Video: Pandas on a Slide
I think it’s time for a video of pandas playing on a slide, don’t you?
Youtube Video
I think it’s time for a video of pandas playing on a slide, don’t you?
Youtube Video2 | Kragar Mon, Jul 9, 2012 6:50:21pm |
This obviously means LGF was bought by the Chinese.
/
3 | Dark_Falcon Mon, Jul 9, 2012 6:53:11pm |
re: #2 Kragar
This obviously means LGF was bought by the Chinese.
/
The very fact that Chuck shows videos of pandas is evidence he's an irrelevant enviroNAZI!!1
/I wish I was kidding, but the haters really do hate that much.
4 | PhillyPretzel Mon, Jul 9, 2012 6:54:24pm |
funny and cute. You can't get better than that.
5 | Kragar Mon, Jul 9, 2012 6:56:03pm |
re: #3 Dark_Falcon
/I wish I was kidding, but the haters really do hate that much.
There is only one thing I can say about that...
6 | Stanghazi Mon, Jul 9, 2012 6:58:40pm |
When the first baby panda arrived at the San Diego Zoo, back in the infancy of the popular internet, it was where I watched. 24/7 those creatures are fab.
7 | jaunte Mon, Jul 9, 2012 7:00:07pm |
Keep your pandas damp:
8 | ReamWorks SKG Mon, Jul 9, 2012 7:00:52pm |
Greetings from Times Square!
Image: 7511895056_dd3b7181e7_c.jpg
In NY tonight, on a flight from EWR to ARN tomorrow. Saw "Book of Mormon" and "Silence!" The Silence of the Lambs Musical in NY.
BTW: I'm pissed I wasn't invited to Barney Frank's wedding:
[Link: www.nytimes.com...]
9 | thatthatisis Mon, Jul 9, 2012 7:04:33pm |
Sorry to get political in the face of cute pandas, but why oh why do the Chinese have a tall slide that feeds directly onto . . . concrete?
10 | ReamWorks SKG Mon, Jul 9, 2012 7:06:11pm |
re: #9 thatthatisis
It's bugging me that the swing is broken!
11 | prairiefire Mon, Jul 9, 2012 7:06:14pm |
They need to put a bit of padding at the bottom.
12 | prairiefire Mon, Jul 9, 2012 7:06:40pm |
re: #9 thatthatisis
Sorry to get political in the face of cute pandas, but why oh why do the Chinese have a tall slide that feeds directly onto . . . concrete?
Exactly.
13 | Dark_Falcon Mon, Jul 9, 2012 7:06:53pm |
re: #8 ReamWorks SKG
Greetings from Times Square!
Image: 7511895056_dd3b7181e7_c.jpg
In NY tonight, on a flight from EWR to ARN tomorrow. Saw "Book of Mormon" and "Silence!" The Silence of the Lambs Musical in NY.
BTW: I'm pissed I wasn't invited to Barney Frank's wedding:
[Link: www.nytimes.com...]
Did you follow your second musical experience in proper fashion, with fava beans and Chianti? :D
14 | Inconsequential Consequence Mon, Jul 9, 2012 7:07:27pm |
They're all cute until they eat you.
16 | Dancing along the light of day Mon, Jul 9, 2012 7:08:41pm |
re: #14 b_sharp
They prefer bamboo shoots, to you.
17 | ReamWorks SKG Mon, Jul 9, 2012 7:09:15pm |
re: #13 Dark_Falcon
Of course!
Silence! is a great show. This is the second time I saw it, the first at the NYC Fringe Festival a couple years ago. The book's been tightened up, they have a great cast, and they moved to PS122.
[Link: www.silencethemusicalnyc.com...]
19 | Inconsequential Consequence Mon, Jul 9, 2012 7:11:42pm |
re: #16 Dancing along the light of day
They prefer bamboo shoots, to you.
That's what they want us to believe.
They're cunning bears.
21 | Inconsequential Consequence Mon, Jul 9, 2012 7:14:13pm |
22 | ReamWorks SKG Mon, Jul 9, 2012 7:31:06pm |
Oh! It's not as cute as pandas on a slide, but I've been oddly fascinated by a strange subculture I discovered in a corner on the Internet: elevatorspotters
Here's a new video that one of the 'vatorspotters posted today; they're all excited over a new ThyssenKrupp hydraulic with geared doors:
23 | Dark_Falcon Mon, Jul 9, 2012 7:34:00pm |
re: #22 ReamWorks SKG
Oh! It's not as cute as pandas on a slide, but I've been oddly fascinated by a strange subculture I discovered in a corner on the Internet: elevatorspotters
Here's a new video that one of the 'vatorspotters posted today; they're all excited over a new ThyssenKrupp hydraulic with geared doors:
[Embedded content]
Not the first people to praise Krupp steel, though such praise is easier when that Krupp steel isn't being used to shoot things at you.
24 | Ojoe Mon, Jul 9, 2012 7:40:23pm |
25 | Kragar Mon, Jul 9, 2012 7:47:03pm |
26 | Ojoe Mon, Jul 9, 2012 7:47:21pm |
The fine elevator of the Bradbury Building in Los Angeles, California.
28 | freetoken Mon, Jul 9, 2012 7:56:29pm |
Merging wingnut outrages:
UN ARMS CONTROL TREATY!!
+
GUN CONTROL!!
29 | SpaceJesus Mon, Jul 9, 2012 7:57:54pm |
Town in New Mexico has 4th of July float parade. Tea Party enters a float with the Confederate Battle Flag on it and wins prize for best float.
[Link: www.lcsun-news.com...]
30 | Kragar Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:02:37pm |
re: #29 SpaceJesus
Town in New Mexico has 4th of July float parade. Tea Party enters a float with the Confederate Battle Flag on it and wins prize for best float.
[Link: www.lcsun-news.com...]
I'm really getting tired of these anti-American bastards claiming they love the US while pissing all over it.
31 | Gus Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:02:54pm |
re: #28 freetoken
Merging wingnut outrages:
UN ARMS CONTROL TREATY!!
+
GUN CONTROL!!
...
Not only will it bring international gun control to the USA! but it will be part of a complicated attempt for the eventual Iranian Caliphate!! to Amreica now that an Iranian has been made a deputy for drawing up the arms treaty! People need to listen to Dick Morris and Pamela Geller and learn!!
32 | jaunte Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:03:40pm |
re: #29 SpaceJesus
"I don't see why anyone should have an objection to it. The Confederate flag was never meant to be racial. I know it's been presented that way, but we [white men] don't see it as racial," Wall said.
Moron.
33 | Dark_Falcon Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:06:04pm |
re: #25 Kragar
PA City Defies Court Order; Reduces Police Officers, Firefighters’ Pay To Minimum Wage
I find it problematic that Think Progress sees fit to blame Congressional Republicans for not borrowing additional funds to pay state and local employees, yet it neglects to mention that the mayor of Scranton who is imposing these pay cuts is a Democrat. A rather clear example of bias, wouldn't you say?
34 | Stanghazi Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:07:59pm |
re: #8 ReamWorks SKG
Greetings from Times Square!
Image: 7511895056_dd3b7181e7_c.jpg
In NY tonight, on a flight from EWR to ARN tomorrow. Saw "Book of Mormon" and "Silence!" The Silence of the Lambs Musical in NY.
BTW: I'm pissed I wasn't invited to Barney Frank's wedding:
[Link: www.nytimes.com...]
Yeah! have a great time. want the review of the book of Mormon. PLEASE
35 | SpaceJesus Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:13:41pm |
re: #32 jaunte
my favorite:
"The whole purpose of the Tea Party is to get people involved, and this has certainly done that, maybe not to a good extent, but at least they're paying attention," she said."
derp derp derp derp
36 | Gus Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:14:01pm |
Here it is.
Impressive QATAR Airways 787 Dreamliner Display, Farnborough International Airshow
Farnborough 2012. Do not try this at home.
37 | Targetpractice Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:15:06pm |
re: #32 jaunte
Moron.
Sadly, that prick speaks for a lot of Neo-Confederates who are absolutely convinced that the flag is simply a sign of their "heritage," that there's nothing inherently racist about it, and that the whole Civil War (or "War of Northern Aggression" as they like to keep telling themselves) was not in any way about slavery.
38 | Kragar Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:17:42pm |
re: #37 Targetpractice
Sadly, that prick speaks for a lot of Neo-Confederates who are absolutely convinced that the flag is simply a sign of their "heritage," that there's nothing inherently racist about it, and that the whole Civil War (or "War of Northern Aggression" as they like to keep telling themselves) was not in any way about slavery.
And yet for some reason, they all get really pissed when you bring up the fact that Sherman kicked their sorry asses.
39 | SpaceJesus Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:20:02pm |
re: #38 Kragar
Just tell them that General Sherman felt threatened and was standing his ground
40 | Dark_Falcon Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:20:44pm |
re: #37 Targetpractice
Sadly, that prick speaks for a lot of Neo-Confederates who are absolutely convinced that the flag is simply a sign of their "heritage," that there's nothing inherently racist about it, and that the whole Civil War (or "War of Northern Aggression" as they like to keep telling themselves) was not in any way about slavery.
My own Civil War Heritage:
41 | The Questionable Timing of a Flea Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:22:56pm |
re: #37 Targetpractice
Sadly, that prick speaks for a lot of Neo-Confederates who are absolutely convinced that the flag is simply a sign of their "heritage," that there's nothing inherently racist about it, and that the whole Civil War (or "War of Northern Aggression" as they like to keep telling themselves) was not in any way about slavery.
Also stupid: that they don't know they're flying the Battle Flag, not the Stars and Bars.
42 | Kragar Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:24:16pm |
re: #39 SpaceJesus
Just tell them that General Sherman felt threatened and was standing his ground
The Union army was just relaxing around Chattanooga when Sherman said, "Hey, who wants to see Atlanta? Maybe hit the beach?" and things kind of just went from there.
43 | Targetpractice Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:24:27pm |
re: #38 Kragar
And yet for some reason, they all get really pissed when you bring up the fact that Sherman kicked their sorry asses.
Don't think there's many Southerners alive who don't curse the man's name even now.
44 | The Questionable Timing of a Flea Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:26:50pm |
re: #42 Kragar
The Union army was just relaxing around Chattanooga when Sherman said, "Hey, who wants to see Atlanta? Maybe hit the beach?" and things kind of just went from there.
Road trips are known to get out of hand.
45 | Kragar Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:28:25pm |
re: #44 The Ghost of a Flea
Road trips are known to get out of hand.
Basic rule of the road "You don't start shit, there won't be shit."
46 | Dancing along the light of day Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:30:21pm |
re: #39 SpaceJesus
Just tell them that General
ShermanSpace Jesus felt threatened and was standing his ground
47 | SpaceJesus Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:31:07pm |
General Sherman is well regarded in the halls of West Point as the father of the "Total Road Trip" doctrine.
48 | Dark_Falcon Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:35:51pm |
re: #41 The Ghost of a Flea
Also stupid: that they don't know they're flying the Battle Flag, not the Stars and Bars.
It's still an interesting article in the that it gives some facts about the 1862 New Mexico Campaign, which most Americans do not know happened. Of note is that the Union officer who led the raid that destroyed the Confederate Supplies at the Johnson Ranch during the Battle of Glorieta Pass, Maj. John Chivington, commanded the massacre of Native Americans at Sand Creek two and a half years later.
50 | Dancing along the light of day Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:36:52pm |
re: #47 SpaceJesus
LOL! Our SJ is well regarded not necessarily at West Point!
51 | Gus Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:36:55pm |
Over to Air Tattoo...
Super Hornet. Watch at around 5:30 to see what looks like a 45 degree plus angle of attack at around 80 KIA? A lot of thrust lift. Nice nose up landing.
52 | Bentis Fughazi Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:36:56pm |
re: #29 SpaceJesus
Town in New Mexico has 4th of July float parade. Tea Party enters a float with the Confederate Battle Flag on it and wins prize for best float.
[Link: www.lcsun-news.com...]
Quoth the Las Cruces Sun-News:
Jo Wall, the secretary of the Las Cruces Tea Party, said her organization did not intend to offend people, but rather to accurately present the area's history. Despite the backlash, Wall said the Tea Party was right to display the Stars and Bars on its float.
"Because it's history, and you can't change history. I know they're trying to, but you can't," Wall said.
Let's Godwin that shit out of that sucker!
Jo Mauer, the secretary of the Kreuzestadt Teepartei, said her organization did not intend to offend people, but rather to accurately present the country's history. Despite the backlash, Waldheim said the Teepartei was right to display the Swastika on its float.
"Because it's history, and you can't change history. I know they're trying to, but you can't," Mauer said.
Now I feel dirty. Downding at will.
53 | Dark_Falcon Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:36:59pm |
re: #43 Targetpractice
Don't think there's many Southerners alive who don't curse the man's name even now.
And that's true even in places his armies did not ravage. But that's a story I've told before and don't need to repeat.
54 | Gus Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:37:52pm |
re: #51 Gus
Over to Air Tattoo...
[Embedded content]
Super Hornet. Watch at around 5:30 to see what looks like a 45 degree plus angle of attack at around 80 KIA? A lot of thrust lift. Nice nose up landing.
Nice videos. His page 優翔くんちゆーちゅーぶ出張所
55 | Kragar Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:39:01pm |
re: #53 Dark_Falcon
And that's true even in places his armies did not ravage. But that's a story I've told before and don't need to repeat.
Nobody likes to be reminded they got their ass kicked in a fight they started.
56 | prairiefire Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:41:07pm |
re: #43 Targetpractice
Don't think there's many Southerners alive who don't curse the man's name even now.
They are still looking for Confederate gold, buried in Georgia.
57 | Mostly sane, most of the time. Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:45:18pm |
re: #56 prairiefire
They are still looking for Confederate gold, buried in Georgia.
The "gold" in the South was sitting right there, all along.
If a society insists on keeping half of its people in poverty, it will be poor.
Education yields far more results than digging.*
*Well, okay, unless the digging is in agricultural research, but we've gotten off the point.
58 | Targetpractice Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:47:03pm |
re: #56 prairiefire
They are still looking for Confederate gold, buried in Georgia.
Tell them to try the Sahara desert, somewhere in Mali. Look for the big pile of sand shaped like an ol' ironclad battleship.
//
59 | austin_blue Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:48:03pm |
60 | Dark_Falcon Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:49:13pm |
re: #31 Gus
...
The idea that the US Senate will ratify the UN Small Arms treaty is risible. Doesn't matter which party wins in November, if such a treaty is put before the Senate it will be voted down. You're not going to see a senator from Montana or Colorado voting for such a treaty, regardless of their party allegiance.
Hillary Clinton is keeping the US in the treaty negotiations to try to get certain wording more favorable to the US, but even then I don't think anyone expects a UN treaty on guns to pass the US Senate. The UN is simply too disliked and distrusted for that to happen in the near or mid-term.
61 | Dancing along the light of day Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:49:24pm |
62 | Gus Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:49:34pm |
re: #56 prairiefire
They are still looking for Confederate gold, buried in Georgia.
Someone is always looking for buried gold everywhere. There's gold in them there Perth Amboy hills!
63 | Dark_Falcon Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:49:44pm |
re: #58 Targetpractice
Tell them to try the Sahara desert, somewhere in Mali. Look for the big pile of sand shaped like an ol' ironclad battleship.
//
That wins you the Dirk Pitt Award!
64 | Mostly sane, most of the time. Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:50:42pm |
re: #62 Gus
Someone is always looking for buried gold everywhere. There's gold in them there Perth Amboy hills!
Both figuratively and literally. Everyone wants to find gold, to find an easy pile of wealth that requires no work whatsoever.
65 | Gus Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:51:42pm |
re: #60 Dark_Falcon
The idea that the US Senate will ratify the UN Small Arms treaty is risible. Doesn't matter which party wins in November, if such a treaty is put before the Senate it will be voted down. You're not going to see a senator from Montana or Colorado voting for such a treaty, regardless of their party allegiance.
Hillary Clinton is keeping the US in the treaty negotiations to try to get certain wording more favorable to the US, but even then I don't think anyone expects a UN treaty on guns to pass the US Senate. The UN is simply too disliked and distrusted for that to happen in the near or mid-term.
They won't. Which was something I brought up this morning while trying to calm any sense of fear or worry. They do have an Iranian deputy now and that's frankly a joke. But, that's the UN for you and one could come up with a psychological reasoning for it (think positive reinforcement therapy) but still. Anyway, a UN ratification of something like this is unlikely.
66 | abolitionist Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:51:55pm |
It's hard to tell who's having more fun there, the panda's or their caretakers.
However, I noticed a potentially serious issue with the slide. The vertical elements in the siderails are spaced so widely apart that the head of one of the young pandas could fit thru. After those heads grow more, it would become a tighter fit. The spacing ought to be made much smaller --too small for head or body. Or the siderails could be re-designed to eliminate such spaces entirely.
It's been a safety issue with cribs for humans.
67 | Kragar Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:52:13pm |
re: #64 Mostly sane, most of the time.
Both figuratively and literally. Everyone wants to find gold, to find an easy pile of wealth that requires no work whatsoever.
I can't get away to dig for gold, which is a shame, because I have all these detailed treasure maps, but I could sell one to you at a good price, because you're good people.
68 | Mostly sane, most of the time. Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:52:49pm |
re: #67 Kragar
I can't get away to dig for gold, which is a shame, because I have all these detailed treasure maps, but I could sell one to you at a good price, because you're good people.
Wow, thanks. Would you accept this deed I have to the Golden Gate Bridge in lieu of cash?
70 | Kragar Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:55:14pm |
re: #68 Mostly sane, most of the time.
Wow, thanks. Would you accept this deed I have to the Golden Gate Bridge in lieu of cash?
Sure, just give me your SSN, driver's license number and checking account number so my people can draw up the paperwork.
71 | Kragar Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:56:58pm |
72 | Targetpractice Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:57:33pm |
re: #70 Kragar
Sure, just give me your SSN, driver's license number and checking account number so my people can draw up the paperwork.
You're not a Nigerian prince, are you?
/
73 | SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Jul 9, 2012 8:58:55pm |
re: #69 jaunte
As the lady from "Ali Baba" would tell you, now you can't eat that clam. It's eaten salt in your home.
74 | prairiefire Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:01:49pm |
re: #57 Mostly sane, most of the time.
The dissolution of the Confederate treasury happened across the state as Sherman advanced. Different coaches were sent out with gold bars, with the bars buried here and there. I heard of a story where a man had found some bars and hid them from his wife for 15 years. She said "and to think we ate potted meat on our honeymoon while he had gold bars in the bank!"
75 | Kragar Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:03:44pm |
re: #72 Targetpractice
You're not a Nigerian prince, are you?
/
I happen to be a descendant of the Czar of Lutefisk.
76 | Gus Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:05:14pm |
re: #74 prairiefire
The dissolution of the Confederate treasury happened across the state as Sherman advanced. Different coaches were sent out with gold bars, with the bars buried here and there. I heard of a story where a man had found some bars and hid them from his wife for 15 years. She said "and to think we ate potted meat on our honeymoon while he had gold bars in the bank!"
The Hidden Search for Georgia's Lost Gold and the Paranormal
Coming up next. On the History Channel.
77 | Mostly sane, most of the time. Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:05:37pm |
re: #74 prairiefire
The dissolution of the Confederate treasury happened across the state as Sherman advanced. Different coaches were sent out with gold bars, with the bars buried here and there. I heard of a story where a man had found some bars and hid them from his wife for 15 years. She said "and to think we ate potted meat on our honeymoon while he had gold bars in the bank!"
I. Would. Not. Be. Happy.
79 | prairiefire Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:10:29pm |
re: #77 Mostly sane, most of the time.
I. Would. Not. Be. Happy.
I don't think she was. Plus, they had to pay a lot in taxes when they cashed it in. But at least they "now live in a brick house instead of a trailer." It made me wonder what was out there under the swaying pines.
80 | Targetpractice Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:13:11pm |
re: #76 Gus
The Hidden Search for Georgia's Lost Gold and the Paranormal
Coming up next. On the History Channel.
Heh, seemed like every time I tuned to the National Geographic Channel last week, there was a show about UFOs on. Including one show called When Aliens Attack, basically breaking down how a theoretical alien invasion of Earth would go down. Spoiler: Humanity gets its ass handed to it.
81 | SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:13:27pm |
re: #78 Gus
Lutefisk! Drinking game.
There's a drinking game besides 'drink enough that you can get down the lutefisk'?
82 | SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:14:23pm |
Have abandoned the Falash Mura thread. Head is splitting.
84 | freetoken Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:16:22pm |
The AFA will not approve:
HPV vaccine provides 'herd immunity'
The human papillomavirus vaccine has reduced the infection in immunized U.S. teens, but also in teens not immunized, U.S. researchers found.
Lead author Dr. Jessica Kahn of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center said the study is believed to be the first to show a substantial decrease in HPV infection in a community setting as well as herd protection.
Herd protection is a decrease in infection rates among unimmunized individuals that occurs when a critical mass of people in a community is immunized against a contagious disease.
[...]
85 | Mostly sane, most of the time. Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:18:10pm |
re: #80 Targetpractice
Heh, seemed like every time I tuned to the National Geographic Channel last week, there was a show about UFOs on. Including one show called When Aliens Attack, basically breaking down how a theoretical alien invasion of Earth would go down. Spoiler: Humanity gets its ass handed to it.
I really liked the "documentary" from Discover channel in which they pretended that dragons had once been real, dissected a "dragon," talked about how they worked, and detailed the last days of one of the last dragons.
There was also the documentary about the park they built, using a time traveling portal, full of real dinosaurs for study.
86 | freetoken Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:19:25pm |
re: #80 Targetpractice
You are aware of who the major investor in National Geographic Channel happens to be, no?
87 | Gus Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:19:34pm |
re: #82 SanFranciscoZionist
Have abandoned the Falash Mura thread. Head is splitting.
Some people would do better by being more concerned for Ethiopia itself. Perhaps they can start with Doctor's Without Borders.
88 | Kragar Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:20:12pm |
re: #84 freetoken
The AFA will not approve:
Lead author Dr. Jessica Kahn of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Pff, what the hell does she know? Surely a model with a string of crappy movies under her belt would be a more reliable source.
89 | Gus Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:21:23pm |
re: #88 Kragar
Lead author Dr. Jessica Kahn of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Pff, what the hell does she know? Surely a model with a string of crappy movies under her belt would be a more reliable source.
Or a failed director. Then you can get a job writing for Breitbart.com.
90 | Ben G. Hazi Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:21:55pm |
re: #86 freetoken
You are aware of who the major investor in National Geographic Channel happens to be, no?
The NatGeo networks are part of the Fox/NewsCorp empire.
91 | Gus Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:22:03pm |
I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!
For me. I'm mad as hell and I'm going to take it.
92 | Dancing along the light of day Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:22:05pm |
93 | freetoken Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:23:02pm |
re: #90 SunshineSuperman
Well, Murdoch is the majority owner.
Murdoch has made billions off of the stupidity of people.
95 | Targetpractice Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:25:27pm |
re: #86 freetoken
You are aware of who the major investor in National Geographic Channel happens to be, no?
Yeah, but I still watched the whole show, then shrugged and declared "Independence Day was better. At least it didn't totally insult my intelligence."
96 | Ben G. Hazi Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:26:29pm |
re: #93 freetoken
Well, Murdoch is the majority owner.
Murdoch has made billions off of the stupidity of people.
The History Channel networks (which is either Hitler or Alien Central, depending on the ratings at the time, but is under the A&E Networks umbrella, not NewsCorp) and NatGeo networks may tend to suck at times, but they have and do run OK programs every now and then.
97 | prairiefire Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:28:39pm |
We had the good fortune to recently meet a former U.S. Olympic swimming coach. He is a gentlemen of around 79 years old. I am thinking of having a party for him when it is the day for US swimming in London. He is a very cool guy.
98 | Gus Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:29:12pm |
Hitler, Aliens, and the Panama Canal.
Next, on the History Channel.
Ron Paul!
99 | jaunte Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:29:46pm |
Robert de La Rochefoucauld, Noted for War Exploits, Dies at 88
...in May 1944 he parachuted back into France. Dressed as a workman, he smuggled explosives into a huge German munitions plant near Bordeaux, hiding them in hollowed-out loaves of bread. He set the explosives off on May 20 and fled by bicycle, but was caught by the Germans once more.
In his cell he feigned an epileptic seizure, and when a guard opened the door Mr. de La Rochefoucauld hit him over the head with a table leg and then broke his neck. He took the guard’s uniform and pistol, shot two other guards, and escaped and contacted a French underground worker whose sister was a nun. He donned her habit and walked unobtrusively to the home of a more senior agent, who hid him.
100 | Gus Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:30:13pm |
TV for people that sit around watching TV all day long while smoking medical marijuana?
101 | sagehen Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:30:32pm |
re: #8 ReamWorks SKG
Greetings from Times Square!
Image: 7511895056_dd3b7181e7_c.jpg
In NY tonight, on a flight from EWR to ARN tomorrow. Saw "Book of Mormon" and "Silence!" The Silence of the Lambs Musical in NY.
BTW: I'm pissed I wasn't invited to Barney Frank's wedding:
[Link: www.nytimes.com...]
was Book of Mormon awesome?
And you left out part of the obligatory NYC travel report: what did you eat?
102 | Gus Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:31:01pm |
re: #99 jaunte
Robert de La Rochefoucauld, Noted for War Exploits, Dies at 88
That's why sometimes it's good to smuggle weapons.
103 | Kragar Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:31:02pm |
re: #98 Gus
Hitler, Aliens, and the Panama Canal.
Next, on the History Channel.
Ron Paul!
Did ancient aliens fire on Ft Sumter as part of a secret deal with Lincoln so he could invade the South?
104 | Ben G. Hazi Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:32:44pm |
re: #95 Targetpractice
Yeah, but I still watched the whole show, then shrugged and declared "Independence Day was better. At least it didn't totally insult my intelligence."
Bruckheimer and Simpson were doing huge business in Bay-splosions long before Michael Bay did.
Just sayin'...
105 | Gus Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:32:49pm |
re: #103 Kragar
Did ancient aliens fire on Ft Sumter as part of a secret deal with Lincoln so he could invade the South?
Undersea formation reveals centuries old wreckage of interstellar space ship!
But first. Kim Kardashian's dress.
106 | Ben G. Hazi Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:35:11pm |
re: #99 jaunte
Robert de La Rochefoucauld, Noted for War Exploits, Dies at 88
If James Bond were real, he wouldn't have been able to carry de La Rochefoucauld's jockstrap, so to speak.
107 | Dark_Falcon Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:40:15pm |
Undersea formation reveals centuries old wreckage of interstellar space ship!
But first. Kim Kardashian's dress.
Actually, today's (actually yesterday's) Kardashian news is Kim's new niece: Penelope Scotland Disick, whose mother is Kim's sister Kourtney. Unlike other celebrities, at least Penelope isn't cursed with a bizarre name.
108 | William Barnett-Lewis Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:42:35pm |
re: #96 SunshineSuperman
The History Channel networks (which is either Hitler or Alien Central, depending on the ratings at the time, but is under the A&E Networks umbrella, not NewsCorp) and NatGeo networks may tend to suck at times, but they have and do run OK programs every now and then.
I know.
But Guh, I miss "Discovery Wings".
109 | Gus Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:45:31pm |
re: #107 Dark_Falcon
Actually, today's (actually yesterday's) Kardashian news is Kim's new niece: Penelope Scotland Disick, whose mother is Kim's sister Kourtney. Unlike other celebrities, at least Penelope isn't cursed with a bizarre name.
It's a funny world. From the most hated attorney, Kardashian, that defended the one and only OJ Simpson to the most idolized daughters. Can't say I blame them. They have a good thing going for themselves.
111 | Gus Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:56:15pm |
re: #110 freetoken
Celebrities are our royalty.
They have cement ponds and shop at specialty shops and wear hemp clothing.
We are not worthy.
112 | austin_blue Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:56:18pm |
re: #99 jaunte
Robert de La Rochefoucauld, Noted for War Exploits, Dies at 88
Not bad for a cheese eating surrender monkey.
Night all, sweet scaly dreams. We got a little over .75" of rain this evening. Sweet!
113 | moderatelyradicalliberal Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:57:38pm |
114 | freetoken Mon, Jul 9, 2012 9:59:48pm |
re: #111 Gus
We are not worthy.
"[You] don’t understand what’s going on. [I]f you’re lower income — one, you’re not as educated, two, [you] don’t understand how it works, [you] don’t understand how the systems work, [you] don’t understand ....”
115 | Ben G. Hazi Mon, Jul 9, 2012 10:01:46pm |
re: #108 William Barnett-Lewis
I know.
But Guh, I miss "Discovery Wings".
Discovery Wings is what was turned into the Military Channel; while not as aero-centric as it used to be, it's still got some good shows.
They do run the old "Wings of the Luftwaffe/over Vietnam/etc." programs sometimes.
116 | William Barnett-Lewis Mon, Jul 9, 2012 10:03:24pm |
re: #114 freetoken
"[You] don’t understand what’s going on. [I]f you’re lower income — one, you’re not as educated, two, [you] don’t understand how it works, [you] don’t understand how the systems work, [you] don’t understand ...”
117 | Gus Mon, Jul 9, 2012 10:03:50pm |
re: #114 freetoken
"[You] don’t understand what’s going on. [I]f you’re lower income — one, you’re not as educated, two, [you] don’t understand how it works, [you] don’t understand how the systems work, [you] don’t understand ...”
This will happen to you when you win Powerball. It truly is of deep concern.
119 | engineer cat Mon, Jul 9, 2012 10:07:44pm |
re: #93 freetoken
Well, Murdoch is the majority owner.
Murdoch has made billions off of the stupidity of people.
murdoch has made billions of people stupider
120 | freetoken Mon, Jul 9, 2012 10:08:19pm |
"They don't understand how the system works":
Calif. many ineligible for new adult day care
Ruth Meek Graham, 87, is nearly blind and deaf, and suffers from diabetes, neuropathy and breast cancer.
Juliana Nwokelo, 89, has dementia, arthritis and neuropathy, and cannot be left alone for more than an hour at a time.
Fe Garcia, 88, suffers from serious depression and arthritis; her caretaker is her 78-year-old sister.
All have one thing in common: State officials have decided they do not qualify for a new incarnation of the decades-old Adult Day Health Care program, which offers medical care, physical therapy, exercise and counseling at a central location to low-income adults with health problems. It is being scaled back as a result of budget cuts.
[...]
121 | Dark_Falcon Mon, Jul 9, 2012 10:09:24pm |
re: #114 freetoken
"[You] don’t understand what’s going on. [I]f you’re lower income — one, you’re not as educated, two, [you] don’t understand how it works, [you] don’t understand how the systems work, [you] don’t understand ...”
That's not wholly wrong, you know. People who are lower on the income ladder are often less educated, and lack of education makes it harder to understand economics.
And on that note, good night.
122 | freetoken Mon, Jul 9, 2012 10:09:48pm |
re: #119 engineer cat
murdoch has made billions of people stupider
It's the only known perpetual motion machine:
(1) murdoch has made billions of people stupider
(2) murdoch makes billions off of the stupid people
(3) goto (1)
123 | dragonath Mon, Jul 9, 2012 10:11:55pm |
Romney: Cabinet won’t be ‘filled with academics and politicians’
...it'll be filled with kleptocrats and yes-men
124 | Kragar Mon, Jul 9, 2012 10:13:31pm |
re: #123 Be Zorch, Daddio
Romney: Cabinet won’t be ‘filled with academics and politicians’
...it'll be filled with kleptocrats and yes-men
I'm sure they'll make room for some theocrats too.
125 | Henchman Ghazi-808 Mon, Jul 9, 2012 10:14:53pm |
New Derp Meme: Wealthy Expatriating in Droves
460 people renounced their U.S. citizenship in first quarter of year
A quarterly publication by the Internal Revenue Service lists those citizens who voluntarily expatriate, or abandon their American citizenship -- a growing number of whom are doing so to avoid taxes, according to several published reports.
The only real report is an IRS list of people expatriating. No reasons are given and no wealth is stated.
Other substantiation? Another Fox News story about he Facebook founder expatriating, allegedly to skirt taxes.
Which is odd, because no new taxes on wealthy have been assessed.
126 | jaunte Mon, Jul 9, 2012 10:15:06pm |
re: #123 Be Zorch, Daddio
"I will assuredly have members of my team who have had experience firing people and offshoring jobs in the real world, in the private sector."
127 | Targetpractice Mon, Jul 9, 2012 10:19:07pm |
re: #123 Be Zorch, Daddio
Romney: Cabinet won’t be ‘filled with academics and politicians’
...it'll be filled with kleptocrats and yes-men
Because really, what America needs at the helm are a bunch of guys who have absolutely no clue what they're doing. Just ask Robert MacNamara.
///
128 | dragonath Mon, Jul 9, 2012 10:19:52pm |
re: #125 Kronocide
So, Fox is trying to get people on the side of those who fled the country. There's a winner. America first. Yeah.
129 | William Barnett-Lewis Mon, Jul 9, 2012 10:21:16pm |
re: #127 Targetpractice
Because really, what America needs at the helm are a bunch of guys who have absolutely no clue what they're doing. Just ask Robert MacNamara.
///
(Shudder) I joined the army in 1982. We were still cleaning up the messes from that MF'ing bastard. May he rot in hell.
130 | freetoken Mon, Jul 9, 2012 10:23:10pm |
"[T]hey [didn't] understand what’s going on. [They were] not as educated, two, they [didn't] understand how it works, they [didn't] understand how the systems work, they [didn't] understand the impact”:
[...]
The Fremont culture – originally named by Noel Morss of Harvard’s Peabody Museum after the Fremont river in Utah – inhabited what is now Utah and parts of eastern Nevada, southern Idaho, southern Wyoming, and eastern Colorado between about 400 and 1300 AD.
[...]
They didn't have capitalism, derivative markets, or offshore accounts in the Bahamas... but they lasted a thousand years.
131 | Targetpractice Mon, Jul 9, 2012 10:24:56pm |
re: #128 Be Zorch, Daddio
So, Fox is trying to get people on the side of those who fled the country. There's a winner. America first. Yeah.
Yeah, I'm a might lost on that one. We're supposed to be supportive of the dipshits who made their billions here in the US, because they've fled overseas so as to avoid paying taxes on said billions?
132 | abolitionist Mon, Jul 9, 2012 10:25:55pm |
I'm becoming a fan of Ghost --a new Korean drama series on hulu. Of course, I have to rely on the closed captioning.
Most of the main characters are members of a cyber-crime division. So far, there have been hi-level cyber attacks on the entire country's power grid, a threatened nuclear meltdown, multiple murders and intrigue at the highest levels of government, computer tech businesses, and of course, the cyber-crimes division.
The cybertech isn't treated lightly either. It's central to the ongoing plotlines, and the writers have seriously embraced it. Actually, one of the main characters is a notorious hacker known as Hades, who has a special personal relationship with the leader of the cybercrimes division. (They were roommates and best friends in the police academy.)
If you type ghost into the search box at hulu.com, besides episodes 1 thru 10 on hulu, you also get links to ep's 11, 12 which are hosted at another site.
I found a couple things revealed about technology and related laws in Korea surprising. Apparently, recording a vehicle's license tag number "without authorization" is unlawful. And yet ... cars routinely have black-box devices rather like those used in police cruisers, but which can potentially provide live video and audio over the internet to anyone with sufficient authority and/or cyber-expertise.
133 | Kragar Mon, Jul 9, 2012 10:26:12pm |
re: #128 Be Zorch, Daddio
So, Fox is trying to get people on the side of those who fled the country. There's a winner. America first. Yeah.
I thought Fox loved the self deportation idea?
134 | William Barnett-Lewis Mon, Jul 9, 2012 10:28:23pm |
re: #131 Targetpractice
Yeah, I'm a might lost on that one. We're supposed to be supportive of the dipshits who made their billions here in the US, because they've fled overseas so as to avoid paying taxes on said billions?
I seem to recall something about a "social contract"... where did I read that? Oh, yeah, Mr. Locke... but they don't understand him, do they?
135 | dragonath Mon, Jul 9, 2012 10:39:08pm |
Huh, I just found out the that the CEO of the Discovery Network is the third highest paid CEO in the country. Dang.
136 | dragonath Mon, Jul 9, 2012 11:12:49pm |
Since I can't get to sleep, I'll guess what Romney's cabinet is gonna look like:
Secretary of State: John Bolton
Department of the Treasury: Paul Ryan
Department of Defense: Stanley McChrystal
Attorney General: Robert Bork
Secretary of the Interior: Donald Trump
Secretary of Labor: Scott Fitzgerald
Secretary of Energy: Lee Raymond
Secretary of Education: Rick Perry
Homeland Security: Jan Brewer
Management and Budget: Grover Norquist
Administrator of the EPA: Reddy Kilowatt
Ambassador to the UN: Rand Paul
OK, maybe not... but you gotta have faith.
137 | engineer cat Mon, Jul 9, 2012 11:13:58pm |
re: #134 William Barnett-Lewis
I seem to recall something about a "social contract"... where did I read that? Oh, yeah, Mr. Locke... but they don't understand him, do they?
all philosophers iz libberuls
143 | researchok Tue, Jul 10, 2012 2:26:59am |
145 | ReamWorks SKG Tue, Jul 10, 2012 4:59:56am |
re: #125 Kronocide
These people are just as likely to be left-right ideologues as right wing.* Or even people--perhaps with a dual citizenship--who simply retired to their birth country or the country of their parents.
* Ok, maybe not! The left-wing ones wouldn't be able to afford to expatriate themselves.
About to board a plane from EWR->ARN. I'll send a photo when I get to the Land of Meatballs and Ikea, because nobody wants to see a photo of EWR.
146 | Douchecanoe and Ryan Too Tue, Jul 10, 2012 5:02:49am |
Morning Lizardim. Referring to the Romney fundraiser article from yesterday evening, I understand the concept of fundraising among people who actually have money to spend, but I thought he was trying to appear more in touch with middle America, not less. Most ordinary Midwesterners, if asked, probably couldn't even tell you where the Hamptons is. And they dare to say we're not getting it?
148 | Achilles Tang Tue, Jul 10, 2012 5:35:08am |
re: #125 Kronocide
New Derp Meme: Wealthy Expatriating in Droves
460 people renounced their U.S. citizenship in first quarter of year
The only real report is an IRS list of people expatriating. No reasons are given and no wealth is stated.
Other substantiation? Another Fox News story about he Facebook founder expatriating, allegedly to skirt taxes.
Which is odd, because no new taxes on wealthy have been assessed.
It doesn't have to be great wealth to be tax based. If someone is emigrating and doesn't expect to live in the USA again, then there is no reason to maintain US citizenship because that carries an obligation to continue tax reporting including foreign income for the rest of their life. That only some 400 people do so is telling.
149 | Feline Emperor of the Conservative Tears Tue, Jul 10, 2012 5:41:05am |
Good morning Lizards!
Overcast, 70s, and a bit gloomy in Philadelphia.
Hopefully a slow day at work while I help a new IT desktop support contractor get settled in. Plus some research on why someone's install of Adobe Reader brings his laptop to a standstill when he tries to bring up a print dialog screen.
On other fronts the Pirates go into the All-Star break in first place in the NL Central and a stunning (for Pirates fan) eleven games over .500.
150 | Douchecanoe and Ryan Too Tue, Jul 10, 2012 5:43:36am |
re: #149 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste
Good morning. Sunny and cooler here in the wild north country, low to mid 80's. I was pleased to see Prince Fielder tee off in the Home Run Derby last night, couldn't happen to a nicer guy. The Terrible Twins did drop their last two games in heartbreaking extra-inning losses to the Texas Rangers, but - hey, the Rangers are one of the best teams in baseball, winning that first game (and convincingly at that) is good enough for me. I doubt we'll be able to summon enough of a rally to make the playoffs, but hopefully we can acquit ourselves well and be in a position to have some confidence for next season.
151 | Feline Emperor of the Conservative Tears Tue, Jul 10, 2012 5:52:11am |
Interesting item noticed about Feline Overlord food preferences.
I pickup cooked chicken from Trader Joe's on occassion for making burritos or quick meals. It is available, "plain", as grilled strips, grilled with rosemary, and also grilled with lemon. Once I heat it up in preparation to shredding it and adding it to the burrito fixings* the Feline Overlord turns up and demands his due tribute.
Of the various chicken sub-types he seems to prefer the lemon chicken the best, followed by plain, then grilled, and the rosemary grilled chicken least of all. (Not that he turns down eating it, mind you, but some is eaten with greater gusto and demands for second and third helpings.)
* - Standard burrito mix I'm using is meat (chicken - though I did do cooked bacon this time as well), cheese, refried black beans, hot sauce, and a southwestern vegetable mix (corn, green peppers, black beans). I worked out that I spend $12-15 to fill ten tortillas, feed the cat about 3oz of chicken, and get a light meal from eating the leftover fixings.
There. Foodie and Feline Overlord in the same comment. ;)
Oh, and go read the NPR article on black lung cases increasing.
152 | Mattand Tue, Jul 10, 2012 5:59:53am |
re: #149 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste
Good morning Lizards!
Hopefully a slow day at work while I help a new IT desktop support contractor get settled in. Plus some research on why someone's install of Adobe Reader brings his laptop to a standstill when he tries to bring up a print dialog screen.
Probably because Adobe has no incentive to write stable software. I've been using Illustrator for almost 19 years and I have yet to see a version that doesn't stroke out at the worst possible time.
On other fronts the Pirates go into the All-Star break in first place in the NL Central and a stunning (for Pirates fan) eleven games over .500.
At least one team from PA is doing well.
153 | Mattand Tue, Jul 10, 2012 6:01:22am |
re: #151 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste
Oh, and go read the NPR article on black lung cases increasing.
Is the US the only Western nation that goes out of its way to make jobs like mining as lethal as possible?
154 | Douchecanoe and Ryan Too Tue, Jul 10, 2012 6:03:13am |
re: #151 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste
Going off in the foodie direction (as my Feline Overlords have nothing new to add, aside from their gratefulness at getting some cuddle time with their pet people last night), my parents discovered a delicious product that I've been making fairly good use of, when I can remember it. The seasoning company McCormick sells pre-mixed marinade spice blends. Instructions for each are on the package; they specify which types of vinegar work for each flavor, and you can pick whichever type of oil you like. The Mrs. Fish had me do a garlic, herb, and wine marinade for yesterday's grilling session; I mixed it with corn oil and balsamic vinegar, and it was out-of-the-park delicious.
155 | Feline Emperor of the Conservative Tears Tue, Jul 10, 2012 6:08:25am |
re: #154 thedopefishlives
Going off in the foodie direction (as my Feline Overlords have nothing new to add, aside from their gratefulness at getting some cuddle time with their pet people last night), my parents discovered a delicious product that I've been making fairly good use of, when I can remember it. The seasoning company McCormick sells pre-mixed marinade spice blends. Instructions for each are on the package; they specify which types of vinegar work for each flavor, and you can pick whichever type of oil you like. The Mrs. Fish had me do a garlic, herb, and wine marinade for yesterday's grilling session; I mixed it with corn oil and balsamic vinegar, and it was out-of-the-park delicious.
The two main things I miss from moving from a suburban house to a city apartment are grilling, and simply being able to go sit in the yard quietly in a lawn chair. Yes, you can sort of do these things in a park, but that's more of a trip since it's not simply walking 50' to get outside to do it. (OTGH, I do not miss mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and shoveling snow.)
156 | Douchecanoe and Ryan Too Tue, Jul 10, 2012 6:10:17am |
re: #155 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste
The two main things I miss from moving from a suburban house to a city apartment are grilling, and simply being able to go sit in the yard quietly in a lawn chair. Yes, you can sort of do these things in a park, but that's more of a trip since it's not simply walking 50' to get outside to do it. (OTGH, I do not miss mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and shoveling snow.)
I actually don't mind mowing the lawn most of the time. The back 40 gets a bit exhausting, but that's all. Shoveling snow has become a whole different ball game now that my snowblower arrived last fall.
157 | darthstar Tue, Jul 10, 2012 6:15:59am |
Mornin' all. Decided to watch "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" last night. Fuck that made me cry a lot. Over and over. The end was watered down American film standard, however, with a somewhat unbelievable "I was one step ahead of you all the time" monologue by the ever gorgeous Sandra Bullock, but the first hour and forty five minutes had me trapped inside the kid's psyche and his sense of urgency was palpable. Watch it if you haven't.
158 | darthstar Tue, Jul 10, 2012 6:19:36am |
re: #156 thedopefishlives
I could have used a snow-blower yesterday. Looked at my lawn, which missed its weekly mowing last week due to my being on vacation. Coastal lawns shouldn't be allowed to go two weeks as the fuckers just run away and go native. Had to empty the lawnmower bag at least six times on a small (55x20) patch of grass. A snow blower with a good sharp blade might have made it easier.
159 | Douchecanoe and Ryan Too Tue, Jul 10, 2012 6:21:31am |
re: #158 darthstar
I could have used a snow-blower yesterday. Looked at my lawn, which missed its weekly mowing last week due to my being on vacation. Coastal lawns shouldn't be allowed to go two weeks as the fuckers just run away and go native. Had to empty the lawnmower bag at least six times on a small (55x20) patch of grass. A snow blower with a good sharp blade might have made it easier.
My back yard is basically untamed wilderness. In the spring, I have to mow it every 3-4 days or it will get so thick and tall that the mower will absolutely choke and clog, at which point I have to shut it down, extract the slug of grass clippings, and continue.
160 | darthstar Tue, Jul 10, 2012 6:27:18am |
re: #159 thedopefishlives
Yep...same problem. Except here that problem lasts from February through November. I can go a couple of winter months with bi-weekly mowings(due to changes in daylight hours, not temperature...that stays about 55-65 year round with a spike into the high forties in August due to fog), but most of the year it's every week.
161 | Douchecanoe and Ryan Too Tue, Jul 10, 2012 6:29:27am |
re: #160 darthstar
Yep...same problem. Except here that problem lasts from February through November. I can go a couple of winter months with bi-weekly mowings(due to changes in daylight hours, not temperature...that stays about 55-65 year round with a spike into the high forties in August due to fog), but most of the year it's every week.
I don't even HAVE a yard for 3-4 months a year.
162 | darthstar Tue, Jul 10, 2012 6:36:28am |
re: #161 thedopefishlives
I don't even HAVE a yard for 3-4 months a year.
Yes, but you get to make snow angels any time you want.
163 | sattv4u2 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 6:37:48am |
re: #159 thedopefishlives
re: #160 darthstar
When we bought this house (and land) we fenced off a portion of the backyard (about 1/2 acre total ,, for the doggies) with a gate out by the far end that leads to the rest of the land, otherwise know as The Magic Forest (when my son was young and exploring)
Today, we just call it "out there"
164 | Killgore Trout Tue, Jul 10, 2012 7:02:49am |
Some interesting background on the Norwegian terror suspect...
Police still tracking ‘terror convert’
Norwegian police are frustrated that they legally can’t issue a warrant for a 33-year-old Norwegian man who converted to Islam and is believed to have trained with terrorist organization Al-Qaida in Yemen. There’s no law against terrorist training in Norway, and the man isn’t guilty of any other criminal offenses.
...
Oslo-based newspaper Dagbladet has reported that the so-called “convert” was active on the left side of Norwegian politics until 2007, when he even was a candidate for municipal office in Oslo for the environmental party Miljøpartiet de grønne. He is a former member of the radical youth organization Blitz in Oslo and known for uncompromising leftist standpoints until he converted to Islam and started spending time in a local mosque. The head of the mosque told Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK) that he kept to himself, prayed, read religious texts and left. He also spent time at a mosque in Drammen, southwest of Oslo, and bid farewell to mosque acquaintances before leaving for Yemen.
...
Before that he worked at a day care center for small children in Oslo. He reportedly is married to the daughter of a diplomat from an unnamed north African country and has one child. It was at least partially because of his marriage that he converted to Islam in 2008 and took the name Abu Abdurrahman, according to the Sunday Times of London, which reported last week that he’s believed to be trained and operative, ready to carry out a suicide mission against a US passenger jet.He reportedly was born and grew up in a neighbouring community to Oslo. His sister reportedly works in one of Norway’s government ministries.
165 | Killgore Trout Tue, Jul 10, 2012 7:03:56am |
“I hung out with him regularly for three to four years,” one friend from the man’s days in heavy metal music circles told Aftenposten on Saturday. “We’re talking about a guy who drank beer, ate pizza, listened to Judas Priest and had long hair. The suspicions that he’s had terrorist training are difficult to understand.”
Reminds me of Adam Gadahn.
166 | CriticalDragon1177 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 7:13:59am |
Charles Johnson
You wrote,
"I think it’s time for a video of pandas playing on a slide, don’t you?"
How about Pandagon giving showing us some good old wingnut Stupidity to entertain us?
Breitbart: A Home For Racist Illiterates
[Link: www.rawstory.com...]
167 | kirkspencer Tue, Jul 10, 2012 7:20:06am |
re: #158 darthstar
I could have used a snow-blower yesterday. Looked at my lawn, which missed its weekly mowing last week due to my being on vacation. Coastal lawns shouldn't be allowed to go two weeks as the fuckers just run away and go native. Had to empty the lawnmower bag at least six times on a small (55x20) patch of grass. A snow blower with a good sharp blade might have made it easier.
Get a sickle style mower. Not too many are made today, but they're still around and they're the best option for tall grass that isn't filled with things like saplings and rough ground.
168 | lawhawk Tue, Jul 10, 2012 7:22:33am |
Greets and saluts from the NYC metro area. Amtrak has come out with a master plan for the Northeast Corridor, and the numbers are eye-popping. $151 billion to be spent over the next 30 years in order to achieve a NY to Philly run of 37 minutes. NY to Boston or NY to DC in 97 minutes. Currently, it's nearly 3 times as long. It would bring true HSR to the US - 220 mph top speeds and a dedicated HSR.
The costs are huge, and while there's reason to question why those costs are so high especially as compared to networks in Asia and Europe, it works out to about $5 billion a year. Still a huge sum, but think about the benefits.
37 minutes from Philly to NYC would be shorter than flying between Philly and NYC and 97 minutes between NYC and DC would be significantly shorter - especially when factoring in the screening and travel time between the airports and city centers. It would also mean that the airlines would be able to reduce congestion at the airports and improve on-time efficiency, improving the travel nationally (since the NYC area airports contribute a huge portion of the delays nationally). Some of the big ticket portions of the spending are new track alignments, but it also includes the projects already under consideration - Gateway tunnel, Portal Bridge, and train yards in Sunnyside Queens.
The money spent by Amtrak would be going to create 10s of thousands of jobs, across a wide spectrum of construction, engineering, and other technical professions, as well as ancillary spending resulting from more jobs.
And this proposed system compares favorably to the California boondoggle.
169 | Killgore Trout Tue, Jul 10, 2012 7:25:10am |
Obama attacks on outsourcing inaccurate, but effective
So why do campaigns persist in running TV ads with debunked messages?
In this case, a word like “outsourcer” sends a powerful message, Geer said.
“It speaks to more than Romney — it speaks to the public unhappiness with jobs lost as much as anything,” he said.
...
Meanwhile, “outsourcing” could become to the 2012 campaign what “flip flop” became to the 2004 campaign, said Brian Steffen, a communication studies professor at Simpson College.“It didn’t matter if it was true or not. It was a hell of a term, and it stuck, and in that case it probably cost John Kerry an election,” he said.
I don't know how effective the ads are. Romney is fresh off the usual bump in polls a candidate receives after securing the nomination. I think it's normal for his approval to take a bit of a slide about now. I don't think you can give the ads credit for that yet.
170 | Killgore Trout Tue, Jul 10, 2012 7:29:24am |
Twisting Romney’s Abortion Stance
An Obama campaign ad twists Mitt Romney’s stance on abortion, claiming Romney “backed a law that outlaws all abortions, even in cases of rape and incest.”
During a 2007 debate, Romney was asked if he would sign legislation to ban “all abortion” — assuming, hypothetically, that Roe v. Wade had been overturned. He said he’d be “delighted to sign it,” if there was a national consensus for it. But, he said, “that’s not where America is today.” Meanwhile, Romney made clear — both before and after that debate — that his fuller position was that he opposes abortion except in cases of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother.
The Obama campaign ad says “every woman who believes decisions about our bodies and our health care should be our own” should be troubled by Romney’s positions.
....
As we have written in the past, there’s no question that Romney’s position on abortion has changed during his political career — most dramatically since his run for the U.S. Senate in Massachusetts in 1994. But his position opposing abortion — including the exceptions he makes in the case of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother — has remained consistent during both his 2008 and 2012 runs for president.
171 | Varek Raith Tue, Jul 10, 2012 7:32:45am |
re: #170 Killgore Trout
Romney consistent?
Riiigggghhhtttt.
He's shown time and again he'll switch positions on a dime.
Watch, he'll switch on this too.
He has no principles.
172 | Flounder Tue, Jul 10, 2012 7:39:23am |
Tent city in New Jersey:
[Link: www.nypost.com...]
Some sad stories, makes me glad I have a job.
173 | Varek Raith Tue, Jul 10, 2012 7:41:25am |
174 | Killgore Trout Tue, Jul 10, 2012 7:49:01am |
"Sonification worked by attaching a musical note to each data. So, when you hear the resulting melody you really are hearing the data," Vicinanza said.
The researchers mapped intervals between values in the original data set to interval between notes in the melody. The same numerical value was associated to the same note. As the values increased or decreased, the pitch of the notes grew or diminished accordingly.
"In this way any regularity in the scientific data can be naturally mapped to the melody: if the data are periodic (they are marked by a repeated cycle) the sonification will be a music melody which will have the same periodicity and regularity," Vicinanza said.
In the sonification, each semiquaver corresponded to an increase of 5 gigaelectronvolts (GeV). The detection of the Higgs-like particle around the 126 gigaelectronvolt mass-energy range (GeV), was then expressed by a peak made of three high notes (about 3.5 seconds into the recording).
Audio here:
175 | lawhawk Tue, Jul 10, 2012 7:50:59am |
re: #172 Tommy's cone of shame
New Jersey's unemployment rate is a full point higher than the national average, and is higher than surrounding states. In fact, NJ was at 9.2% for May, while New York was 8.6%, Connecticut was 7.6%, and Pennsylvania was 7.4%.
At the other end of the spectrum, some states have unemployment rates of 6% or less, including Mass., NH, ND, SD, IA, and Wyoming.
It's real easy to point out that there are pockets of unemployment or to find places where the unemployed and dispossessed have congregated, but the issues with New Jersey aren't those of Mass., or NH. But if the national media focuses on the places where unemployment remains well above the national average, that will skew things significantly. NJ isn't creating jobs and is losing jobs (Roche will be closing one of its major facilities in Clifton in 2013). That's on the state and local govt despite Christie's claims of having fixed the economy.
In fact, unemployment has a regional component - jobs are being created, but not in certain key states/regions.
176 | iossarian Tue, Jul 10, 2012 8:02:01am |
Romney would be "delighted" to sign a bill that bans all abortions.
But he personally supports the right to an abortion if a woman can prove, via many, many intrusive medical procedures, that she fits one of the very narrowly defined cases in which a horrid nasty evil abortion is allowed.
So that clears that up. Thanks, factcheck.org!
177 | dragonfire1981 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 8:08:28am |
Here's a little game for you: See if you can guess where the following events are taking place:
Members of the scientific community are taking to the streets on Tuesday, staging a funeral procession — complete with a coffin, black-clad mourners and a scythe-wielding grim reaper — to mourn the "death of evidence" in what organizers say is the federal government's war on science.
"Science in this country is under attack," notes the group's website.
"It's clear that the government does not value science or evidence and is systematically trying to reduce the flow of scientific information to our citizens. We have seen this through the cuts to federal science programs, changes to legislation, and the muzzling of government scientists."The scientists accuse the Federal government of ideological cuts to critical research programs across a wide swath of government programs and agencies.
Rally co-organizer Scott Findlay says while it would be easy to say that scientists are upset because some of them might be losing their jobs, the issues are much more fundamental than that.
"Everyone in this country must surely be of the view that if you're going to make a decision, especially if you're a government making a decision, it should be based on evidence. Sound evidence. And it's important that all the evidence be presented."
So where is this all going down? Is it Alabama...or maybe Georgia? Oh! I know, how about Wisconsin or even better, Arizona! No wait, I bet it's Texas right, gotta be Texas.
Wait....WHAT? It's in CANADA?!
Evidently the Koch bros. have gotten their little paws around the Conservative government in Canada as well. Almost makes me want to move back to my homeland and take up the fight myself.
This nonsense has to stop. Attention everyone: Science is NOT Evil!
179 | dragonfire1981 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 8:10:34am |
I don't know many of you have seen this, but it just popped up on my facebook feed and I'm still chuckling over it.
180 | lawhawk Tue, Jul 10, 2012 8:14:56am |
Rick Scott wants nothing to do with the PPACA and Medicaid expansion, which is the opposite tact of Wellpoint, which bought up Americare to become the largest manager of such services. There's money to be made, and that's Wellpoint's view.
Note too that Scott (along with Rick Perry) are governors of states that have the highest rates of uninsureds - meaning they'd have the most to gain from the PPACA provisions to expand insurance to those who currently don't have it.
And the feds are picking up most of the tab - Scott and Perry are more than willing to forgo federal funds to set up the state exchanges. They'll then likely claim that the feds are intruding in their rights as sovereign states by providing insurance or other rhetoric.
Though the bluster of these governors has grabbed some headlines, it’s unlikely too many more governors will follow given the federal government is going to pay the state’s share of the benefits for several years. Here’s a Kaiser Family Foundation report on Medicaid expansion that documents low costs to states.
Most states are expected to go along with the Medicaid expansion given a cash infusion of more than $900 billion in federal dollars from 2014 to 2022.
This funding is unlike past efforts to expand Medicaid in that the federal government will pick up the full tab for the first three years. The state gradually has to pick up some costs in 2017 but by 2020 the federal government is still picking up 90 percent or more of the Medicaid tab.
It’s a much better funding proposition than the existing Medicaid program that essentially shares the cost between the states and the federal government. The federal government traditionally picks up a little more than half of the cost of Medicaid.
181 | dragonath Tue, Jul 10, 2012 8:16:19am |
re: #177 dragonfire1981
Harper is worse than all the wingnuts combined in America, because he's taking a system that works and he's breaking it. On purpose.
182 | dragonfire1981 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 8:17:34am |
Mitt Romney: I don't know where my money goes but I PROMISE it's being handled properly...
Mitt Romney responded to attacks from President Barack Obama and his Democratic allies who have suggested he's hiding details about his personal finances, calling the accusations nothing more than an attempt to distract voters.
In an interview with Radio Iowa's O. Kay Henderson, the Republican nominee insisted he has little to do with his personal investments because they are managed by a blind trust.
"I don't manage them," Romney said. "I don't even know where they are."
Responding to reports that some of his investments have been overseas, Romney insisted his "trustee follows all U.S. laws." He added: "All the taxes are paid, as appropriate. All of them have been reported to the government. There's nothing hidden there."
Nope, nothing hidden at all. Everything's good. Oh you want to see it? Sorry, can't do that. Why? I don't know I just don't want to but don't worry about, nothing's going on at all...
He accused Obama of trying to distract from his economic record.
"The president is going to try to do anything he can to divert attention from the fact that his jobs record is weak, and he has no plans to make things better," Romney said.
Because Republicans are ALWAYS focused on jobs (and uteruses and birth certificates and black people voting...).
Let's review here: A man who has no idea where his money goes and is perfectly willing to 100% accept the word of the people handling it that EVERYTHING is on the up and up wants to be President.
183 | lawhawk Tue, Jul 10, 2012 8:18:11am |
Here's an interesting chart showing tax paid over the past 4 decades by income group. While nearly everyone has seen their tax rates drop, the top 0.1% has seen their tax rate drop by half - the largest of any group.
184 | dragonfire1981 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 8:18:24am |
re: #181 Be Zorch, Daddio
Harper is worse than all the wingnuts combined in America, because he's taking a system that works and he's breaking it. On purpose.
That's the truly sobering part.
185 | dragonfire1981 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 8:20:08am |
re: #180 lawhawk
Rick Scott wants nothing to do with the PPACA and Medicaid expansion, which is the opposite tact of Wellpoint, which bought up Americare to become the largest manager of such services. There's money to be made, and that's Wellpoint's view.
Note too that Scott (along with Rick Perry) are governors of states that have the highest rates of uninsureds - meaning they'd have the most to gain from the PPACA provisions to expand insurance to those who currently don't have it.
And the feds are picking up most of the tab - Scott and Perry are more than willing to forgo federal funds to set up the state exchanges. They'll then likely claim that the feds are intruding in their rights as sovereign states by providing insurance or other rhetoric.
Rick Scott is proof positive that a lot of people high up in the health care industry don't really give a shit about actual health care.
186 | wrenchwench Tue, Jul 10, 2012 8:20:21am |
re: #170 Killgore Trout
Twisting Romney’s Abortion Stance
As we have written in the past, there’s no question that Romney’s position on abortion has changed during his political career — most dramatically since his run for the U.S. Senate in Massachusetts in 1994. But his position opposing abortion — including the exceptions he makes in the case of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother — has remained consistent during both his 2008 and 2012 runs for president.
The twisting has been done by Mr. Romney himself.
In 2011 Fox newshost Mike Huckabee, himself a personhood proponent, interviewed Romney. Huckabee asked, "Would you have supported the constitutional amendment that would have established the definition of life at conception?" Romney replied, "Absolutely."
From earlier at the same link:
Not only would personhood criminalize abortion at any stage, even in cases of rape or incest; but it would also inevitably ban embryonic stem cell research, some forms of birth control, and perhaps the in vitro fertilization procedure -- if a fertilized egg is a full-fledged human, beginning at the point of conception, extinguishing it would have to be considered murder.
187 | dragonfire1981 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 8:21:50am |
re: #181 Be Zorch, Daddio
Harper is worse than all the wingnuts combined in America, because he's taking a system that works and he's breaking it. On purpose.
The thing is though, I ponder how far he'll actually be able to take it. I'd love to seem him try and remove Canada's single payer system and see how far he gets. He'd have an angry, hockey stick brandishing mob on his front lawn faster than you can say "Eh?".
188 | Varek Raith Tue, Jul 10, 2012 8:23:30am |
re: #187 dragonfire1981
The thing is though, I ponder how far he'll actually be able to take it. I'd love to seem him try and remove Canada's single payer system and see how far he gets. He'd have an angry, hockey stick brandishing mob on his front lawn faster than you can say "Eh?".
Eh?
189 | iossarian Tue, Jul 10, 2012 8:24:04am |
re: #186 wrenchwench
Yeah but mumble mumble Romney mumble mumble not a zealot mumble quite reasonable really.
190 | iossarian Tue, Jul 10, 2012 8:25:57am |
re: #187 dragonfire1981
The thing is though, I ponder how far he'll actually be able to take it. I'd love to seem him try and remove Canada's single payer system and see how far he gets. He'd have an angry, hockey stick brandishing mob on his front lawn faster than you can say "Eh?".
It's working for the Conservatives in the UK.
In a downturn, the right will always try to pit the middle class, who see their buying power diminishing, against the poor, who can conveniently be blamed.
Thus facilitating the transfer of wealth to the already-wealthy, and the long-term weakening of everyone else.
191 | Douchecanoe and Ryan Too Tue, Jul 10, 2012 8:26:44am |
re: #185 dragonfire1981
Rick Scott is proof positive that a lot of people high up in the health care industry don't really give a shit about actual health care.
As with every industry in the United States, it's all about the money.
192 | abolitionist Tue, Jul 10, 2012 8:29:03am |
re: #174 Killgore Trout
Audio here:
[Embedded content]
Very pretty melody. Semi-relevent:
Fringe - Walter and Dash (s1e8 - The Equation)
193 | dragonath Tue, Jul 10, 2012 8:35:46am |
re: #187 dragonfire1981
I dunno, every once in a while I read some editorial from some podunk paper published in Saskatchewan, and want to bang my head against the wall because it's winger dopeyness combined with sanctimonious provincialism.
But really, from browsing forums online, it's been kind of disturbing seeing people who aren't really political jump on the Harper bandwagon because they have a job in the oil shales. And it's their money! Damn environmentalists!
It's like watching things turn to shit in real time.
194 | Gus Tue, Jul 10, 2012 8:57:05am |
re: #186 wrenchwench
The twisting has been done by Mr. Romney himself.
From earlier at the same link:
Mitt Romney's opinion of his own opinion the day before? Mostly false. Misleading.
"I don't know what I said yesterday but I certainly would have said it differently had I known what I know today."
//
195 | William of Orange Tue, Jul 10, 2012 8:58:48am |
The cute!!
It hurts. Pandas have so much win!
196 | wrenchwench Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:01:16am |
re: #194 Gus
Mitt Romney's opinion of his own opinion the day before? Mostly false. Misleading.
"I don't know what I said yesterday but I certainly would have said it differently had I
known what I knowbeen in front of the audience that I am today."//
FTFthefreakingpanderingliar
197 | Gus Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:01:37am |
Uh oh. Speaking of fact checking...
Fact-Check: How the NYPD Overstated Its Counterterrorism Record
The NYPD is regularly held up as one of the most sophisticated and significant counterterrorism operations in the country. As evidence of the NYPD's excellence, the department, its allies and the media have repeatedly said the department has thwarted or helped thwart 14 terrorist plots against New York since Sept 11.
In a glowing profile of Commissioner Ray Kelly published in Newsweek last month, for example, journalist Christopher Dickey wrote of the commissioner's tenure since taking office in 2002: The record "is hard to argue with: at least 14 full-blown terrorist attacks have been prevented or failed on Kelly's watch."
The figure has been cited repeatedly in the media, by New York congressmen, and by Kelly himself. The NYPD itself has published the full list, saying terrorists have "attempted to kill New Yorkers in 14 different plots."
As Mayor Michael Bloomberg said in March: "We have the best police department in the world and I think they show that every single day and we have stopped 14 attacks since 9/11 fortunately without anybody dying."
Is it true?
In a word, no.
198 | lawhawk Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:03:26am |
Rags to riches tales are just that - a Hollywood story. A study has found that only 4% of those in the lowest 20% have managed to make it to the highest 20%.
The analysis of household income across two generations, released Monday, found that very few people born to poor parents ended up rich, and only 8 percent of people whose parents were in the top fifth of households dropped to the bottom fifth as adults.
The study found that the vast majority of American families are bringing in more money than their parents did, adjusted fror inflation, than when they were the same age. But especially among the most poor, bigger paychecks aren't often enough to push families up the income ladder.
Most people raised in very rich and very poor households didn’t see their own circumstances change much when they grew up. The report found that 70 percent of Americans whose parents were in the bottom fifth of the income ladder stayed below the middle as adults. And 63 percent of those born in the top fifth of the income ladder stayed above the middle when they became adults.
Those born in the middle three-fifths of the income spectrum did have a higher likelihood of moving either up or down the ladder as adults.
200 | NJDhockeyfan Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:06:09am |
Good morning lizards!
We got over an inch of rain the past couple days and the garden is still doing fine. The green beans just exploded and we will be picking them by the 5 gallon buckets the rest of the week.
201 | Killgore Trout Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:09:21am |
Are you more (or less) liberal than President Obama? Take our quiz!
My results....
Obama's your main man.
You're a moderate liberal, or maybe even an Independent. You agree with most of the decisions President Obama has made while in office, and you understand that compromise is sometimes necessary.
/Wingnut!
202 | lawhawk Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:09:45am |
re: #197 Gus
The fact that they're counting the Faisal Shahzad bombing failure as a thwarted plot should be raising red flags. The NYPD has done a good job generally speaking, but they didn't stop Shahzad from planting the car bomb - and but for the bomb's fizzle and an alert street vendor, it would have caused massive damage and significant casualties in Times Square.
The NYPD did track down Shahzad with impressive speed, but that's after the plot was already carried out. Busting the plot after the fact isn't a bad thing as it holds those involved in the crimes responsible, but it isn't preventing per se.
At the same time, the NYPD's coming under flak for the string of shootings and murders since the beginning of July. Bloomberg and Kelly are saying that that's a reduction in stop and frisk, while others are claiming that the heat wave has increased tensions and reduced judgment. The truth is somewhere in the middle (as usual).
203 | Varek Raith Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:10:29am |
re: #201 Killgore Trout
Are you more (or less) liberal than President Obama? Take our quiz!
My results.../Wingnut!
Only you think you're a wingnut.
:P
204 | Killgore Trout Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:11:46am |
re: #203 Varek Raith
Only you think you're a wingnut.
:P
Actually I think I'm a bit to the left of Obama but that didn't show in my results.
205 | Varek Raith Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:13:44am |
re: #204 Killgore Trout
Actually I think I'm a bit to the left of Obama but that didn't show in my results.
Eh, it's online generic quizzes.
Most say I'm a Ron Paul libertarian.
Lol.
206 | NJDhockeyfan Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:16:48am |
Doctor Patient Medical Association, a non-partisan association of doctors and patients did a survey of doctors about heath care and these are the results.
DOCTORS’ ATTITUDES ON THE FUTURE OF MEDICINE:
What’s Wrong, Who’s to Blame, and What Will Fix It
EXECUTIVE REPORT
ABOUT THE SURVEY
The survey was conducted by fax and online from April 18 to May 22, 2012. DPMAF obtained the office fax numbers of 36,000 doctors in active clinical practice, and 16, 227 faxes were successfully delivered. Doctors were asked to return their completed surveys by fax, or online at a web address included in the faxed copy. Browser rules prevented doctors from filing duplicate surveys, and respondents were asked to provide personal identification for verification. The response rate was 4.3% for a total of 699 completed surveys.
SURVEY RESPONDENTS
Doctors from 45 states responded, in addition to 130 who did not provide their geographical information.
Most are in solo or small group practice (81%) and office-based (89%) versus hospital-based (11%).
Most of the doctors are mid-career (77%) and have been in practice between 11 and 30 years.
GENERAL CONCLUSIONS:
Almost unanimous that medicine is on the wrong track, and overwhelmingly blame the government;
Government-imposed solutions (PPACA, electronic health information) destined to fail;
Highest numbers ever opting out of Medicare or refuse Medicaid;
Vacuum in leadership in medical profession, feel abandoned by AMA & organized medicine;
Corporate medicine (including hospital and insurance companies) is intentionally trying to destroy private practice;
Doctors are pessimistic - failing financially & assume things will worsen;
See doctors and patients as the solution - not government;
Believe direct payment by patients will restore accountability & patient control;
Restored autonomy, elimination of government involvement, increased patient responsibility and free market reforms are solutions.
KEY FINDINGS
90% say the medical system is on the WRONG TRACK
83% say they are thinking about QUITTING
61% say the system challenges their ETHICS
85% say the patient-physician relationship is in a TAILSPIN
65% say GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT is most to blame for current problems
72% say individual insurance mandate will NOT result in improved access care
49% say they will STOP accepting Medicaid patients
74% say they will STOP ACCEPTING Medicare patients, or leave Medicare completely
52% say they would rather treat some Medicaid/Medicare patient for FREE
57% give the AMA a FAILING GRADE representing them
1 out of 3 doctors is HESITANT to voice their opinion
2 out of 3 say they are JUST SQUEAKING BY OR IN THE RED financially
95% say private practice is losing out to CORPORATE MEDICINE
80% say DOCTORS/MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS are most likely to help solve things
70% say REDUCING GOVERNMENT would be single best fix.
207 | sattv4u2 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:20:27am |
re: #201 Killgore Trout
Are you more (or less) liberal than President Obama? Take our quiz!
My results.../Wingnut!
It says I should change my name to Karl Marx!
/
208 | Mattand Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:25:01am |
re: #206 NJDhockeyfan
Doctor Patient Medical Association, a non-partisan association of doctors and patients did a survey of doctors about heath care and these are the results.
Media Matters has an interesting take on this.
From the article's 3rd paragraph:
The Doctor Patient Medical Association's founder, Kathryn Serkes, is a long-time veteran of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, a collection of crackpot malcontents that opposes mandatory vaccinations, wrongly believes undocumented immigrants spread leprosy, and dabbled in Vince Foster conspiracy theorism. The group itself is solidly conservative in its politics: it boasts membership in the National Tea Party Federation; describes the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act as "Destruction Of Our Medicine," or DOOM; and published a sheet of talking points about the health law to help grassroots activists "beat back the White House spin machine!"
I'd sooner trust a poll run by Dr. Zoidberg than this woman.
209 | Henchman Ghazi-808 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:26:25am |
re: #206 NJDhockeyfan
Doctor Patient Medical Association, a non-partisan association of doctors and patients did a survey of doctors about heath care and these are the results.
Are you sure about that?
210 | Varek Raith Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:26:30am |
re: #208 Mattand
Media Matters has an interesting take on this.
From the articles 3rd paragraph:
I'd sooner trust a poll run by Dr. Zoidberg than this woman.
I'm shocked!
Wait...
No I'm not.
211 | bratwurst Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:27:06am |
Darn, and here I thought FOR SURE 83% of doctors were REALLY thinking about quitting. /
212 | Varek Raith Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:28:50am |
The Tea Party's Favorite Doctors
Yet despite the lab coats and the official-sounding name, the docs of the AAPS are hardly part of mainstream medical society. Think Glenn Beck with an MD. The group (which did not return calls for comment for this story) has been around since 1943. Some of its former leaders were John Birchers, and its political philosophy comes straight out of Ayn Rand. Its general counsel is Andrew Schlafly, son of the legendary conservative activist Phyllis. The AAPS statement of principles declares that it is "evil" and "immoral" for physicians to participate in Medicare and Medicaid, and its journal is a repository for quackery. Its website features claims that tobacco taxes harm public health and electronic medical records are a form of "data control" like that employed by the East German secret police. An article on the AAPS website speculated that Barack Obama may have won the presidency by hypnotizing voters, especially cohorts known to be susceptible to "neurolinguistic programming"—that is, according to the writer, young people, educated people, and possibly Jews.
213 | Henchman Ghazi-808 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:28:57am |
Mark Schiller, MD - Chair
Fellow, Pacific Research Institute
San Francisco, CA
Twila Brase RN, PHN
Citizens' Council for Health Freedom
Saint Paul, MN
Patrick Conrad, MD
Founder, Doctors for Freedom
Niceville, FL
Jay Crutchfield, MD FACS
Asst. Professor, A.T. Still University
Mesa, AZ
Roccy DeFrancesco, JD, CWPP, CAPP, CMP
Co-Founder, Asset Protection Society
St. Joseph, MI
Beverly Gossage
HSA Benefits Consulting
Eudora, KS
Joseph E. Gutierrez, MD, FACS
Medical Society District of Columbia
Washington DC
Michael Glueck, MD
Syndicated Columnist, "The Medicine Men"
Newport Beach, CA
Adam Harris, MD
San Antonio Orthopaedic Specialists
San Antonio TX
Michael D. Ostrolenk, MA, MFT
Founder, Global Integral Strategies
Washington, DC
Manuel Rosales
Board of Director, The Latino Coalition
Washington DC
Michael Schlitt, MD, AANS
Co-Founder, American Society of Certified Medical Experts
Burien, WA
James S. Turner, Esq.
Chairman, Citizens for Health
Washington, DC
Marcy Zwelling, MD
American Academy of Private Physicians
Los Alamitos, California
Time for a little Google Fu...
214 | Mattand Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:29:11am |
re: #209 Kronocide
Are you sure about that?
The whole non-partisan claim is what tipped off my bullshit meter, when compared to the poll results.
215 | Eventual Carrion Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:29:33am |
re: #204 Killgore Trout
Actually I think I'm a bit to the left of Obama but that didn't show in my results.
It showed me to be more liberal than Obama. I kinda knew that already.
216 | sattv4u2 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:29:55am |
re: #215 RayFerd
It showed me to be more liberal than Obama. I kinda knew that already.
So did we!
/
218 | sattv4u2 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:33:32am |
re: #213 Kronocide
Dr. Marcy Zwelling-Aamot is a quadruple board-certified physician, a notable achievement even among the best doctors in the nation. Marcy graduated with honors from Wellesley College and studied medicine at New York University Medical School where she graduated at the top of her class.
In her spare moments, she was able to get a patent for the “take home Pap Smear” and she owns that patent in most countries in the world.
“We must change the conversation about health care reform to center around patients and NOT insurance. Insurance is an actuarial bet that no one hopes to ever utilize. It should be readily affordable. Healthcare, on the other hand, should be something readily accessible to any person who seeks health care be it preventive or curative
wingnut!!
/
219 | iossarian Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:35:03am |
Utterly partisan "non-partisan" group disagrees with Obama in shock development.
220 | Varek Raith Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:35:17am |
The DPMA's founder is a wingnut and a quack.
Stop.
Nonpartisan my ass.
221 | Varek Raith Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:36:54am |
222 | iossarian Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:37:09am |
Personnel
Kathryn Serkes, Co-Founder and Chair (former public affairs and policy consultant for the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, during its litigation against Hillary Clinton and the White House Health Care Task Force, "and helping to spur the national coalition that lead to the defeat of the Clinton health plan")[5]
Mark Schiller, MD, Co-Founder (Fellow, Pacific Research Institute)[6]
Amy Kremer, Co-Chair, "Patient Power" project (Chairman, Tea Party Express[2]; Co-Founder, American Grassroots Coalition[7])[5]
Jennifer Hulsey, Co-Chair, "Patient Power" project (Co-Founder, American Grassroots Coalition[7])[5]
224 | Killgore Trout Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:37:56am |
Here's the sourcewatch article: Doctor Patient Medical Association
The Doctor Patient Medical Association (DPMA) and the Patient Power Alliance (PPA) work to repeal health care reform[1] and call themselves a "a nonpartisan association of doctors and patients dedicated to preserving free choice in medicine."[2] The organization is a member of the National Tea Party Federation[3] and the "American Grassroots Coalition."[4]
225 | Mattand Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:38:02am |
re: #218 sattv4u2
Read the Media Matters link. The polling method was apparently less-than-scientific.
Also, what Varek said.
226 | William Barnett-Lewis Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:38:31am |
Ah, much more of a home feeling - picked up a flag and have it flying by the door like a good socialist army vet should :D
How's your day going, lizard community?
227 | Henchman Ghazi-808 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:39:28am |
re: #218 sattv4u2
Take a gander at the first board member's website, the Chairman:
Mark Schiller, MD - Chair
Fellow, Pacific Research Institute
San Francisco, CA
Promo for Orange County Milton Freidman Centennial Celebration
Recent Events: Johan Goldberg Luncheon and book signing
Townhall.com Silver Partner
/willfully ignorant
228 | allegro Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:39:30am |
Just scanning the survey results showed that they are strangely out of sync. They whine about government being the worst problem they have and then respond to several of questions that clearly indicate the majors problems are insurance and corporatization of hospitals, etc. It comes off as being... nutty.
229 | Mattand Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:41:30am |
230 | Henchman Ghazi-808 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:42:37am |
2nd DPMA Board Member
Twila Brase RN, PHN
Citizens' Council for Health Freedom
Saint Paul, MN
Oh cute, Twile Brase is a regular on Fox News, and has a charming picture with Rand Paul.
Non Partisan!
231 | lawhawk Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:45:35am |
re: #228 allegro
The polling is definitely schizophrenic if you ask me. It's at turns contradictory and actually leans libertarian. And as others have noted, the survey is self selecting, which means that only those who sought to reply gave responses, and that probably included those already associated with the group and/or have similar beliefs as the group.
233 | Henchman Ghazi-808 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:48:18am |
Let's go for the Trifecta:
Patrick Conrad, MD
Founder, Doctors for Freedom
Niceville, FL
Link goes to a bunch of podcasts because doctorsforfreedom.com has not been renewed.
Let's see what the podcasts are titled...
Commentary on medical politics, with an agenda to return freedom to U.S. health care. Doctors For Freedom recognizes that freedom is THE essential ingredient to excellence in health care. After all we are patients too, and we want the best!
Doctors For Freedom Podcast 8: Government sponsored stupidity:Profiling, Alaska, and Anti-Aging Medicine
Doctors For Freedom Podcast 7: Rambling through the Trash: Policies, Shortages, and Arrogance
234 | lawhawk Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:48:31am |
MD and KS are test cases for how states are dealing with current economic conditions. MD is raising taxes and maintaining spending; KS is cutting taxes and now has to cut spending.
Maryland, a state with a pristine credit rating controlled by Democrats, raised income taxes on its top earners this year to preserve services and spending on its well-regarded schools — leading some business groups to warn that the state might become less competitive. Kansas, controlled by Republicans, decided to try to spur its economy with an income tax cut — which Moody’s Investors Service, the ratings agency, recently warned would lead to “dramatic revenue loss” and deficits that will likely require more spending cuts in the coming years.
Gov. Martin O’Malley of Maryland, the chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, gave an impassioned defense of his approach to mayors from across the state who gathered here at the end of last month at the annual convention of the Maryland Municipal League.
“Without any anger, and without any meanness, and without any fear, let’s ask one another in these critical months ahead and years ahead: how much less do we think would be good for our state?” Mr. O’Malley asked. “How much less do we think would be good for our country? How much less education would be good for our children? How many fewer college degrees would make our state or our country more competitive? How much less research and development would be good for the innovation economy that we have an obligation and a responsibility, a duty and an imperative, to embrace? How many fewer hungry Maryland kids can we afford to feed? Progress is a choice: we can decide whether to make the tough choices necessary to invest in our shared future and move forward together. Or we can be the first generation of Marylanders to give our children a lesser quality of life with fewer opportunities.”
Gov. Sam Brownback of Kansas, who sought the Republican nomination for president four years ago, said that he was persuaded that his state needed to cut its income taxes and taxes on small businesses significantly when he studied data from the Internal Revenue Service that showed that Kansas was losing residents to states with lower taxes. “My viewpoint, and the viewpoint of the majority of the Legislature, was we’ve got to change our tax policy to attract more people and attract more businesses,” Mr. Brownback said in a telephone interview. “We’re just tired of losing in our league — I consider the surrounding states as our league — and we want to start gaining.”
Mr. Brownback said that he initially had hoped to pay for some of the lost revenues — which are expected to reach a little over $800 million, or 13 percent of general fund revenues, next year — by ending a number of popular tax deductions, and by phasing in the cuts more slowly. But he could not find support for that, so, even as other states are beginning to add spending again, he has been looking for savings and more cuts to offset the projected loss in tax revenues. “We are going to be going through everything with a fine-tooth comb,” he said.
236 | Henchman Ghazi-808 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:49:50am |
237 | kirkspencer Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:50:12am |
Rather than hammer on credentials and inferentials, look at the actual survey.
A whopping 4.3% response rate of a survey successfully sent to approximately 6.4% of total active primary care doctors (less of primary care physicians) in the US means the results are NOT indicative of the population. 0.24% is statistically unrepresentative.
(4.3% comes from the survey results. Survey report says 16,227 surveys were successfully sent. According to the AAMC there are 254,217 active primary care MDs and 279,719 active primary care physicians in the US. 669/279719= 0.00239, or ~0.24%)
238 | bratwurst Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:53:10am |
re: #237 kirkspencer
Rather than hammer on credentials and inferentials, look at the actual survey.
A whopping 4.3% response rate of a survey successfully sent to approximately 6.4% of total active primary care doctors (less of primary care physicians) in the US means the results are NOT indicative of the population. 0.24% is statistically unrepresentative.
(4.3% comes from the survey results. Survey report says 16,227 surveys were successfully sent. According to the AAMC there are 254,217 active primary care MDs and 279,719 active primary care physicians in the US. 669/279719= 0.00239, or ~0.24%)
Sure, bring SCIENCE (with its well-known liberal bias) into a survey of DOCTORS why dontcha?!?
239 | allegro Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:53:33am |
For some first-hand observation as a patient when I got sick (like REAL sick) last year... I was seriously impressed with the hospital computerization and record-keeping. Before I received any meds, my bracelet thingie was scanned to ensure I was the right patient getting the right stuff. Records were instantly recorded and available to all staff. When I was discharged I received a packet of incredibly detailed information. (That part kinda freaked me out since I learned I was about a day away from death when I got there the first time.) Talking to doctors and nurses there, ALL were totally enthusiastic about the computerization advances in healthcare, seriously loving it due to having more information available faster and the major reductions in errors. It was opposite what this survey suggests.
240 | Mattand Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:55:04am |
re: #234 lawhawk
MD and KS are test cases for how states are dealing with current economic conditions. MD is raising taxes and maintaining spending; KS is cutting taxes and now has to cut spending.
Mr. Brownback said that he initially had hoped to pay for some of the lost revenues — which are expected to reach a little over $800 million, or 13 percent of general fund revenues, next year — by ending a number of popular tax deductions, and by phasing in the cuts more slowly. But he could not find support for that, so, even as other states are beginning to add spending again, he has been looking for savings and more cuts to offset the projected loss in tax revenues. “We are going to be going through everything with a fine-tooth comb,” he said.
Seriously thinking about forwarding this to Chris Christie's office.
241 | Henchman Ghazi-808 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:55:08am |
re: #237 kirkspencer
On top of that, biased doctors motivated by the same politics as the creators of the survey will disproportionally respond to the test.
Others will likely sense bias in the survey and not respond.
242 | kirkspencer Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:55:11am |
re: #237 kirkspencer
Rather than hammer on credentials and inferentials, look at the actual survey.
A whopping 4.3% response rate of a survey successfully sent to approximately 6.4% of total active primary care doctors (less of primary care physicians) in the US means the results are NOT indicative of the population. 0.24% is statistically unrepresentative.
(4.3% comes from the survey results. Survey report says 16,227 surveys were successfully sent. According to the AAMC there are 254,217 active primary care MDs and 279,719 active primary care physicians in the US. 669/279719= 0.00239, or ~0.24%)
Source for the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) reference.
244 | Kragar Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:55:29am |
Got a guy in my office, late 20s, who just asked me if the Vietnam war was before or after the Korean war.
What the...
245 | Mattand Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:56:06am |
re: #244 Kragar
Got a guy in my office, late 20s, who just asked me if the Vietnam war was before or after the Korean war.
What the...
Please tell me he's not a history teacher...
246 | Kragar Tue, Jul 10, 2012 9:59:12am |
re: #245 Mattand
Please tell me he's not a history teacher...
Former Marine, he should fucking know.
247 | sattv4u2 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:00:16am |
re: #225 Mattand
Read the Media Matters link. The polling method was apparently less-than-scientific.
Also, what Varek said.
I took Kroncs advice and googled the last name on the list (figuring he'd work top to bottom)
249 | lawhawk Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:02:11am |
re: #240 Mattand
Christie was right to get local spending under control with the hard caps, but he's so overly optimistic on revenue projections that the state is going to feel it next year when the budget numbers for the close of the FY 2012-2013 fall far short. And the shortfall would have been even worse if the legislature went along with Christie on the property tax relief plan. Instead, they tied the plan to meeting the revenue projections Christie announced.
That's the only bit of fiscal sanity displayed by Trenton recently.
Other things that should have been addressed; reducing the enterprise zone sales tax break and using the difference to fund transportation, rather than taking out more debt to cover the trust fund.
250 | sattv4u2 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:02:11am |
re: #246 Kragar
Former Marine, he should fucking know.
Should,,, but the "20" probably plays a larger factor
252 | Eventual Carrion Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:05:20am |
253 | Mattand Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:05:29am |
254 | sattv4u2 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:06:30am |
255 | Mattand Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:06:47am |
re: #247 sattv4u2
I took Kroncs advice and googled the last name on the list (figuring he's work top to bottom)
But you did look at the Media Matters report, right?
256 | Henchman Ghazi-808 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:07:05am |
re: #218 sattv4u2
Dr. Marcy Zwelling-Aamot is a quadruple board-certified physician, a notable achievement even among the best doctors in the nation. Marcy graduated with honors from Wellesley College and studied medicine at New York University Medical School where she graduated at the top of her class.
In her spare moments, she was able to get a patent for the “take home Pap Smear” and she owns that patent in most countries in the world.“We must change the conversation about health care reform to center around patients and NOT insurance. Insurance is an actuarial bet that no one hopes to ever utilize. It should be readily affordable. Healthcare, on the other hand, should be something readily accessible to any person who seeks health care be it preventive or curative
wingnut!!
/
Oh look: Dr Zwelling-Aamot has a bunch of videos on YouTube. Didn't have to work too hard for that.
Marcy Zwelling-Aamot at Doctor's Tea Party
Yes, wingnut.
257 | Mattand Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:08:47am |
re: #250 sattv4u2
Should,,, but the "20" probably plays a larger factor
No excuse. When I was in my late 20's, I knew Vietnam came after Korea, and the closest I've come to military service is the Cub Scouts.
258 | sattv4u2 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:10:41am |
re: #255 Mattand
But you did look at the Media Matters report, right?
scanned it,, yup
(multi-tasking here)
But as always, like any other biased "report", be it left or right, grain of salt and all!
259 | Henchman Ghazi-808 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:12:35am |
It's a shame that propaganda is passed off as objective information and then defended. When called on it, False Balance Fairy to the rescue!
260 | HappyWarrior Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:12:49am |
20's and not knowing that? Yikes. You'd think he had a grandfather or great uncle maybe who served in Korea. Anyhow, always thought it a shame that the Korean war and its vets are often forgotten. My grandfather was a Korean war vet. Boy did he have some stories.Anyhow as a former history major, it drives me batshit how ignorant of history people are.
261 | sattv4u2 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:13:02am |
re: #257 Mattand
No excuse. When I was in my late 20's, I knew Vietnam came after Korea, and the closest I've come to military service is the Cub Scouts.
May I ask when were you in your "late 20's"?
I was in may late teens/ early 20's during Vietnam and had friends who served there, so it made more of an impression on me
This guy, if he's 20 today, is 40 years removed from the end of hostilities
262 | allegro Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:15:16am |
re: #261 sattv4u2
May I ask when were you in your "late 20's"?
I was in may late teens/ early 20's during Vietnam and had friends who served there, so it made more of an impression on me
This guy, if he's 20 today, is 40 years removed from the end of hostilities
And thanks to M*A*S*H reruns probably has the impression that it was the more contemporary war.
263 | sattv4u2 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:15:37am |
re: #262 allegro
And thanks to M*A*S*H reruns probably has the impression that it was the more contemporary war.
Good point
264 | Kragar Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:15:47am |
re: #261 sattv4u2
May I ask when were you in your "late 20's"?
I was in may late teens/ early 20's during Vietnam and had friends who served there, so it made more of an impression on me
This guy, if he's 20 today, is 40 years removed from the end of hostilities
He's 26 or so.
You're drilled with Marine Corps history in boot camp, plus you get refreshers all the time. Its the history of the Corps. He didn't even know the time frame for the Korean war, then he asked if Vietnam was before or after.
265 | Mattand Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:16:04am |
re: #258 sattv4u2
scanned it,, yup
(multi-tasking here)
But as always, like any other biased "report", be it left or right, grain of salt and all!
You can't really Magical Balance Fairy this one. The DPMA bills itself as non-partisan, when 18 seconds of Googling reveals they're not. Plus, as Kirkspencer demonstrates, the poll's method is horrendous.
Media Matters got this one right. With facts. Dismissing it as a biased repot because of their political leanings is wrong.
266 | sattv4u2 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:18:41am |
re: #265 Mattand
You can't really Magical Balance Fairy this one. The DPMA bills itself as non-partisan, when 18 seconds of Googling reveals they're not. Plus, as Kirkspencer demonstrates, the poll's method is horrendous.
Media Matters got this one right. With facts. Dismissing it as a biased repot because of their political leanings is wrong.
No MBF at all
All I'm saying is that "reports" from either wing always warrant a grain of salt approach. That each gets it right at times does not mitigate that
267 | Mattand Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:18:52am |
re: #261 sattv4u2
May I ask when were you in your "late 20's"?
I was in may late teens/ early 20's during Vietnam and had friends who served there, so it made more of an impression on me
This guy, if he's 20 today, is 40 years removed from the end of hostilities
I'm 45. My late 20s is the mid-90's. So I was a toddler during Vietnam. My dad was 9 when Korea started.
I don't expect our soldiers to be history experts, but I'd like to think they have some sort of awareness as to when our military has been called into conflict.
268 | sattv4u2 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:19:50am |
re: #267 Mattand
I'm 45. My late 20s is the mid-90's. So I was a toddler during Vietnam. My dad was 9 when Korea started.
I don't expect our soldiers to be history experts, but I'd like to think they have some sort of awareness as to when our military has been called into conflict.
I agree. But that this one Marine doesn't probably speaks more to his age (imho) than any lack of training/ awareness taught by the corps
269 | Charles Johnson Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:20:52am |
re: #266 sattv4u2
No MBF at all
All I'm saying is that "reports" from either wing always warrant a grain of salt approach. That each gets it right at times does not mitigate that
This report is not "mistaken" or "wrong," it's flat out dishonest and deceptive on more than one level.
270 | Charles Johnson Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:21:22am |
271 | sattv4u2 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:23:08am |
re: #269 Charles Johnson
This report is not "mistaken" or "wrong," it's flat out dishonest and deceptive on more than one level.
Then it should be ripped apart as people here and MM have done!
Which makes my point. A report produced by an org like that, grain of salt time instead of cited and adhered too
272 | abolitionist Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:27:20am |
re: #271 sattv4u2
Then it should be ripped apart as people here and MM have done!
Which makes my point. A report produced by an org like that, grain of salt time instead of cited and adhered too
The mention of fax should have screamed "self-selected sampling" to me, and should have hinted "contact list".
273 | sattv4u2 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:27:20am |
re: #270 Charles Johnson
Guessing not.
Just the important parts
The survey question is entirely worthless as a barometer of professional medical opinion regarding the Affordable Care Act. Which is likely the reason no one paid it any mind when DPMA released it last month.
Which goes to my #271
274 | sattv4u2 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:28:46am |
re: #272 abolitionist
The mention of fax should have screamed "self-selected sampling" to me, and should have hinted "contact list".
Not much different than surveys done by robo-calls from pre selected lists to get results wanted
Whenever I get a robo-call, I answer each question with a color!!
275 | Henchman Ghazi-808 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:29:05am |
re: #271 sattv4u2
Then it should be ripped apart as people here and MM have done!
Which makes my point. A report produced by an org like that, grain of salt time instead of cited and adhered too
When did you apply the grain of salt, before or after you sarcastically implied one of the DPMA board member was a wingnut (but actually not a wingnut?)
276 | sattv4u2 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:33:05am |
re: #275 Kronocide
When did you apply the grain of salt, before or after you sarcastically implied one of the DPMA board member was a wingnut (but actually not a wingnut?)
Wingnut or not, she has some pretty impressive credentials
I don't pick my doctors by their political views (hell,, i don't even KNOW their political views,, I don't even CARE about their political views).
277 | Mattand Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:35:10am |
re: #276 sattv4u2
Wingnut or not, she has some pretty impressive credentials
I don't pick my doctors by their political views (hell,, i don't even KNOW their political views,, I don't even CARE about their political views).
This goes back to the DPMA insisting they're non-partisan, when in actuality they're full metal Tea Bag.
278 | Gus Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:36:29am |
Doctor Patient Medical Association
The Doctor Patient Medical Association (DPMA) and the Patient Power Alliance (PPA) work to repeal health care reform[1] and call themselves a "a nonpartisan association of doctors and patients dedicated to preserving free choice in medicine."[2] The organization is a member of the National Tea Party Federation[3] and the "American Grassroots Coalition."[4]
Ties to the American Legislative Exchange Council
The DPMA is a member of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). DPMA Chair and Co-Founder, Kathryn Serkes, is on ALEC's Health and Human Services Task Force.[5]
279 | Gus Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:37:38am |
re: #278 Gus
Personnel
Kathryn Serkes, Co-Founder and Chair (former public affairs and policy consultant for the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, during its litigation against Hillary Clinton and the White House Health Care Task Force, "and helping to spur the national coalition that lead to the defeat of the Clinton health plan")[5]
Mark Schiller, MD, Co-Founder (Fellow, Pacific Research Institute)[6]
Amy Kremer, Co-Chair, "Patient Power" project (Chairman, Tea Party Express[2]; Co-Founder, American Grassroots Coalition[7])[5]
Jennifer Hulsey, Co-Chair, "Patient Power" project (Co-Founder, American Grassroots Coalition[7])[5]
280 | HappyWarrior Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:39:14am |
Why even lie about what your aim is when it's so easy to expose that your org is in fact partisan? I guess it's like the idiots who delete when they say nasty shit online and act like it's never been said.
281 | Gus Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:39:40am |
Kathryn Serkes is the Co-Founder and Chairman of the Doctor Patient Medical Association (DPMA)
Role in Defeating Clinton Health Plan
According to her biography on the DPMA website, "for more than 16 years, [Serkes] served as public affairs and policy consultant for the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, representing that group during it’s litigation against the Hillary Clinton and the White House Health Care Task Force, and helping to spur the national coalition that lead to the defeat of the Clinton health plan."[4]
Time at the Controversial Federal Emergency Management Agency
"Appointed by four Administrations to serve at the Federal Emergency Management Agency" (FEMA), according to Serkes' biography, she "received that agency’s highest recognition, the 'Director’s Award for Meritorious Service.'"[4] FEMA is a "former independent agency that became part of the new U.S. Department of Homeland Security in March 2003 - is tasked with responding to, planning for, recovering from and mitigating against disasters."[5] FEMA's role in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina has been widely criticized.
Work to Limit the Rights of Americans Injured or Killed by Corporations
According to DPMA, Serkes is "founder and chair of the 'Coalition Against Prosecutorial Abuse' to rein in government trial lawyers – the criminal companion to civil tort reform."[4]
History in the PR Business
According to DPMA, Serkes "is also president and founder of Square One Media Network, a strategic communications firm serving clients such as Boeing, Sheraton Hotels, Continental Airlines, Time Warner Communications, Washington State Dairy Commission, Washington Health Care Association, and the State of Washington since 1985. Offices are located in Seattle and Washington D.C."[4]
282 | sattv4u2 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:40:06am |
283 | Gus Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:40:43am |
Don't know what the convo is about. But it's pretty clear that DPMA is run by a bunch of dicks.
284 | Henchman Ghazi-808 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:41:30am |
re: #283 Gus
Don't know what the convo is about. But it's pretty clear that DPMA is run by a bunch of HIGHLY EDUCATED AND NON PARTISAN dicks.
Cough cough...
285 | wrenchwench Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:43:38am |
My cousin, on Facebook, responding to a friend who asked for prayers to St. Jude for his truck in the shop:
I tried to pray Hail Mary but I couldn't remember the words. So I sang Mary Had a Little Lamb ten times. Hope it helps.
lol
286 | iossarian Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:43:58am |
re: #283 Gus
Don't know what the convo is about. But it's pretty clear that DPMA is run by a bunch of dicks.
NJD posted a survey of DPMA doctors, in which they were all slamming the healthcare act, unsurprisingly.
Then lots of people pointed out that DPMA is, as you say, "run by a bunch of dicks". More specifically they are all ALEC'd up. Media Matters was cited, among other things.
Then Satt tried to prop them up by finding an apparently sane person who's involved with them. And then disparaged the Media Matters report by dismissing it as partisanship.
And now here we are.
287 | Gus Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:48:12am |
re: #286 iossarian
NJD posted a survey of DPMA doctors, in which they were all slamming the healthcare act, unsurprisingly.
Then lots of people pointed out that DPMA is, as you say, "run by a bunch of dicks". More specifically they are all ALEC'd up. Media Matters was cited, among other things.
Then Satt tried to prop them up by finding an apparently sane person who's involved with them. And then disparaged the Media Matters report by dismissing it as partisanship.
And now here we are.
Just another front group for big business interests. Put a "down home" local yokel type at the helm, Kathryn Serkes, and get "the people" to support your interests at the voting booth -- i.e. vote Republicans. You would think a doctors group would be headed by, well, doctors. They're part of Tea Party Express and more importantly, ALEC.
288 | Mattand Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:49:35am |
re: #285 wrenchwench
My cousin, on Facebook, responding to a friend who asked for prayers to St. Jude for his truck in the shop:
lol
Our Pickup, who art in Garage, hallowed be thy frame...
Prayers. For a truck. He wasn't serious, was he?
289 | sattv4u2 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:51:57am |
re: #288 Mattand
Our Pickup, who art in Garage, hallowed be thy frame...
Prayers. For a truck. He wasn't serious, was he?
Image: my_mother_the_car_property_of_mortys_tv.jpg
My Mother, The Car
290 | wrenchwench Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:52:02am |
re: #288 Mattand
Our Pickup, who art in Garage, hallowed be thy frame...
Prayers. For a truck. He wasn't serious, was he?
I haven't seen my cousin since 1977, I don't know any of his friends, but he cracks me up on Facebook regularly.
291 | sattv4u2 Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:55:16am |
Ah well
Son just called. Seems as if he's heading home with 4 friends
4 HUNGRY friends, I'm assuming
Off to the grocery store (I better take the BIG truck!!)
292 | Vicious Babushka Tue, Jul 10, 2012 10:58:18am |
re: #288 Mattand
Our Pickup, who art in Garage, hallowed be thy frame...
Prayers. For a truck. He wasn't serious, was he?
Our Ford.
293 | kirkspencer Tue, Jul 10, 2012 11:02:33am |
re: #272 abolitionist
The mention of fax should have screamed "self-selected sampling" to me, and should have hinted "contact list".
Actually, no. Fax should not have so screamed. Notionally the process was valid.
Something to know is that right now all clinics still use faxes for transmission of patient data. Faxes are HIPAA valid. Email isn't unless it's gone through processes to secure the data.
So at least notionally, all clinics have and use faxes.
That said, there are at least two points (in my opinion) that should have brought this to a screaming stop before they started compiling results. First was when they only had ~36,000 fax numbers for an approximately 280,000 practicing primary care physicians. At that point there's an inherent bias based on the source of the fax numbers. Second, when less than half the faxes turned out to be valid it raised the question of validity and currency of the fax numbers.
Want the most amusing part of this? The fax numbers are available from at least three sources. First, there are the "fax telephone books" the phone companies maintain. Second, fax numbers are part of the required information for licenses in every state, and those are public record. Third, most medical supply organizations have the numbers. All (well, most but not all major medical suppliers) will sell those lists.
My GUESS is that they used their OWN registry of fax numbers, which creates a nastily biased population (self-selection: only physicians who agree with the organization's tenets) receiving the survey. That's only a guess, mind, but it is an explanation for why "only" 36,000 fax numbers were available and less than half were successful.