And Now, Naked Mole Rat Puppies

They’re very wrinkly
Images • Views: 43,935

Naked Mole Rat Puppies. Need I say more?

Photo Credit: Zoo Budapest

Nearly hairless and covered in wrinkly pink skin, Naked Mole Rats are one of only two mammal species known to be eusocial - they live in highly organized societies similar to those of ants, termites, or bees. The only female in a colony to reproduce is known as the queen, and only a few males breed with her. The rest of the colony assumes roles as workers. They obtain food and maintain the complex system of underground tunnels in which the Naked Mole Rats live.

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223 comments
1 Killgore Trout  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 6:13:52pm

Update: Last Week’s outrageous outrage was a hoax

2 chadu  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 6:23:44pm

I can only conclude that naked mole rats do not suffer from Original Sin, since they are not wearing aprons sewed out of fig leaves.

3 allegro  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 6:23:56pm

re: #1 Killgore Trout

Update: Last Week’s outrageous outrage was a hoax

What was that about trolls?

4 William Barnett-Lewis  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 6:38:41pm

RUFUS! My Man!

Image: Rufus_(Kim_Possible).jpg

5 allegro  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 6:40:40pm

I’m pretty sure Spring happened here yesterday and it’s gonna stick. I bought myself a small tea rose bush for Valentine’s day and I’m aching to get that in a big pot and get my flowers and veggies going. I wanna play in the dirt! But alas the local garden centers don’t seem as sure about Spring being sprung as I am.

6 chadu  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 6:43:17pm

O/T

Schoolhouse Rock - ”The Great American Melting Pot”

Youtube Video

7 steve_davis  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 6:55:43pm

re: #2 chadu

I can only conclude that naked mole rats do not suffer from Original Sin, since they are not wearing aprons sewed out of fig leaves.

this is what I tell people about cats: they have not eaten from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and hence they do not know they are naked.

8 Stanley Sea  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 6:59:00pm

re: #6 chadu

O/T

Schoolhouse Rock - “The Great American Melting Pot”

[Embedded content]

excellent!!!

Re-watching Blackfish now on CNN.

If you haven’t seen it, turn it on.

9 Seltzer123  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 6:59:28pm

well …

10 Charles Johnson  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 7:07:09pm

Wow
mole rats
so young
so wrinkly
so subterranean
wow

11 Killgore Trout  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 7:10:09pm

The latest Snowden leak is going to cause some problems.
Document shows surveillance of US law firm

At least this is going to cause some legal problems unless there was some legit reason for it. I suspect we’re going to see some more NSA reforms in the near future.

12 Gus  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 7:14:22pm
13 Stanley Sea  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 7:29:43pm
14 ObserverArt  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 7:31:44pm

Charles,

In the last thread you were mentioning to Gus a good way to check your spelling was to read it out loud.

I had just commented in the thread and am quoting it here…thought you and others might find it useful.

Or backwards. That is an old typesetters trick. When reading forward you get rolling and expect words as you know the sequence to phrases, common uses, etc., so the tendency is to go right past the spelling.

If you go backwards it is word by word you are forced to look at the word.

15 Justanotherhuman  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 7:37:01pm

re: #11 Killgore Trout

The latest Snowden leak is going to cause some problems.
Document shows surveillance of US law firm

At least this is going to cause some legal problems unless there was some legit reason for it. I suspect we’re going to see some more NSA reforms in the near future.

Nope. Linked to the story on the previous thread.

Australia did the spying, not the NSA who only memo’d the fact.

16 Justanotherhuman  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 7:37:32pm

And—Xbox is down, down, down.

17 goddamnedfrank  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 7:40:02pm

re: #11 Killgore Trout

The latest Snowden leak is going to cause some problems.
Document shows surveillance of US law firm

At least this is going to cause some legal problems unless there was some legit reason for it. I suspect we’re going to see some more NSA reforms in the near future.

Did you read the article? It doesn’t say the NSA conducted the surveillance.

The NSA’s Australian counterpart, the Australian Signals Directorate, had notified the NSA that it was conducting surveillance of the talks, including communications between Indonesian officials and the American law firm, and offered to share the information, the Times reported.

Liaison officials asked the NSA general counsel’s office, on behalf of the Australians, for guidance about the spying. The bulletin notes only that the counsel’s office ”provided clear guidance” and that the Australian eavesdropping agency ”has been able to continue to cover the talks, providing highly useful intelligence for interested U.S. customers,” according to the Times story.

It’s not at all clear that the NSA even accepted the Australian offer, only that the NSA general counsel’s office reviewed the offer and gave an answer. All we know is that the situation gave enough pause that the NSA felt the need to have their lawyers examine it closely. Furthermore:

The Times reported that the NSA can intercept the communications of Americans if they are in contact with a foreign intelligence target abroad, such as Indonesian officials. The U.S. agency is then required to follow so-called minimization rules to protect their privacy, such as deleting the identity of Americans or information that is not deemed necessary to understand or assess the foreign intelligence, before sharing it with other agencies, the paper reported.

Maybe it happened, maybe it didn’t. But if it did the clients would have been foreign government officials calling from outside our borders. Considering that I’m not sure either party to that phone call has a reasonable expectation of privacy.

18 Gus  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 7:46:57pm
19 Killgore Trout  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 7:48:55pm

re: #17 goddamnedfrank

Any clue how to interpret this? The Aussies were “providing highly useful intelligence for interested U.S. customers”.
That sounds to me like the Aussies were allowed to continue evesdropping on behalf on an American customer (which I would assume is a company). Is that even possible? If it’s not illegal it probably should be,

20 ObserverArt  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 7:51:03pm

re: #11 Killgore Trout

The latest Snowden leak is going to cause some problems.
Document shows surveillance of US law firm

At least this is going to cause some legal problems unless there was some legit reason for it. I suspect we’re going to see some more NSA reforms in the near future.

That article is rather murky. It says the an Australian agency did the surveillance and then told the NSA through an NSA Australian office. Then it goes on to say “The U.S. agency is then required to follow so-called minimization rules to protect their privacy, such as deleting the identity of Americans or information that is not deemed necessary to understand or assess the foreign intelligence, before sharing it with other agencies, the paper reported.” Is that not backwards? It wasn’t the NSA that shared it with the Australians, it was the other way around, and the Australians may not have the same rules of stripping out the info.

I’m not implying it is right to do what was done, by there seems to be some liberties taken in the facts and intentions in that piece. Maybe I’m seeing that wrong…been staring at a computer screen all day and I am getting eye fatigue.

I see Justanotherhuman sort of saw it the same way. Is it wiggle room, or is it the author working to get some outrageous outrage…which is a big topic these days

21 Killgore Trout  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 7:52:36pm

re: #18 Gus

[Embedded content]

Sadly, only the French are interested is securing Africa so they’ll have to do it alone. American adventurism is over with for time being.

22 Lidane  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 7:53:18pm

re: #4 William Barnett-Lewis

RUFUS! My Man!

Image: Rufus_(Kim_Possible).jpg

23 Killgore Trout  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 7:54:52pm

re: #20 ObserverArt

It’s hard to tell. I’ve read a few articles and they all have some curious wording, none of them are very clear on exactly what was going on and who was doing what for whom.

24 Justanotherhuman  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 7:56:23pm

re: #23 Killgore Trout

It’s hard to tell. I’ve read a few articles and they all have some curious wording, none of them are very clear on exactly what was going on and who was doing what for whom.

It’s probably Greenwald slipping the dregs of Snowden’s theft to the MSM. The story I linked was from the AP.

25 Killgore Trout  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 7:58:12pm

re: #20 ObserverArt

Then it goes on to say “The U.S. agency is then required to follow so-called minimization rules to protect their privacy, such as deleting the identity of Americans or information that is not deemed necessary to understand or assess the foreign intelligence, before sharing it with other agencies, the paper reported.” IS that not backwards? It wasn’t the NSA that shared it with the Australians, it was the other way around, and the Australians may not have the same rules of stripping out the info.

Here’s my interpretation: The Aussies were giving info to the NSA. The NSA can accept the info but it has to redact the names of Americans before the NSA can pass it on to other agencies like the FBI.

26 chadu  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 8:01:07pm

re: #22 Lidane

[Embedded image]

All the updings.

27 Killgore Trout  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 8:01:50pm

Could the “Interested American Customer” be the FBI? I was thinking it was a company but maybe it was a government agency that wasn’t allowed to listen to the calls themselves. The FBI could outsource the listening to the Aussies and have the info relayed back via NSA. Maybe, I’m just guessing.

28 Justanotherhuman  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 8:03:11pm

re: #25 Killgore Trout

Here’s my interpretation: The Aussies were giving info to the NSA. The NSA can accept the info but it has to redact the names of Americans before the NSA can pass it on to other agencies like the FBI.

Whoever is providing this information to the press is engaging in some ridiculous posturing, you have to admit.

I mean, see, we’re already speculating on a number of points, and the writing of the subject is so cloudy as to be confusing unless you’re a very careful reader and do your own sorting of the article’s implications.

29 Stanley Sea  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 8:04:46pm

re: #15 Justanotherhuman

Nope. Linked to the story on the previous thread.

Australia did the spying, not the NSA who only memo’d the fact.

Thanks for the fact check.

30 goddamnedfrank  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 8:06:57pm

re: #19 Killgore Trout

Any clue how to interpret this? The Aussies were “providing highly useful intelligence for interested U.S. customers”.
That sounds to me like the Aussies were allowed to continue evesdropping on behalf on an American customer (which I would assume is a company).

Um, there was no customer, at least up front. They gathered the information on their own and shopped it to the NSA.

Is that even possible? If it’s not illegal it probably should be,

If you’re Indonesia, what country does your fastest, least number of hops route to the United States go through? Do you think Australia has some legal or ethical obligation to simply pass on all internet traffic that traverses its network without looking at it? That’s a rather monumentally naive expectation to hold in the modern global information economy.

This wasn’t an embassy diplomatic bag being transported by a courier. It didn’t involve the Indonesian embassy at all. Foreign govt. officials making open, in the clear phone calls to the US should probably expect to have those conversations listened in on.

31 chadu  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 8:11:49pm

re: #27 Killgore Trout

Could the “Interested American Customer” be the FBI?

I think it was the Morton Salt Company.

32 Justanotherhuman  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 8:12:46pm

Well, now, I was in the right pond, just guessed the wrong fish…

Spying by N.S.A. Ally Entangled U.S. Law Firm

By JAMES RISEN and LAURA POITRAS FEB. 15, 2014

nytimes.com

33 ausador  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 8:19:04pm

Weird, I have never, ever, in my life been called an “old man” before tonight, damn I just feel so…so…”old” now. :(

Some couple who didn’t belong here decided to have a domestic dispute in the condo’s parking lot. When I first intervened (because the guy was trying to choke her out while the girl was flailing at him) the guy decided to walk down the block while the girl sat there crying in her car.

I asked her if she wanted to call the police and got a no, I told her she needed to move on and she said she didn’t feel safe to drive yet. I told her that the guy who was just trying to strangle her was right there 200 yards away in the bank parking lot watching us and that she really needed to move on if she wasn’t willing to call the police.

She drove off and I thought that would be the end of the story, by now one of my neighbors was outside asking what all the yelling had been about. Then the guy started yelling at me from the bank parking lot, he cussed a lot and said some nasty things about my parentage, but what really hurt is that he kept calling me “old man.”

Still, I did notice that apparently even though I am now “old” I am not yet so decrepit that he was willing to come back over and say any of that nonsense directly to my face. So I guess maybe I might have just a bit longer to live yet… ;)

34 Killgore Trout  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 8:23:03pm

re: #32 Justanotherhuman

Well, now, I was in the right pond, just guessed the wrong fish…

Spying by N.S.A. Ally Entangled U.S. Law Firm

By JAMES RISEN and LAURA POITRAS FEB. 15, 2014

nytimes.com

Some interesting new details….
“cigarettes and shrimp”
Mmmmmm…sounds tasty.

35 Justanotherhuman  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 8:23:47pm

re: #32 Justanotherhuman

Anyone notice that they call it “NSA Ally” not “USA Ally”?

I mean, the US has had relations with Australia for how many years?

36 Killgore Trout  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 8:30:42pm

This is where things get a little dicey for me….

Even though the Indonesian issues were relatively modest for the United States — about $40 million in annual trade is related to the clove cigarette dispute and $1 billion annually to shrimp — the Australian surveillance of talks underscores the extent to which the N.S.A. and its close partners engage in economic espionage.
….
Other documents obtained from Mr. Snowden reveal that the N.S.A. shares reports from its surveillance widely among civilian agencies. A 2004 N.S.A. document, for example, describes how the agency’s intelligence gathering was critical to the Agriculture Department in international trade negotiations.

“The U.S.D.A. is involved in trade operations to protect and secure a large segment of the U.S. economy,” that document states. Top agency officials “often rely on SIGINT” — short for the signals intelligence that the N.S.A. eavesdropping collects — “to support their negotiations.”

37 Killgore Trout  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 8:32:14pm

re: #35 Justanotherhuman

Anyone notice that they call it “NSA Ally” not “USA Ally”?

I mean, the US has had relations with Australia for how many years?

The NSA even has it’s own embassy but it’s just a dude in a trench coat under a street light. He’s only there on foggy nights.

38 Stanley Sea  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 8:33:08pm

lol?

39 Stanley Sea  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 8:35:24pm
40 goddamnedfrank  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 8:37:15pm

There’s also a major misconception at play as to what attorney-client privilege is. Primarily it’s a rule that applies to admissible evidence that protects legal advice, which kinds of admissions can be compelled and what kinds of evidence are admissible in court.

If I’m getting legal advice from my lawyer over the internet, I know that communication can’t be used in court against me. However if I really don’t want the facts I’m communicating to become known by parties antagonistic to my interests I’m going to take certain common sense precautions, such as strong encryption.

41 Stanley Sea  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 8:37:56pm

What is it Gus?

42 BongCrodny  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 8:37:56pm

re: #38 Stanley Sea

lol?

[Embedded content]

We know exactly what that’s like, Donald.

43 goddamnedfrank  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 8:44:52pm

re: #39 Stanley Sea

[Embedded content]

Possibly pedantic pet peeve: Conflation of the Constitution with the Declaration of Independence. One is law, the other isn’t.

44 Killgore Trout  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 8:45:49pm

re: #40 goddamnedfrank

from the NYT article…

Last year, the Supreme Court, in a 5-to-4 decision, rebuffed a legal challenge to a 2008 law allowing warrantless wiretapping that was brought in part by lawyers with foreign clients they believed were likely targets of N.S.A. monitoring. The lawyers contended that the law raised risks that required them to take costly measures, like traveling overseas to meet clients, to protect sensitive communications. But the Supreme Court dismissed their fears as “speculative.”

I suspect the Supremes may hear this case again.

45 palomino  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 9:05:52pm

re: #1 Killgore Trout

Update: Last Week’s outrageous outrage was a hoax

Yes, so what’s your point? Anti-gay discrimination is overblown because two dumb “reporters” fabricated one story?

That fits in with the “there’s no racism because Tawana Brawley” meme. Congrats, your posts get a little more shallow by the day.

46 palomino  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 9:07:19pm

re: #21 Killgore Trout

Sadly, only the French are interested is securing Africa so they’ll have to do it alone. American adventurism is over with for time being.

Thank fucking God.

47 The War TARDIS  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 9:12:05pm

Talked to the Imam today. Told him about what was going on.

I told him about the hang-up involving converts, and he did concede he had seen the behaviour I had mentioned around males. He did say that females tended to act better. Once I told him about the fact that those people I was describing were from Colorado Springs, he shifted gears. He could probably sense that in this case, the bridge didn’t just get burned, it got hit by an asteroid.

He then did say that he wanted me to go to MSA meetings at the other universities in the OKC Metro besides OU, and there was a youth meeting on Sundays at the Private Islamic School.

Unfortunately, I work Sundays, and the place I work has no flexibility with hours. Which means….

I need to find somewhere else to work.

Also, my parents and sister leave Colorado Springs this summer. After that, Colorado Springs could burn for all I care, I hate that foul place.

48 goddamnedfrank  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 9:20:01pm

re: #44 Killgore Trout

from the NYT article…

I suspect the Supremes may hear this case again.

I’m kind of wondering what possible remedy could ever satisfy them though. Let’s assume they actually get the US & NSA to nominally stop intercepting any one party inside US borders communications without a warrant, then what? Any lawyer worth their salary is going to continue assuming their overseas communications are at risk. They’re going to continue using strong encryption and other even more extraordinary measures when the stakes demand it. They’re all going to assume the worst anyway, i.e. the FBI under Hoover and act paranoid to be better safe than sorry, because how can they ever be sure? They can’t.

49 wheat-dogghazi  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 9:36:50pm

re: #14 ObserverArt

Charles,

In the last thread you were mentioning to Gus a good way to check your spelling was to read it out loud.

I had just commented in the thread and am quoting it here…thought you and others might find it useful.

etaoin shrdlu

(speaking of typesetting)

50 Dark_Falcon  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 9:55:07pm

re: #45 palomino

Yes, so what’s your point? Anti-gay discrimination is overblown because two dumb “reporters” fabricated one story?

That fits in with the “there’s no racism because Tawana Brawley” meme. Congrats, your posts get a little more shallow by the day.

It’s worth publicly noting when cases of bigotry prove to be hoaxes, mostly because dishonest claims of mistreatment make things harder for legitimate cases to succeed.

There is also the issue of keeping the record straight for simple purposes of truth telling. If a town or a restaurant’s clientele were accused of bigotry but in fact were innocent of the charges then their exoneration needs to be broadcast far and wide so that they will not continue to suffer under the stigma of a false allegation.

Lastly, there are tactical considerations which make having the facts straight important. If you’re arguing with a wingnut and you use an example of bigotry that he can prove did not in fact happen then you have made your task of winning that argument far harder.

51 Amory Blaine  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 10:11:33pm

On the Killing of Jordan Davis by Michael Dunn

…..Spare us the invocations of “black on black crime.” I will not respect the lie. I would rather be thought insane. The most mendacious phrase in the American language is “black on black crime,” which is uttered as though the same hands that drew red lines around the ghettoes of Chicago are not the same hands that drew red lines around the life of Jordan Davis, as though black people authored North Lawndale and policy does not exist. That which mandates the murder of our Hadiya Pendletons necessarily mandates the murder of Jordan Davis. I will not respect any difference. I will not respect the lie. I would rather be thought crazy.

I insist that the irrelevance of black life has been drilled into this country since its infancy, and shall not be extricated through the latest innovations in Negro Finishing School. I insist that racism is our heritage, that Thomas Jefferson’s genius is no more important than his plundering of the body of Sally Hemmings, that George Washington’s abdication is no more significant than his wild pursuit of Oney Judge, that the G.I Bill’s accolades are somehow inseparable from its racist heritage. I will not respect the lie. I insist that racism must be properly understood as an Intelligence, as a sentience, as a default setting which, likely to the end of our days, we shall unerringly return.

52 Amory Blaine  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 11:20:48pm

WI, #1 in new jobless claims, is deeper in Walker malaise

He will probably blame the weather for yet another dismal Wisconsin jobs report - - as if it were warm and sunny in the other 49 states - - but leading the nation in new jobless claims counted by the federal government blows another hole in Scott Walker’s failed record as a jobs creator.

From the federal data released Thursday which has Wisconsin reporting more new jobless claims in the first week of February than big states like New York, Ohio and others:

We’re #1

53 wheat-dogghazi  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 11:22:14pm

re: #52 Amory Blaine

Does Walker have any chance of being re-elected as governor of Walker-istan?

54 Amory Blaine  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 11:27:26pm

re: #53 wheat-dogghazi

At this point I think he’s a lock.

55 Targetpractice  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 11:30:30pm

re: #53 wheat-dogghazi

Does Walker have any chance of being re-elected as governor of Walker-istan?

I think he’s still pretty much in “dead girl/live boy” territory. Somehow he’ll find a way to cook the books before next year to say that he achieved his goal of creating 250,000 jobs or found convincing excuses, “John Doe” has yet to yield any indictments with his name on them, and given the behavior during the recall election it would not surprise me if GOP voters played monkey again with the Dem primaries in order to ensure a weak candidate opposes Walker.

Think about it this way: The man’s approval ratings, despite all the noxious shit that surrounds him, still remains at 50%.

56 Lidane  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 11:35:59pm

re: #39 Stanley Sea

Stand Your Ground is an abomination. It needs to be repealed, or we need to just admit that it’s a licencse for white people to kill minorities with impunity.

I get the whole idea of defending yourself and your family/homestead when they’re in danger, but this is bullshit. Enough is enough.

57 Amory Blaine  Sat, Feb 15, 2014 11:37:57pm

Milwaukee Talk Radio Goes Too Far

Rob Carson, a Charlie Sykes show fill-in host right now on the state’s largest AM radio station, posed this question as he went into the 9:30 a.m. break: “Do you think Barack Obama is unimpeachable because of his race?”

Carson says Obama borders on psychotic.

9:54 a.m. “Color of his skin” card is back in play. Says Obama is “a radical socialist…hates this country…has done a lot of damage…the Emperor is not only naked, he’s standing on stage with background singers… Stalinist…frightening “

Says if you disagree with him, Obama will jail you.

James Rowan has a good blog on the local Wisconsin environment.

58 Amory Blaine  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 12:06:47am

Dividing Lines: How Balkanized are Milwaukee and other Midwest metros?

Milwaukee is among the most politically segregated of the nation’s top metro areas, with voters clustered in very Republican (red) or very Democratic (blue) neighborhoods.

59 freetoken  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 12:42:23am

MP3 Audio

60 freetoken  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 12:43:53am

Though I prefer this version (Poulenc’s) of Salve Regina, though it may not be accessible to all:

MP3 Audio

61 Lidane  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 12:44:18am
62 Decatur Deb  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 3:07:48am

From Crooks and Liars:

“He always wanted to shoot somebody.”


with video of neighbor interview
crooksandliars.com

63 freetoken  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 3:25:49am

MP3 Audio

64 wheat-dogghazi  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 4:19:29am

re: #62 Decatur Deb

From Crooks and Liars:

“He always wanted to shoot somebody.”

with video of neighbor interview
crooksandliars.com

Was that admissible evidence? It sure makes Dunn out to have some kind of anger management issues, to say the least. That photo showing his shock at the guilty verdicts suggests that he feels he’s done nothing wrong at all — just a normal day in the life of every suburban American man, spraying bullets at cars full of teenagers. Like Grand Theft Auto, but with real bullets, real cars and real kids.

He looks like the big, beefy, dumb-looking guys they get to play big, beefy, dumb crooks on TV cop shows.

65 Decatur Deb  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 4:25:11am

re: #64 wheat-dogghazi

Was that admissible evidence? It sure makes Dunn out to have some kind of anger management issues, to say the least. That photo showing his shock at the guilty verdicts suggests that he feels he’s done nothing wrong at all — just a normal day in the life of every suburban American man, spraying bullets at cars full of teenagers. Like Grand Theft Auto, but with real bullets, real cars and real kids.

He looks like the big, beefy, dumb-looking guys they get to play big, beefy, dumb crooks on TV cop shows.

That’s a lawyer question, but I’m guessing not admissible. Don’t even want to go inside the head of a Florida prosecutor.

66 Decatur Deb  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 4:34:19am

From Slate:

It’s “National Youth Enrollment Day,” and the Obamacare Website Is Down

slate.com

We had to shut down our navigator assistance an hour early yesterday. It would be nice if someone towards the top of the HHS foodchain had their ass handed to them, just to encourage the others.

67 wheat-dogghazi  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 4:39:37am

re: #65 Decatur Deb

That’s a lawyer question, but I’m guessing not admissible. Don’t even want to go inside the head of a Florida prosecutor.

Probably, it would be considered hearsay evidence, but a good prosecutor would have used the allegations to pursue several angles of attack, to establish a pattern of anger and violence. Not sure if she did.

68 Justanotherhuman  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 5:42:37am

re: #64 wheat-dogghazi

Was that admissible evidence? It sure makes Dunn out to have some kind of anger management issues, to say the least. That photo showing his shock at the guilty verdicts suggests that he feels he’s done nothing wrong at all — just a normal day in the life of every suburban American man, spraying bullets at cars full of teenagers. Like Grand Theft Auto, but with real bullets, real cars and real kids.

He looks like the big, beefy, dumb-looking guys they get to play big, beefy, dumb crooks on TV cop shows.

Interesting that Dunn thought he was the smartest guy around because he figured he was some kind of computer god.

I’ve seen that attitude elsewhere, also, on computer-related social sites.

Dunn actually sounds like a full blown socially inept, true libertarian type, a person whose personality is so twisted he cannot maintain real human relationships and must control people the same way he controls the technology he works with, a preferable lonely occupation in which he can pose as man as machine, from which his intelligence derives. Yet he’s a person who is in constant fear, so much he must carry a gun with which to protect himself from any purported “enemies” he might imagine. I also suspect the women with whom he was involved weren’t seen by him so much as human beings as they were simple fuck-holes for his sexual proclivities.

Also interesting is the fact that his own parents fired him from the family business, after which he lied to them about being employed simply to draw the paychecks they provided to get rid of him.

69 A Mom Anon  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 5:51:06am

re: #68 Justanotherhuman

A psychopathic bully then. He’s facing 60 yrs ( hope he gets that, anything less is a joke) and the prosecutor is looking to retry the murder charge so he’s not going to hurt anyone else for awhile. He’s scared of “gangstas”? Oh he’s gonna find out real quick what a REAL “gangsta” is. It wasn’t the kids he decided to murder that day. He better hope the Aryan Brotherhood has some guys where he ends up because they’re about the only ones who will have his back.

70 wheat-dogghazi  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 5:51:13am

re: #68 Justanotherhuman

Interesting that Dunn thought he was the smartest guy around because he figured he was some kind of computer god.

I’ve seen that attitude elsewhere, also, on computer-related social sites.

Like the computer guy in the James Bond movie who was “invincible!”

I know the kind you mean. Non-computer people are so in awe of the wonders these guys can perform, which are in fact not all that wondrous, that the adulation goes to their heads. Some take it one notch further, and become blackhat hackers, or join Anonymous, or get jobs as contractors for the NSA. ((Ahem))

But the most common type are the computer nerds who think they know a lot more than they actually do, and take delight in mocking anyone online who does not see their brilliance, even when the obnoxious twit is wrong.

71 Justanotherhuman  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 5:53:27am

re: #70 wheat-dogghazi

Like the computer guy in the James Bond movie who was “invincible!”

I know the kind you mean. Non-computer people are so in awe of the wonders these guys can perform, which are in fact not all that wondrous, that the adulation goes to their heads. Some take it one notch further, and become blackhat hackers, or join Anonymous, or get jobs as contractors for the NSA. ((Ahem))

But the most common type are the computer nerds who think they know a lot more than they actually do, and take delight in mocking anyone online who does not see their brilliance, even when the obnoxious twit is wrong.

Yeah, Edward “He’s a genius!” Snowden was my first thought as a prime example of that.

72 Dark_Falcon  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 5:59:03am

re: #55 Targetpractice

I think he’s still pretty much in “dead girl/live boy” territory. Somehow he’ll find a way to cook the books before next year to say that he achieved his goal of creating 250,000 jobs or found convincing excuses, “John Doe” has yet to yield any indictments with his name on them, and given the behavior during the recall election it would not surprise me if GOP voters played monkey again with the Dem primaries in order to ensure a weak candidate opposes Walker.

Think about it this way: The man’s approval ratings, despite all the noxious shit that surrounds him, still remains at 50%.

Claire McCaskill used an Operation: CHAOS strategy to help ensure a primary win by Todd Akin in Missouri in 2012 (thus ensuring her reelection after Akin’s ‘legitimate rape’ comment). It is thus perfectly fair for Republican voters to vote in the Democratic primary in order to select a weaker opponent for Scott Walker in Wisconsin.

As for the ‘John Doe’ investigation, it recently hit a roadblock when a Wisconsin judge quashed most of its latest round of subpoenas against conservative political organizations. In the wake of that, Americans For Prosperity has filed suit to halt the investigation entirely, saying it is a fishing expedition.

Note: The first paragraph contains my opinion, the second is intended solely as a statement of the facts.

73 Dark_Falcon  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 6:01:41am

re: #69 A Mom Anon

A psychopathic bully then. He’s facing 60 yrs ( hope he gets that, anything less is a joke) and the prosecutor is looking to retry the murder charge so he’s not going to hurt anyone else for awhile. He’s scared of “gangstas”? Oh he’s gonna find out real quick what a REAL “gangsta” is. It wasn’t the kids he decided to murder that day. He better hope the Aryan Brotherhood has some guys where he ends up because they’re about the only ones who will have his back.

The Aryan Brotherhood has little use for a man who cannot accept an organization’s discipline and work towards its goals. Thus far, Michael Dunn has given little sign in his life that he can do such things.

74 Justanotherhuman  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 6:07:59am

re: #73 Dark_Falcon

The Aryan Brotherhood has little use for a man who cannot accept an organization’s discipline and work towards its goals. Thus far, Michael Dunn has given little sign in his life that he can do such things.

Are you kidding? Those in the Aryan Brotherhood are total misfits who couldn’t discipline themselves enough to actually live and work in civilized society.

Why do you think so many are in prison?

They operate on hate, not self-discipline and hard work.

75 wheat-dogghazi  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 6:08:48am

re: #55 Targetpractice

I think he’s still pretty much in “dead girl/live boy” territory. Somehow he’ll find a way to cook the books before next year to say that he achieved his goal of creating 250,000 jobs or found convincing excuses, “John Doe” has yet to yield any indictments with his name on them, and given the behavior during the recall election it would not surprise me if GOP voters played monkey again with the Dem primaries in order to ensure a weak candidate opposes Walker.

Think about it this way: The man’s approval ratings, despite all the noxious shit that surrounds him, still remains at 50%.

Are people in Wisconsin seriously that stupid? That’s sad.

76 William Barnett-Lewis  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 6:14:25am

re: #53 wheat-dogghazi

Does Walker have any chance of being re-elected as governor of Walker-istan?

Lots, unfortunately. There are lots of people who believe the big lie of too high taxes even though no one in Wisconsin is.

However, we do have a help in that his job numbers remain unspinnable even up north & there are as many opposed to mining (destroys forests, waters & tourist dollars) as are in favor of it.

Plus his biggest vote bump in the recall was from people happy about him signing CCW. That was a one time thing and the constant drain of jobs to other states that aren’t destroying the infrastructure and schools.

I just hope the damage he’s done can be fixed in under a generation.

77 HappyWarrior  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 6:15:24am

The Dunn mistrial really has me concerned about the justice system. I mean I’m sorry but I don’t know how there’s a reasonable doubt if someone puts ten bullets in some kid and then is calm enough to go walk the dog and order a pizza. That’s not the action of a man who found his life in danger. That’s the action of a man who knew who exactly what he was doing. Anyhow after reading about past cases of actual self-defense that ended up in murder convictions (with the races reversed, my shock!), it just has you thinking about how we’ve come far but have miles to go. You don’t get to shoot at people because you don’t like their music or in the case of the retired police captain their texting. Deal with it like a responsible adult and stop resorting to using a gun to something that could be solved with words and diplomacy. Rant off.

78 William Barnett-Lewis  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 6:15:25am

re: #57 Amory Blaine

Milwaukee Talk Radio Goes Too Far

James Rowan has a good blog on the local Wisconsin environment.

Then why isn’t Mr Radio in jail? Sheesh.

79 HappyWarrior  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 6:17:02am

re: #78 William Barnett-Lewis

Then why isn’t Mr Radio in jail? Sheesh.

I wonder that too. All these fanatics talk about how Obama is dictator blah blah but his actions uh aren’t dictatorial and no RWNJs the Executive Orders don’t count even if he had a higher number of them.

80 Dark_Falcon  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 6:18:08am

re: #74 Justanotherhuman

Are you kidding? Those in the Aryan Brotherhood are total misfits who couldn’t discipline themselves enough to actually live and work in civilized society.

Why do you think so many are in prison?

They operate on hate, not self-discipline and hard work.

The AB prison gang, while misfits, requires its members to obey gang directives. The discipline is external, not internal.

81 Justanotherhuman  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 6:36:30am

re: #80 Dark_Falcon

The AB prison gang, while misfits, requires its members to obey gang directives. The discipline is external, not internal.

Yes, the fascist/authoritarian mindset, only in a prison setting.

Pretty fucking ironic.

82 Petero1818  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 6:39:00am

Next week on Meet The Press they will have a debate on personhood featuring Rick Santorum debating Doc McStuffins.

83 Justanotherhuman  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 6:52:02am

Here’s a pretty superficial review, complete with spoilers, of “House of Cards”, second season. The reviewer might want to go back and re-watch the entire season, though.

House of Cards Season 2: The Live-Binge Review (Episodes 1 to 10)

theatlantic.com

Actually, I thought it was better than the first season, but that’s just my opinion.

Liked this comment, also, which focuses on some of the psychological and metaphorical themes employed:

“Nice connection! I definitely noticed a lot of meat references this season and moments of animal cruelty, also allusions to biting the hand that feeds, being owned by someone else much like a pet (Zoe a kitten to Frank, the hacker a dog) and parents/ children - Doug and Seth fighting to be Frank’s favorite son, Doug wanting to be read to by this odd daughter/mother figure, Freddie’s son being his ruin, Havemeyer’s illegitimate daughter being his ruin, absence of children with Underwoods, abortion, etc. OH, and that young guy pretending to be Frank’s great grandfather… very strange stuff. I can’t wait to watch the season again and pick up on more things.”

The last sentence is the point: You will “pick up on more things” when you rewatch these episodes.

84 darthstar  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 6:59:52am

re: #74 Justanotherhuman

Are you kidding? Those in the Aryan Brotherhood are total misfits who couldn’t discipline themselves enough to actually live and work in civilized society.

Why do you think so many are in prison?

They operate on hate, not self-discipline and hard work.

The company I work for does communications systems for correctional facilities. I just went and toured several county jails and a state penitentiary two weeks ago to see our products in use. Another interesting aspect is that I’ve had the opportunity to speak with sheriffs, state police and investigators from around the country.

In a meeting a few months ago, one investigator described the Aryan “street” Gangs in the Oklahoma county jail system (they now refer to them as a street gang as there are groups outside jail who support the AB inside). Long story short, as they were investigating a murder of one Aryan, they tied several outside groups together and followed the money trail to a stolen car ring at the top of their food chain.

Ready for some irony?

The leader of that stolen car ring is black. Imagine if they all knew that.

85 Justanotherhuman  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 7:00:19am

re: #66 Decatur Deb

From Slate:

>It’s “National Youth Enrollment Day,” and the Obamacare Website Is Down

slate.com

We had to shut down our navigator assistance an hour early yesterday. It would be nice if someone towards the top of the HHS foodchain had their ass handed to them, just to encourage the others.

It has something to do with a periodic maintenance of SSA. ACA uses SSA to verify SS #s.

Some HealthCare.gov Signups Face Weekend Delay

‘The latest technical problem doesn’t appear to stem from the Department of Health and Human Services, which has come under heavy criticism for the construction of the site and its poor performance in the fall. Rather, the Social Security Administration has planned an annual systems maintenance at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday and ending 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18.

“HealthCare.gov relies on the Social Security Administration to verify Social Security numbers and some other data people need to obtain income-based subsidies to help pay their premiums.”

blogs.wsj.com

86 Killgore Trout  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 7:01:40am

Since some of us were grappling with this story last night, here’s a decent article dumbing it down for us “normal” folks….
Did the NSA really help spy on U.S. lawyers?

Based on these facts, it seems to me that the story here isn’t ‘NSA helped spy on U.S. lawyers.’ Rather, the story here is more like ‘Australian government obtained legal guidance from NSA General Counsel’s Office on what to do when Australian monitoring of a foreign government includes attorney/client communications between the government and its U.S law firm.’ Of course, that’s not as shocking a story. And presumably it’s not something that lands on the front page of the Sunday Times. But it’s a more accurate reflection of the facts, at least based on the facts found in the story.
….
This raises a broader problem with some of the reports based on the Snowden documents. With some reports, the documents largely speak for themselves. Opinions from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court can tell you a lot just from reading them. But in other cases, the documents leave a lot of open questions. That seems to be the case here. As I understand it, the Times story is based on a short entry in an NSA internal bulletin celebrating the liaison office’s accomplishment. It reports that the liaison helped clear up a legal issue, and that it all ended well, as the Australians ended up giving useful intel to the U.S. But because it’s just an internal bulletin, it doesn’t tell us what we want to know: What advice was provided, and whether the intel was related to the legal issue. Without that information, it’s hard to know if there’s a significant story here.

87 William Barnett-Lewis  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 7:01:42am

Time for church. BBL.

88 darthstar  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 7:02:09am
89 Killgore Trout  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 7:05:20am

Meanwhile in Egypt: Egypt bus blast: Korean tourists killed in bomb attack in town of Taba near Israeli border
From the looks of that bus I think it’s a safe assumption the tourists were the target and not collateral damage from attacking a police checkpoint or something.

90 darthstar  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 7:06:11am

She seems nice.

91 darthstar  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 7:08:00am
92 Decatur Deb  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 7:08:44am

re: #85 Justanotherhuman

It has something to do with a periodic maintenance of SSA. ACA uses SSA to verify SS #s.

Some HealthCare.gov Signups Face Weekend Delay

‘The latest technical problem doesn’t appear to stem from the Department of Health and Human Services, which has come under heavy criticism for the construction of the site and its poor performance in the fall. Rather, the Social Security Administration has planned an annual systems maintenance at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday and ending 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18.

“HealthCare.gov relies on the Social Security Administration to verify Social Security numbers and some other data people need to obtain income-based subsidies to help pay their premiums.”

blogs.wsj.com

Yup—that’s the ‘why’. It doesn’t explain the last-minute surprise after all our organizations had laid on youth-push events. That kind of coordination gets your head slammed on the Army staff.

93 Killgore Trout  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 7:10:36am

EDL rallies ain’t what they used to be
A depleted EDL get nicked in Wakefield
Liveleak Video

With EDL’s ability to draw several hundred at a moments notice now a fuzzy memory, this publicly advertised demo attracted less than an average friday night pub crawl with mates from work

94 Dr Lizardo  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 7:25:31am

re: #90 darthstar

She seems nice.

[Embedded content]

That story is setting off my Spidey Sense; it’s possible she’s a serial killer, but it’s also possible that she wants attention, or she has some kind of mental illness.

Until bodies start turning up where she claims she left them, or unless she describes in detail known only to the killer, I reserve to right to remain skeptical. We’ve heard this sort of thing before. Like Henry Lee Lucas and the Zodiac Killer.

95 Mattand  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 7:33:01am

re: #86 Killgore Trout

Since some of us were grappling with this story last night, here’s a decent article dumbing it down for us “normal” folks….
Did the NSA really help spy on U.S. lawyers?

From what I read, most people here thought it was a load of misconstrued bullshit to start with.

I’m sure one or two were “just asking questions” that it might be a possibility.

96 Justanotherhuman  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 7:33:21am

re: #90 darthstar

She seems nice.

[Embedded content]

Probably an exaggeration. Unless she’s lying about her real age now, she would have been 16 when she moved from AK in 2011 and her last name would have also been different She claims she joined a satanic cult at age 13.

alaskadispatch.com

97 darthstar  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 7:45:50am
98 Killgore Trout  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 7:47:16am

Spokeswoman Reiterates Iran’s Support for Venezuelan Government

Afkham reiterated Iran’s support for Venezuelan government’s efforts to establish security and peace in the country and set the ground for the welfare and prosperity of the Latin American country’s people.
…
Also on Sunday, a nongovernmental organization in Iran, known as the House of Latin America, or HOLA, called on the Iranian people and organizations to attend a gathering to voice their support to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

The House of Latin America, in cooperation with the Venezuelan embassy in Tehran, has arranged a meeting to drum up popular support for the Latin American nation against the US-backed unrest that has raged recently in Caracas and a number of other cities.
…
The event is meant to enlist the Iranian nation’s support for Venezuela, which the statement said has recently witnessed “growing anti-revolutionary moves and street riots” along with an “imposed economic war that aims to bring Venezuela’s Bolivarian revolution to its knees.”

99 A Mom Anon  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 7:48:12am

re: #80 Dark_Falcon

I think Dunn may just have a change of heart about following gang rules if it saves him from having the living snot kicked out of him on a daily basis. Survival instinct is pretty strong.

100 Killgore Trout  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 7:49:52am

Hamas: UN agency’s proposed textbooks for Gaza too ‘peaceful’

“There is a tremendous focus [in the textbooks] on the peaceful resistance as the only tool to achieve freedom and independence,” said Motesem al-Minawi, a spokesman for the education ministry in Hamas-governed Gaza, the Associated Press reported. Hamas says it prefers “armed resistance” against Israel.

101 Petero1818  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 7:55:00am

re: #100 Killgore Trout

Hamas: UN agency’s proposed textbooks for Gaza too ‘peaceful’

I think Hamas is right here in that one cannot properly explain the continued plight of the Palestinian people without acknowledging the importance of armed resistance and terrrorism in contributing to it.

102 Justanotherhuman  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 7:58:18am

Number of officers who left Army over misconduct tripled in past 3 years

america.aljazeera.com

“Data shows that the number of officers who left the Army due to misconduct more than tripled in the past three years. The number of enlisted soldiers forced out for drugs, alcohol, crimes and other misconduct shot up from about 5,600 in 2007, as the Iraq war peaked, to more than 11,000 last year.

“The data reveals stark differences between the military services and underscores the strains that long, repeated deployments to the front lines have had on the Army’s soldiers and their leaders.

“It also reflects the Army’s rapid growth in the middle part of the decade, and the decisions to relax standards a bit to bring in and retain tens of thousands of soldiers to fill the ranks as the Pentagon added troops in Iraq and continued the fight in Afghanistan.”

This is what a flawed administration, hell-bent on war, does to a country.

103 Backwoods_Sleuth  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:01:55am
104 darthstar  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:02:38am

It’s an F Unicorn!

105 Killgore Trout  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:02:48am

re: #101 Petero1818

I think Hamas is right here in that one cannot properly explain the continued plight of the Palestinian people without acknowledging the importance of armed resistance and terrrorism in causing it.

It’s starting to look more likely that Egypt is going to have to take care of Gaza eventually. The Israelis are accustomed to living next to a terrorist state but the Egyptians can’t afford the loss of their tourism industry.

106 BongCrodny  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:03:51am

re: #91 darthstar

David Brooks Finally Admits…

I might have to visit Crooks and Liars more often even if it’s only to read more comments from Fake William Shatner:

RNC spokesperson; “We’ve got a big tent; Republicans, Libertarians, the Tea Party, NeoCons, secessionists, angry white guys, chubby guys, angry old white guys, guys without pigment, white ladies, angry old white ladies, angry old husbands, NASCAR fans, angry old ladies who make tea. We even accept neoFuedalists, fascists, carpet baggers, the military, people who have not fought but know they would have kicked a lot of ass, and of course, migrant Executive Workers.”

107 Petero1818  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:04:02am

re: #103 Backwoods_Sleuth

[Embedded content]

On the other hand, if you own a gun range, you are likely seeing an increase in business right now as there seems to be a real premium on accuracy.

108 Justanotherhuman  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:06:38am

re: #107 Petero1818

On the other hand, if you own a gun range, you are likely seeing an increase in business right now as there seems to be a real premium on accuracy.

Yeah, if Dunn’s 10 shots, even allowing for inaccuracy, wasn’t enough for people to know he was out to kill, I don’t know what would be.

What an ignorant jury.

109 darthstar  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:10:21am

re: #108 Justanotherhuman

Yeah, if Dunn’s 10 shots, even allowing for inaccuracy, wasn’t enough for people to know he was out to kill, I don’t know what would be.

What an ignorant jury.

In short, he was found guilty of leaving witnesses.

110 Petero1818  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:10:28am

re: #105 Killgore Trout

It’s starting to look more likely that Egypt is going to have to take care of Gaza eventually. The Israelis are accustomed to living next to a terrorist state but the Egyptians can’t afford the loss of their tourism industry.

Been there done that. Egypt doesn’t want to deal with it at all but even if they wanted to, they will likely be so consumed with internal fractionalism for the next 10 years that they wont be able to.

111 Ryan King  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:11:28am

re: #56 Lidane

Stand Your Ground is an abomination. It needs to be repealed, or we need to just admit that it’s a licencse for white people to kill minorities with impunity.

I get the whole idea of defending yourself and your family/homestead when they’re in danger, but this is bullshit. Enough is enough.

Imagine if a black dude sprayed a car full of WASP preppie kids blasting Macklemore.

112 BongCrodny  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:16:38am

re: #83 Justanotherhuman

Here’s a pretty superficial review, complete with spoilers, of “House of Cards”, second season. The reviewer might want to go back and re-watch the entire season, though.

My thoughts on the first episode of Season 2:

Spoiler

I’m not sure I liked the way Zoe’s murder was presented. It seemed a bit far-fetched to me that Metro would have footage of Zoe “jumping/falling” into the path of the subway train, but none of the “mystery man” walking away immediately thereafter. Granted, there would be no way to identify him as Underwood, but given the circumstances of Zoe’s death, I can’t believe that police would just go “she jumped” or “she fell” without examining security footage from every camera and at every possible angle.

Of course, I’m only two episodes into the season and if they address this I withdraw my complaint — but that whole “gee, I dunno” attitude by the policce IRT Zoe’s death just seemed awfully sloppy.

113 Petero1818  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:20:11am

re: #112 BongCrodny

I agree completely with your criticism and I had similar feelings last season around the parking garage scene. The good news is that the next 4 or 5 episodes avoid that sort of credibility issue.I thought they were quite good.

114 Justanotherhuman  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:20:57am

#112—you miss how calculating Underwood is.

115 Justanotherhuman  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:21:29am

re: #114 Justanotherhuman

Hope no one saw that original comment. Yikes. Must be more careful although there will be plenty of people giving this thing away.

116 darthstar  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:25:20am
117 BongCrodny  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:25:59am

More from Crooks and Liars:

Interview with Michael Dunn’s neighbor: “He Always Wanted to Shoot Somebody”

“He had a really arrogant attitude about him, like was smarter than everybody else…He knew a lot about computers, but he didn’t appear to know a lot about interpersonal relationships.”

No surprise there.

118 Killgore Trout  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:26:06am

re: #110 Petero1818

Been there done that. Egypt doesn’t want to deal with it at all but even if they wanted to, they will likely be so consumed with internal fractionalism for the next 10 years that they wont be able to.

They are trying a new buffer zone, If they can manage to control the border the situation might improve.
Report: Egypt working to create buffer zone around Gaza border

According to the report, 10 tunnels and seven homes were destroyed on Saturday as part of the new plan to create the buffer zone, which would extend 500 meters in some places, the report claimed.
….
The Egyptian security source also told Ma’an that Egyptian army forces successfully foiled three explosive devices placed in military vehicles and armored cars in Sheikh Zuwaid, including two that were placed near the Sheikh Zuweid Hospital and a third on the road to a nearby village south of Sheikh Zuewid.

119 Targetpractice  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:27:29am

re: #108 Justanotherhuman

Yeah, if Dunn’s 10 shots, even allowing for inaccuracy, wasn’t enough for people to know he was out to kill, I don’t know what would be.

What an ignorant jury.

Sentiment I saw expressed by at least one self-defense attorney was that the jury questions presented yesterday morning indicated that the jury wanted to rule self-defense on the murder charge alone, but were afraid that it would mean they’d have to rule self-defense on the lesser crimes. That they couldn’t even agree on manslaughter for Davis’ death seemed to indicate that the hold-outs were for acquittal. Whether they bought Dunn’s story or not, they believed that the shots were self-defense.

120 Petero1818  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:31:19am

re: #118 Killgore Trout

They are trying a new buffer zone, If they can manage to control the border the situation might improve.
Report: Egypt working to create buffer zone around Gaza border

A buffer is not “dealing with Gaza” it is dealing with Egypt. it is doing essentially what Israel did which is isolate Gaza and keep them locked in. Egypt needs to do what it can to protect its borders, as Israel did. But ultimately Egypt has little if anything to gain from getting more involved beyond that. Now if the MB gets control in Egypt again, that would change things possibly.

121 Dark_Falcon  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:32:55am

re: #109 darthstar

In short, he was found guilty of leaving witnesses.

There were other people who saw parts of how this went down who had no involvement. There could not help but be witnesses. The problem was their testimony didn’t wholly line up, and into those sorts of gaps a skilled lawyer can sometimes pour doubt.

122 Targetpractice  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:35:41am

re: #121 Dark_Falcon

There were other people who saw parts of how this went down who had no involvement. There could not help but be witnesses. The problem was their testimony didn’t wholly line up, and into those sorts of gaps a skilled lawyer can sometimes pour doubt.

Dunn’s lawyer rested his entire case on the victims fleeing the scene while under fire, then returning once they realized their friend dying/dead, accusing them of ditching a gun and then criticizing the cops for not searching for the gun immediately after the shooting.

123 Dark_Falcon  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:37:27am

re: #122 Targetpractice

Dunn’s lawyer rested his entire case on the victims fleeing the scene while under fire, then returning once they realized their friend dying/dead, accusing them of ditching a gun and then criticizing the cops for not searching for the gun immediately after the shooting.

And the problem is that the prosecutor was unable to prove that did not happen, which provided the cover for the holdouts.

124 Ryan King  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:37:43am

This Dunn case is making my blood boil. But before I leave for a beach side hike I read this and felt a little better.

125 HappyWarrior  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:40:19am

re: #124 Ryan King

This Dunn case is making my blood boil. But before I leave for a beach side hike I read this and felt a little better.

We really are coming a long way on this. I hope Sam succeeds in the NFL and puts a lot of stupid anti-gay stereotypes to rest.

126 Petero1818  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:41:24am

I just can’t understand the stand your ground laws at all when removed from one’s home. It seems to me that part of gun ownership is taking accountability and responsibility for its use. If you discharge your firearm you are responsible for the consequence. If the use of force is disproporionate, or if its use was based on a mistaken assesment of a situation, that is really too bad for you. That is what manslaughter charges are for. If you are unwilling to take that responsibility how the fuck can you be trusted to carry a gun around. I believe that not every individual is properly suited to high stress situations. Some handle it better than others. To think that in American there are millions of folks walking around with guns, and many of them are inclined to shoot first and ask quesitons later is frightening. To think that there are laws that would protect them is shameful.

127 HappyWarrior  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:43:54am

re: #126 Petero1818

I just can’t understand the stand your ground laws at all when removed from one’s home. It seems to me that part of gun ownership is taking accountability and responsibility for its use. If you discharge your firearm you are responsible for the consequence. If the use of force is disproporionate, or if its use was based on a mistaken assesment of a situation, that is really too bad for you. That is what manslaughter charges are for. If you are unwilling to take that responsibility how the fuck can you be trusted to carry a gun around. I believe that not every individual is properly suited to high stress situations. Some handle it better than others. To think that in American there are millions of folks walking around with guns, and many of them are inclined to shoot first and ask quesitons later is frightening. To think that there are laws that would protect them is shameful.

This is why I don’t own a gun. I am aware of my limitations under stress. This whole idea about there needing to be more guns and gunowners is stupid. If you want to talk about responsible gunownership, that’s one thing but acting like we need more and more guns and gunowners is just stupid.

128 darthstar  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:44:13am

re: #123 Dark_Falcon

And the problem is that the prosecutor was unable to prove that >did not happen, which provided the cover for the holdouts.

You can’t prove a negative. That the prosecution let the defense set the narrative like that shows incompetence. But this is the same prosecutor from the Zimmerman trial, so that’s not a surprise.

“I saw a gun.”
“There was no gun at the scene.”
“Prove it!” - No…it doesn’t work that way. Or at least it shouldn’t.

129 Romantic Heretic  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:45:03am

re: #62 Decatur Deb

From Crooks and Liars:

“He always wanted to shoot somebody.”

with video of neighbor interview
crooksandliars.com

Christ. Classic psychopath. The fact that Dunn could do what he did shows just how our bad mental health care is. If he’d been an Ebola carrier they would have him isolated in hours.

Murderous, violent psychotic? Eh, what are you gonna do?

130 Targetpractice  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:47:31am

re: #128 darthstar

You can’t prove a negative. That the prosecution let the defense set the narrative like that shows incompetence. But this is the same prosecutor from the Zimmerman trial, so that’s not a surprise.

“I saw a gun.”
“There was no gun at the scene.”
“Prove it!” - No…it doesn’t work that way. Or at least it shouldn’t.

Exactly. The prosecution had two eyewitnesses to where the victims fled and what they did and neither saw the two teens who left the vehicle trying to dispose of a weapon. Police who searched the vehicle found no indication that a weapon other than a pocket knife had been there. There’s not much more that could have been done to dispel doubt there. But then again the defense learned well from the Zimmerman trial: Whenever the evidence isn’t swinging your way, scream “Police incompetence!”

131 HappyWarrior  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:48:00am

Frankly, I think we need some common sense when it comes to guns. I am sorry but I do not see why someone needs to say bring a gun into a bar. This isn’t the old west where Billy the Kid or the Clampton brothers are waiting to ambush you and furthermore guns and alcohol never a good recipe. I really do understand why people do own guns whether that’s for protection or someone who enjoys hunting or target shooting as a hobby but I just don’t like it as a rationale tor paranoia. And I really don’t like the gun lobby acting like anyone who doesn’t think guns are the most awesome thing since ever out to be a gun taker. A lot of flat out don’t like guns and we have our own reasons for it. For me, it’s a very personal reason.

132 BongCrodny  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:49:17am

re: #62 Decatur Deb

From Crooks and Liars:

“He always wanted to shoot somebody.”

with video of neighbor interview
crooksandliars.com

re: #117 BongCrodny

More from Crooks and Liars:

Interview with Michael Dunn’s neighbor: “He Always Wanted to Shoot Somebody”

No surprise there.

So close! You only beat me by 5 hours and 18 minutes!

133 Varek Raith  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:51:36am

Welcome to Florida, Home of Getting Away with Shooting Black People.

134 HappyWarrior  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:51:42am

You feel threatened? You call the cops. That’s what the oops are there for.

135 HappyWarrior  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 8:53:13am

re: #133 Varek Raith

Welcome to Florida, Home of Getting Away with Shooting Black People.

Yeah apparently so sigh. Another reason to want to go ape-shit anytime some asshole says “The toughest thing to be in America is a white male.” Stupid white privilege.

137 HappyWarrior  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:01:40am

re: #136 Varek Raith

Snake-handling star of ‘Snake Salvation’ reality show dies from snake bite

Oops.

139 blueraven  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:09:19am

re: #136 Varek Raith

Snake-handling star of ‘Snake Salvation’ reality show dies from snake bite

Isn’t that what the show is all about? The possibility that someone could die?

140 Dark_Falcon  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:12:07am

re: #134 HappyWarrior

You feel threatened? You call the cops. That’s what the oops are there for.

And if the other guy really has a shotgun the police won’t get there quick enough to do any good.

141 blueraven  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:13:58am

re: #140 Dark_Falcon

And if the other guy really has a shotgun the police won’t get there quick enough to do any good.

The fact that he never mentioned a shotgun to his fiancee makes his story incredulous. But it only takes one juror…

142 HappyWarrior  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:15:15am

re: #140 Dark_Falcon

And if the other guy really has a shotgun the police won’t get there quick enough to do any good.

Fair enough but my point is the cops exist for a reason. Frankly, I think his story of feeling threatened was a load of bullshit considering his actions after the fact. You mean to tell me if you just had your life threatened you’d go walk the dog and order a pizza?

143 HappyWarrior  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:15:57am

re: #141 blueraven

The fact that he never mentioned a shotgun to his fiancee makes his story incredulous. But it only takes one juror…

Or his actions afterward. Guy was a trigger happy asshole.

144 RadicalModerate  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:17:26am

re: #136 Varek Raith

Snake-handling star of ‘Snake Salvation’ reality show dies from snake bite

From the linked story:

EMS responders then went to Coots’s home, where he was found suffering from what they believed was a snake bite. They attempted to administer treatment, but Coots refused on account of his belief that God would not allow him to die from a snake bite.

He died at his home at approximately 10 p.m.

145 Romantic Heretic  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:17:58am

re: #140 Dark_Falcon

Of all the world’s developed countries, only in the US do people actually worry if their fellow citizens are armed and dangerous.

146 HappyWarrior  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:19:03am

re: #144 RadicalModerate

From the linked story:

Makes the guy an idiot in my opinion. Harsh I know but the medical care is there for a reason.

147 Decatur Deb  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:25:26am

re: #132 BongCrodny

So close! You only beat me by 5 hours and 18 minutes!

Insomniacs Rule.

148 Varek Raith  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:27:01am

SYG is a get out of jail free card.

149 Petero1818  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:28:41am

re: #144 RadicalModerate

From the linked story:

Indeed the lord works in mysterious ways.//

150 Justanotherhuman  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:29:42am

re: #144 RadicalModerate

From the linked story:

Watch his family sue.

151 RadicalModerate  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:31:14am

re: #140 Dark_Falcon

And if the other guy really has a shotgun the police won’t get there quick enough to do any good.

So, in your opinion, Dunn was fully justified in (almost) emptying a clip into a car full of kids, and following them and continuing to fire when they were trying to escape?

There was no shotgun, or any other weapon. If these kids were the threat that Dunn tried to portray them as, don’t you think they would have returned fire in order to protect themselves? No - they wanted to get away from the guy shooting at them, and only returned when they discovered that Davis was mortally wounded to attempt to get help.

Compare that to how Dunn acted.

152 Backwoods_Sleuth  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:32:08am

re: #150 Justanotherhuman

Watch his family sue.

No they won’t. They just pick up more snakes.

I am not joking.

153 HappyWarrior  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:33:39am

re: #151 RadicalModerate

So, in your opinion, Dunn was fully justified in (almost) emptying a clip into a car full of kids, and following them and continuing to fire when they were trying to escape?

There was no shotgun, or any other weapon. If these kids were the threat that Dunn tried to portray them as, don’t you think they would have returned fire in order to protect themselves? No - they wanted to get away from the guy shooting at them, and only returned when they discovered that Davis was mortally wounded to attempt to get help.

Compare that to how Dunn acted.

As I said, trigger happy asshole.

154 Gus  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:34:57am

2013: “A German snake charmer died just minutes after being bitten by one of his vipers during his ‘Reptile Show’”

155 Petero1818  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:35:05am

re: #140 Dark_Falcon

And if the other guy really has a shotgun the police won’t get there quick enough to do any good.

Zimmerman / movie theatre texting /Dunn - The common thread in these incidents is that the armed person got in the face of their victims unsolicited. All three of them entirely created the circumstances in which they killed another. Gun fuelled courage apparently.

156 Gus  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:35:59am

Some guy stabbed one of his neighbors to death because of an argument. Happened in Chicago.

157 Gus  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:37:23am

1999: “Top Thai Snake Charmer Dies From Cobra’s Bites”

158 Gus  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:37:42am

2012: “Snake-handling preacher dies from rattlesnake bite in West Virginia”

159 b_sharp  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:37:50am

re: #156 Gus

Some guy stabbed one of his neighbors to death because of an argument. Happened in Chicago.

The only difference between us and the other apes is our ability to think beyond our initial emotional reaction.

At least that’s the case for most of us.

160 Gus  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:38:59am

re: #159 b_sharp

The only difference between us and the other apes is our ability to think beyond our initial emotional reaction.

At least that’s the case for most of us.

Yep. Growing up in a loud family I learned it was best to avoid homicide as a debating technique. //

161 Killgore Trout  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:40:09am

re: #154 Gus

2013: “A German snake charmer died just minutes after being bitten by one of his vipers during his ‘Reptile Show’”

Nazi extremist probably on his way to a Tea Party rally!

162 Gus  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:42:50am

Not snake handling but…

Indian snakebite deaths 23 times higher than thought

WHEN a snake bites, a visit to the snake charmer is not what the doctor ordered. But according to research presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this is what people are doing - and they are dying for their trouble.

A study in Bangladesh found that only 3 per cent of those treated for snakebite went directly to a doctor; most opted to visit a snake charmer whose healing methods include reciting mantras.

Also at the meeting, David Warrell of the University of Oxford highlighted the mismatch between the true number of deaths and the official records. Warrell and colleagues found that 46,000 people die from snakebite each year in India, where the official figure is 2000.

Their study is the first to estimate the prevalence of snakebite based on interviews with affected communities rather than the rate of hospital visits. Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America are worst affected. Most victims live in rural, often very poor, areas. This remoteness means that even doctors in the major cities of these regions don’t see the issue as an immediate threat to public health.

The World Health Organization has classified snakebite as a neglected tropical disease. “In the 21st century, snakebite is the most neglected of all the neglected tropical diseases,” says Warrell.

163 Killgore Trout  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:42:56am

re: #156 Gus

Some guy stabbed one of his neighbors to death because of an argument. Happened in Chicago.

Romeoville Woman, Daughter Shot on Way to School

Teen killed while earning money shoveling snow

164 Dark_Falcon  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:43:55am

re: #142 HappyWarrior

Fair enough but my point is the cops exist for a reason. Frankly, I think his story of feeling threatened was a load of bullshit considering his actions after the fact. You mean to tell me if you just had your life threatened you’d go walk the dog and order a pizza?

No, I wouldn’t and I think Dunn’s story is too flawed to be sustained.

165 Gus  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:46:07am

When it rains in America most Americans think it’s raining all over the world.

//

166 Killgore Trout  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:47:21am

re: #165 Gus

When it rains in America most Americans think it’s raining all over the world.

//

I hope the Venezuelan protesters are keeping warm in the winter cold.
/

167 Gus  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:48:37am

re: #166 Killgore Trout

I hope the Venezuelan protesters are keeping warm in the winter cold.
/

I’d read up more about Venezuela but I don’t speak Venezuelan.

//

168 Killgore Trout  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:50:34am

That reminds me how frustrating the lack of American interest in Venezuela. This is right in our backyard. We really should take an interest in South America, I think a tourist promotion program would help greatly to generate some public interest. If people visit South America I think we’d take more interest in it.

169 Killgore Trout  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:52:55am

Maybe the pot legalization will help. S. America can grow off season pot during our winter and export it. It’s a win for everybody.

170 Justanotherhuman  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:53:14am

re: #168 Killgore Trout

That reminds me how frustrating the lack of American interest in Venezuela. This is right in our backyard. We really should take an interest in South America, I think a tourist promotion program would help greatly to generate some public interest. If people visit South America I think we’d take more interest in it.

Americans don’t have any interest in Canada, either. Mexico is warmer, so of course it’s more inviting, being cheaper, too. Being interested in another continent is hard. ///

171 Gus  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:54:12am

re: #168 Killgore Trout

That reminds me how frustrating the lack of American interest in Venezuela. This is right in our backyard. We really should take an interest in South America, I think a tourist promotion program would help greatly to generate some public interest. If people visit South America I think we’d take more interest in it.

The tradition of ignoring South America continues.

172 Justanotherhuman  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:56:06am


And this is what a rubber bullet can do to your leg.

Image: BgkBE0iIQAAhqVn.jpg:large

173 Gus  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:56:57am

re: #168 Killgore Trout

That reminds me how frustrating the lack of American interest in Venezuela. This is right in our backyard. We really should take an interest in South America, I think a tourist promotion program would help greatly to generate some public interest. If people visit South America I think we’d take more interest in it.

Puerto Rico is currently a big mess right now. Downgrading of municipal funds. A deep and horrible recession continues. High unemployment. People are leaving the country. Barely ever makes the news. Washington Post did have a story about this a couple of months ago.

174 Dr. Matt  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:57:00am

The racist murderer fled the scene, grabbed a pie, and got a hotel room……and never once told his fiancé that the kids had a so-called gun. This.doesn’t.fly.at.all. Face it, it’s clear that SYG enables the trigger happy fragile egos of gun fetishists. Florida’s prosecutors are fucking incompetent and should be fired: Casey Anthony, Zimmerman, and now Dunn. Fuck you, Florida.

175 William of Orange  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:58:08am

Found on Imgur.

When people ask me why I have a problem with religion, Its hard to come up with a single answer.


Here’s an answer…

176 Gus  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:58:55am

Heck. Canada wouldn’t even be on the American media radar had it not been for Rob Ford and tar sands.

177 b_sharp  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 9:59:46am

re: #160 Gus

Yep. Growing up in a loud family I learned it was best to avoid homicide as a debating technique. //

Kind of kills the family mood.

178 RadicalModerate  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 10:00:57am

One of the great political hoaxes of American history turns 150 years old tomorrow.

The race-mixing hoax that dogged Lincoln

(CNN) — This year is the 150th anniversary of one of the greatest and least remembered political media hoaxes in American history, one with startling parallels to 21st century politics and the Internet age. It involved Abraham Lincoln, covert governmental programs for interracial sex, pro-slavery politicians and scheming newspaper editors.

On February 17, 1864, a shocking scandal erupted early in Lincoln’s re-election campaign: “proof” that Lincoln had a secret plan to solve America’s “race problem” with a campaign of interracial sexual relations that would create a new “American race.”

This was the bombshell that pro-slavery Ohio Rep. Samuel Cox claimed to have uncovered.

His evidence was a pamphlet titled “Miscegenation: A Theory of the Blending of the American White Man and Negro,” whose anonymous author urged Republicans — then the abolitionist party — to openly confess their desire for race mixing by adding it to their official political platform for the upcoming presidential election.

What’s worse is that I have seen multiple attempts recently from the political right to resurrect it.

179 b_sharp  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 10:01:13am

re: #176 Gus

Heck. Canada wouldn’t even be on the American media radar had it not been for Rob Ford and tar sands.

Oh, and Justine Bieber.

180 Killgore Trout  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 10:02:35am

re: #173 Gus

Puerto Rico is currently a big mess right now. Downgrading of municipal funds. A deep and horrible recession continues. High unemployment. People are leaving the country. Barely ever makes the news. Washington Post did have a story about this a couple of months ago.

I’m as guilty as everybody else then because this is the first I’ve heard of it.

181 Gus  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 10:02:59am

re: #177 b_sharp

Kind of kills the family mood.

¡Te voy a matar! ¡Te voy a matar!

Ears ringing. Actually, never heard that one except my grandmother one time.

182 Gus  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 10:03:34am

re: #179 b_sharp

Oh, and Justine Bieber.

Oh yeah. The “deport Justine Bieber” derp as well.

183 Killgore Trout  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 10:04:07am

re: #179 b_sharp

Oh, and Justine Bieber.

His deportation petition is still at the top of the White House online petitions but that’s just because they took down the “Bring back Flappy Bird” petition.

184 Gus  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 10:05:57am

re: #180 Killgore Trout

I’m as guilty as everybody else then because this is the first I’ve heard of it.

185 Gus  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 10:06:52am

She’s with the NY Times. That was RT’d 12 times.

187 A Mom Anon  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 10:10:02am

re: #140 Dark_Falcon

So? Call the cops anyway. He was telling his girlfriend back at the hotel that they should be scared the “gangstas” were coming to exact revenge. So CALL THE COPS. The fact that he didn’t bother speaks volumes.

188 Killgore Trout  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 10:13:41am

re: #184 Gus

The sky-high cost is a consequence of Puerto Rico’s inefficient government-run monopoly on electricity and its 67 percent dependency on petroleum for electric power. Other utilities are exorbitant, too. Last year, water rates rose 60 percent in a bid to help cut the state-run water company’s debt.
….

Tax laws were once abundantly generous, which fueled the spread of factories that made textiles and pharmaceuticals, among other things. That came to a crash in 2006, after the 10-year phaseout of a subsidy that provided American firms operating in Puerto Rico with tax-free income.

Yikes!. Sounds like a disaster.

189 lawhawk  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 10:14:27am

Greets and saluts from the NYC metro area. We’ve got a bit of a snow reprieve for a day or so, which means that we can catch our breath. That is, when we’re not worrying about buildings collapsing because of all the snow that’s built up over the past couple of weeks and hasn’t had a chance to melt.

There’s been some pretty substantial building collapses, particularly those with flat roofs - businesses mostly, but a few other private homes have seen issues as well.

If we can get through Tuesday, we might get some relief as the weather’s supposed to warm into the 40s by the end of the week.

It can’t come soon enough.

190 Justanotherhuman  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 10:14:58am

Think about where that next piece of gold might come from and who might have paid the ultimate price to mine it for you.

Eleven S. African miners pulled out as scores remain trapped

news.yahoo.com

191 lawhawk  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 10:18:11am

re: #190 Justanotherhuman

They’re mining in abandoned mines, and were doing so with reckless abandon. Emergency crews were on hand to rescue them, but apparently some of the miners stuck in lower levels were trying to avoid being rescued, because it might include being arrested.

192 blueraven  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 10:18:25am

re: #186 Killgore Trout

Petition for an offer of assistance to Ukrainian law enforcement agencies dealing with mass riots in the country.
over 100,000 signatures.

Here, you can do your part by signing this one

Intervene and help all Venezuelans suffering and fighting for freedom of the dictatorship and being killed brutally

Just over 500 sigs so far, but it has only been up for a couple of days.

193 Justanotherhuman  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 10:20:41am

re: #180 Killgore Trout

I’m as guilty as everybody else then because this is the first I’ve heard of it.

The Debt Crisis in Puerto Rico: Why Is It Not More Newsworthy?

nakedcapitalism.com

194 Justanotherhuman  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 10:24:29am

re: #191 lawhawk

They’re mining in abandoned mines, and were doing so with reckless abandon. Emergency crews were on hand to rescue them, but apparently some of the miners stuck in lower levels were trying to avoid being rescued, because it might include being arrested.

Yes, but someone is hiring those miners (who after all need employment) and providing machinery, etc. If they’re making a bit of money to support their families, why would they jeopardize themselves by being arrested?

Hard to believe that over 200 miners would strike out on their own and wind up in the same mine.

This is organized by those with resources.

195 Charles Johnson  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 10:44:02am

Now we know why Glenn Greenwald has it in for Australia too:

196 Kragar  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 10:44:33am

I’ve got to teach the kids to screen the calls better. Why am I up this early on a weekend?

197 Kragar  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 10:46:08am

re: #195 Charles Johnson

Any country that allies itself with the US has just got to be evil. Only beacons of Truth and Liberty like Russia and China can truly be trusted.
/

198 PhillyPretzel  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 10:46:11am

re: #196 Kragar

“May I ask who is calling?” is a great way to start.

199 Decatur Deb  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 10:50:13am

re: #198 PhillyPretzel

“May I ask who is calling?” is a great way to start.

“This is not a secure line.” works well.

200 Charles Johnson  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 10:52:09am
201 Charles Johnson  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 10:52:26am
202 Justanotherhuman  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 10:56:00am

re: #195 Charles Johnson

Now we know why Glenn Greenwald has it in for Australia too:

[Embedded content]

Not to mention his key competitor for attention hog is Julian Assange who’s managing to keep a rather low profile while his Wikileaks org helped Snowden during his defection.

203 ObserverArt  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 10:56:26am

re: #140 Dark_Falcon

And if the other guy really has a shotgun the police won’t get there quick enough to do any good.

Well if jackoff Dunn would have got his gas or whatever and ignored the kids and loud music, which is not all that hard to do, then left there wouldn’t have been the need for any guns now would there.

But the gun metal bravura in his car glovebox wouldn’t let him do that would it? No, he was going to make a point to confront the kids due to his character and he knew that if they got too smart or threatened him in any way, he had that metal fortitude to show who’s who and what is what.

And it is that simple. Step one, shut up and move on. If you really did have a problem, go into the store/station and ask the attendants to call 911. But Dunn was going to do that, and to not mention his character issues and make a point of it in the prosecution is wrong.

Dark, again, your logic when it comes to anything guns is to defend guns. When are you going to look at the root of these issues…the behavior. When are you ever going to blame the gun? I do not think you ever have and that is disturbing.

Are you familiar with the phrase “bravura in a bottle (alcohol)” that leads to confrontations? Well, that is where I draw gun metal bravura” and you can’t tell me that now in how many cases it is being displayed. And it sure as hell isn’t all Chicago gang-banging thugs on the streets,

Does the NRA talk about behavior? No…and that is just one problem with them as the Nations Gun Manufacturer and Sales Advertising Promotion and Lobby Organization.

204 ObserverArt  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 10:59:07am

re: #144 RadicalModerate

From the linked story:

God done called him home. And then slapped the shit out of him and kicked his ass downstairs for being a dumbass and not using God’s great creation a fucking brain.

/

205 Belafon  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 11:06:25am

re: #198 PhillyPretzel

I’m more fond of “I’d like to order a large pepperoni pizza” myself.

206 PhillyPretzel  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 11:08:24am

re: #205 Belafon

lol. How about Albert’s bookie service. (just kidding)

207 PhillyPretzel  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 11:17:38am

oh well that is another entry in the book titled “Philly Pretzel’s guide to thread killers.”

208 Lidane  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 11:22:26am

re: #148 Varek Raith

SYG is a get out of jail free if you’re white card.

FTFY.

See also: the black woman who got 20 years for firing warning shots in clear self-defense.

A white guy unloads 10 shots into a car then goes and walks the dog and orders pizza, but somehow he was in fear for his life and traumatized. And he’s only guilty of “attempted” murder? Pfft. SUCH bullshit. Stand Your Ground laws suck.

209 Charles Johnson  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 11:29:20am

The resemblance really is amazing.

210 Backwoods_Sleuth  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 11:31:09am
211 ObserverArt  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 11:40:07am

re: #209 Charles Johnson

[Embedded content]

The resemblance really is amazing.

Ol’ Chris “Tweety” Matthews has been pointing out that not only does he look like him, he acts politically like him too.

212 Backwoods_Sleuth  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 11:47:06am

snow is still here…

My Scotch Pines have a sad…

213 BeenHereAwhile  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 11:47:26am

re: #136 Varek Raith

Snake-handling star of ‘Snake Salvation’ reality show dies from snake bite

George Went Hensley, founder of snake handling worship, died from a rattlesnake bite in 1955.

Waiting for the Church Of The Black Mamba to be founded.

214 PhillyPretzel  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 11:48:05am

re: #212 Backwoods_Sleuth

Philly still has snow too, plus some ice for a coating. :(

215 Backwoods_Sleuth  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 11:48:42am

re: #214 PhillyPretzel

Philly still has snow too, plus some ice for a coating. :(

yeah, there’s some ice on those pine trees, too. Under the snow…

216 Backwoods_Sleuth  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 11:49:36am

and across the pond…

217 aagcobb  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 11:50:23am

re: #213 BeenHereAwhile

George Went Hensley, founder of snake handling worship, died from a rattlesnake bite in 1955.

Waiting for the Church Of The Black Mamba to be founded.

Hopefully this will be a wake-up call for the idiotic members of this cult, or if not, at least they will be removing themselves from the gene pool.

218 Killgore Trout  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 11:50:43am

Brit suicide bomber who blew himself up in Syria was hired to look for 7/7 traps

Father-of-three Abdul Waheed Majeed was a Highways Agency lorry driver and was in a maintenance crew inspecting overpasses on the M25 after the attacks on London’s transport network which killed 52 innocent ­victims nine years ago.

A former colleague told the Sunday Express how 41-year-old Majeed, whose suicide video was released last week, fell out with co-workers after he praised the murder of soldier Lee Rigby last May in Woolwich, south-east London.

219 aagcobb  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 11:54:45am

re: #212 Backwoods_Sleuth

snow is still here…

My Scotch Pines have a sad…

Hang in there, warm weather is arriving this week!

220 prairiefire  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 11:55:34am

re: #216 Backwoods_Sleuth

and across the pond…

[Embedded content]

It is a huge loss if they can’t get that land dry again. I hope they are removing all of the treasures that are stored below London. GB is going to take a hit, it seems. England is only around 300 miles across, for Heaven’s sake.
“Oh England, my lion heart”…

221 Backwoods_Sleuth  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 11:58:43am

re: #219 aagcobb

Hang in there, warm weather is arriving this week!

Yep, mud season starts on Tuesday…
o_O

222 BeenHereAwhile  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 12:00:59pm

re: #169 Killgore Trout

Maybe the pot legalization will help. S. America can grow off season pot during our winter and export it. It’s a win for everybody.

That’s been going on for 30+ years.

Had a client, indicted in the mid 1980s, who would import 90 - 100,000 lbs from Colombia SA at a time. He literally bought marijuana by the trainload.

223 EPR-radar  Sun, Feb 16, 2014 12:12:31pm

re: #203 ObserverArt

…

But the gun metal bravura in his car glovebox wouldn’t let him do that would it? No, he was going to make a point to confront the kids due to his character and he knew that if they got too smart or threatened him in any way, he had that metal fortitude to show who’s who and what is what.

…

THIS. THIS x 10,000.

Without fundamentally changing gun nut culture (which is most unlikely to happen), making carrying in public easier will definitely increase the number of crimes committed because some murdering jackass with a gun just had to use it.


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The Pandemic Cost 7 Million Lives, but Talks to Prevent a Repeat Stall In late 2021, as the world reeled from the arrival of the highly contagious omicron variant of the coronavirus, representatives of almost 200 countries met - some online, some in-person in Geneva - hoping to forestall a future worldwide ...
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