg percussionist with the robo-band Jazari. His playing of one drum machine can evoke an automated response from another, so that he can go around the drum circle in a beautiful display of human-robot improvisation.

The man behind the machine, Patrick Flanagan, is a composer who cites music theory, music cognition, and machine learning as the three "chin-stroking disciplines" that influence his work. He created Jazari with a nod to Al-Jazari, a polymath of the Arab world in the 13th century who supposedly created the world's first robot band.

re: #87 darthstar

Fantastic, thanks.

re: #104 Walter L. Newton

No... you need not watch anything but the next episode of LOST.

But you will miss Curling!

re: #102 Jeff In Ohio

Yes, my backyard is hard packed clay, and it's very hard to keep grass growing there. That's mostly Kasey's fault however, she makes like thirty circuits in under three minutes...

re: #107 NJDhockeyfan

But you will miss Curling!

You got a point there... and the Olympic Ice Capades... no, I'll watch LOST.

re: #107 NJDhockeyfan

But you will miss Curling!

Curling needs music

re: #106 Bagua

Fantastic, thanks.

And if you've got three hours to kill, listen to the whole show. I've pulled it down for my drive to Tahoe this Friday.

re: #108 Thanos

IIRC, romaine lettuce grows best in clay.

re: #110 EmmmieG

Curling needs music

and BEER!

re: #96 HoosierHoops

All you west coast lizards need to watch Jeopardy tonight.. It is so easy..
I've been smoking it...The first round had the bible category and you are thinking oh crap there will be questions about who Ruth's sister is...
They were something like who had 200 mistresses and had time to write a song section of the Bible? I dunno maybe Solomon's Songs? Just a wild guess..
The second round has..The Internet, Youtube and Yahoo Categories.
So if you are sitting around with your loved one and want to show off and show you really are a genius..Turn on Jeopardy tonight... I'll even post the final answer just to put the nail in the coffin..You are a genius..

Everybody missed the final jeopardy question.. the easiest show in years..
So all you lizards showing off cause this show is so easy...Watch it tonight...
The final answer is Czar.. Nobody got it..Hard to frikking believe!
Czar? Czar?
/Easy show

re: #105 NJDhockeyfan

Wiimote-Controlled Robot Drum Circle Makes Human Hippies Obsolete

upding for the article title...

re: #112 Cannadian Club Akbar

IIRC, romaine lettuce grows best in clay.

Well pretty much anything grows well in Kansas, but when you have an Aussie, the yard is hers and anything green that manages to survive the racing and pounding and leaping is likely an alien mutant plant.

re: #116 Thanos

Well pretty much anything grows well in Kansas, but when you have an Aussie, the yard is hers and anything green that manages to survive the racing and pounding and leaping is likely an alien mutant plant.

I assume you mean Australian shepherd...dog?

re: #111 darthstar

And if you've got three hours to kill, listen to the whole show. I've pulled it down for my drive to Tahoe this Friday.

I certainly will, downloading it now.

re: #53 Bagua

Did you see the paper from Freetoken's Link?

They made a wrote a lot about the CRU. Seems central to their Report at first glance.

What a pile of crap. They repeat material that has been debunked numerous times, such as the 'cooling' since 1998, the Trenberth comment, the complete bastardization of Latif's work, and even the idea that proxy data should be trusted over instrument data.

Ten minutes of Googling would have shown the authors the idiocy of their beliefs.

re: #116 Thanos

Well pretty much anything grows well in Kansas, but when you have an Aussie, the yard is hers and anything green that manages to survive the racing and pounding and leaping is likely an alien mutant plant.

Didn't know you were in Kansas.

re: #104 Walter L. Newton

No... you need not watch anything but the next episode of LOST.

American Idol.. 12 girls sing tonight...

re: #117 EmmmieG

I assume you mean Australian shepherd...dog?

Yeah

re: #104 Walter L. Newton

No... you need not watch anything but the next episode of LOST.

Good grief, I almost forgot again. I have the TV on now so I don't have anything complicated to do when the episode starts. Yikes, the tv shows snow and havoc in Texas. It's not April first is it?

re: #108 Thanos

Yes, my backyard is hard packed clay, and it's very hard to keep grass growing there. That's mostly Kasey's fault however, she makes like thirty circuits in under three minutes...

Clays tough. Depending on what your going for, I always start clay beds out by growing cow peas and hairy vetch in them for a couple of seasons. Fixes the nitrogen and the roots help break up the clay. In the spring, I'll usually till a bunch of peat and compost into them, and star the process over. After 2 years, it's usually pretty workable. Soil is a long term process, unless you want to hit with machines and chemicals.

Grass...I hate grass. Just a place for the Cicada Killer Wasps and moles to hide out.

re: #124 Jeff In Ohio

Clays tough. Depending on what your going for, I always start clay beds out by growing cow peas and hairy vetch in them for a couple of seasons. Fixes the nitrogen and the roots help break up the clay. In the spring, I'll usually till a bunch of peat and compost into them, and star the process over. After 2 years, it's usually pretty workable. Soil is a long term process, unless you want to hit with machines and chemicals.

Grass...I hate grass. Just a place for the Cicada Killer Wasps and moles to hide out.

Between the Dogs, the Pin Oaks, and the clay it's getting pretty hard scrabble back there. I'm thinking about having topsoil trucked in...

re: #122 Thanos

Yeah

When my husband was a boy, his family raised them.

re: #113 NJDhockeyfan

and BEER!

It's a bar sport.. Beer, Cigs and cheeseburgers and polka music turned up to 11...
The training grounds for the US team is probably outside a bar in Wisconsin..
/

re: #126 EmmmieG

When my husband was a boy, his family raised them.

They are great dogs, I love mine.

re: #121 HoosierHoops

American Idol.. 12 girls sing tonight...

Who gives a flying fuck... on LOST we have two sidewise time lines happening... together, at the same time, and a temple, and some chinese dude named Dogan, and lots of water...

re: #30 Walter L. Newton

That's fine with obscure articles, from obscure sources and other such arcane stuff, but, I am going to ask you directly a simple question...

does it not bother you that the AP article tries to show CBO figures in a positive light, yet they still have to tell the truth with statement like this...

"WASHINGTON – The economic stimulus law added between 1 million to 2.1 million workers to employment rolls by the end of last year, a new report released Tuesday by congressional economists said."

The 1.1 million "difference" here is not a problem for you?

Simple question, simple answer?

A million is good, two million is better! I'd love to know the actual figure, but I'm sure it's impossible to determine.

re: #128 Thanos

They are great dogs, I love mine.

Are they varmint killers? Lost our chief killing dog 2 years ago and the other one is clueless. The fucking moles are having a party out there and I think the ground hog living under the shed is starting a commune.

re: #131 Jeff In Ohio

My dog Russell was so damn good at moles. He was a mutt, but it's like he was built for digging. He used his head as a shovel at the same time as his paws.

Poor little mole dudes.

re: #106 Bagua

By the way... I've been reading some fan theories about this season, and the one theme that keeps coming up, and is probably part of the answer to what we are seeing, we are not seeing the effect that the "bomb" had on time, we are seeing a new time line that wasn't effected by Jacob.

None of the post-crash time line was ever "touched" by Jacob in the "past" and this is how events and their lives would have played out if Jacob was never in the picture, including what would have happen to character like Ben and Ethan and so on.

What changed was Jacob was taken out of the picture.

re: #117 EmmmieG

I assume you mean Australian shepherd...dog?

I've got an aussie/border collie mix and a queensland heeler...both smart dogs. The ACD is more 'protective' than the mix, but we've had him since he was a pup.

Michael Smercomish has left the Republican building.

Good for him. The party won't change until they acknowledge its cancerous state. When I'm asked "do you like any Republican radio guys at all?" (because I delight in dissing bad radio) My answer was always Michael Smercomish. Didn't always agree, but he was smart, and sincere and a good host.

The national GOP is a party of exclusion and litmus tests, dominated on social issues by the religious right, with zero discernible outreach by the national party to anyone who doesn't fit neatly within its parameters. Instead, the GOP has extended itself to its fringe while throwing under the bus long-standing members like New York Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava, a McCain-Palin supporter in 2008 who told me she voted with her Republican leadership 90 percent of the time before running for Congress last fall.

re: #129 Walter L. Newton

Who gives a flying fuck... on LOST we have two sidewise time lines happening... together, at the same time, and a temple, and some chinese dude named Dogan, and lots of water...

Dude. 12 girls.

re: #119 b_sharp

What a pile of crap. They repeat material that has been debunked numerous times, such as the 'cooling' since 1998, the Trenberth comment, the complete bastardization of Latif's work, and even the idea that proxy data should be trusted over instrument data.

Ten minutes of Googling would have shown the authors the idiocy of their beliefs.

I didn't read it yet, 84 pages. I'll work through it after Lost. It looks like they are mostly talking about the CRU emails, the Harry_Read_me files that Walter wrote about and a bit about the IPCC. Not seen Latif mentioned yet.

re: #133 Walter L. Newton

By the way... I've been reading some fan theories about this season, and the one theme that keeps coming up, and is probably part of the answer to what we are seeing, we are not seeing the effect that the "bomb" had on time, we are seeing a new time line that wasn't effected by Jacob.

None of the post-crash time line was ever "touched" by Jacob in the "past" and this is how events and their lives would have played out if Jacob was never in the picture, including what would have happen to character like Ben and Ethan and so on.

What changed was Jacob was taken out of the picture.

Ahh. That explains why Helen is still with Locke, and a bunch of other stuff. Thanks for clearing that up for me.

re: #137 Bagua

I'm waiting for the series finale of Lost. I'll watch that episode. No others. I figure it'll all be explained by the second commercial break.

re: #66 darthstar

Thanks...I just can't bring myself to respect them enough to not call them 'teabaggers'...but I can understand not using it...calling them 'scrotum suckers' probably would offend those who find that activity pleasurable.

I try to avoid using 'teabagger', since a number of people have mentioned that they find it offensive.

At the same time, the objection has often been raised with self-righteousness and agitation, and with the implication that the 'left' made them pick this name on purpose, and is now maliciously using this filthy filthy phrase to mock them, that I find it hard to take seriously. Manufacturing of victimhood. Seriously. It's no big whoop.

I think President Obama is earnest, smart, and much more centrist than his tea party caricature suggests. He has never been given a fair chance to succeed by those who openly crow about their desire to see him fail (while somehow congratulating one another on their relative patriotism). I know he was born in America, isn't a socialist, and doesn't worship in a mosque. I get that he inherited a minefield. Still, the level of federal spending concerns me. And he never closed the deal with me that health insurance is a right, not a privilege. But I'm not folding the tent on him. Not now. Not with the nation fighting two wars while its economy still teeters on the brink of collapse.

A smart guy who doesn't need to claim Obama is stupid, or despite his education and achievements, doesn't understand history as well as a blog commenter, or doesn't understand foreign policy regarding Iran. Who doesn't need to resort to the same echo chamber personal attacks. Policy differences do not need to merge onto ad hominem boulevard.

re: #119 b_sharp

What a pile of crap. They repeat material that has been debunked numerous times, such as the 'cooling' since 1998, the Trenberth comment, the complete bastardization of Latif's work, and even the idea that proxy data should be trusted over instrument data.

Ten minutes of Googling would have shown the authors the idiocy of their beliefs.

I would suggest that you read the Ian Harris document, which hasn't in any way been debunked.

Download Ian Harris' 314 pages of programmers notes in PDF format

re: #131 Jeff In Ohio

Are they varmint killers? Lost our chief killing dog 2 years ago and the other one is clueless. The fucking moles are having a party out there and I think the ground hog living under the shed is starting a commune.

Well Kasey's score so far is six squirrels, three birds, three rats, one groundhog, two treed opposums, and a chipmunk. When she sees movement anywhere near the backyard she's standing on her hind legs and jumping with her paws on the sliding glass door handle until I open it. When she was young I would whisper if a squirrell was in the yard, and now the slightest whisper sends her off on a circuit like a rocket.

re: #74 Jadespring

Could be lack of pollinators. The lack of them can be a issue in a city environment in general.

Might well have been. I just gave up on the zucchini project.

Might try again this summer. I'm in Contra Costa now, and the weather is warmer.

re: #119 b_sharp

Or one visit to [Link: www.skepticalscience.com,...] or [Link: www.realclimate.org...]

re: #129 Walter L. Newton

Who gives a flying fuck... on LOST we have two sidewise time lines happening... together, at the same time, and a temple, and some chinese dude named Dogan, and lots of water...

12 beautiful girls singing? I watched the very first show so I've always been a fan of A.I.
I hope that last episode of Lost has a FED-EX package wash up on shore and the Fat guy ( Who over 5 years only gained weight being on a deserted island..Which is a miracle by itself)
I hope he opens up the package and finds White Castle Hamburgers and they go to black.. Cause that is the stupidest night night soap opera I have ever seen.. Still love ya man..
Calling you this week

re: #133 Walter L. Newton

By the way... I've been reading some fan theories about this season, and the one theme that keeps coming up, and is probably part of the answer to what we are seeing, we are not seeing the effect that the "bomb" had on time, we are seeing a new time line that wasn't effected by Jacob.

None of the post-crash time line was ever "touched" by Jacob in the "past" and this is how events and their lives would have played out if Jacob was never in the picture, including what would have happen to character like Ben and Ethan and so on.

What changed was Jacob was taken out of the picture.

I never liked Jacob, something creepy about him.

I agree the nuclear bomb was a game changer, dead is dead.

I'm also totally cool with Smokey, the rules sucked in my opinion and Jacob was interfering with everything.

Ben will still turn out a sociopath in the alternative time-o-verse because nuts is nuts.

I'm out for a bit, dinnertime

re: #144 SanFranciscoZionist

Might well have been. I just gave up on the zucchini project.

Might try again this summer. I'm in Contra Costa now, and the weather is warmer.

Keep and eye out for pollinators. You can always hand pollinate to be sure. Zucchini is pretty easy to do by hand.

re: #146 HoosierHoops

Cause that is the stupidest night time soap opera I have ever seen.. Still love ya man..
Calling you this week

Fixed...

re: #149 Jadespring

Keep and eye out for pollinators. You can always hand pollinate to be sure. Zucchini is pretty easy to do by hand.

My mother-in-law had a squash plant that wasn't producing and she couldn't figure out why. It had the flat, round squash. It was next to the road.

When my husband was waiting for the bus, bored, he would skip the squash down the road.

re: #147 Bagua

I never liked Jacob, something creepy about him.

I agree the nuclear bomb was a game changer, dead is dead.

I'm also totally cool with Smokey, the rules sucked in my opinion and Jacob was interfering with everything.

Ben will still turn out a sociopath in the alternative time-o-verse because nuts is nuts.

If Jacob never effected anything, then Dharma would never have come to the Island (no one comes to the Island if Jacob or the Nemesis doesn't allow it), Ben's father would have never gotten a job with Dharma, Ben wouldn't have moved to the Island, Ben would have never been shot and taken to the Temple, and we don't know what happened to Ben at the Temple, except that he probably under went the same ritual as Sayid... is that when Ben became "nuts."

re: #132 Obdicut

My dog Russell was so damn good at moles. He was a mutt, but it's like he was built for digging. He used his head as a shovel at the same time as his paws.

Poor little mole dudes.

Used to know a woman who had a little terrier. Now, terriers hunt stuff that hides in the ground, they just do. Five gopher kills to her name, this scruffy little thing had.

The owner was a pacifist and a vegan. Never QUITE adapted to the gopher-killing thing, no matter how hard she worked on it.

re: #151 EmmmieG

Ha ha. Too funny.

re: #132 Obdicut

My dog Russell was so damn good at moles. He was a mutt, but it's like he was built for digging. He used his head as a shovel at the same time as his paws.

Poor little mole dudes.

My cat Bflat went through a mole phase. Brought a baby mole every day for about two weeks and played with it on the floor before I would take it and flush it. Then one day he came in with a huge mole hanging out both sides of his mouth...after I killed her, the baby moles stopped coming.

re: #149 Jadespring

Keep and eye out for pollinators. You can always hand pollinate to be sure. Zucchini is pretty easy to do by hand.

I'm right by the Ohlone Greenway, so I'm pretty sure something will volunteer for the job.

Electropolis

re: #155 darthstar

Our pretty fluffy fancy-looking cat, the longhaired one that always looks freshly groomed, is the one who's a killing doom death machine. Butterflies, mice, voles, bats. Yeah, bats.

re: #153 SanFranciscoZionist

I love the terrier-mutt-dog in the Discworld series. Gaspode.

re: #156 SanFranciscoZionist

I'm right by the Ohlone Greenway, so I'm pretty sure something will volunteer for the job.

Ah no worries then. When I lived in the city I hand pollinated a bunch of things. Don't need to now though. I live right on the end of a forest, marsh and lake. Lots and lots of creepy crawlies around.

re: #153 SanFranciscoZionist

Used to know a woman who had a little terrier. Now, terriers hunt stuff that hides in the ground, they just do. Five gopher kills to her name, this scruffy little thing had.

The owner was a pacifist and a vegan. Never QUITE adapted to the gopher-killing thing, no matter how hard she worked on it.

Cats are...carnivores. Deep down past their fluffy skin and their big big eyes, they like to kill things.

I see Pajamas Media carried a strong defence of Warmism yesterday:

[Link: pajamasmedia.com...]

re: #159 Obdicut

I love the terrier-mutt-dog in the Discworld series. Gaspode.

Yip. Yip. Sheesh. Yip.

re: #137 Bagua

I didn't read it yet, 84 pages. I'll work through it after Lost. It looks like they are mostly talking about the CRU emails, the Harry_Read_me files that Walter wrote about and a bit about the IPCC. Not seen Latif mentioned yet.

I got half way through before I gagged and threw up.

I'll be back after my wife says I've cleaned it up well enough. Damn, she's a tyrant.

re: #158 Obdicut

Our pretty fluffy fancy-looking cat, the longhaired one that always looks freshly groomed, is the one who's a killing doom death machine. Butterflies, mice, voles, bats. Yeah, bats.

I had a cat that kept catching bats. Couldn't figure out how she was getting them because she'd just show up with them. Finally one evening we saw sitting in a upstairs window. She just literally swiped them out of the air.

re: #163 EmmmieG

"Woof. Woof. Woofdropyoursandwich. Woof."

re: #166 Obdicut

"Woof. Woof. Woofdropyoursandwich. Woof."

Gaspode. He has the power.

"Sit. Stay."

re: #165 Jadespring

I had a cat that kept catching bats. Couldn't figure out how she was getting them because she'd just show up with them. Finally one evening we saw sitting in a upstairs window. She just literally swiped them out of the air.

I had a flying cat once that could...

re: #165 Jadespring

I had a cat that kept catching bats. Couldn't figure out how she was getting them because she'd just show up with them. Finally one evening we saw sitting in a upstairs window. She just literally swiped them out of the air.

Like King Kong grabbing airplanes.

re: #163 EmmmieG

I'm rereading Nation right now. It is goddamn amazing. A masterpiece. A real, absolute, masterpiece. I hope it gets the recognition it deserves.

re: #170 Obdicut

I'm rereading Nation right now. It is goddamn amazing. A masterpiece. A real, absolute, masterpiece. I hope it gets the recognition it deserves.

Have it. Haven't read it yet. I need to be able to sit down and concentrate.

Hey, Bristol Palin is getting a TV show.

Per the Mudflats.

re: #142 Walter L. Newton

I would suggest that you read the Ian Harris document, which hasn't in any way been debunked.

Download Ian Harris' 314 pages of programmers notes in PDF format

I haven't finished your rendition of it yet, and I expect his work hasn't been, nor will be, debunked, but there are other questions about it that need to be answered. However, the report I just read, or the half report I just read, had more mistakes, misinformation and misdirection than anything purportedly official should have by any stretch of the imagination.

re: #172 SanFranciscoZionist

Hey, Bristol Palin is getting a TV show.

Per the Mudflats.

Ha! We're not rid of that clan yet, not by a long-shot.

re: #172 SanFranciscoZionist

Hey, Bristol Palin is getting a TV show.

Per the Mudflats.

interesting cultural observation: The reality tv show as the an accelerated version of the elephant grave-yard. Warhol's quip about 15 minutes of fame works, assuming commercial breaks and credits, for each episode. Paradoxically, the over-exposure of the reality show all but ensures near-instant obscurity.

re: #64 Walter L. Newton

This side of the pond people point out that the boss of the hugely-funded Met Ofice is a Greenpeace wallah, and the President of the Royal Society has similar views. Too quick a fix it looks like to many.

re: #175 Guanxi88

interesting cultural observation: The reality tv show as the an accelerated version of the elephant grave-yard. Warhol's quip about 15 minutes of fame works, assuming commercial breaks and credits, for each episode. Paradoxically, the over-exposure of the reality show all but ensures near-instant obscurity.

I thought mudflats was good on that:

The Palins have not only crossed the line from news to entertainment, they’ve leapt across with abandon.

Sarah is a commentator for Fox News, and best-selling author. Todd continues his status as Iron Dog celebrity. Levi is a Playgirl centerfold. Bristol is a TV star and abstinence cheerleader. Trig is a press release topic, stage prop, and a tool for bashing bloggers and Hollywood media. Tripp is a “consequence” that has spawned a TV show, and a tool of irony to get back at his father for going on TV. The custody battle is a reality show and Court TV all in one.
[...]
The reality is that as long as the Palins continue to wear rainbow wigs and ride around in small cars, and take their shirts off, and juggle power tools…. America will keep watching.

And after a couple seasons of “The Palins” when it’s all starting to get a little predictable, fear not. Willow and Piper are waiting in the wings.

Hey, Weasel and Jimmah!

Smoked another pipefull of the Gawith & Hoggarth Brown #4 today - I swear to you, I almost saw through the fabric of space-time.

Remember that scene in 2001 where Dave's hurtling at insane speeds through some unknown space? A bit like that.

re: #145 Obdicut

Or one visit to [Link: www.skepticalscience.com,...] or [Link: www.realclimate.org...]

Or Deltoid or Open Mind .

re: #178 Guanxi88

Hey, Weasel and Jimmah!

Smoked another pipefull of the Gawith & Hoggarth Brown #4 today - I swear to you, I almost saw through the fabric of space-time.

Remember that scene in 2001 where Dave's hurtling at insane speeds through some unknown space? A bit like that.

Haha-- glad you're enjoying it!
I'm eating dinner and talking with ma laddie on the phone-- this is just a driveby. We'll be back later. :)

Had a dusting of snow today in Austin - everybody went out to take pictures of it. Not a bad day ay all.

re: #180 iceweasel

Haha-- glad you're enjoying it!
I'm eating dinner and talking with ma laddie on the phone-- this is just a driveby. We'll be back later. :)

Quit posting here and get back to Jimmah! We can wait.

re: #173 b_sharp

I haven't finished your rendition of it yet, and I expect his work hasn't been, nor will be, debunked, but there are other questions about it that need to be answered. However, the report I just read, or the half report I just read, had more mistakes, misinformation and misdirection than anything purportedly official should have by any stretch of the imagination.

Anyone using the emails from CRU as proof of a problem are really chasing their tails. I've read most of them, and I could certainly make up scenarios about what they are saying or what they are not saying, but really, the emails cover a lot of ground, the information is scattered and anyone could use this or that interpretation to prove a problem or dismiss a problem.

But Ian Harris' narrative is succinct. It is about one project, one task, and what happened in the three years that he tried to complete that task. It about creating a new CRU TS data base, version 3.0.

No one, including Ian Harris himself have denied the content of the document or that the content that is public has been tampered with.

But I agree with you on that Senate report, it's a lot of pap that has been hashed and rehashed and is a complete waste of time at this point.

Walter, if you're still there... it turns out the last weeks episode in playing first, then the new one. Problem is, there is a pop up text box that keeps commenting on the action, is something wrong with my TV? Will this happen during the new episode?

*panics*

re: #183 Walter L. Newton

Anyone using the emails from CRU as proof of a problem are really chasing their tails. I've read most of them, and I could certainly make up scenarios about what they are saying or what they are not saying, but really, the emails cover a lot of ground, the information is scattered and anyone could use this or that interpretation to prove a problem or dismiss a problem.

But Ian Harris' narrative is succinct. It is about one project, one task, and what happened in the three years that he tried to complete that task. It about creating a new CRU TS data base, version 3.0.

No one, including Ian Harris himself have denied the content of the document or that the content that is public has been tampered with.

But I agree with you on that Senate report, it's a lot of pap that has been hashed and rehashed and is a complete waste of time at this point.

Walter, this is going to shock the crap out of you, but... we agree on something.

greetings. My compliments to the host for the choice of music. Sailing to Phili is one of my favorite CD's.

Ah, finally found the TvTropes page for LOST again.

[Link: tvtropes.org...]

re: #135 WindUpBird

Michael Smercomish has left the Republican building.

Good for him. The party won't change until they acknowledge its cancerous state. When I'm asked "do you like any Republican radio guys at all?" (because I delight in dissing bad radio) My answer was always Michael Smercomish. Didn't always agree, but he was smart, and sincere and a good host.

Brilliant read, and thread worthy.

re: #184 Bagua

Walter, if you're still there... it turns out the last weeks episode in playing first, then the new one. Problem is, there is a pop up text box that keeps commenting on the action, is something wrong with my TV? Will this happen during the new episode?

*panics*

No... the always repeat last weeks episode first, and they annotate it. Those pop ups sometimes contain bits of information that actually add information that you didn't already know.

re: #189 Walter L. Newton

That's a relief. Thanks. I'm going to watch because I saw it on the PC.

Namaste.

Get a load of this sign.

re: #177 iceweasel

Wow...Mudflats didn't pull any punches. No Xmas card for them from Sarah this year.

re: #191 MandyManners

"Minnow shot." Is that what kids are calling it these days?

I like that sign. It's got spunk.

re: #193 Obdicut

"Minnow shot." Is that what kids are calling it these days?

I like that sign. It's got spunk.

Keep that up and you're gonna get creamed.

re: #193 Obdicut

"Minnow shot." Is that what kids are calling it these days?

I like that sign. It's got spunk.

I ain't falling for that word again.

re: #194 Racer X

Keep that up and you're gonna get creamed.

Come on, now.

re: #195 MandyManners

I ain't falling for that word again.

You got spunk Mandy.

re: #196 cliffster

Come on, now.

Sorry. It's hard not to get excited.

re: #198 Racer X

Sorry. It's hard not to get excited.

Ah... you're soft on Mandy.

re: #197 Walter L. Newton

You got spunk Mandy.

Is that you, Lou?

Oh, goodness. What have I started?

re: #200 MandyManners

Is that you, Lou?

Abbot... I've been a baaaddd boy.

re: #198 Racer X

Sorry. It's hard not to get excited.

you can get a head that way

I love being in the 7th grade

re: #203 cliffster

you can get a head that way

Low blow.

This movie looks kinda fun: Solomon Kane.

re: #191 MandyManners

Get a load of this sign.

Go for it. You need a new avatar.

Exceptional Rocket Waves Destroy Sun Dog

re: #201 MandyManners

Oh, goodness. What have I started?

We need to get something straight between us.

re: #207 Cato the Elder

Go for it. You need a new avatar.

Shouldn't you be watching LOST?

내가 큰 공을 오전 환상

re: #211 cliffster

내가 큰 공을 오전 환상

If you do, you get to clean it up.

re: #211 cliffster

[Link: translate.google.com...]

내가 큰 공을 오전 환상 - I am a big ball illusion

Whaaa?

re: #213 jaunte

re: #214 Rightwingconspirator

That came out wrong

re: #214 Rightwingconspirator

Ball Of Confusion

Well the Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams decided to get the best medical treatment he could...

An unapologetic Danny Williams says he was aware his trip to the United States for heart surgery earlier this month would spark outcry, but he concluded his personal health trumped any public fallout over the controversial decision.

In an interview with The Canadian Press, Williams said he went to Miami to have a "minimally invasive" surgery for an ailment first detected nearly a year ago, based on the advice of his doctors.
"This was my heart, my choice and my health," Williams said late Monday from his condominium in Sarasota, Fla.

"I did not sign away my right to get the best possible health care for myself when I entered politics."

Try it this 道

re: #216 jaunte

Ball Of Confusion

That was trippy. And there were afros of all colors.

re: #217 Walter L. Newton

Well the Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams decided to get the best medical treatment he could...

An unapologetic Danny Williams says he was aware his trip to the United States for heart surgery earlier this month would spark outcry, but he concluded his personal health trumped any public fallout over the controversial decision.

In an interview with The Canadian Press, Williams said he went to Miami to have a "minimally invasive" surgery for an ailment first detected nearly a year ago, based on the advice of his doctors.
"This was my heart, my choice and my health," Williams said late Monday from his condominium in Sarasota, Fla.

"I did not sign away my right to get the best possible health care for myself when I entered politics."

Socialized medicine is not always best.

re: #217 Walter L. Newton

Freakin' hypocrite.

re: #217 Walter L. Newton

What he didn't go to the wonderful government healthcare clinic?! The man is a heretic! Everyone knows that anything government runs is way better than private enterprise, especially healthcare.

re: #219 cliffster

I had forgotten about that song. It's surprisingly current.

re: #180 iceweasel

Haha-- glad you're enjoying it!
I'm eating dinner and talking with ma laddie on the phone-- this is just a driveby. We'll be back later. :)

More of a ding-by. I was looking at the spy earlier. Busy woman!

OT: Convicted felon and raging anti-semite James Trafficant is running for congress...

[Link: www.dailykos.com...]

re: #223 jaunte

I had forgotten about that song. It's surprisingly current.

Temps were a super, high performance, do it all monster band...did I leave anything out?

re: #225 Cokezero

OT: Convicted felon and raging anti-semite James Trafficant is running for congress...

[Link: www.dailykos.com...]

I wonder how his hair fared in prison.

I don't know if any of you watch Man VS. Food, but if you ever see the one from Sarasota, please know, I have never been more embarrassed. What a fucking joke. Buncha no talent hacks. The featured place had frozen burgers and frozen Philly meat. ( it is actually easy to tell) This pisses me off. Fucking losers.

Wingnut Watch:

Video of Bob Marshall Proves He Said What He Meant, Meant What He Said

Watch Virginia Delegate Bob Marshall claim at an anti-Planned Parenthood press conference that disabled children are God's punishment for abortion:

After his remarks set off a national controversy, Marshall tried to claim that he had somehow been misunderstood:

A story by Capital News Service regarding my remarks at a recent press conference opposing taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood conveyed the impression that I believe disabled children are a punishment for prior abortions. No one who knows me or my record would imagine that I believe or intended to communicate such an offensive notion[.] I regret any misimpression my poorly chosen words may have created[.]

But the video speaks for itself. Marshall explicitly stated that he believes God punishes women who have abortions by giving them disabled children. And then he backed up his claim with what he evidently considered to be evidence (and the gentleman to his left nodded in agreement).

Marshall is entitled to his offensive views, but he should not run from them.

It's worth noting that Marshall has a history of saying offensive things – or being “misinterpreted.”

He said this about abortion in the case of rape: "[T]he woman becomes a sin-bearer of the crime, because the right of a child predominates over the embarrassment of the woman."

And he said this about contraception: "[W]e have no business passing this garbage out and making these co-eds chemical Love Canals for these frat house playboys in Virginia."

Marshall was not the only one at last week’s press conference to say something completely ridiculous and offensive, or as Marshall calls it – creating a “misimpression.”

Rev. Joe Ellison said he agrees with Pat Robertson’s comments that Haitians brought the recent devastating earthquake on themselves by striking a deal with the Devil and practicing voodoo:

From a spiritual standpoint, we think the Dr. Robertson was on target about Haiti, in the past, with voodoo. And we believe in the Bible that the practice of voodoo is a sin, and what caused the nation to suffer. Those who read the Bible and study the history know that what Dr. Robertson said was the truth.

And let’s remember. These guys aren’t just some sideshow attraction in Virginia’s state capital. They hold sway with top Virginia Republicans, including Gov. Bob McDonnell, and are making gains in their war on the reproductive rights of Virginia women.

Video here:

re: #228 Cannadian Club Akbar

Rant off.

re: #224 Silvergirl

More of a ding-by. I was looking at the spy earlier. Busy woman!

Have one of your own then.

re: #231 iceweasel

Have one of your own then.

Why thank you, schweetheart.

re: #178 Guanxi88

Hey, Weasel and Jimmah!

Smoked another pipefull of the Gawith & Hoggarth Brown #4 today - I swear to you, I almost saw through the fabric of space-time.

Remember that scene in 2001 where Dave's hurtling at insane speeds through some unknown space? A bit like that.

Careful the halfling's leaf doesn't cloud your judgement ;-)

re: #226 albusteve

One more in honor of tonight's weather.

Ugh. The double hit. I've fallen on the floor, gasping for air.

Ya got me, Jimmah.

Now, the totally uncool but nevertheless fantastic Renaissance with 'Northern Lights' :

re: #229 iceweasel

WTF, is that guy from Saudi Arabia or something?

re: #235 Silvergirl

Ugh. The double hit. I've fallen on the floor, gasping for air.

Ya got me, Jimmah.

Finished with your pathetic baiting now, or would you like to do some more, Silvertroll?

re: #235 Silvergirl

Ugh. The double hit. I've fallen on the floor, gasping for air.

Ya got me, Jimmah.

Well, we wouldn't want you to feel left out. Aren't you going to thank him too?

re: #237 Slumbering Behemoth

WTF, is that guy from Saudi Arabia or something?

Just Virginia.
Where the gov has recently removed anti-discrimination laws protecting gay people, and where they're seeking to defund Planned Parenthood.

[Link: www.rightwingwatch.org...]

re: #238 Jimmah

Finished with your pathetic baiting now, or would you like to do some more, Silvertroll?

The hottest-headed duo in the blogosphere.

On the eve of a European Parliament debate on the Goldstone Report, Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin warned its 736 MEPs on Tuesday against “allowing Goldstone’s new morality to take over international law.”

At the request of the European Green Party, the parliament in Brussels will discuss the UN report prepared by South African jurist Richard Goldstone and two associates, which accused the IDF of possible war crimes during last winter’s Gaza offensive.

“According to Goldstone’s standards, Winston Churchill himself should have been placed in the defendant’s seat as a war criminal, as would American and British generals who have killed thousands in Iraq,” Rivlin said. “In the meantime, it is Israel alone that pays the price of the double standard, which does not differentiate between the victim and the attacker or between terror and self-defense. If the trend is not changed, next in line will be British and American military personnel, and those of the rest of the free world.”

SNIP

re: #241 Silvergirl

The hottest-headed duo in the blogosphere.

Did you plan to engage on the issue of reproductive rights, Silvertroll? Or indeed, any issue?
Because right now it looks like you're here to bait people. Again.

re: #239 iceweasel

Well, we wouldn't want you to feel left out. Aren't you going to thank him too?

I'll just scroll up an give him an upding.

My karma on a blog doesn't concern me so much as karma in life.

Since the capture of the Taliban's purported second in command by Pakistani forces, military relations between Islamabad and Washington have appeared to be on an upswing. Not too long ago, U.S. insistence that Pakistan step up its cooperation in the fight against the Afghan Taliban had riled the military bigwigs in the south Asian nation — Pakistan's military helped create Mullah Omar and his Taliban fighters in Afghanistan in the mid-1990s and have surreptitiously supported them, for the most part, ever since. The ties have remained testy. When army chief Ashfaq Kayani, the most powerful man in Pakistan, was in Washington a few months ago, General David Petraeus, head of U.S. Central Command, remarked, "We're your only friends in Washington." Kayani reportedly replied, "Your friendship is exactly what's causing me headaches back home."

But the arrest of Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Mullah Mohammad Omar's vaunted No. 2, seems to have reversed the momentum. Talking to TIME inside the 2,000-year-old Bala Hissar fortress jutting above Peshawar's old bazaar, Tariq Khan, frontier corps commander major general, admitted that "at first, that commitment with the Americans wasn't there." Now, however, Khan says the U.S. and Pakistani forces along the border are sharing intelligence "in real time, as it's happening."

SNIP

re: #241 Silvergirl

The hottest-headed duo in the blogosphere.

The latter, I see.

Kincaid: Gay Conservatives Will Use The Military To Overthrow "Homophobic Regimes"

As I was reading through Cliff Kincaid's latest anti-gay column, I had to ask myself if he had always been obsessively anti-gay or if this was a relatively new development. But then a quick search through out archives made me realize that Kincaid has a long history of militant hostility toward all things gay, which puts his recent obsession with defending Uganda's "Kill the Gays" bill in perspective and explains why he's dedicated his latest column to attacking CPAC for allowing GOProud to participate and praising Ryan Sorba for attacking them from the stage, bizarrely claiming that gay conservatives want to use the military to overthrow anti-gay regimes:
GOProud, the organization at the center of the storm, claims to be "conservative" but supports the Obama policy of putting active and open homosexuals in the military, supports homosexual marriage, and even advocates a foreign policy of promoting acceptance of sodomy abroad. The latter is referred to as "Standing strong against radical regimes who seek to criminalize gays and lesbians."

These "radical regimes," such as the Christian-dominated government in Uganda, are trying to prevent the spread of AIDS and protect traditional moral values by toughening laws against homosexuality.

Under these "gay conservatives," one can imagine gay soldiers being deployed to overthrow "homophobic" regimes.

re: #244 Silvergirl

I'll just scroll up an give him an upding.

My karma on a blog doesn't concern me so much as karma in life.

Nor should it.

Sorry I was hanging back a bit. I was looking into debt consolidation programs to help me get my life back. Huge bills this month have really put me in a bad spot. I'll be getting help, but I still need to act. Thankfully, it looks like I do have options short of Chapter 7. Coupled with an upswing in sales, I'm actually doing better tonight than I was this morning.

re: #247 iceweasel

Kincaid: Gay Conservatives Will Use The Military To Overthrow "Homophobic Regimes"

Is he utterly insane?

Never mind, rhetorical question. He clearly is.

re: #244 Silvergirl

I'll just scroll up an give him an upding.

My karma on a blog doesn't concern me so much as karma in life.

Such magnanimity to balance silly baiting comments with those precious updings that we all care so much about.

Sainthood is on it's way!

I'm sorry to say so far none of the girls on American Idol impress me at all...A couple girls left..But jeez..Lousy tonight..Is Didi the only girl to sing in tune so far? And she missed the first note to the bridge...Went flat because it goes low...You can't miss a note cause you need to start a bridge low..Dang nuns!

re: #248 Dark_Falcon

Nor should it.

Sorry I was hanging back a bit. I was looking into debt consolidation programs to help me get my life back. Huge bills this month have really put me in a bad spot. I'll be getting help, but I still need to act. Thankfully, it looks like I do have options short of Chapter 7. Coupled with an upswing in sales, I'm actually doing better tonight than I was this morning.

A day at a time.

Financial burdens can feel heavier than they really are. With the support systems we have of family and other caring folk, if we try to remember we're never really alone with out problems, it can lighten the load. You've always struck me as a chin up, go forward through the rain type of guy, so you'll weather this.

re: #252 Silvergirl

A day at a time.

Financial burdens can feel heavier than they really are. With the support systems we have of family and other caring folk, if we try to remember we're never really alone with out problems, it can lighten the load. You've always struck me as a chin up, go forward through the rain type of guy, so you'll weather this.

I know. Life may get harder for a while, but I intend to get through this.

re: #250 Jimmah

Such magnanimity to balance silly baiting comments with those precious updings that we all care so much about.

Sainthood is on it's way!

Thanks, Jimmah. I do my best, but that may be overstating. Don't make me blush.

re: #247 iceweasel

Wow. What an evil freakshow.