Overnight Open Thread
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As soon as you stop wanting something you get it. I’ve found that to be absolutely axiomatic.
— Andy Warhol
330 comments
1 |
SpaceJesus Thu, Feb 24, 2011 10:49:14pm |
I want Republicans to win the next 10 elections then.
| 3 |
Alexzander Thu, Feb 24, 2011 11:15:27pm |
Along the same lines as the quote by Warhol, I present to you a phrase by a 13th century Zen monk:
“When you find your place where you are,
practice occurs.”
- Dōgen
| 4 |
Gus Thu, Feb 24, 2011 11:40:24pm |
Watch this if you’re a friend of teachers, firefighters, police, steel workers, shipyard workers, factory workers, union workers…
| 6 |
Boyo Fri, Feb 25, 2011 12:21:45am |
AP - The Wisconsin Assembly early Friday passed a bill that would strip most public workers of their collective bargaining rights.
…sigh
| 7 |
Four More Tears Fri, Feb 25, 2011 12:25:42am |
I’m done chasing cheap booze and loose women…
| 8 |
Four More Tears Fri, Feb 25, 2011 12:27:56am |
re: #6 Boyo
AP - The Wisconsin Assembly early Friday passed a bill that would strip most public workers of their collective bargaining rights.
…sigh
Still has to get through the Senate.
| 9 |
Sol Berdinowitz Fri, Feb 25, 2011 12:49:41am |
I fear that these “fiscal conservatives” are not going to stop until every working American has to go wait down on Main Street every morning for a potential employer to come by in a pickup truck and hire them out for the day for five bucks an hour.
| 10 |
Four More Tears Fri, Feb 25, 2011 12:58:27am |
Okay, this is weird:
Roughly an hour ago, after 61 hours of debate, the Republican state Assembly Speaker unexpectedly called a vote and then left the voting open for only seconds until a bare majority present had cast yes votes and then closed the voting, too quickly for most of the Democrats in the chamber to even get a chance to vote. Democrats erupted into crimes of “Shame, Shame, Shame” as Republicans filed out of the hall.
| 11 |
freetoken Fri, Feb 25, 2011 1:38:56am |
re: #10 JasonA
Sounds like a modern day re-imagining of the old phrase “duck and cover.”
| 12 |
Varek Raith Fri, Feb 25, 2011 1:48:42am |
| 13 |
Sol Berdinowitz Fri, Feb 25, 2011 1:48:57am |
This heightens my faith in a complete US government shutdown over the budget. I cannot imagine that the climate in Washington is going to be any more congenial when it comes to matters of ideology.
| 14 |
freetoken Fri, Feb 25, 2011 1:51:05am |
re: #13 ralphieboy
Glibertarian fundamentalism is a reactionary form of polity thats just a few steps away from from pitchforks and bonfires.
| 15 |
Sol Berdinowitz Fri, Feb 25, 2011 1:58:55am |
re: #14 freetoken
Glibertarian fundamentalism is a reactionary form of polity thats just a few steps away from from pitchforks and bonfires.
Pitchforks and bonfires are seen by many folks as “grass-roots democracy in action”.
| 16 |
Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Fri, Feb 25, 2011 2:00:16am |
Somebody is using LOIC to attack the “United Russia” party site. Heh.
| 17 |
freetoken Fri, Feb 25, 2011 2:00:29am |
Note to self: Self, besides writing up that Page on disturbing trends among some genetic science bloggers, what is direly seeking attention is a Page on how China is becoming the boogeyman to a great many Americans.
| 18 |
Sol Berdinowitz Fri, Feb 25, 2011 2:15:33am |
re: #17 freetoken
Note to self: Self, besides writing up that Page on disturbing trends among some genetic science bloggers, what is direly seeking attention is a Page on how China is becoming the boogeyman to a great many Americans.
There is a Russian columnist, Lev Navrozov, who never tires on highlighting the Chinese Threat.
China is an existential threat to those Amecan exceptionalists who insist that America must be and remain the world’s only superpower.
| 19 |
freetoken Fri, Feb 25, 2011 2:21:42am |
re: #18 ralphieboy
China is an existential threat to those Amecan exceptionalists who insist that America must be and remain the world’s only superpower.
Yup. Not only that, but I’ve observed that those who complain the most about China’s advancing economic and social prowess on the world stage also are looking out for any of “them” towards which to pour unspecified anger/frustration.
As for Russian-Chinese antagonism - I’ve been under the impression for years that said conflict runs as deep as it is wide.
| 20 |
Sol Berdinowitz Fri, Feb 25, 2011 2:23:48am |
re: #19 freetoken
I should’ve pointed out that Lev Navrozov writes for newsmax.
Russia and Cina seem to have declared a temporary truce, one a former superpower trying to recover its former greatness and the other a contender for the next superpower.
| 21 |
Varek Raith Fri, Feb 25, 2011 2:26:08am |
re: #17 freetoken
Note to self: Self, besides writing up that Page on disturbing trends among some genetic science bloggers, what is direly seeking attention is a Page on how China is becoming the boogeyman to a great many Americans.
That’s been bothering me the past few years.
Why do so many Americans need an existential (perceived) enemy?
| 22 |
freetoken Fri, Feb 25, 2011 2:28:35am |
re: #21 Varek Raith
Why do so many Americans need an existential (perceived) enemy?
For the same reason a bully picks on someone he thinks is inferior?
In other words, to feel better about themselves.
As I wrote, it’s a window into their own insecurities about themselves.
| 23 |
Sol Berdinowitz Fri, Feb 25, 2011 2:29:23am |
re: #21 Varek Raith
That’s been bothering me the past few years.
Why do so many Americans need an existential (perceived) enemy?
For the same reason that any other nation needs one. Jews have proven handy and quite sturdy in that role over the course of centuries, but other groups are always popping up.
Some of it is just hard-wired: our “monkeysphere” is that part of our mind that is shaped by human development: until the dawn of agriculture some 6,000 years ago, we lived in small tribes and clans of no more than 200-300 people. Outsiders were seen as a potential threat.
Cynical politicians are very good at expoliting this reaction.
| 24 |
WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Fri, Feb 25, 2011 2:41:01am |
re: #14 freetoken
Glibertarian fundamentalism is a reactionary form of polity thats just a few steps away from from pitchforks and bonfires.
yup
| 25 |
WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Fri, Feb 25, 2011 2:41:47am |
| 27 |
freetoken Fri, Feb 25, 2011 2:43:18am |
I got off on this track as I was thinking of putting up a Page, in response to what is happening in Wisconsin, about the Tragedy we call “education” in America.
It dawned on me (whether it will prove correct or not in the end…) that Americans approach “education” as they do their religious beliefs: full of magickal thinking.
E.g.:
Education as Savior.
Education as Deliverer.
Education like Heaven - it ought to be open to everyone whosoever desires it.
Degrees as an ordainment into a higher calling.
And so on.
Furthermore, that education ought to be an expression of some national will, and embodiment of a national ethos (complete with appropriately revised history) whose ultimate purpose is the glorification of the national identity.
If I may be granted permission to stereotype… “liberals” tend to make education God, while “conservatives” want to make education a fascistic institution to turn out soldiers for their cause.
Grossly simplifying, I know. Yet I’m struck by the emptiness of so many leaders, including President Obama, in what they offer the American people by way of policies that have anything to do with the physical universe.
| 28 |
Sol Berdinowitz Fri, Feb 25, 2011 2:47:58am |
We have those who believe that teaching fundamental Christian values is more important than learning about mathematics, science, history, or the sort of critical thinking behind them.
To the point that they are prepared to reject or ignore any aspects of mathematics, science or history that do not square with their own interpretation of their choice of holy scriptures.
| 29 |
Wozza Matter? Fri, Feb 25, 2011 2:51:44am |
re: #27 freetoken
If I may be granted permission to stereotype… “liberals” tend to make education God, while “conservatives” want to make education a fascistic institution to turn out soldiers for their cause.
Grossly simplifying, I know. Yet I’m struck by the emptiness of so many leaders, including President Obama, in what they offer the American people by way of policies that have anything to do with the physical universe.
You’ve not been paying attention, have you?
Teachers are liberal communist fascists manufacturing liberals soldiers to destabilise America………..i mean, honestly, it’s on “all” the blogs and the only teevee station worth watching.
And they, my friend, are winning - i mean look, it’s so successful that twice as many people self identify as conservative over Liberal………. (oh, no, wait…..but, but, but - i was told there was a massive Liberal conspiracy to steal childrens minds….[Link: www.gallup.com…]
| 30 |
WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Fri, Feb 25, 2011 2:54:36am |
Up yours, Eric Cantor [Link: www.huffingtonpost.com…]
I’m taken aback by a Jewish guy just standing by while Americans are treated as sub-citizens, myself
| 31 |
Wozza Matter? Fri, Feb 25, 2011 2:59:12am |
re: #1 SpaceJesus
I want Republicans to win the next 10 elections then.
i see what you did there…………..
| 32 |
Decatur Deb Fri, Feb 25, 2011 3:08:25am |
re: #18 ralphieboy
There is a Russian columnist, Lev Navrozov, who never tires on highlighting the Chinese Threat.
China is an existential threat to those Amecan exceptionalists who insist that America must be and remain the world’s only superpower.
We don’t call it the Chinese Threat. The proper term is “Yellow Peril”. Use of the 19th Century dictionary is mandatory per an early morning vote of the Modern Language Association.
| 33 |
laZardo Fri, Feb 25, 2011 3:11:49am |
re: #32 Decatur Deb
We don’t call it the Chinese Threat. The proper term is “Yellow Peril”. Use of the 19th Century dictionary is mandatory per an early morning vote of the Modern Language Association.
Oh fuck. I have /b/ open in another tab.
D:
| 34 |
Obdicut Fri, Feb 25, 2011 3:14:34am |
re: #27 freetoken
I think that’s kinda weird hyperbole that misses the main tension in education; the drive from the whacko religious right at the moment is not to make education “a fascistic institution to turn out soldiers for their cause”, but to weaken it as an institution to the point where they can religiously educate their children without having those views challenged.
I’m really not sure where you’re getting the education as God for liberals stereotype from. It’s true that education is the best road to success; it’s also true that not everyone can be educated in the same way. Is the latter what you mean?
| 35 |
Decatur Deb Fri, Feb 25, 2011 3:25:32am |
re: #34 Obdicut
I think that’s kinda weird hyperbole that misses the main tension in education; the drive from the whacko religious right at the moment is not to make education “a fascistic institution to turn out soldiers for their cause”, but to weaken it as an institution to the point where they can religiously educate their children without having those views challenged.
I’m really not sure where you’re getting the education as God for liberals stereotype from. It’s true that education is the best road to success; it’s also true that not everyone can be educated in the same way. Is the latter what you mean?
FT’s “magic education” analogy worked for me. After dropping out and getting drafted, I restarted college entirely on the belief that education magically equated to a better life for my family. That explains the rapid flip through interesting majors and the Anthropology degree. The joke is that all of that worked.
| 36 |
Sol Berdinowitz Fri, Feb 25, 2011 3:31:58am |
re: #32 Decatur Deb
We don’t call it the Chinese Threat. The proper term is “Yellow Peril”. Use of the 19th Century dictionary is mandatory per an early morning vote of the Modern Language Association.
Beg to differ. The Yellow Peril just was the threat posed by Chinese immigrants to America. The modern Chinese Threat is bigger than that, just read the latest Lev Navrozov column in newsmax:
[Link: www.newsmax.com…]
| 37 |
freetoken Fri, Feb 25, 2011 3:32:13am |
re: #34 Obdicut
…the drive from the whacko religious right at the moment is not to make education “a fascistic institution to turn out soldiers for their cause”, but to weaken it as an institution to the point where they can religiously …
If by “it” you mean public education then I agree that the Tea Partying revanchists are out to do it in.
However, in writing my little homily I simply wrote “education”. The revanchists/throw-backs want pupils to simply become copies of what they are supposed to be - patriotic, dutiful cogs in the great machine of American Capitalistic Theocracy. If public education will not form pupils into such, then it will be disemboweled and non-governmental institutions will replace the godless socialists to accomplish the job.
| 38 |
Obdicut Fri, Feb 25, 2011 3:33:57am |
re: #35 Decatur Deb
Well, education does work, magically, if you’re smart enough. Even during the worst of the recession, unemployment among college grads never got above six percent. Sure, there’s the issue of debt and the cost of that college, but that’s kind of ancillary to the question of whether education helps you get ahead.
However, a lot of people do pretend that everyone can benefit equally from education. Basically, a lot of people, when talking about their social, political, or whatever theories, just pretend that everyone is above-average intelligence.
Intelligence is an ineffable thing, and I’m in no way trying to codify it, but just saying that no matter how you do define it, there will be some people on the lower end. In terms of our educational system, there are some people who will pass through and— even if given the best efforts by their teachers— not retain much, never assemble what they do retain into a coherent system, and not really be more suited to any pursuit or job or anything afterwards than they were before.
Capitalism suffers from this too; I, myself, am a college dropout, but I’ve managed to do okay for myself because I’m quite smart about figuring out systems and processes, socially adept, and a workaholic. But it’s not a pain for me to be a workaholic, I didn’t have to push myself to do it, I’m just naturally a workaholic.
I have friends that are socially awkward, can’t figure out systems and processes worth a damn, forgetful, and don’t derive the same satisfaction from work that I do. Those of them that didn’t have well-connected families or other things going for them have wound up in dead end jobs, scraping by, living in the stress and misfortune of poverty. Even those that went to college, didn’t really profit from it.
This doesn’t feel fair to me. Most of my attributes are natural, not learned; I’ve always been this way. My attributes might appear as virtues, but to me they’re just aspects of my identity. To me, my virtue is that I’ve tried to use those talents in good jobs doing good things, rather than being a stockbroker or other such con artist.
I don’t feel there’s any reason I should— on an ethical or moral level— have a better life than my friends, just because I have a certain set of natural attributes. But that’s how capitalism works. LIkewise, that’s how education works, just with a different set of attributes.
| 39 |
Sol Berdinowitz Fri, Feb 25, 2011 3:33:57am |
This is the core problem behind the institution of public education: an educated workforce is more productive, but they are more critical and difficult to govern.
| 40 |
Obdicut Fri, Feb 25, 2011 3:38:14am |
re: #37 freetoken
The revanchists/throw-backs want pupils to simply become copies of what they are supposed to be - patriotic, dutiful cogs in the great machine of American Capitalistic Theocracy.
Do you mean all pupils, or just their kids?
I haven’t really figured out, for myself, whether the revanchists want everyone mis-educated in the revisionist-history, religious manner, or whether it’s actually only important to them that their kids get educated that way.
| 41 |
Decatur Deb Fri, Feb 25, 2011 3:38:23am |
re: #36 ralphieboy
Beg to differ. The Yellow Peril just was the threat posed by Chinese immigrants to America. The modern Chinese Threat is bigger than that, just read the latest Lev Navrozov column in newsmax:
[Link: www.newsmax.com…]
I’ve got a Sci-Fi i sort of demographic theory that holds that, in some small number of centuries, just about everyone is going to be more-or-less Chinese. That’s not based on aggressiveness, or talent, or conspiracy—just the inevitable numbers. America’s great historical mission might be to Americanize the Chinese, whether they are here or there. Call that the White Peril.
| 42 |
Varek Raith Fri, Feb 25, 2011 3:39:29am |
re: #41 Decatur Deb
I’ve got a Sci-Fi i sort of demographic theory that holds that, in some small number of centuries, just about everyone is going to be more-or-less Chinese. That’s not based on aggressiveness, or talent, or conspiracy—just the inevitable numbers. America’s great historical mission might be to Americanize the Chinese, whether they are here or there. Call that the White Peril.
Stop scaring old people!
/
| 43 |
sattv4u2 Fri, Feb 25, 2011 3:42:04am |
| 45 |
Decatur Deb Fri, Feb 25, 2011 3:44:18am |
re: #38 Obdicut
We pretty much agree—I doubt the magical education theory that worked for me in the ’60s holds today. One of my sons dropped out of college in has last semester to go start writing code. By economic measures he was right to skip the paper chase, though he accepted certain risks. From the point of view of retirement, I can enjoy the snobbish conviction that much of American higher education is just post-grad ‘trade school’.
| 46 |
Varek Raith Fri, Feb 25, 2011 3:45:33am |
Someone taze Charlie Sheen, please.
///
What a jackass.
| 47 |
Decatur Deb Fri, Feb 25, 2011 3:49:21am |
re: #36 ralphieboy
Give me a run-down on Newsmax. Is is an WND-type nutsite? I’m very choosy about where I go without a cache look-see.
| 48 |
Sol Berdinowitz Fri, Feb 25, 2011 3:50:57am |
re: #47 Decatur Deb
It is a very conservative news site. I check it out for the same reason I used to read “Pravda”, to find out the official party line on a particular issue.
| 49 |
Varek Raith Fri, Feb 25, 2011 3:52:25am |
re: #47 Decatur Deb
Give me a run-down on Newsmax. Is is an WND-type nutsite? I’m very choosy about where I go without a cache look-see.
Top headline.
Huckabee: Obamacare Frankenstein Shouldn’t Have Left the Lab
Lol
| 50 |
Decatur Deb Fri, Feb 25, 2011 3:55:26am |
re: #48 ralphieboy
It is a very conservative news site. I check it out for the same reason I used to read “Pravda”, to find out the official party line on a particular issue.
Ah. Got that impression seeing one of their people on a MS news show. The economics of site visits is still confusing to me—the thought of putting rice in a crazy or criminal bowl keeps me limited to couple dozen sites ranging from RCP to Kos.
| 51 |
freetoken Fri, Feb 25, 2011 3:59:16am |
re: #35 Decatur Deb
The joke is that all of that worked.
May I suggest that it “worked” because of you?
You found you way through life (and still are!)
You adapted whatever you needed from your formal educational process.
You examined yourself.
etc.
re: #38 Obdicut
What has struck me often about the party line (from Democratic Party speakers as well as education lobbyists and education professionals) is that somehow formal education is the door by which one must go in order to progress on in society and life.
Indeed, I was reading a NYT article which was a lamentation that only about 1/4th of the NY school graduates are prepared for college or a skilled job, implying that if not all children are truly prepared for college then somehow there is a great failure in society.
This is paralleled for example by President Obama’s implication that all children should be able to go to college.
My point is the world (by which I mean the collective of H. sapiens) doesn’t work that way, nor should one want/expect it to.
What they’re saying is that the jobs of those who wash your car, or repair your sewers, or changes the sheets at the local convalescent home - that these jobs are somehow irrelevant to society.
I think that is a flipped view of reality, and one packaged by certain politicians in order to sell some sort of fantasy.
My point is the baker at my local supermarket is doing every bit as honorable a job as the Ph.D. up at Scripps computing ocean currents, that the night-guard at the local Trolley station is doing a job as necessary to our society as the lawyer with his office downtown next to the courthouse, and that the sweet little-old-lady at See’s Candies who gives me an extra sample of chocolate cares more about me than my local politician with his JD degree.
Society is very much about pecking orders - something we all learn experientially throughout life. However, I find it disturbing that many supposedly societally-aware and critically analytical people want to enforce the following variant of the pecking order:
Ph.D.
M.D. (or other professional degree.)
M.S.
B.S./B.A.
***
A.A.
—-
HSDiploma
None of the Above
… with everything above the “—-” being the determiner or whether one has done their duty in our quest for the universal college-educated populace, and everyone below “***” as somehow second-rate as far as occupation.
| 52 |
Sol Berdinowitz Fri, Feb 25, 2011 4:05:20am |
re: #50 Decatur Deb
Ah. Got that impression seeing one of their people on a MS news show. The economics of site visits is still confusing to me—the thought of putting rice in a crazy or criminal bowl keeps me limited to couple dozen sites ranging from RCP to Kos.
I cannot say that I have ever bought a product advertised on newsmax, or on this site, either. Although I use the amazon link here to benefit Charles.
| 53 |
Decatur Deb Fri, Feb 25, 2011 4:11:41am |
re: #51 freetoken
May I suggest that it “worked” because of you?
You found you way through life (and still are!)
You adapted whatever you needed from your formal educational process.
You examined yourself.
etc.re: #38 Obdicut
What has struck me often about the party line (from Democratic Party speakers as well as education lobbyists and education professionals) is that somehow formal education is the door by which one must go in order to progress on in society and life.
Indeed, I was reading a NYT article which was a lamentation that only about 1/4th of the NY school graduates are prepared for college or a skilled job, implying that if not all children are truly prepared for college then somehow there is a great failure in society.
This is paralleled for example by President Obama’s implication that all children should be able to go to college.
My point is the world (by which I mean the collective of H. sapiens) doesn’t work that way, nor should one want/expect it to.
What they’re saying is that the jobs of those who wash your car, or repair your sewers, or changes the sheets at the local convalescent home - that these jobs are somehow irrelevant to society.
I think that is a flipped view of reality, and one packaged by certain politicians in order to sell some sort of fantasy.
My point is the baker at my local supermarket is doing every bit as honorable a job as the Ph.D. up at Scripps computing ocean currents, that the night-guard at the local Trolley station is doing a job as necessary to our society as the lawyer with his office downtown next to the courthouse, and that the sweet little-old-lady at See’s Candies who gives me an extra sample of chocolate cares more about me than my local politician with his JD degree.
Society is very much about pecking orders - something we all learn experientially throughout life. However, I find it disturbing that many supposedly societally-aware and critically analytical people want to enforce the following variant of the pecking order:
Ph.D.
M.D. (or other professional degree.)
M.S.
B.S./B.A.
***
A.A.
—-
HSDiploma
None of the Above… with everything above the “—-” being the determiner or whether one has done their duty in our quest for the universal college-educated populace, and everyone below “***” as somehow second-rate as far as occupation.
Decades ago, actually even before my time, the hottest book for young thinkers was Bellamy’s Looking Backwards. It tracked with everything you say about the value of individual contribution to society. Colleges had “Bellamy Clubs” just as they have Randian pukes now. Of course his ethic and ideal was just about the exact opposite of the libertarian Galts.
You should also contemplate the effects of raw luck on the individual’s life track. It has dominated my life, from the genetic lottery to the 50years of blessings that followed a minor vehicle accident.
| 54 |
Obdicut Fri, Feb 25, 2011 4:13:32am |
re: #51 freetoken
I agree. my favorite fake economy was a future post-scarcity one, where the highest-paying jobs were being waiters, trash-collectors, and the like, because people didn’t want to do them. Being a doctor, a researcher, etc paid very little, because they gave satisfaction.
| 55 |
freetoken Fri, Feb 25, 2011 4:16:56am |
re: #54 Obdicut
I can tutor students in calculus - for $6/hour. (Really, that is the price I saw advertised.)
Local plumbers (real ones) charge around $50/hr and up.
Your “fake” economy is more real than you may realize.
| 56 |
freetoken Fri, Feb 25, 2011 4:18:25am |
re: #53 Decatur Deb
“Life-Lotto” is a phrase that rolled around my head earlier while I was contemplating these things.
| 57 |
Decatur Deb Fri, Feb 25, 2011 4:22:56am |
re: #55 freetoken
I can tutor students in calculus - for $6/hour. (Really, that is the price I saw advertised.)
Local plumbers (real ones) charge around $50/hr and up.
Your “fake” economy is more real than you may realize.
My daughter is a monster-good highschool teacher. When she got her first paycheck I helped her recalculate it into ‘milli-Madonnas”. Competition as an economic force makes a talent’s relative scarcity more important than societal value. That’s why I still carry a union card 35 years after making my last refrigerator.
| 58 |
researchok Fri, Feb 25, 2011 4:25:01am |
Here is a real assault on abortion providers.
Virginia assembly says abortion clinics should be regulated as hospitals
| 59 |
Vicious Babushka Fri, Feb 25, 2011 4:29:28am |
Well I made it into work this morning in spite of the sucky driving conditions. At least the freeway was plowed. The County Commissioner sacked the Director of Roads for failing to get the freeways cleared in a timely manner after snowstorms earlier in the week.
Meanwhile, my daughter has received a job offer since graduating #1 in her nursing school class. Visiting Nurses Association of New York. I’m so happy for her since it is very difficult to find nursing jobs right now.
| 60 |
Decatur Deb Fri, Feb 25, 2011 4:32:25am |
re: #55 freetoken
I can tutor students in calculus - for $6/hour. (Really, that is the price I saw advertised.)
Local plumbers (real ones) charge around $50/hr and up.
Your “fake” economy is more real than you may realize.
You should be helping to organize the International Brotherhood of Calculus Floggers. Just watch out for the flood of Nicaraguan mathematicians sneaking across the border.
| 61 |
sattv4u2 Fri, Feb 25, 2011 4:48:16am |
re: #55 freetoken
I can tutor students in calculus - for $6/hour. (Really, that is the price I saw advertised.)
Local plumbers (real ones) charge around $50/hr and up.
Your “fake” economy is more real than you may realize.
Maybe you should learn how to tutor students as plumbers!
| 62 |
laZardo Fri, Feb 25, 2011 4:53:32am |
re: #53 Decatur Deb
On the other hand, you also had that Bellamy salute.
| 64 |
Decatur Deb Fri, Feb 25, 2011 4:55:46am |
| 65 |
rwdflynavy Fri, Feb 25, 2011 4:57:37am |
re: #55 freetoken
I can tutor students in calculus - for $6/hour. (Really, that is the price I saw advertised.)
Local plumbers (real ones) charge around $50/hr and up.
Your “fake” economy is more real than you may realize.
When your shitter is clogged, you really don’t care about the area underneath a curve.//
| 66 |
rwdflynavy Fri, Feb 25, 2011 5:01:07am |
Cherokee teacher pleads guilty to duct-taping autistic studentAs the father of a kid with autism, this kind of stuff boils my blood!
| 67 |
JEA62 Fri, Feb 25, 2011 5:08:27am |
And in further conversation regarding the Catholic morality, he have this gem from the Independent:Your text to link…
Read the last paragraph…
| 68 |
Decatur Deb Fri, Feb 25, 2011 5:08:28am |
re: #66 rwdflynavy
Cherokee teacher pleads guilty to duct-taping autistic studentAs the father of a kid with autism, this kind of stuff boils my blood!
Those two (sisters?) are getting what they deserve. Our grand-daughter is holding on well in second grade because her county school in rural Alabama just happens to have spectacular teachers and admins. Does the Navy have an Exceptional Family Member progam?
| 69 |
rwdflynavy Fri, Feb 25, 2011 5:09:57am |
re: #68 Decatur Deb
Those two (sisters?) are getting what they deserve. Our grand-daughter is holding on well in second grade because her county school in rural Alabama just happens to have spectacular teachers and admins. Does the Navy have an Exceptional Family Member progam?
Yes, all the services do. We pay more to live in Fairfax County because the special ed services are better than surrounding counties.
| 70 |
BishopX Fri, Feb 25, 2011 5:10:56am |
re: #59 Alouette
Good for her! I’m pretty sure I have a friend working there (same job, same location, possibly different service) and it’s a pretty good gig.
| 71 |
mr.fusion Fri, Feb 25, 2011 5:12:30am |
Interesting:
In the confidential report, obtained by ABC News, among other news outlets, Goldman Sachs economic forecaster Alec Phillips said the GOP plan could slow economic growth by up to 2 percent. Even a compromise deal, with $25 billion in cuts could slow growth by 1 percent.
| 72 |
Decatur Deb Fri, Feb 25, 2011 5:15:50am |
re: #69 rwdflynavy
Yes, all the services do. We pay more to live in Fairfax County because the special ed services are better than surrounding counties.
Army’s program really seems to work. Whatever the USAF does really failed the airman who lived next to us in Israel. His kids should never have been at a remote posting.
| 73 |
rwdflynavy Fri, Feb 25, 2011 5:19:43am |
re: #72 Decatur Deb
Army’s program really seems to work. Whatever the USAF does really failed the airman who lived next to us in Israel. His kids should never have been at a remote posting.
I was a one man advocate for the EFM program. Folks impression (false) is that enrolling will hurt your career. I made a point of telling all my folks about the EFM program when I was CO, whether they had kids, were married or not, just to get the word out that I had my family enrolled for years and it hadn’t hurt my career.
The two myths about EFM out there are that it hurts your career and that you can’t be sent to sea or on an unaccompanied tour. Both are false.
| 74 |
researchok Fri, Feb 25, 2011 5:20:35am |
re: #68 Decatur Deb
Those two (sisters?) are getting what they deserve. Our grand-daughter is holding on well in second grade because her county school in rural Alabama just happens to have spectacular teachers and admins. Does the Navy have an Exceptional Family Member progam?
What they deserve is to be fired.
An almost impossible proposition.
| 75 |
researchok Fri, Feb 25, 2011 5:21:39am |
re: #71 mr.fusion
Interesting:
In the confidential report, obtained by ABC News, among other news outlets, Goldman Sachs economic forecaster Alec Phillips said the GOP plan could slow economic growth by up to 2 percent. Even a compromise deal, with $25 billion in cuts could slow growth by 1 percent.
Yeah- they have a great record at forecasting.
/
| 76 |
Decatur Deb Fri, Feb 25, 2011 5:23:41am |
re: #74 researchok
What they deserve is to be fired.
An almost impossible proposition.
The way I read it, they’re way past fired. At least one of them has lost her ticket and both have convictions to take to their next boss.
| 77 |
rwdflynavy Fri, Feb 25, 2011 5:23:57am |
re: #74 researchok
What they deserve is to be fired.
An almost impossible proposition.
They can never teach or volunteer around kids again. Sounds about right after they are duct taped to a chair for a few hours in a fireant pile.//
| 78 |
Varek Raith Fri, Feb 25, 2011 5:25:08am |
re: #77 rwdflynavy
They can never teach or volunteer around kids again. Sounds about right after they are duct taped to a chair for a few hours in a fireant pile.//
Why do you hate fireants???
| 79 |
garhighway Fri, Feb 25, 2011 5:37:16am |
re: #71 mr.fusion
Interesting:
In the confidential report, obtained by ABC News, among other news outlets, Goldman Sachs economic forecaster Alec Phillips said the GOP plan could slow economic growth by up to 2 percent. Even a compromise deal, with $25 billion in cuts could slow growth by 1 percent.
This is typical of what the professional, non-ideological economists are saying. The money quote from the GS report:
The spending cut package that passed the House of Representatives would have a deeper effect. Under the House passed spending bill, the drag on GDP growth from federal fiscal policy would increase by 1.5pp to 2pp in Q2 and Q3 compared with current law.
So the guys who say they were elected to grow the economy immediately do stuff that accomplishes the exact opposite. This is sort of a “team stupid vs team evil” moment: do these guys really believe their press releases, and are therefore stupid, or do they know better, and are therefore evil?
| 81 |
garhighway Fri, Feb 25, 2011 5:39:01am |
re: #75 researchok
Yeah- they have a great record at forecasting.
/
Actually, they do. Goldman has the best talent on the street, day in and day out. If you are in a deal, and the counterparty is GS, you should re-examine your thinking, because they don’t make very many mistakes.
| 82 |
researchok Fri, Feb 25, 2011 5:42:09am |
re: #81 garhighway
Actually, they do. Goldman has the best talent on the street, day in and day out. If you are in a deal, and the counterparty is GS, you should re-examine your thinking, because they don’t make very many mistakes.
I stand corrected.
TY
| 83 |
researchok Fri, Feb 25, 2011 5:43:19am |
re: #81 garhighway
Actually, they do. Goldman has the best talent on the street, day in and day out. If you are in a deal, and the counterparty is GS, you should re-examine your thinking, because they don’t make very many mistakes.
One question though- why did we have t bail them out?
| 84 |
Talking Point Detective Fri, Feb 25, 2011 5:48:01am |
re: #17 freetoken
Note to self: Self, besides writing up that Page on disturbing trends among some genetic science bloggers, what is direly seeking attention is a Page on how China is becoming the boogeyman to a great many Americans.
It’s always interesting to talk to my Chinese students about this issue. They look at the U.S., with its modern history of wars and invasions of other countries, and find the fears of Chinese imperialism to be bizarre and exceedingly hypocritical.
| 85 |
Decatur Deb Fri, Feb 25, 2011 5:48:39am |
re: #83 researchok
One question though- why did we have t bail them out?
Because they were standing next to the whole freaking economy holding an armed grenade. They won.
| 86 |
garhighway Fri, Feb 25, 2011 5:51:12am |
re: #83 researchok
One question though- why did we have t bail them out?
I’m not sure that we needed to. They were hurt when the markets froze, just like anyone else, and Treasury made them take TARP money at that famous meeting in Washington when they basically said to the biggest banks: “your choices are to sign the paper or sign the paper”. No one builds a financial business that can withstand the complete freezing of the financial markets. Nobody could handle that.
They paid back TARP in about 15 minutes, while the companies that needed it still haven’t done so.
Understand, I am not saying that what they do is, on balance, good for our country. Matt Tiabbi was engaging in a bit of hyperbole with his “giant vampire squid” comment, but I don’t think he was too far off the mark. But stupid they are not, and I would bet real money that everybody big in financial services business has had an internal economist issue a report like the one at GS, and I would further wager they all say pretty much the same thing in terms of the economic impact of the GOP budget. That’s not about politics, it’s about math. And economists tend to be good at math.
| 87 |
Talking Point Detective Fri, Feb 25, 2011 5:51:25am |
re: #83 researchok
One question though- why did we have t bail them out?
Like all the companies we bailed out, they invested based on econometric evaluations that systematically undervalued the risk of debt. Their forecasting was flawed in a more underlying and systemic way.
No one is fantastic at economic forecasting - but they’re probably as good as anyone else.
| 88 |
garhighway Fri, Feb 25, 2011 5:52:38am |
re: #87 Talking Point Detective
Like all the companies we bailed out, they invested based on econometric evaluations that systematically undervalued the risk of debt. Their forecasting was flawed in a more underlying and systemic way.
No one is fantastic at economic forecasting - but they’re probably as good as anyone else.
Actually, they MADE money on subprime. They were one of the first firms to see what was coming and made big bets that paid off well.
| 89 |
researchok Fri, Feb 25, 2011 5:56:48am |
re: #86 garhighway
I’m not sure that we needed to. They were hurt when the markets froze, just like anyone else, and Treasury made them take TARP money at that famous meeting in Washington when they basically said to the biggest banks: “your choices are to sign the paper or sign the paper”. No one builds a financial business that can withstand the complete freezing of the financial markets. Nobody could handle that.
They paid back TARP in about 15 minutes, while the companies that needed it still haven’t done so.
Understand, I am not saying that what they do is, on balance, good for our country. Matt Tiabbi was engaging in a bit of hyperbole with his “giant vampire squid” comment, but I don’t think he was too far off the mark. But stupid they are not, and I would bet real money that everybody big in financial services business has had an internal economist issue a report like the one at GS, and I would further wager they all say pretty much the same thing in terms of the economic impact of the GOP budget. That’s not about politics, it’s about math. And economists tend to be good at math.
I recall the Tiabbi piece. It was a pretty scathing indictment. That they got any money at all was pretty revealing. A lot of it went where it should not have gone.
As for the math, I’d have to agree.
| 91 |
darthstar Fri, Feb 25, 2011 5:57:41am |
Yet another reason I want to get a 67 Camaro.
[Link: www.autosec.org…]
| 92 |
Talking Point Detective Fri, Feb 25, 2011 5:58:03am |
re: #88 garhighway
Actually, they MADE money on subprime. They were one of the first firms to see what was coming and made big bets that paid off well.
My bad. I forgot about their short-selling.
| 93 |
garhighway Fri, Feb 25, 2011 5:59:28am |
re: #89 researchok
I recall the Tiabbi piece. It was a pretty scathing indictment. That they got any money at all was pretty revealing. A lot of it went where it should not have gone.
As for the math, I’d have to agree.
It’s easy to look back now at TARP and disagree with some of its particulars. I have some of those disagreements, too. But they got the broad strokes right: they took financial markets that were in complete free fall (remember how the commercial paper markets had frozen?) and stabilized them, and in doing so probably made money. Paulson, Bernanke and Geithner, together, got that right.
| 94 |
Talking Point Detective Fri, Feb 25, 2011 6:02:01am |
re: #91 darthstar
Yet another reason I want to get a 67 Camaro.
[Link: www.autosec.org…]
Interesting. So someone could bring the country down with a virus that attacks automobile computer systems. Pleasant thought.
| 95 |
darthstar Fri, Feb 25, 2011 6:05:46am |
re: #94 Talking Point Detective
Interesting. So someone could bring the country down with a virus that attacks automobile computer systems. Pleasant thought.
I’ve been wishing I could hack into Prii on the road sometimes…some of those bastards are just annoying…though most people are simply being economical and driving an ugly car.
| 96 |
Talking Point Detective Fri, Feb 25, 2011 6:13:33am |
re: #71 mr.fusion
Interesting:
In the confidential report, obtained by ABC News, among other news outlets, Goldman Sachs economic forecaster Alec Phillips said the GOP plan could slow economic growth by up to 2 percent. Even a compromise deal, with $25 billion in cuts could slow growth by 1 percent.
Maybe this explains why GDP growth has been significantly less under Repub presidents than under Dem presidents for the past 60 years
| 97 |
Decatur Deb Fri, Feb 25, 2011 6:15:55am |
re: #94 Talking Point Detective
Interesting. So someone could bring the country down with a virus that attacks automobile computer systems. Pleasant thought.
I’m good. My truck doesn’t even have roll-up windows.
| 98 |
Talking Point Detective Fri, Feb 25, 2011 6:16:29am |
re: #95 darthstar
I’ve been wishing I could hack into Prii on the road sometimes…some of those bastards are just annoying…though most people are simply being economical and driving an ugly car.
Great - I keep rep reprimanding myself because I haven’t gotten rid of my 1995 Golf yet - it mostly just sits there and I still pay insurance.
Now I have another excuse to keep procrastinating: It’ll probably still run when the car-virus attack comes.
| 99 |
William Barnett-Lewis Fri, Feb 25, 2011 6:17:01am |
Welcome to Cheeseheadistan where the Governor is trying for the trifecta - incompetence, arrogance & corruption - on a scale that would make Blago blush.
Assembly passes union-busting bill in middle of the night:
[Link: host.madison.com…]
Next up, banning protesters from sleeping in the capitol because corruption hates sunshine:
[Link: host.madison.com…]
Oh, and why does that employee insurance fund need that much money? Just raid it:
[Link: host.madison.com…]
| 100 |
Talking Point Detective Fri, Feb 25, 2011 6:19:26am |
re: #97 Decatur Deb
I’m good. My truck doesn’t even have roll-up windows.
You know what I miss? Those triangular vent cutouts in the front windows - so you could direct the air flow perfectly.
I also miss distributer caps and rotors.
I’d trade a computer that controls gas mixture for a triangular front window vent any day of the week.
| 101 |
darthstar Fri, Feb 25, 2011 6:21:26am |
re: #99 wlewisiii
That’s what I call dedication to self-destruction. Interesting that the counter-protests ended so quickly. I suspect the teabaggers who tried to launch counter-protests to support the Governor ran into former allies who are affected by these proposals.
Sure, it’s okay to protest the seekrit mooslim in the White House, but don’t actually change his policies for chrissakes…that fucks everyone over.
| 102 |
BishopX Fri, Feb 25, 2011 6:22:19am |
re: #96 Talking Point Detective
As much I would like to believe that’s true. I’m not sure that GDP growth isn’t directly correlated to the present administration policy. All of this stuff takes time to implement, some of the big bills (e.g. Health care, EPA, Civil rights Act, ADA, national highway system) take years to implement. Obama’s health care plan won’t take full effect until 2014, which could be in the middle of a republican presidency.
While I agree that democratic administration on the whole have done more for the economy in recent years than their counterparts(Eisenhower is the big exception to this rule), I’m not sure a direct comparison on the basis of average GDP growth during their terms is a good metric.
| 103 |
darthstar Fri, Feb 25, 2011 6:25:17am |
re: #100 Talking Point Detective
You know what I miss? Those triangular vent cutouts in the front windows - so you could direct the air flow perfectly.
I also miss distributer caps and rotors.
I’d trade a computer that controls gas mixture for a triangular front window vent any day of the week.
I wonder if they still print those Chilton manuals. Used to be able to pick one up for most models (American, German and Japanese) at the auto parts store. Then it was just a trip to the pick-n-pull wrecking yard for the parts you needed.
| 104 |
laZardo Fri, Feb 25, 2011 6:25:49am |
re: #99 wlewisiii
But I thought everybody* loved the sunshine!
*Except basement-dwelling nerds and standard vampires anyway…
| 105 |
Talking Point Detective Fri, Feb 25, 2011 6:25:52am |
re: #51 freetoken
May I suggest that it “worked” because of you?
You found you way through life (and still are!)
You adapted whatever you needed from your formal educational process.
You examined yourself.
etc.re: #38 Obdicut
What has struck me often about the party line (from Democratic Party speakers as well as education lobbyists and education professionals) is that somehow formal education is the door by which one must go in order to progress on in society and life.
Indeed, I was reading a NYT article which was a lamentation that only about 1/4th of the NY school graduates are prepared for college or a skilled job, implying that if not all children are truly prepared for college then somehow there is a great failure in society.
This is paralleled for example by President Obama’s implication that all children should be able to go to college.
My point is the world (by which I mean the collective of H. sapiens) doesn’t work that way, nor should one want/expect it to.
What they’re saying is that the jobs of those who wash your car, or repair your sewers, or changes the sheets at the local convalescent home - that these jobs are somehow irrelevant to society.
I think that is a flipped view of reality, and one packaged by certain politicians in order to sell some sort of fantasy.
My point is the baker at my local supermarket is doing every bit as honorable a job as the Ph.D. up at Scripps computing ocean currents, that the night-guard at the local Trolley station is doing a job as necessary to our society as the lawyer with his office downtown next to the courthouse, and that the sweet little-old-lady at See’s Candies who gives me an extra sample of chocolate cares more about me than my local politician with his JD degree.
Society is very much about pecking orders - something we all learn experientially throughout life. However, I find it disturbing that many supposedly societally-aware and critically analytical people want to enforce the following variant of the pecking order:
Ph.D.
M.D. (or other professional degree.)
M.S.
B.S./B.A.
***
A.A.
—-
HSDiploma
None of the Above… with everything above the “—-” being the determiner or whether one has done their duty in our quest for the universal college-educated populace, and everyone below “***” as somehow second-rate as far as occupation.
An interesting take on the antiquated paradigms about education:
| 106 |
Decatur Deb Fri, Feb 25, 2011 6:27:49am |
re: #103 darthstar
I wonder if they still print those Chilton manuals. Used to be able to pick one up for most models (American, German and Japanese) at the auto parts store. Then it was just a trip to the pick-n-pull wrecking yard for the parts you needed.
They’re still out there, even for 20XX vehicles. O’Reilly’s and Autozone have them, probably Amazon.
| 107 |
Talking Point Detective Fri, Feb 25, 2011 6:29:40am |
re: #38 Obdicut
BTW, that link I made in 105 speaks to some of the ideas in your comment.
| 108 |
Achilles Tang Fri, Feb 25, 2011 6:35:19am |
I wonder if that is what governor Scott in Florida (the guy who was in charge of that giant health care scam against the government some years ago) was thinking that when he cancelled the high speed rail project in Florida and returned $2.5 billion of federal grants, against the wishes of a majority of Floridians?
Taking advise from governor Walker I suppose.
| 109 |
Talking Point Detective Fri, Feb 25, 2011 6:36:08am |
re: #38 Obdicut
Intelligence is an ineffable thing, and I’m in no way trying to codify it, but just saying that no matter how you do define it, there will be some people on the lower end. In terms of our educational system, there are some people who will pass through and— even if given the best efforts by their teachers— not retain much, never assemble what they do retain into a coherent system, and not really be more suited to any pursuit or job or anything afterwards than they were before.
I think you’re making too much of the correlation between “intelligence” - such as it is - and success in our educational system. First, success in our educational system, if it is correlated to “intelligence,” it is correlated to only one type of intelligence. Secondly, even at that, even given that limited definition of intelligence, there are other important influences - probably stronger influences, such as SES.
| 111 |
darthstar Fri, Feb 25, 2011 6:36:52am |
| 112 |
FemNaziBitch Fri, Feb 25, 2011 6:37:29am |
| 113 |
reloadingisnotahobby Fri, Feb 25, 2011 6:42:44am |
Good morning all…..
We’re expecting……no..not that! A storm!!
I’m going on a hike this am…to the caves above our home…
I’ve got info that my burglar spends time up there so I’ll go check it out.
Hope the little fu%^$#( isn’t up there…………
Send good karma please!
| 114 |
darthstar Fri, Feb 25, 2011 6:43:12am |
Weather’s looking pretty shitty right now. Heavy rains, high winds. I think I’ll take the dogs for a walk down by the ocean. BBL.
| 115 |
lawhawk Fri, Feb 25, 2011 6:48:36am |
re: #108 Naso Tang
He was concerned that the costs were expected to go much higher than anticipated and that the FL taxpayers would be on the hook for all the overruns (which was a duplicate of the Christie argument in NJ). However, much more interesting is that the FL studies to support HSR claimed a ridership that would meet or exceed the NEC despite having a population to draw upon that was significantly less, and a population density a fraction of what was seen in the NEC.
The FL project made sense if the ridership numbers could be expected to pan out, particularly since most of the land was already acquired or owned by the feds (ROW was adjacent to the interstate corridor).
The NJ congressional delegations have called for the money from the canceled FL project to be used towards the new NY/NJ Amtrak led Gateway tunnel project and other NEC rail improvements.
What this shows is that the states are being saddled with cost overruns that they can’t afford and the fear of those overruns is going to kill these projects around the country - despite the fact that these are the kinds of projects that the feds should be leading with in the first place since they are by and large interstate projects.
| 116 |
FemNaziBitch Fri, Feb 25, 2011 6:50:15am |
Trying to discuss medicine with a friend who only believes in “holistic” medicine. I worry too much
| 117 |
Political Atheist Fri, Feb 25, 2011 6:50:41am |
re: #114 darthstar
The Mt Wilson cam is down, but CBS has one on one of their towers, and it’s iced over. Record cold approaches central and southern California. Bring the pets and delicate plants inside!
| 119 |
Talking Point Detective Fri, Feb 25, 2011 6:52:00am |
re: #103 darthstar
I wonder if they still print those Chilton manuals. Used to be able to pick one up for most models (American, German and Japanese) at the auto parts store. Then it was just a trip to the pick-n-pull wrecking yard for the parts you needed.
Those were the days, eh? The thing I always hated most, though, was when you put everything back together and it seemed to be running OK, but there were still some pieces left over.
| 120 |
FemNaziBitch Fri, Feb 25, 2011 6:52:41am |
re: #117 Rightwingconspirator
The Mt Wilson cam is down, but CBS has one on one of their towers, and it’s iced over. Record cold approaches central and southern California. Bring the pets and delicate plants inside!
In the Far Western Parts of IL, we got a light dusting of snow, temp dropped and it is icy in patches.
Pets (cept huskies and collies) don’t want to be outside.
All plants are dead or in hibernation.
| 121 |
Talking Point Detective Fri, Feb 25, 2011 6:54:29am |
re: #102 BishopX
As much I would like to believe that’s true. I’m not sure that GDP growth isn’t directly correlated to the present administration policy. All of this stuff takes time to implement, some of the big bills (e.g. Health care, EPA, Civil rights Act, ADA, national highway system) take years to implement. Obama’s health care plan won’t take full effect until 2014, which could be in the middle of a republican presidency.
While I agree that democratic administration on the whole have done more for the economy in recent years than their counterparts(Eisenhower is the big exception to this rule), I’m not sure a direct comparison on the basis of average GDP growth during their terms is a good metric.
Sure. There’s also the aspect of trying to factor in Congress - and the party control of Congress.
So as a direct measure, I think you’re right. The causation between the party of the president and GDP growth is pretty hard to prove. Still, I think that there probably is something to it, in that there is a basic disconnect in the economic thinking of most Republicans about the impact of taxation and regulation.
| 122 |
Talking Point Detective Fri, Feb 25, 2011 6:55:28am |
| 123 |
BishopX Fri, Feb 25, 2011 6:59:15am |
re: #122 Talking Point Detective
Oh, I totally agree with you that there is a real basic disconnect between most republican economic polices and reality. I just hate stupid over simplified graphs which ignore things like the bathtub effect.
| 124 |
Achilles Tang Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:00:25am |
re: #115 lawhawk
I can’t personally argue the economics but Scott has based his position on the “risk” of cost overruns and on the principle (like Walker) that he is not interested in negotiation (there are many who disagree with him on the economics). No risk of tax expense is worth taking for any reason, according to the Tea Party, who he is a darling of.
In addition he seems to be concerned mainly with short term risk (IE his likely term in office) rather than the principle of rail as a long term mode of travel decades into the future. He seems to think that the price of gas, and the limited road capacity in Florida, will not incur any extra expense to people in the future, or if it does it will be one that can’t be pinned on him.
Incredible short sightedness for idealogical reasons is how I see it.
| 125 |
lawhawk Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:04:43am |
#
1457: The Guardian correspondent Martin Chulov tweets from Benghazi: “The Mitiga air base is confirmed to have fallen in Tripoli. #Libya. #Ghaddafi. Planes that strafed citizens took off from here.”
The noose tightens around Khadafi’s regime just a bit further. He’s running out of options and his vow to fight to the last breath may end up with a death rattle that shakes the country with a bloodbath that pales in comparison to what’s been seen thus far. There are additional reports that at least six more protesters in Tripoli were killed by Khadafi loyalists as thousands stream into the streets to demonstrate against Khadafi and his odious regime.
| 126 |
RogueOne Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:06:46am |
Morning all! Have I mentioned how tired I am of all this damn snow? I’ve already gone through 100lbs of salt this year.
| 127 |
lawhawk Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:07:41am |
#
1447: Just coming in from Geneva, news of the latest international defections to hit Col Gaddafi: The Libyan envoy to the UN in the Swiss city has told the Human Rights Council that he and the rest of the Geneva diplomatic mission “represent only the Libyan people” and not Col Gaddafi’s government.
| 128 |
Talking Point Detective Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:07:41am |
re: #123 BishopX
Oh, I totally agree with you that there is a real basic disconnect between most republican economic polices and reality. I just hate stupid over simplified graphs which ignore things like the bathtub effect.
Fair enough. Again, though, the pattern is consistent enough that there might be something to it. Assuming causation, though, is a mistake. You’re absolutely right.
| 129 |
FemNaziBitch Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:07:59am |
Distrust bred of Ignorance of science knows no bounds!
| 130 |
Talking Point Detective Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:08:23am |
re: #126 RogueOne
Morning all! Have I mentioned how tired I am of all this damn snow? I’ve already gone through 100lbs of salt this year.
You really ought to cut down. It’s not good for your blood pressure.
| 131 |
Romantic Heretic Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:08:51am |
re: #17 freetoken
Note to self: Self, besides writing up that Page on disturbing trends among some genetic science bloggers, what is direly seeking attention is a Page on how China is becoming the boogeyman to a great many Americans.
I’m afraid a great many people need an enemy to navigate through life. Without something to hate and fear they literally have no direction.
The Soviet Union is gone. Islamic terrorism is just too small to fit the bill. So China has been elected by them to be the next enemy.
It’s a sad way to go through life.
| 132 |
FemNaziBitch Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:09:23am |
How can someone graduate University with multiple advanced degrees and have NO UNDERSTANDING of empirical science?
| 133 |
FemNaziBitch Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:10:16am |
re: #131 Romantic Heretic
I’m afraid a great many people need an enemy to navigate through life. Without something to hate and fear they literally have no direction.
The Soviet Union is gone. Islamic terrorism is just too small to fit the bill. So China has been elected by them to be the next enemy.
It’s a sad way to go through life.
China is a long-term threat to the US. Not something to fear just yet, but something to watch.
| 134 |
FemNaziBitch Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:11:23am |
re: #133 ggt
China is a long-term threat to the US. Not something to fear just yet, but something to watch.
Perhaps if we pushed the Asian Studies now in higher education, the way we should have pushed Arabic Studies, we won’t find ourselves facing the Red Dragon in a show-down.
| 135 |
garhighway Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:14:23am |
Good morning from gray, rainy NYC.
Here’s a bit of NY criminal justice weirdness:
An elderly man is charged with jury tampering because he hands out pamphlets in front of the NYC Courthouse advocating jury nullification. Not because he had any particular personal interest in any given case there, but simply because he believes in the concept of jury nullification and wants prospective jurors to understand it. (Lawyers have a technical legal term for a guy like that. They call him a “crank”.)
[Link: www.nytimes.com…]
Generally, prosecutors provide a great service to us all. But sometimes they get so wrapped up in the battle that they lose sight of what justice is. This smells like one of those times.
| 136 |
kirkspencer Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:16:25am |
re: #115 lawhawk
He was concerned that the costs were expected to go much higher than anticipated and that the FL taxpayers would be on the hook for all the overruns (which was a duplicate of the Christie argument in NJ). However, much more interesting is that the FL studies to support HSR claimed a ridership that would meet or exceed the NEC despite having a population to draw upon that was significantly less, and a population density a fraction of what was seen in the NEC.
The FL project made sense if the ridership numbers could be expected to pan out, particularly since most of the land was already acquired or owned by the feds (ROW was adjacent to the interstate corridor).
The NJ congressional delegations have called for the money from the canceled FL project to be used towards the new NY/NJ Amtrak led Gateway tunnel project and other NEC rail improvements.
What this shows is that the states are being saddled with cost overruns that they can’t afford and the fear of those overruns is going to kill these projects around the country - despite the fact that these are the kinds of projects that the feds should be leading with in the first place since they are by and large interstate projects.
In some of my more whimsical moments, I consider asking Disney to build a high speed rail from Disneyland to Disneyworld. That is, buy and improve the rail so as to rent it out, and create a “Disney Experience” train that runs each way. At HSR velocities, that’s 12 to 16 hours from one to the other (150-200 mph), plus time for refueling and any intermediate passenger stops.
| 137 |
Jadespring Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:16:54am |
re: #134 ggt
Perhaps if we pushed the Asian Studies now in higher education, the way we should have pushed Arabic Studies, we won’t find ourselves facing the Red Dragon in a show-down.
How would studying it change what is happening and avoid a showdown?
| 138 |
kirkspencer Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:19:06am |
re: #137 Jadespring
How would studying it change what is happening and avoid a showdown?
At a start it gives us people who can “talk, talk, talk before war, war, war.”
| 139 |
FemNaziBitch Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:19:42am |
re: #137 Jadespring
How would studying it change what is happening and avoid a showdown?
Well, we would have people in the Intelligence world who could actually read and translate documents. Something we were woefully lacking on 9/11.
| 140 |
FemNaziBitch Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:20:59am |
re: #137 Jadespring
How would studying it change what is happening and avoid a showdown?
and considering that the economy is only going to be more integrated with China in the future, having people in and out of gubernet that are cognizant of China’s culture, people and language only makes sense, IMHO.
| 141 |
lawhawk Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:22:29am |
re: #136 kirkspencer
That isn’t exactly a bad idea - and there’s been some discussion of public/private partnerships to build infrastructure (mostly roads, tunnels, and bridges). A HSR connection - say between Orlando, Tampa, Miami, and Disney World would make a lot of sense and would be to Disney’s benefit to draw in even more patrons (and link up their already significant cruise line travel business with the resorts and amusement parks). As always, it comes down to cost.
| 142 |
BishopX Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:22:33am |
re: #139 ggt
Well, we would have people in the Intelligence world who could actually read and translate documents. Something we were woefully lacking on 9/11.
That has a lot to do with how the American security apparatus is set up. The FBI (who conducts background checks) generally won’t fly outside of the US to interview people. Which can make it hard to interview a first (or even second) generation immigrant’s family as is the security protocol requires.
| 143 |
Jadespring Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:22:53am |
| 144 |
Decatur Deb Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:23:21am |
re: #136 kirkspencer
In some of my more whimsical moments, I consider asking Disney to build a high speed rail from Disneyland to Disneyworld. That is, buy and improve the rail so as to rent it out, and create a “Disney Experience” train that runs each way. At HSR velocities, that’s 12 to 16 hours from one to the other (150-200 mph), plus time for refueling and any intermediate passenger stops.
Decades ago someone did a great book on physically possible but not-ready-for primetime engineering. If you dig a totally straight tunnel from NYC to LA, it will cut across the chord of the Earth’s curvature, reaching a depth of 1500 feet or so in Kansas. By evacuating the tunnel to high vacuum and using low-friction wheels or maglev, pressurized ‘subway’ cars would fall under gravity to Mach 2 or so. The second half of the journey would be a slow uphill deceleration. The energy costs would be minimal.
| 145 |
FemNaziBitch Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:25:06am |
re: #142 BishopX
That has a lot to do with how the American security apparatus is set up. The FBI (who conducts background checks) generally won’t fly outside of the US to interview people. Which can make it hard to interview a first (or even second) generation immigrant’s family as is the security protocol requires.
It had a lot to do with the fact that we had our heads up our asses and thought that once the USSR fell there would be Utopia on Earth.
I think we’ve learned that we have to break-down all barriers if we want to work together on this planet and actually keep our planet.
| 146 |
reine.de.tout Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:25:35am |
re: #132 ggt
How can someone graduate University with multiple advanced degrees and have NO UNDERSTANDING of empirical science?
My daughter, who up ‘til now has had NO interest in politics or the news, has become aware very recently of the creationism issues and their attempts to do away with science and insert their stuff into the classroom.
We had a very informative conversation about it yesterday. It’s so very refreshing to see my kid growing up and growing up with some smarts, and actually THINKING about things. So, there is hope …
| 147 |
darthstar Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:25:39am |
re: #119 Talking Point Detective
Those were the days, eh? The thing I always hated most, though, was when you put everything back together and it seemed to be running OK, but there were still some pieces left over.
It’s amazing the car ran at all with those unnecessary parts in it.
| 148 |
garhighway Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:26:29am |
re: #144 Decatur Deb
Decades ago someone did a great book on physically possible but not-ready-for primetime engineering. If you dig a totally straight tunnel from NYC to LA, it will cut across the chord of the Earth’s curvature, reaching a depth of 1500 feet or so in Kansas. By evacuating the tunnel to high vacuum and using low-friction wheels or maglev, pressurized ‘subway’ cars would fall under gravity to Mach 2 or so. The second half of the journey would be a slow uphill deceleration. The energy costs would be minimal.
How cool would THAT be? What would the transit time be?
| 149 |
Decatur Deb Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:27:35am |
re: #146 reine.de.tout
My daughter, who up ‘til now has had NO interest in politics or the news, has become aware very recently of the creationism issues and their attempts to do away with science and insert their stuff into the classroom.
We had a very informative conversation about it yesterday. It’s so very refreshing to see my kid growing up and growing up with some smarts, and actually THINKING about things. So, there is hope …
There is a sadly profound quote in the Indiana Jones movie in which Sean Connery tells the hero: “Just when you became interesting you moved away”.
| 150 |
BishopX Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:27:44am |
re: #144 Decatur Deb
Fun fact, absent dissipative forces (friction, air resistance etc) any unpowered journey along a cord within the earth (i.e a straight line from one place to another) take about 40 minutes. It takes the same time to “fall” from New York to LA as it does to “fall” from Chicago to Sydney.
| 151 |
Decatur Deb Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:28:05am |
re: #148 garhighway
How cool would THAT be? What would the transit time be?
IIRC, faster than a subsonic jet.
| 152 |
FemNaziBitch Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:28:45am |
re: #146 reine.de.tout
My daughter, who up ‘til now has had NO interest in politics or the news, has become aware very recently of the creationism issues and their attempts to do away with science and insert their stuff into the classroom.
We had a very informative conversation about it yesterday. It’s so very refreshing to see my kid growing up and growing up with some smarts, and actually THINKING about things. So, there is hope …
I think I’m amazed that people will take all kinds of supplements that have no research behind them and think that because a doctor (chiropractor) sells them it’s ok.
Explaining that the research isn’t there means nothing —to a person, again, with advanced degrees. Someone who is suppossedly a “Progressive”.
It’s all emotional.
| 153 |
RogueOne Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:29:14am |
re: #130 Talking Point Detective
You really ought to cut down. It’s not good for your blood pressure.
I appreciate the concern buddy, it’s nice to know I’m loved.//
| 154 |
Decatur Deb Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:29:26am |
re: #150 BishopX
Fun fact, absent dissipative forces (friction, air resistance etc) any unpowered journey along a cord within the earth (i.e a straight line from one place to another) take about 40 minutes. It takes the same time to “fall” from New York to LA as it does to “fall” from Chicago to Sydney.
Hand the unemployed shovels and laser transits.
| 155 |
reine.de.tout Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:29:27am |
re: #149 Decatur Deb
There is a sadly profound quote in the Indiana Jones movie in which Sean Connery tells the hero: “Just when you became interesting you moved away”.
LOL.
Actually, she’s been home most of the week because she’s not been well.
And she’s home every weekend.
This is terrible, I feel like an AWFUL mom every time I think this - but it’s time for her to move on and move out. Much as I love her and having her company - it’s time for her to have her own space, not my space (and time!).
| 156 |
FemNaziBitch Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:29:47am |
re: #149 Decatur Deb
There is a sadly profound quote in the Indiana Jones movie in which Sean Connery tells the hero: “Just when you became interesting you moved away”.
LOL, I was thinking about that the other day!
| 157 |
prairiefire Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:31:25am |
Wisconsin assembly passes bill stripping union rights from public workers:[Link: www.huffingtonpost.com…]
| 158 |
FemNaziBitch Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:31:52am |
re: #157 prairiefire
Wisconsin assembly passes bill stripping union rights from public workers:[Link: www.huffingtonpost.com…]
oh geez!
| 159 |
RogueOne Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:32:14am |
MSNBC is reporting that Charlie Sheen’s interview was so crazy yesterday that it even freaked out Alex Jones. That takes some serious crazy.
| 161 |
RogueOne Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:33:12am |
re: #157 prairiefire
Wisconsin assembly passes bill stripping union rights from public workers:[Link: www.huffingtonpost.com…]
The president better get those shoes ready:
| 162 |
FemNaziBitch Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:33:48am |
re: #157 prairiefire
Wisconsin assembly passes bill stripping union rights from public workers:[Link: www.huffingtonpost.com…]
Watch the Washington Repub Critters try to do the same with Reproductive Rights.
| 163 |
iossarian Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:34:35am |
re: #150 BishopX
Fun fact, absent dissipative forces (friction, air resistance etc) any unpowered journey along a cord within the earth (i.e a straight line from one place to another) take about 40 minutes. It takes the same time to “fall” from New York to LA as it does to “fall” from Chicago to Sydney.
Or indeed to fall from my house to my neighbor’s house.
Quicker to walk. I’m not sure what all the fuss is about.
| 164 |
RogueOne Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:34:36am |
Just so everyone knows my B-day is this weekend and it’s a week long event. My spouse started bringing in presents on Wednesday, you guys need to catch up.
| 165 |
lawhawk Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:34:45am |
I’ve only seen bald eagles in the wild out in Yellowstone, but it’s great to know that they’re being seen with increasing regularity in my own backyard in the NYC metro area - at the Meadowlands. It’s a great sign that the bald eagles have made a comeback in population size and health, and that the ecosystems are recovering from decades of pollution and dumping.
| 166 |
Varek Raith Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:35:07am |
re: #157 prairiefire
Wisconsin assembly passes bill stripping union rights from public workers:[Link: www.huffingtonpost.com…]
Pathetic.
After more than 60 hours in which Democrats threw out dozens of amendments and delivered rambling speeches, Republicans halted debate early Friday. In a matter of seconds, they had approved the bill. Only a few Democrats realized what was going on and managed to vote before the roll was closed.
| 167 |
FemNaziBitch Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:35:29am |
re: #165 lawhawk
I’ve only seen bald eagles in the wild out in Yellowstone, but it’s great to know that they’re being seen with increasing regularity in my own backyard in the NYC metro area - at the Meadowlands. It’s a great sign that the bald eagles have made a comeback in population size and health, and that the ecosystems are recovering from decades of pollution and dumping.
We have them in the Far Western Parts of Chicagoland. You can see them from the road. very cool!
| 168 |
McSpiff Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:36:11am |
re: #164 RogueOne
Just so everyone knows my B-day is this weekend and it’s a week long event. My spouse started bringing in presents on Wednesday, you guys need to catch up.
Birthday beatings!
| 169 |
reine.de.tout Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:37:44am |
re: #164 RogueOne
Just so everyone knows my B-day is this weekend and it’s a week long event. My spouse started bringing in presents on Wednesday, you guys need to catch up.
Well!
As my daughter put on my cake last week:
Harpy Diptay!
(a couple of candles broke, and she only had enough to spell Harpy Diptay, not Happy Birthday).
| 170 |
Varek Raith Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:37:56am |
| 172 |
kirkspencer Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:38:24am |
re: #141 lawhawk
That isn’t exactly a bad idea - and there’s been some discussion of public/private partnerships to build infrastructure (mostly roads, tunnels, and bridges). A HSR connection - say between Orlando, Tampa, Miami, and Disney World would make a lot of sense and would be to Disney’s benefit to draw in even more patrons (and link up their already significant cruise line travel business with the resorts and amusement parks). As always, it comes down to cost.
The funny thing is that the Disney Line would be profitable surprisingly swiftly. The reason is that HSR is not just for passengers. That’s something a LOT of people forget. You’re going to have something that can carry rail freight loads at (slow) airplane speeds for prices closer to rail than airfreight. Yeah, sure, it’s only two stops: Anaheim and Orlando. But if it has sidings in places like New Orleans and Houston, the qualified cars can be transferred to and from slow-rail or loaded to and from trucks.
Once someone proves it’s profitable in the US, others will buy in. The hard part is proving profitability on more than a very-small scale. It requires a company with deep pockets (its own or access to others like the government) and the long-term mindset to accept the near-term lack of profitability. Disney has been that way historically. It also has the “dream” experience to get and keep passengers above and beyond simple “commuters”.
| 173 |
Jadespring Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:38:41am |
Crikey,
Just watching a new report on Libya evacuations. Crazy and confusion. There was a Canadian charter flight that landed and left empty and people are trying to find out why. Why if there were no Canadians to take why they just didn’t take other nationalities that are at the airport. We also have a C17 in Rome that’s supposed to be flying in as well.
Now our government is saying every Canadian MUST get out. That’s changed from this time yesterday.
| 174 |
Ericus58 Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:39:04am |
#1529: A journalist calling himself journodave tweets: My god. Libyan security intercepts caller live on AJE [Al-Jazeera English] “Get off this phone, get off this phone, you cannot speak to AlJazeera”.
Does Libya have any high profile seats on any U.N. panels?
| 175 |
iossarian Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:39:50am |
Assuming a maximum depth of 1500 ft, I calculate that the top speed on the hypothetical NY-LA tunnel would be in the region of 150 mph.
There were a bundle of steps involved in this, so rounding and/or reasoning error lead me to apply a massive disclaimer to that number.
| 176 |
laZardo Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:40:11am |
re: #174 Ericus58
#1529: A journalist calling himself journodave tweets: My god. Libyan security intercepts caller live on AJE [Al-Jazeera English] “Get off this phone, get off this phone, you cannot speak to AlJazeera”.
Does Libya have any high profile seats on any U.N. panels?
Apart from the Human Rights Council?
| 177 |
FemNaziBitch Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:40:52am |
re: #175 iossarian
Assuming a maximum depth of 1500 ft, I calculate that the top speed on the hypothetical NY-LA tunnel would be in the region of 150 mph.
There were a bundle of steps involved in this, so rounding and/or reasoning error lead me to apply a massive disclaimer to that number.
WEll, the mole people might form a lobbying group and make you go around their cities… . .. Litigation could take years and the cost would be counter-productive. Not to mention the environmental impact.
| 178 |
Jadespring Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:41:38am |
Oh and now that charter flight which originally came from Jordan is scheduled to go back again.
Looks like the leaving empty thing was because it landed at night and was only allowed to stay for a short period of time before it was forced to leave again.
It looks like chaos.
| 179 |
RogueOne Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:41:38am |
re: #168 McSpiff
Birthday beatings!
Scheduled for Saturday evening. She’s booked a hot tub suite for us in Indy. I told her I want the Charlie Sheen treatment, and provided her a map where she could get a handful of hookers near the airport, but I don’t think she’s going to play along.
| 180 |
Varek Raith Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:42:07am |
re: #177 ggt
WEll, the mole people might form a lobbying group and make you go around their cities… .. Litigation could take years and the cost would be counter-productive. Not to mention the environmental impact.
I destroyed them years ago.
;)
| 181 |
Decatur Deb Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:42:22am |
re: #175 iossarian
Assuming a maximum depth of 1500 ft, I calculate that the top speed on the hypothetical NY-LA tunnel would be in the region of 150 mph.
There were a bundle of steps involved in this, so rounding and/or reasoning error lead me to apply a massive disclaimer to that number.
I’m remembering from 45 years ago, so my depth is probably off. See BishopX at #150.
| 182 |
FemNaziBitch Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:42:23am |
| 183 |
Varek Raith Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:42:42am |
re: #179 RogueOne
Scheduled for Saturday evening. She’s booked a hot tub suite for us in Indy. I told her I want the Charlie Sheen treatment, and provided her a map where she could get a handful of hookers near the airport, but I don’t think she’s going to play along.
Though…
She may go Charlie Sheen on you.
///
| 184 |
FemNaziBitch Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:42:57am |
re: #180 Varek Raith
I destroyed them years ago.
;)
Did you get a strongly worded letter from the UN?
| 185 |
McSpiff Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:43:45am |
re: #178 Jadespring
Oh and now that charter flight which originally came from Jordan is scheduled to go back again.
Looks like the leaving empty thing was because it landed at night and was only allowed to stay for a short period of time before it was forced to leave again.
It looks like chaos.
If Quadaffi is still in control of the airport, I’m not sure I’d risk it. And if its in control of the protesters/revolutionaries… I’m not sure I’d risk it either.
| 186 |
Talking Point Detective Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:43:48am |
| 187 |
Killgore Trout Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:44:06am |
| 188 |
prairiefire Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:44:18am |
re: #164 RogueOne
Just so everyone knows my B-day is this weekend and it’s a week long event. My spouse started bringing in presents on Wednesday, you guys need to catch up.
Happy birthday ~ you have a nice wife!
| 189 |
Jadespring Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:44:30am |
re: #174 Ericus58
#1529: A journalist calling himself journodave tweets: My god. Libyan security intercepts caller live on AJE [Al-Jazeera English] “Get off this phone, get off this phone, you cannot speak to AlJazeera”.
Does Libya have any high profile seats on any U.N. panels?
Well they sit on the human right council. Irony huh?
Probably not for long though if they haven’t already been kicked off.
| 190 |
BishopX Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:45:12am |
re: #174 Ericus58
There is some talk of having the UN expel Libya. The security council is going to meet this afternoon to discuss sanctions and an arms embargo.
From the BBC:
#
1523: The United Nations Security Council meets later on Friday to discuss Libya. “This is unquestionably a case for the application of the principle of the responsibility to protect - you’ve got a government shooting in cold blood,” says former Australian Foreign Minister, Gareth Evans, who co-drafted the rules. Speaking to the BBC World Service he said the UN must impose immediately an arms embargo and targeted sanctions, and anything less would be an “abdication of its responsibilities.”
| 192 |
FemNaziBitch Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:46:11am |
Oh, it’s Friday, how is the President of Libya’s name spelled on Fridays?
| 193 |
Ericus58 Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:46:13am |
| 194 |
Jadespring Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:47:23am |
re: #185 McSpiff
If Quadaffi is still in control of the airport, I’m not sure I’d risk it. And if its in control of the protesters/revolutionaries… I’m not sure I’d risk it either.
Well planes are getting in and out of the airport. It’s doesn’t seem clear who is controlling it.
What are governments supposed to do though just leave the thousands of people who are at the airport right now standing there?
The risk is one of the reasons that some countries are moving to military aircraft. They have more experience flying in and out of riskier situations.
| 195 |
BishopX Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:47:27am |
re: #181 Decatur Deb
The ~40 min factiod is from fifth grade (so 14 years old). The last time I sat down and crunched the numbers was senior year of high school, when I roughly validated the numerical prediction. I’m tempted to try again (if only to see how rusty I am).
| 197 |
lawhawk Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:48:37am |
re: #193 Ericus58
Via bbc feed:
#
1546: And just in from the BBC’s Barbara Plett at the UN headquarters in New York: Diplomats on the Security Council say Britain and France have drawn up a Chapter 7 draft resolution with a package of measures aimed at isolating Libya’s political and military leaders. Elements could include targeted sanctions, an arms embargo, and a proposed referral of the situation in Libya to the ICC (International Criminal Court). This is still a wish-list, the draft will be circulated to all the council members shortly and they will begin debate at a 2000GMT meeting. (Chapter 7 is the strongest form of binding resolution under international law).
#
1447: Just coming in from Geneva, news of the latest international defections to hit Col Gaddafi: The Libyan envoy to the UN in the Swiss city has told the Human Rights Council that he and the rest of the Geneva diplomatic mission “represent only the Libyan people” and not Col Gaddafi’s government.
| 198 |
Decatur Deb Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:50:14am |
| 199 |
iossarian Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:50:36am |
re: #195 BishopX
The ~40 min factiod is from fifth grade (so 14 years old). The last time I sat down and crunched the numbers was senior year of high school, when I roughly validated the numerical prediction. I’m tempted to try again (if only to see how rusty I am).
I made a page of my extremely rough velocity calculation - why don’t you do the 40 minute one (which would actually be interesting)?
[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com…]
| 200 |
RogueOne Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:52:12am |
| 203 |
Killgore Trout Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:54:20am |
re: #198 Decatur Deb
“He’s bad for the movement” trans: “Ratings are down”.
Yeah, it’s kind of hard to take the criticism seriously when they start praising Pat Buchanan towards the end of the clip. It does highlight what bad shape the conservative movement is in. There aren’t many good choices left.
| 204 |
Decatur Deb Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:54:48am |
re: #199 iossarian
I made a page of my extremely rough velocity calculation - why don’t you do the 40 minute one (which would actually be interesting)?
[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com…]
Found a similar project for transAtlantic tunnel—speeds are discussed:
[Link: en.wikipedia.org…]
| 205 |
Achilles Tang Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:57:03am |
re: #144 Decatur Deb
Great idea except for those damned tectonic plates.
| 206 |
Varek Raith Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:58:08am |
| 207 |
Decatur Deb Fri, Feb 25, 2011 7:59:24am |
re: #205 Naso Tang
Great idea except for those damned tectonic plates.
Good engineers always allow a little “slop”.
| 208 |
Achilles Tang Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:00:39am |
| 209 |
prairiefire Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:03:18am |
re: #203 Killgore Trout
Yeah, it’s kind of hard to take the criticism seriously when they start praising Pat Buchanan towards the end of the clip. It does highlight what bad shape the conservative movement is in. There aren’t many good choices left.
I really don’t think it matters to them. The Republicans are acting out, grabbing power at every level they can. These committed pure righties are thugs.
| 210 |
Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:04:42am |
| 211 |
Decatur Deb Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:04:55am |
re: #206 Varek Raith
AND VOLCANOES!
Reference to a Harry Harrison novel/film from 1935!!
[Link: movieposters.ha.com…]
| 212 |
prairiefire Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:05:54am |
re: #211 Decatur Deb
Reference to a Harry Harrison novel/film from 1935!!
[Link: movieposters.ha.com…]
Why does he have a prophylactic on his head?
| 213 |
Killgore Trout Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:06:23am |
| 214 |
Decatur Deb Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:06:47am |
re: #209 prairiefire
I really don’t think it matters to them. The Republicans are acting out, grabbing power at every level they can. These committed pure righties are thugs.
As a Labor Lexicographer, I must remind you that unions have “thugs”. The bosses are “goons”.
| 215 |
prairiefire Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:15:41am |
re: #214 Decatur Deb
I don’t know. They are acting on a bit higher intelligence level than goons. There are some great comments on this news at Political Wire. Walker has destroyed his career. (fingers crossed)
| 216 |
RogueOne Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:15:42am |
Cop Raids Wrong House, Shoots Dog
[Link: www.newser.com…]
A dog is dead and a police officer is in the hospital after a drug raid went wrong last night in Philadelphia. The officer entered the wrong house—the actual target was next door—and a dog charged him and bit him on the ankle. Four shots were fired, with one hitting the dog in the head and killing it, NBC reports.
| 217 |
rwdflynavy Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:16:16am |
re: #214 Decatur Deb
As a Labor Lexicographer, I must remind you that unions have “thugs”. The bosses are “goons”.
Furthermore, those who cross picket lines are “scabs”.//
| 218 |
RogueOne Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:16:47am |
re: #217 rwdflynavy
Furthermore, those who cross picket lines are “scabs”.//
And non-union workers are “rats”.
| 219 |
Varek Raith Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:16:58am |
re: #215 prairiefire
I don’t know. They are acting on a bit higher intelligence level than goons. There are some great comments on this news at Political Wire. Walker has destroyed his career. (fingers crossed)
El Presidente Walker is toast.
;)
| 220 |
Decatur Deb Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:17:16am |
re: #217 rwdflynavy
Furthermore, those who cross picket lines are “scabs”.//
And informers are “finks”.
| 221 |
rwdflynavy Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:17:23am |
re: #218 RogueOne
And non-union workers are “rats”.
People who don’t concealed carry are “sheeple”.//
| 222 |
RogueOne Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:18:01am |
re: #221 rwdflynavy
People who don’t concealed carry are “sheeple”.//
and “rats” that don’t CC are “dumb”//
| 223 |
rwdflynavy Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:18:12am |
| 225 |
RogueOne Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:19:52am |
re: #224 lawhawk
[Link: www.google.com…]
I have a hardhat with a big rat sticker that I pull out for special occasions.
| 226 |
iossarian Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:20:19am |
re: #220 Decatur Deb
And informers are “finks”.
Or “stool pigeons”, if you’re not a fan of the whole brevity thing.
| 227 |
lawhawk Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:22:00am |
300 Americans and other foreign nationals leave Tripoli on ferry after delays due to bad weather. They’re bound for Malta, but about 6,000 Americans (some with dual citizenship with Libya) remain in-country.
| 230 |
iossarian Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:27:12am |
re: #226 iossarian
Or “stool pigeons”, if you’re not a fan of the whole brevity thing.
Bah. My haste to insert a Big Lebowski reference has led me into sin and error. “Stool pigeons” are people who “squeal” when put under pressure by “pigs”. This is a subtly different category from “finks” who pass information on a more ongoing basis.
| 231 |
kirkspencer Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:28:09am |
The flaw is that the tunnel will be a lot deeper.
Using a circumference of 24900 miles (an approximate average) we get a radius of 3963 miles. Nominal arc length (surface distance) from LA to NY is 2462 miles. We’ve a central angle of 34.6 degrees (rounding). This gives us a chord of 2357 miles and a segment height (distance from center of chord to circumference) of 179.28 miles. That’s a fall of 89.64 miles, or just over 144.26 km.
| 232 |
kirkspencer Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:29:53am |
re: #231 kirkspencerPMF - meant that to go to (and will put it on) iossarion’s page.
| 234 |
kirkspencer Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:38:44am |
re: #231 kirkspencer
The flaw is that the tunnel will be a lot deeper.
Using a circumference of 24900 miles (an approximate average) we get a radius of 3963 miles. Nominal arc length (surface distance) from LA to NY is 2462 miles. We’ve a central angle of 34.6 degrees (rounding). This gives us a chord of 2357 miles and a segment height (distance from center of chord to circumference) of 179.28 miles. That’s a fall of 89.64 miles, or just over 144.26 km.
My brain apparently left the room before I finished this. Fall is 179.28 miles. mea culpa
| 235 |
Achilles Tang Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:41:42am |
re: #175 iossarian
Assuming a maximum depth of 1500 ft, I calculate that the top speed on the hypothetical NY-LA tunnel would be in the region of 150 mph.
There were a bundle of steps involved in this, so rounding and/or reasoning error lead me to apply a massive disclaimer to that number.
Falling 1500 (which would be the same as at a shallow angle) feet should give around 200 miles per hour I think.
I believe the supersonic type speeds for this concept are based on much longer and deeper falls, like across the Atlantic.
| 236 |
iossarian Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:42:53am |
re: #234 kirkspencer
My brain apparently left the room before I finished this. Fall is 179.28 miles. mea culpa
Hey, it’s Friday. You are forgiven.
| 237 |
Achilles Tang Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:43:55am |
re: #213 Killgore Trout
It’s working for me.
Works now. I suspect his fans were bombarding the site.
| 238 |
iossarian Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:45:11am |
re: #235 Naso Tang
Falling 1500 (which would be the same as at a shallow angle) feet should give around 200 miles per hour I think.
I believe the supersonic type speeds for this concept are based on much longer and deeper falls, like across the Atlantic.
See above - the 1500 ft number is incorrect (though, of course, you could envisage a track which was just plotted on a gentler curve than the surface and only went down to this depth).
| 239 |
Killgore Trout Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:49:58am |
Witnesses: Republican Laughed When Asked ‘Who’s Gonna Shoot Obama?’
An audience member at a town hall hosted by Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA) on Tuesday asked the Tea Party congressman who was going to shoot President Barack Obama.
| 240 |
iossarian Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:52:03am |
This is tres cool:
[Link: borngaybornthisway.blogspot.com…]
Like the “It Gets Better” campaign, I think this kind of thing is so important.
| 241 |
Obdicut Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:58:46am |
re: #239 Killgore Trout
Assassinating the president, bombing abortion clinics— all just good clean right-wing humor.
| 242 |
Achilles Tang Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:58:51am |
re: #231 kirkspencer
The flaw is that the tunnel will be a lot deeper.
Using a circumference of 24900 miles (an approximate average) we get a radius of 3963 miles. Nominal arc length (surface distance) from LA to NY is 2462 miles. We’ve a central angle of 34.6 degrees (rounding). This gives us a chord of 2357 miles and a segment height (distance from center of chord to circumference) of 179.28 miles. That’s a fall of 89.64 miles, or just over 144.26 km.
That is correct. 179 approximately. Should have checked that 1500 feet.
| 243 |
Killgore Trout Fri, Feb 25, 2011 8:59:05am |
| 244 |
RogueOne Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:00:17am |
Anonymous hacks church Web site during live interview
[Link: www.computerworld.com…]
The Anonymous hacking collective this morning defaced the Web site of the controversial Westboro Baptist Church in the middle of a live radio show that included a church spokeswoman and a member of Anonymous.The defacement came just days after Anonymous issued a statement saying that it had no plans to attack the Church’s Web site. The statement had noted that an earlier letter said to be from the group that threatened online attacks on the church site was a hoax.
Members of the WBC church are known for their strident anti-gay views and for protests at funerals of slain military personnel and others. Last week it issued a letter challenging Anonymous to “bring it.”
The Anonymous member on the radio show today said it felt compelled to attack because of what it claimed was the church’s belligerent response to the hoax letter.
lulz
| 245 |
Achilles Tang Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:00:29am |
re: #238 iossarian
See above - the 1500 ft number is incorrect (though, of course, you could envisage a track which was just plotted on a gentler curve than the surface and only went down to this depth).
Yes. Real science fiction imagining going that deep.
| 246 |
Cannadian Club Akbar Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:01:05am |
re: #241 Obdicut
Let’s be fair. The left had their times talking about offing Bush.
| 247 |
Talking Point Detective Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:01:34am |
re: #231 kirkspencer
Don’t know if you saw the clip I posted in #105, but I think you’ll find it interesting. There are a couple of points I disagree with (the facile connection he makes between schooling and the reduction in divergent thinking as kids get older), but it speaks nicely to what we discussed about the industrial legacy of the design of our educational systems.
I’d be curious to hear your thoughts.
| 248 |
Obdicut Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:02:12am |
re: #246 Cannadian Club Akbar
Let’s be fair. The left had their times talking about offing Bush.
Sigh.
A) How is that being ‘fair’?
B) Which Democratic Representative laughed at a joke about assassinating Bush?
| 249 |
Vicious Babushka Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:02:16am |
re: #244 RogueOne
Anonymous hacks church Web site during live interview
[Link: www.computerworld.com…]lulz
Glad to see they have decided to go after safe and popular targets.
| 250 |
RogueOne Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:02:52am |
re: #246 Cannadian Club Akbar
Let’s be fair. The left had their times talking about offing Bush.
If the other reporting is accurate the congressman should have pointed out that the question was entirely out of line instead of just ignoring it and supplying an answer to a question that wasn’t actually asked.
| 251 |
Obdicut Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:04:18am |
re: #249 Alouette
They’ll go back to harassing teenage girls eventually.
| 252 |
RogueOne Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:05:53am |
re: #249 Alouette
Glad to see they have decided to go after safe and popular targets.
It’s nice to see them take time out of their busy schedule harassing dictatorial regimes and focus on dick clans in KS.
| 253 |
Vicious Babushka Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:11:19am |
re: #252 RogueOne
It’s nice to see them take time out of their busy schedule harassing dictatorial regimes and focus on dick clans in KS.
They’ve been harassing Libya? I thought their last target was Bank of America (not to say that’s not a dictatorial regime, but BofA isn’t shooting down customers who are late with their credit card payments)
| 254 |
Our Precious Bodily Fluids Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:11:22am |
Listened to an outstanding radio documentary about Mississippi and the civil rights movement. There was a lot of fascinating info about the Citizens’ Council which has been a topic at LGF not too long ago.
One of the things that struck me was how the rhetoric of the unabashedly racist hatemongers of the day was so frighteningly similar to what’s coming out of the far right today. Not necessarily race, but substitute any other hot-button topic: gays, liberals, ‘abortionists’, unions, Planned Parenthood, the president, you name it.
It’s easy to forget that we have some really horrible ugliness in our not-too-distant history, and there’s no reason to think it couldn’t get that ugly again.
| 255 |
Cannadian Club Akbar Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:12:21am |
re: #248 Obdicut
Sigh.
A) How is that being ‘fair’?
B) Which Democratic Representative laughed at a joke about assassinating Bush?
[Link: maroonedinmarin.blogspot.com…]
| 256 |
RogueOne Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:15:12am |
Alex Jones being interviewed on MSNBC again about Charlie Sheen.
| 257 |
rwdflynavy Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:15:13am |
re: #251 Obdicut
They’ll go back to harassing teenage girls eventually.
They seem to have acquired the taste for larger game.//
| 258 |
rwdflynavy Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:16:10am |
re: #255 Cannadian Club Akbar
[Link: maroonedinmarin.blogspot.com…]
Ha Ha! Jokes on you, he’s a Senator, not a Representative!!!//
| 259 |
Killgore Trout Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:16:39am |
re: #256 RogueOne
Alex Jones being interviewed on MSNBC again about Charlie Sheen.
Alex Jones is getting a lot of publicity out of this one. I hate to see him interviewed on mainstream news chanels, they never let their audience know what a freak he is.
| 260 |
Cannadian Club Akbar Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:16:49am |
re: #256 RogueOne
Alex Jones being interviewed on MSNBC again about Charlie Sheen.
Sheen is an anti-semite douchebag. And a troofer.
| 261 |
rwdflynavy Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:17:24am |
re: #260 Cannadian Club Akbar
Sheen is an anti-semite douchebag. And a troofer.
and a drunk misogynist.
| 262 |
Stormageddon, Dark Lord of All Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:17:51am |
A question, did the Democrats Attack Barbara or Laura Bush Like this? I’m seriously trying to remember, because it seems like the right goes after Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama with a vitriol that you never saw directed at the Republican first ladies.
“There’s so much anger in the criticism surrounding Michelle Obama,” said Myra Gutin, a Rider University professor and author of a biography of Barbara Bush and a book on 20th century first ladies. “It seems almost personal to me.”
And while politico spends half the time giving republicans every opportunity to try to justify going after Michelle, at least they’ve touched on a point that doesn’t seem to get enough traction. Why do they spend so much energy, anger, and bitterness at the Democrat’s First Ladies?
| 263 |
Kragar Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:17:54am |
| 264 |
Killgore Trout Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:18:11am |
CNN: Defiant Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi urges supporters to “sing, dance and be happy” in appearance aired on Friday.
| 265 |
Obdicut Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:18:42am |
re: #255 Cannadian Club Akbar
Um, to me, that’s rather clearly figurative, given that they’re talking about campaigning. A bad joke, but not an actual joke about killing Bush, but about taking over at the White House.
| 266 |
Cannadian Club Akbar Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:18:56am |
re: #259 Killgore Trout
Alex Jones is getting a lot of publicity out of this one. I hate to see him interviewed on mainstream news chanels, they never let their audience know what a freak he is.
Jones said that all the dead birds that fell from the sky had gel, basically, instead of guts and bones as their insides. Gubment death ray of something.
| 267 |
Vicious Babushka Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:19:10am |
re: #260 Cannadian Club Akbar
Sheen is an anti-semite douchebag. And a troofer.
So Charlie Sheen had a Mel Gibson moment.
| 268 |
Obdicut Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:20:27am |
re: #262 bloodstar
Short answer: No.
Long answer: Aside from some rather shameful things said about Laura Bush’s fatal car crash when she was 17, and stupid things about her not being able to control their daughters, she was never really a focus.
Barbara is actually more liberal than Bush, and kind of sweet, so she never got it very bad at all.
| 269 |
RogueOne Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:20:38am |
re: #262 bloodstar
oh yeah, and don’t forget the daughters.
| 270 |
RogueOne Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:22:44am |
re: #260 Cannadian Club Akbar
Sheen is an anti-semite douchebag. And a troofer.
It’s going to take more than calling a guy by his real first name before I toss him in with Mel Gibson.
| 271 |
Achilles Tang Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:23:01am |
re: #247 Talking Point Detective
I watched that and found it had many valid points, but few if any real solutions. I also in particular question the 98% genius level in the test mentioned. That voids the meaning of genius, and I doubt that later tests on older children were identical to that given to kindergartens.
The question is whether those types of tests have been validated against something socially measurable.
But, interesting nevertheless.
| 273 |
Talking Point Detective Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:26:52am |
re: #269 RogueOne
oh yeah, and don’t forget the daughters.
Just sayin’
Appearing on Laura Ingraham’s radio show today, Sarah Palin said that while she “love[s] the Bushes,” she sees George H.W. and Barbara Bush as “blue bloods” who are trying to “pick and choose” the 2012 Republican presidential nominee for president.
It’s amazing that as much as I find the tit-for-tat tiresome, I reflexively fall right in line.
| 274 |
rwdflynavy Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:26:53am |
re: #270 RogueOne
It’s going to take more than calling a guy by his real first name before I toss him in with Mel Gibson.
Is that right sugar tits?// Happy Birthday btw!
| 276 |
Killgore Trout Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:29:28am |
| 279 |
Kragar Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:36:32am |
Charlies gone mental. CBS shut down production of his show, but he apparently showed up for work anyways and started complaining that no one was there.
| 280 |
kirkspencer Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:36:39am |
re: #247 Talking Point Detective
Don’t know if you saw the clip I posted in #105, but I think you’ll find it interesting. There are a couple of points I disagree with (the facile connection he makes between schooling and the reduction in divergent thinking as kids get older), but it speaks nicely to what we discussed about the industrial legacy of the design of our educational systems.
I’d be curious to hear your thoughts.
Saw it. It was masterfully done. It begged several questions - treated several assumptions as fact - which makes me cautious in accepting the conclusions. That said there were points worth considering.
| 281 |
Talking Point Detective Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:38:19am |
re: #271 Naso Tang
I watched that and found it had many valid points, but few if any real solutions. I also in particular question the 98% genius level in the test mentioned. That voids the meaning of genius, and I doubt that later tests on older children were identical to that given to kindergartens.
The question is whether those types of tests have been validated against something socially measurable.
But, interesting nevertheless.
Yeah - I would like to read the actual study. But it is an interesting take on how people measure “intelligence.” On the one hand, I very much admire rational, scientific analysis (in other words, what some refer to as logical-mathematical intelligence). On the other hand, there is something to be said for the “divergent thinking” that speaks to a different kind of “intelligence” - not to imply that they’re necessarily mutually exclusive.
It does speak to the prejudice, however, in how people view the very idea of genius.
And yeah - in terms of the nuts and bolts of solution, the clip is lacking:
Here’s something else: While I agree with it at a philosophical level, the reality is that in this society today, kids who do well in schools tend to do better in life. Part of that is more correlation than it is causation: Kids who come from better economic circumstances do better in schools for a variety of reasons - not the least because the paradigm of how kids are judged in schools reflects the sociological characteristics of the white middle- to upper-class. So, saying that you need to focus on getting kids from other backgrounds to do better in school and standardized testing is important, but it is a bit of a losing battle because you’re not digging down to some of the causative reasons why they don’t do well in schools and on testing. Still, with focused effort you can get kids from other backgrounds to do better in school and on standardized testing and in that sense you can help them towards better futures even if the entire paradigm is inherently fucked up. Essentially, even though our educational system often crushes real intellectual development - which is inextricably linked to abilities in divergent thinking - isn’t there a real-world obligation to help kids do well in that system?
It’s all very complicated. The part about ADHD is also interesting. As a former special education teacher, I see the “epidemic” of ADHD diagnosis as another reflection of biases. It’s amazing to see how some kids with ADHD are incredibly concentrated when they’re doing something they enjoy. One of the most “distracted” kids I ever worked with - couldn’t sit still for a minute in the classroom - was a pure genius at concentrating when he was fishing. Still, I know someone in her early 40s who just started taking medicine for ADHD (she’s actually a special education teacher), and it has had a dramatically positive effect.
| 282 |
Talking Point Detective Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:38:52am |
re: #280 kirkspencer
Saw it. It was masterfully done. It begged several questions - treated several assumptions as fact - which makes me cautious in accepting the conclusions. That said there were points worth considering.
Agreed on all points.
| 283 |
darthstar Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:39:40am |
| 284 |
RogueOne Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:42:15am |
re: #273 Talking Point Detective
Just sayin’
Not only wasn’t bush as conservative as some would have liked (like Palin/tea party types) but he’s also a party stalwart which gives them another reason to be irritable with him.
| 285 |
zora Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:47:14am |
re: #255 Cannadian Club Akbar
[Link: maroonedinmarin.blogspot.com…]
not cute. kerry should have known better.
| 286 |
Stormageddon, Dark Lord of All Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:48:24am |
re: #269 RogueOne
oh yeah, and don’t forget the daughters.
The one’s that got arrested? you sure you want to go down that road?
Chelsea Clinton got ridiculed by Rush and Boortz simply for being an awkward looking young teen.
as it is now, you’ve had Beck ridiculing the Obama Daughters last year.
BECK: (laughing) This is such a ridiculous — this is such a ridiculous thing that his daughter— (imitating Malia) Daddy?GRAY: It’s so stupid.
BECK: How old is his daughter? Like, thirteen?
GRAY: Well, one of them’s, I think, thirteen, one’s eleven, or something.
BECK: “Did you plug the hole yet, daddy?” Is that’s their — that’s the level of their education, that they’re coming to — they’re coming to daddy and saying ‘Daddy, did you plug the hole yet?’ ” Plug the hole!
So you want to make an equivalence between ridiculing adult children for getting so drunk they were arrested and ridiculing young kids for being ugly or for being… dumb?
Really?
| 287 |
iossarian Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:54:03am |
I wonder how Laura Bush (ex elementary school librarian) feels about events in Wisconsin?
| 288 |
Kragar Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:54:45am |
Oh Bryan, thanks for being a proctologists dream of being the perfect asshole.
Obama’s refusal to defend DOMA violates his oath of office
The entire argument based on marriage “equality” is just gas. Homosexuals already have full marriage equality: they can get married, same as everybody else, to an adult, non-relative member of the opposite sex. Don’t let them fool you with all this “equality” bloviation. They already have full equality under the law; they have exactly the same rights as everybody else. What they want are special rights based solely on sexually deviant behavior. No sane society should ever commit such folly.
Plus a PS:
Utter folly: The U.S. ICE agent cut down in cold blood in Mexico by a drug cartel was unarmed! At U.S. insistence! This is just as bad as forcing the soldiers at Ft. Hood to be unarmed when Maj. Hasan shouted “Allahu Akhbar” and started shooting up infidels.
Douchebag.
| 289 |
Achilles Tang Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:55:24am |
re: #281 Talking Point Detective
Generalizing, I find that most discussions of education and its direction are only about school and classrooms. I’ve raised children and I know that without the home and family part of the equation schools alone cannot do much better than they do.
When we have significant portion of children being raised by children (usually just one) we can only expect success to be the exception rather than the rule.
| 290 |
RogueOne Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:58:20am |
re: #286 bloodstar
I’ll happily go down that road. I’ve been saying since the election that all this talk of “it’s never been this bad, Im scared!” is both silly and completely ignores 200+ years of history. Politics is an ugly sport and neither side are angels nor are they in it for strictly altruistic reasons. Look what was said about the palin kids, the bush kids, chelsea, Laura, Nancy, Ron jr., Ron Sr., Bill, Hillary, Bush Jr & Sr. It wasn’t really all that long ago that Clinton said he wanted to punch William Safire for insulting Hillary and Truman threatened to punch one for insulting his daughter. None of this is new or “worse than it’s ever been”.
| 291 |
Kragar Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:00:40am |
Oh, For fucks sake;
Rep. Paul Broun Asked At Town Hall: ‘Who Is Going To Shoot Obama?’
The Athens Banner-Herald in Georgia reports that a shocking question was asked at a town hall event held by Rep. Paul Broun (R-Ga.) on Tuesday. According to the article, an audience member asked the congressman, “Who is going to shoot Obama?”
…Two witnesses tell Talking Points Memo that Broun laughed after the question was asked. The Banner-Herald reported that the question got “a big laugh” at the event.
| 292 |
Obdicut Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:02:54am |
re: #290 RogueOne
Do you think things are always exactly as bad?
| 293 |
Stormageddon, Dark Lord of All Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:04:36am |
re: #290 RogueOne
I’ll happily go down that road. I’ve been saying since the election that all this talk of “it’s never been this bad, Im scared!” is both silly and completely ignores 200+ years of history. Politics is an ugly sport and neither side are angels nor are they in it for strictly altruistic reasons. Look what was said about the palin kids, the bush kids, chelsea, Laura, Nancy, Ron jr., Ron Sr., Bill, Hillary, Bush Jr & Sr. It wasn’t really all that long ago that Clinton said he wanted to punch William Safire for insulting Hillary and Truman threatened to punch one for insulting his daughter. None of this is new or “worse than it’s ever been”.
I agree that things have been worse before, but to use that as a rationale for ignoring bad behavior now doesn’t do this country nor discourse and discussion any good.
People taking cheap shots and shallow attacks isn’t going to reduce the deficit or unemployment or keep our borders secure, in fact it becomes a grand distraction of theater that does nothing except give people something to titillate over.
I’m tired of it and really want people to regain a sense of decency. Maybe it never existed, but it’s time that it did.
| 294 |
SanFranciscoZionist Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:07:57am |
re: #74 researchok
What they deserve is to be fired.
An almost impossible proposition.
In her sentencing Monday before Superior Court Judge Frank C. Mills III, Peavy agreed to surrender her teaching certificate and not apply for another certificate anywhere else. She also agreed not to do volunteer work or seek employment where she would work with, teach or tutor children, according to the Cherokee County clerk’s office.
Done and done.
| 295 |
SanFranciscoZionist Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:09:46am |
re: #118 ggt
Sees the chiropractor for everything.
Well, a good chiropractor can help if your back needs adjusting.
Not so useful in cases of, I dunno, diabetes.
| 296 |
dmon Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:10:13am |
I really tire of political opponents, answering each example of crass, insulting behavior, by pointing out the other side did it too.
I didn’t tolerate that excuse from my children when they were little “But dad, Jimmy did it too”…….. So why do we tolerate from other adults.
When something is wrong….it’s wrong…whether you agree with the speakers politics or not.
| 297 |
SanFranciscoZionist Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:10:58am |
re: #126 RogueOne
Morning all! Have I mentioned how tired I am of all this damn snow? I’ve already gone through 100lbs of salt this year.
Last night’s storm passed off, and it’s bright and sunny this morning. But snow at sea level is predicted for this weekend, which is pretty much a once-every-thirty-years-or-so thing in the Bay Area.
| 298 |
HappyWarrior Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:11:53am |
re: #291 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)
Oh, For fucks sake;
Rep. Paul Broun Asked At Town Hall: ‘Who Is Going To Shoot Obama?’
Broun’s a fucking coward. Shit, I had frustration with George W. Bush and never would I ever suggest shooting him as a viable option. Fuck these people. They were totally nasty to any critic of George W Bush but now that we have a Democratic and a black president to boot, they think they can talk about shooting him. Fuckers. Sorry for sounding so angry but I am so tired of these reactionary assholes.
| 299 |
Semper Fi Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:12:53am |
re: #296 dmon
I really tire of political opponents, answering each example of crass, insulting behavior, by pointing out the other side did it too.
I didn’t tolerate that excuse from my children when they were little “But dad, Jimmy did it too”… So why do we tolerate from other adults.
When something is wrong…it’s wrong…whether you agree with the speakers politics or not.
Upding and a big high five…
Good morning everybody.
| 301 |
SanFranciscoZionist Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:14:04am |
re: #174 Ericus58
#1529: A journalist calling himself journodave tweets: My god. Libyan security intercepts caller live on AJE [Al-Jazeera English] “Get off this phone, get off this phone, you cannot speak to AlJazeera”.
Does Libya have any high profile seats on any U.N. panels?
Well, they’re on the Human Rights Committee.
| 302 |
Political Atheist Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:15:48am |
re: #296 dmon
I do not see a big difference between Charlie Sheen ruining the #1 sit com with his bad behavior and insults and the GOP and the threatened shut down of the government. Both cost ordinary employees money, both disrupt an ongoing enterprise…
| 303 |
Obdicut Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:15:59am |
re: #298 HappyWarrior
He’s now claiming he didn’t respond because he didn’t want to ‘dignify it.
Tuesday night at a town hall meeting in Oglethorpe County, Georgia an elderly man asked the abhorrent question, “Who’s going to shoot Obama?” I was stunned by the question and chose not to dignify it with a response; therefore, at that moment I moved on to the next person with a question. After the event, my office took action with the appropriate authorities. I deeply regret that this incident happened at all. Furthermore, I condemn all statements—made in sincerity or jest—that threaten or suggest the use of violence against the President of the United States or any other public official. Such rhetoric cannot and will not be tolerated.
36 Merryweather
Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:14:44am replyquote
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re: #35 Thanos
Update: Broun has a press statement now
Tuesday night at a town hall meeting in Oglethorpe County, Georgia an elderly man asked the abhorrent question, “Who’s going to shoot Obama?” I was stunned by the question and chose not to dignify it with a response; therefore, at that moment I moved on to the next person with a question. After the event, my office took action with the appropriate authorities. I deeply regret that this incident happened at all. Furthermore, I condemn all statements—made in sincerity or jest—that threaten or suggest the use of violence against the President of the United States or any other public official. Such rhetoric cannot and will not be tolerated.
Which is kind of a bizarre thing to say, since he did respond.
| 304 |
SanFranciscoZionist Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:16:34am |
re: #201 lawhawk
Khadafi’s Benghazi palace was torched by Libyan protesters.
I’m sure many masterpieces on black velvet were lost to humanity.
| 305 |
RogueOne Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:17:25am |
re: #293 bloodstar
Agreed but generally I see a lot of people using minor slights as a way to score political points and to try to shut down debate. We have to draw the line somewhere (like when someone asks a question about shooting the president) but for the most part I let rhetoric slide. It is what it is. Making fun of your political opponents goes back further than our nation has been on the planet, I have a feeling we’ll survive.
| 306 |
HappyWarrior Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:17:35am |
re: #303 Obdicut
He’s now claiming he didn’t respond because he didn’t want to ‘dignify it.
Tuesday night at a town hall meeting in Oglethorpe County, Georgia an elderly man asked the abhorrent question, “Who’s going to shoot Obama?” I was stunned by the question and chose not to dignify it with a response; therefore, at that moment I moved on to the next person with a question. After the event, my office took action with the appropriate authorities. I deeply regret that this incident happened at all. Furthermore, I condemn all statements—made in sincerity or jest—that threaten or suggest the use of violence against the President of the United States or any other public official. Such rhetoric cannot and will not be tolerated.
36 Merryweather
Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:14:44am replyquote
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re: #35 ThanosUpdate: Broun has a press statement now
Which is kind of a bizarre thing to say, since he did respond.
So he’s a liar as well as a douchebag. I remember this guy. He was claiming early on that Obama was like Hitler. I swear these people who think Obama is a dictator need to read history books and talk to people who actually have suffered under real not imagined totaltarianism.
| 307 |
RogueOne Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:18:16am |
re: #292 Obdicut
Do you think things are always exactly as bad?
I think things used to be worse. IMO, we’re actually becoming more civilized.
| 308 |
SanFranciscoZionist Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:20:17am |
re: #239 Killgore Trout
Witnesses: Republican Laughed When Asked ‘Who’s Gonna Shoot Obama?’
This is getting sort of creepy.
| 309 |
RogueOne Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:20:37am |
| 310 |
S'latch Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:20:51am |
“As soon as you stop wanting something you get it.”
I wonder if that is because as soon as you get it, you stop wanting it.
| 311 |
iossarian Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:21:53am |
re: #294 SanFranciscoZionist
In her sentencing Monday before Superior Court Judge Frank C. Mills III, Peavy agreed to surrender her teaching certificate and not apply for another certificate anywhere else. She also agreed not to do volunteer work or seek employment where she would work with, teach or tutor children, according to the Cherokee County clerk’s office.
Done and done.
You must be mistaken. Teachers are never fired, it is against the laws of the universe.
| 312 |
kirkspencer Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:22:16am |
re: #310 Lawrence Schmerel
“As soon as you stop wanting something you get it.”
I wonder if that is because as soon as you get it, you stop wanting it.
Sorta like “It was in the last place I looked.” What, you keep looking after you found something?
| 313 |
RogueOne Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:22:44am |
re: #311 iossarian
You must be mistaken. Teachers are never fired, it is against the laws of the universe.
It took a court order.//
| 314 |
RogueOne Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:23:26am |
K, my quotes are out and so am I. Enjoy the rest of the day people.
| 315 |
Bear Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:23:56am |
As a former resident of San Francisco, I hope that the folks now living there will report about any snow that my fall there and just where it was.
| 316 |
brennant Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:24:17am |
re: #306 HappyWarrior
So he’s a liar as well as a douchebag. I remember this guy. He was claiming early on that Obama was like Hitler. I swear these people who think Obama is a dictator need to read history books and talk to people who actually have suffered under real not imagined totaltarianism.
So easy to put out a statement vs. taking on nuts right then and there. When will a politician take on their own base that is clearly out of control?
Now I am waiting for the nutosphere to say this guy was a lefty.
| 317 |
Kragar Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:25:00am |
re: #316 brennant
So easy to put out a statement vs. taking on nuts right then and there. When will a politician take on their own base that is clearly out of control?
Now I am waiting for the nutosphere to say this guy was a lefty.
Obviously a liberal plant from out of state.
| 318 |
SanFranciscoZionist Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:25:16am |
re: #265 Obdicut
Um, to me, that’s rather clearly figurative, given that they’re talking about campaigning. A bad joke, but not an actual joke about killing Bush, but about taking over at the White House.
Not sure about that, to be honest, although it’s not immediately clear to me WHAT he means.
| 319 |
HappyWarrior Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:27:18am |
re: #316 brennant
So easy to put out a statement vs. taking on nuts right then and there. When will a politician take on their own base that is clearly out of control?
Now I am waiting for the nutosphere to say this guy was a lefty.
Well when I have seen Republicans take on their lunatic base, they get rewarded with boos. Mike Castle, whom Christine O’Donnell beat in the primary for Delaware Senate called out crazies at a Town Hall and the result wasn’t pretty. And yeah you just know they’re going to be calling him a lefty. It’s the “No True Scotsman” thing except it’s “No True Conservative.” Everything bad is by the left and when the right does bad stuff, it’s because they were actually more to the left. It’s nonsense.
| 320 |
wrenchwench Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:28:58am |
re: #296 dmon
I really tire of political opponents, answering each example of crass, insulting behavior, by pointing out the other side did it too.
I didn’t tolerate that excuse from my children when they were little “But dad, Jimmy did it too”… So why do we tolerate from other adults.
When something is wrong…it’s wrong…whether you agree with the speakers politics or not.
Are you trying to force the Magical Balance Fairy out of a job? Fairies have to eat too!! [I think…]
| 322 |
SanFranciscoZionist Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:29:33am |
re: #311 iossarian
You must be mistaken. Teachers are never fired, it is against the laws of the universe.
It happens all the time. You don’t even need to tape a child to a chair to get canned.
| 323 |
Obdicut Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:32:32am |
re: #307 RogueOne
I think things used to be worse. IMO, we’re actually becoming more civilized.
Given that your impression runs contrary to most people, what do you take away from that?
| 324 |
RadicalModerate Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:43:27am |
Dammit Texas.
THIS IS WHY WE CAN’T HAVE NICE THINGS.
Texas State students offer scholarships exclusively for white males
So Bohannan, a mass communication major and Iraq war veteran, and others formed the Former Majority Association for Equality — a San Marcos-based nonprofit group that is offering five $500 scholarships exclusively to white male students.
Bohannan, the group’s president, said the name comes from the idea that “if you’re not a male, and if you’re not white, you’re called a minority.” However, he said, “I’m not sure white males are the majority anymore.”
[…]
Bohannan’s group isn’t the first to offer scholarships only for white students. In 2006, Boston University’s College Republicans created a program with similar requirements. A Republican group at a university in Rhode Island offered a similar award in 2004.Those groups claimed the scholarships made a statement against affirmative action. Bohannan said his group is not taking any stance for or against affirmative action.
“It’s time in our society to look at the way our culture views race,” he said. “It’s time to give everyone an equal shot.”
| 325 |
Mad Prophet Ludwig Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:44:03am |
Hello everyone! I see a conversation about teachers and teaching.
To those who are at all negative against teachers, I ask the following questions:
1. When you think about the responsibility of the job, specifically, passing on human knowledge to the next generation in order to perpetuate and advance our civilization, coupled with the fact that these people are tasked with the care and development of your children, what do you think is an honest pay commensurate with the job? Do you realize how hard the job is? Do you care? What they do is more important than almost any corporate vp or “captain of industry.”
2. Given 1, don’t you think it is a good idea to have the wages and benefits that teachers get to be of the sort that attracts really bright and talented people? Do you think 30-50k is a lot of money in today’s economy?
3. Given 2, if you do care that your kids get well educated and are therefore competitive, shouldn’t schools be given adequate funds to hire good teachers - and more importantly, enough of them that your kids get some personal attention rather than having one person tasked with teaching to the middle of 30 bored kids? Don’t you think that perhaps schools should have good facilities?
4. Given 3, what do you think the long term effect on the American economy will when we are consistently out competed by the education systems of other nations?
5. Given 4, do you realize that teaching now - due to government intrusion, by the small government GOP revolves around teaching to tests that are consistently dumbed down, and by teaching to the tests insure that real learning (rather than memorization of trivia) never happens?
6. Given all previous questions, do you think you get something for nothing and do you think our competitors will give us slack when we raise generation after generation of kids who can’t do basic algebra while their kids learn things like calculus and actual physics, chemistry and biology?
The simple fact of the matter is that by dumbing down America, we guarantee our reduction into insignificance.
| 326 |
Mad Prophet Ludwig Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:46:44am |
re: #324 RadicalModerate
Dammit Texas.
THIS IS WHY WE CAN’T HAVE NICE THINGS.Texas State students offer scholarships exclusively for white males
To all defenders of the South:
I get, I really get, that not all Southerners are racist. I get that. I get that there are all sorts of educated and kind hearted Southerners out there. I respect them and you. I do. You are not in charge. The rest of the South consistently reminds us of the sheet wearing, bible banging, difficulty with third grade science, reputation the South has so richly earned. For the love of G-d, stop pretending there isn’t a reason it is called the Southern Strategy, or that the Texas BOE is in Texas.
| 327 |
HappyWarrior Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:52:49am |
OT but the Jayhawks’: Tomorrow the Green Grass Leaves leagcy album is really good.
| 328 |
HappyWarrior Fri, Feb 25, 2011 10:55:18am |
re: #326 LudwigVanQuixote
To all defenders of the South:
I get, I really get, that not all Southerners are racist. I get that. I get that there are all sorts of educated and kind hearted Southerners out there. I respect them and you. I do. You are not in charge. The rest of the South consistently reminds us of the sheet wearing, bible banging, difficulty with third grade science, reputation the South has so richly earned. For the love of G-d, stop pretending there isn’t a reason it is called the Southern Strategy, or that the Texas BOE is in Texas.
Not offended at all really. Believe me as a Southerner, I am sick of people who act like the demise of the CSA was a tragic. It was a wonderful thing. Interesting little story here though, last weekend was the Jefferson-Jackson dinner and I’m a member of College Dems here at GMU. Anyhow, we have a few freshman outsiders and this was the first time for many of them being in more downstate Virginia. One of the guys saw a confederate flag and was sincerely shocked. He actually at first thought it was a joke before us natives explained to him that it was no joke.
| 329 |
Mad Prophet Ludwig Fri, Feb 25, 2011 11:37:15am |
re: #328 HappyWarrior
Just categorically and for the record, I have always respected you and your comments.
| 330 |
HappyWarrior Fri, Feb 25, 2011 11:50:44am |
re: #329 LudwigVanQuixote
Just categorically and for the record, I have always respected you and your comments.
Thanks and likewise. Believe me you don’t offend me when you criticize the South. There’s a lot about the region I love (food, some music, bourbon) but there’s a lot of growing up we need to do.
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