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1 jamesfirecat  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:29:41pm

And its crazy pants ahead by a nose followed by a batshit with nosense in third and looney bin in fourth, and bringing up the rear is lasty!

2 austin_blue  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:30:16pm

Sigh. No shit, Charles. I'm taking a close look at the Texas School Board races.

3 Obdicut  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:32:19pm

American strength and prosperity depends on an educated populace.

4 Kragar  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:33:27pm

re: #3 Obdicut

American strength and prosperity depends on an educated populace.

And then there is Texas.

5 Kostya Lotz  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:33:54pm

could have been worse, the troofer could be leading.

6 freetoken  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:34:13pm

re: #3 Obdicut

American strength and prosperity depends on an educated populace.

Sort of related:

Is the U.S. the Latest World Power in Decline?

7 Varek Raith  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:34:41pm

re: #5 Kostya Lotz

That's like asking someone, "which foot should I blow off?"

8 Kostya Lotz  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:35:15pm

Perhaps, the closeness will force him to moderate. Not likely, but always a possibility.
We can only pray.

9 Irenicum  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:35:17pm

Maybe the teabagger candidate will force a run off, thus giving Kay a better change next time. That seems like the best case scenario.

10 Uninformed Opinion  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:35:25pm

They cant resist his amazing head of hair.

11 austin_blue  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:35:43pm

re: #5 Kostya Lotz

could have been worse, the troofer could be leading.

But the moderate R candidate is getting waxed.

12 Irenicum  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:35:50pm

re: #9 Irenicum

change should be chance. Duh!

13 Kostya Lotz  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:35:58pm

re: #8 Kostya Lotz

use a shot gun, get both.

14 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:36:02pm

re: #6 freetoken

Sort of related:

Is the U.S. the Latest World Power in Decline?

Without clicking on that link, did they blame George Bush for the decline?

15 freetoken  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:36:56pm

re: #14 NJDhockeyfan

You'll have to click to find out...

16 Cato the Elder  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:36:57pm

This is because nobody listens to me.

But that's about to change.

17 Kostya Lotz  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:36:58pm

re: #11 austin_blue

She's coming from the US Senate. No one is going to do well from that department this year.

18 freetoken  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:37:25pm

Link to TX election returns:

[Link: enr.sos.state.tx.us...]

19 reine.de.tout  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:38:01pm

re: #16 Cato the Elder

This is because nobody listens to me.

But that's about to change.

Thief!

20 Kostya Lotz  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:38:08pm

re: #13 Kostya Lotz

actually this was for #7.

21 MandyManners  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:38:57pm

re: #10 Uninformed Opinion

They cant resist his amazing head of hair.

John Edwards would be president if that were the criterion.

22 MandyManners  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:39:16pm

re: #11 austin_blue

But the moderate R candidate is getting waxed.

In bed.

23 goddamnedfrank  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:39:19pm

Well, Perry just signed the state's first posthumous pardon for someone who died wrongly convicted in prison, and likely presided over the execution of an innocent man, so the fact that his star is rising in the Texas GOP shouldn't be all that surprising.

That man is living proof that tough on crime doesn't have to mean smart on crime.

24 Kragar  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:39:57pm

re: #21 MandyManners

John Edwards would be president if that were the criterion.

Blago would have run against him.

25 austin_blue  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:41:23pm

re: #22 MandyManners

In bed.

Kay Bailey with a Brazil Racing Stripe?

Oh, dear!

26 Irenicum  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:41:43pm

re: #16 Cato the Elder

So that's what you look like Cato? How distinguished!

27 lawhawk  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:41:43pm

re: #24 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

There can be only one... and that's the one with the best hair. And, if we're talking the battle of the hair, both would lose to Jim Trafficant.

28 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:42:10pm

re: #15 freetoken

You'll have to click to find out...

Well it's Bush & Obama's fault!

PAUL SOLMAN: What's happening now that is again making the notion of the fall of the United States plausible?

PAUL KENNEDY: There's a number of elements at work here.

One was the war in Iraq, which has now moved on to Afghanistan, and the very evident signs that, A., it was straining our ground armed forces in particular, and it was being budgeted off normal national budgets, military commitments, which, over the long term, are going to be harder to pay for and harder to fulfill.

The second thing was the fiscal crisis and the banks crisis and the housing crisis of the past 18 to 20 months, and the response of both the late Bush, and then the early Obama administration to try to kick-start this through massive amounts of deficit spending.

29 Varek Raith  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:43:45pm

The position as leaders in science is going, going...
:(

30 Gus  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:43:47pm

Mercer wins GOP primary for Texas education board seat in key victory for conservative panel

PAUL J. WEBER Associated Press Writer

8:19 PM CST, March 2, 2010
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — State Board of Education member Ken Mercer has won his Republican primary race in a key victory for the conservative Christian bloc on the influential panel.

That would be this Ken Mercer:

An excellent article about the creationist insanity that reigns over the Texas State Board of Education, by Lauri Lebo: Evolution Challenged in “Textbook” Case: As Goes Texas, So Goes the Nation.

Ken Mercer says evolution is disproved by the absence of any transitional fossil forms between dogs and cats and cats and rats.

31 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:44:16pm

re: #21 MandyManners

John Edwards would be president if that were the criterion.

i said it earlier...the silky pony rides again!

32 Varek Raith  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:44:40pm

re: #30 Gus 802

Ken Mercer says evolution is disproved by the absence of any transitional fossil forms between dogs and cats and cats and rats.

He should look in a mirror.

33 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:45:30pm

re: #30 Gus 802

can you help me assemble these christians so that a fellow christian can hit them on the head with a tackhammer?

34 freetoken  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:45:51pm

re: #30 Gus 802

Mercer is ahead in the count by better than 2:1, but they've really not counted much of the vote yet.

35 Gus  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:46:52pm

re: #32 Varek Raith

He should look in a mirror.

Looks like business as usual in Texas. I forgot what the other topic was but I remember we were discussing Ken Mercer on another matter.

36 Uninformed Opinion  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:47:35pm

And Texas devolves further into theocracy.

37 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:47:47pm

re: #35 Gus 802

Looks like business as usual in Texas. I forgot what the other topic was but I remember we were discussing Ken Mercer on another matter.

He crops up in Perry threads.

38 The Curmudgeon  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:48:54pm

Excuse the plug, but if anyone is interested in the Board of Education races, I've got direct links at my place to the Texas Secretary of State's website for each of the key contests. The results automatically update, so you can keep each race in a separate tab. So far, of the creationist block, only McLeroy may be in trouble.

39 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:49:20pm

re: #27 lawhawk

There can be only one... and that's the one with the best hair. And, if we're talking the battle of the hair, both would lose to Jim Trafficant.

if it's a tie....you go for the teeth, toothy grin, lip curl etc

40 Irenicum  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:49:25pm

re: #30 Gus 802

Ken Mercer says evolution is disproved by the absence of any transitional fossil forms between dogs and cats and cats and rats.

Cats and dogs sleeping together! Ah teh end is troolly nigh!

41 Killgore Trout  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:50:05pm

I cooked up a bunch of live crabs today. I found one of my local asian markets sells them live for 4 bucks a pound. Although the crabs came out fine I did make a mess of the execution of the critters. The first one wasn't completely stunned from the feezer when I dropped him in. Another went in and the water wasn't back up to boil. One got dropped on the floor. Next time I'm going to dispatch them with a knife through the brain first.

42 jamesfirecat  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:50:35pm

re: #41 Killgore Trout

I cooked up a bunch of live crabs today. I found one of my local asian markets sells them live for 4 bucks a pound. Although the crabs came out fine I did make a mess of the execution of the critters. The first one wasn't completely stunned from the feezer when I dropped him in. Another went in and the water wasn't back up to boil. One got dropped on the floor. Next time I'm going to dispatch them with a knife through the brain first.

Hammer.

43 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:51:15pm

re: #41 Killgore Trout

updinged for hilarious mental images

44 freetoken  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:51:24pm

re: #38 The Curmudgeon

Yup, in counting the early votes McLeroy is behind:
Don McLeroy - Inc REP 23,248 49.73%
Thomas Ratliff REP 23,494 50.26%
----------- -----------

45 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:52:07pm

re: #41 Killgore Trout

I cooked up a bunch of live crabs today. I found one of my local asian markets sells them live for 4 bucks a pound. Although the crabs came out fine I did make a mess of the execution of the critters. The first one wasn't completely stunned from the feezer when I dropped him in. Another went in and the water wasn't back up to boil. One got dropped on the floor. Next time I'm going to dispatch them with a knife through the brain first.

12ga...works every time

46 Gus  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:52:27pm

re: #34 freetoken

Mercer is ahead in the count by better than 2:1, but they've really not counted much of the vote yet.

I'm not optimistic. Not that I'm sitting here biting my nails.

47 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:52:43pm

re: #38 The Curmudgeon

Very, very well done.

48 Mad Al-Jaffee  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:52:49pm

re: #41 Killgore Trout

Crabs should be steamed, not boiled, and they don't need to be stunned or calmed with cold before going into the pot or steamer.

49 Altermite  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:52:53pm

re: #41 Killgore Trout

I cooked up a bunch of live crabs today. I found one of my local asian markets sells them live for 4 bucks a pound. Although the crabs came out fine I did make a mess of the execution of the critters. The first one wasn't completely stunned from the feezer when I dropped him in. Another went in and the water wasn't back up to boil. One got dropped on the floor. Next time I'm going to dispatch them with a knife through the brain first.

try an icebath instead of a freezer. It'll chill them faster- water is a better heat conductor than air.

50 reine.de.tout  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:53:01pm

re: #41 Killgore Trout

I cooked up a bunch of live crabs today. I found one of my local asian markets sells them live for 4 bucks a pound. Although the crabs came out fine I did make a mess of the execution of the critters. The first one wasn't completely stunned from the feezer when I dropped him in. Another went in and the water wasn't back up to boil. One got dropped on the floor. Next time I'm going to dispatch them with a knife through the brain first.

May I ask - why were they in the freezer?
Why not just get them to room temp and put them into the boiling water?

51 Varek Raith  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:53:21pm

re: #45 albusteve

12ga...works every time

C4.

52 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:53:42pm

re: #49 Altermite

try an icebath instead of a freezer. It'll chill them faster- water is a better heat conductor than air.

it's a crab...who cares

53 austin_blue  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:54:14pm

re: #17 Kostya Lotz

She's coming from the US Senate. No one is going to do well from that department this year.

Well, KBH screwed the pooch. If she had resigned in December '08 and concentrated on the Texas Governor's race and raised money and spent her time defining herself rather than letting Perry define *her* as a Washington shill, she might have had a chance. But she didn't.

54 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:54:26pm

re: #45 albusteve

12ga...works every time

yeah...if you want pâté!!

55 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:54:39pm

re: #51 Varek Raith

C4.

even better....crab burger

56 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:55:16pm

re: #50 reine.de.tout

May I ask - why were they in the freezer?
Why not just get them to room temp and put them into the boiling water?

I've always steamed them covered in Old Bay and waited patiently with a bowl of melted butter.

57 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:56:02pm

re: #56 NJDhockeyfan

I've always steamed them covered in Old Bay and waited patiently with a bowl of melted butter.

you're a better man than i. i wait impatiently.

58 Altermite  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:56:16pm

re: #52 albusteve

it's a crab...who cares

The guy cooking them seems to.

59 Gus  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:56:45pm

Nor Luap!111!!

U.S. House District 14 - R
Precincts reporting - 15%

Ron Paul 23,272 80.56%
Tim Graney 2,924 10.12%
John Gay 1,514 5.24%
Gerald D. Wall 1,179 4.08%

The Texas Tribune - 2010 Primary Elections

60 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:57:32pm

re: #56 NJDhockeyfan

I've always steamed them covered in Old Bay and waited patiently with a bowl of melted butter.

jerk 'em...dip em in Pickapepper, washed down with Red Strip...on the beach

61 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:57:34pm

re: #52 albusteve

Just me?
I feel the obligation to reduce the pain my food animals experience in providing my sustenance.

62 MandyManners  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:58:07pm

re: #52 albusteve

it's a crab...who cares

The crab.

63 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:58:10pm

re: #58 Altermite

The guy cooking them seems to.

oooohhhmm!

64 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:58:31pm

Here is a useful utility lifted from a Wonkette link:


[Link: www.institutionalleftdoomsdayclock.com...]

65 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:59:10pm

re: #62 MandyManners

The crab.

crabs have no rights...that's why they're crabs

66 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:59:11pm

re: #63 albusteve

Yes.

67 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:59:11pm

re: #57 Aceofwhat?

you're a better man than i. i wait impatiently.

The first time I went to the Outer Banks I spent an afternoon at the Oregon Inlet bridge catching crabs. I filled a 5 gallon bucket in a few hours. It was the best crab I ever had.

68 reine.de.tout  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 6:59:32pm

re: #50 reine.de.tout

May I ask - why were they in the freezer?
Why not just get them to room temp and put them into the boiling water?

scratch that question.
While I've boiled plenty of pounds of crawfish, I've never boiled a crab. When I want boiled crabs, I just go buy a dozen boiled crabs.

I can't imagine having a dozen or so live crabs moving around and trying to get them into the pot, without slowing them down a bit which I guess is why they're cooled first. Never thought about it.

69 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:00:00pm

re: #66 Rightwingconspirator

Yes.

at one with the crab...be the crab

70 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:00:46pm

re: #61 Rightwingconspirator

Just me?
I feel the obligation to reduce the pain my food animals experience in providing my sustenance.

You put them in boiling water or steam them alive. How can you reduce any pain?

71 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:00:56pm

re: #68 reine.de.tout

scratch that question.
While I've boiled plenty of pounds of crawfish, I've never boiled a crab. When I want boiled crabs, I just go buy a dozen boiled crabs.

I can't imagine having a dozen or so live crabs moving around and trying to get them into the pot, without slowing them down a bit which I guess is why they're cooled first. Never thought about it.

I feed my a bit a decent hash first....after a bit they are cool

72 Mad Al-Jaffee  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:01:12pm

This is pretty funny stuff. Eight year old Irish girl making prank phone calls:

[Link: www.zug.com...]

73 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:01:23pm

re: #67 NJDhockeyfan

The first time I went to the Outer Banks I spent an afternoon at the Oregon Inlet bridge catching crabs. I filled a 5 gallon bucket in a few hours. It was the best crab I ever had.

ha! i have a nearly identical story, but substitute ocracoke for the OI bridge...

74 reine.de.tout  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:01:36pm

re: #56 NJDhockeyfan

I've always steamed them covered in Old Bay and waited patiently with a bowl of melted butter.

whoa, that sounds good -

75 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:02:17pm

re: #70 NJDhockeyfan

You put them in boiling water or steam them alive. How can you reduce any pain?

he's killing them first. poorly, but it's a noble endeavor.

76 keloyd  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:02:25pm

Texans can follow the results here.

The Texas ballot had some other interesting things on it. In addition to some fairly reasonable ballot initiatives, we got this:

Ballot Proposition #4: Public Acknowledgement of God-The use of the word “God”, prayers, and the Ten Commandments should be allowed at public gatherings and public educational institutions, as well as be permitted on government buildings and property. YES OR NO

Ballot Proposition #5: Sonograms-The Texas Legislature should enact legislation requiring a sonogram to be performed and shown to each mother about to undergo a medically unnecessary, elective abortion. YES OR NO

77 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:02:53pm

re: #67 NJDhockeyfan

The first time I went to the Outer Banks I spent an afternoon at the Oregon Inlet bridge catching crabs. I filled a 5 gallon bucket in a few hours. It was the best crab I ever had.

I've had crabs delivered to me...why leave home?

78 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:03:00pm

re: #68 reine.de.tout

tongs. always use tongs...

79 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:03:05pm

re: #69 albusteve

I offer thanks and respect to the animals I eat.

80 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:03:19pm

re: #70 NJDhockeyfan

I think Kilgore has it right. Or chilling them to unconsciousness. Its not that different than a hunter trying to make a clean fast kill.

81 reine.de.tout  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:03:19pm

re: #48 Mad Al-Jaffee

Crabs should be steamed, not boiled, and they don't need to be stunned or calmed with cold before going into the pot or steamer.

Oh no - boiled. With crab boil.

82 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:03:44pm

re: #73 Aceofwhat?

ha! i have a nearly identical story, but substitute ocracoke for the OI bridge...


It was July and there was an abundance of seaweed around the rocks. The crabs seem to like hiding under the seaweed. It was very easy to catch them.

I am getting hungry for crabs now.

83 avanti  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:03:52pm

Also getting a 95% positive vote so far in Texas, is this little unconstitutional proposition :


"Ballot Proposition 4: Public Acknowledgment of God
The use of the word "God", prayers, and the Ten Commandments should be allowed at public gatherings and public educational institutions, as well as be permitted on government buildings and property."

84 Cato the Elder  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:04:39pm

re: #70 NJDhockeyfan

You put them in boiling water or steam them alive. How can you reduce any pain?

When I was a kid we went crabbing at summer camp. Then we boiled the catch.

It was I and a girl who put 'em in. One of the camp counselors was a suck-up for that girl because her mother was high up in the church hierarchy. So she says, "Oh, Lucretia is so much gentler than Cato the way she puts the crabs in." (Into the boiling water.)

Early lessons in brown-nosing hypocrisy.

85 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:04:59pm

re: #65 albusteve

crabs have no rights...that's why they're crabs

Whether the crab has rights, I will leave between the crab and its Creator. I, on the other hand, have obligations. To both of them.

Or would, if I ate crab, except that the Creator of the crab and myself has included in my obligations, a section on not eating the crab. But if I did eat the crab...you get my drift.

86 jamesfirecat  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:05:01pm

re: #83 avanti

Also getting a 95% positive vote so far in Texas, is this little unconstitutional proposition :

"Ballot Proposition 4: Public Acknowledgment of God
The use of the word "God", prayers, and the Ten Commandments should be allowed at public gatherings and public educational institutions, as well as be permitted on government buildings and property."

Looks like it may only be a matter of time till the Supreme Court has no choice but to mess with Texas....

87 freetoken  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:05:37pm

re: #76 keloyd

The God Prop is carrying a 95% yes vote...

Heh...

The Sonogram Prop is carrying over 2/3rds of the vote. MANDATORY HEALTHCARE is winning in TX, no?

88 Cato the Elder  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:05:50pm

re: #83 avanti

Also getting a 95% positive vote so far in Texas, is this little unconstitutional proposition :

"Ballot Proposition 4: Public Acknowledgment of God
The use of the word "God", prayers, and the Ten Commandments should be allowed at public gatherings and public educational institutions, as well as be permitted on government buildings and property."

But is it still OK to piss on the Name of Allah?

89 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:05:50pm

re: #83 avanti

Also getting a 95% positive vote so far in Texas, is this little unconstitutional proposition :

"Ballot Proposition 4: Public Acknowledgment of God
The use of the word "God", prayers, and the Ten Commandments should be allowed at public gatherings and public educational institutions, as well as be permitted on government buildings and property."

i hate it when we forget one of the primary reasons why some fled to this continent in the first place...

90 The Shadow Do  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:05:53pm

My mother nearly went insane when my dad and I brought home a bucket full of crabs we had trapped one day when I was a kid. The crabs were scrabbling and going nuts in the boiling water.

My mother cried.

It was a very bad dinner that evening. In fact I think we had scrambled eggs instead.

91 Mad Al-Jaffee  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:06:48pm

Here is how crabs should be cooked.

[Link: www.bluecrab.info...]

92 jamesfirecat  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:06:53pm

re: #89 Aceofwhat?

i hate it when we forget one of the primary reasons why some fled to this continent in the first place...

You call that religious persecution? Watch me burn this girl for sneezing funny!

93 Uninformed Opinion  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:07:17pm

re: #86 jamesfirecat

Looks like it may only be a matter of time till the Supreme Court has no choice but to mess with Texas...

Most likely they have an appointment with the ACLU or some such organization.

But with this court?

94 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:07:27pm

re: #80 Rightwingconspirator

I think Kilgore has it right. Or chilling them to unconsciousness. Its not that different than a hunter trying to make a clean fast kill.

I used to pride myself on passing up a shot almost any other hunter would take...I never had to track a deer, a few bounds maybe but that's it....and NEVER without my deerslayer barrel and rifled slugs

95 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:08:11pm

re: #85 SanFranciscoZionist

Whether the crab has rights, I will leave between the crab and its Creator. I, on the other hand, have obligations. To both of them.

Or would, if I ate crab, except that the Creator of the crab and myself has included in my obligations, a section on not eating the crab. But if I did eat the crab...you get my drift.

so...if you're not gonna eat that...can i reach over to your plate and...

96 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:08:24pm

re: #85 SanFranciscoZionist

Respects to you on a point worth making. Obligation.

97 reine.de.tout  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:08:30pm

re: #78 Aceofwhat?

tongs. always use tongs...

OR, just buy 'em already boiled.
Which is what I do.

98 Silvergirl  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:08:30pm

re: #84 Cato the Elder

When I was a kid we went crabbing at summer camp. Then we boiled the catch.

It was I and a girl who put 'em in. One of the camp counselors was a suck-up for that girl because her mother was high up in the church hierarchy. So she says, "Oh, Lucretia is so much gentler than Cato the way she puts the crabs in." (Into the boiling water.)

Early lessons in brown-nosing hypocrisy.

Maybe the counselor meant that Lucretia was not splashing boiling water on everyone near the pot. Maybe the praise for gentleness was about the people and not the crabs. This doesn't soften the idea that she may have been sucking up.

99 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:08:30pm

re: #95 Aceofwhat?

so...if you're not gonna eat that...can i reach over to your plate and...

Sure, have some crab!

100 avanti  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:09:00pm

re: #89 Aceofwhat?

i hate it when we forget one of the primary reasons why some fled to this continent in the first place...

I'd love to see a party that supports the constitution, perhaps we could call them "conservatives"

101 Spare O'Lake  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:09:07pm

How long does it take for a crab to die?

102 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:09:10pm

re: #85 SanFranciscoZionist

Whether the crab has rights, I will leave between the crab and its Creator. I, on the other hand, have obligations. To both of them.

Or would, if I ate crab, except that the Creator of the crab and myself has included in my obligations, a section on not eating the crab. But if I did eat the crab...you get my drift.

now people hate me because I don't pray for the crabs

103 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:09:30pm

re: #92 jamesfirecat

You call that religious persecution? Watch me burn this girl for sneezing funny!

"well, we did do the nose..."

"and the hat"

"...but she's got a wart!"

104 reine.de.tout  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:09:39pm

re: #101 Spare O'Lake

How long does it take for a crab to die?

I think it's pretty quick, once you put them into the boiling water.

105 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:09:48pm

re: #89 Aceofwhat?

I for one do not think anything in that law becomes the establishment of a state religion.

106 Gus  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:09:48pm

re: #87 freetoken

The God Prop is carrying a 95% yes vote...

Heh...

The Sonogram Prop is carrying over 2/3rds of the vote. MANDATORY HEALTHCARE is winning in TX, no?

Those propositions are apparently non-binding and don't become law. They're just a part of the Republican primary portion:

According to Jean Ellis, the head of the Republican Party for Colorado County, these propositions are to give lawmakers a feel for how much support these issues have and to help guide the party in developing their platform. Voting on these issues does not cause them to become law, but it does help the representatives decide what the important issues are to the voting public.

There are no propositions on the Democratic ballot for this primary, so only people who have chosen to participate in the Republican primary can respond. In Texas, there are no registrations by party, so individuals can choose to vote on either a Republican ballot or Democratic ballot, but may only vote on one within each two-year primary period.

107 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:09:55pm

re: #93 Uninformed Opinion

Most likely they have an appointment with the ACLU or some such organization.

But with this court?

Perhaps with a slightly different SC, by the time it works through. Welcome.

108 jamesfirecat  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:09:57pm

re: #103 Aceofwhat?

"well, we did do the nose..."

"and the hat"

"...but she's got a wart!"

So, if she weighs the same as a duck....

109 The Shadow Do  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:09:58pm

re: #101 Spare O'Lake

How long does it take for a crab to die?

Way too long.

110 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:10:23pm

re: #102 albusteve

now people hate me because I don't pray for the crabs

Sometimes, Steve, you and the crabs just break my heart.

;)

111 avanti  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:10:24pm

re: #88 Cato the Elder

But is it still OK to piss on the Name of Allah?

Try pissing on a crucifix in Texas and see how they'd react.

112 keloyd  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:10:27pm

Those Texas ballot initiatives appear to only be on the Republican ballots, not the dems, so they're telling you what half of Texans believe.

To be fair, the first 3 initiatives weren't as bad - 2 were about restricting spending, the other was requiring photo ID's to vote, which I'm ok with.

113 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:10:44pm

re: #97 reine.de.tout

OR, just buy 'em already boiled.
Which is what I do.

catching them at the right beach and cooking them soon afterwards is a little pleasure that i highly recommend someday. make the Roi do most of the work, obviously...

114 A Man for all Seasons  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:11:07pm

re: #104 reine.de.tout

I think it's pretty quick, once you put them into the boiling water.

Never ate in crab in my life...Yes Reine..I suck!
*wink*

115 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:11:17pm

re: #100 avanti

I'd love to see a party that supports the constitution, perhaps we could call them "conservatives"

sometimes i think there are, like, eight of us left.

116 jamesfirecat  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:11:22pm

re: #112 keloyd

Those Texas ballot initiatives appear to only be on the Republican ballots, not the dems, so they're telling you what half of Texans believe.

To be fair, the first 3 initiatives weren't as bad - 2 were about restricting spending, the other was requiring photo ID's to vote, which I'm ok with.

My only problem with your statement is that I doubt that Texas has a 50 50 split democrat to republican....

117 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:11:24pm

The first time I had crabs was when I was a teen. I was in Florida on vacation and my step dad's friend took me, my brother, and his daughters deep sea fishing. The seas were too high so he drove around the bay for a while then went back to the dock. There was a fish market there and they had put a huge fish head in the water which was then covered in crabs. We got the crab nets and pulled them out of the water as fast as we could. That was the first time I experience what happens when you get a finger caught in their claw. The smell of steamed crabs is heaven.

118 Silvergirl  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:11:24pm

re: #88 Cato the Elder

But is it still OK to piss on the Name of Allah?

Has Charles ever weighed in on this issue? I've been wondering since you're getting very repetitive about it. If he lets it stand, maybe you should stop grousing.

119 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:11:25pm

re: #97 reine.de.tout

Let the buthcher/fishmonger ponder these deep mysteries. Perfect. I am asked why I do
not hunt, despite being a decent shooter. I simply answer the store is closer. :)

120 Killgore Trout  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:11:25pm

re: #48 Mad Al-Jaffee

Crabs should be steamed, not boiled, and they don't need to be stunned or calmed with cold before going into the pot or steamer.

Yeah, My steamer isn't big enough to accommodate these big Dungeness crabs. A big steamer is high on my list of kitchen gadgets to buy soon.

121 goddamnedfrank  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:11:32pm

re: #85 SanFranciscoZionist

Whether the crab has rights, I will leave between the crab and its Creator. I, on the other hand, have obligations. To both of them.

Or would, if I ate crab, except that the Creator of the crab and myself has included in my obligations, a section on not eating the crab. But if I did eat the crab...you get my drift.

If there was such a thing as a bacon-wrapped lobster grenade, I would throw myself upon it both to save you from the unholy deliciousness. I'm pretty awesome that way.

122 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:11:59pm

re: #102 albusteve

now people hate me because I don't pray for the crabs

Catholics pray over the crabs, often on Fridays in Lent.

123 avanti  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:12:09pm

re: #105 Rightwingconspirator

I for one do not think anything in that law becomes the establishment of a state religion.

The endorsement of the Ten Commandments display over other symbols of faith does just that.

124 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:12:21pm

re: #114 HoosierHoops

Never ate in crab in my life...Yes Reine..I suck!
*wink*

you like crawfish?

125 Stanghazi  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:12:25pm

re: #76 keloyd

Texans can follow the results here.

The Texas ballot had some other interesting things on it. In addition to some fairly reasonable ballot initiatives, we got this:

Ballot Proposition #4: Public Acknowledgement of God-The use of the word “God”, prayers, and the Ten Commandments should be allowed at public gatherings and public educational institutions, as well as be permitted on government buildings and property. YES OR NO

Ballot Proposition #5: Sonograms-The Texas Legislature should enact legislation requiring a sonogram to be performed and shown to each mother about to undergo a medically unnecessary, elective abortion. YES OR NO

GOOD GRIEF.

126 The Shadow Do  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:12:31pm

re: #112 keloyd

Those Texas ballot initiatives appear to only be on the Republican ballots, not the dems, so they're telling you what half of Texans believe.

To be fair, the first 3 initiatives weren't as bad - 2 were about restricting spending, the other was requiring photo ID's to vote, which I'm ok with.

What did you make of the initiative to exempt federal employees of income tax? Weird that one.

127 Killgore Trout  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:12:37pm

re: #50 reine.de.tout

May I ask - why were they in the freezer?
Why not just get them to room temp and put them into the boiling water?


The 5-10 minutes in the freezer supposedly stuns them before you cook them. Doesn't work very well.

128 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:12:50pm

re: #102 albusteve

Nah. Not at all. See my 119.

129 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:13:17pm

re: #120 Killgore Trout

Yeah, My steamer isn't big enough to accommodate these big Dungeness crabs. A big steamer is high on my list of kitchen gadgets to buy soon.

chop them into chunks?...I know it sounds horrible

130 jamesfirecat  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:13:49pm

re: #126 The Shadow Do

What did you make of the initiative to exempt federal employees of income tax? Weird that one.

So the people who only have a salary because they work for the Federal Government.... should have to give less of their money back to the Federal Government then those of us who are in the private sector....


WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA???????

131 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:13:55pm

re: #118 Silvergirl

Has Charles ever weighed in on this issue? I've been wondering since you're getting very repetitive about it. If he lets it stand, maybe you should stop grousing.

ha! Cato will stop grousing when Rick Perry gets his PhD in evolutionary biology!

132 reine.de.tout  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:14:34pm

re: #113 Aceofwhat?

catching them at the right beach and cooking them soon afterwards is a little pleasure that i highly recommend someday. make the Roi do most of the work, obviously...

We've done it!
But someone else did the boiling . . .and it's been quite awhile.

133 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:14:55pm

re: #112 keloyd

Those Texas ballot initiatives appear to only be on the Republican ballots, not the dems, so they're telling you what half of Texans believe.

To be fair, the first 3 initiatives weren't as bad - 2 were about restricting spending, the other was requiring photo ID's to vote, which I'm ok with.

You're right, fortunately.

[Link: news.google.com...]

134 MandyManners  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:15:02pm

re: #93 Uninformed Opinion

Most likely they have an appointment with the ACLU or some such organization.

But with this court?

Yes, this court.

The US Supreme Court declined on Monday to take up a dispute over the placement of a Ten Commandments monument on the lawn outside a county courthouse in Oklahoma.

U.S. Supreme Court takes a new 10 Commandments case The justices dismissed the case in a one-line order without comment.

The action lets stand a ruling by a federal appeals court and clears the way for the display to be removed from public property. A federal judge had ordered the removal last August.

SNIP

135 freetoken  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:15:14pm

re: #106 Gus 802

Still, I wonder if it has dawned on the Republican voters that they are in favor of mandating a health care procedure?

136 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:15:42pm

re: #128 Rightwingconspirator

Nah. Not at all. See my 119.

I stopped hunting deer....one year I just became repulsed with the idea of it....don't know why, but I lost my stomach for it...still ate venison tho

137 Gus  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:15:58pm

re: #135 freetoken

Still, I wonder if it has dawned on the Republican voters that they are in favor of mandating a health care procedure?

Oh, yeah. I doubt it. That sonogram ploy is being promoted in other states.

138 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:16:25pm

re: #120 Killgore Trout

Yeah, My steamer isn't big enough to accommodate these big Dungeness crabs. A big steamer is high on my list of kitchen gadgets to buy soon.

you got Dungeness? good for you. i think they have the best flavor qualities of all the large crabs.

no wonder you had trouble killing them...some of those suckers get huuuge...

139 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:16:27pm

re: #11 austin_blue

But the moderate R candidate is getting waxed.

No surprise. Perry was able to tar Hutchison as a "DC incumbent" and she has not recovered from it. A Texas primary is about the GOP's conservative base, and right now that base is very angry at DC.

140 Irenicum  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:16:35pm

Just got this off my twitter feed: Glenn Beck as the Mad Hater.

141 jamesfirecat  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:16:37pm

re: #135 freetoken

Still, I wonder if it has dawned on the Republican voters that they are in favor of mandating a health care procedure?

Well its not to make the woman any healthier, its to make her feel more shameful about what she's doing, so its okay!

142 A Man for all Seasons  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:16:38pm

re: #124 albusteve

you like crawfish?

Hell no! I've had lobster once..And thought ..is that all there is?
I'm pretty sure I hate 90% of all food..I am a very picky eater my friend..
It is who I am...

143 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:17:15pm

It appears that Charlie Rangel's days are numbered.


Charlie Rangel emerged from a closed-door meeting in Nancy Pelosi’s office Tuesday night to declare that he’s still the chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and hasn’t agreed to give up his gavel – even as some media outlets were reporting that he’d done just that.

But asked whether he’d still be the chairman tomorrow and in the coming days, Rangel said: “I can’t make all those promises at my age.”

And when Pelosi was asked whether Rangel was resigning, she said “no comment.”

As late as Monday evening, the New York Democrat seemed to be surviving his latest ethical challenges. But the tide turned against him quickly, and by Tuesday night, at least 14 Democrats had said that Rangel should go. Democratic leaders expect more to come, and the Capitol is braced for Rangel to lose his gavel one way or another – by force or voluntarily, temporarily or permanently.

“The dam broke today,” said a senior Democratic aide.

/Couldn't happen to a nicer guy.

144 Stanghazi  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:17:25pm

re: #102 albusteve

now people hate me because I don't pray for the crabs

I'm with you on this one.

145 Silvergirl  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:17:26pm

re: #127 Killgore Trout

The 5-10 minutes in the freezer supposedly stuns them before you cook them. Doesn't work very well.

Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.

146 Killgore Trout  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:17:48pm

re: #132 reine.de.tout

I just made Ricotta cheese with the recipe I posted this weekend. Works very well and seems pretty idiot proof. 6 cups of milk yields a little over one cup of cheese. Very easy, quick and cleanup is a snap; just a bowl and a colander to wash.

147 Silvergirl  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:18:12pm

I'm going out for dinner tonight! Mexican.

BBL

148 sngnsgt  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:18:19pm

re: #143 NJDhockeyfan

Bu-bye Cha'li

149 avanti  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:18:20pm

re: #125 Stanley Sea

GOOD GRIEF.

The sonogram deal reminds me of a health care issue. The GOP claims the government should not not interfere with your doctor but asked for undercover patents from the government to investigate medicare fraud. Now they want to force sonograms on women that don't want or need them, odd.

150 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:18:23pm

re: #142 HoosierHoops

Hell no! I've had lobster once..And thought ..is that all there is?
I'm pretty sure I hate 90% of all food..I am a very picky eater my friend..
It is who I am...

crawfish are better than lobster any day...way better, but it involves some primitive sucking and slurping tho

151 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:18:45pm

re: #136 albusteve

That is the hypocrisy I have in my heart. I'll admit that rather than lie to myself. I eat meat but feel very reluctant to make the kill. I have not even fished in many years. I leave the dirty work to the butcher.

152 freetoken  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:18:50pm

re: #141 jamesfirecat

Ah, but even using their twisted logic, it could be said to be for the health of the unborn child! So, they are for mandating health care procedures for children!

153 Killgore Trout  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:18:54pm

re: #138 Aceofwhat?

They also have a lot of meat in them. Unlike blue crabs there's more meat in the body than the legs.

154 Cato the Elder  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:19:12pm

re: #98 Silvergirl

Maybe the counselor meant that Lucretia was not splashing boiling water on everyone near the pot. Maybe the praise for gentleness was about the people and not the crabs. This doesn't soften the idea that she may have been sucking up.

I never splashed boiling water on anyone unless I damn well meant to.

155 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:19:17pm

re: #144 Stanley Sea

I'm with you on this one.

thanks...we are united then...a crab is a crab

156 jaunte  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:19:20pm

re: #144 Stanley Sea

I'm with you on this one.

They just don't appreciate it much.

157 Kragar  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:19:35pm

re: #76 keloyd

Texans can follow the results here.

The Texas ballot had some other interesting things on it. In addition to some fairly reasonable ballot initiatives, we got this:

Ballot Proposition #4: Public Acknowledgement of God-The use of the word “God”, prayers, and the Ten Commandments should be allowed at public gatherings and public educational institutions, as well as be permitted on government buildings and property. YES OR NO

Ballot Proposition #5: Sonograms-The Texas Legislature should enact legislation requiring a sonogram to be performed and shown to each mother about to undergo a medically unnecessary, elective abortion. YES OR NO

If they're trying to show people the consequences, are they planning to show a video of what smoking and drinking does to your lungs and liver, or maybe victims of gunshot wounds before selling guns, or are they just huge fucking hypocrites?

158 keloyd  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:19:36pm

re: #116 jamesfirecat

My only problem with your statement is that I doubt that Texas has a 50 50 split democrat to republican...

It's actually pretty close. Our last few governors were W (R), Ann Richards (D), Mark White (D), Bill Clements (R). In '08 we only voted 55/44 for McCain. Our Hispanic Democrat vote and Austin, which is a cesspool of hippie librulism, is less than half of the total but close.

159 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:20:32pm

re: #134 MandyManners


This Chief Justice also refused on Tuesday to block a District of Columbia court’s order that cleared the way for same-sex couples to get marriage licenses and wed in the capital city, beginning on Wednesday.

that's the nice part about brilliant judges feared to be "conservative"...the term ends up being synonymous for "appropriately deferential despite their personal beliefs".

good for him.

160 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:20:32pm

re: #155 albusteve

thanks...we are united then...a crab is a crab

I can't believe this thread hasn't lapsed into pubic indecency.

161 MandyManners  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:20:39pm

re: #143 NJDhockeyfan

It appears that Charlie Rangel's days are numbered.


/Couldn't happen to a nicer guy.

Freakin'-A!

162 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:21:15pm

re: #151 Rightwingconspirator

That is the hypocrisy I have in my heart. I'll admit that rather than lie to myself. I eat meat but feel very reluctant to make the kill. I have not even fished in many years. I leave the dirty work to the butcher.

I've killed chicken, fish, and crabs and ate them all. I didn't feel the least bit guilty. Does that make me a bad person?

163 jamesfirecat  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:21:23pm

re: #152 freetoken

Ah, but even using their twisted logic, it could be said to be for the health of the unborn child! So, they are for mandating health care procedures for children!

Unborn children, once the little bastards are out they can go die in a ditch as far as their concerned.

Besides I think they're only fooling themselves if they expect a woman who wants an abortion to suddenly have her heart grow three sizes that day when she sees a picture of the unwelcome guest/parasite in her womb.

At times some Republicans seem to be a great deal more concerned about the lives of the unborn than about those of us who already here....

164 windhorse  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:23:14pm

.....ahh Texas... and crabs all in the same thread.

I use to gig crabs with my buddy Dave in the back bay (behind Galveston). He had the gig... I carried the 12-pack, the mesh bag and the twelve pack.... we would wade out there maybe a mile.... water up to our wastes... Couldn't start until 11pm..... had to drink a lot.....

Then we'd go home and eat um all up.....

(Kilgore... I think you need to focus on a few beers first... then you won't care as much about the crabs...)

165 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:23:17pm

re: #156 jaunte

They just don't appreciate it much.

ha! that would be, as opposed to the critters who do appreciate being our dinner!

166 Cato the Elder  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:23:26pm

re: #155 albusteve

thanks...we are united then...a crab is a crab

You should have been a pair of ragged claws
Scuttling across the floors of silent seas.

Then you'd know better.

167 windhorse  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:23:44pm

(and the lantern)

168 The Shadow Do  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:24:12pm

re: #150 albusteve

crawfish are better than lobster any day...way better, but it involves some primitive sucking and slurping tho

Ugh.
Only if you hold to the one beer one mud bug ratio.

169 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:24:16pm

re: #151 Rightwingconspirator

That is the hypocrisy I have in my heart. I'll admit that rather than lie to myself. I eat meat but feel very reluctant to make the kill. I have not even fished in many years. I leave the dirty work to the butcher.

I love to fish....I got shut out for a whitetail one year, then the next season I didn't go out til the very end, then messed up my shot at a doe....she staggered into a fence and died after a bit almost standing up...that was the last deer I shot, years ago...I'd still hunt for food, but not for any other reason...and I have always been violently opposed to trophy hunting

170 keloyd  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:24:20pm

re: #126 The Shadow Do

My reading was that we were voting to tell our congressmen to lower our taxes. It was a total waste of ink. Why not also vote - in a Texas local election - that Tibet and the Han Chinese get along better?

171 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:25:38pm

re: #160 Decatur Deb

I can't believe this thread hasn't lapsed into pubic indecency.

ha!...so .meandereth the thread

172 The Shadow Do  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:25:40pm

re: #162 NJDhockeyfan

I've killed chicken, fish, and crabs and ate them all. I didn't feel the least bit guilty. Does that make me a bad person?

Just well fed. Ever kill a cat?

173 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:25:45pm

re: #163 jamesfirecat

Unborn children, once the little bastards are out they can go die in a ditch as far as their concerned.

I really don't know anyone who thinks like that. Who do you hang around with?

174 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:27:05pm

re: #166 Cato the Elder

You should have been a pair of ragged claws
Scuttling across the floors of silent seas.

Then you'd know better.

maybe next time....in this life I slaughter and pillage

175 The Shadow Do  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:27:30pm

re: #170 keloyd

My reading was that we were voting to tell our congressmen to lower our taxes. It was a total waste of ink. Why not also vote - in a Texas local election - that Tibet and the Han Chinese get along better?

Kind of how I read it too. Weird.

176 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:27:36pm

re: #172 The Shadow Do

Just well fed. Ever kill a cat?

No but I knew someone in high school who got a kick out of throwing cats off a bridge. He was pretty demented.

177 reine.de.tout  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:27:40pm

re: #146 Killgore Trout

I just made Ricotta cheese with the recipe I posted this weekend. Works very well and seems pretty idiot proof. 6 cups of milk yields a little over one cup of cheese. Very easy, quick and cleanup is a snap; just a bowl and a colander to wash.

Got it! Updated the blog.

178 jamesfirecat  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:27:41pm

re: #173 NJDhockeyfan

I really don't know anyone who thinks like that. Who do you hang around with?

I was being overly dramatic to make a point, based around how there are parts of the GOP which make a lot of noise about the importance of protecting life while its still inside its mother's womb, but not so much about looking after us after we're no longer swimming in ambiotic (sp?) fluids.

179 MandyManners  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:27:51pm

re: #76 keloyd

Texans can follow the results here.

The Texas ballot had some other interesting things on it. In addition to some fairly reasonable ballot initiatives, we got this:

Ballot Proposition #4: Public Acknowledgement of God-The use of the word “God”, prayers, and the Ten Commandments should be allowed at public gatherings and public educational institutions, as well as be permitted on government buildings and property. YES OR NO

Ballot Proposition #5: Sonograms-The Texas Legislature should enact legislation requiring a sonogram to be performed and shown to each mother about to undergo a medically unnecessary, elective abortion. YES OR NO

A sonogram done early in a pregnancy is very invasive.

180 Spare O'Lake  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:28:13pm

re: #154 Cato the Elder

I never splashed boiling water on anyone unless I damn well meant to.

Is it better to intentionally scald another person than to display a cartoon?

181 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:28:15pm

re: #166 Cato the Elder

You should have been a pair of ragged claws
Scuttling across the floors of silent seas.

Then you'd know better.

"The time has come," the Walrus said,
"To talk of many things:
Of shoes--and ships--and sealing-wax--
Of cabbages--and kings--
And why the sea is boiling hot--
And whether pigs have wings."

"But wait a bit," the Oysters cried,
"Before we have our chat;
For some of us are out of breath,
And all of us are fat!"
"No hurry!" said the Carpenter.
They thanked him much for that.

"A loaf of bread," the Walrus said,
"Is what we chiefly need:
Pepper and vinegar besides
Are very good indeed--
Now if you're ready, Oysters dear,
We can begin to feed."

182 Uninformed Opinion  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:28:23pm

re: #134 MandyManners

SNIP

“This case provides the court with an opportunity to correct the doctrinal instability currently existing in religious display cases,” wrote Kevin Theriot in the county’s petition to the court. The petition quoted a Tenth Circuit judge’s lament that the high court’s church-state jurisprudence exists in “establishment clause purgatory.”

Along with

"Nine states filed a friend of the court brief asking the high court to hear Haskell County’s appeal. It said Ten Commandments display lawsuits are particularly burdensome to state and local governments “because public officials cannot reliably predict their outcomes based on precedents from this or any other court.”


I am sure there will be more, similar cases. This is a coordinated effort after all.

183 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:29:17pm

re: #178 jamesfirecat

I was being overly dramatic to make a point, based around how there are parts of the GOP which make a lot of noise about the importance of protecting life while its still inside its mother's womb, but not so much about looking after us after we're no longer swimming in ambiotic (sp?) fluids.

why do you need the GOP to look after you once you're no longer incubating?

184 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:29:24pm

re: #176 NJDhockeyfan

No but I knew someone in high school who got a kick out of throwing cats off a bridge. He was pretty demented.

That person should have been sent to a mental hospital. Such actions are the mark of a psychopath.

185 The Sanity Inspector  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:29:29pm

re: #181 Aceofwhat?

Goo goo g'joob.

186 The Shadow Do  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:29:43pm

re: #176 NJDhockeyfan

No but I knew someone in high school who got a kick out of throwing cats off a bridge. He was pretty demented.

If he put a firecracker up its butt first, then I know that guy is too.

Sadly

187 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:29:50pm

re: #182 Uninformed Opinion

I am sure the SCOTUS will get it right.

188 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:29:59pm

re: #178 jamesfirecat

I was being overly dramatic to make a point, based around how there are parts of the GOP which make a lot of noise about the importance of protecting life while its still inside its mother's womb, but not so much about looking after us after we're no longer swimming in ambiotic (sp?) fluids.

Kinda like bumper stickers on a car where one supports abortion and the next one says "Every life is precious"

189 MandyManners  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:30:08pm

re: #182 Uninformed Opinion

“This case provides the court with an opportunity to correct the doctrinal instability currently existing in religious display cases,” wrote Kevin Theriot in the county’s petition to the court. The petition quoted a Tenth Circuit judge’s lament that the high court’s church-state jurisprudence exists in “establishment clause purgatory.”

Along with

"Nine states filed a friend of the court brief asking the high court to hear Haskell County’s appeal. It said Ten Commandments display lawsuits are particularly burdensome to state and local governments “because public officials cannot reliably predict their outcomes based on precedents from this or any other court.”


I am sure there will be more, similar cases. This is a coordinated effort after all.

They'll all meet the same fate.

190 jamesfirecat  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:30:08pm

re: #183 Aceofwhat?

why do you need the GOP to look after you once you're no longer incubating?

If we're going to make it mandatory that everything be done to keep us alive when we're still in the womb why not look after us out of it as well?

191 Killgore Trout  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:30:15pm

re: #177 reine.de.tout

Got it! Updated the blog.

Thanks. It's pretty fun and easy. I may experiment with some more advanced cheese making at some point in the future.

192 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:30:16pm

re: #172 The Shadow Do

Just well fed. Ever kill a cat?

yes, back in '98 on the shores of the Rubabella River...with my Swiss Army Knife can opener....an epic fight to the finish it was...his mane hangs in my garage just above my table saw

193 Stanghazi  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:30:35pm

re: #176 NJDhockeyfan

No but I knew someone in high school who got a kick out of throwing cats off a bridge. He was pretty demented.

Wonder what the guy is doing now?

Scary.

194 A Man for all Seasons  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:30:49pm

re: #169 albusteve

I love to fish...I got shut out for a whitetail one year, then the next season I didn't go out til the very end, then messed up my shot at a doe...she staggered into a fence and died after a bit almost standing up...that was the last deer I shot, years ago...I'd still hunt for food, but not for any other reason...and I have always been violently opposed to trophy hunting

I have a fishing Cabin at Lake Tomahawk, Wisc...I fish for Walleye..
This will be my last summer fishing before I sell the place before I move to Singapore..
You should come up for the week this summer and fish with me and the boys...
It's really fun...And we'll have a lot of fun

195 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:30:53pm

re: #176 NJDhockeyfan

No but I knew someone in high school who got a kick out of throwing cats off a bridge. He was pretty demented.

I knew a kid who thought he could destroy the computers of others by hooking up his modem to a car battery.

I think we've seen him (or his twins) on a few of these threads.

196 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:31:30pm

re: #185 The Sanity Inspector

Goo goo g'joob.

dude, you should have seen them kicking Edgar Allen Poe...

197 MandyManners  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:31:40pm

re: #193 Stanley Sea

Wonder what the guy is doing now?

Scary.

Life without parole.

198 reine.de.tout  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:31:48pm

re: #191 Killgore Trout

Thanks. It's pretty fun and easy. I may experiment with some more advanced cheese making at some point in the future.

Keep us posted on that.
Would love to hear the results.
I would suspect that making your own cheese just might produce some mighty tasty cheese (instead of pasteurized cheese-type food).

199 The Sanity Inspector  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:31:51pm

re: #163 jamesfirecat

Unborn children, once the little bastards are out they can go die in a ditch as far as their concerned.

Besides I think they're only fooling themselves if they expect a woman who wants an abortion to suddenly have her heart grow three sizes that day when she sees a picture of the unwelcome guest/parasite in her womb.

At times some Republicans seem to be a great deal more concerned about the lives of the unborn than about those of us who already here...

The second item in the liberal creed, after self-righteousness, is unaccountability. Liberals have invented whole college majors--psychology, sociology, women's studies--to prove that nothing is anybody's fault. No one is fond of taking responsibility for his actions, but consider how much you'd have to hate free will to come up with a political platform that advocates killing unborn babies but not convicted murderers. A callous pragmatist might favor abortion and capital punishment. A devout Christian would sanction neither. But it takes years of therapy to arrive at the liberal view.
-- P.J. O'Rourke

200 jamesfirecat  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:32:06pm

re: #188 NJDhockeyfan

Kinda like bumper stickers on a car where one supports abortion and the next one says "Every life is precious"

I am frequently tempted to interpret such bumper stickers like this...


Personally, but then I'm a 21 year old liberal so of course I think I've got the answer to all of life's problems!

201 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:32:17pm

re: #190 jamesfirecat

If we're going to make it mandatory that everything be done to keep us alive when we're still in the womb why not look after us out of it as well?

Who is the GOP preventing to live?

202 The Shadow Do  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:32:25pm

re: #192 albusteve

yes, back in '98 on the shores of the Rubabella River...with my Swiss Army Knife can opener...an epic fight to the finish it was...his mane hangs in my garage just above my table saw

Good eatin'

203 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:32:59pm

re: #194 HoosierHoops

I have a fishing Cabin at Lake Tomahawk, Wisc...I fish for Walleye..
This will be my last summer fishing before I sell the place before I move to Singapore..
You should come up for the week this summer and fish with me and the boys...
It's really fun...And we'll have a lot of fun

at the present I'm crippled and can't really do stuff like that anymore....I'm slowly healing tho

204 Cato the Elder  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:33:16pm

re: #180 Spare O'Lake

Is it better to intentionally scald another person than to display a cartoon?

Are you quite all right? You've been an idiot a lot lately.

205 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:33:18pm

re: #195 EmmmieG

I knew a kid who thought he could destroy the computers of others by hooking up his modem to a car battery.

I think we've seen him (or his twins) on a few of these threads.

Yeah, YoungLibertarian92 is his first cousin.

/

206 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:33:20pm

re: #184 Dark_Falcon

That person should have been sent to a mental hospital. Such actions are the mark of a psychopath.

He used to give his grandmother speed and watch her clean the house.

207 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:34:06pm

re: #190 jamesfirecat

If we're going to make it mandatory that everything be done to keep us alive when we're still in the womb why not look after us out of it as well?

prevention of intentional death is not synonymous with 'everything be done to keep us alive'

not saying it's my position. just saying i don't think it means what you think it means.

208 Ben G. Hazi  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:34:39pm

re: #143 NJDhockeyfan

It appears that Charlie Rangel's days are numbered.

/Couldn't happen to a nicer guy.

I respect Charlie Rangel for his service in Korea, but, as an elected representative in Congress, he's been a loathsome piece of shit, IMO.

209 reine.de.tout  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:34:44pm

re: #178 jamesfirecat

I was being overly dramatic to make a point, based around how there are parts of the GOP which make a lot of noise about the importance of protecting life while its still inside its mother's womb, but not so much about looking after us after we're no longer swimming in ambiotic (sp?) fluids.

It's amniotic.

And there are some in the GOP that sort of figure looking after the health and general welfare of kids is sort of the job of parents.

And then becomes your own job when you are grown.

Just sayin'.

210 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:34:58pm

re: #206 NJDhockeyfan

He used to give his grandmother speed and watch her clean the house.

go granny
go granny
go granny go!
J and D

211 darthstar  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:34:58pm

It's Texas...what do you expect?

212 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:35:13pm

re: #206 NJDhockeyfan

He used to give his grandmother speed and watch her clean the house.

Monster. That's a clear sociopath. You saw evil up close. May I ask any insights you gained from the experience?

213 Killgore Trout  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:35:14pm

re: #198 reine.de.tout

My 100 year old house still has a cold storage root cellar in the basement which vents to the outside. Should be ideal for curing meat, making cheese and storing vegetables in a clamp. I've never had the confidence to use it before but now I'm starting to see the value in it. I'll keep you posted.

214 jamesfirecat  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:35:26pm

re: #199 The Sanity Inspector

The second item in the liberal creed, after self-righteousness, is unaccountability. Liberals have invented whole college majors--psychology, sociology, women's studies--to prove that nothing is anybody's fault. No one is fond of taking responsibility for his actions, but consider how much you'd have to hate free will to come up with a political platform that advocates killing unborn babies but not convicted murderers. A callous pragmatist might favor abortion and capital punishment. A devout Christian would sanction neither. But it takes years of therapy to arrive at the liberal view.
-- P.J. O'Rourke


"But it takes years of therapy to arrive at the liberal view."

No it doesn't.

I believe that a person's organs are the most sacrosanct private property in existence and we can never be forced by another to let them make use of them, even if they would die without the help of our organs.

I don't think that I should have to let a living person have one of my kidneys, I don't think a mother should have to let a child make use of her organs use of her organs unless they want them to.

I also believe that life in prison tends to be a harsher punishment and is cheaper than simply ending someone's life which is why I'm against the death penalty in most cases.

215 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:35:32pm

re: #209 reine.de.tout

It's amniotic.

And there are some in the GOP that sort of figure looking after the health and general welfare of kids is sort of the job of parents.

And then becomes your own job when you are grown.

Just sayin'.

It's the government jobs to watch over us!
//

216 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:35:49pm

re: #146 Killgore Trout

Idiot proof cheese? Would you send me the recipe or a link? Thanks!!

217 The Shadow Do  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:36:04pm

re: #208 talon_262

I respect Charlie Rangel for his service in Korea, but, as an elected representative in Congress, he's been a loathsome piece of shit, IMO.

I'd drink beer with him for sure.

But never cast a vote his way.

218 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:36:13pm

re: #213 Killgore Trout

My 100 year old house still has a cold storage root cellar in the basement which vents to the outside. Should be ideal for curing meat, making cheese and storing vegetables in a clamp. I've never had the confidence to use it before but now I'm starting to see the value in it. I'll keep you posted.

My great-great-great-grandmother who came over on the Oregon trail used to make cheese.

Her cheese press was the one thing that all of my grandmother's children wanted.

219 The Sanity Inspector  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:36:15pm

re: #190 jamesfirecat

If we're going to make it mandatory that everything be done to keep us alive when we're still in the womb why not look after us out of it as well?

Get about a dozen 1040s under your belt, and see if you don't have an answer for that question by then.

220 reine.de.tout  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:36:51pm

re: #213 Killgore Trout

My 100 year old house still has a cold storage root cellar in the basement which vents to the outside. Should be ideal for curing meat, making cheese and storing vegetables in a clamp. I've never had the confidence to use it before but now I'm starting to see the value in it. I'll keep you posted.

Oh, wow - that cold storage cellar in the basement sounds great!

221 jamesfirecat  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:36:58pm

re: #210 albusteve

go granny
go granny
go granny go!
J and D

Have a down ding for poor taste.

222 Stanghazi  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:37:14pm

re: #206 NJDhockeyfan

He used to give his grandmother speed and watch her clean the house.

OK, he better be in jail.

Or completely rehabilitated and volunteering at the shelter downtown.

Holy crap what a bad person!

223 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:37:20pm

re: #213 Killgore Trout

My 100 year old house still has a cold storage root cellar in the basement which vents to the outside. Should be ideal for curing meat, making cheese and storing vegetables in a clamp. I've never had the confidence to use it before but now I'm starting to see the value in it. I'll keep you posted.

not to humid up your way?

224 austin_blue  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:37:32pm

re: #76 keloyd

Texans can follow the results here.

The Texas ballot had some other interesting things on it. In addition to some fairly reasonable ballot initiatives, we got this:

Ballot Proposition #5: Sonograms-The Texas Legislature should enact legislation requiring a sonogram to be performed and shown to each mother about to undergo a medically unnecessary, elective abortion. YES OR NO

"Ok, so I'm seven weeks pregnant and the son-of-a-bitch who did this to me said he was wearing a rubber but it was dark and he wasn't, and I'm seventeen. Oh, my family is rich and my mom and dad will kill me. What am I looking at?"

"Well that's your baby."

"How big is it?"

"About the size of a lima bean."

"A lima bean?! What are those?"

"Gills."

"Gills?"

"Yes, embryos recapitulate phylogeny as they develop."

"What the hell does that mean?"

"Well, basically, an embryo goes through successive stages of development as it grows. It starts as a blastodisc, and moves through stages of sponge, worm, fish, amphibian, reptile, mammal, primate, and human."

"So what is my lima bean right now?"

"Somewhere between a fish and an amphibian. There's also a bit of a tail left."

"Is it human?"

"Depends on your definition. It is definitely alive. It has a working, if primitive, circulatory system. It has enough of a brain to regulate cardiac function. It certainly is a *potential* human, but by any legal definition, it isn't human right now. The legal definition of human death is a non-functioning forebrain, and your embryo/fetus will not have that potential for at at least 12, and maybe as long as 16 weeks."

"So what do I do?"

You guys decide.

225 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:37:51pm

re: #212 Dark_Falcon

Monster. That's a clear sociopath. You saw evil up close. May I ask any insights you gained from the experience?

He was just a kid who lived across town. Another one who live down the street used to give his dog LSD. I never hung around either one. Most normal people tend to distance themselves from nuts like that.

226 reine.de.tout  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:37:58pm

re: #216 Rightwingconspirator

Idiot proof cheese? Would you send me the recipe or a link? Thanks!!

RWC - It's posted at the cookbook blog!

Click here, or click my nic anytime, it goes right to the blog.

227 freetoken  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:37:59pm

Perry's vote share is slowing approaching 50%, going down. Perhaps there will have to be a run-off primary?

228 The Shadow Do  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:38:04pm

re: #211 darthstar

It's Texas...what do you expect?

A whole lot better. What is your take on Texas, my friend?

229 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:38:27pm

re: #219 The Sanity Inspector

Get about a dozen 1040s under your belt, and see if you don't have an answer for that question by then.

I only needed one to shock me back to reality. That was the first one in which I didn't get it all back. I was a student supporting myself working minimum wage and living poor. I was shocked that the government actually expected me to pitch in.

Once I was actually paying in, I suddenly got a lot pickier about what the government was spending my money on.

230 The Sanity Inspector  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:38:38pm

Ooh, the blog ad is for the Teach The Controversy t-shirts. I love those pictures!

231 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:38:52pm

re: #214 jamesfirecat

"But it takes years of therapy to arrive at the liberal view."

No it doesn't.

I believe that a person's organs are the most sacrosanct private property in existence and we can never be forced by another to let them make use of them, even if they would die without the help of our organs.

I don't think that I should have to let a living person have one of my kidneys, I don't think a mother should have to let a child make use of her organs use of her organs unless they want them to.

I also believe that life in prison tends to be a harsher punishment and is cheaper than simply ending someone's life which is why I'm against the death penalty in most cases.

weird...sacrosanct?

232 jamesfirecat  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:39:00pm

re: #225 NJDhockeyfan

He was just a kid who lived across town. Another one who live down the street used to give his dog LSD. I never hung around either one. Most normal people tend to distance themselves from nuts like that.

F***ers.

For some reason despite how much of a bastard we can be to each other, violence against animals always hits home harder....

233 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:39:17pm

re: #162 NJDhockeyfan

Of course not. We just differ.

234 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:39:23pm

re: #209 reine.de.tout

It's amniotic.

And there are some in the GOP that sort of figure looking after the health and general welfare of kids is sort of the job of parents.

And then becomes your own job when you are grown.

Just sayin'.

There's a subcategory of that group, however, that seems to feel that they should spend government money and pass laws to interfere with the decisions of those grown people if they make a decision to end a pregnancy. And that's the point at which this becomes dicey.

235 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:39:24pm

re: #221 jamesfirecat

Have a down ding for poor taste.

really, I never liked Jan and Dean either

236 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:40:10pm

re: #215 NJDhockeyfan

It's the government jobs to watch over us!
//

At least in matters of making us get sonograms, and checking to make sure we didn't miscarry on purpose.

237 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:40:24pm

re: #214 jamesfirecat

fine. that doesn't automatically mean that a person who sees an incubating fetus as full human is "preventing every harm" by trying to prevent their being killed. "preventing every harm" through legislation = measures like legislating the daily intake of prenatal vitamins. iirc, such is not the case.

your analogy is like my backhand volley...needs work.

238 jamesfirecat  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:40:33pm

re: #231 albusteve

weird...sacrosanct?

What? I spelled it right and everything!

Sacrosanct.....

[Link: www.merriam-webster.com...]

239 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:40:52pm

re: #169 albusteve

I am opposed to trophy hunting as well. I want no part of a dead zoo.

240 The Shadow Do  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:40:57pm

re: #227 freetoken

Perry's vote share is slowing approaching 50%, going down. Perhaps there will have to be a run-off primary?

Yes!

He won't lose, but he sorely needs a spotlight on his crappy self.

241 Spare O'Lake  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:41:05pm

re: #204 Cato the Elder

Are you quite all right? You've been an idiot a lot lately.

I'm very well, thanks.
Just a little tired of your idiotic harping on the cartoon avatar meme.
How about a mean limerick instead?

242 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:41:35pm

re: #209 reine.de.tout

It's amniotic.

And there are some in the GOP that sort of figure looking after the health and general welfare of kids is sort of the job of parents.

And then becomes your own job when you are grown.

Just sayin'.

A decreasing number of children have parents (plural), and the economy we have created means fewer of those have a parent at home full time. If we expect parental responsibility the workplace must provide a living wage for a sound family. That's my "family values".

243 reine.de.tout  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:42:00pm

re: #234 SanFranciscoZionist

There's a subcategory of that group, however, that seems to feel that they should spend government money and pass laws to interfere with the decisions of those grown people if they make a decision to end a pregnancy. And that's the point at which this becomes dicey.

agreed.
Of course you know, I'm sure, my personal preference, which would be not to end a pregnancy, but provide support for unplanned/unwanted pregnancies. But that's me, and I'm free to support those sorts of activities.

244 The Sanity Inspector  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:42:42pm

re: #218 EmmmieG

My great-great-great-grandmother who came over on the Oregon trail used to make cheese.

Her cheese press was the one thing that all of my grandmother's children wanted.

That's wonderful to have a historical artifact like that in your family.

245 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:42:42pm

re: #237 Aceofwhat?

fine. that doesn't automatically mean that a person who sees an incubating fetus as full human is "preventing every harm" by trying to prevent their being killed. "preventing every harm" through legislation = measures like legislating the daily intake of prenatal vitamins. iirc, such is not the case.

your analogy is like my backhand volley...needs work.

How would you see the Utah law being proposed on 'criminal miscarriage'?

246 jamesfirecat  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:42:44pm

re: #237 Aceofwhat?

fine. that doesn't automatically mean that a person who sees an incubating fetus as full human is "preventing every harm" by trying to prevent their being killed. "preventing every harm" through legislation = measures like legislating the daily intake of prenatal vitamins. iirc, such is not the case.

your analogy is like my backhand volley...needs work.

They can try and "prevent every harm" but I'll argue that even if you give the fetus all the rights of a living human being, you sign away our rights to keep our organs to ourselves if you make abortion illegal because its saying you can't deny someone the right to use your organs if you'll die without them.

Do you see how that could lead to some troubling legal precedents?

247 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:42:52pm

re: #239 Rightwingconspirator

I am opposed to trophy hunting as well. I want no part of a dead zoo.

I don't have a problem with hunting as long as you eat what you kill, or killing pests, or both (deer).

248 jamesfirecat  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:42:58pm

re: #246 jamesfirecat

They can try and "prevent every harm" but I'll argue that even if you give the fetus all the rights of a living human being, you sign away our rights to keep our organs to ourselves if you make abortion illegal because its saying you can't deny someone the right to use your organs if you'll die without them.

Do you see how that could lead to some troubling legal precedents?

If they'll die without them, DAMN IT!

249 darthstar  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:43:12pm

re: #228 The Shadow Do

A whole lot better. What is your take on Texas, my friend?

I lived in the west Texas town of El Paso when I was a little kid for a while...but it seems as if the choices in this primary are a creationist, a teabagger, and a nirther...so it'll be interesting to see who makes it to the general.

250 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:43:18pm

re: #232 jamesfirecat

F***ers.

For some reason despite how much of a bastard we can be to each other, violence against animals always hits home harder...

that's weird. guy punches a girl and then kicks a dog and you feel worse for the dog?

251 MandyManners  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:43:20pm

re: #237 Aceofwhat?

fine. that doesn't automatically mean that a person who sees an incubating fetus as full human is "preventing every harm" by trying to prevent their being killed. "preventing every harm" through legislation = measures like legislating the daily intake of prenatal vitamins. iirc, such is not the case.

your analogy is like my backhand volley...needs work.

Do you know how an early sonogram is done?

252 freetoken  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:43:29pm

re: #240 The Shadow Do

What's a shocker is that Medina's share of the vote is increasing as the night wears on. I would have thought a larger share of the nutters would have been "early voters".

Nutcase Medina could end up getting a half million votes, Republican primary votes.

253 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:44:02pm

re: #250 Aceofwhat?

that's weird. guy punches a girl and then kicks a dog and you feel worse for the dog?

The dog has fewer options most of the time.

254 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:44:26pm

re: #239 Rightwingconspirator

I am opposed to trophy hunting as well. I want no part of a dead zoo.

back when I was a rich contractor....heh...my concrete guy was huge into that stuff....he went all the way to the north pole to shoot a musk ox, and he never even got off his snowmobile to do it....drove up, shot it and drove away while the guides dressed it out....he had a fortune in stuffed animals, in all sorts of dramatic, lifelike poses....it was disgusting

255 jaunte  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:44:44pm

re: #249 darthstar

I lived in the west Texas town of El Paso when I was a little kid for a while...but it seems as if the choices in this primary are a creationist, a teabagger, and a nirther...so it'll be interesting to see who makes it to the general.

I think Bill White, (D) former Mayor of Houston, is the best choice in the general election.

256 Varek Raith  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:45:05pm

Heh, Loudoun County was...ill-informed?..about the exercises going on at Quantico...Kind of freaking out, they were...
I was hearing artillery fire all day.
:)

257 austin_blue  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:45:26pm

re: #241 Spare O'Lake

I'm very well, thanks.
Just a little tired of your idiotic harping on the cartoon avatar meme.
How about a mean limerick instead?

A Gay Irish Irish Priest in New Delhi,
Had the Lord's Prayer tatooedd on his belly
By the the that the Brahmin
Got down to the Amen,
He'd blown salvation and Kelly.

258 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:45:43pm

re: #226 reine.de.tout

On it thanks! I will try it soon.

259 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:45:43pm

Speaking of hunting...

Justices signal they're ready to make gun ownership a national right

The Supreme Court justices, hearing a 2nd Amendment challenge to Chicago's ban on handguns, signaled Tuesday that they were ready to extend gun rights nationwide, clearing the way for legal attacks on state and local gun restrictions.

260 jamesfirecat  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:45:45pm

re: #250 Aceofwhat?

that's weird. guy punches a girl and then kicks a dog and you feel worse for the dog?

Not really, but I guess I mean... well I hell I don't really know what I mean, all I know for sure is that people who hurt animals for kicks aren't nice people to hang around...

261 Uninformed Opinion  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:45:55pm

re: #239 Rightwingconspirator

I am opposed to trophy hunting as well. I want no part of a dead zoo.

Its kinda creepy. And seriously expensive! I cant really imagine a situation where i would be willing to drop a grand on getting a wildlife statue.

262 Killgore Trout  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:45:58pm

re: #216 Rightwingconspirator

Idiot proof cheese? Would you send me the recipe or a link? Thanks!!

Fresh Ricotta in 5 minutes or less!

Follow the links. It's really easy and relatively idiot proof. I made it just fine on the first try.

263 Vicious Babushka  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:46:20pm

re: #201 NJDhockeyfan

Who is the GOP preventing to live?

All those unemployed elderly cancer patients with no health insurance.

/

264 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:46:28pm

re: #245 SanFranciscoZionist

How would you see the Utah law being proposed on 'criminal miscarriage'?

don't know...i haven't seen it. can i google that and arrive at the right place?

265 The Shadow Do  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:46:36pm

re: #249 darthstar

I lived in the west Texas town of El Paso when I was a little kid for a while...but it seems as if the choices in this primary are a creationist, a teabagger, and a nirther...so it'll be interesting to see who makes it to the general.

there is no question as to who makes the general, sadly. And Kay Bailey Hutchison is none of the above.

Is Texas more f'd up than your state? Just wonderin'

266 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:46:41pm

re: #243 reine.de.tout

agreed.
Of course you know, I'm sure, my personal preference, which would be not to end a pregnancy, but provide support for unplanned/unwanted pregnancies. But that's me, and I'm free to support those sorts of activities.

That would be my preference as well.

267 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:46:45pm

re: #253 SanFranciscoZionist

The dog has fewer options most of the time.

not the shepherds I've owned...you kick one, you go to the ER

268 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:47:09pm

re: #251 MandyManners

Do you know how an early sonogram is done?

was it different than the sonograms my wife got? (honest question...i'm not sure)

269 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:47:34pm

re: #260 jamesfirecat

Not really, but I guess I mean... well I hell I don't really know what I mean, all I know for sure is that people who hurt animals for kicks aren't nice people to hang around...

on that, we are agreed.

270 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:47:52pm

re: #264 Aceofwhat?

don't know...i haven't seen it. can i google that and arrive at the right place?

Probably. Try this.

271 palomino  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:47:59pm

Perry has ALREADY served two and a half terms as TX governor--10 years. WTF?

Will TX ever have another gov?

272 The Shadow Do  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:48:00pm

re: #252 freetoken

What's a shocker is that Medina's share of the vote is increasing as the night wears on. I would have thought a larger share of the nutters would have been "early voters".

Nutcase Medina could end up getting a half million votes, Republican primary votes.

People are pissed. I had no idea, really....

273 Cato the Elder  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:48:14pm

re: #118 Silvergirl

Has Charles ever weighed in on this issue? I've been wondering since you're getting very repetitive about it. If he lets it stand, maybe you should stop grousing.

If Charles asks me to quit repeating myself, I will.

Meanwhile, to repeat with variations: How would it look if I made my avatar "Piss Christ"?

Since this blog is no longer about bashing Islam per se - it never really was, but until Charles started cracking down on the crazee, it drifted that way for a while (and I was guilty of it too).

With that in mind I think it perfectly appropriate to point out, again and again, the impropriety of a popular poster having an avatar showing Calvin pissing on the Name of God.

I'll shut up about it for tonight.

274 MandyManners  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:48:25pm

re: #268 Aceofwhat?

was it different than the sonograms my wife got? (honest question...i'm not sure)

Let's just say that it's done the same way a baby gets made.

275 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:48:38pm

re: #261 Uninformed Opinion

Its kinda creepy. And seriously expensive! I cant really imagine a situation where i would be willing to drop a grand on getting a wildlife statue.

a grand?....man, you don't even know....some rare animal could cost 20k plus to go shoot it and mount it....or more, easily

276 keloyd  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:48:40pm

It really doesn't matter who is governor of Texas. Our governor position is among the weakest in the country. The railroad commissioner has more power. It goes back to the political turmoil of Reconstruction 140 years ago. Somehow, Southern governors still have very little power. 90% of your job is to bring big corporations into the state and be a sort of state chamber of commerce cheerleader - which W and Ann Richards did very well.

277 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:49:18pm

re: #267 albusteve

not the shepherds I've owned...you kick one, you go to the ER

:)

There was a 'thing' during the war years of kicking daschunds because they were German dogs.

Molly Ivins commented that you never see people like that kicking German shepherds.

278 The Sanity Inspector  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:49:25pm

re: #61 Rightwingconspirator

Just me?
I feel the obligation to reduce the pain my food animals experience in providing my sustenance.

From the It Is Not One World file... There are videos out there of Asians dining on cooked, garnished, yet still alive fish and crabs, and enjoying a hearty laugh over their writhings.

279 reine.de.tout  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:49:31pm

re: #242 Decatur Deb

A decreasing number of children have parents (plural), and the economy we have created means fewer of those have a parent at home full time. If we expect parental responsibility the workplace must provide a living wage for a sound family. That's my "family values".

I don't disagree with you.
And one of the keys to a family being able to earn a living wage is education, and I fully support any governmental efforts to provide GED preparation and literacy training to adults.

But I also believe there is an entry starting point for people, and that wage is NOT necessarily a living wage. One reason why it's so important for people to get an education, and get to work before they have their own family to support. I have no objection, either, to "welfare" assistance - my mother worked at the welfare office, and while there are horror stories of abuse, MOST of the folks accepting assistance need it desperately and do so for a limited time, to get on their feet. All of this is absolutely needed.

But there cannot be a permanent "the government will take care of us". Which is sort of how I took James' post.

280 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:49:49pm

re: #274 MandyManners

Let's just say that it's done the same way a baby gets made.

Does it buy you dinner first?

//

281 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:49:52pm

re: #253 SanFranciscoZionist

The dog has fewer options most of the time.

i'll try again. a human and a dog are drowning. if i can only save one, i save the human and mourn the dog.

i don't think jamesfirecat would disagree...but i wanted to make sure. generally we'll do more to help those whose pain we empathize with the most.

282 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:50:12pm

re: #239 Rightwingconspirator

I am opposed to trophy hunting as well. I want no part of a dead zoo.

What about a zombie zoo?

283 Killgore Trout  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:50:15pm

re: #273 Cato the Elder

I've always been a big fan of blasphemy. I think it;s healthy and essential to our freedoms as a modren civilizations.

284 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:50:22pm

re: #262 Killgore Trout

Fresh Ricotta in 5 minutes or less!

Follow the links. It's really easy and relatively idiot proof. I made it just fine on the first try.

it just seems impossible....cheese can get so complicated....I saw it on TV

285 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:50:34pm

Varek, are you here? I feel a disturbance in the Force.

286 The Shadow Do  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:50:38pm

re: #273 Cato the Elder

Mr Ridiculous strikes again.

287 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:50:40pm

re: #270 SanFranciscoZionist

Probably. Try this.

yikes.

288 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:50:41pm

re: #251 MandyManners

Do you know how an early sonogram is done?

Yes. Had one.

289 Killgore Trout  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:51:25pm

re: #284 albusteve

it just seems impossible...cheese can get so complicated...I saw it on TV

I suspect it's like a lot of things. Once you get the basics down it's pretty easy to make variations on the theme.

290 jamesfirecat  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:51:26pm

re: #281 Aceofwhat?

i'll try again. a human and a dog are drowning. if i can only save one, i save the human and mourn the dog.

i don't think jamesfirecat would disagree...but i wanted to make sure. generally we'll do more to help those whose pain we empathize with the most.

I would save the human also.

But in that example its mother nature that is indirectly attacking both the human and the dog.

Its not that I empathize more with an animals pain that that of my fellow humans, its that I think that people who hurt animals for kicks are s*** because they're picking on those who can't fight back....

291 jaunte  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:51:36pm

re: #276 keloyd

It really doesn't matter who is governor of Texas. Our governor position is among the weakest in the country. The railroad commissioner has more power. It goes back to the political turmoil of Reconstruction 140 years ago. Somehow, Southern governors still have very little power. 90% of your job is to bring big corporations into the state and be a sort of state chamber of commerce cheerleader - which W and Ann Richards did very well.

Just to add to that point:

The main source of the relative weakness of the Texas Governor can be found in the historical conditions surrounding the Texas Constitution of 1876. Mindful of the experience of Reconstruction - the period after the Civil War when Republican governors wielded extensive executive powers and were resisted by conservative elites in the state - the authors of the new constitution sought to rein in future governors. They did so by dispersing power that might otherwise be lodged in the chief executive's hands among a vast array of independently elected officials. Broad powers over the legal system, state budget and finances, education, transportation, agriculture, public utilities, and land development are delegated to officials who need not share the policies nor even be of the same political party as the governor.

The dispersal of power among different officials creates what is often called the plural executive. Unlike the federal system, where the cabinet secretaries and the other top executive officers serve at the pleasure of the President, the voters elect the corresponding officials in the Texas system, giving the Governor no direct authority over them.
[Link: texaspolitics.laits.utexas.edu...]

292 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:51:59pm

re: #274 MandyManners

Let's just say that it's done the same way a baby gets made.

It's done with a vaginal probe rather than from the outside of the bump, that is.

293 MandyManners  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:52:02pm

re: #280 NJDhockeyfan

Does it buy you dinner first?

//

Oh, you.

294 MandyManners  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:52:31pm

re: #288 EmmmieG

Yes. Had one.

I cannot imagine the Supreme Court approving this.

295 austin_blue  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:52:33pm

re: #285 Dark_Falcon

Varek, are you here? I feel a disturbance in the Force.

Hi, DF. I made my apologies upthread. I really don't lose your respect.

Peace.

296 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:53:10pm

re: #287 Aceofwhat?

yikes.

Yeah, that was pretty much what I said.

297 MandyManners  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:53:10pm

re: #292 SanFranciscoZionist

Well, I was trying not to get graphic.

298 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:53:28pm

re: #275 albusteve

a grand?...man, you don't even know...some rare animal could cost 20k plus to go shoot it and mount it...or more, easily

my dad knows a guy in Ohio who is poised to spend 100k on a barn to build around his trophy animals.

note that the figure does not include the ridiculous sums spent transporting said trophy animals across the globe back to Ohio in the first place...

299 Killgore Trout  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:53:55pm
300 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:54:10pm

re: #277 SanFranciscoZionist

:)

There was a 'thing' during the war years of kicking daschunds because they were German dogs.

Molly Ivins commented that you never see people like that kicking German shepherds.

she's right...I wish I had space in my life for another one....amazing animals

301 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:54:14pm

re: #274 MandyManners

Let's just say that it's done the same way a baby gets made.

ok, she had one of those. i'm scared to know where this is going...

302 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:54:20pm

re: #279 reine.de.tout

I don't disagree with you.
And one of the keys to a family being able to earn a living wage is education, and I fully support any governmental efforts to provide GED preparation and literacy training to adults.

But I also believe there is an entry starting point for people, and that wage is NOT necessarily a living wage. One reason why it's so important for people to get an education, and get to work before they have their own family to support. I have no objection, either, to "welfare" assistance - my mother worked at the welfare office, and while there are horror stories of abuse, MOST of the folks accepting assistance need it desperately and do so for a limited time, to get on their feet. All of this is absolutely needed.

But there cannot be a permanent "the government will take care of us". Which is sort of how I took James' post.

While campaigning, Obama copped a line I have been using since the '60s:

"It is the duty of the strong to help the weak--It is the duty of the weak to become strong."

303 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:54:30pm

re: #299 Killgore Trout

200 Easy Homemade Cheese Recipes: From Cheddar and Brie to Butter and Yogurt

Could it really be that difficult?

You must, must, must use a copper kettle. I wasn't planning on making a hobby out of it, so I used a regular stock pot. My cheese tasted like aluminum.

304 MandyManners  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:55:03pm

re: #301 Aceofwhat?

ok, she had one of those. i'm scared to know where this is going...

I don't see it standing up in court.

305 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:55:20pm

re: #290 jamesfirecat

agreed. it's a special kind of mean. and i don't mean that in a good way.

306 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:55:29pm

re: #289 Killgore Trout

I suspect it's like a lot of things. Once you get the basics down it's pretty easy to make variations on the theme.

well I booked it...my ex is gonna flip when she sees the link....it's her favorite cheese....thanks

307 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:55:36pm

re: #232 jamesfirecat

There are certain circumstances that would get me in big trouble. If I ever catch a person in the act of harming another person or cruelty to a animal, I may or may not be able to restrain my efforts. If I walked up on a rape, there would likely be no trial.

308 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:56:14pm

I do have to admit that a regular sonogram and an early sonogram are very different. I've had a lot of regular ones.

My "flipper baby" was adorable, though. He still can be, when he wants to be.

309 Killgore Trout  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:56:34pm

re: #303 EmmmieG

Interesting. I'm wondering if the ricotta recipe upthread could be the jumping off point for other cheeses. Since the curds are made in the microwave you can start with a glass container.

310 jamesfirecat  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:57:53pm

re: #305 Aceofwhat?

agreed. it's a special kind of mean. and i don't mean that in a good way.

Yeah I mean like, if you squint turn your head and maybe do some drugs, you can sort of understand where the 9/11 hijackers were coming from. Not that you can agree with them, but you can follow the thought process of how they were acting out of religious zeal and a few other things.

That doesn't excuse what they did, but it does mean that we can at least comprehend how people end up the way they do.

But someone who sets a cat on fire and watches it burn to death.... I just can't even begin to figure out how their mind might work to make them do something like that.

Not to say burning one cat to death makes them "worse" than killing several thousand people just more "other" and "unatural" if you will......

Hope I didn't offend anybody....

311 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:57:58pm

re: #304 MandyManners

I don't see it standing up in court.

oh. no. God, no. It's idiotic. i see what you mean. sorry, i forgot about that particular proposition being voted upon tonight.

just because they can't get their way on abortions doesn't mean that legislating nasty probes is a good middle step.

you can legislate me to get a prostate exam when you pry my gun from my cold, dead hands. I'd imagine women would feel about the same way on this bill. how am i doing so far at postulating the female perspective on it?

312 Cato the Elder  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:57:59pm

re: #241 Spare O'Lake

I'm very well, thanks.
Just a little tired of your idiotic harping on the cartoon avatar meme.
How about a mean limerick instead?

Just for you.

Spare O'Lake would have us believe
That imbeciles need a reprieve
From the fruits of their works.
Too bad that the berks
All just wear their brains on their sleeves.

313 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:58:26pm

re: #247 NJDhockeyfan

Agreed. The kill must serve a purpose apart from ego or bloodlust.

314 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:58:30pm

re: #309 Killgore Trout

Interesting. I'm wondering if the ricotta recipe upthread could be the jumping off point for other cheeses. Since the curds are made in the microwave you can start with a glass container.

This was for homeschool, and I wanted the kids to see the traditional method of adding the rennet, draining it, etc.

If you were serious about making hard cheese, a lot of the initial expense is in hard goods that you re-use, like the kettle and the press.

I do understand that homemade cream cheese is to die for, but I haven't tried that. Maybe I should.

315 keloyd  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:58:51pm

The local news just said these Texan ballot initiatives are all nonbinding. I suspected as much when I saw how they were worded - short, imprecise, not like legalese. No 13 year old girl's getting a camera shoved anywhere. It's just a way for busybody activists of the right to pat each other on teh back.

316 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:58:54pm

re: #298 Aceofwhat?

my dad knows a guy in Ohio who is poised to spend 100k on a barn to build around his trophy animals.

note that the figure does not include the ridiculous sums spent transporting said trophy animals across the globe back to Ohio in the first place...

my cement guy did exactly that....he went crazy with his lavish museum etc....his very cool and neat wife finally left him....his ambition was to shoot every animal listed in Boone and Crockett

317 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:59:08pm

re: #310 jamesfirecat

i can't do enough drugs to understand where the 9/11 guys came from. but i'm still with you on the other part.

318 The Sanity Inspector  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:59:39pm

re: #239 Rightwingconspirator

I am opposed to trophy hunting as well. I want no part of a dead zoo.

"Something wrong, Mr. Ventura?"
"Of course not! This is a lovely room of death! Takecarenowbyebyethen...."

319 MandyManners  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:59:49pm

re: #311 Aceofwhat?

oh. no. God, no. It's idiotic. i see what you mean. sorry, i forgot about that particular proposition being voted upon tonight.

just because they can't get their way on abortions doesn't mean that legislating nasty probes is a good middle step.

you can legislate me to get a prostate exam when you pry my gun from my cold, dead hands. I'd imagine women would feel about the same way on this bill. how am i doing so far at postulating the female perspective on it?

That's pretty much my take.

320 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 7:59:54pm

re: #295 austin_blue

Hi, DF. I made my apologies upthread. I really don't lose your respect.

Peace.

Which post? I'm not doubting you, just asking.

321 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:00:44pm

re: #254 albusteve

That is kinda sick. Cheating, wasteful, egotistical.

322 palomino  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:01:54pm

Apparently Kay Bailey Hutchison just doesn't love Jesus enough for the gop voters of TX.

So the old man with the young hair gets another term. I thought right wingers supported term limits. I guess that only applies in blue states.

323 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:02:58pm

re: #318 The Sanity Inspector

"Something wrong, Mr. Ventura?"
"Of course not! This is a lovely room of death! Takecarenowbyebyethen..."

Airplane Stewardess: Peanut?

Ace: Yes, I have one right here. It's bulky, but I consider it carry-on.

324 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:03:37pm

re: #260 jamesfirecat

People are far better able to defend themselves or run away. Trapped animals not so much. They are so small! Kicking a dog or cat, truly disgusting.
Heh. Love to see a mean bastard kick an angry Bear.

325 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:03:42pm

re: #318 The Sanity Inspector

"Something wrong, Mr. Ventura?"
"Of course not! This is a lovely room of death! Takecarenowbyebyethen..."

I always laugh when I see the scenes where he parks his car :D

326 Stanghazi  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:03:56pm

re: #315 keloyd

The local news just said these Texan ballot initiatives are all nonbinding. I suspected as much when I saw how they were worded - short, imprecise, not like legalese. No 13 year old girl's getting a camera shoved anywhere. It's just a way for busybody activists of the right to pat each other on teh back.

We hope so. It's not some sort of slippery way in?

327 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:04:01pm

re: #322 palomino

Apparently Kay Bailey Hutchison just doesn't love Jesus enough for the gop voters of TX.

So the old man with the young hair gets another term. I thought right wingers supported term limits. I guess that only applies in blue states.

I think you must be kidding

328 jamesfirecat  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:04:19pm

re: #325 WindUpBird

I always laugh when I see the scenes where he parks his car :D

Like.... A GLOVE!

329 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:05:14pm

re: #319 MandyManners

That's pretty much my take.

a fairer bill would have been to legislate the prostate exam for the flighty dad to be carried out simultaneously to the sonogram.

condom use would increase 12,435%, IMHO...

330 Kragar  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:05:20pm

re: #325 WindUpBird

I always laugh when I see the scenes where he parks his car :D

3 darts is too many!

331 goddamnedfrank  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:05:32pm

re: #283 Killgore Trout

I've always been a big fan of blasphemy. I think it;s healthy and essential to our freedoms as a modren civilizations.

As I've repeatedly stated, I don' think that the issue is blasphemy so much as hypocrisy. Arab Christians pray to " الله‎ ".

P.S. I wish I knew how to increase size in leftwards reading scripts. Any

332 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:05:32pm

There is a Twilight Zone episode somewhere in these trophy hunting barns.

333 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:06:03pm

re: #262 Killgore Trout

That looks really good. Thanks!!

334 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:06:06pm

re: #326 Stanley Sea

We hope so. It's not some sort of slippery way in?

you can put lube on a bill?

335 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:07:07pm

re: #334 Aceofwhat?

you can put lube on a bill?

Okay, we need to be sure we clearly separate the posts on the, ah, early sonograms and the posts on legislative bills so there is no mental confusion.

That is all. Thank you.

336 Aceofwhat?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:08:24pm

re: #335 EmmmieG

i'm going out on that note! goodnight all!

337 Stanghazi  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:08:40pm

re: #334 Aceofwhat?

you can put lube on a bill?

Oh Ace!

338 austin_blue  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:08:56pm

re: #315 keloyd

The local news just said these Texan ballot initiatives are all nonbinding. I suspected as much when I saw how they were worded - short, imprecise, not like legalese. No 13 year old girl's getting a camera shoved anywhere. It's just a way for busybody activists of the right to pat each other on teh back.

They weren't on the D ballots. Only the R. ballots. But take a look at the results!

339 Stanghazi  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:09:04pm

re: #335 EmmmieG

Okay, we need to be sure we clearly separate the posts on the, ah, early sonograms and the posts on legislative bills so there is no mental confusion.

That is all. Thank you.

Add in the cheese making......

340 palomino  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:09:04pm

re: #327 albusteve

no, not kidding. why should i be?

341 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:09:16pm

re: #65 albusteve

crabs have no rights...that's why they're crabs

quote of the day, right here :D

342 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:09:25pm

re: #339 Stanley Sea

Add in the cheese making...

Oof.

343 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:10:12pm

re: #290 jamesfirecat

I worry that people who are cruel to animals are likely torturers or serial killers just warming up.

344 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:10:21pm

re: #338 austin_blue

They weren't on the D ballots. Only the R. ballots. But take a look at the results!

In that sense, they are like voting planks in a party platform. Or is that too simple for TX?

345 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:10:41pm

re: #343 Rightwingconspirator

I worry that people who are cruel to animals are likely torturers or serial killers just warming up.

I believe you are correct. Lack of empathy is lack of empathy.

346 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:10:46pm

re: #340 palomino

no, not kidding. why should i be?

term limits is hardly a partisan issue...to convince me otherwise you'd have to show me studies or polls

347 MandyManners  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:10:55pm

Starting after No. 326, the posts are suddenly numbered 0-10.

348 jamesfirecat  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:11:03pm

re: #343 Rightwingconspirator

I worry that people who are cruel to animals are likely torturers or serial killers just warming up.

I think there's been study to exactly that effect, or maybe I'm just recalling Orson Scott Card....

349 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:11:04pm

re: #338 austin_blue

They weren't on the D ballots. Only the R. ballots. But take a look at the results!

To answer your earlier question, austin, if you are sorry for what you said, then you have my forgiveness and I am happy to give it.

350 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:12:16pm

re: #347 MandyManners

Starting after No. 326, the posts are suddenly numbered 0-10.

Shoot yer computer.

351 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:12:24pm

re: #345 EmmmieG

I believe you are correct. Lack of empathy is lack of empathy.

who's the cannibal guy...Dahlmer?...he was an animal torturer/killer

352 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:12:49pm

re: #347 MandyManners

Happened to someone last night. Your post showed "347" to me.

353 Walter L. Newton  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:12:50pm

LOST episode six, season six over... rocked... not comments for now... no spoilers... west coast... get ready for a good ride.

354 windsagio  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:14:29pm

re: #351 albusteve

Dahmer.

Just 'cuz you asked ;)

355 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:14:32pm

re: #347 MandyManners

Starting after No. 326, the posts are suddenly numbered 0-10.

what browser are you using?

356 MandyManners  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:14:56pm

re: #350 NJDhockeyfan

Shoot yer computer.

The noise would wake up the cat so I hit refresh instead.

357 MandyManners  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:15:18pm

re: #352 Decatur Deb

Happened to someone last night. Your post showed "347" to me.

I'm not alone?

358 MandyManners  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:15:31pm

re: #355 albusteve

what browser are you using?

I.E. but, it's better now.

359 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:15:32pm

Gruesome subject, but scroll down to "characteristics." Number ten.


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

360 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:16:07pm

re: #358 MandyManners

I.E. but, it's better now.

Hamster pranks.

361 Racer X  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:16:12pm
362 palomino  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:16:22pm

re: #346 albusteve

traditionally term limits have been most fervently supported by populists. most recent national example was the perotistas of the 90's, who couldn't shut up about the issue...it's a big part of the "throw out all the bums" mentality, which Perry has tapped into.

363 austin_blue  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:16:33pm

re: #349 Dark_Falcon

To answer your earlier question, austin, if you are sorry for what you said, then you have my forgiveness and I am happy to give it.

See my 371 on the Video Hero two threads up.

It's all good.

364 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:17:04pm

re: #358 MandyManners


Mandy IE just is not up to Lizard strength. Seriously use Seamonkey. 1000+ comment threads no sweat no strain.

365 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:17:07pm

re: #358 MandyManners

I.E. but, it's better now.

why I oughta....just try Safari or Firefox...just try them out for a few minutes

366 Stanghazi  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:17:24pm

re: #359 EmmmieG

Gruesome subject, but scroll down to "characteristics." Number ten.

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

Oh boy - 10 is wetting the bed. 12 is torture of animals.

367 Spare O'Lake  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:17:34pm

re: #312 Cato the Elder

Just for you.

Spare O'Lake would have us believe
That imbeciles need a reprieve
From the fruits of their works.
Too bad that the berks
All just wear their brains on their sleeves.

Thanks very much, and here's a humble offering for you:

Cato the Elder has spoken,
He gave us that same tired old pokin',
About a cartoon,
That is making him swoon,
Or is it the stuff that he's smokin'.

368 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:17:54pm

re: #366 Stanley Sea

Oh boy - 10 is wetting the bed. 12 is torture of animals.

Oops. I meant the last one.

369 jamesfirecat  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:18:00pm

re: #362 palomino

traditionally term limits have been most fervently supported by populists. most recent national example was the perotistas of the 90's, who couldn't shut up about the issue...it's a big part of the "throw out all the bums" mentality, which Perry has tapped into.

So he's an incumbent who has tapped into the issue of "throw out the bums...."

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAA?

370 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:18:05pm

re: #365 albusteve

I have yet to see Safari outperform FF on a PC.

371 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:19:39pm

re: #362 palomino

traditionally term limits have been most fervently supported by populists. most recent national example was the perotistas of the 90's, who couldn't shut up about the issue...it's a big part of the "throw out all the bums" mentality, which Perry has tapped into.

I'm not really in favor of an amendment, it's the responsibility of voters....but I pale at 40yr career congressmen....it would be nice if they would limit themselves, but it's the best job in the world

372 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:20:32pm

re: #363 austin_blue

See my 371 on the Video Hero two threads up.

It's all good.

[smiles] Yeah, it's all good. Thank you, Austin. My faith in you is well-placed.

373 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:21:08pm

re: #370 Rightwingconspirator

I have yet to see Safari outperform FF on a PC.

just an option...I use Firefox...faster than a speeding bullet....the object here is to get Mandy to try another browser

374 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:21:10pm

re: #366 Stanley Sea

So creepy!

375 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:21:16pm

Racist incidents, protests spread at UC campuses

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- A firestorm over racially and ethnically charged incidents at several University of California campuses spread Tuesday as UC San Diego announced a KKK-style hood was found on campus and students in Los Angeles and Irvine demonstrated against intolerance.

"What kind of campus promotes an environment that allows people to think it's acceptable to target people for their ethnicity, gender or sexuality?" said Corey Matthews, one of about 200 mostly minority UCLA students who held a lunchtime rally. "It's something about the tone of the environment that allows this."

At UC Irvine, about 250 people gathered for a "student solidarity speakout" to condemn the recent spate of racist incidents at UC San Diego that targeted black students and another incident last month at UC Davis, which targeted a Jewish student with a swastika carved on her door, said Marya Bangee, an event organizer.

376 goddamnedfrank  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:21:24pm

re: #358 MandyManners

I.E. but, it's better now.

Which version? Are you running the brown acid plugin?

377 Cato the Elder  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:21:30pm

re: #367 Spare O'Lake

Not bad.

Now see and understand the problem.

378 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:22:03pm

I use IE on one computer and FF on the other. FF is definitely superior.

379 austin_blue  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:22:03pm

re: #372 Dark_Falcon

[smiles] Yeah, it's all good. Thank you, Austin. My faith in you is well-placed.

Brain fart. Mea culpa.

380 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:22:08pm

re: #376 goddamnedfrank

Which version? Are you running the brown acid plugin?

hahaha!....boink!

381 Stanghazi  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:22:15pm

re: #368 EmmmieG

Oops. I meant the last one.

Hell, it really doesn't matter!

382 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:23:20pm

re: #371 albusteve

I'm not really in favor of an amendment, it's the responsibility of voters...but I pale at 40yr career congressmen...it would be nice if they would limit themselves, but it's the best job in the world


An unfortunate side effect would be an increase in lame ducks (AKA Sen Bunning) who might feel free to show new levels of idiocy.

383 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:23:35pm

Mandy, look at me....
promise me you'll try Firefox...this week,
or right now

384 What, me worry?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:24:01pm

re: #375 NJDhockeyfan

Racist incidents, protests spread at UC campuses

Irvine condemning racism eh? Well okie dokie.

I don't know what the hell is going on in San Diego.

385 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:24:35pm

re: #383 albusteve

Mandy, look at me...
promise me you'll try Firefox...this week,
or right now

Firefox is so much better than IE for LGF and most other websites.

386 Altermite  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:24:43pm

Or chrome or opera!

387 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:25:05pm

re: #382 Decatur Deb

An unfortunate side effect would be an increase in lame ducks (AKA Sen Bunning) who might feel free to show new levels of idiocy.

I like what he's doing....he's flipping the bird to the spendaholic donks....the people will get their money, that's not the issue....he's holding BOs feet to the fire

388 palomino  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:25:16pm

re: #371 albusteve

legislators are one thing, but when it comes to executives voters have shown much more reluctance to have governors or presidents in office for this long. it only took 3 years post-FDR to pass the amendment precluding another FDR.

texas is not in the crisis that allowed an FDR in the first place, so why keep putting this buffoon in office?

389 Dancing along the light of day  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:25:44pm

re: #385 NJDhockeyfan

Firefox is so much better than IE for LGF and most other websites.

I am liking firefox, a LOT!

390 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:25:51pm

Mandy!....get back here!

391 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:27:24pm

re: #388 palomino

legislators are one thing, but when it comes to executives voters have shown much more reluctance to have governors or presidents in office for this long. it only took 3 years post-FDR to pass the amendment precluding another FDR.

texas is not in the crisis that allowed an FDR in the first place, so why keep putting this buffoon in office?

I agree....it's like they have some insecurity and for some reason they feel comfortable with Perry....complacency

392 Stanghazi  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:27:33pm

re: #384 marjoriemoon

Irvine condemning racism eh? Well okie dokie.

I don't know what the hell is going on in San Diego.

The deal at UCSD is escalating. Today is Dr. Seuss' b-day - they were going to have a normal celebration. Someone put a KKK-like hood over his statue last night.

The students took over the President's office the other day after a noose was found in the library.

393 MandyManners  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:27:57pm

re: #375 NJDhockeyfan

Racist incidents, protests spread at UC campuses

Anyone gonna' take on the racists who interupt Israeli speakers?

394 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:28:11pm

re: #387 albusteve

I like what he's doing...he's flipping the bird to the spendaholic donks...the people will get their money, that's not the issue...he's holding BOs feet to the fire

i think there are some damaging consequences from the minor parts of the bill he delayed--like the COBRA extension. Most unemployed will get at least a partial catch-up.

395 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:28:23pm

re: #385 NJDhockeyfan

Firefox is so much better than IE for LGF and most other websites.

Quite Concur.

396 Dancing along the light of day  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:28:28pm

re: #353 Walter L. Newton

Walter, my sister just discovered Lost.
God bless netflix on demand!
She's going to watch season 3 on her flight from the west coast to the east coast tomorrow. She's loving it! ( I got to watch some too!).
Hi Lizardia! *waves*

397 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:28:35pm

re: #384 marjoriemoon

Irvine condemning racism eh? Well okie dokie.

I don't know what the hell is going on in San Diego.

Kinda like Drew Peterson condemning spousal abuse.

398 MandyManners  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:28:58pm

I might try out Firefox or whatever. The thing is, this is the ONLY place on the Internet that I have any trouble.

399 Vicious Babushka  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:29:02pm

re: #393 MandyManners

Anyone gonna' take on the racists who interupt Israeli speakers?

It's israel Apartheid Week! Get your T-shirts at the Zionist Mall.

400 Stanghazi  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:29:06pm

re: #387 albusteve

I like what he's doing...he's flipping the bird to the spendaholic donks...the people will get their money, that's not the issue...he's holding BOs feet to the fire

But Steve - he voted lockstep with the GOP against the Pay-Go bill. Then in 2003 he voted for extending unemployment benefits without any ties to budget.

I think he's lost it.

401 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:29:32pm

re: #394 Decatur Deb

i think there are some damaging consequences from the minor parts of the bill he delayed--like the COBRA extension. Most unemployed will get at least a partial catch-up.

BO said there will be no more spending without associated cuts....that's all there is to it....just grandstanding

402 What, me worry?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:29:38pm

re: #392 Stanley Sea

The deal at UCSD is escalating. Today is Dr. Seuss' b-day - they were going to have a normal celebration. Someone put a KKK-like hood over his statue last night.

The students took over the President's office the other day after a noose was found in the library.

I know! It's crazy. My niece goes to one of the campuses there, but I don't know which. I haven't spoken to her in a few weeks.

403 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:29:59pm

re: #393 MandyManners

Anyone gonna' take on the racists who interupt Israeli speakers?

Nope. If anything, the pro-terror groups will jump onto the "anti-racist" bandwagon like usual. They're like the Nirthners at a Tea Party, welcomed when they should be excluded.

404 The Shadow Do  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:30:04pm
405 Dancing along the light of day  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:30:17pm

Hiya Hoopster!
I thought of you, last week, in Santa Rosa County.
DANG NEAR Napa!
Lovely weather, too.
*waves*

406 austin_blue  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:30:26pm

re: #395 Dark_Falcon

Quite Concur.

Safari...

407 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:30:38pm

re: #398 MandyManners

I might try out Firefox or whatever. The thing is, this is the ONLY place on the Internet that I have any trouble.

Firefox will fix your problems. LGF freezes IE on the computer at work so I try to avoid coming here when I'm in the office.

408 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:30:45pm

re: #398 MandyManners

I might try out Firefox or whatever. The thing is, this is the ONLY place on the Internet that I have any trouble.

Firefox will fix it for you....if you don't like it you just delete them and continue with IE...it's simple

409 palomino  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:30:46pm

re: #391 albusteve

they love perry because he kept them safe from terrorist attacks.

seriously, KBH is just too moderate for the TX GOP, folks who see Sens. McCain and Snowe as risky activists and BO as a direct descendant of both hitler and mao.

410 Cato the Elder  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:30:52pm

re: #389 Floral Giraffe

I am liking firefox, a LOT!

Firefox is the best I've tried, and I've used them all.

There are two add-ins that you might want to consider: AdBlock and NoScript.

The first prevents you from seeing too many stupid ads. It even makes Facebook ad-free. (Note to Facebook: neener neener!)

The second protects you from potentially malicious scripts in a site's code. For sites you trust, you can allow all scripts (as I do for LGF). For those you aren't sure of, you can either allow scripts temporarily or fine-tooth it down to just the ones you need to see the site.

411 Stanghazi  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:31:13pm

re: #393 MandyManners

Anyone gonna' take on the racists who interupt Israeli speakers?

So that makes it ok? Come on!!!

412 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:31:14pm

re: #392 Stanley Sea

The deal at UCSD is escalating. Today is Dr. Seuss' b-day - they were going to have a normal celebration. Someone put a KKK-like hood over his statue last night.

The students took over the President's office the other day after a noose was found in the library.

It's just satire.

413 Dancing along the light of day  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:31:20pm

re: #398 MandyManners

I might try out Firefox or whatever. The thing is, this is the ONLY place on the Internet that I have any trouble.

Mandy, I'm stuck in AOHell, too.
Sister downloaded FireFox.
I'm loving it.
Get the kid to download it for you.

414 Walter L. Newton  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:31:21pm

re: #396 Floral Giraffe

Walter, my sister just discovered Lost.
God bless netflix on demand!
She's going to watch season 3 on her flight from the west coast to the east coast tomorrow. She's loving it! ( I got to watch some too!).
Hi Lizardia! *waves*

that's 23 hours of LOST... is the flight that long?

415 reine.de.tout  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:31:51pm

re: #398 MandyManners

I might try out Firefox or whatever. The thing is, this is the ONLY place on the Internet that I have any trouble.

USE FIREFOX!

416 Ojoe  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:31:57pm

Who created my tomcat?

FitzRow!

417 What, me worry?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:31:57pm

re: #397 NJDhockeyfan

Kinda like Drew Peterson condemning spousal abuse.

heh Well I want to say it's a good thing. It's not a bad thing. Maybe it's the Hillel kids defending S.D.

418 Cato the Elder  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:32:06pm

re: #393 MandyManners

Anyone gonna' take on the racists who interupt Israeli speakers?

Yeah. I will. Sent me a ticket.

419 avanti  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:32:46pm

re: #407 NJDhockeyfan

Firefox will fix your problems. LGF freezes IE on the computer at work so I try to avoid coming here when I'm in the office.

Firefox/IE in a nutshell:

link.

420 MandyManners  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:32:59pm

re: #399 Alouette

It's israel Apartheid Week! Get your T-shirts at the Zionist Mall.

Thinking about getting an Shayetet 13 shirt.

421 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:33:28pm

re: #401 albusteve

BO said there will be no more spending without associated cuts...that's all there is to it...just grandstanding

No one would want me to choose the cuts.

422 Cato the Elder  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:33:28pm

re: #396 Floral Giraffe

Walter, my sister just discovered Lost.
God bless netflix on demand!
She's going to watch season 3 on her flight from the west coast to the east coast tomorrow. She's loving it! ( I got to watch some too!).
Hi Lizardia! *waves*

My mother just discovered Big Love. When I told her that a friend of mine has directed several episodes, she nearly swooned.

I'm going to get the whole DVD set for her and have him sign it.

423 The Shadow Do  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:33:40pm

re: #409 palomino

they love perry because he kept them safe from terrorist attacks.

seriously, KBH is just too moderate for the TX GOP, folks who see Sens. McCain and Snowe as risky activists and BO as a direct descendant of both hitler and mao.

Has nothing to do with moderate, immoderate or otherwise. Has to do with Washington or no. Simple as that. That is evidently the dynamic all across the country.

424 Stanghazi  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:34:03pm

re: #402 marjoriemoon

I know! It's crazy. My niece goes to one of the campuses there, but I don't know which. I haven't spoken to her in a few weeks.

La Jolla is the main campus and it's getting weird - at least according to the news.

425 MandyManners  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:34:16pm

re: #411 Stanley Sea

So that makes it ok? Come on!!!

What? I didn't say that nor did I think that. Good grief.

426 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:34:44pm

re: #421 Decatur Deb

No one would want me to choose the cuts.

What would you cut? Be specific.

427 Ojoe  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:35:10pm

re: #421 Decatur Deb

BO said there will be no more spending without associated cuts

Cuts cuts
BO butts
Banana fana
fo futs
me my mo mutts
cutts

428 What, me worry?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:35:14pm

re: #424 Stanley Sea

La Jolla is the main campus and it's getting weird - at least according to the news.

What started all the tension?

429 Lidane  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:35:16pm

re: #2 austin_blue

I'm taking a close look at the Texas School Board races.

You and me both.

Know what scares me? This was an actual conversation on my Facebook today:

"Don't forget - today is election day! If you don't vote, you don't have the right to complain. Pay particular attention to the State Board of Education race and vote [Republican candidate]!"

"What's his background? Is he for leaving the science curriculum to the scientist, or is he for injecting creationism or intelligent design ideas into the science curriculum?"

"He is all about leaving the science curriculum to the teachers and those who are on the front line of education."

A) That doesn't answer the question that was asked.
B) Does this mean that scientists aren't on the front line of education?

I looked at the candidate's website. He treats evolution and intelligent design as interchangeable, and as equal questions to be asked.

*sigh*

It's so damned depressing around here sometimes. =P

430 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:36:14pm

re: #400 Stanley Sea

But Steve - he voted lockstep with the GOP against the Pay-Go bill. Then in 2003 he voted for extending unemployment benefits without any ties to budget.

I think he's lost it.

that was then, different circumstances....I don't really give a shit, but he's hardly some crackpot who hates the unemployed and whatever else hysteria goes with it...maybe he's lost it, but so has most of the govt...look around...the state democrat regime under Bill Richardson here in NM, DOUBLED in size and payroll in six years....blew 800million in cash since last year and have nothing to show for it....now they propose taxing tortillas...I can see where ding dong Bunning is coming from

431 freetoken  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:36:15pm

Well, now that it looks like Perry is going to get his 50%, I wonder if Medina might decide to run as an Independent/TeaParty in the general election? If she did so, would she cost Perry the election?

432 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:37:00pm

re: #430 albusteve

that was then, different circumstances...I don't really give a shit, but he's hardly some crackpot who hates the unemployed and whatever else hysteria goes with it...maybe he's lost it, but so has most of the govt...look around...the state democrat regime under Bill Richardson here in NM, DOUBLED in size and payroll in six years...blew 800million in cash since last year and have nothing to show for it...now they propose taxing tortillas...I can see where ding dong Bunning is coming from

You don't pay, they repossess your tortilla? That's harsh.

433 Stanghazi  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:37:03pm

re: #425 MandyManners

What? I didn't say that nor did I think that. Good grief.

Well you changed the subject at hand to something else. It's the tu quoque thingy.

434 What, me worry?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:37:10pm

re: #424 Stanley Sea

La Jolla is the main campus and it's getting weird - at least according to the news.

At least in the 60's and 70s, all we were doing was screwing and getting stoned.

435 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:37:33pm

re: #398 MandyManners

Hmmm. I'll just guess that this site is far more demanding of your browser and internet connection than anywhere else you hang. I can run either fast updating weather radar from intellicast OR I can hang here. I f I try both in tabs its choke city.

But I can run LGF in tabs with kitco.com plus CNN and two or three others. intellicast radars and LGF are the only sites that challenge my set up.

436 A Man for all Seasons  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:37:51pm

re: #405 Floral Giraffe

Hiya Hoopster!
I thought of you, last week, in Santa Rosa County.
DANG NEAR Napa!
Lovely weather, too.
*waves*

Hi love..Always nice to see you...
How are you tonight?
I miss my hometown sometimes so much...
After Juco I went to college in Santa Rosa..
[Link: www.sonoma.edu...]
Be well my friend..
/I'm packing already..What's up with that? Wink?
Be well my friend

437 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:37:55pm

re: #423 The Shadow Do

Has nothing to do with moderate, immoderate or otherwise. Has to do with Washington or no. Simple as that. That is evidently the dynamic all across the country.


Hah this is so wrong that wrong itself is crying out in pain as you burden the word with your wrongness.

A solidly moderate Republican that had no connections to Washington running in a Texas gubernatorial primary would be dismantled like an erector set by a pandery creationist loonbag like Perry.

438 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:38:39pm

re: #421 Decatur Deb

No one would want me to choose the cuts.

I'd cut the entire Dept of Education....boom!

439 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:39:03pm

re: #428 marjoriemoon

What started all the tension?

All the racists, I thought! [Link: www.rickross.com...]

440 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:39:18pm

I wonder how bad this will affect the economy?

Fuel Taxes Must Rise, Harvard Researchers Say

To meet the Obama administration’s targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions, some researchers say, Americans may have to experience a sobering reality: gas at $7 a gallon.

To reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the transportation sector 14 percent from 2005 levels by 2020, the cost of driving must simply increase, according to a forthcoming report by researchers at Harvard’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.

The 14 percent target was set in the Environmental Protection Agency’s budget for fiscal 2010.

In their study, the researchers devised several combinations of steps that United States policymakers might take in trying to address the heat-trapping emissions by the nation’s transportation sector, which consume 70 percent of the oil used in the United States.

Most of their models assumed an economy-wide carbon dioxide tax starting at $30 a ton in 2010 and escalating to $60 a ton in 2030. In some cases researchers also factored in tax credits for electric and hybrid vehicles, taxes on fuel or both.

441 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:39:33pm

re: #426 Dark_Falcon

What would you cut? Be specific.

Very broadbrush, no real thinking:

DEA--gone
Farm (esp tobacco) subsidies--mostly gone.
Tax breaks to multi-nationals--gone
Military contrators--zero budget rejustify or gone

Give me a day, and it'll really get weird.

442 MandyManners  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:39:49pm

*rolls eyes*

I'm outta' here. Nighty-night.

443 Walter L. Newton  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:39:59pm

re: #438 albusteve

I'd cut the entire Dept of Education...boom!

I would open more charter schools. That would be the best thing for dealing with the underachiever schools. Close the schools that are underachieving and fire the administration and teachers.

444 Stanghazi  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:40:31pm

re: #428 marjoriemoon

What started all the tension?

Black History Month frat party - slamming on black history with racist theme. Then the campus TV station had a program supporting the party.

I'll find link.

445 The Shadow Do  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:40:50pm

re: #430 albusteve

that was then, different circumstances...I don't really give a shit, but he's hardly some crackpot who hates the unemployed and whatever else hysteria goes with it...maybe he's lost it, but so has most of the govt...look around...the state democrat regime under Bill Richardson here in NM, DOUBLED in size and payroll in six years...blew 800million in cash since last year and have nothing to show for it...now they propose taxing tortillas...I can see where ding dong Bunning is coming from

It will all become clear when Obama passes his middle class tax cuts. I promise.

446 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:41:15pm

re: #410 Cato the Elder

Exactly my experience with FF, I think Seamonkey has those too being FF's big brother.

447 What, me worry?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:41:16pm

re: #439 WindUpBird

All the racists, I thought! [Link: www.rickross.com...]

I'll forgive the rickross reference!

I have family there. I had no idea. Metzger's name came up earlier today, unforutnately.

448 What, me worry?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:42:13pm

re: #444 Stanley Sea

Black History Month frat party - slamming on black history with racist theme. Then the campus TV station had a program supporting the party.

I'll find link.

Right. It seems there must have been ongoing tension as well. College kids slamming on Black History month ain't right.

449 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:42:39pm

re: #443 Walter L. Newton

I would open more charter schools. That would be the best thing for dealing with the underachiever schools. Close the schools that are underachieving and fire the administration and teachers.

Good solid idea, Walter. The key would be pushing it through against union opposition. But you would have an advantage in such a fight, being better able to frame a situation than must politicos.

450 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:42:45pm

re: #441 Decatur Deb

Very broadbrush, no real thinking:

DEA--gone
Farm (esp tobacco) subsidies--mostly gone.
Tax breaks to multi-nationals--gone
Military contrators--zero budget rejustify or gone

Give me a day, and it'll really get weird.

hey, I like the cut of your jib!

And it'd make republicans in senate melt down into hissing slag, sliding into the core of the earth.

You know what'd be great? If instead of spending all our military contractor dollars on machinery, we spent a bit more of it on higher education for the military, so we have the smartest, brightest, cleverest military on earth, instead of just being the one with the most ft-lbs of torque.

451 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:43:16pm

re: #432 EmmmieG

You don't pay, they repossess your tortilla? That's harsh.

what's worse is the criminal pay to play scams Richardson was running (it was BOs first scandal) was under federal investigation...there is a ton of corruption connected to DC out here....BO called off the dogs, by drying up the funds to investigate....Richardson is dirty and now BO is dirty too

452 Stanghazi  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:43:43pm

Marjorie-

"Compton Cookout" was the frat party theme. Here is a commentary from the Ethnic studies faculty and students:

UCSD

453 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:43:56pm

re: #451 albusteve

what's worse is the criminal pay to play scams Richardson was running (it was BOs first scandal) was under federal investigation...there is a ton of corruption connected to DC out here...BO called off the dogs, by drying up the funds to investigate...Richardson is dirty and now BO is dirty too

Bummer. The only recourse is full exposure and a good vote.

454 The Shadow Do  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:44:24pm

re: #437 WindUpBird


A solidly moderate Republican that had no connections to Washington


very confusing, that would describe just who exactly? Or is this some sort of imaginary contest you are theorizing? I don't get it.

455 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:44:25pm

re: #443 Walter L. Newton

I would open more charter schools. That would be the best thing for dealing with the underachiever schools. Close the schools that are underachieving and fire the administration and teachers.

yup....just do it and to hell with the NEA....this is our future were talkin here

456 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:44:30pm

re: #440 NJDhockeyfan

I wonder how bad this will affect the economy?

Fuel Taxes Must Rise, Harvard Researchers Say

Harvard is being foolish. Advocating increased taxes is a sure way for anti-AGW legislation to go down in flames. Americans hate tax-hikers.

457 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:44:45pm

re: #450 WindUpBird

About the Air Force and Naval Academies...? The War College. etc etc. ?

458 freetoken  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:45:12pm

All the time we hear about how unpopular Congress is, and how the Tea Partiers are raving about abuses of power, etc.

Yet, in the Texas Primary, in those congressional districts where an incumbent Republican in running against challengers, the incumbent is winning handily.

Overwhelmingly.

459 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:45:20pm

re: #443 Walter L. Newton

I would open more charter schools. That would be the best thing for dealing with the underachiever schools. Close the schools that are underachieving and fire the administration and teachers.

I'm okay with charter schools as long as there's some oversight.

But underachieving schools often underachieve for reasons that have zero to do with the teachers, and tying it to test scores doesn't work. It's not a problem that can be solved bluntly. Class sizes, single/unattentive parents, lack of money, lack of relevant programs, all this stuff matters.

460 Stanghazi  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:45:23pm

LA Times

Here's another from the LA Times.

461 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:45:34pm

re: #452 Stanley Sea

Marjorie-

"Compton Cookout" was the frat party theme. Here is a commentary from the Ethnic studies faculty and students:

UCSD

That reminds me. Come June 19th we're celebrating "Juneteenth." Who doesn't love a holiday that combines the end of slavery with barbecue and sheet cake?

462 Vicious Babushka  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:45:41pm

re: #456 Dark_Falcon

Harvard is being foolish. Advocating increased taxes is a sure way for anti-AGW legislation to go down in flames. Americans hate tax-hikers.

Great, tax the poor people who can't afford to trade in their gas guzzler for a more fuel efficient vehicle.

463 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:45:55pm

re: #450 WindUpBird

hey, I like the cut of your jib!

And it'd make republicans in senate melt down into hissing slag, sliding into the core of the earth.

You know what'd be great? If instead of spending all our military contractor dollars on machinery, we spent a bit more of it on higher education for the military, so we have the smartest, brightest, cleverest military on earth, instead of just being the one with the most ft-lbs of torque.

We have continuing modernization to do. We cannot cut equipment purchasing, as we need to keep our military well supplied.

464 Cato the Elder  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:46:38pm

re: #436 HoosierHoops

Hi Hoops!

Check yer email.

465 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:46:52pm

re: #453 EmmmieG

Bummer. The only recourse is full exposure and a good vote.

it's criminal...BO is letting Richardson walk...what am I supposed to think?....BO is fucking crooked, that's the fact

466 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:47:00pm

re: #455 albusteve

yup...just do it and to hell with the NEA...this is our future were talkin here

The NEA is such an infintesimally small part of the budget it doesn't even rate a blip. I think the oil change on a B2 costs more.

467 The Shadow Do  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:47:25pm

re: #450 WindUpBird

hey, I like the cut of your jib!

And it'd make republicans in senate melt down into hissing slag, sliding into the core of the earth.

You know what'd be great? If instead of spending all our military contractor dollars on machinery, we spent a bit more of it on higher education for the military, so we have the smartest, brightest, cleverest military on earth, instead of just being the one with the most ft-lbs of torque.

You really don't pay much attention to military matters, do you.

468 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:48:01pm

re: #445 The Shadow Do

It will all become clear when Obama passes his middle class tax cuts. I promise.

Heh. Tax cuts?

Individual Mandate in President’s Health Care Plan Apparently Violates Obama’s Tax Pledge

469 Ojoe  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:48:02pm

re: #450 WindUpBird

so we have the smartest, brightest, cleverest military on earth

Pretty much already true especially the Marines these days.

470 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:48:13pm

re: #466 WindUpBird

The NEA is such an infintesimally small part of the budget it doesn't even rate a blip. I think the oil change on a B2 costs more.

Different NEA, I think.

471 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:48:29pm

re: #459 WindUpBird

I'm okay with charter schools as long as there's some oversight.

But underachieving schools often underachieve for reasons that have zero to do with the teachers, and tying it to test scores doesn't work. It's not a problem that can be solved bluntly. Class sizes, single/unattentive parents, lack of money, lack of relevant programs, all this stuff matters.

LACK OF MONEY?....I almost choked, excuse me

472 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:49:15pm

re: #463 Dark_Falcon

We have continuing modernization to do. We cannot cut equipment purchasing, as we need to keep our military well supplied.

Modernization, fine. We're all for modernization. The problem isn't modernization, the problem is contracts for ludicrous and nonsensical projects.

473 Lidane  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:49:22pm

re: #458 freetoken

All the time we hear about how unpopular Congress is, and how the Tea Partiers are raving about abuses of power, etc.

Yet, in the Texas Primary, in those congressional districts where an incumbent Republican in running against challengers, the incumbent is winning handily.

Overwhelmingly.

Didn't you know? Congress sucks except for the guy in your home district who brings in millions from D.C. It's all those other bastards who deserve to get fired instead. =P

474 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:49:45pm

re: #469 Ojoe

Pretty much already true especially the Marines these days.

Links? or are you just flagwaving?

475 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:49:57pm

re: #466 WindUpBird

The NEA is such an infintesimally small part of the budget it doesn't even rate a blip. I think the oil change on a B2 costs more.

it's not the money in the budget, it's the power in DC....I would have bet my last dime you knew that

476 Walter L. Newton  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:49:58pm

re: #459 WindUpBird

I'm okay with charter schools as long as there's some oversight.

But underachieving schools often underachieve for reasons that have zero to do with the teachers, and tying it to test scores doesn't work. It's not a problem that can be solved bluntly. Class sizes, single/unattentive parents, lack of money, lack of relevant programs, all this stuff matters.

What's wrong with closing underachieving schools? The administration has even suggested it.

477 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:50:17pm

re: #472 WindUpBird

Ballistic missile defense? Or?

478 freetoken  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:50:24pm

re: #468 NJDhockeyfan

Speaking of mandates, the Sonogram Mandate is up to 68.99% Yes... but it trails the other props which easily got near unanimous votes.

479 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:51:15pm

re: #463 Dark_Falcon

We have continuing modernization to do. We cannot cut equipment purchasing, as we need to keep our military well supplied.

Modernization in the present environment is continual R&D to the proof-of-concept phase, but not production of large numbers of systems that have no realistic challenger.

480 Stanghazi  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:51:21pm
481 A Man for all Seasons  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:51:44pm

re: #464 Cato the Elder

Hi Hoops!

Check yer email.

Talk to you in the morning bro...
Be well

482 freetoken  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:51:59pm

The Almighty is still pulling in 95%+ in the Texas GOP primary...

Heh, three cheers for God Allah.

483 Cato the Elder  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:52:12pm

re: #479 Decatur Deb

Modernization in the present environment is continual R&D to the proof-of-concept phase, but not production of large numbers of systems that have no realistic challenger.

Thank you.

484 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:52:50pm

re: #467 The Shadow Do

You really don't pay much attention to military matters, do you.

no, they are not smart or bright...we are obviously second rate...good grief

485 What, me worry?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:52:50pm

re: #460 Stanley Sea

LA Times

Here's another from the LA Times.

Wow. Check this out.

Many of these recommendations are not new. They were put forward by the Black Student Union as far back as 2006, when students warned they were becoming increasingly uncomfortable, alienated and even fearful on campus.

and

In 1996, many posited that racial tensions would increase after passage of that year's Proposition 209, which barred California's public universities from considering race and other factors in admissions; indeed, the number of black and Latino students quickly plummeted, and it seems, in retrospect, that the skeptics may have been right. If more chancellors sit down with their students in the coming weeks, they may be surprised to learn of the "Compton Cookouts" in their own backyards.
486 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:53:16pm

re: #471 albusteve

LACK OF MONEY?...I almost choked, excuse me

My friends (and at one point my brother, he left education to do video production) teach, or have taught, in schools that literally have no money to fix leaks in the buildings. They just close off rooms that are molding to nothing.

If you have a magical way to repair structural deterioration in school buildings that doesn't require money, hey, let me know! I know OH GOD SCHOLS + MONEY KNEEJERK BLAAARGH but there really is a difference between a well-funded district with lots of resources and nice middle-class parents who give a crap about their kids' well-being, and poor districts that are underfunded whose kids go home to dodgy apartment buildings to single parents who work two jobs.

487 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:53:46pm

re: #473 Lidane

Didn't you know? Congress sucks except for the guy in your home district who brings in millions from D.C. It's all those other bastards who deserve to get fired instead. =P

not in Tenn...the citizens there were outraged with Nelson getting bought off

488 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:55:00pm

re: #479 Decatur Deb

Modernization in the present environment is continual R&D to the proof-of-concept phase, but not production of large numbers of systems that have no realistic challenger.

I hear you, but do understand that modernization does mean production of new subs and ships, since those most emphatically being challenged by China.

489 jaunte  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:55:01pm

ASVAB sample questions: test your skill.
[Link: usmilitary.about.com...]

490 watching you tiny alien kittens are  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:55:10pm

Sarah Palin is going to be on with Jay Leno as soon as these commercials are over....

This might be funny if Jay pushes a little.

491 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:55:15pm

re: #486 WindUpBird

My friends (and at one point my brother, he left education to do video production) teach, or have taught, in schools that literally have no money to fix leaks in the buildings. They just close off rooms that are molding to nothing.

If you have a magical way to repair structural deterioration in school buildings that doesn't require money, hey, let me know! I know OH GOD SCHOLS + MONEY KNEEJERK BLAAARGH but there really is a difference between a well-funded district with lots of resources and nice middle-class parents who give a crap about their kids' well-being, and poor districts that are underfunded whose kids go home to dodgy apartment buildings to single parents who work two jobs.

two words
Stimulus

492 What, me worry?  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:56:16pm

I turn into a pumpkin in 4 minutes. Night ya'll :)

493 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:56:28pm

re: #488 Dark_Falcon

I hear you, but do understand that modernization does mean production of new subs and ships, since those most emphatically being challenged by China.

Best bet is to skip generations. We start from a very comfortable lead.

494 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:57:31pm

re: #490 ausador

Sarah Palin is going to be on with Jay Leno as soon as these commercials are over...

This might be funny if Jay pushes a little.

It amazes me how some people here are just completely obsessed with that woman.

Rebel Without a Cause is on TCM. James Dean is much more entertaining.

495 Cato the Elder  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:58:16pm

re: #486 WindUpBird

But maybe the experience of shitty schools will teach those kids how to be good Ayn Rand capitalists.

And maybe my dog is Dick Whittington's cat in disguise.

496 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:58:20pm

re: #494 NJDhockeyfan

It amazes me how some people here are just completely obsessed with that woman.

Rebel Without a Cause is on TCM. James Dean is much more entertaining.

Rogue Without a Clue.

497 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:59:18pm

re: #476 Walter L. Newton

What's wrong with closing underachieving schools? The administration has even suggested it.

Nothing is WRONG per se, it's just that how do we do that, what are the criteria for doing that, and what do we replace the school with? Is the school underachieving because the staff all sucks? Or is the school underachieving because of a starve-the--beast Grover Norquist thing where they have zero resources? Are they udnerachieving because the kids are a mess coming in?
And are the criteria for the charter school identical to the criteria for the public school?

Lotsa questions for how we govern schools, how we fund schools, where the funding goes. It's a complex problem. it can't be boiled down to "bad test scores=bad school." The best teacher on earth is going to have a hard time getting through to a kid who's being beaten at home and self-medicating his troubles away with weed. And she's not a bad teacher because the kid isn't receptive to classwork and is "underachieving".

Sorry, I know too many public school teachers. ;-)

498 Lidane  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:59:41pm

re: #489 jaunte

ASVAB sample questions: test your skill.
[Link: usmilitary.about.com...]

I took the ASVAB in my junior year of high school so I could get out of classes for the day. I ended up doing so well I had recruiters hounding me for over a year. I even had folks from the military academies showing up on my doorstep.

I appreciated the interest, but I was definitely not cut out for military life.

499 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:59:47pm

re: #494 NJDhockeyfan

It amazes me how some people here are just completely obsessed with that woman.

Rebel Without a Cause is on TCM. James Dean is much more entertaining.

I'm not...it just goes to show how AmIdol politics is the new wave

500 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 8:59:57pm

re: #488 Dark_Falcon

I hear you, but do understand that modernization does mean production of new subs and ships, since those most emphatically being challenged by China.

The navy isn't really where I'd aim my Eye of Budget Cut Sauron. ;-)

501 Vicious Babushka  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:00:50pm

re: #486 WindUpBird

My friends (and at one point my brother, he left education to do video production) teach, or have taught, in schools that literally have no money to fix leaks in the buildings. They just close off rooms that are molding to nothing.

If you have a magical way to repair structural deterioration in school buildings that doesn't require money, hey, let me know! I know OH GOD SCHOLS + MONEY KNEEJERK BLAAARGH but there really is a difference between a well-funded district with lots of resources and nice middle-class parents who give a crap about their kids' well-being, and poor districts that are underfunded whose kids go home to dodgy apartment buildings to single parents who work two jobs.

How about this: don't allow School Board Members spend school money on motorcycles, blackberries, luxury vehicles, and police equipment.

502 Racer X  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:01:38pm

Spanish judge accuses Venezuela of helping terrorists

A Spanish judge has accused Venezuela of collaborating with Basque separatist militants and Colombian rebels, and said the two groups plotted to assassinate Colombia's president while he visited Spain.

503 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:01:45pm

re: #497 WindUpBird

Nothing is WRONG per se, it's just that how do we do that, what are the criteria for doing that, and what do we replace the school with? Is the school underachieving because the staff all sucks? Or is the school underachieving because of a starve-the--beast Grover Norquist thing where they have zero resources? Are they udnerachieving because the kids are a mess coming in?
And are the criteria for the charter school identical to the criteria for the public school?

Lotsa questions for how we govern schools, how we fund schools, where the funding goes. It's a complex problem. it can't be boiled down to "bad test scores=bad school." The best teacher on earth is going to have a hard time getting through to a kid who's being beaten at home and self-medicating his troubles away with weed. And she's not a bad teacher because the kid isn't receptive to classwork and is "underachieving".

Sorry, I know too many public school teachers. ;-)

when the parents fail, the kids get dragged down with them....so be it, they can pick lettuce in Yuma...we have a crisis on our hands

504 mich-again  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:02:16pm

re: #476 Walter L. Newton

What's wrong with closing underachieving schools? The administration has even suggested it.

You can replace the entire school but the kid will have the same parents or lack thereof. Blaming underachievement on the schools is ignoring the elephant in the room.

505 jaunte  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:02:30pm

re: #501 Alouette

How about this: don't allow School Board Members spend school money on motorcycles, blackberries, luxury vehicles, and police equipment.

Authorize funding for remedial ethic courses in secure public facilities.

506 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:02:56pm

re: #504 mich-again

You can replace the entire school but the kid will have the same parents or lack thereof. Blaming underachievement on the schools is ignoring the elephant in the room.

welfare

507 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:02:58pm

re: #493 Decatur Deb

Best bet is to skip generations. We start from a very comfortable lead.

Not anymore. China's aircraft carrier, the former Varyag, will be operational next year, as I understand. They are already building advanced DDs. The good news is that our Arleigh Burke class is still a good bit better, so we're increasing production of it. Our edge in destroyers has always relied on having large numbers of them, and we need large numbers for our world-wide responsibilities. We cannot wait for a new generation that'll take ten years to be ready, we need to replace old equipment now. Already, we continue research into new UAVs, while still building and improving the current generation. That is the path we should take.

508 Cato the Elder  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:04:56pm

re: #504 mich-again

You can replace the entire school but the kid will have the same parents or lack thereof. Blaming underachievement on the schools is ignoring the elephant in the room.

Yes, because no kid from a crappy home has ever been pulled out of despair by a caring teacher.

509 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:05:06pm

re: #507 Dark_Falcon

Not anymore. China's aircraft carrier, the former Varyag, will be operational next year, as I understand. They are already building advanced DDs. The good news is that our Arleigh Burke class is still a good bit better, so we're increasing production of it. Our edge in destroyers has always relied on having large numbers of them, and we need large numbers for our world-wide responsibilities. We cannot wait for a new generation that'll take ten years to be ready, we need to replace old equipment now. Already, we continue research into new UAVs, while still building and improving the current generation. That is the path we should take.

when the Varyag comes into deep water, sink it....problem solved...catastrophic mechanical failure

510 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:05:15pm

re: #507 Dark_Falcon

The Chinese made a real game changer in the terminal guided anti ship ICBM. Couple that with Iran having the super cavitating unguided torpedoes, and you see the challenge we really face.

511 palomino  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:05:22pm

re: #423 The Shadow Do

Has nothing to do with moderate, immoderate or otherwise. Has to do with Washington or no. Simple as that. That is evidently the dynamic all across the country.

Something as big as midterm and gubernatorial elections is rarely "simple as that."

Really, you don't see the TX GOP as particularly conservative? You're funny. Secession, creationism, AGW denial, religiosity and ODS everywhere.

512 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:05:39pm

re: #501 Alouette

How about this: don't allow School Board Members spend school money on motorcycles, blackberries, luxury vehicles, and police equipment.

Or paying teachers not to teach. $10 million in L.A. alone.

513 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:07:27pm

re: #501 Alouette

How about this: don't allow School Board Members spend school money on motorcycles, blackberries, luxury vehicles, and police equipment.

I agree but I'd still advocate letting school board members use school funds to buy Blackberries. They have many useful functions for school administrators, and most importantly, I sell Blackberries. So the money spent on Sprint Blackberries goes to a good cause: me.

/largely kidding

514 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:08:14pm

re: #512 NJDhockeyfan

re: #501 Alouette

All too true in LAUSD.

515 jaunte  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:08:34pm

re: #512 NJDhockeyfan

Or paying teachers not to teach. $10 million in L.A. alone.

Incredible. Kim is an unusual case, but the rest of those people in the story just sitting around all day, how can they stand it?

516 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:09:03pm

re: #509 albusteve

when the Varyag comes into deep water, sink it...problem solved...catastrophic mechanical failure

Not easy to do. She'll be heavily protected, with a screen of destroyers and subs. Getting near her will be tough, and she's a big ship with her own ASW helos.

517 A Man for all Seasons  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:09:05pm

Good night lizards!

518 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:09:30pm

re: #501 Alouette

How about this: don't allow School Board Members spend school money on motorcycles, blackberries, luxury vehicles, and police equipment.

public education has become another gold mine to be tapped...so much federal money poured into it...and the NEA protects the thieves...nice set up eh?

519 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:09:45pm

re: #515 jaunte

They watch pundits all day. Brain putty.

520 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:10:02pm

re: #517 HoosierHoops

Sleep well HH!

521 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:10:26pm

re: #507 Dark_Falcon

Not anymore. China's aircraft carrier, the former Varyag, will be operational next year, as I understand. They are already building advanced DDs. The good news is that our Arleigh Burke class is still a good bit better, so we're increasing production of it. Our edge in destroyers has always relied on having large numbers of them, and we need large numbers for our world-wide responsibilities. We cannot wait for a new generation that'll take ten years to be ready, we need to replace old equipment now. Already, we continue research into new UAVs, while still building and improving the current generation. That is the path we should take.

I can't imagine what they would do to us with one carrier group. If they start laying a lot of keels, we can pull some staggering design off the shelf. The real threat is our shrunken production base. The loss of Pittsburgh steelmakers is more threatening than the loss of a fleet.

522 Ojoe  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:10:27pm

re: #474 WindUpBird

Check out this article on John Boyd.

He was in the Air Force and Marines also.

A genius.

Good Night All.

523 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:10:57pm

re: #515 jaunte

Incredible. Kim is an unusual case, but the rest of those people in the story just sitting around all day, how can they stand it?

I just recently read a story about NY teachers getting paid the same way. Some were removed from class because they were accused of child molestation but they couldn't be fired.
Fucking unions.

524 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:11:35pm

re: #516 Dark_Falcon

Not easy to do. She'll be heavily protected, with a screen of destroyers and subs. Getting near her will be tough, and she's a big ship with her own ASW helos.

sounds like fun to me...they are deep water rookies, they will make a mistake...anyway I'm fantasizing of course

525 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:11:55pm

re: #512 NJDhockeyfan

Or paying teachers not to teach. $10 million in L.A. alone.

Well, according to the article Chicago at least does better than LA and New York in this regard.

526 mich-again  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:12:30pm

re: #506 albusteve

welfare

I think the best predictors of a kid's success in school are probably the parents income and education level.

527 avanti  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:12:35pm

re: #516 Dark_Falcon

Not easy to do. She'll be heavily protected, with a screen of destroyers and subs. Getting near her will be tough, and she's a big ship with her own ASW helos.

I prefer to not attack and sink a ship on the high seas unless we were at war with it's builders, but that's just the pussy liberal in me speaking.

528 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:12:56pm

re: #521 Decatur Deb
Take a look at this...
[Link: www.centurychina.com...]

529 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:13:27pm

Hey Eveni Night Lizards!

So, the Earth's axis shifted during ther Chilean quake --no wonder I wanted a ciagarette when it was over.

I am really sorry, I missed that thread.

How are you-all?

530 watching you tiny alien kittens are  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:13:41pm

re: #494 NJDhockeyfan

It amazes me how some people here are just completely obsessed with that woman.

Rebel Without a Cause is on TCM. James Dean is much more entertaining.

I'm not obsessed, I do however find her extremely funny at times, unfortunately she is doing better though damn it. She was much funnier when she couldn't speak in public without it coming out as a bunch of disjointed soundbytes strung together without rhyme or reason. ;)

531 Racer X  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:13:44pm
532 Political Atheist  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:14:05pm

re: #529 ggt

LOL !

533 Ojoe  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:14:23pm

re: #526 mich-again

Actually, it is the parent's involvement in their kid's upbringing in general, and how much they love their kids & not really their income.

'night again.

534 mich-again  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:14:36pm

re: #508 Cato the Elder

Yes, because no kid from a crappy home has ever been pulled out of despair by a caring teacher.



You can always find stories and anecdotes that go against the general trend.

535 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:14:40pm

re: #526 mich-again

I think the best predictors of a kid's success in school are probably the parents income and education level.

both my kids were reading at four years old...it's not that hard to do....they probably didn't begin to learn much until maybe third grade...it's unreal how little is expected from kindergarteners and first graders

536 Cato the Elder  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:15:24pm

re: #523 NJDhockeyfan

Yeah. Fucking unions.

About 25 years ago, Studs Terkel was waiting for a number 146 bus alongside two well-groomed business types. "This was before the term yuppie was used," he explains. "But that was what they were. He was in Brooks Brothers and Gucci shoes and carrying the Wall Street Journal under his arm. She was a looker. I mean stunning - Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus and carrying Vanity Fair."

Terkel, who is 95, has long been a Chicago icon, every bit as accessible and integral to the cultural life of the Windy City as Susan Sontag was to New York. He had shared the bus stop with this couple for several mornings but they had always failed to acknowledge him. "It hurts my ego," he quips. "But this morning the bus was late and I thought, this is my chance." The rest of the story is his.

"I say, 'Labour Day is coming up.' Well, it was the wrong thing to say. He looks toward me with a look of such contempt it's like Noel Coward has just spotted a bug on his collar. He says, 'We despise unions.' I thought, oooooh. The bus is still late. I've got a winner here. Suddenly I'm the ancient mariner and I fix him with my glittering eye. 'How many hours a day do you work?' I ask. He says, 'Eight.' 'How comes you don't work 18 hours a day like your great-great-grandfather did? You know why? Because four guys got hanged in Chicago in 1886 fighting for the eight-hour day ... For you.'

"Well, he was scared and nervous and the bus was still late. I've got this guy pinned up against the mailbox. He couldn't get away. 'How many days a week do you work?' I went on. Well, then the bus came and I never saw them again. But I think that every workday morning she was looking from the 15th floor of their apartment block to see if that mad man was still there."

537 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:15:30pm

re: #529 ggt

Hey Eveni Night Lizards!

So, the Earth's axis shifted during ther Chilean quake --no wonder I wanted a ciagarette when it was over.

I am really sorry, I missed that thread.

How are you-all?

They said the same thing when the earthquake that caused the Indonesia tsunami happened. Maybe this quake shifted the Earth back to normal?

538 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:15:35pm

re: #526 mich-again

I think the best predictors of a kid's success in school are probably the parents income and education level.

time spent with said parents is IMHO more important that overall income level. I know lots of high income parents who don't have time for their kids.

Of course, I just go there and have no idea how this conversation started, so take my comment with a grain of salt.

539 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:16:24pm

re: #527 avanti

I prefer to not attack and sink a ship on the high seas unless we were at war with it's builders, but that's just the pussy liberal in me speaking.

sink 'em all!

540 mich-again  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:16:37pm

re: #533 Ojoe

Actually, it is the parent's involvement in their kid's upbringing in general, and how much they love their kids & not really their income.

'night again.


No when it comes to predicting student success its more about who the parents are, not what the parents do. All that Baby einstein stuff makes mom and dad feel like they are giving the kid some kind of advantage but it doesn't work like that.

541 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:17:23pm

re: #528 Rightwingconspirator

Take a look at this...
[Link: www.centurychina.com...]

If they try real, real, hard they can grow to project some force. Right now I'm betting there's a Chinese saying that translates: "Don't start a sea war on the Pacific Ocean".

542 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:17:35pm

re: #536 Cato the Elder

Unions had a purpose back then. They are out of control today.

543 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:18:11pm

re: #537 NJDhockeyfan

They said the same thing when the earthquake that caused the Indonesia tsunami happened. Maybe this quake shifted the Earth back to normal?

Is there a normal?

I was *ahem* told once, that Normal is a "setting on the dryer." The older I get, the more I see the truth in that.

544 mich-again  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:18:13pm

Freakonomics fan here.

545 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:18:23pm

re: #527 avanti

I prefer to not attack and sink a ship on the high seas unless we were at war with it's builders, but that's just the pussy liberal in me speaking.

No, that's the blue water sailor who understands just how bloody naval battles can be. You're the man who has helped prepare midshipmen for life in the Navy and you don't want them to die if it can be avoided. And I respect that. I wasn't advocating attacking the Varyag, of course, only saying that China is challenging. Meeting the challenge does not mean war, and we should do everything within reason and morality to prevent such a war.

546 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:18:59pm

re: #540 mich-again

No when it comes to predicting student success its more about who the parents are, not what the parents do. All that Baby einstein stuff makes mom and dad feel like they are giving the kid some kind of advantage but it doesn't work like that.

You can have my Real Mother Goose when you pry it from my cold dead fingers.

(And Where the Wild Things Are, and Blueberries for Sale, and Snowy Day...)

547 Racer X  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:19:19pm

re: #542 NJDhockeyfan

Unions had a purpose back then. They are out of control today.

Unions exist today solely to make money for the unions. Anything else they do is beside the point.

548 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:19:49pm

re: #546 EmmmieG

You can have my Real Mother Goose when you pry it from my cold dead fingers.

(And Where the Wild Things Are, and Blueberries for Sale, and Snowy Day...)

*Gulp* Blueberries for Sal, not sale. I've only known this book for 35 years now.

549 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:19:58pm

re: #543 ggt

Is there a normal?

I was *ahem* told once, that Normal is a "setting on the dryer." The older I get, the more I see the truth in that.

You're right! Nothing has a normal setting except, um, climate temp? But that's another subject.

550 Cato the Elder  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:20:37pm

re: #542 NJDhockeyfan

Unions had a purpose back then. They are out of control today.

Such utter crap. Tell that to the maid at the next Motel 6 you stop at.

551 mich-again  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:20:39pm

re: #542 NJDhockeyfan

Unions had a purpose back then. They are out of control today.

They've toned down the rhetoric a lot these last couple years or so. Nothing close to as combative as it was 5 or 10 or worse yet 20 years ago. Not even close.

552 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:20:47pm

re: #549 NJDhockeyfan

You're right! Nothing has a normal setting except, um, climate temp? But that's another subject.

It's ALL so relative.

:)

553 windhorse  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:21:09pm

re: #536 Cato the Elder

I work (usually) 12-14 hours a day..... and I despise unions for all that is wrong in this country....

It is the "I don't think I should have to work/I deserve everything for free" attitude.

I think we have (collectively) lost connection with the "Work eight hours/get paid for eight hours" thing.

(This is not directed at you personally Cato)

imho

554 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:21:32pm

re: #540 mich-again

No when it comes to predicting student success its more about who the parents are, not what the parents do. All that Baby einstein stuff makes mom and dad feel like they are giving the kid some kind of advantage but it doesn't work like that.

my kids were normal, average and quick learners....but they were superstars in the public system....a system I would never trust to teach my kids 2+2....we had our eye out the entire time....never trust the feds, the schools or the IRS...never

555 Cato the Elder  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:22:27pm

re: #553 windhorse

Really? Unions are responsible for all that is wrong in this country?

For the first time ever on this blog I am speechless.

556 avanti  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:22:35pm

re: #539 albusteve

sink 'em all!

Once played a video game that involved both diplomacy or military moves in a crisis. When playing with a conservative friend, he favored the "kill um all and let God sort them out" strategy and would usually vaporize both sides within a hour, but he did enjoy the war of escalation.

557 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:23:17pm

re: #550 Cato the Elder

Such utter crap. Tell that to the maid at the next Motel 6 you stop at.

MAID POWER!...
okay, I'll trade you a maid union if you give me the NEA

558 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:23:37pm

re: #550 Cato the Elder

Such utter crap. Tell that to the maid at the next Motel 6 you stop at.

Why do you suppose a lot of manufacturers moved their plants out of the country? The unions caused too many jobs, or businesses, to vanish.

559 Decatur Deb  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:24:03pm

You've all kept me up to long. Some day when I have proper sleep and alcohol we'll talk unions. 'Nite, all.

560 windhorse  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:24:37pm

re: #555 Cato the Elder

Yes.... I think that from both sides.... the sense of entitlement on the part of the unions.... and the greed on the part of management that drives "outsourcing" have wrecked this country.

(I am honored to think I have made you speechless)

561 avanti  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:24:50pm

re: #545 Dark_Falcon

No, that's the blue water sailor who understands just how bloody naval battles can be. You're the man who has helped prepare midshipmen for life in the Navy and you don't want them to die if it can be avoided. And I respect that. I wasn't advocating attacking the Varyag, of course, only saying that China is challenging. Meeting the challenge does not mean war, and we should do everything within reason and morality to prevent such a war.

Challenge yes, but sinking ships on the high seas does not avoid a challenge, it starts one. BTW, I should not have directed the post to you, but to Steve.

562 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:25:43pm

Taliban cave network found in Pakistan mountains

Pakistan's army has discovered a complex network of 156 caves used by the Taliban and al-Qaeda dug into rocky mountains close to the Afghan border.

Maybe they will find OBL's pile of bones in one of those caves.

563 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:25:49pm

re: #558 NJDhockeyfan

Why do you suppose a lot of manufacturers moved their plants out of the country? The unions caused too many jobs, or businesses, to vanish.

steel?....gone
textiles?....gone
cars?....life support
unions?...golden

564 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:27:16pm

re: #553 windhorse

I work (usually) 12-14 hours a day... and I despise unions for all that is wrong in this country...

It is the "I don't think I should have to work/I deserve everything for free" attitude.

I think we have (collectively) lost connection with the "Work eight hours/get paid for eight hours" thing.

(This is not directed at you personally Cato)

imho

I've found that there are people who operate under what I call "union mentality" regardless of their occupation or union status. What I can't stand are people who want to make more laws/programs that seem to reward the "union mentality" and penalize anyone who actually has a work ethic.

I like the idea of "meritocracy".

Frankly, I think this health-care debacle has a real chance of being another one of those programs.

565 Cato the Elder  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:27:21pm

re: #558 NJDhockeyfan

Why do you suppose a lot of manufacturers moved their plants out of the country? The unions caused too many jobs, or businesses, to vanish.

Right. Because it's much easier and better for Disney and Wal-Mart shoppers if they ship their Pocahontas PJs production to Haiti, where workers make 12¢/hour, if they meet the impossible quota.

Not unions, but greed, turned American textile workers out of their shops and Haiti into a big, garrisoned sweatshop.

Can I get a "we're number one"?

566 Cato the Elder  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:29:21pm

re: #563 albusteve

steel?...gone
textiles?...gone
cars?...life support
unions?...golden

Oh, c'mon, Steve. Unions can't be golden when all the jobs are overseas.

567 NJDhockeyfan  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:30:01pm

re: #563 albusteve

steel?...gone
textiles?...gone
cars?...life support
unions?...golden

Bingo. I was living in Johnstown, Pa when the steel mills were starting to close down.

568 Racer X  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:32:25pm

GM sales up in Feb. as industry wobbles

Hmmm. The U.S. government owns a stake in GM. Sales are up. Toyota is recalling a record number of cars and trucks.

Coincidence?

569 Cato the Elder  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:43:23pm

re: #568 Racer X

GM sales up in Feb. as industry wobbles

Hmmm. The U.S. government owns a stake in GM. Sales are up. Toyota is recalling a record number of cars and trucks.

Coincidence?

Yes.

570 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:44:29pm

re: #565 Cato the Elder

Right. Because it's much easier and better for Disney and Wal-Mart shoppers if they ship their Pocahontas PJs production to Haiti, where workers make 12¢/hour, if they meet the impossible quota.

Not unions, but greed, turned American textile workers out of their shops and Haiti into a big, garrisoned sweatshop.

Can I get a "we're number one"?

Sadly, that's the way its always been in the garment business. the job of making PJs goes where the workers are cheap. It sucks but I don't see a way to change it.

571 Cato the Elder  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:58:21pm

Hamster revolt?

I had about 20 minutes where I couldn't get LGF.

Oh, my.

Or maybe I killed the thread with talk of how unions ain't all bad.

572 watching you tiny alien kittens are  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 9:58:56pm

Wow, now we are granting Germans political asylum here so that they can home school their kids as Evangelical Christians and shield them from evolution and other subjects their parents don't want them to be taught. Considering that homeschooling is banned or severely restricted in several European countries this seems like a pretty stupid precedent. Besides which we are granting political asylum to someone from one of our own allied democracies, not from some third world dictatorship, what gives?

Or maybe it is just the Christian Rights way of trying to make up for all the people leaving the organized church in droves?

/wtf?

[Link: www.time.com...]

573 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:00:48pm

GEEZ! I've been having connection problems and had to reboot.

IE does not like LGF tonite.

don't ask, I'm on the famiy's desktop and don't have control of the browser.

So, what did I miss? Did the Earth move again?

574 Cato the Elder  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:01:07pm

Maybe Charles should outsource the hamsters' jobs to Haiti. Not many hamsters there, I hear, but plenty of rats.

575 Ben G. Hazi  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:01:31pm

re: #571 Cato the Elder

Hamster revolt?

I had about 20 minutes where I couldn't get LGF.

Oh, my.

Or maybe I killed the thread with talk of how unions ain't all bad.

Hell, at least it wasn't just me...I think the hamsters decided to go down to a bar and knock a few back.

;-P

576 jaunte  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:02:04pm

re: #573 ggt

The Hamsters are staging a slowdown.

577 Stanghazi  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:02:31pm

re: #571 Cato the Elder

Hamster revolt?

I had about 20 minutes where I couldn't get LGF.

Oh, my.

Or maybe I killed the thread with talk of how unions ain't all bad.

Me too! Glad it wasn't my 3 yr old HP - which I'm feeling is not too up on the job lately.

578 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:02:53pm

re: #574 Cato the Elder

Maybe Charles should outsource the hamsters' jobs to Haiti. Not many hamsters there, I hear, but plenty of rats.

No, just outsource the job of disciplining the hamsters to a cat. When you show them their new 'motivator' the hamster won't stop running for a very long time.

579 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:03:15pm

re: #576 jaunte

The Hamsters are staging a slowdown.

Did they form a union?

580 Ben G. Hazi  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:03:32pm

re: #562 NJDhockeyfan

Taliban cave network found in Pakistan mountains

Maybe they will find OBL's pile of bones in one of those caves.

If they ever do find OBL's remains, I'd like to piss on his bones.

/f**king murderous bastard...

581 jaunte  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:03:36pm

Harry's Place is having some problems with database connections too.

582 Cato the Elder  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:04:03pm

re: #572 ausador

The Germans are wrong not to allow homeschooling. Period.

Whether we should grant "asylum" to homeschooling parents is another matter entirely. Seems to me there are worthier candidates, such as, for instance, people who have suffered under dictatorships we supported/support.

583 avanti  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:04:59pm

Now we have the Al Queda 7 gate. Apparently, holder won't give up the names of the attorneys that represented some bad guys. I'm sure the folks on the right would not harness them for so doing./

link.

584 jaunte  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:07:26pm

Speaking of bad guys, check out this motley crew.
Jihadis for the IFE Youth

585 Ben G. Hazi  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:08:02pm

re: #573 ggt

GEEZ! I've been having connection problems and had to reboot.

IE does not like LGF tonite.

don't ask, I'm on the famiy's desktop and don't have control of the browser.

So, what did I miss? Did the Earth move again?

It wasn't just you...the hamsters were slacking off for a bit.

If you have a USB thumb drive, just go get Firefox Portable or Chrome Portable from PortableApps.com...that way, you can take your favorite browser with you whereever you go.

586 Stanghazi  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:11:44pm

re: #568 Racer X

GM sales up in Feb. as industry wobbles

Hmmm. The U.S. government owns a stake in GM. Sales are up. Toyota is recalling a record number of cars and trucks.

Coincidence?

One of the main instigators of the Toyota recall was here in San Diego. Family of 4 killed when car's accelerator stuck.

No, don't think it's a conspiracy.

587 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:13:53pm

I have to share.

My 6 yo pup has a badly torn ACL and perhaps a torn meni--thingy. He damaged it last fall and seemed to recover with anti-imflamatories and mandatory rest. This time, the vet says no-go, Surgery is imperative. $3500.

I'm a wimp, I can't tell the child that we can't afford it--and frankly, I think it is insane to spend that much money on a dog's knee. After much paperwork, creative accounting models and considerable mental gymnastics, there was no solution. Then, I remembereed that I have a couple of whole-life insurance policies. Called the insurance agent, confirmed the cash value and check is in my hand.

I can pay cash, and not have to face the idea of looking into my kids face and seeing his expression if I were to tell him no-surgery.

I can't believe I am doing this, but . . . .. surgery is tomorrow.

588 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:14:42pm

re: #585 talon_262

It wasn't just you...the hamsters were slacking off for a bit.

If you have a USB thumb drive, just go get Firefox Portable or Chrome Portable from PortableApps.com...that way, you can take your favorite browser with you whereever you go.

That sounds like a wonderful solution, but I can't find my keys half the time . . .

589 Stanghazi  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:15:20pm

re: #583 avanti

Now we have the Al Queda 7 gate. Apparently, holder won't give up the names of the attorneys that represented some bad guys. I'm sure the folks on the right would not harness them for so doing./

link.

McCarthyism. Liz Cheney is accusing these attorneys of helping terrorists.

Typical bullshit slam against an attorney who represents the defendant.

590 Cato the Elder  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:17:09pm

With apologies to Thomas Pynchon.

Oh, there's wingnuts in the woodworks
Homeschoolers in the walls.
Them pious frauds with inbred grins
Are gonna get you by the balls.
And when this fight is over,
How happy we will be
A-gettin' ready for the Gellers
And go-round number three.

591 Cato the Elder  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:17:25pm

re: #587 ggt

Dogs are people too.

592 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:18:50pm

re: #591 Cato the Elder

Dogs are people too.

No they are not, they are property.

I love my dogs, they are my best friends and I can't imagine life without the, but I also have a child.

Perspective is a bitch.

593 WindHorse  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:19:08pm

re: #591 Cato the Elder

alright Cato.... that was it. I do respect you.

594 Silvergirl  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:19:35pm

re: #591 Cato the Elder

Dogs are people too.

Will they be part of the new health care?

595 Gus  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:20:29pm

As a percentage of the labor force union membership in the USA peaked in 1945 at 35.5 percent.

Membership peaked at 19,843,000 in 1980 while percentage of the labor force had declined to 21.9 percent.

By 1997 percentage of the labor force that were union members had declined to 14.1 percent and by 2009 it reached 12.4 percent.

That majority of union members are now in the public sector.

This is far from the golden age for manufacturing unions. Contrary to what we would expect peak union membership was reached when manufacturing was its strongest in the United States.

596 Silvergirl  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:22:16pm

re: #587 ggt

We do what we have to do. Following our hearts is not always such a bad thing. My brother has a $2000 cat after some surgery it needed.

597 avanti  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:23:52pm

re: #589 Stanley Sea

McCarthyism. Liz Cheney is accusing these attorneys of helping terrorists.

Typical bullshit slam against an attorney who represents the defendant.

You just know what would happen to the attorneys if the names were released. Maybe we need to amend the constitution to only provide a defense for those we're pretty sure are innocent./

598 Cato the Elder  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:23:53pm

re: #592 ggt

No they are not, they are property.

I love my dogs, they are my best friends and I can't imagine life without the, but I also have a child.

Perspective is a bitch.

My dog is not property.

599 WindHorse  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:23:55pm

re: #596 Silvergirl

I have the bionic dog.... two rebuilt rear legs $2700.

We are encouraging her to grow thumbs.

600 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:24:05pm

Them good clean folks who know the TRUTH - AMEN - can I get a hallelujah - are going to retake the great Republic of Texas back from all those liberal, commie, Godless folks and those evil scientists with their Godless lies about creation.

Scientists are evil. We all know that they are in a world wide plot to destroy love of Christ!

Every time someone talks about people coming from monkeys - as if that ain't bad enough - they are saying that God didn't lovingly make you so that you could go forth and spread his word to the Godless in love and Christ Amen.

There will come a point, brothers and sisters when either we can bring the lost sheep of America back into the light, or when we will have to break away from America and fight to the death in God's love.

How can they understand the love of God when they tolerate the sin of gayness? No God is very clear that in his love, you must kill them and root out abomination. Amen! Them and all those uppity types. You know who I mean!

That is why I show my love by buying Smith and Wesson! But those brothers and sisters who prefer Colt should be respected. We do, after all, have a big tent.

And we must teach our children carefully so that they are not brainwashed by the Godless "educators." That is why they have to be kept at home and only exposed to safe books and ideas. And we all know that you only need one book and there is only one way to read it! No brainwashing my kids you Godless commie scientists!

And then with their Godless womens liberation! Look where that got us. God made women with a womb. She does not have the same sized brain as a man because all of her natural energies must be spent making new soldiers for Christ. That is what she was made for, and going against Gods will can only lead to Satan's work, pornography and more gayness.

I bet that many turn to gayness because their "liberated" wives do not know there place and give their men no outlets. Men need to be men. Because women can't be wives and mothers anymore, there are gay men teaching evolution to your children and spreading pornography. Amen.

Well in the great Republic of Texas, we are going to set that straight. Our president will be born here and not some other place. There will be no medical board determining your health care options and taking your freedom to choose the health care you want from you. Not at all, whatever you can pay for will be for you just as God intended - and if you can't afford that surgery for someone God wanted to call home, well, that is God's will. Amen!

601 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:24:07pm

re: #596 Silvergirl

We do what we have to do. Following our hearts is not always such a bad thing. My brother has a $2000 cat after some surgery it needed.

I really hate being grown-up!

602 Stanghazi  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:24:11pm

re: #595 Gus 802

As a percentage of the labor force union membership in the USA peaked in 1945 at 35.5 percent.

Membership peaked at 19,843,000 in 1980 while percentage of the labor force had declined to 21.9 percent.

By 1997 percentage of the labor force that were union members had declined to 14.1 percent and by 2009 it reached 12.4 percent.

That majority of union members are now in the public sector.

This is far from the golden age for manufacturing unions. Contrary to what we would expect peak union membership was reached when manufacturing was its strongest in the United States.

It's a meme. Hate the unions that have destroyed America./

No responsibility placed on the businesses that outsourced for the incredible cheap labor. Follow the money.

603 Gus  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:25:41pm

re: #568 Racer X

GM sales up in Feb. as industry wobbles

Hmmm. The U.S. government owns a stake in GM. Sales are up. Toyota is recalling a record number of cars and trucks.

Coincidence?

Sales are up from last year or when they hit rock bottom. That means they're up 11.5 percent from zero and near bankruptcy. Ford sales surpassed GM sales for the first time. Analysts expected a higher increase in sale. GM is still struggling.

And yes it is a coincidence. It's about time Toyota was taken to task for a defective product that led to the death of quite a few people.

604 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:26:12pm

re: #591 Cato the Elder

Dogs are people too.

and people are dogs...at least I was when ever blessed with my buddies

605 WindHorse  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:27:10pm

re: #599 WindHorse

....and she only weighs 15-pounds....

606 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:27:23pm

re: #592 ggt

No they are not, they are property.

I love my dogs, they are my best friends and I can't imagine life without the, but I also have a child.

Perspective is a bitch.

property?...like a lilac bush, or a box of spoons?

607 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:27:36pm

Note on my 600: I have actually heard each of the statements in that parody said with great fervor and quite seriously by people who actually meant it.

Welcome to the religious right :)

608 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:28:32pm

re: #603 Gus 802

Sales are up from last year or when they hit rock bottom. That means they're up 11.5 percent from zero and near bankruptcy. Ford sales surpassed GM sales for the first time. Analysts expected a higher increase in sale. GM is still struggling.

And yes it is a coincidence. It's about time Toyota was taken to task for a defective product that led to the death of quite a few people.

I was just thinking of the way the paradigms shift. Japanese cars used to be shit, then they became the industries best, now, it is changing again.

I even remember when Spock was not in touch with his feelings . . .

609 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:29:45pm

re: #600 LudwigVanQuixote

Brutal, but of high quality. You and Walter both do a superb job of illustrating the wingnut mind. Great Stuff!

610 Gus  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:29:50pm

re: #602 Stanley Sea

It's a meme. Hate the unions that have destroyed America./

No responsibility placed on the businesses that outsourced for the incredible cheap labor. Follow the money.

That's the thing. People always want to place the blame on one entity. A common one is to blame the unions. However, many companies were highly profitable and productive during the height of union membership in this country. It fails to take into account poor business decisions made by management. One example was the refusal to modernize manufacturing facilities and this was especially true with the steel industry.

I find it hard to understand how one can say that on the one hand union salaries are too high and then watch those same companies move their manufacturing to a 3rd world country were they pay their employees less than what American companies were paying theirs in the early 20th century.

611 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:30:27pm

re: #595 Gus 802

As a percentage of the labor force union membership in the USA peaked in 1945 at 35.5 percent.

Membership peaked at 19,843,000 in 1980 while percentage of the labor force had declined to 21.9 percent.

By 1997 percentage of the labor force that were union members had declined to 14.1 percent and by 2009 it reached 12.4 percent.

That majority of union members are now in the public sector.

This is far from the golden age for manufacturing unions. Contrary to what we would expect peak union membership was reached when manufacturing was its strongest in the United States.

state and federal govt is where unions flourish now....and look at the damage they have done in MI, CA, NJ etc...they are relentless and few have the guts to say no....govt is a money maker at every level....it will be our demise, bet me

612 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:31:07pm

re: #609 Dark_Falcon

Brutal, but of high quality. You and Walter both do a superb job of illustrating the wingnut mind. Great Stuff!

Alas, again the reason for no sarc tag - and of course I would fight those types with all my might - was the simple fact that I really have heard every single one of those phrases said in complete earnest.

613 Gus  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:31:13pm

re: #608 ggt

I was just thinking of the way the paradigms shift. Japanese cars used to be shit, then they became the industries best, now, it is changing again.

I even remember when Spock was not in touch with his feelings . . .

Yeah. I even remember when "Made in Japan" was meant to be a joke. Toyota has this problem now but they still build a good product and are always at the leading edge of design.

614 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:31:13pm

re: #606 albusteve

property?...like a lilac bush, or a box of spoons?

Ask a lawyer. Livestock is livestock.

My personal livestock sleeps on the bed, get's a bath and grooming by my own hand every two weeks and has 2 personalized means daily.

But, in the end, they are not my child.

615 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:32:18pm

re: #614 ggt

Ask a lawyer. Livestock is livestock.

My personal livestock sleeps on the bed, get's a bath and grooming by my own hand every two weeks and has 2 personalized meals daily.

But, in the end, they are not my child.

pimf

616 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:32:21pm

re: #609 Dark_Falcon

Brutal, but of high quality. You and Walter both do a superb job of illustrating the wingnut mind. Great Stuff!

great, no....stuff, yes

617 Bagua  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:33:10pm

See What My Buddy Done


- RLB
618 Gus  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:33:31pm

re: #611 albusteve

state and federal govt is where unions flourish now...and look at the damage they have done in MI, CA, NJ etc...they are relentless and few have the guts to say no...govt is a money maker at every level...it will be our demise, bet me

That's not because of the unions. It's like the chicken and the egg. The increase in government employment led to the shift from manufacturing unions to government employee union percentage. The unions didn't create those positions. Union membership is still on the decline even with this shift towards government employee unions. If one gets a job with the government they're not going to refuse to join the union.

619 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:33:53pm

re: #614 ggt

Ask a lawyer. Livestock is livestock.

My personal livestock sleeps on the bed, get's a bath and grooming by my own hand every two weeks and has 2 personalized means daily.

But, in the end, they are not my child.

I don't live my life in such a restricted sense...I don't need a lawyer to define my relationship with my dogs or cats

620 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:34:03pm

re: #616 albusteve

great, no...stuff, yes

We both have our own tastes. I liked it, you don't. Live and let live.

621 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:36:44pm

You may all enjoy this parody.

622 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:37:08pm

re: #619 albusteve

I don't live my life in such a restricted sense...I don't need a lawyer to define my relationship with my dogs or cats

I'm not talking about relationships, if you deem your animals to be people, then they are people within your household. Yet, in the world-at-large, they are livestock.

623 Stanghazi  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:37:40pm

re: #610 Gus 802

That's the thing. People always want to place the blame on one entity. A common one is to blame the unions. However, many companies were highly profitable and productive during the height of union membership in this country. It fails to take into account poor business decisions made by management. One example was the refusal to modernize manufacturing facilities and this was especially true with the steel industry.

I find it hard to understand how one can say that on the one hand union salaries are too high and then watch those same companies move their manufacturing to a 3rd world country were they pay their employees less than what American companies were paying theirs in the early 20th century.

If I could upding forever.

624 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:38:34pm

re: #620 Dark_Falcon

We both have our own tastes. I liked it, you don't. Live and let live.

Ahh I could write that 2+2 =4 and he would be pissed and Bagua would upding the snarky comment. Don't worry about it.

625 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:39:04pm

re: #618 Gus 802

That's not because of the unions. It's like the chicken and the egg. The increase in government employment led to the shift from manufacturing unions to government employee union percentage. The unions didn't create those positions. Union membership is still on the decline even with this shift towards government employee unions. If one gets a job with the government they're not going to refuse to join the union.

I didn't say the unions created the jobs or are any cause...and I don't disagree with the rest...working for the state or federal govt is not bullet proof, but close enough...just because the unfunded benefits kill your state is no reason to not take the job ...in earnest...it's like the mob, the people will cough it up as long as the scam lasts

626 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:39:07pm

re: #610 Gus 802

That's the thing. People always want to place the blame on one entity. A common one is to blame the unions. However, many companies were highly profitable and productive during the height of union membership in this country. It fails to take into account poor business decisions made by management. One example was the refusal to modernize manufacturing facilities and this was especially true with the steel industry.

I find it hard to understand how one can say that on the one hand union salaries are too high and then watch those same companies move their manufacturing to a 3rd world country were they pay their employees less than what American companies were paying theirs in the early 20th century.

Brilliantly written.

627 Gus  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:39:21pm

re: #623 Stanley Sea

If I could upding forever.

Thanks.

628 Gus  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:40:14pm

re: #626 LudwigVanQuixote

Brilliantly written.

Thanks. I noticed I said "were" when I meant "where." ;)

629 Bagua  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:40:18pm

re: #624 LudwigVanQuixote

Ahh I could write that 2+2 =4 and he would be pissed and Bagua would upding the snarky comment. Don't worry about it.

Why are you mentioning me? And downdinging a song? LOL, that's a new one.

630 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:42:00pm

re: #628 Gus 802

Thanks. I noticed I said "were" when I meant "where." ;)

My friend, with this crappy keyboard and my generally poor typist abilities as it is, if I were to ever complain about someone's typos, the force of the hypocrisy might cause a singularity.

I knew what you meant :)

631 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:43:06pm

re: #622 ggt

I'm not talking about relationships, if you deem your animals to be people, then they are people within your household. Yet, in the world-at-large, they are livestock.

I don't deal with the world at large...I live in albusteve's world...I created it myself and I am the King of my realm...as for others, tough shit I guess...your community is gated, your pets are livestock, you give your money to the govt, you get the shit beat out of you because your pets are livestock...not me, the feds give me money and my pets are whatever I deem them to be

632 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:43:42pm

re: #629 Bagua

Why are you mentioning me? And downdinging a song? LOL, that's a new one.

That wasn't my ding... I got it from a Czec blog really....

633 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:44:12pm

re: #626 LudwigVanQuixote

Brilliantly written.

There is a lot about this I still don't understand.

If the competeition is undercutting your (labor) price, why should the consumer (manufacturer) spend more to buy your product?

It's as if the Unions thought they had a monopoly and didn't adjust to the paradigm shift (foreign labor).

Help me here.

634 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:44:31pm

re: #624 LudwigVanQuixote

Ahh I could write that 2+2 =4 and he would be pissed and Bagua would upding the snarky comment. Don't worry about it.

I judged a post...take your 'he' and shove it up your ass

635 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:45:17pm

re: #631 albusteve

I don't deal with the world at large...I live in albusteve's world...I created it myself and I am the King of my realm...as for others, tough shit I guess...your community is gated, your pets are livestock, you give your money to the govt, you get the shit beat out of you because your pets are livestock...not me, the feds give me money and my pets are whatever I deem them to be

Can I have some of what you are smoking?

636 Bagua  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:45:28pm

re: #632 LudwigVanQuixote

That wasn't my ding... I got it from a Czec blog really...

Oh I see, you are angry because I posted that link several threads ago so you are downdinging my music to stir up a fight? Pathetic. Leave me alone you psycho.

637 Gus  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:47:11pm

re: #625 albusteve

I didn't say the unions created the jobs or are any cause...and I don't disagree with the rest...working for the state or federal govt is not bullet proof, but close enough...just because the unfunded benefits kill your state is no reason to not take the job ...in earnest...it's like the mob, the people will cough it up as long as the scam lasts

What's the alternative? Are you suggesting to the machinists union member that they give up their union because of some principle or an allegation that it's a scam? That depends on the particular union leadership meaning the local leadership. Also working hand in hand with the in place unions is management.

I have no idea if it's a scam but if you asked those workers what they thought about their unions I would say the remaining few would respond in the affirmative. Highly technical jobs demand high pay and good benefits. We're talking about the same people that built the USS Ronald Reagan and those that built the F-22 and other military hardware.

They have their problems but that's typically with the smaller and lower paying union memberships. In the mean time they have to be bargained with because that's the reality of the business world as it is today. In Japan their auto workers literally grow up and live in an industrial collective. In Europe, all of the aerospace and automobile workers belong to a union.

638 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:47:26pm

re: #633 ggt

There is a lot about this I still don't understand.

If the competeition is undercutting your (labor) price, why should the consumer (manufacturer) spend more to buy your product?

It's as if the Unions thought they had a monopoly and didn't adjust to the paradigm shift (foreign labor).

Help me here.

The unions did indeed fail to adjust to the changing times, but they were not the only party to blame. Bad decisions by management also hammered many companies and there were still other factors out anyone within those companies' control. To only blame the unions is simplistic and forgetful. And simplistic and forgetful is how you get hammered.

639 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:48:52pm

re: #633 ggt

There is a lot about this I still don't understand.

If the competeition is undercutting your (labor) price, why should the consumer (manufacturer) spend more to buy your product?

It's as if the Unions thought they had a monopoly and didn't adjust to the paradigm shift (foreign labor).

Help me here.

Well seriously there are a lot of answers to that.

One of the biggest ones would be that union labor means that what I am buying is not the product of exploited children in some third world sweatshop.


Another answer is that America grew to the largest economy in the world with union labor. There comes a point where as a company I can say, I, as the executive will take less money for myself and shareholders while focusing on superior products made by human resources I took care of. As a result, in the long run, people buy more of my product because it is better, and my efficiency goes up because my people aren't miserable, and I make more money in the long run.

But that view takes looking for long term profit - which we used to do as a nation - rather than taking the view of short term squeezing everything I can out of the moment,

640 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:49:16pm

re: #638 Dark_Falcon

The unions did indeed fail to adjust to the changing times, but they were not the only party to blame. Bad decisions by management also hammered many companies and there were still other factors out anyone within those companies' control. To only blame the unions is simplistic and forgetful. And simplistic and forgetful is how you get hammered.

Thanks.

641 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:49:26pm

re: #636 Bagua

No I am not angry at all. I was mocking you. There is a difference.

642 Silvergirl  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:49:29pm

Good-night.

643 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:50:37pm

re: #635 ggt

Can I have some of what you are smoking?

smoking?...I'm single and have no money...I can make shit happen, altho I don't live lavishly, I'm pretty happy

644 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:51:09pm

re: #642 Silvergirl

Good-night.

Sleep well.

645 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:52:06pm

re: #639 LudwigVanQuixote

But that view takes looking for long term profit - which we used to do as a nation - rather than taking the view of short term squeezing everything I can out of the moment,

But, I whant it now! :)

Unfortunately, I don't see that perspective changing any time soon. . . .

646 Cato the Elder  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:52:20pm

re: #622 ggt

I'm not talking about relationships, if you deem your animals to be people, then they are people within your household. Yet, in the world-at-large, they are livestock.

There is livestock and there is livestock.

In Maryland, if you take in a stray cow and the owner shows up after six months, you have to give Bessie back. After getting paid for her room and board.

If you take in a stray dog, you must make a good-faith effort to find the owner. For five days. After that, the "owner" can show up and you can still refuse to relinquish the animal.

Haku came to me as a stray puppy, on New Year's Eve, 2003. Having just been hit by a car and taken in by friends who witnessed it. I was the one, when I went to their party and saw the condition he was in, who took him to the 24-hour animal emergency room. After engaging in an argument with my friends during which he started coughing blood. I was making great money at the time, and he looked at me with eyes that said "please help". The vet bill was in the four figures.

I put up posters all around the neighborhood, but anyone claiming him would have owed me cash, not a check, and I was damn sure going to check them out to make sure he would never get loose again.

Three years later, in 2006, when I became ill, my doctor suggested I could use a service dog. I said "I have a dog." He said, "If you can train him, I'll certify him." Now he pays me back every day ten times what I paid to save him.

And for the Rodans and Speranzas out there who are reading this and constantly saying I have no visible disability and Haku is a fake service dog, let me just ask: have you ever heard of seizure dogs? It's something like that. As if it were any of your business.

Haku is not my property.

647 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:52:41pm

I've got to get to bed, I'm too tired to continue.

Play nice, everyone.

648 Gus  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:52:57pm

re: #647 Dark_Falcon

I've got to get to bed, I'm too tired to continue.

Play nice, everyone.

Later DF.

649 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:53:52pm

re: #647 Dark_Falcon

I've got to get to bed, I'm too tired to continue.

Play nice, everyone.

Be well my friend.

650 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:54:30pm

re: #637 Gus 802

What's the alternative? Are you suggesting to the machinists union member that they give up their union because of some principle or an allegation that it's a scam? That depends on the particular union leadership meaning the local leadership. Also working hand in hand with the in place unions is management.

I have no idea if it's a scam but if you asked those workers what they thought about their unions I would say the remaining few would respond in the affirmative. Highly technical jobs demand high pay and good benefits. We're talking about the same people that built the USS Ronald Reagan and those that built the F-22 and other military hardware.

They have their problems but that's typically with the smaller and lower paying union memberships. In the mean time they have to be bargained with because that's the reality of the business world as it is today. In Japan their auto workers literally grow up and live in an industrial collective. In Europe, all of the aerospace and automobile workers belong to a union.

my focus of corruption is within govt and it's associated partners...what then is the answer for CA with mandates they cannot even accurately calculate?....20b or 30b?....who pays for this lavish retirement?....not me, you can bet on that....I'm done paying taxes

651 Bagua  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:55:54pm

re: #641 LudwigVanQuixote

No I am not angry at all. I was mocking you. There is a difference.

So you are inviting me to mock you in return? No thank you. I am ignoring you and am not interested.

652 Gus  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:56:46pm

re: #650 albusteve

my focus of corruption is within govt and it's associated partners...what then is the answer for CA with mandates they cannot even accurately calculate?...20b or 30b?...who pays for this lavish retirement?...not me, you can bet on that...I'm done paying taxes

But that's not the fault of the unions. Unless your saying that the unions are the governments "associated partner." Union members also pay taxes and in most cases have serious issues with taxes just as much as non-union members.

653 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 10:57:55pm

re: #646 Cato the Elder

"Haku is not my property"....
I don't even know this dog, but I wish I did...
the notion of property in this sense is absurd

654 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:01:23pm

re: #646 Cato the Elder

There is livestock and there is livestock.

In Maryland, if you take in a stray cow and the owner shows up after six months, you have to give Bessie back. After getting paid for her room and board.

If you take in a stray dog, you must make a good-faith effort to find the owner. For five days. After that, the "owner" can show up and you can still refuse to relinquish the animal.

Haku came to me as a stray puppy, on New Year's Eve, 2003. Having just been hit by a car and taken in by friends who witnessed it. I was the one, when I went to their party and saw the condition he was in, who took him to the 24-hour animal emergency room. After engaging in an argument with my friends during which he started coughing blood. I was making great money at the time, and he looked at me with eyes that said "please help". The vet bill was in the four figures.

I put up posters all around the neighborhood, but anyone claiming him would have owed me cash, not a check, and I was damn sure going to check them out to make sure he would never get loose again.

Three years later, in 2006, when I became ill, my doctor suggested I could use a service dog. I said "I have a dog." He said, "If you can train him, I'll certify him." Now he pays me back every day ten times what I paid to save him.

And for the Rodans and Speranzas out there who are reading this and constantly saying I have no visible disability and Haku is a fake service dog, let me just ask: have you ever heard of seizure dogs? It's something like that. As if it were any of your business.

Haku is not my property.

Ah, yes, I believe service dogs fall under a different category in legaleze. As do police dogs and military dogs.

Did you know that the shelters tend to get the dogs that are not "pet quality". Meaning that the family that adopted them couldn't handle them. These dogs tend to also have the qualities (strong prey drive, too damn smart for the average family etc . . .) that make for excellent service and police dogs. Unfortunately, there is no system in place to search-out and place these dogs with the proper entity. Not mention the cost of such training. (Last I heard it was $5K for a search-and-rescue dog).

Once I get some of albusteve's kool-aide, I'll make a lot of changes, but until then. . . .

655 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:01:31pm

re: #639 LudwigVanQuixote

I need to add one more point to that to make a complete argument.

The biggest thing that fueled America's growth as an economy as a result of union labor was that the working man - the bulk of the populace had disposable income to feed back into the economy. If the Average American has no money than all the goods and services he buys or uses suffer as well and then everyone - even those at the top lose out.

On the other hand, if the average person does have a reasonable income, then the average person can afford to buy your goods. A great example is the car industry - back in the day - Mr. Ford thinks that union labor is Satan's work, but if only the wealthy can afford his cars, he does not make nearly as much money as he would if everyone makes a decent wage and then can afford his cars. This offsets the cost of treating his workers with dignity, and makes him even more money.

Well seriously there are a lot of answers to that.

One of the biggest ones would be that union labor means that what I am buying is not the product of exploited children in some third world sweatshop.

Another answer is that America grew to the largest economy in the world with union labor. There comes a point where as a company I can say, I, as the executive will take less money for myself and shareholders while focusing on superior products made by human resources I took care of. As a result, in the long run, people buy more of my product because it is better, and my efficiency goes up because my people aren't miserable, and I make more money in the long run.

But that view takes looking for long term profit - which we used to do as a nation - rather than taking the view of short term squeezing everything I can out of the moment,

656 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:01:55pm

re: #652 Gus 802

But that's not the fault of the unions. Unless your saying that the unions are the governments "associated partner." Union members also pay taxes and in most cases have serious issues with taxes just as much as non-union members.

of course it's not the 'fault' of the unions...the fault lies with the voters that elect people that cut the deals that bankrupt the state...and sinse the voters are too stupid for their own good, the other parties tap the tax money for their benefit....you don't really think the CAEA gives a fuck about ABCs do you?....the lure of billions to be pocketed trumps education

657 Bagua  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:02:28pm

Death Don't Have No Mercy

658 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:03:13pm

re: #654 ggt

what kool aid are you referring to...the kind that you can't have yourself?

659 Stanghazi  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:05:14pm

re: #655 LudwigVanQuixote

I need to add one more point to that to make a complete argument.

The biggest thing that fueled America's growth as an economy as a result of union labor was that the working man - the bulk of the populace had disposable income to feed back into the economy. If the Average American has no money than all the goods and services he buys or uses suffer as well and then everyone - even those at the top lose out.

On the other hand, if the average person does have a reasonable income, then the average person can afford to buy your goods. A great example is the car industry - back in the day - Mr. Ford thinks that union labor is Satan's work, but if only the wealthy can afford his cars, he does not make nearly as much money as he would if everyone makes a decent wage and then can afford his cars. This offsets the cost of treating his workers with dignity, and makes him even more money.

You know, I'd like to see you and Gus sometimes in the morning hours. Not sure that you'd change minds, but at that time of the day, it's pretty one sided, without these wonderful counter points.

660 Gus  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:06:12pm

re: #659 Stanley Sea

You know, I'd like to see you and Gus sometimes in the morning hours. Not sure that you'd change minds, but at that time of the day, it's pretty one sided, without these wonderful counter points.

I'm brain dead in the morning. :)

661 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:07:23pm

re: #658 albusteve

what kool aid are you referring to...the kind that you can't have yourself?

The kind that can make me queen of my own world, receive federal money and generally make the world the way I want it.

662 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:08:14pm

re: #659 Stanley Sea

You know, I'd like to see you and Gus sometimes in the morning hours. Not sure that you'd change minds, but at that time of the day, it's pretty one sided, without these wonderful counter points.

it's pap you can google yourself word for word...a simple historical perspective is hardly so earth moving....hahaha!....can I have an autograph?...how about a glossie?

663 Stanghazi  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:10:47pm

re: #662 albusteve

it's pap you can google yourself word for word...a simple historical perspective is hardly so earth moving...hahaha!...can I have an autograph?...how about a glossie?

Fuck Steve. Have some fresh, homemade, warm, fragrant bread.

664 Gretchen G.Tiger  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:10:55pm

Overnight thread is up, my cue to go to bed.

Have a good one all!

665 Stanghazi  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:11:19pm

re: #660 Gus 802

I'm brain dead in the morning. :)

Bummer. I suffer.

666 Bagua  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:11:54pm

Wishing Well

667 Gus  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:16:20pm

re: #656 albusteve

of course it's not the 'fault' of the unions...the fault lies with the voters that elect people that cut the deals that bankrupt the state...and sinse the voters are too stupid for their own good, the other parties tap the tax money for their benefit...you don't really think the CAEA gives a fuck about ABCs do you?...the lure of billions to be pocketed trumps education

The California Teachers Association is a teachers union so yes they will look out for their memberships interest. They don't "pocket" billions even though there is the usual government waste within the California Department of Education as with any other organization including private organizations.

They are also made up of their own membership of teachers and educators so no, I think they do have a strong interest and desire for the teaching profession. This is why many went beyond 4 years to earn a masters degree. Teachers do not get rich in their careers. Only a few break the 100K ceiling and that is in management roles. Retirement benefits are not free either since they pay into their retirement funds from their own pockets.

Frankly, I get tired of hearing how bad education is in this country. I think we have one of the best public education systems in the world overall. People are quick to make allegations that the public school system isn't teaching anything to our children but you will be hard pressed to find a parent that would identify their own child as being uneducated or undereducated because of their public school education.

Yes, there are problems. With everything. But in this case it's unrealistic to blame teachers unions and then to assume that by getting rid of teachers unions that it will result in the magical fixing of those problems in society that we all share a responsibility to a great extent.

668 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:17:43pm

re: #661 ggt

The kind that can make me queen of my own world, receive federal money and generally make the world the way I want it.

first get rid of all your cash...I slowly gave mine to my older sister and my daughter...I don't own property, I live for free in a back bunkhouse on property owned by a wealthy NYC artist....he actually wanted to pay me to live here but I drew the line at that...get yourself a disease that will cripple you and maybe even kill you...go to the state and they will insure you...it's hard but that's how it works...finally go to the feds and get your SSI back...you know, that slush fund you've paid into you entire life?....that's worth a nice chunk...and on top of that SS made me apply for 'food stamps'....okay....sign some papers and boom!, I get $120 a month for food....all the while my money is making interest, and profits on the market, or it was until the crash....keep some cash and gold in a foreign country, stable and not to far away...have no income so the IRS goes to sleep on you and presto!....live damned good, mostly on your dime....but it's a tiny amt per person, so don't get mad at me

669 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:23:40pm

re: #659 Stanley Sea

You know, I'd like to see you and Gus sometimes in the morning hours. Not sure that you'd change minds, but at that time of the day, it's pretty one sided, without these wonderful counter points.

Thanks mate!

670 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:28:38pm

re: #667 Gus 802

The California Teachers Association is a teachers union so yes they will look out for their memberships interest. They don't "pocket" billions even though there is the usual government waste within the California Department of Education as with any other organization including private organizations.

They are also made up of their own membership of teachers and educators so no, I think they do have a strong interest and desire for the teaching profession. This is why many went beyond 4 years to earn a masters degree. Teachers do not get rich in their careers. Only a few break the 100K ceiling and that is in management roles. Retirement benefits are not free either since they pay into their retirement funds from their own pockets.

Frankly, I get tired of hearing how bad education is in this country. I think we have one of the best public education systems in the world overall. People are quick to make allegations that the public school system isn't teaching anything to our children but you will be hard pressed to find a parent that would identify their own child as being uneducated or undereducated because of their public school education.

Yes, there are problems. With everything. But in this case it's unrealistic to blame teachers unions and then to assume that by getting rid of teachers unions that it will result in the magical fixing of those problems in society that we all share a responsibility to a great extent.

nation wide there is a huge pool of money for the NEA to tap, not just CA...teachers do not get rich, but in many states, public employees live very very good when they retire...usually on unfunded money...as far as education itself, we do not have the finest system in the world...far from it...way too many of our kids go to college without even the fundamental skills Taiwan would expect from an 8th grader...taxing tortillas in NM to pay off cops and teachers...it failed thank goodness, but this is where much of the Stimulus money has gone...go to the feds, they can print money

671 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:29:52pm

re: #667 Gus 802

Being opposed to paying teachers a proper wage - and hiring enough of them is one of the major reasons that America has the shitty education system it does. It also shoots ourselves in the foot. Even if we tripled the money we spend on education - and compared to what we spend on all manner of pork, it is a drop in the bucket - we sould quickly make the money back in tax revenue because we had a much better educated and capable populace.

But once again, penny unwise and pound stupid when it comes to education.

672 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:31:10pm

re: #670 albusteve

This is complete bullshit.

All you are doing is arguing for the perpetuation of an American underclass and an ignorant electorate.

Of course the GOP could not function without depending on the shocking ignorance of large swaths of voters, so carry on.

673 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:35:21pm

re: #672 LudwigVanQuixote

This is complete bullshit.

All you are doing is arguing for the perpetuation of an American underclass and an ignorant electorate.

Of course the GOP could not function without depending on the shocking ignorance of large swaths of voters, so carry on.

the GOP does not represent welfare and single family households...the GOP does not represent an entitlement culture...you are wildly misinformed...I am not arguing for a perpetual underclass, and nothing in that post would point to that ridiculous notion....your post is complete bullshit, just like the rest of your inflated blather

674 Gus  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:35:32pm

re: #671 LudwigVanQuixote

Being opposed to paying teachers a proper wage - and hiring enough of them is one of the major reasons that America has the shitty education system it does. It also shoots ourselves in the foot. Even if we tripled the money we spend on education - and compared to what we spend on all manner of pork, it is a drop in the bucket - we sould quickly make the money back in tax revenue because we had a much better educated and capable populace.

But once again, penny unwise and pound stupid when it comes to education.

I've always been baffled at how much it costs to get a college education in current times. There should be a way that college is provided at no cost to the student if they choose a particular school. We have created a strange set of priorities over the years one of which is choosing to spend billions in defending the Arab Peninsula or the Suez Canal over the needs of our citizenry.

675 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:38:46pm

re: #674 Gus 802

I've always been baffled at how much it costs to get a college education in current times. There should be a way that college is provided at no cost to the student if they choose a particular school. We have created a strange set of priorities over the years one of which is choosing to spend billions in defending the Arab Peninsula or the Suez Canal over the needs of our citizenry.

college administration costs are off the scale...multi million dollar presidents...perks and bennies galore....idiot profs raking in huge money....it's a disgrace, but certainly not the problem of the universities!

676 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:39:06pm

re: #674 Gus 802

I've always been baffled at how much it costs to get a college education in current times. There should be a way that college is provided at no cost to the student if they choose a particular school. We have created a strange set of priorities over the years one of which is choosing to spend billions in defending the Arab Peninsula or the Suez Canal over the needs of our citizenry.

And just think all of that would go away if we switched to domestic energy production....

As to the costs of higher education, it is in a spiral driven by a number of forces, not the least of which being that state schools are always first on the chopping block of state budgets - unless we are talking football or basketball.

We are very good at creating a nation of non literates while perpetuating the death grip of the few.

677 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:40:14pm

re: #675 albusteve

Also total bullshit.

The president of the university and the Nobel laureate professor each make a tenth of the salary of the football coach.

678 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:43:28pm

re: #677 LudwigVanQuixote

Also total bullshit.

The president of the university and the Nobel laureate professor each make a tenth of the salary of the football coach.

a Nobel means shit to me, or to incoming freshman...and who hires the coaches?...it's a scam and you know it...if you don't, you're still an idiot...I'll bet you'd love teaching at some college...are you a wannabe prof or haven't you made it that far yet?

679 Gus  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:44:15pm

re: #676 LudwigVanQuixote

And just think all of that would go away if we switched to domestic energy production...

As to the costs of higher education, it is in a spiral driven by a number of forces, not the least of which being that state schools are always first on the chopping block of state budgets - unless we are talking football or basketball.

We are very good at creating a nation of non literates while perpetuating the death grip of the few.

NCAA Speaking of rackets. College sports has to be one of the biggest frauds in our education system that makes the alleged problem of unions pale in comparison. It's also not uncommon for some coaches to make upwards of 1 million per year and be treated like royalty within the upper echelons of the college establishment. The profits of course are never really shared with the citizenry and instead is held within the elites confines of the college sports establishment with tentacles that reach into the mass media. I guess you can say it's another example of trickle down economics that never trickle down.

680 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:47:10pm

re: #679 Gus 802

NCAA Speaking of rackets. College sports has to be one of the biggest frauds in our education system that makes the alleged problem of unions pale in comparison. It's also not uncommon for some coaches to make upwards of 1 million per year and be treated like royalty within the upper echelons of the college establishment. The profits of course are never really shared with the citizenry and instead is held within the elites confines of the college sports establishment with tentacles that reach into the mass media. I guess you can say it's another example of trickle down economics that never trickle down.

NCAA sports are HUGE money...who's responsible for that?

681 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:48:32pm

re: #678 albusteve

If you aren't feeling fresh, may I suggest Masingil?

682 Gus  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:50:34pm

re: #680 albusteve

NCAA sports are HUGE money...who's responsible for that?

Greed. G-r-e-e-d. That and the entrenched caste system of American society and the over glorification of sports.

683 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:51:26pm

my general practice doctor just quit the clinic he worked for to take a teaching job at the University of NM Hospital....he will knock down over a quarter million teaching two classes per semester for two years....haha! yeeehaaa!...12 classes in two years!...on taxpayer money!

684 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:51:31pm

re: #682 Gus 802

Greed. G-r-e-e-d. That and the entrenched caste system of American society and the over glorification of sports.

That would be correct! I would only add the entrenched anti-intellectualism that might cause someone to say that a Nobel means shit to them.

685 Gus  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:52:14pm

Man runs fast. Very fast. Man take ball across court with painted lines. Take ball and put through round metal basket. Man deserve pay in millions. Man that run fast role model. Mongo like.

/

686 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:53:33pm

re: #682 Gus 802

Greed. G-r-e-e-d. That and the entrenched caste system of American society and the over glorification of sports.

it's the responsibility of college presidents...that's who the coaches work for....TONS of public money to tap

687 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:53:35pm

re: #683 albusteve

my general practice doctor just quit the clinic he worked for to take a teaching job at the University of NM Hospital...he will knock down over a quarter million teaching two classes per semester for two years...haha! yeeehaaa!...12 classes in two years!...on taxpayer money!

Because you know, good doctors who spent years learning their field aren't worth the money or needed to teach the next generation of physicians.

You are sooo, right, a poor investment.

Why just the other day, my friend skeeter was tellin' me how to cure cancer with watermelon seeds.

Who needs them doctors!

688 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:56:13pm

re: #684 LudwigVanQuixote

That would be correct! I would only add the entrenched anti-intellectualism that might cause someone to say that a Nobel means shit to them.

what's intellectual about Yasser Arafat?....intellectualism is what's brought us to this educational crisis in the first place....too smart by half

689 Gus  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:57:12pm

re: #684 LudwigVanQuixote

That would be correct! I would only add the entrenched anti-intellectualism that might cause someone to say that a Nobel means shit to them.

Yeah, that another popular meme. The anti-Nobel meme typically revolves around Jimmy Carter or whenever a perceived "liberal" or "leftist" wins the prize. It's a bit ironic because the Nobel Prize was the result of Alfred Nobel's last will and testament to create the foundation and prize. Ironic in that Mr. Nobel is known for being the inventor of dynamite which is much cherished by the right wing for its military applications.

690 albusteve  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:58:11pm

re: #687 LudwigVanQuixote

Because you know, good doctors who spent years learning their field aren't worth the money or needed to teach the next generation of physicians.

You are sooo, right, a poor investment.

Why just the other day, my friend skeeter was tellin' me how to cure cancer with watermelon seeds.

Who needs them doctors!

I didn't say doctors are dispensible....you don't seem to ba able to think it through...no surprise

691 Gus  Tue, Mar 2, 2010 11:58:50pm

re: #688 albusteve

what's intellectual about Yasser Arafat?...intellectualism is what's brought us to this educational crisis in the first place...too smart by half

Seriously?

692 albusteve  Wed, Mar 3, 2010 12:00:32am

re: #689 Gus 802

Yeah, that another popular meme. The anti-Nobel meme typically revolves around Jimmy Carter or whenever a perceived "liberal" or "leftist" wins the prize. It's a bit ironic because the Nobel Prize was the result of Alfred Nobel's last will and testament to create the foundation and prize. Ironic in that Mr. Nobel is known for being the inventor of dynamite which is much cherished by the right wing for its military applications.

I don't have any meme...the prize speaks for itself....my reference was in reply to Nobel winners as an influence on college kids....like who gives a shit?

693 albusteve  Wed, Mar 3, 2010 12:03:10am

re: #691 Gus 802

Seriously?

Nobel prizes are a concern for students?...seriously?...who gets paid the most money on the prof staff?...intellectualism has replaced common sense

694 lostlakehiker  Wed, Mar 3, 2010 12:03:31am

re: #672 LudwigVanQuixote

This is complete bullshit.

All you are doing is arguing for the perpetuation of an American underclass and an ignorant electorate.

Of course the GOP could not function without depending on the shocking ignorance of large swaths of voters, so carry on.

Ludwig, if the voters of America were all physics professors, the GOP could argue its case based on the philosophical and economic works of Ludwig von Mises, Milton Friedman, and so on. But Republicans, like Democrats, must argue their case before the voters we've got, and that means simplifying.

It also, unfortunately, means that pandering sometimes pays. (Sometimes)?

The way the electorate gets around to correct decisions is that it watches the consequences of what the parties do. Any coach can talk a good game, but does his team win? It's the same with parties. The Republicans came through the past decade with a C-. Now the Democrats are working to snatch a D from the jaws of a B-.

All they had to do was fix up energy, push real science education in the schools, and do some salvage work to keep the economy from a shock-and-awe sinking.

Instead, they've been obsessing about "winning" a health care bill, while ignoring every other aspect of governance.

695 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Wed, Mar 3, 2010 12:06:05am

re: #690 albusteve

I didn't say doctors are dispensible...you don't seem to ba able to think it through...no surprise

No you just don't think that all those decades of hard work and saving lives should be paid for.

re: #692 albusteve

I don't have any meme...the prize speaks for itself...my reference was in reply to Nobel winners as an influence on college kids...like who gives a shit?

Ummm educated people care. Part of my college and graduate school choices were made on having the honor of learning from and working with such men and women.

But that's ok, by your standards we don't need such things. You taught yourself didn't you while being some sort of self styled mountain man or whatever it is you think your ignorant self righteous and arrogant self is.?

It shows.

696 albusteve  Wed, Mar 3, 2010 12:07:06am

re: #694 lostlakehiker

Ludwig, if the voters of America were all physics professors, the GOP could argue its case based on the philosophical and economic works of Ludwig von Mises, Milton Friedman, and so on. But Republicans, like Democrats, must argue their case before the voters we've got, and that means simplifying.

It also, unfortunately, means that pandering sometimes pays. (Sometimes)?

The way the electorate gets around to correct decisions is that it watches the consequences of what the parties do. Any coach can talk a good game, but does his team win? It's the same with parties. The Republicans came through the past decade with a C-. Now the Democrats are working to snatch a D from the jaws of a B-.

All they had to do was fix up energy, push real science education in the schools, and do some salvage work to keep the economy from a shock-and-awe sinking.

Instead, they've been obsessing about "winning" a health care bill, while ignoring every other aspect of governance.

and Rahm is getting pissed....BO won't listen to him...one and done if BO doesn't move to the middle, but he's exceptional and that's an old strategy....political survival if you will

697 albusteve  Wed, Mar 3, 2010 12:11:14am

re: #695 LudwigVanQuixote

Ummm educated people care. Part of my college and graduate school choices were made on having the honor of learning from and working with such men and women.

But that's ok, by your standards we don't need such things. You taught yourself didn't you while being some sort of self styled mountain man or whatever it is you think your ignorant self righteous and arrogant self is.?

It shows.

where did I say a service should not be paid for?...the doc in my case is in his early thirties, you are just making shit up again...I'm no self styled anything, I simply play by the rules and take advantage of my taxes...as for your honor, if you really had any, you'd humbly keep it to yourself...I could care less

698 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Wed, Mar 3, 2010 12:12:47am

re: #694 lostlakehiker

Ludwig, if the voters of America were all physics professors, the GOP could argue its case based on the philosophical and economic works of Ludwig von Mises, Milton Friedman, and so on. But Republicans, like Democrats, must argue their case before the voters we've got, and that means simplifying.

It also, unfortunately, means that pandering sometimes pays. (Sometimes)?

The way the electorate gets around to correct decisions is that it watches the consequences of what the parties do. Any coach can talk a good game, but does his team win? It's the same with parties. The Republicans came through the past decade with a C-. Now the Democrats are working to snatch a D from the jaws of a B-.

All they had to do was fix up energy, push real science education in the schools, and do some salvage work to keep the economy from a shock-and-awe sinking.

Instead, they've been obsessing about "winning" a health care bill, while ignoring every other aspect of governance.

I agree and dissagree with what you are saying.

As always, it's an excellent post you wrote.

However, this is not about everyone being a physics professor. This is about being able to find other countries on a map and having the most basic understandings of things like economics, science and history - three topics which are the first things you need to know in order to judge policy in the modern world.

An educated voter who has a clue votes on issues and has a notion of cause and effect. Morons vote on moron issue like belief that evolution didn't happen or that communism is the same as fascism, or death panels or birth certificates, or how many memes can we go into that any even moderately educated person would call insanely stupid, but are bought hook line and sinker by the ignorant?

My point is, for example, you do not need to be an atomic physicist to know that Uranium production requires very very large industrial facilities of the sort that cover acres, because uranium centrifuges are really big and you need thousands of them.

You may need to know nuclear physics to calculate how much U235 you need for a bomb, but an understanding on the NOVA special level is sufficient to know that it is not a small undertaking.

If we had science up to the NOVA special level - which is not a very high level, Bush could never have lied to this nation effectively about WMD in Iraq and we would now be in a position to do something about the very real program in Iran.

699 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Wed, Mar 3, 2010 12:15:56am

re: #693 albusteve

Nobel prizes are a concern for students?...seriously?...who gets paid the most money on the prof staff?...intellectualism has replaced common sense

Because we can't have intellectuals for professors!

700 Gus  Wed, Mar 3, 2010 12:16:01am

re: #693 albusteve

Nobel prizes are a concern for students?...seriously?...who gets paid the most money on the prof staff?...intellectualism has replaced common sense

No, I was responding to what you said: intellectualism is what's brought us to this educational crisis in the first place. What intellectualism? Popular culture has instilled a deep resentment against intellectuals by the masses. They're cast as villains or evil scientists in popular movies. They are resented by creationists and vast swaths of the anti-AGW crowds. The evolution from long hairs, beatniks, poets and eventually hippies.

Anyway, you protest too much and have a rather cynical outlook on things. We still create and produce a lot of wonderful things in this country. While there's problems we still graduate a great deal of talented individuals in the arts, engineering, and sciences. Intellectualism is not the problem by any means. It is not the only means to an end but it is certainly a very poignant means to and end.

701 Gus  Wed, Mar 3, 2010 12:17:38am

re: #699 LudwigVanQuixote

Because we can't have intellectuals for professors!

When asked about building a rocket, Dr. Common Sense said, "what the hell you need to build a rocket fer?"

/

702 albusteve  Wed, Mar 3, 2010 12:19:13am

lostlakehiker is the bomb...just thought I'd toss that in on my way out from this senseless argumentre: #699 LudwigVanQuixote

Because we can't have intellectuals for professors!

give me an ordinary teacher at the local CC any day...PhDs mean nothing in the classroom or anywhere else for that matter...you have an inflated sense of importance in the real world...now I'm out

703 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Wed, Mar 3, 2010 12:27:14am

re: #701 Gus 802

When asked about building a rocket, Dr. Common Sense said, "what the hell you need to build a rocket fer?"

/

Funny how Mr. Common sense was the one claiming I didn't even have a BA...

I bring that because Mr. Common sense - now switching to the general, as in Joe six pack, knows full well that he is an ignoramus. He knows full well that he never read a great book or figured out algebra (and he shouts that such things don't mean shit to him!) ON some level, it is certainly true that these things do not mean shit to him. He certainly never bothered to learn, but the notion that the learning of learned people might outweigh his positions which come from his guts, emotions and "common sense" sticks in his craw.

How dare those intellectuals actually be perceived as knowing more than him and therefore being listened to over him?!?

He wants to still feel good about himself as if his ignorant and incoherent ramblings actually carry the same weight as the educated people that he resents so very much.

It causes him to lash out because Damn it, no one could possibly be smarter than him! "Do you think you are smarter than me?!?" is a challenge and an insult.

Well too bad.

This is not to say that there aren't all sorts of really brilliant people who have very specialized skills from all walks of life. For all the physics in the world that I know, I don't know the first thing about running a farm - and I need to eat.

But then again, I respect a farmer if he is talking to me about crops.

He after all, is a farmer and I know shit about it.

But God forbid, people show that respect back to the intellectual.

704 Gus  Wed, Mar 3, 2010 12:27:26am

McLeroy, Miller upset in SBOE elections
By Kate Alexander %P% Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 01:35 AM

Thomas Ratliff upset State Board of Education member Don McLeroy in a Republican primary nail-biter.

McLeroy, a dentist from Bryan, lost by about 800 votes. No Democrat has filed for the District 9 race so Ratliff will take the seat next year.

Good riddance McLeroy!

705 Gus  Wed, Mar 3, 2010 12:45:09am

re: #703 LudwigVanQuixote

Funny how Mr. Common sense was the one claiming I didn't even have a BA...

I bring that because Mr. Common sense - now switching to the general, as in Joe six pack, knows full well that he is an ignoramus. He knows full well that he never read a great book or figured out algebra (and he shouts that such things don't mean shit to him!) ON some level, it is certainly true that these things do not mean shit to him. He certainly never bothered to learn, but the notion that the learning of learned people might outweigh his positions which come from his guts, emotions and "common sense" sticks in his craw.

How dare those intellectuals actually be perceived as knowing more than him and therefore being listened to over him?!?

He wants to still feel good about himself as if his ignorant and incoherent ramblings actually carry the same weight as the educated people that he resents so very much.

It causes him to lash out because Damn it, no one could possibly be smarter than him! "Do you think you are smarter than me?!?" is a challenge and an insult.

Well too bad.

This is not to say that there aren't all sorts of really brilliant people who have very specialized skills from all walks of life. For all the physics in the world that I know, I don't know the first thing about running a farm - and I need to eat.

But then again, I respect a farmer if he is talking to me about crops.

He after all, is a farmer and I know shit about it.

But God forbid, people show that respect back to the intellectual.

Brilliant is a good word to describe some people. For instance one can be a brilliant painter or musician without being an intellectual. I don't think anyone describes the ultimate human characteristic as being intellectual. People come from all walks of life and education each with his or her own particular gift to share with the world.

The current vilification of intellectuals and intellectualism is troubling. In my estimation it is part of a political movement that is intent on casting the worlds problems on intellectuals who are inevitably cast as liberals. Two primary sources of this is Rush Limbaugh and his infamous anti-intellectual speech at CPAC and David Horowitz's daily pounding on academia who are associated with intellectuals by default. Simply put, the right sees intellectuals as the left, progressives, or liberals.

They fail to acknowledge their own intellectuals such as William F. Buckley or Henry Kissinger, but instead have chosen to take the road of anti-intellectualism in favor of reactionary atavism such as we see at the Tea Parties. This is why we see them hold Glenn Beck in such high regard. Or how "Joe the Plumber" suddenly becomes a pundit that can make comments on society or even foreign policy.

Intellectuals have thus become the "liberal college professors" that must be feared and discredited in order to regain, as they feel, a political majority. After all, we do know that part of the motivation for this is by the mere fact that Barrack Obama has been frequently identified as an intellectual. Their answer to what they see as his failures is Sarah Palin -- the ultimate anti-intellectual.

706 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Wed, Mar 3, 2010 1:16:32am

re: #705 Gus 802

Brilliant is a good word to describe some people. For instance one can be a brilliant painter or musician without being an intellectual. I don't think anyone describes the ultimate human characteristic as being intellectual. People come from all walks of life and education each with his or her own particular gift to share with the world.

The current vilification of intellectuals and intellectualism is troubling. In my estimation it is part of a political movement that is intent on casting the worlds problems on intellectuals who are inevitably cast as liberals. Two primary sources of this is Rush Limbaugh and his infamous anti-intellectual speech at CPAC and David Horowitz's daily pounding on academia who are associated with intellectuals by default. Simply put, the right sees intellectuals as the left, progressives, or liberals.

They fail to acknowledge their own intellectuals such as William F. Buckley or Henry Kissinger, but instead have chosen to take the road of anti-intellectualism in favor of reactionary atavism such as we see at the Tea Parties. This is why we see them hold Glenn Beck in such high regard. Or how "Joe the Plumber" suddenly becomes a pundit that can make comments on society or even foreign policy.

Intellectuals have thus become the "liberal college professors" that must be feared and discredited in order to regain, as they feel, a political majority. After all, we do know that part of the motivation for this is by the mere fact that Barrack Obama has been frequently identified as an intellectual. Their answer to what they see as his failures is Sarah Palin -- the ultimate anti-intellectual.

Also an excellent post. You are on fire tonight.

707 Gus  Wed, Mar 3, 2010 1:20:32am

re: #706 LudwigVanQuixote

Also an excellent post. You are on fire tonight.

Thanks Ludwig. It comes and goes. Sometimes I think back to a time when I felt the dream. At one point I thought maybe I could pursue a PhD. It's unfortunate to see my own life slip away as quickly as it has. I no longer dream as I once did.

708 Mad Prophet Ludwig  Wed, Mar 3, 2010 1:27:45am

re: #707 Gus 802

Thanks Ludwig. It comes and goes. Sometimes I think back to a time when I felt the dream. At one point I thought maybe I could pursue a PhD. It's unfortunate to see my own life slip away as quickly as it has. I no longer dream as I once did.

First of all you are plenty capable with or without the PhD.

But second of all, it is never too late.

709 BARACK THE VOTE  Wed, Mar 3, 2010 1:31:01am

re: #708 LudwigVanQuixote

re: #705 Gus 802

Sorry I missed this discussion. Excellent posts by you both.

710 Tigger2005  Wed, Mar 3, 2010 4:08:36am

The people of Texas are speaking...they are rejecting the Enlightenment in favor of medieval theocracy.

711 Our Precious Bodily Fluids  Wed, Mar 3, 2010 9:52:33am

I heard a Park Cities (think 6000 sq. ft. houses) woman quoted saying she was voting for Perry in the primaries because she was, and I quote, "tired of the campaign, it's just gone on too long".

712 lostlakehiker  Wed, Mar 3, 2010 10:25:02am

re: #698 LudwigVanQuixote

I agree and dissagree with what you are saying.

As always, it's an excellent post you wrote.

However, this is not about everyone being a physics professor. This is about being able to find other countries on a map and having the most basic understandings of things like economics, science and history - three topics which are the first things you need to know in order to judge policy in the modern world.

An educated voter who has a clue votes on issues and has a notion of cause and effect. Morons vote on moron issue like belief that evolution didn't happen or that communism is the same as fascism, or death panels or birth certificates, or how many memes can we go into that any even moderately educated person would call insanely stupid, but are bought hook line and sinker by the ignorant?

My point is, for example, you do not need to be an atomic physicist to know that Uranium production requires very very large industrial facilities of the sort that cover acres, because uranium centrifuges are really big and you need thousands of them.

You may need to know nuclear physics to calculate how much U235 you need for a bomb, but an understanding on the NOVA special level is sufficient to know that it is not a small undertaking.

If we had science up to the NOVA special level - which is not a very high level, Bush could never have lied to this nation effectively about WMD in Iraq and we would now be in a position to do something about the very real program in Iran.

It's a very difficult question what to do about Iran's nuclear program.

The people of Iran do not hate us. Their government may foam at the mouth, but there was no dancing in the streets of Tehran on 9/11/2001.

Iran's history is long and to a degree, distinguished. They don't see themselves as an expendable part of a larger whole. Iran is not ruled by a lone strongman who can do anything he likes on a whim. These facts suggest that Iran will be cautious with its nukes if it gets them.

Military steps to break Iran's nuclear program are feasible but there is no simple easy option along the lines of what Israel did to Iraq's nuclear program back before the two U.S.-Iraq wars. Iran has fortified its program too well, and studied the lesson of how Israel conducted its raid, for another such effort to be sufficient.

Instead, if we want to prevent Iran's getting nuclear weapons, by military means, it will take a war. Boots on the ground. Tanks in Tehran. Because we have troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and access to port facilities, it would be possible to attempt this. Our soldiers are good and our weapons top notch, so perhaps it would work. An occupation would not be required; just go there, demolish the program, and back out. What must be clear is that an easy win is not possible. The war would be tougher, bloodier, and much more expensive than the Iraq wars were.

If we knew that Iran meant to use its nukes the moment it got a sufficient arsenal, then that price would have to be acceptable. But we don't know that.

There is no clear way forward, no decision that gets us out of the zone of grave risk and weighty moral responsibility.


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