I hope everyone fasting has an easy fast.

How 'bout we start this off with some class?

re: #1 LudwigVanQuixote

I hope everyone fasting has an easy fast.

Tzom kal to you as well.

One from the heart for Bagua:

Sleep well, all.

I just realized the situation I'm in. Right now, I am sitting in a cafe in the best mall in Saipan, eating macadamia nut-flavored ice cream and sipping freshly squeezed banana juice, debating how many cartons of Marlboro Reds I am going to buy at the duty-free shop to sell at a profit when the Golden Bear leaves port again.

By God, this training cruise is the best thing to happen to me in a long time.

re: #6 Dante41

I just realized the situation I'm in. Right now, I am sitting in a cafe in the best mall in Saipan, eating macadamia nut-flavored ice cream and sipping freshly squeezed banana juice, debating how many cartons of Marlboro Reds I am going to buy at the duty-free shop to sell at a profit when the Golden Bear leaves port again.

By God, this training cruise is the best thing to happen to me in a long time.

Training for what, if I may ask?

re: #7 Varek Raith

Training for what, if I may ask?

Maritime training. The USTS Golden Bear is a training ship for the California Maritime Academy. I'm a visiting cadet from the Texas Maritime Academy.

re: #8 Dante41

Wow. That's really cool.

re: #5 Dark_Falcon

Sleep well, all.

Sleep well... so, the husky is barking outside... his "bear bark" I step out on the porch with my flashlight, no glasses, so my sight is a bit blurry, and on the other side of the fence on the porch, I see a white garbage bag moving along the ground, apparently on it's own power... oops... got off the porch, since that must be a bear holding on to that bag and there is nothing but a flimsy fence between me and the bear.

I turned on the light on the south side of the house, bag is about 20 feet from house, I guess he decided there was nothing of interest in the bag.

Silly me... next time I put my glasses on first.

re: #10 Walter L. Newton

Wow Walter. Close call. But cool in its own way.

re: #9 Irenicum

Wow. That's really cool.

Thanks. I'm studying for my Unlimited Third Mate's License. Saipan is just our first port of call. We sail for Kobe on the 22nd, and then for Busan and Seattle by way of the Aleutian Islands after that.

re: #4 ryannon

Hey, that was a beautiful song. I'm glad you posted it.

re: #12 Dante41

That sounds exceptionally cool. My ancestors in Germany were almost all sailors.

re: #10 Walter L. Newton

Geez man. Maybe it's just my being used to a case of life-long, piss poor eyesight, but my glasses are the first thing I put on in the morning, or whenever I am roused from bed.

There's been times I thought someone might be breaking into my car, and I run out into the night wearing nothing more than my glasses and a pair of boxers. And the boxers only came along because I don't sleep in the buff.

re: #14 Irenicum

That sounds exceptionally cool. My ancestors in Germany were almost all sailors.

Heh, it sounds cool now, but the Golden Bear is a tender ship, so it will be a wild ride when we reach the Sea of Japan.

And I have to say, profiteering off of your shipmates is a valuable skill for sailors to learn. ;-)

re: #14 Irenicum

That sounds exceptionally cool. My ancestors in Germany were almost all sailors.

On the Bismarck or Graf Spee?

///

re: #11 Irenicum

Wow Walter. Close call. But cool in its own way.

Yea... you're right. Since the husky had his snout pushed right up through the fence, and the garbage can is not 5-6 feet away from the dog, I really didn't expect to see a bear just hanging around that close to a barking dog, so I was surprised that the bear was right there. I figured the dog just knew he was out there somewhere, since they can sense the bears for way off, even from the barks of other dogs on this mountain.

re: #17 JasonA

Heh, they predated any of that. I'm talking all 19th century.

re: #15 Slumbering Behemoth

Geez man. Maybe it's just my being used to a case of life-long, piss poor eyesight, but my glasses are the first thing I put on in the morning, or whenever I am roused from bed.

There's been times I thought someone might be breaking into my car, and I run out into the night wearing nothing more than my glasses and a pair of boxers. And the boxers only came along because I don't sleep in the buff.

The only time I put on my glasses is to drive, at work and watching TV or a movie... far away things, around the house, in front of the computer, I leave them off...

Dog barking again...

re: #17 JasonA

They were Plattdeutsch, in the Bremen area. Very close to the Dutch border, and sailed the North Sea regularly.

re: #19 Irenicum

Heh, they predated any of that. I'm talking all 19th century.

I'm 1/8th German myself. Ancestors came over in the early-mid 1700's or so.

re: #22 JasonA

Mine came in the 1890's on the German side, early 1700's on the English side.

re: #5 Dark_Falcon

G'nite then.

P.S. "To boldly go!" should be the genre equivalent to "Stay on target!"

To boldly go!

... nothing... can is still knocked over, one bag is on ground at the can, other bag is still 20 feet from the house, unopened... bear is a chicken... going back to bed...

re: #23 Irenicum

Mine came in the 1890's on the German side, early 1700's on the English side.

Heh. Another 8th of me is English. :)

re: #26 JasonA

Yeah, I'm about as waspy as you can get. A total Northern European mutt.

Well, g'nite gang. See ya on the other side.

re: #20 Walter L. Newton

You have better eyesight than I do. And at nearly four times my age? Good for you!

Seriously, all you need to do to fuck up my world is steal/hide my glasses. Just last week I must have fallen asleep (read: passed out) while watching something on the tube/internet.

I got up the next morning, reached to the spot where I always put my glasses, and they weren't there. Apparently they fell of my face as I slept, and bounced underneath the head of my bed.

I spent at least fifteen minutes, putting off coffee and holding in a monumental piss, looking for them.

re: #29 Slumbering Behemoth

You have better eyesight than I do. And at nearly four times my age? Good for you!

Seriously, all you need to do to fuck up my world is steal/hide my glasses. Just last week I must have fallen asleep (read: passed out) while watching something on the tube/internet.

I got up the next morning, reached to the spot where I always put my glasses, and they weren't there. Apparently they fell of my face as I slept, and bounced underneath the head of my bed.

I spent at least fifteen minutes, putting off coffee and holding in a monumental piss, looking for them.

I know your pain.

re: #12 Dante41

Thanks. I'm studying for my Unlimited Third Mate's License. Saipan is just our first port of call. We sail for Kobe on the 22nd, and then for Busan and Seattle by way of the Aleutian Islands after that.

As a teenager barely out of high school in Chicago I managed to obtain Seaman's Papers (OS; Wiper) and eventually shipped on a Danish Tramp out of Norfolk (all the Danes cared about was whether I was alive or not - it was a notoriously 'bad luck' ship, there had been a mutiny and the office in Copenhagen couldn't find anyone who'd accept to work on it), and eventually an old American President Line mixed cargo/passenger ship that I picked up in Genoa after spending some time in Italy. The American ship was paradise compared to the fucking drunken Danes.

re: #29 Slumbering Behemoth

re: #30 JasonA

Two words.
Ocular.
Implants.
Image: Ocularimplant.jpg

re: #30 JasonA

For many years now I have alleviated the frustrating and time consuming "Where did I put my keys/wallet/glasses/etc." problem by putting such things in the exact same place every time I put them down. Every time. It's a system that works like a charm, except on those occasions that it doesn't.

re: #31 ryannon

As a teenager barely out of high school in Chicago I managed to obtain Seaman's Papers (OS; Wiper) and eventually shipped on a Danish Tramp out of Norfolk (all the Danes cared about was whether I was alive or not - it was a notoriously 'bad luck' ship, there had been a mutiny and the office in Copenhagen couldn't find anyone who'd accept to work on it), and eventually an old American President Line mixed cargo/passenger ship that I picked up in Genoa after spending some time in Italy. The American ship was paradise compared to the fucking drunken Danes.

Nice. I guess it all depends on which company you sail with, barring American ones.

re: #34 Dante41

Nice. I guess it all depends on which company you sail with, barring American ones.

It was back in the days when a lot of things were possible if a young man wanted to go to sea, and things have changed enormously since. I was never intending to become an officer or make it a career - I just wanted to do my own Lord Jim kind of thing. I was pretty young and naive.

re: #32 Varek Raith

I am down like a clown. I cannot wait for the nanite revolution.

"Saturate my bloodstream doc! I am to make Steve Austin look like a pussy!"

re: #6 Dante41

I just realized the situation I'm in. Right now, I am sitting in a cafe in the best mall in Saipan, eating macadamia nut-flavored ice cream and sipping freshly squeezed banana juice, debating how many cartons of Marlboro Reds I am going to buy at the duty-free shop to sell at a profit when the Golden Bear leaves port again.

By God, this training cruise is the best thing to happen to me in a long time.

I am intrigued with your mentioning of the banana juice. I have never had it before. I envy you at this point in time. Tell us about this training cruise.

re: #3 SanFranciscoZionist

Tzom kal to you as well.

Oh yeah. The Day of Atonement, right?

re: #37 eclectic infidel

I am intrigued with your mentioning of the banana juice. I have never had it before. I envy you at this point in time. Tell us about this training cruise.

It is going well. I had just got on the Watch Rotation before we pulled into Saipan, and I was one of the lucky ones selected to help tie up. Unfortunately, it was raining. Mooring lines are heavy when wet.

Aside from that, the only thing of note is that the Golden Bear is a very tender ship, rolling 5 degrees in 4 foot seas. I await on tremblin' knees to find out how she will react when we sail into a storm.

re: #35 ryannon

It was back in the days when a lot of things were possible if a young man wanted to go to sea, and things have changed enormously since. I was never intending to become an officer or make it a career - I just wanted to do my own Lord Jim kind of thing. I was pretty young and naive.

You should have stayed. Do you have any idea how much money officers pull down these days, working as little as they do?

The wonders of computerized video - someone inserted none other than famed folk singer Judith Durham into this famous dance scene:

re: #40 Dante41

You should have stayed. Do you have any idea how much money officers pull down these days, working as little as they do?

Oh, for sure. But I was bound for still other adventures, mishaps and catastrophes, and I don't totally regret my choice of not sticking with it. I did make friends with a cadet on the President Wilson and briefly considered making a career out of it. He was a great guy - one of those who are probably commanding a ship today, and I'm sure I would have immensely enjoyed working my way up through the ranks to a First Mate's license. But with containerization, the turn-around time has become so rapid that a lot of the romance of the life (which was what attracted me) has become a basic routine. Some guys barely get the chance to spend time in port before the ship is loaded up and heads back out. I'm not sure I would have enjoyed living that transition, but I'm grateful to have seen the last of the 'Wild West' in the Merchant Marine, along with its often incredible sailors. Those maniacs wouldn't stand a chance today: they were very special, and the last of their breed.

re: #42 ryannon

Oh, for sure. But I was bound for still other adventures, mishaps and catastrophes, and I don't totally regret my choice of not sticking with it. I did make friends with a cadet on the President Wilson and briefly considered making a career out of it. He was a great guy - one of those who are probably commanding a ship today, and I'm sure I would have immensely enjoyed working my way up through the ranks to a First Mate's license. But with containerization, the turn-around time has become so rapid that a lot of the romance of the life (which was what attracted me) has become a basic routine. Some guys barely get the chance to spend time in port before the ship is loaded up and heads back out. I'm not sure I would have enjoyed living that transition, but I'm grateful to have seen the last of the 'Wild West' in the Merchant Marine, along with its often incredible sailors. Those maniacs wouldn't stand a chance today: they were very special, and the last of their breed.

Oh, they are still around. I can personally attest to that.

re: #43 Dante41

Oh, they are still around. I can personally attest to that.

That's good to know. The high seas were (and apparently still are) the last frontier. Happy trails to you, partner!

re: #44 ryannon

That's good to know. The high seas were (and apparently still are) the last frontier. Happy trails to you, partner!

Thank you. While it may be modernized, and more comfortable, sailing on the high seas is still one hell of a life to lead.

G'nite dear Lizards. Don't let Glenn Beck see this, he might shit a... well... whatever a bug-nuts crazy, conspiracy mongering demagogue might shit (a three wheeled Yugo that runs on hyena piss, perhaps?), and declare our Founding Fathers to be completely out of touch with the principles of our Founding Fathers.

Laters.

re: #23 Irenicum

Mine came in the 1890's on the German side, early 1700's on the English side.

My paternal grandmother was named Mary Schultz, from the German-speaking part of Czechoslovakia. Good thing she came over to America when she did, the Germans were all expelled after WWII.

1970 - a crazy year:

One of the most important scientists of the 20th century, Steven Schneider has died of a heart attack. He was 65 and on his way to a conference in Stockholm. He was one of the first, most eloquent and most prescient voices in climate science.

He was on the faculty of Stanford University for many years,

He was a great man, who cared about the world and dedicated his life to serving and saving others.

Hashem keep you Steve.

re: #49 LudwigVanQuixote

Posted it a couple of times in the Pages, the first a eulogy by Andy Revkin, and then later the AP story.

re: #50 freetoken

Posted it a couple of times in the Pages, the first a eulogy by Andy Revkin, and then later the AP story.

I just found out. I'm glad you posted it. Did you ever meet him?

He was charming.

re: #51 LudwigVanQuixote

Nope, never knew the guy. All I knew of was his work. Plus seen him in some video and presentations.

Speaking of racism...

re: #53 SixDegrees

Speaking of racism...

What others had to say:

Breitbart Utterly Destroys Something
Wingnuts | Mon, Jul 19, 2010 at 4:58:28 pm PDT

re: #3 Gus 802

She's relating a story of how she viewed things in her past. If you watching (listen) to the video you'll note that she says it was at the time when Chapter 12 bankruptcy had just been enacted. This would put the year at 1986. The video Breitbart provides is incomplete and highly edited.

However, it does have enough to learn more about her speech where we find her having said "that when it was revealed to me that it's about [being] poor, versus those who have. It's not so much about white... it is about white and black but it's not, you know... it opened my eyes."

She learned from that experience to see that it isn't about being black or white, it's about being poor. She was sympathizing with her first white farmer.

re: #79 teh mantis

The whole story is BS. Brietbart has conveniently edited out the context of this story, but he forgot one crucial detail. Notice where she says that the story took place just after Chapter 12 bankruptcy was established for family farms? Andrew really should have edited that out. You know why? Chapter 12 was so established in 1986. What was Shirley Sherrod doing in 1986? She was running the New Communities black farm coop in Georgia. She was not employed by the government in any way. Some white farmer called a black coop looking for help. She helped him, but not as much as she “could” if, you know, he were a black farmer and thus would have some interest in the coop. They also gave farmers help restructuring their loans and whatnot, so she referred him to a lawyer who could help him, despite his condescending attitude.

I should also note that the her coop and the associate RDLN recently won a $1 billion+ settlement for black farmers after they were systematically denied loans provided to white farmers in the early eighties, complements of Ronnie Reagan (Pigford v. Glickman). But we all know it was those black farmers banding together in their cooperative farming blackness that are the real racists.

Why does it seem that when a Dem says something stupid, or is portrayed as doing so, they resign? When a GOPer does that, they deflect blame and continue on course. Of course I may be over generalizing, but this is the impression I get.

re: #54 Gus 802

The NAACP disagrees with you:

The NAACP released a statement late Monday condemning Sherrod's admission.

"We are appalled by her actions, just as we are with abuses of power against farmers of color and female farmers," the statement said.

"Her actions were shameful," it continued. "While she went on to explain in the story that she ultimately realized her mistake, as well as the common predicament of working people of all races, she gave no indication she had attempted to right the wrong she had done to this man."

[Link: www.foxnews.com...]

re: #56 RogueOne

The NAACP disagrees with you:

[Link: www.foxnews.com...]

That's fine. I disagree with the NAACP. It was done for political expediency.

re: #57 Gus 802

That's fine. I disagree with the NAACP. It was done for political expediency.

Don't you know you're not allowed to disagree with the NAACP when they do something for political expediency? I made the bottom 10 comments for doing that.

Morning Gus, Hope you're doing better.

re: #55 boxhead

Why does it seem that when a Dem says something stupid, or is portrayed as doing so, they resign? When a GOPer does that, they deflect blame and continue on course. Of course I may be over generalizing, but this is the impression I get.

Hard to say since I've never seen those number quantified. Do more Democrats resign than Republicans because of these public statements?

re: #58 RogueOne

Don't you know you're not allowed to disagree with the NAACP when they do something for political expediency? I made the bottom 10 comments for doing that.

Morning Gus, Hope you're doing better.

Hey Rogue. Feeling a tiny bit better this moment. Had a weird dream before and woke up. Sorry about making the bottom 10. I've been trying to avoid down dinging people regardless -- unless they get on my case personally.

I just finished watching For all Mankind which I linked in my LGF page. It's about the Apollo moon missions. When I saw the images of the Earth, that little blue planet suspended in the void of space, it made me think once again about our human foibles.

Here we are.

View from Mars.

re: #55 boxhead

That's just perception from which ever side you sit...it turns out to be about equal in reality. Some choose to resign, some relize that the American public has a very short memory.

re: #60 Gus 802

I was only giving you a hard time. I've noticed some people take the whole ding thing pretty seriously but I don't take down dings as a personal assault on my manhood. I have only lost my cool once. I don't get worked up IRL, why would I let a few anonymous strangers get to me? Life is too short to get worked up over most things.

re: #63 RogueOne

I was only giving you a hard time. I've noticed some people take the whole ding thing pretty seriously but I don't take down dings as a personal assault on my manhood. I have only lost my cool once. I don't get worked up IRL, why would I let a few anonymous strangers get to me? Life is too short to get worked up over most things.

I think if anyone takes what goes on there to bed with them then they should reevaluate why they are here. Or waking up the next day thinking about a debate or squabble that occurred and running to the computer with some anger to see whatever evolved from there.

re: #59 Gus 802

Hard to say since I've never seen those number quantified. Do more Democrats resign than Republicans because of these public statements?

I am not sure. Did one or two resign from Obama's team due to concerns over Communism? At least one, and the actual facts seemed sketchy. This current case..... hmm, maybe only two from my memory. But I do not recall any one on the far Right suffer consequences from ties with kooks or questionable comments. arrggg hmmm didn't some tea party dude get axed the other day?

I guess reading about all the hate from so many on the Right, I'd like to see some one be called on their divisive nature.

How does the Pledge go again?

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

My favorite word has always been, Indivisible. Seems people have forgotten that part. And from all sides as well.

re: #63 RogueOne

Live and let live, don't worry be happy, etc....

and from my favorite prevert:

Even if happiness forgets you a little bit, never completely forget about it. ~Jacques Prévert

re: #64 Gus 802

I've spent time in Detroit the last few days. It's always a great reminder that life could always be worse.

re: #60 Gus 802

I just finished watching For all Mankind which I linked in my LGF page. It's about the Apollo moon missions. When I saw the images of the Earth, that little blue planet suspended in the void of space, it made me think once again about our human foibles.

You gotta watch Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D. I saw it in the IMAX at the California Science Center in Exposition Park next to USC. Amazing!

[Link: www.imdb.com...]

re: #61 Gus 802

Here we are.

View from Mars.

sweet.....

re: #65 boxhead

My favorite word has always been, Indivisible. Seems people have forgotten that part. And from all sides as well.

The "Communism" resignation would be Van Jones. That also included the alleged 911 "truther" petition mini-scandal. If I recall correctly plenty of Bush administration officials resigned. Some very high appointee including Donald Rumsfeld. Most of those resignations are not similar to the Sherrod resignation. There was no real "public" outcry demanding Sherrods resignation while there was for Rumsfeld but that was not the real cause of his resignation.

re: #70 Gus 802

I think the closer the ties to an administration=the quickness to resign.

re: #69 boxhead

sweet...

Sometimes when I see those images I think to myself: why are we doing this? All of what we do sometimes seems so foolish to me. Here we are suspended in space and my life is dominated by paperwork and debt. Being an "Earthling" is rather tedious.

re: #71 RogueOne

I think the closer the ties to an administration=the quickness to resign.

Right. Or the more volatile the circumstances. Cabinet position resignations are rare but they do occur with either party in the White House. All presidents are very reluctant to fire anyone. I've always felt that the majority of resignations are forced resignations.

I'm watching "way too early" and they just showed the clip from the Tour De France. According to Willie "there is an unwritten rule in cycling not to pass someone if there is a mechanical problem with their bike". Is that really the case? If so, I think that's a pretty dumb "rule".

re: #72 Gus 802

Sometimes when I see those images I think to myself: why are we doing this? All of what we do sometimes seems so foolish to me. Here we are suspended in space and my life is dominated by paperwork and debt. Being an "Earthling" is rather tedious.

yep.... it is the explorers in us that want to see over the next horizon. Its has great romantic appeal. I am a big sci-fi reader so feel your longing. :)

And fittingly, 2001 Space Odyssey was on TV today.

re: #75 boxhead

yep... it is the explorers in us that want to see over the next horizon. Its has great romantic appeal. I am a big sci-fi reader so feel your longing. :)

And fittingly, 2001 Space Odyssey was on TV today.

Sometimes, it give me a big lump in my throat when I see those documentaries. I grew up seeing the Mercury having just ended, then Gemini, then Apollo. Like many children of the time I wanted to be the proverbial astronaut and later a fighter pilot. None of this ever cam to be but I imagine how frustrating it was for the Command Module pilots to stay behind when the LM made its voyage to the surface of the moon.

I dabbled in reading science fiction. Read 2001, and a couple of others. Most of my reading has been about WWII history or narratives. Again, growing up and going into Manhattan there was always a space program exhibit in the Allied building or throughout the city. Also went to the Worlds Fair when I was a wee kid and that was populated with futurism and space.

re: #74 RogueOne

I'm watching "way too early" and they just showed the clip from the Tour De France. According to Willie "there is an unwritten rule in cycling not to pass someone if there is a mechanical problem with their bike". Is that really the case? If so, I think that's a pretty dumb "rule".

There's a new on me. According to this it's true. He apologized for doing so. Makes them sound like the WWI flying aces or something. "I couldn't shoot him down. His guns were jammed."

re: #58 RogueOne

Don't you know you're not allowed to disagree with the NAACP when they do something for political expediency? I made the bottom 10 comments for doing that.

Morning Gus, Hope you're doing better.

One can see it as political expediency, one can also see it as a willingness to distance themselves from anything that smacks of racism.

Perhaps it is a sign that they are willing to admit that such abuses exist, even in their organization, and that they are willing to deal with them.

Other organizations simply deny it, cover it up, or seek to rationalize or belittle it when it does irrefutably (irrepudiably?) come to light.

Cantador exploits race etiquette!

Seems, odd. My natural instinct would tell me that if your derailleur breaks "dem da breaks."

Good Morning Lizards!

Today's Simpson quote:

Mr. Burns: A lifetime of working with nuclear power has left me with a healthy green glow…and left me as impotent as a Nevada boxing commissioner.

Image: 2009_SR_09-Cambio1.jpg

Campy Super Record. It's made of carbon fiber. See, now I feel ancient.

Rogue,

Verizon finally let me know I will receive my Droid X sometime between now and Friday. That free one day shipping rocks!!!
//

re: #81 Gus 802

Image: 2009_SR_09-Cambio1.jpg

Campy Super Record. It's made of carbon fiber. See, now I feel ancient.

Try again.

Hmm, this was the right link for the photo popup.

Image: 2009_SR_09-Cambio1.jpg

re: #84 Gus 802

Hmm, this was the right link for the photo popup.

Image: 2009_SR_09-Cambio1.jpg

sheesh... probably costs more than my entire bike!

re: #82 rwdflynavy

Rogue,

Verizon finally let me know I will receive my Droid X sometime between now and Friday. That free one day shipping rocks!!!
//

I love the X. It's screaming fast, has great battery life, screen is huge and pretty, and motorola has added a lot of new features since the MotoDroid. It was very simple to connect it to my pc and xbox through the wifi. I'm enjoying the hell out of it. Best Toy Ever!

re: #85 boxhead

sheesh... probably costs more than my entire bike!

I have one of these in my boxes.

Image: CampyRecord9t.JPG

I used to be a cyclist. Had to sell my old Bob Jackson last winter for money. Hadn't been cycling for a while. It was an OK derailleur but I thought the Shimano or Sun Tours were better. It looks like Campagnolo adopted those Japanese designs.

re: #85 boxhead

sheesh... probably costs more than my entire bike!

Here you go. New Record, full set.

[Link: wheelworld.com...]

$2,799.99

Seems, over priced.

re: #88 Gus 802

Here you go. New Record, full set.

[Link: wheelworld.com...]

$2,799.99

Seems, over priced.

Whaddya mean, it's been marked down to a mere $2,749.99. At that price you should order two of 'em!

re: #86 RogueOne

I love the X. It's screaming fast, has great battery life, screen is huge and pretty, and motorola has added a lot of new features since the MotoDroid. It was very simple to connect it to my pc and xbox through the wifi. I'm enjoying the hell out of it. Best Toy Ever!

Good to hear, I can't wait, but of course, I have to...

re: #88 Gus 802

Here you go. New Record, full set.

[Link: wheelworld.com...]

$2,799.99

Seems, over priced.

ack!.... My bike is an old Schwinn Moab. It has shimano XTR and some XT components. Used to go down lots of nice dirt tracks!!!! fun times.

My old Bob Jackson frame but it had no cantilever brake studs. It was turquoise.

Image: js_special_tour900.jpg

Built the wheels. Also built another bike for a friend. That was on a Ron Cooper frame. It was stolen.

Off to the salt mines.

BBLL.

re: #91 boxhead

ack!... My bike is an old Schwinn Moab. It has shimano XTR and some XT components. Used to go down lots of nice dirt tracks!!! fun times.

I had a mountain bike along with the touring bike. Forgot the name. Wasn't very expensive. I dropped about $1,200 for the Bob Jackson set-up around 1981.

re: #92 Gus 802

My old Bob Jackson frame but it had no cantilever brake studs. It was turquoise.

Image: js_special_tour900.jpg

Built the wheels. Also built another bike for a friend. That was on a Ron Cooper frame. It was stolen.

nice.......

fading fast... nite Gus... nite all!!!

I'm betting there's more to this story, I'd like to hear the lowe's employees version:

[Link: www.courthousenews.com...]

OLYMPIA, Wash. (CN) - After a Lowe's customer told an employee she "did not have all day" to wait for him to check the price of an item, he knocked her down and beat her until her husband pulled him off, the unhappy customer says.
In her complaint in Thurston County Court, Vicky Means claims that the clerk, Michael Marzano, suffers from disabilities and was not properly supervised.

If nothing else I hope she's learned to be more polite.

Who needs high-technology satellite-guided missiles when you can just use a cannon that shoots drunk pigs?

/also good evening

re: #96 RogueOne

I'm betting there's more to this story, I'd like to hear the lowe's employees version:

[Link: www.courthousenews.com...]

If nothing else I hope she's learned to be more polite.

Sounds weird. She's claiming the clerk has "mental problems" or so it seems.

re: #97 laZardo

Who needs high-technology satellite-guided missiles when you can just use a cannon that shoots drunk pigs?

/also good evening

The pig ain't the only one drunk there...
;)

re: #88 Gus 802

Here you go. New Record, full set.

[Link: wheelworld.com...]

$2,799.99

Seems, over priced.

I could buy a Camaro for that

Speaking of bikes... look at this...

Watch out for Road Rage out there...

He ended up getting 5 year in the slammer.

also, new song by The Sword

Very relevant to my interests, sounds like 70's Blue Oyster Cult and Hawkwind

re: #101 Gus 802

Speaking of bikes... look at this...

Watch out for Road Rage out there...

He ended up getting 5 year in the slammer.

Ouch.
Image: wagonweapon.jpg
ROAD RAAAGGGEEE ROVER!!!

re: #101 Gus 802

Speaking of bikes... look at this...

Watch out for Road Rage out there...

He ended up getting 5 year in the slammer.

These are the reasons why Critical Mass exists. I don't like Critical Mass, but as long as this happens, they have a point

Off to work, BBL.

re: #104 WindUpBird

These are the reasons why Critical Mass exists. I don't like Critical Mass, but as long as this happens, they have a point

Not a fan of Critical Mass either. I tell you though when I used to cycle I had plenty of close calls. Wouldn't be uncommon to see me chasing after drivers back in the day. A lot of people don't care.

U.S. sends carrier to South Korea

The United States is sending the aircraft carrier USS George Washington to South Korea this week in a display of "the strength of our alliance and our constant readiness to defend the Republic of Korea," the ship's commander said Monday.

The visit comes after months of heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula after the sinking of a South Korean warship in a torpedo attack in March. A multinational inquiry found North Korea responsible for the attack on the corvette Cheonan, in which 46 South Korean sailors were killed. North Korea has denied any connection with the attack and said it is the victim of an international conspiracy.

Earlier this month, the United Nations formally denounced the sinking of the Cheonan, but did not specifically mention North Korea.

In anticipation of the U.S. announcement, Pyongyang at the weekend said the presence of the carrier would be a "reckless provocation," according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency. It said the U.S. and South Korea were trying to save face after suffering a "diplomatic defeat" in the United Nations.

Two U.S. destroyers will also join the George Washington for its call in the port of Busan. A third destroyer will visit Chinhae, U.S. Forces Korea said. The four-day port call begins Wednesday.

"The U.S. Navy maintains a robust forward presence in the Asia-Pacific region and the people of the Republic of Korea are our good friends and allies," George Washington commanding officer Capt. David Lausman said in a statement Monday.

The 97,000-ton George Washington, based in Yokosuka, Japan, is the only U.S. carrier whose home port is outside the United States.

re: #106 Gus 802

Not a fan of Critical Mass either. I tell you though when I used to cycle I had plenty of close calls. Wouldn't be uncommon to see me chasing after drivers back in the day. A lot of people don't care.

Portland is considered now to be the best big city for cyclists in the country, but there's still a lot of white bicycles at intersections with flowers all over them :-(

I am totally the car guy who will nervously pace behind a cyclist at like 15 miles an hour to be polite. I've been honked at, but it's easier to be honked at than to blow by the cyclist when there isn't room

re: #109 WindUpBird

I am totally the car guy who will nervously pace behind a cyclist at like 15 miles an hour to be polite. I've been honked at, but it's easier to be honked at than to blow by the cyclist when there isn't room

Good on ya!
Besides, that cyclist may have an RPG-7.
You never know...

re: #108 WindUpBird

Portland is considered now to be the best big city for cyclists in the country, but there's still a lot of white bicycles at intersections with flowers all over them :-(

That stinks. Drivers need to be more patient. A bicycle can only go so fast. Three things you have to look for when you're driving: vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. If I come up behind a bike and can't safely pass I just drive behind them until I find a clear spot. It's the same thing like if you come up with any slow moving vehicle. You drive up to a hay truck you don't get pissed off. You just wait patiently for the right time to pass safely.

re: #110 Varek Raith

Good on ya!
Besides, that cyclist may have an RPG-7.
You never know...

Well, this is Portland. Where we all love guns and even the hippies like to go out into the woods to shoot an assault rifle. :D

Reclusive primate caught on camera for first time
Cute little guy.

(CNN) -- Wildlife researchers in Sri Lanka have photographed one of the world's most reclusive primates for the first time.

Sightings of the Horton Plains slender loris -- a small nocturnal primate with extremely thin arms and legs and huge round eyes -- are so rare that the creature has only been seen four times since 1937.

Conservationists feared the species had become extinct during a 63-year gap between sightings from 1939 to 2002.

Populations of all types of slender loris, which are native to the rainforests of Sri Lanka and southern India, have been in decline in recent years because of destruction of their forest habitat by logging, agriculture and development.

That prompted an 18-month study of the creatures led by researchers working for the Zoological Society of London's Edge project -- a conservation initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of animals on the brink of extinction. Researchers from the University of Colombo and the Open University of Sri Lanka also took part.

Research leader Saman Gamage said more than 1,000 nocturnal studies in 120 different forest areas had been conducted as part of the study.

"This discovery is a great reward for the ongoing field research we undertake across much of south-western Sri Lanka," Gamage said.

ZSL Conservation biologist Dr. Craig Turner said the study was the first close examination of a Horton Plains slender loris ever conducted.

The pictures show a 20-centimeter long male adult sitting on a forest branch forest. Conservationists have discovered it appears to have shorter and sturdier limbs than other loris; a possible adaptation for the cooler, high-altitude montane -- or cloud -- forest in which it lives.

That could mean the Horton Plains slender loris is a distinct species in its own right, said Gamage. Results of the study are published in the latest edition of the journal Primate Conservation.

"We are thrilled to have captured the first ever photographs and prove its continued existence -- especially after its 65 year disappearing act," said Turner.

"The discovery improves our knowledge of this species, but we need to focus our efforts on the conservation and restoration of the remaining montane forest where this species still exists. Currently this accounts for less than one percent of the land area of Sri Lanka."

re: #111 Gus 802

That stinks. Drivers need to be more patient. A bicycle can only go so fast. Three things you have to look for when you're driving: vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. If I come up behind a bike and can't safely pass I just drive behind them until I find a clear spot. It's the same thing like if you come up with any slow moving vehicle. You drive up to a hay truck you don't get pissed off. You just wait patiently for the right time to pass safely.

I agree. It ain't worth being impatient to a guy on a bike who your car outweighs by a factor of 15.

I loooove driving fast, but there's a time and a place for it, and I don't do it in the city, and I don't rage at guys on bikes. My friends are riders, it could be one of them.

Karzai: Afghans To Take Charge Of National Security By 2014
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
07/20/2010 12:04

KABUL, Afghanistan — President Hamid Karzai on Tuesday reaffirmed his commitment for Afghan police and soldiers to take charge of security throughout the nation by 2014 and urged his international partners to spend their money on Afghan priorities, not short-term projects.

Karzai spoke at an international conference on the future of Afghanistan where representatives of 70 nations and organizations were endorsing a plan for how Afghan security forces would eventually take charge, but it's still unclear when the transition would actually begin.

"I remain determined that our Afghan national security forces will be responsible for all military and law enforcement operations throughout our country by 2014" — more than three years after President Barack Obama's date for the start of an American troop drawdown, Karzai said. "Our goal is to transfer the three organs for national security forces into trusted national institutes dedicated to fulfilling their constitutional duty of ensuring the integrity and security of our country."
[Link: www.jpost.com...]

Does this imply that the US will remain "responsible" until at least 2014? And if so, then what does this say about Obama's stated policy of troop drawdowns starting next year?
Good Morning LGF.

re: #113 Varek Raith

Reclusive Primate would make a good band name

Looks like tonight's threads are going to be interesting, because Gen. Paul E. Vallely (Ret.) is supposed to be on Hannity's show tonight, and supposedly his lunatic racist, birtherist screed from last month is going to be a topic of discussion.

The Stand Up America Blog
Lincoln Reagan Dinner

Demand Resignation of derelict officials by the people of this country in now required.

“We the People” have had enough. Enough is Enough. The Obama White House and identifiable Members of Congress are now on a progressive socialist, treasonous death march and are bankrupting and weakening the country. We have watched them violate their sacred oath of office. “We, the People” cannot wait for and solely rely on the next round of elections in November of this year. It is now and each day that these public servants must put the citizen’s interests above self-interest by resigning immediately.

Our so-called Representatives and Senators are more interested in party loyalty than performing their duties. So, do not expect them to resign en masse or be impeached. Therefore the “people” must decide. A civil uprising is brewing. We now must call for the immediate resignation of Barry Soetero (AKA President Barack Hussein Obama) …..based on Incompetence, Deceit, Fraud, Corruption, Dishonesty and Violation of the US Oath of Office and the Constitution.

And a call for a National Petition for new elections to select the next President of the United States of America must be initiated. We can wait no longer for a traditional change of Power and New Government.

And the comments on the page are even WORSE (some are openly calling for armed revolution.)

Morning Lizardim. Seems like the bad crazy was out in force yesterday. Looks like I'm going to need more gas for the troll barbecue, probably.

re: #115 Spare O'Lake

mornin ralph

re: #117 RadicalModerate

Looks like tonight's threads are going to be interesting, because Gen. Paul E. Vallely (Ret.) is supposed to be on Hannity's show tonight, and supposedly his lunatic racist, birtherist screed from last month is going to be a topic of discussion.

The Stand Up America Blog
Lincoln Reagan Dinner

And the comments on the page are even WORSE (some are openly calling for armed revolution.)

Image: zach_m.jpg
Versus:
Image: abramsm1a2(4).jpg
FIGHT!

re: #117 RadicalModerate

I would dearly like for Hannity to push back against some of this stuff. He's a good radio host, his success is manifest so he has more authority than a lot of conservative hosts do. he has politics I'm not a big fan of but he doesn't pull the sorts of dick moves that Limbaugh does.

Also, he called into Stephanie Miller and they were a hoot :D

re: #104 WindUpBird

These are the reasons why Critical Mass exists. I don't like Critical Mass, but as long as this happens, they have a point

I knew a guy who rode with Critical Mass. True, he was about as loony as they come, but he was a diehard cyclist and he had some stories to tell. It's a bit of an eye-opener to talk to someone who bikes around the world and hear some of the things he's had to endure from idiot drivers like me.

re: #114 WindUpBird

I agree. It ain't worth being impatient to a guy on a bike who your car outweighs by a factor of 15.

I looove driving fast, but there's a time and a place for it, and I don't do it in the city, and I don't rage at guys on bikes. My friends are riders, it could be one of them.

You have a GTI too right? Yeah, I love driving fast. But I figure that I have brakes and that sometimes, many times, you'll come up to someone driving slow, a pedestrian, a cyclist. You adjust accordingly. Having to slow down isn't the end of the world and it happens often. Same thing like when you encounter a senior driver. They're old and it's understandable that they have to drive slow and oftentimes a little erratic.

re: #122 thedopefishlives

I knew a guy who rode with Critical Mass. True, he was about as loony as they come, but he was a diehard cyclist and he had some stories to tell. It's a bit of an eye-opener to talk to someone who bikes around the world and hear some of the things he's had to endure from idiot drivers like me.

I understand where the Critical Mass people come from. o_o

re: #119 WindUpBird

Punch my card, Sam?

BP should really stop those tests on the well and just collect the damn oil before the stupid thing explodes...

re: #123 Gus 802

You have a GTI too right? Yeah, I love driving fast. But I figure that I have brakes and that sometimes, many times, you'll come up to someone driving slow, a pedestrian, a cyclist. You adjust accordingly. Having to slow down isn't the end of the world and it happens often. Same thing like when you encounter a senior driver. They're old and it's understandable that they have to drive slow and oftentimes a little erratic.

When I'm riding my bike I am generally very conscious that I am not likely to win a full-on showdown with a car, even if I am 100% in the right.

re: #123 Gus 802

You have a GTI too right? Yeah, I love driving fast. But I figure that I have brakes and that sometimes, many times, you'll come up to someone driving slow, a pedestrian, a cyclist. You adjust accordingly. Having to slow down isn't the end of the world and it happens often. Same thing like when you encounter a senior driver. They're old and it's understandable that they have to drive slow and oftentimes a little erratic.

I have a 2005 GTI, this one is effectively identical to mine (minus my door dings and road rash, hah) Image: CanonGTI-3.jpg

There's this street sorta near me, 82nd street in Portland. it's been described as "the crossroads of the universe" of Portland, it's sorta where all the weirdness happens. it's big two lane-both directions strip mall shithole street where there's weird motels from the 60's that somehow are still in business, bag ladies pushing shopping carts into traffic randomly, and the must stunning wacko behavior happens on that street,

The best was a guy in a motorized wheelchair who pulled into traffic as if he was a car. Just a motorized wheelchair in a lane.

Anyway, this street has taught me a lot about how to handle strange and erratic drivers, since I've been driving home from my health care job, and I'd see driving that wasn't so much drunk driving as it was driving on acid, just weird erratic insanity, some 70's slab of detroit iron veering into the turn lane, then into the oncoming lane, then perfectly reasonable driving for two blocks, then insane again. where's a cop when you need one?

re: #125 Spare O'Lake

Punch my card, Sam?

Upding :D

re: #127 Spare O'Lake

When I'm riding my bike I am generally very conscious that I am not likely to win a full-on showdown with a car, even if I am 100% in the right.

I pretty much celebrate anyone willing to ride a bike in traffic with cars. More guts than I have.

re: #117 RadicalModerate

These people have no use for democracy. That is the agenda they are propogating. They seem to be laying the groundwork for armed revolution.

re: #126 Varek Raith

BP should really stop those tests on the well and just collect the damn oil before the stupid thing explodes...

Actually, I kinda can't blame them this time around. They've been getting repeatedly burned for not thinking things out and testing their procedures. Now they're doing the "right" thing by performing tests and making sure everything works, and everyone's telling them to screw the safety checks and get on with it.

re: #131 ralphieboy

These people have no use for democracy. That is the agenda they are propogating. They seem to be laying the groundwork for armed revolution.

The problem is they don't have a whole lot of tanks and bombs :D

re: #132 thedopefishlives

Actually, I kinda can't blame them this time around. They've been getting repeatedly burned for not thinking things out and testing their procedures. Now they're doing the "right" thing by performing tests and making sure everything works, and everyone's telling them to screw the safety checks and get on with it.

I suppose.
I'm just uneasy with them continuing with pressures as high as they are under the cap...

re: #127 Spare O'Lake

When I'm riding my bike I am generally very conscious that I am not likely to win a full-on showdown with a car, even if I am 100% in the right.

Image: ArmyBike.jpg

re: #127 Spare O'Lake

When I'm riding my bike I am generally very conscious that I am not likely to win a full-on showdown with a car, even if I am 100% in the right.

I do that with the car as well.

re: #133 WindUpBird

The problem is they don't have a whole lot of tanks and bombs :D

Yeah, the pacifists (/ intended) have them.

re: #134 Varek Raith

I suppose.
I'm just uneasy with them continuing with pressures as high as they are under the cap...

I can't blame you for being nervous. I'm expecting practically every hour to read a headline that says, "BP safety measures failed; oil reserve spilling into the Gulf at an alarming rate." I'm just saying, they may be stupid, but they're determined not to get burned again if they can avoid it. At least doing everything by the book, they have a valid defense.

regarding bicycling:

My cousin was hit by a garbage truck while training for a triathalon in Arizona. Highway road 45 mph speed limit. The driver said he tried to get over and there wasn't room. Witnesses tell a different story, there was noone in the other lane (4 lane road) and he didn't move over.. She left behind 4 boys from high school on up.

Very sad situation. Good to hear lizards are careful around cyclists.

re: #139 rwdflynavy

I know it's not bicycles, per se, but I have a friend who is a motorcyclist who has been involved in two accidents in the last year. One time someone basically ran him over because they weren't looking, and the other he laid the bike down to avoid getting hit by a similarly ignorant driver. After hearing those stories and seeing the injuries/damage done, I drive very conservatively around bicyclists and motorcyclists. (Pedestrians are still fair game, though./)

re: #135 Varek Raith

Image: ArmyBike.jpg

Heh. I'd settle for a handlebar-mounted high-powered laser.

re: #140 thedopefishlives

Part of me wants a motorcycle, but everyone I have known with a motorcycle has been in at least once accident. And if I fuck up my right hand I'm essentially bankrupt ;-) I'll stick with four wheels!

re: #136 Gus 802

I do that with the car as well.

We need more defensive drivers.

The Kid's hamster died last night. He was inconsolable and wanted an autopsy to figure out the cause. I told him four years was a pretty good age for a hamster and reminded him of the gray fur around Petey's ears showed that he was getting old.

R.I.P., Petey. Long may your wheel squeak.

re: #140 thedopefishlives

I know it's not bicycles, per se, but I have a friend who is a motorcyclist who has been involved in two accidents in the last year. One time someone basically ran him over because they weren't looking, and the other he laid the bike down to avoid getting hit by a similarly ignorant driver. After hearing those stories and seeing the injuries/damage done, I drive very conservatively around bicyclists and motorcyclists. (Pedestrians are still fair game, though./)

I ride an 03 HD Fat Boy. An instructor once told me to ride with 3 thoughts in mind:

You are invisible to all other drivers
The drivers do see you and are actively trying to kill you
Every road is under construction

It has worked for me!

Good morning, everyone!

re: #139 rwdflynavy

My best thoughts to your cousin's family, Navy.

re: #144 MandyManners

The Kid's hamster died last night. He was inconsolable and wanted an autopsy to figure out the cause. I told him four years was a pretty good age for a hamster and reminded him of the gray fur around Petey's ears showed that he was getting old.

R.I.P., Petey. Long may your wheel squeak.

Image: SSY102.jpg

re: #145 rwdflynavy

I ride an 03 HD Fat Boy. An instructor once told me to ride with 3 thoughts in mind:

You are invisible to all other drivers
The drivers do see you and are actively trying to kill you
Every road is under construction

It has worked for me!

I drive my car assuming this :D The shit I've seen in SE Portland, oh lord.

re: #147 Varek Raith

Image: SSY102.jpg

Cute.

re: #145 rwdflynavy

Don't forget to ride uphill at 20 mph in a forty mph zone five feet out onto the pavement. Those people behind you don't really need to get anywhere.

Sorry. I am as patient and kind to cyclists as I can be and give them as much room as possible. I rarely get any reciprocation.

re: #142 WindUpBird

Part of me wants a motorcycle, but everyone I have known with a motorcycle has been in at least once accident. And if I fuck up my right hand I'm essentially bankrupt ;-) I'll stick with four wheels!

Funny thing is, even after hearing the friend's tales of horror about stupid and/or just plain angry drivers, the Mrs. Fish and I both still want to get our motorcycle licenses and pick up a coupla bikes to ride. Crazy kids, we are.

In Toronto we have a lot of bicycle cops who ride around wearing shorts. They are kinda cute but hardly look like they would deter heavily armed bank robbers.

re: #151 thedopefishlives

Funny thing is, even after hearing the friend's tales of horror about stupid and/or just plain angry drivers, the Mrs. Fish and I both still want to get our motorcycle licenses and pick up a coupla bikes to ride. Crazy kids, we are.

braver than me!

But then again, I'm the kid with the Countach poster on his wall at age 8, I'll always be a car dude. :D

re: #145 rwdflynavy

Sorry. I thought we were talking bicycles. You ride a Harley? You get no problems from me, I am generally afraid that you are a "Hell's Angel" or a "Pagan". So, do what you will!

heh.

Every been behind a motorcycle gang and have your horn get stuck?

Surgeon Who Repaired Racer’s Heart Joins Him as He Puts It to Test

A year and a half removed from open-heart surgery, Greg O’Keeffe decided to test himself. He would try to run a triathlon, and he would dare his surgeon to do it, too.

The Surgeon thought he was agreeing to a bike race. I would have loved to have seen the look on his face when the registration packet arrived!

re: #154 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Sorry. I thought we were talking bicycles. You ride a Harley? You get no problems from me, I am generally afraid that you are a "Hell's Angel" or a "Pagan". So, do what you will!

heh.

Every been behind a motorcycle gang and have your horn get stuck?

When I think Pagan, I think of different things

re: #153 WindUpBird

braver than me!

But then again, I'm the kid with the Countach poster on his wall at age 8, I'll always be a car dude. :D

Actually, my true heart lies with the Corvette. But I've also secretly wanted to own and ride a Harley and be "cool" like that.

re: #152 Spare O'Lake

In Toronto we have a lot of bicycle cops who ride around wearing shorts. They are kinda cute but hardly look like they would deter heavily armed bank robbers.

I thought that would be a job for the SRU.

re: #157 thedopefishlives

Actually, my true heart lies with the Corvette. But I've also secretly wanted to own and ride a Harley and be "cool" like that.

This is the only Vette I'll ever want

The 1990's era ZR-1, the only DOHC Vette. Not the fastest, not the craziest, just the one I knew as the SuperVette in high school :D

ideally in that color, that blue-with a touch of aqua, perfect

Last cigarette.

OMD - If You Leave

re: #152 Spare O'Lake

Reno has 'em.

re: #152 Spare O'Lake

In Toronto we have a lot of bicycle cops who ride around wearing shorts. They are kinda cute but hardly look like they would deter heavily armed bank robbers.

We have them! They're still armed like the guys in the squad cars, minus the shotgun in the trunk

re: #159 WindUpBird

This is the only Vette I'll ever want

The 1990's era ZR-1, the only DOHC Vette. Not the fastest, not the craziest, just the one I knew as the SuperVette in high school :D

ideally in that color, that blue-with a touch of aqua, perfect

Now, this is a ve-hic-le.
Image: 633618452745518182-Overkill.jpg
:P

re: #159 WindUpBird

This is the only Vette I'll ever want

The 1990's era ZR-1, the only DOHC Vette. Not the fastest, not the craziest, just the one I knew as the SuperVette in high school :D

ideally in that color, that blue-with a touch of aqua, perfect

It is a beauty, for sure. For myself, I'm sure I'll probably never actually get to own one, but I want one of these. A Corvette L88 - a real off-the-showroom-floor race car with the most powerful engine Chevrolet has ever put in a muscle car.

re: #135 Varek Raith

Image: ArmyBike.jpg

I like that pic. When the hummers first came out I had an idiot cpt who decided he desperately wanted a .50 cal mounted on his vehicle and he couldn't wait for the hummer to get one. He had the mechs mount one up on his old jeep and the first time they fired it it ripped the bolts out of the floorboard. One of them got the bright idea to mount it to the frame so they get it all re-mounted and take it out for a test fire. About 5 seconds into the fire it flipped the jeep on its side. 2nd funniest thing ever.

re: #165 RogueOne

I like that pic. When the hummers first came out I had an idiot cpt who decided he desperately wanted a .50 cal mounted on his vehicle and he couldn't wait for the hummer to get one. He had the mechs mount one up on his old jeep and the first time they fired it it ripped the bolts out of the floorboard. One of them got the bright idea to mount it to the frame so they get it all re-mounted and take it out for a test fire. About 5 seconds into the fire it flipped the jeep on its side. 2nd funniest thing ever.

Lol.

re: #165 RogueOne

I like that pic. When the hummers first came out I had an idiot cpt who decided he desperately wanted a .50 cal mounted on his vehicle and he couldn't wait for the hummer to get one. He had the mechs mount one up on his old jeep and the first time they fired it it ripped the bolts out of the floorboard. One of them got the bright idea to mount it to the frame so they get it all re-mounted and take it out for a test fire. About 5 seconds into the fire it flipped the jeep on its side. 2nd funniest thing ever.

If that's the 2nd funniest thing ever (and believe me, I was laughing pretty hard), what's the funniest?

re: #144 MandyManners

The Kid's hamster died last night. He was inconsolable and wanted an autopsy to figure out the cause. I told him four years was a pretty good age for a hamster and reminded him of the gray fur around Petey's ears showed that he was getting old.

R.I.P., Petey. Long may your wheel squeak.

Tough situation Mandy. Few things more heartbreaking than a child who has lost a pet.

re: #164 thedopefishlives

It is a beauty, for sure. For myself, I'm sure I'll probably never actually get to own one, but I want one of these. A Corvette L88 - a real off-the-showroom-floor race car with the most powerful engine Chevrolet has ever put in a muscle car.

rare stingrays!

re: #163 Varek Raith

JAPANESE VAN CONVERSION LUCKY OVERMIND NUKU NUKU RUN!

The worst thing ever done to a car...
Image: BentleyContinentalGT3.JPG
:/

HUH?!?!

Population adiposity and climate change

The increasing global prevalence of overweight and obesity has serious implications for the environment, as well as for health. We estimate the impact on greenhouse gas emissions of increases in the population distribution of body mass index (BMI).

Possible Responses: (Choose as many as apply)

1) I thought it was all George W. Bush's fault.
2) Global Warming my ass!
3) Fattie gonna kill us all!
4) This deserves further study. Let's authorize a $17.8 million dollar payment from the stimulus funds.

re: #172 SteveC

Translation: More fat people, more gas, more global warming./

re: #171 Varek Raith

The worst thing ever done to a car...
Image: BentleyContinentalGT3.JPG
:/

oh christ it gets SO MUCH WORSE THAN THAT

re: #147 Varek Raith

Image: SSY102.jpg

Awww. That is adorable!!! I think he's old enough now to not ask if Petey's going to Heaven. I had a hard time with that question when his fish died.

re: #167 thedopefishlives

Wire guided anti-tank missiles, they work great until/unless that damn wire snaps. I was a brand new LT and I was with the battalion staff officers observing a live fire. We were at the top of a hill looking down on the range. The TOW missile blasts off headed right for the target when it took off straight up in the air, did a u-turn, and headed straight for us. Everyone scrambled like mad. I had never seen a full-bird colonel move that fast. It went way over our heads but it scared everyone shitless.

re: #173 thedopefishlives

Translation: More fat people, more gas, more global warming./

Oh, I see their point. But in a list of Reasons to Attempt to Curtail Global Warming (as ranked by importance), I think this is #12,749

re: #176 RogueOne

Wire guided anti-tank missiles, they work great until/unless that damn wire snaps. I was a brand new LT and I was with the battalion staff officers observing a live fire. We were at the top of a hill looking down on the range. The TOW missile blasts off headed right for the target when it took off straight up in the air, did a u-turn, and headed straight for us. Everyone scrambled like mad. I had never seen a full-bird colonel move that fast. It went way over our heads but it scared everyone shitless.

Comic images of Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner come to mind.

re: #176 RogueOne

Wire guided anti-tank missiles, they work great until/unless that damn wire snaps. I was a brand new LT and I was with the battalion staff officers observing a live fire. We were at the top of a hill looking down on the range. The TOW missile blasts off headed right for the target when it took off straight up in the air, did a u-turn, and headed straight for us. Everyone scrambled like mad. I had never seen a full-bird colonel move that fast. It went way over our heads but it scared everyone shitless.

:)

re: #176 RogueOne

I hope one of them just stopped for a split second and said "NO." right at the oncoming missile like they were Agent Smith from The Matrix

re: #168 rwdflynavy

Tough situation Mandy. Few things more heartbreaking than a child who has lost a pet.

He's lost goldfish before but, it didn't hit him the same way. Maybe that's because Petey was cuddly. He useta' build mazes for Petey out of wooden blocks, walk around with him on his head.

re: #179 Varek Raith

:)

[Video]

HA, HA, HA!

re: #176 RogueOne

Visual Aid: skip to about 1:47

re: #182 RogueOne

HA, HA, HA!

After it doesn't explode, they all laugh their asses off.

re: #179 Varek Raith

ahahahahahahaha

They make good beer at least ;_;

re: #180 WindUpBird

I hope one of them just stopped for a split second and said "NO." right at the oncoming missile like they were Agent Smith from The Matrix

Nope. My col was a badass, my favorite commander, but I thought he was going to have to go change his shorts. It was like someone cut the stick off of a bottle rocket, it was weaving all over the place, no one knew where exactly to go. All anyone could say was "OH Fuck!" before people started diving for cover.

re: #186 RogueOne

Nope. My col was a badass, my favorite commander, but I thought he was going to have to go change his shorts. It was like someone cut the stick off of a bottle rocket, it was weaving all over the place, no one knew where exactly to go. All anyone could say was "OH Fuck!" before people started diving for cover.

That honestly sounds terrifying. Oh look, sophisticated and amazing armament! COMING RIGHT AT US. Let me guess, they don't exactly laugh about it now?

"Yeah, remember the time when-"

"No. And you don't either."

re: #187 WindUpBird

That honestly sounds terrifying. Oh look, sophisticated and amazing armament! COMING RIGHT AT US. Let me guess, they don't exactly laugh about it now?

"Yeah, remember the time when-"

"No. And you don't either."

To which my smartass reply would be, "How much am I being paid not to remember, sir?"

/Would be a terrible soldier

re: #187 WindUpBird

What other job is there where you can have that kind of fun though? Think about it, mix mass amounts of testosterone with the ability to get your hands on High explosives and weaponry and toss in a bunch of young enlisted guys who, while brave, may not be the sharpest tools in the shed and you have a recipe for all kinds of laughs.

re: #190 RogueOne

What other job is there where you can have that kind of fun though? Think about it, mix mass amounts of testosterone with the ability to get your hands on High explosives and weaponry and toss in a bunch of young enlisted guys who, while brave, may not be the sharpest tools in the shed and you have a recipe for all kinds of laughs.

It's all fun and games until someone gets poke in the eye by a TOW.

re: #190 RogueOne

What other job is there where you can have that kind of fun though? Think about it, mix mass amounts of testosterone with the ability to get your hands on High explosives and weaponry and toss in a bunch of young enlisted guys who, while brave, may not be the sharpest tools in the shed and you have a recipe for all kinds of laughs.

It does seem to make for the greatest stories! "You're letting us do what with what? This is legal?"

re: #189 thedopefishlives

To which my smartass reply would be, "How much am I being paid not to remember, sir?"

"Drop and give me fifty. And pray I remember the count!"

re: #190 RogueOne

What other job is there where you can have that kind of fun though? Think about it, mix mass amounts of testosterone with the ability to get your hands on High explosives and weaponry and toss in a bunch of young enlisted guys who, while brave, may not be the sharpest tools in the shed and you have a recipe for all kinds of laughs.

One of my most memorable days as an Admiral's aide was flying into the Udari range in Kuwait with some SEALs and shooting all kinds of cool stuff. I got to shoot a LAWS rocket! Way fun. Also shot MP5s off the fan tail of the carrier. SEALs are so cool.

Of course, flying helos and shooting Penguin/Hellfire missiles, dropping torpedoes and shooting M-60 and GAU-16 machine guns wasn't too shabby either.

re: #194 rwdflynavy

One of my most memorable days as an Admiral's aide was flying into the Udari range in Kuwait with some SEALs and shooting all kinds of cool stuff. I got to shoot a LAWS rocket! Way fun. Also shot MP5s off the fan tail of the carrier. SEALs are so cool.

Of course, flying helos and shooting Penguin/Hellfire missiles, dropping torpedoes and shooting M-60 and GAU-16 machine guns wasn't too shabby either.

I wanna press the "FIRE!!!" button for this...
Image: uss_iowa_bb-61_pr.jpg

A couple have been sentenced to be stoned to death for alleged adultery in north west Pakistan by a tribal court, locals and officials said.

The man involved, Zarkat Khan, apparently managed to run away, while the woman is in the custody of the tribal court, according to local residents. The incident occurred in a remote area called Kala Dhaka, or Black Mountain, that is part of the province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, which runs adjacent to Afghanistan.

The death sentence, handed down in a Manjakot village last month, will be carried out once the man is found, said a member of the tribal court, known as a jirga which supposedly decided cases according to Islamic law. The two were married, but not to each other.

The woman, whose name is being withheld at the request of human rights groups, is now being kept prisoner in a nearby village, according to campaigners and several locals, though there are several conflicting stories about her whereabouts. She is believed to have three children.

"As usual, it is the woman who is made to bear the brunt of such atrocious barbarism, injustice, and inhuman, unIslamic sentences," said the Woman's Action Forum, a Pakistani non-governmental organization, in a statement. "Why is the provincial law enforcement system neither de jure nor de facto functional? Where are the women's protection mechanisms and institutions?"

SNIP

"We burnt down the man's house, as per our tradition," said Maroof Khan, who allegedly sat on the jirga that decided the case, though he denied that. "When we get hold of them, we'll kill them, there's no doubt about that. It was a clear-cut case. This is our custom. We will just shoot them. Finished."

SNIP

Ooops.

re: #161 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Reno has 'em.

That's just wrong somehow.

re: #177 SteveC

Oh, I see their point. But in a list of Reasons to Attempt to Curtail Global Warming (as ranked by importance), I think this is #12,749

There was an interesting article in the NYT over the weekend. The glaciers in the Himalayas are losing a lot of their mass. Some are hundreds of feet thinner than they were in the 20's. These glaciers are the headwaters of the Indus and Brahmaputra rivers.

It is a trend that, if unchecked, leads to some terrible things happening on the Indian subcontinent.

re: #198 ryannon

That's just wrong somehow.

That's just wrong in all ways.
That is one of the weirdest shows I've ever seen.

Pakistan city tense after 'blaspheming' Christians shot

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

"Police reinforcements have been called in the Pakistani city of Faisalabad a day after two Christians charged with blasphemy were shot dead outside court.

Clashes broke out in the city, home to a large Christian community, after the brothers were gunned down. Pastor Rashid Emmanuel, 32, and Sajid, 24, were accused of writing a pamphlet critical of the Prophet Muhammad; a rights activist said they were framed.

Pakistan's controversial blasphemy law carries the death penalty.

A police officer who was escorting the brothers from a district court on Monday was critically wounded when the unidentified gunmen opened fire and then escaped.

At least 10 people were reportedly injured as stone-throwing and rioting broke out in a Christian neighbourhood of the city afterwards.

Police reinforcements from nearby districts have been called in to restore order.

The brothers, from the Waris Pura area of Faisalabad, were arrested earlier this month.

The complainant in the case, a local trader, Khurram Shehzad, alleged that one of his employees was handed a pamphlet by someone at Faisalabad's general bus stand. He said the paper contained disrespectful remarks about the Prophet Muhammad.

Police told the BBC the pamphlet had apparently been signed by the two brothers, whose addresses and mobile phone numbers were also given.

But Atif Jameel, spokesman for the Pakistan Minorities Democratic Foundation, told the BBC: "No-one in his right mind would issue a derogatory pamphlet against the Prophet and put his name and address on it.

"This appears to be a conspiracy against peace and religious harmony in Faisalabad."

Earlier this month, several hundred demonstrators marched to the Waris Pura slum, which is home to nearly 100,000 Christians, and demanded the death penalty for the two accused.

Although no-one has ever been executed under Pakistan's blasphemy law, about 10 accused have been murdered before the completion of their trial, according to a BBC Urdu correspondent in Lahore.

Dozens more are living in exile to avoid punishment under the legislation.

Human rights activists want the law repealed as they say it is often exploited by Islamist extremists or those harbouring personal grudges."

re: #201 Ericus58

Pakistan city tense after 'blaspheming' Christians shot

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

"Police reinforcements have been called in the Pakistani city of Faisalabad a day after two Christians charged with blasphemy were shot dead outside court.

Clashes broke out in the city, home to a large Christian community, after the brothers were gunned down. Pastor Rashid Emmanuel, 32, and Sajid, 24, were accused of writing a pamphlet critical of the Prophet Muhammad; a rights activist said they were framed.

Pakistan's controversial blasphemy law carries the death penalty.

A police officer who was escorting the brothers from a district court on Monday was critically wounded when the unidentified gunmen opened fire and then escaped.

At least 10 people were reportedly injured as stone-throwing and rioting broke out in a Christian neighbourhood of the city afterwards.

Police reinforcements from nearby districts have been called in to restore order.

The brothers, from the Waris Pura area of Faisalabad, were arrested earlier this month.

The complainant in the case, a local trader, Khurram Shehzad, alleged that one of his employees was handed a pamphlet by someone at Faisalabad's general bus stand. He said the paper contained disrespectful remarks about the Prophet Muhammad.

Police told the BBC the pamphlet had apparently been signed by the two brothers, whose addresses and mobile phone numbers were also given.

But Atif Jameel, spokesman for the Pakistan Minorities Democratic Foundation, told the BBC: "No-one in his right mind would issue a derogatory pamphlet against the Prophet and put his name and address on it.

"This appears to be a conspiracy against peace and religious harmony in Faisalabad."

Earlier this month, several hundred demonstrators marched to the Waris Pura slum, which is home to nearly 100,000 Christians, and demanded the death penalty for the two accused.

Although no-one has ever been executed under Pakistan's blasphemy law, about 10 accused have been murdered before the completion of their trial, according to a BBC Urdu correspondent in Lahore.

Dozens more are living in exile to avoid punishment under the legislation.

Human rights activists want the law repealed as they say it is often exploited by Islamist extremists or those harbouring personal grudges."

The way Islam is practised there is the antithesis of freedom of speech, freedom of religion and due process.

re: #198 ryannon

That's just wrong somehow.

Who wears short shorts?

Syria bans face veils at universities

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

"Female students wearing a full face veil will be barred from Syrian university campuses, the country's minister of higher education has said.

Ghiyath Barakat was reported to have said that the practice ran counter to the academic values and traditions of Syrian universities.

His ruling, published on the All4Syria website, was said to be in response to requests from students and parents."
.......
"In 2009, Egypt's then foremost Muslim cleric, Sheikh Mohammed Sayed Tantawi, barred female students from wearing the full-face veil at the al-Azhar University, Sunni Islam's centre of learning and scholarship.

He also upset other Muslim scholars by saying French Muslims should obey any law that France might enact banning the veil.

Earlier this month, France's lower house of parliament overwhelmingly approved a bill that would ban wearing the Islamic full veil in public.

It must be ratified by the Senate in September to become law.

Belgium's lower house of parliament has also passed a bill to ban clothing that hides a person's identity in public places, although it does not specifically refer to full-face Islamic veils."

re: #204 Ericus58

re: #204 Ericus58

It's banned in both public and private universities.

re: #56 RogueOne

The NAACP disagrees with you:

[Link: www.foxnews.com...]

I think they expected her to be the bigger person. Admirable, but not always realistic.

[Link: whattamisaid.blogspot.com...]

re: #189 thedopefishlives

To which my smartass reply would be, "How much am I being paid not to remember, sir?"

/Would be a terrible soldier

Me too. I just can't keep my mouth shut if my life depended on it.

re: #203 Spare O'Lake

Who wears short shorts?

Plenty of people, but generally not as work uniform unless you're a hooker.

re: #205 MandyManners

re: #204 Ericus58

It's banned in both public and private universities.

More anti-Islamic discrimination. Totally unjust.

re: #209 ryannon

Uh no.

His ruling, published on the All4Syria website, was said to be in response to requests from students and parents."

re: #210 polkadot

Uh no.

Oh! Really? Gosh, I guess I just didn't get it.

Off to take my Omega 3 supplements, bbl.

re: #211 ryannon

Off to take my Omega 3 supplements, bbl.

Actually, that's a lie. It's just that I feel a grape jelly moment coming on

re: #209 ryannon

More anti-Islamic discrimination. Totally unjust.

The San Francisco Examiner article goes more in-depth than the BBC.

The niqab is banned but not the hijab, which Turkey has banned. Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon are discouraging the wearing of the hijab. However, "in Gaza, radical Muslim groups encourage women to cover their faces and even conceal the shape of their shoulders by using layers of drapes."

Somewhat good news. My insurance company called and my check from when my house was broken into should be here by Friday. $400 less then I thought, but a check none the less. And good morning honcos.

Greets and saluts from the NYC metro area, which is again baking in the midst of an ongoing heat wave that will probably last through the weekend. I see that BP is again bobbing and weaving about what the deal is with the cap and possible leaks. It's also contemplating something called a static kill, which sounds suspiciously like the top kill that failed miserably a while back.

The sooner those relief wells get done and can then pump in the concrete to kill the well, the better.

Oh, and it once again points out the folly of being pennywise and pound foolish. By saving a few bucks by cutting corners to get this well done in the way it was, BP was hoping to save money and time. Instead, it will cost them tens of billions before it's over.

Many engineering and technological breakthroughs have come through disasters - whether it's things like building and bridge collapses, oil tanker disasters (requiring double hulls, better containment, etc.), and we can only hope that the engineers figure out better ways to shut down wells that blow out like this one other than praying and wishful thinking. It means prepositioning equipment that can deal with these kinds of disasters. It means better BOPs and a whole raft of technologies that can skim oil from waters that aren't completely still (aka everywhere other than in the safe environment of a lab).

Solar Eclipse Redux!

re: #213 MandyManners

Al Qaeda is busy going after Arab regimes again - highlighting Egypt's Mubarak regime for being complicit in Gaza's plight. Zawahiri has always had it in for Mubarak, so that isn't all that surprising. It also isn't surprising that he's trying to get the Arab regimes overthrown to install Islamist regimes around the region. He has no love lost for the tyrants that run the show in places like Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, etc.

Today is Tisha B'Av. So you'll be Jew-less today. (Now off to shul!)

re: #194 rwdflynavy

One of my most memorable days as an Admiral's aide was flying into the Udari range in Kuwait with some SEALs and shooting all kinds of cool stuff. I got to shoot a LAWS rocket! Way fun. Also shot MP5s off the fan tail of the carrier. SEALs are so cool.

Of course, flying helos and shooting Penguin/Hellfire missiles, dropping torpedoes and shooting M-60 and GAU-16 machine guns wasn't too shabby either.

I was a tanker on active so I got to shoot a few cool toys. But my fav moment was when I went to Grafenwöhr while in the Guard & got to be a door gunner on an old Huey for a day. But with an old Warrant 4 Vietnam vet pilot... YOW!

Nothing like hanging out of a door on a nylon strap with an M60 machinegun in your hands at 120mph while flying only 20 higher than the tanks :D WHEE!

Oh, good morning everyone!

re: #215 lawhawk

Greets and saluts from the NYC metro area, which is again baking in the midst of an ongoing heat wave that will probably last through the weekend. I see that BP is again bobbing and weaving about what the deal is with the cap and possible leaks. It's also contemplating something called a static kill, which sounds suspiciously like the top kill that failed miserably a while back.

The sooner those relief wells get done and can then pump in the concrete to kill the well, the better.

Oh, and it once again points out the folly of being pennywise and pound foolish. By saving a few bucks by cutting corners to get this well done in the way it was, BP was hoping to save money and time. Instead, it will cost them tens of billions before it's over.

Many engineering and technological breakthroughs have come through disasters - whether it's things like building and bridge collapses, oil tanker disasters (requiring double hulls, better containment, etc.), and we can only hope that the engineers figure out better ways to shut down wells that blow out like this one other than praying and wishful thinking. It means prepositioning equipment that can deal with these kinds of disasters. It means better BOPs and a whole raft of technologies that can skim oil from waters that aren't completely still (aka everywhere other than in the safe environment of a lab).

I am under the impression that better BOPs (with two shear rams, for example) already exist, but that BP chose not to buy one.

re: #220 garhighway

There are a couple of different styles of BOPs, including those with remote controls so that if the rig is damaged, they could operate it. It also isn't clear whether the other designs - including those with a backup system would have worked in this instance. They might have worked, or not.

What's clear is that the design BP relied upon didn't work.

re: #221 lawhawk

There are a couple of different styles of BOPs, including those with remote controls so that if the rig is damaged, they could operate it. It also isn't clear whether the other designs - including those with a backup system would have worked in this instance. They might have worked, or not.

What's clear is that the design BP relied upon didn't work.

And wasn't state of the art.

re: #217 lawhawk

Al Qaeda is busy going after Arab regimes again - highlighting Egypt's Mubarak regime for being complicit in Gaza's plight. Zawahiri has always had it in for Mubarak, so that isn't all that surprising. It also isn't surprising that he's trying to get the Arab regimes overthrown to install Islamist regimes around the region. He has no love lost for the tyrants that run the show in places like Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, etc.

I read somewhere yesterday that Mubarak is dying. Mohammed El-Baradei wants to replace him. Here are two articles about El-Baradei's links to the Muslim Brotherhood.

[Link: globalmbreport.org...]

re: #223 MandyManners

There's no clear sign of who will replace Mubarak, who is nominally the head of a democratic government in Egypt. El Baraedi, who was previously at the IAEA, is one of several who might challenge for succeeded Mubarak. Others include various generals in the military and Mubarak's son Gamal, who I think has the inside shot at following his father.

re: #215 lawhawk

Greets and saluts from the NYC metro area, which is again baking in the midst of an ongoing heat wave that will probably last through the weekend. I see that BP is again bobbing and weaving about what the deal is with the cap and possible leaks. It's also contemplating something called a static kill, which sounds suspiciously like the top kill that failed miserably a while back.

The sooner those relief wells get done and can then pump in the concrete to kill the well, the better.

Oh, and it once again points out the folly of being pennywise and pound foolish. By saving a few bucks by cutting corners to get this well done in the way it was, BP was hoping to save money and time. Instead, it will cost them tens of billions before it's over.

Many engineering and technological breakthroughs have come through disasters - whether it's things like building and bridge collapses, oil tanker disasters (requiring double hulls, better containment, etc.), and we can only hope that the engineers figure out better ways to shut down wells that blow out like this one other than praying and wishful thinking. It means prepositioning equipment that can deal with these kinds of disasters. It means better BOPs and a whole raft of technologies that can skim oil from waters that aren't completely still (aka everywhere other than in the safe environment of a lab).

LSU is testing a new type of BOP.

As for BP - I don't trust one thing they say.

re: #225 reine.de.tout

LSU is testing a new type of BOP.

As for BP - I don't trust one thing they say.

Reine! Check the links, I just posted one - a blog found that BP photoshopped their command center.

Gotta run!

re: #224 lawhawk

There's no clear sign of who will replace Mubarak, who is nominally the head of a democratic government in Egypt. El Baraedi, who was previously at the IAEA, is one of several who might challenge for succeeded Mubarak. Others include various generals in the military and Mubarak's son Gamal, who I think has the inside shot at following his father.

What's Gamal like?

The way El-Baradei acted toward Iran as head of the IAEA...I' don't trust him as far as I can shove him.

re: #226 Stanley Sea

Reine! Check the links, I just posted one - a blog found that BP photoshopped their command center.

Gotta run!

WHAT?

gggrrr ,,,

Why do I even bother driving home (almost an hour and a half) after working a 12 hour shift only to have to drive back (almost and hour and a half) for ANOTHER 12 hour shift

Oh,,btw ,,, g'morning !!!

WHERE'S THE COFFEE!!!, I've only had 2 cups!!

re: #228 MandyManners

WHAT?

[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

Click through to the original story to see fauxtography that makes Iran and their cloned missiles look like award-winning graphic design in comparison.

The Judiciary Committee is voting now to decide whether to send Kagan to the full Senate for confirmation. Sessions has come out against her (no surprise), but she'll get out of committee and will be confirmed by the full Senate. It's all just so much posturing.

re: #230 publicityStunted

[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

Click through to the original story to see fauxtography that makes Iran and their cloned missiles look like award-winning graphic design in comparison.

What a stupid thing to do.

An interesting piece regarding the decline of the WSJ in the Murdoch era by the on-line Columbia Journalism review:

[Link: www.cjr.org...]

The WSJ always had a pretty conservative editorial and Op Ed operation, which is fine. But they were also excellent journalists, with a specialty in long form business journalism that was unencumbered by ideology.

That seems to be over.

re: #229 sattv4u2

gggrrr ,,,

Why do I even bother driving home (almost an hour and a half) after working a 12 hour shift only to have to drive back (almost and hour and a half) for ANOTHER 12 hour shift

Oh,,btw ,,, g'morning !!!

WHERE'S THE COFFEE!!!, I've only had 2 cups!!

Gee. I'd look into a motel room.

re: #213 MandyManners

The San Francisco Examiner article goes more in-depth than the BBC.

The niqab is banned but not the hijab, which Turkey has banned. Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon are discouraging the wearing of the hijab. However, "in Gaza, radical Muslim groups encourage women to cover their faces and even conceal the shape of their shoulders by using layers of drapes."

Gaza is no fun.

re: #230 publicityStunted

[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

Click through to the original story to see fauxtography that makes Iran and their cloned missiles look like award-winning graphic design in comparison.

Thanks!

re: #235 ryannon

Gaza is no fun.

Remember how Hamas destroyed the UN's summer camp for kids earlier this year?

re: #234 MandyManners

Gee. I'd look into a motel room.

I've done that a few times when my 12 hour shift somehow morphed into a 15-16 hour one

Good morning everyone!

re: #239 Ebetty

Good morning everyone!

heya boss lady!

re: #240 sattv4u2

Heya! Alright, everyone, get back to work or you're all fired!

Oh wait. Maybe that's the wrong way to start!

re: #241 Ebetty

Heya! Alright, everyone, get back to work or you're all fired!

Oh wait. Maybe that's the wrong way to start!

Nahhh ,,, a little fear is a good motivator. AS long as you're fair and consistent (I ran and owned several small businesses for over 20 years)

Good morning, everyone. After a few warm days, the marine layer has come in something fierce...even at 1600 feet we're surrounded by a heavy blanket of cool moisture. Makes the redwood trees outside my window look mystical. I'm thinking if I go over and look down toward their bases I might see a couple of knights in armor clanging swords.

re: #239 Ebetty

Good morning everyone!

Top of the day to you, Betty!

re: #242 sattv4u2

That will be the challenge, I have such big shoes to fill. Lizzy (my old boss) was remarkable at that. She was unflappable, demanded the best without demanding it. She always focused on praising our accomplishments. She saved the hammer for clients.

But I ran my first meetings yesterday and no one left. Clients all said if she chose me, that's good enough for them. WOW!

BP's excuse for the photo edits just don't hold water (kinda like their wells don't hold their oil). It was a failed attempt at improving PR, because someone thought that empty screens would be a bad visual from their command center. And they'd be somewhat correct - even though many people have seen how the ROVs that send back the video feeds shut down as they are moved from location to location or for other technical reasons.

It would have been better to leave the image untouched rather than clumsily edit it the way they did.

re: #244 MandyManners

Thanks, to you too. What a great day. TRO gets filed today. I have my own business. Had a great night with my old boss last night. Just a quick aperitif, but it was cool to know how much she trusts me.

Listened to her reasons for walking away too. Talk about giving me pause.

re: #225 reine.de.tout
re: #215 lawhawk
Deep Horizon Chief Engineer testifies-Eye popping revelations abound.
[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

Excerpt
Reporting from Kenner, La. —
Months before the April 20 explosion on the Deepwater Horizon that killed 11 men, the sophisticated drilling vessel experienced power blackouts, computer glitches and a balky propulsion system, and carried a list of more than 300 deferred maintenance projects.

His testimony also introduced a sensational detail: As crew members scrambled onto life rafts to abandon the crippled rig, the vessel's captain ordered an injured man to be left behind. The injured worker was eventually loaded onto a life raft and evacuated.

In questioning Bertone, Ronnie Penton, the attorney for the Deepwater Horizon's chief electronics technician, implied that some of the vessel's safety monitoring systems were regularly bypassed, including a general alarm and a device that purged trapped gas from the drilling shack. Another attorney implied that the gas-purging device, which is designed to expel any unanticipated buildup of natural gas, had not been operating for five years.

Small leaks spring at BP oil well; cap to stay in place for now

...
One witness described how BP mixed a large quantity of two chemicals and injected them into the well to flush out drilling mud. But the chemicals aren't usually mixed together, and the injection of more than 400 barrels of dense, gray fluid were about double the quantity normally used for the task, said Leo Lindner, a drilling fluid specialist for contractor M-I Swaco.

The reason for the action: BP had hundreds of barrels of the two chemicals on hand and needed to dispose of it, Lindner testified. By first flushing it into the well, the company could take advantage of an exemption in an environmental law that otherwise would have prohibited the discharge of the hazardous waste into the gulf, he said.

"It's not something we've ever done before," he said.

Improvising

Despite assurances from a BP specialist, Lindner conducted his own improvised experiment the night before the explosion to double-check. He mixed a gallon of one substance with a gallon of the other. When the well exploded, a fluid that fit its general description rained down on the rig. Bertone said part of the rig was covered with an inch or more of material that he said resembled "snot."

Bertone also testified that a variety of maintenance problems afflicted the Deepwater Horizon in the months before it exploded and sank, killing 11 workers and triggering the massive spill.

A BP audit of the rig in September found 390 maintenance issues that had not been resolved, BP lawyer Richard Godfrey said while questioning Bertone. Godfrey said the auditors estimated that it would take 3,545 hours to make repairs.

Bertone said many of the items listed in the September audit were based on a new maintenance program that was not tailored or relevant to the rig.

He testified that the computer on a chair used by the rig's driller had been malfunctioning and that its hard drive had been replaced. When the computer froze, it rendered the driller blind to conditions in the well unless he switched chairs. In addition, one of the rig's thrusters had been having problems for eight months, he said, and the rig had experienced partial blackouts.

Ronnie Penton, an attorney for one of the rig workers, said in an interview after the hearing that the double-sized dose of fluid skewed a crucial test of pressure in the well just hours before the blowout. Based on the test BP concluded it was safe to continue displacing the heavy mud from the well in favor of much lighter sea water.