Overnight Open Thread

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A humbly poetic, gently clownlike, supremely innocent, and illimitably affectionate creature (slightly resembling a child’s drawing of a cat, but gifted with the secret grace and obvious clumsiness of a penguin on terra firma) who is never so happy as when egoist-mouse, thwarting altruist-dog, hits her in the head with a brick. Dog hates mouse and worships “cat”, mouse despises “cat” and hates dog, “cat” hates no one and loves mouse.

— E. E. Cummings, A Foreword to Krazy

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389 comments
1 Dancing along the light of day  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:00:11pm

Welcome! How do you do? Pleased to meet you!

2 _RememberTonyC  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:00:11pm

Howdy Honcos .....

3 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:00:30pm

What's up in this open thread house???

4 Dancing along the light of day  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:00:38pm

re: #2 _RememberTonyC

Hah! Honco Lizard, how are you?

5 _RememberTonyC  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:01:40pm

we're working on our individual ethnic and racial dialects. I think tonight I'll go with some pig latin.

Owdy-Hay Izzards-Lay

6 _RememberTonyC  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:02:25pm

re: #4 Floral Giraffe

Hah! Honco Lizard, how are you?

good, Floral G! Just got home from work and chillin' for awhile before I crash ... How bout you?

7 freetoken  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:02:33pm
A humbly poetic, gently clownlike, supremely innocent, ...

I don't know... clowns don't look so innocent to me...

8 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:03:50pm

re: #7 freetoken

Watch out for those Juggalos, they'll cut ya.

9 freetoken  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:03:56pm

NO... not innocent at all...

10 Silvergirl  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:05:12pm

I'm counting on all of you for entertainment while I finish late night laundry. Going down to get the last load from the dryer in a few minutes.

Now come through!

11 Dancing along the light of day  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:05:59pm

re: #6 _RememberTonyC

Just peachy! Reading teh LGF, and dinging the funnies.
Mostly ups.
I got peeved the other night with someone.
WHY do I let these folk get my nervule?
It's like that comic,
I'll get to bed in a minnit honey, there's someone on the internet that's WRONG!

12 _RememberTonyC  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:06:30pm

re: #7 freetoken

I don't know... clowns don't look so innocent to me...

especially john wayne gacy

13 Page 3 in the Binder of Women  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:07:06pm

Well, I got an iPhone today!

14 _RememberTonyC  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:07:56pm

re: #11 Floral Giraffe

Just peachy! Reading teh LGF, and dinging the funnies.
Mostly ups.
I got peeved the other night with someone.
WHY do I let these folk get my nervule?
It's like that comic,
I'll get to bed in a minnit honey, there's someone on the internet that's WRONG!


sometimes these people piss me off too ... I think it's because most lizards are pretty cool folks, and we get personally offended when creeps invade Charles' joint.

15 Dancing along the light of day  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:08:00pm

re: #10 Silvergirl

Your nasty neighbor is asleep.
You can finish your LOVELY CLEAN LAUNDRY and he can't touch it.
Life doesn't get any better than this!
Oh, and there weren't any "extra" dryer sheets in the dryer.
Your clothes don't stink.

I do NOT miss shared laundry facilities.

16 Dancing along the light of day  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:08:56pm

re: #13 Stanley Sea

Congratulations!
Have you read the instructions yet?
( It's a girl thing.)

17 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:09:23pm

re: #11 Floral Giraffe

Found it! The Google Fu is strong in me. [Link: www.xkcd.com...]

18 _RememberTonyC  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:09:31pm

re: #13 Stanley Sea

Well, I got an iPhone today!

i love the feature that tells you the name of a song that's playing if you hear something good and don't know the name. that is way cool.

19 Page 3 in the Binder of Women  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:10:01pm

re: #16 Floral Giraffe

Congratulations!
Have you read the instructions yet?
( It's a girl thing.)

Not yet - but I will! I'm actually on my laptop - too tired to even try!

It is pretty dang cool though!

20 Dancing along the light of day  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:10:24pm

re: #7 freetoken

I think there's a Lizards, who has almost that same picture for it's nic.
I am scared of that clown.

21 Mocking Jay  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:10:52pm

re: #17 WindUpBird

Brilliant.

22 freetoken  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:11:30pm

re: #10 Silvergirl

I'm counting on all of you for entertainment...

MP3 Audio
23 Dancing along the light of day  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:11:34pm

re: #17 WindUpBird

Oooh. You're GOOD!

24 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:12:12pm

re: #13 Stanley Sea

Well, I got an iPhone today!

I have the iPod Touch, which is the iPhone without the actual phone. It's pretty sweet tech, I'm not a huge Apple fan, but I do like it a lot.

(I still loved my Creative Zen, though)

25 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:12:29pm

re: #21 JasonA

Brilliant.


I have SO BEEN GUILTY of that comic. :D

26 SanFranciscoZionist  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:13:55pm

OK, I gotta get some sleep. We're doing rhyme scheme in the morning!

27 Page 3 in the Binder of Women  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:13:58pm

re: #17 WindUpBird

Found it! The Google Fu is strong in me. [Link: www.xkcd.com...]

That's the story of "our" lives!

28 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:14:40pm

re: #26 SanFranciscoZionist

OK, I gotta get some sleep. We're doing rhyme scheme in the morning!

Cool. Sleep well.

29 Dancing along the light of day  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:14:44pm

OK, must go to sleepy times.
NOW.
Night all.
Have a fabulous evening & a better day, tomorrow!
Kiss your sweetie & say "HI" to a stranger.
I always loved the
"Practise random acts of kindness" concept.
If not the hippies!
;)

30 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:16:53pm

re: #29 Floral Giraffe

OK, must go to sleepy times.
NOW.
Night all.
Have a fabulous evening & a better day, tomorrow!
Kiss your sweetie & say "HI" to a stranger.
I always loved the
"Practise random acts of kindness" concept.
If not the hippies!
;)

Say what you wnat about the hippies, they know how to throw a party. :D

31 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:17:42pm

re: #26 SanFranciscoZionist

OK, I gotta get some sleep. We're doing rhyme scheme in the morning!


Are you gonna spit it raw, straight off the dome? Rocking the mic?

32 Mocking Jay  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:18:01pm

Time for me to get out of here. I know the news isn't going to be pretty in the morning. I just hope our president lets America show the rest of the world what sort of good we can do.

33 Page 3 in the Binder of Women  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:18:09pm

Moi aussi. See you all tomorrow!

34 _RememberTonyC  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:19:59pm

g'night Lizards

35 Dark_Falcon  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:20:42pm

I'm going to take my leave as well. Goodnight, all.

36 charlesincharge  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:23:02pm

re: #29 Floral Giraffe

Big business,pharma and medical insurance, bending over backwards to help pass Obama-care.The rest of us will just have to bend over. [Link: online.wsj.com...]

37 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:23:04pm

re: #32 JasonA

If so, I am not looking forward to how that may be characterized by the reactionary wing of the blogosphere.

38 Silvergirl  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:23:18pm

re: #22 freetoken

[Video]

Sounds like Jack Benny is coming up. Where did you get this? I mean what am I listening to?

39 freetoken  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:25:32pm

re: #38 Silvergirl

It's a wartime Benny radio show, with about a 2 minute intro by the poster.

Here's a funnier one, I think, from a Benny Halloween program:

MP3 Audio
40 Mocking Jay  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:27:14pm

re: #37 Slumbering Behemoth

If so, I am not looking forward to how that may be characterized by the reactionary wing of the blogosphere.

He'll do too much. Or not enough. You may only pick one.

I'm out for real.

41 Silvergirl  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:28:16pm

re: #39 freetoken

It's a wartime Benny radio show, with about a 2 minute intro by the poster.

Here's a funnier one, I think, from a Benny Halloween program:


[Video]

Thanks! I heard an old Grape Nuts Flake commercial. Now it's Jack Benny and a woman who sounds like Vivian Vance but probably isn't. I'm still on your first one. I'll come back to this one.

42 SixDegrees  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:33:04pm

Google considers not being evil.

I'll believe it when I see them pull out of China for real. Disturbing that it took a direct attack on their own infrastructure to suddenly take notice that China is a festering swamp of censorship and abuse. I suspect this is just posturing, and that the Chinese market is too important to Google's bottom line.

43 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:36:23pm

re: #42 SixDegrees

Sort of my same take hearing this story earlier today. Google: The censorship in China is all fun and games, until it pokes an eye out one of our servers.

44 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:37:53pm

re: #40 JasonA

He'll do too much. Or not enough. You may only pick one.

I'm out for real.

I was thinking there might also be a third option, sort of a Reverse Spike Lee Gambit.

45 The Left  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:41:00pm

re: #40 JasonA

He'll do too much. Or not enough. You may only pick one.

I'm out for real.

Wingnuts* are perfectly able to hold two opposing thoughts in their heads at the same time and believe both. Thus Obama is both a socialist and a fascist, and their number 1 reason for disliking him can be "he's black" closely followed by "he's not really black".

*that ability is also found amongst the nuts of the leftward persuasion.

46 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:42:40pm

re: #45 iceweasel

Cognitive Dissonance: An Equal Opportunity Mind-Fucker.

47 laZardo  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:56:02pm

re: #45 iceweasel

*that ability is also found amongst the nuts of the leftward persuasion.

Particularly when it comes to reconciling ultra-religious fundamentalists with "resistance."

48 freetoken  Tue, Jan 12, 2010 11:59:17pm

Wow... they just had two more 4.5's and then a 5.0 down in Haiti, on the fault line not far from the big one today.

It should be noted that poorly constructed buildings can be damaged by a 5.0. Even a better building, if it was partially damaged earlier in the day, could be a disaster with these smaller quakes.

According to the USGS, the fault in question is on the border of the NA and Caribbean plates... they are sliding by each other. The relative motion of the two plates is 20mm/yr, but the slippage on the fault has been measured to be only 13mm/yr, which would imply you'd get some really big earthquakes every once in a while.

49 laZardo  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:02:09am

re: #48 freetoken

Wow... they just had two more 4.5's and then a 5.0 down in Haiti, on the fault line not far from the big one today.

It should be noted that poorly constructed buildings can be damaged by a 5.0. Even a better building, if it was partially damaged earlier in the day, could be a disaster with these smaller quakes.

According to the USGS, the fault in question is on the border of the NA and Caribbean plates... they are sliding by each other. The relative motion of the two plates is 20mm/yr, but the slippage on the fault has been measured to be only 13mm/yr, which would imply you'd get some really big earthquakes every once in a while.

It's God's doing, silly. He's just angry that they're nothing but depraved voodoo-loving sinners.

///

/it's probably gonna get posted on some crazed forum somewhere...

50 The Left  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:03:18am

somewhere i have never travelled,gladly beyond
any experience,your eyes have their silence:
in your most frail gesture are things which enclose me,
or which i cannot touch because they are too near

your slightest look easily will unclose me
though i have closed myself as fingers,
you open always petal by petal myself as Spring opens
(touching skilfully,mysteriously)her first rose

or if your wish be to close me, i and
my life will shut very beautifully ,suddenly,
as when the heart of this flower imagines
the snow carefully everywhere descending;

nothing which we are to perceive in this world equals
the power of your intense fragility:whose texture
compels me with the color of its countries,
rendering death and forever with each breathing

(i do not know what it is about you that closes
and opens;only something in me understands
the voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses)
nobody,not even the rain,has such small hands

51 Bagua  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:05:07am

Good night all. Pleasant and valuable discussions.

Let's pray for the sufferers in Haiti and resolve to do what we can to learn about their plight and advocate on their behalf. They are the poorest in our region and deserve a chance at hope and a decent life free of hunger and despair.

Let us also learn to value what we have and enjoy the bounty that makes hunger all but unknown in our societies, where even the poorest among us lives a life of plenty by comparison.

52 The Left  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:06:02am

re: #51 Bagua

Night, Bagua. Always a pleasure.

53 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:11:13am

re: #49 laZardo

Actually, someone posted a quote on the last thread from someone at another site wondering why their god was visiting it's wrath on Haiti, and not San Fransisco.

54 The Left  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:12:07am

pity this busy monster, manunkind,

not. Progress is a comfortable disease:
your victum(death and life safely beyond)

plays with the bigness of his littleness
-electrons deify one razorblade
into a mountainrange; lenses extend

unwish through curving wherewhen until unwish
returns on its unself.
A world of made
is not a world of born--pity poor flesh

and trees, poor stars and stones, but never this
fine specimen of hypermagical

ultraomnipotence. We doctors know

a hopeless case if---listen: there's a hell
of a good universe next door; let's go

55 Silvergirl  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:13:31am

re: #39 freetoken

About halfway on this one now. I'll drift off to it, so good-night, and thanks for posting it.

56 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:29:58am

re: #53 Slumbering Behemoth

And really, the more I hear from people who talk like that, the more I think they just rolled up entire pagan pantheons of wrathful, punishing gods and goddesses into one singular convenient package.

A one stop shop for lightning bolts, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, plagues, locusts, woes and tribulations ad nauseum. Why worship a variety of gods who have specific, individual areas of expertise in human suffering when you can worship one, big, Wal-Mart type god who can dish out all manner of suffering for a fraction of the prayer.

57 The Left  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:33:20am

re: #56 Slumbering Behemoth

And really, the more I hear from people who talk like that, the more I think they just rolled up entire pagan pantheons of wrathful, punishing gods and goddesses into one singular convenient package.

A one stop shop for lightning bolts, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, plagues, locusts, woes and tribulations ad nauseum. Why worship a variety of gods who have specific, individual areas of expertise in human suffering when you can worship one, big, Wal-Mart type god who can dish out all manner of suffering for a fraction of the prayer.

The only difference being that Wal-Mart will let anyone shop there, AFAIK.

There's a certain amount of lip-smacking that some EndTimes types indulge in when dwelling on the years of Tribulation and punishment to be dealt out to others that I find, frankly, to be a kind of death-porn.

58 laZardo  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:37:19am

re: #56 Slumbering Behemoth

It's mainly why I've given up on the concept of religion, and by proxy 'good' and 'evil.' Given all the different definitions of what constitutes a 'just God' I figure the only philosophy that really works is "When in Rome."

59 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:39:34am

re: #57 iceweasel

Snuff porn fantasies. They want to see their own personal, petty hatred and bigotry manifested in their god's will, and they want to see it in their lifetime.

60 charlesincharge  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:41:02am

re: #45 iceweasel

Wingnuts* are perfectly able to hold two opposing thoughts in their heads at the same time and believe both. Thus Obama is both a socialist and a fascist. (edited for total BS factor)

They are not "opposing thoughts".Socialism and fascism have much in common.Think "greater good".Is there anything either system won't do to people for "the greater good".

There are many things the government can require for "the greater good". But depriving individuals of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,should be verbotten.And is unconstitutional in the USA. But not under communism or socialism.

61 The Left  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:41:20am

re: #58 laZardo

It's mainly why I've given up on the concept of religion, and by proxy 'good' and 'evil.' Given all the different definitions of what constitutes a 'just God' I figure the only philosophy that really works is "When in Rome."

I don't think we need a particular god, or any god at all, to still find some utility in the terms 'good' and 'evil'.
My reasoning is rather different than yours, I think. It's the problem of evil, or theodicy, that makes it so difficult to believe in a god, or at least one with the 3 attributes of being all good, all powerful, and all knowing.
Late night drinking and theology thread! Wheee!

62 freetoken  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:43:27am

re: #57 iceweasel

The only difference being that Wal-Mart will let anyone shop there, AFAIK.

Evidence:

[Link: www.peopleofwalmart.com...]

[Link: www.peopleofwalmart.com...]

[Link: www.peopleofwalmart.com...]

63 The Left  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:43:55am

re: #60 charlesincharge

They are not "opposing thoughts".Socialism and fascism have much in common.

Fascism is and has always been a phenomenon of the right.
Authoritarianism exists on both sides of the political spectrum; on the right it's fascism, on the left totalitarianism.

Conflating fascism with socialism in any way is Jonah Goldberg territory, and best avoided.

64 laZardo  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:44:43am

re: #61 iceweasel

If you want the closest thing to 'good and evil,' you're probably thinking of what constitutes healthy and unhealthy behavior within the confines of society. It's because most modern societies have so many of these behaviors in common that gives the illusion of 'good and evil'.

Of course, there are always entire swaths of gray areas.

65 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:45:27am

re: #58 laZardo

Concepts of good and evil, what constitutes either, are societal constructs. But they are important ones.

I get where you are coming from re: religion, but "When in Rome" is not a good philosophy from where I stand. One must choose a set of governing principles and apply them, to themselves, regardless of their geographic location. Unless of course your philosophy is "Do what thou wilt", in which case "When in Rome" works well.

66 The Left  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:46:01am

re: #62 freetoken

Yikes!

67 laZardo  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:46:56am

re: #63 iceweasel

Fascism is and has always been a phenomenon of the right.
Authoritarianism exists on both sides of the political spectrum; on the right it's fascism, on the left totalitarianism.

Conflating fascism with socialism in any way is Jonah Goldberg territory, and best avoided.

If I may toss in a point, I've considered nazism not so much either fascistic or socialistic...but almost purely opportunistic in their authoritarianism. Hardcore Machiavelli, as it were.

Sure they were in bed with the traditionally conservative industrialists, but as they were also democratically elected, they would also have to have tried reaching out to the disgruntled layman.

68 The Left  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:48:03am

re: #67 laZardo

If I may toss in a point, I've considered nazism not so much either fascistic or socialistic...but almost purely opportunistic in their authoritarianism. Hardcore Machiavelli, as it were.

Sure they were in bed with the traditionally conservative industrialists, but as they were also democratically elected, they would also have to have tried reaching out to the disgruntled layman.

I'm getting a drink and I'll be back with something for you. ;)

69 laZardo  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:48:38am

re: #65 Slumbering Behemoth

Concepts of good and evil, what constitutes either, are societal constructs. But they are important ones.

I get where you are coming from re: religion, but "When in Rome" is not a good philosophy from where I stand. One must choose a set of governing principles and apply them, to themselves, regardless of their geographic location. Unless of course your philosophy is "Do what thou wilt", in which case "When in Rome" works well.

I guess you could say that. In fact that's probably why the biggest multinational corporations are able to thrive.

On a related note, one of my favorite lizards is the Chameleon.

/red gold and greeen~

70 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:51:33am

re: #60 charlesincharge

Ostensibly, Socialism and Communism are constructs designed for the "greater good" of the people. Fascism is a construct designed for the "greater good" of the state. In this way, they are most certainly "opposing thoughts".

In practice however, as history has shown, their ends are very similar despite different ideological means.

71 charlesincharge  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:59:47am

re: #63 iceweasel

Fascism is and has always been a phenomenon of the right.
Authoritarianism exists on both sides of the political spectrum; on the right it's fascism, on the left totalitarianism.

So if the individual is "sacrificed" (i.e. deprived of life, liberty etc.) by a fascist regime it is bad. But if done by an "authoritarian" regime of the left or right than ???. Enlighten me.

72 The Left  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 1:03:43am

re: #67 laZardo

If I may toss in a point, I've considered nazism not so much either fascistic or socialistic...but almost purely opportunistic in their authoritarianism. Hardcore Machiavelli, as it were.

Sure they were in bed with the traditionally conservative industrialists, but as they were also democratically elected, they would also have to have tried reaching out to the disgruntled layman.

Here we go -- Yes, nazism was opportunistic, but their populism was a fascist sort of populism. Here's some stuff from Umberto Eco's Eternal Fascism: Fourteen Ways of Looking at a Blackshirt

6. Ur-Fascism derives from individual or social frustration.

That is why one of the most typical features of the historical fascism was the appeal to a frustrated middle class, a class suffering from an economic crisis or feelings of political humiliation, and frightened by the pressure of lower social groups. In our time, when the old "proletarians" are becoming petty bourgeois (and the lumpen are largely excluded from the political scene), the fascism of tomorrow will find its audience in this new majority.

7. To people who feel deprived of a clear social identity, Ur-Fascism says that their only privilege is the most common one, to be born in the same country.

This is the origin of nationalism. Besides, the only ones who can provide an identity to the nation are its enemies. Thus at the root of the Ur-Fascist psychology there is the obsession with a plot, possibly an international one. The followers must feel besieged. The easiest way to solve the plot is the appeal to xenophobia. But the plot must also come from the inside: Jews are usually the best target because they have the advantage of being at the same time inside and outside. In the United States, a prominent instance of the plot obsession is to be found in Pat Robertson's The New World Order, but, as we have recently seen, there are many others.13. Ur-Fascism is based upon a selective populism, a qualitative populism, one might say.

In a democracy, the citizens have individual rights, but the citizens in their entirety have a political impact only from a quantitative point of view -- one follows the decisions of the majority. For Ur-Fascism, however, individuals as individuals have no rights, and the People is conceived as a quality, a monolithic entity expressing the Common Will. Since no large quantity of human beings can have a common will, the Leader pretends to be their interpreter. Having lost their power of delegation, citizens do not act; they are only called on to play the role of the People. Thus the People is only a theatrical fiction. There is in our future a TV or Internet populism, in which the emotional response of a selected group of citizens can be presented and accepted as the Voice of the People.

Because of its qualitative populism, Ur-Fascism must be against "rotten" parliamentary governments. Wherever a politician casts doubt on the legitimacy of a parliament because it no longer represents the Voice of the People, we can smell Ur-Fascism.


It's from the 90's I think but large chunks of it apply to the wingnuts at present in the US, particularly the sections on modernism and hatred of the modern (science, etc). Highly recommend.

73 The Left  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 1:04:37am

re: #71 charlesincharge

So if the individual is "sacrificed" (i.e. deprived of life, liberty etc.) by a fascist regime it is bad. But if done by an "authoritarian" regime of the left or right than ???. Enlighten me.

Yes, I can completely see where you got that from my comment.

As in, WTF are you talking about?

74 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 1:08:20am

re: #71 charlesincharge

So if the individual is "sacrificed" (i.e. deprived of life, liberty etc.) by a fascist regime it is bad. But if done by an "authoritarian" regime of the left or right than ???

It's not good???

75 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 1:15:37am

re: #69 laZardo

I am not one to bag on corporations, multi-national or otherwise. Some operate negatively, some operate positively, and some have greatly benefited humanity.

But yes, for the most part, they operate in regions whose laws generally benefit their profits.

76 The Sanity Inspector  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 1:18:25am

Just in case anyone who didn't "get" the post epigraph is still puzzled, it refers to George Herriman's comic strip Krazy Kat.

77 The Left  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 1:19:58am

re: #76 The Sanity Inspector

Just in case anyone who didn't "get" the post epigraph is still puzzled, it refers to George Herriman's comic strip Krazy Kat.

Hey Sanity Inspector! I just mentioned you in the thread downstairs, at the bottom. Have saved some quotes you recently provided and find much in them to meditate upon. Thanks again.

78 The Sanity Inspector  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 1:22:04am

re: #77 iceweasel

Hey Sanity Inspector! I just mentioned you in the thread downstairs, at the bottom. Have saved some quotes you recently provided and find much in them to meditate upon. Thanks again.

Always glad to contribute some second-hand wisdom.

I'm up with fever-induced insomnia at the moment, so don't expect anything clever out of me right now. :P

79 The Left  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 1:24:35am

re: #75 Slumbering Behemoth

I am not one to bag on corporations, multi-national or otherwise. Some operate negatively, some operate positively, and some have greatly benefited humanity.

But yes, for the most part, they operate in regions whose laws generally benefit their profits.

There is a cool documentary about the rise of the modern corporation, called The Corporation. Sure it's "lefty" I guess, but it makes some good points and has a lot of useful history.

The documentary shows the development of the contemporary business corporation, from a legal entity that originated as a government-chartered institution meant to effect specific public functions, to the rise of the modern commercial institution entitled to most of the legal rights of a person. One theme is its assessment as a "personality", as a result of an 1886 case in the United States Supreme Court in which a statement by Chief Justice Morrison R. Waite[nb 1] led to corporations as "persons" having the same rights as human beings, based on the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. The film's assessment is effected via the diagnostic criteria in the DSM-IV; Robert Hare, a University of British Columbia psychology professor and a consultant to the FBI, compares the profile of the contemporary profitable business corporation to that of a clinically-diagnosed psychopath. The documentary concentrates mostly upon North American corporations, especially those of the United States.

The film is in vignettes examining and criticizing corporate business practices, to establish parallels, between corporate legal misbehavior (malfeasance) and the DSM-IV's symptoms of psychopathy, i.e. callous disregard for the feelings of other people, the incapacity to maintain human relationships, reckless disregard for the safety of others, deceitfulness (continual lying to deceive for profit), the incapacity to experience guilt, and the failure to conform to social norms and respect for the law.

80 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 1:25:58am

re: #78 The Sanity Inspector

I'm up with fever-induced insomnia at the moment, so don't expect anything clever out of me right now. :P

Can we instead please have a fever-induced stream of consciousness that is hilarious to behold? Please?
/

Hope you feel better soon.

81 The Left  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 1:26:10am

re: #78 The Sanity Inspector

Always glad to contribute some second-hand wisdom.

I'm up with fever-induced insomnia at the moment, so don't expect anything clever out of me right now. :P

Sorry to hear about your fever, tho always glad to see you. Flu?

82 The Sanity Inspector  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 1:27:44am

re: #81 iceweasel

Sorry to hear about your fever, tho always glad to see you. Flu?

Don't think so.

83 charlesincharge  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 1:28:06am

re: #73 iceweasel

Yes, I can completely see where you got that from my comment.

As in, WTF are you talking about?

I'm trying to make the point that fascism and communism have something in common.Depriving the individual of his human rights. Where as you seem to think they are polar opposites.Is that so hard to see?

84 The Left  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 1:34:05am

re: #83 charlesincharge

I'm trying to make the point that fascism and communism have something in common.Depriving the individual of his human rights. Where as you seem to think they are polar opposites.Is that so hard to see?

Apparently. I've already made the point that totalitarianism and fascism are both authoritarian regimes, but one manifests on the left, the other on the right. Which you failed to grasp then, and are continuing to fail to grasp, viz., your statement that I think fascism and communism are 'polar opposites.
I suggest you read SB's comment at #70, which more than adequately deals with the subject.
And I still think you've been reading too much Jonah Goldberg. NTTAWWT, per se, but he's not going to be the best guide here.

85 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 1:37:25am

re: #83 charlesincharge

I'm trying to make the point that fascism and communism have something in common. Depriving the individual of his human rights.

Agreed. Not so much on their intent, but most certainly on the end results. And before anyone gets any ideas about my stance, full scale gov't communism/socialism has always resulted in the loss of individual liberty and individual rights, and I will always oppose it.

Where as you seem to think they are polar opposites.Is that so hard to see?

I can not speak for Ice, but the ideologies are on opposite ends of the left/right spectrum.

86 The Left  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 1:41:26am

re: #83 charlesincharge

I'm trying to make the point that fascism and communism have something in common.Depriving the individual of his human rights.

I should be clearer here. LOTS of (bad) regimes and (bad) political philosophies have in common that they deprive individuals of their human rights. Without a more detailed framework, that criterion alone isn't especially useful for delineating those philosophies, or regimes.

And it's a very bad idea to assimilate non-fascist regimes and philosophies into the definition of fascism, because those differences are hugely important-- as well as serving to blur what is meant by 'fascism'.

87 charlesincharge  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 1:45:18am

re: #84 iceweasel

I suggest you read SB's comment at #70, which more than adequately deals with the subject.And I still think you've been reading too much Jonah Goldberg. NTTAWWT, per se, but he's not going to be the best guide here.

In practice however, as history has shown, their ends are very similar despite different ideological means.

Then we agree.The US Constitution is the "real deal".Not euro-socialism or euro-fascism?Or ???.

88 laZardo  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 1:47:02am

Gotta head out to a family dinner party. Cheers.

89 The Left  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 1:49:07am

re: #87 charlesincharge

In practice however, as history has shown, their ends are very similar despite different ideological means.

Then we agree.The US Constitution is the "real deal".Not euro-socialism or euro-fascism?Or ???.

Let's see. First you say this:

So if the individual is "sacrificed" (i.e. deprived of life, liberty etc.) by a fascist regime it is bad. But if done by an "authoritarian" regime of the left or right than ???. Enlighten me.

Did you really think I would say, or that I believe, anything other than "bad"?

Now you want to know if I support euro-fascism? And if I think the US constitution is "the real deal"?

Piss off, wanker.

90 The Left  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 2:04:05am

re: #85 Slumbering Behemoth

I can not speak for Ice, but the ideologies are on opposite ends of the left/right spectrum.

That is the point I made, though probably not as clearly as I could have. Thank you.

BTW, one of the other reasons why I object to people playing loose and fast with the definition of fascism is one you yourself made here last night.
Had too much going on to reply as I wanted to, but you're spot on.

91 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 2:07:35am

re: #87 charlesincharge

In practice however, as history has shown, their ends are very similar despite different ideological means.

Then we agree.The US Constitution is the "real deal".Not euro-socialism or euro-fascism?Or ???.

This is getting confusing. You're responding to Ice, using a segment of one of my comments to assert that you and her are in agreement on your last bit there.

Conversations can get real muddied up on any blog or forum this way.

92 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 2:26:50am

Wingnuts are funny:

"If somehow, miraculously, I got elected lieutenant governor, I'd make an effort to get back some of our rights — right to freedom of speech, freedom of association and other Constitution-Bill of Rights things that have been taken away from us," Garritano said.

I'm sorry, did I say wingnut? I meant MOONBAT.

My name is Peter Garritano. I grew up in Delaware and moved to Vermont in 1993 with my wife and two kids. I became interested in politics and the United States' place in the world after 9/11. I read theologian David Ray Griffin's The New Pearl Harbor [troofer book- ed.] and have never looked back. I read any new information I can daily relating to 9/11 .

And there's this:

Progressive Thought: Host Terry Jeroloman and Guest Peter Garritano

So nice the secessionist movement could be bi-partisan.

93 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 2:27:31am

re: #90 iceweasel

Thanks. I have a hard core lack of respect for folks who glibly throw about terms like fascism, oppression, or make false comparisons to the third reich. It diminishes both the evil and the suffering of certain historic (and in some regions, ongoing) events that all of humanity would do well to take note of and remember.

On this:

That is the point I made, though probably not as clearly as I could have. Thank you.

I caught your point clearly enough, but I am familiar with you. I am not familiar with CharlesInCharge, and perhaps he is not familiar with either of us. In the spirit of that, I think your "Piss off, wanker" may have been a bit much. Not a reprimand, just a friendly *poot* in your direction.

94 The Left  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 2:32:17am

re: #91 Slumbering Behemoth

BTW-- i kept looking at that thread from last night and would have responded more there to your comment, but because of the timing of when it was posted and the overnight thread opening up so soon after it never got above 100 comments. I didn't want to introduce issues other than ones focussing on Miep Gies til it hit 100.

re: #93 Slumbering Behemoth

Thanks. I have a hard core lack of respect for folks who glibly throw about terms like fascism, oppression, or make false comparisons to the third reich. It diminishes both the evil and the suffering of certain historic (and in some regions, ongoing) events that all of humanity would do well to take note of and remember.

On this:

I caught your point clearly enough, but I am familiar with you. I am not familiar with CharlesInCharge, and perhaps he is not familiar with either of us. In the spirit of that, I think your "Piss off, wanker" may have been a bit much. Not a reprimand, just a friendly *poot* in your direction.

I take the point, but I noted he hadn't seen fit to reply to you, but to me, even when that meant quoting your own comment. That was a large part of the rationale behind 'piss off wanker'.
The earlier faked innocence about whether I'd think murders committed under some regimes were ??? also contributed.

Friendly poots always welcomed!

95 freetoken  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 2:39:52am

re: #92 Sharmuta


So nice the secessionist movement could be bi-partisan.

Wouldn't the phrase bi-polar be more appropriate to those Vermont-ies?

Speaking of wingnuts, from the article on Inhofe I just posted in the spin-offs:

Inhofe is called "God's Denier" for the way he dismisses concern about rising sea levels.

"I say God is still up there, and we will always have these changes," he said.

It's as if by declaring some religious decree all of a sudden anything that has to do with measuring and understanding the physical world becomes void.

Further on:

"It is something I have taken eight years of hits for, and then finally we have come from a position of about only 18 percent of the people in America agreeing with my original position 10 years ago to about 75 percent now," Inhofe said, adding that he now feels redeemed on the issue.

Haven't a clue where he comes up with "75%"... just pulled it out of his rear I suppose...

But that he uses the term "redeemed" is pretty screwy... "vindicated" is the normal term used, even though in this case it would be wrong too.

96 The Left  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 2:42:22am

re: #95 freetoken

Haven't a clue where he comes up with "75%"... just pulled it out of his rear I suppose...

But that he uses the term "redeemed" is pretty screwy... "vindicated" is the normal term used, even though in this case it would be wrong too.

Vermont is a bit of a bi-polar state in many ways.

Not touching the 'redeemed' comment for a while....

97 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 2:44:58am

re: #92 Sharmuta

Left, right, or center... the kook-o-sphere welcomes all, it seems.

98 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 2:52:14am

Supreme Court hears arguments on detaining sex offenders

Kagan said the Constitution gives the federal government specific powers, such as regulating interstate commerce, and all other powers "necessary and proper" to carry out those laws. Because Congress can punish interstate crimes such as putting child pornography on the Internet, federal authorities can also hold onto these criminals indefinitely if they are believed to be dangerous.

Hmm- seems a violation of civil liberties to remain in prison after one's time has been served. No wonder Vermont wants to secede.

99 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 2:53:35am

re: #97 Slumbering Behemoth

Left, right, or center... the kook-o-sphere welcomes all, it seems.

I thought the left was perfect...?

100 freetoken  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 2:56:43am

Many of the links I post are of subjects in which I have either found interest... or relate to some of the favorite topics of LGF...

And they get few hits.

Which is fine, because I know I'm playing to a smaller crowd.

However, I know how to post links that get lots of hits... I've done it before. All I have to do is put up a link having something to do with... boobs! and the hits come rushing in.

I say this because I was tempted to post the following in the spin-offs, sort of a cheap link for hits, for there are ... boobs!

Naked except for bodypaint: The new underwear?

Instead, I'll just hide it here in the middle of the night where no one will find it...

101 The Left  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 2:58:01am

re: #99 Sharmuta

I thought the left was perfect...?

No one here does think that, so far as I know. Including all of those on the left.
Probably especially those on the left. The left specialises in eating their own. Witness the fact that the best and sharpest critiques of Obama are coming from the left.

102 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 2:59:32am

Tea partiers shell out big bucks for Sarah Palin

“She thinks she’s coming to endorse the tea party movement, but most tea party people won’t be there because they can’t afford it,” said Anthony Shreeve, an East Tennessee tea party organizer who quit the convention’s steering committee. “The tea party movement is a grass-roots movement; it’s not a business, he said.

Infighting!

103 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 3:00:02am

re: #95 freetoken

Up ding for "all of a sudden". You get a pass from the work camps, for now.
/

104 freetoken  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 3:03:30am

re: #103 Slumbering Behemoth

Ok... so I should have said "suddenly" or "instantly" or some other proper adverb...

Just for that, no more boob videos for you!

105 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 3:03:50am

re: #99 Sharmuta

I thought the left was perfect...?

I thought the center was perfect...
/

106 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 3:06:03am

re: #105 Slumbering Behemoth

I thought the center was perfect...
/

I see using a sarc tag instead of not using a sarc tag gets different results. I guess some folks need more help with their humor than others.

107 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 3:06:07am

re: #104 freetoken

No! No, no, no. "All of a sudden" is proper. "All of the sudden" is what incurs Stewie's wrath.

108 The Left  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 3:06:19am

re: #105 Slumbering Behemoth

I thought the center was perfect...
/

But it cannot hold. :(

109 srb1976  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 3:08:01am

Morning!

110 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 3:15:37am

For Sleepy B-

MP3 Audio
111 freetoken  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 3:17:48am

re: #107 Slumbering Behemoth

My understanding is that "sudden" is oft thought of as archaic (or poetic) and that the better term is "suddenly". "All of a sudden" harkens back to this older use of "sudden".

My lord, we have
Stood here observing him: some strange commotion
Is in his brain: he bites his lip, and starts;
Stops on a sudden, looks upon the ground,
Then lays his finger on his temple, straight
Springs out into fast gait; then stops again,
Strikes his breast hard, and anon he casts
His eye against the moon: in most strange postures
We have seen him set himself.


[Henry the VIIIth, Act III]

(* shrugs *)

112 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 3:19:24am

I will never call the left perfect again, for I have learned my lesson.

113 Sharmuta  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 3:19:48am

Serious humor shortage around here.

114 freetoken  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 3:19:54am

A lost cause?

Afghan anger over 'Koran burning' in Kandahar

Protesters alleging that foreign troops burned a copy of the Koran have clashed with Afghan and coalition troops in Helmand province, police say.

They said that at least six people were killed in the violence which took place in Garmsir district

115 The Left  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 3:20:32am

re: #111 freetoken

My understanding is that "sudden" is oft thought of as archaic (or poetic) and that the better term is "suddenly". "All of a sudden" harkens back to this older use of "sudden".


[Henry the VIIIth, Act III]

(* shrugs *)

That's why Cato Stewie takes issue with 'all of the sudden', not 'all of a sudden'. I assume.

116 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 3:28:49am

re: #111 freetoken

"All of the sudden"
"Irregardless"
"A whole 'nuther"

And if I may add:
"For all intensive purposes"

These are the mangled words and phrases that make the great entity known as "Merriam-Webster" cry.

117 suchislife  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 3:45:17am

re: #116 Slumbering Behemoth

For some reason, one that especially bugs me is when people write "Here, here!" instead of Hear, Hear!, and I also hate it when someone doesn't get the difference between lie and lay. Rationally, I'm well aware that neither mistake does any harm at all, or at least no more than any other misspelling or whatever, but for some reason, whenever I see those I actually get mad.
It's so weird, how people emotionally react to each other.

118 The Left  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 3:51:00am

re: #117 suchislife

For some reason, one that especially bugs me is when people write "Here, here!" instead of Hear, Hear!, and I also hate it when someone doesn't get the difference between lie and lay. Rationally, I'm well aware that neither mistake does any harm at all, or at least no more than any other misspelling or whatever, but for some reason, whenever I see those I actually get mad.
It's so weird, how people emotionally react to each other.

I'm like that with 'irregardless', lie/lay, and pronouncing library as lie-berry.

It's wholly irrational -- but for me all of them are like nails on a chalkboard.

119 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 3:54:34am

re: #117 suchislife

Ha! "Here, here!" v. "Hear, hear!" Another good one, though only apparent in the written form.

Lie and lay could likely trip many people up.

I can't talk two much crap myself. I certainly due my fare share too mangle the language in my own whey.

120 The Left  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 3:57:23am

re: #119 Slumbering Behemoth

Ha! "Here, here!" v. "Hear, hear!" Another good one, though only apparent in the written form.

Lie and lay could likely trip many people up.

I can't talk two much crap myself. I certainly due my fare share too mangle the language in my own whey.

Another one I see, in the written form only, is 'it's a doggie-dog world', rather than 'dog-eat-dog'.
This isn't on my short list for annoying phrases, but when I see it I always laugh and think, What?

121 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 3:58:06am

re: #92 Sharmuta

Wingnuts are funny:


And there's this:

Progressive Thought: Host Terry Jeroloman and Guest Peter Garritano

So nice the secessionist movement could be bi-partisan.

Alex Jones was as moonbatty as they came during the Bush Administration.

122 srb1976  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 3:58:10am

re: #119 Slumbering Behemoth


I can't talk two much crap myself. I certainly due my fare share too mangle the language in my own whey.

That's gorgeous...nicely done, must've hurt though = )

123 The Left  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 4:00:21am

re: #121 MandyManners

Alex Jones was as moonbatty as they came during the Bush Administration.

Alex Jones is a lunatic, and neither right nor left.
Just as lunacy itself is a bi-partisan condition.

124 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 4:05:42am

Although earthquakes are typically associated with the West Coast, the Caribbean is actually a seismically active area, where plates and fault lines are still shifting below the surface.

``That's how you got all the islands in the first place,'' said Dale Grant, a geophysicist at the National Earthquake Information Center near Denver.

The earthquake that hit Haiti on Tuesday occurred at 4:53 p.m. and measured a 7.0 magnitude. It was centered just 15 miles from Port-au-Prince, the capital city of nearly 1 million people.

While smaller quakes happen frequently in the Caribbean, none close to this size had been seen in Haiti in more than 25 years, Grant said. That was in June 1984, when a quake measuring 6.7 occurred about 150 miles away from Port-au-Prince.

SNIP

The actual quake appears to have occurred along the Enriquillo-Plantain Garden Fault, a virtually immovable rock that runs from Montego Bay in Jamaica to the southern part of the island of Hispaniola, which Haiti shares with the Dominican Republic. That vertical fault is pushed by the Caribbean Plate, a unsettled land mass that moves about 20 millimeters east each year.

SNIP

125 sattv4u2  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 4:05:47am

re: #120 iceweasel

my short list for annoying phrases

"irregardless" makes my ears bleed!

126 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 4:06:26am

re: #120 iceweasel

Another one I see, in the written form only, is 'it's a doggie-dog world'

Jeez, that does make my eyes bleed. I'm certainly no scholar, but I at least endeavor not to use colloquialisms that I do not fully understand.

re: #122 srb1976

That's gorgeous...nicely done, must've hurt though = )

No pain at all, really. I have lurked on PC game forums since the '90s. It's all down hill from "DIS GAEM IZ GHEY".

127 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 4:08:21am

How's that socialism working out for you, Venezuela?

Venezuela's government imposed rolling blackouts of four hours every other day throughout the country on Tuesday to combat an energy crisis.

President Hugo Chavez has said rationing is necessary to prevent water levels in Guri Dam — the cornerstone of Venezuela's energy system — from falling to critical lows and causing a widespread power collapse. Drought has cut the flow of water into the dam, which feeds three hydroelectric plants that supply 73 percent of Venezuela's electricity.

128 srb1976  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 4:09:22am

So last night Her Royal Stoutness graduated from crib to toddler bed....and we moved her in with the Little Man. Very interesting night, for everyone!

129 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 4:11:22am

G'nite Lizards. Prayers for the people of Haiti, if your of a mind for such.

130 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 4:13:38am

re: #128 srb1976

So last night Her Royal Stoutness graduated from crib to toddler bed...and we moved her in with the Little Man. Very interesting night, for everyone!

Did she pop up repeatedly?

131 srb1976  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 4:15:19am

re: #130 MandyManners

Every 5 minutes or so....if she wasn't up, the Little Man was in her bed pestering her....or the other way around = )
Way too much cute though....Little Man says "don't worry mommy, I will take care of her" = )

132 The Left  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 4:16:15am

re: #125 sattv4u2

my short list for annoying phrases

"irregardless" makes my ears bleed!

Me too. I hate it. And yet, I have at least one extremely smart friend, who also has all the best (and advanced) degrees we could mention, who habitually uses 'irregardless' in casual speech.
He's very aware of it too, and tries to guard against it. It mostly only comes out now when he's drunk. (partly because I helped train him on this).
But he's certain this speech pattern has affected some of his academic job prospects in the past. And it probably did, sad to say.

Anyway, I think of him as a useful example whenever we're tempted to infer that certain errors mean someone isn't smart or isn't educated, and we are tempted to draw conclusions about people's intelligence based on those errors.

133 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 4:17:03am

re: #131 srb1976

Oh, yeah. I remember those nights. Made me want to tear out my hair by the roots.

134 The Left  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 4:22:12am

re: #131 srb1976

Every 5 minutes or so...if she wasn't up, the Little Man was in her bed pestering her...or the other way around = )
Way too much cute though...Little Man says "don't worry mommy, I will take care of her" = )

Oh SO cute! love it.

135 Walter L. Newton  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 4:23:20am

re: #132 iceweasel

Me too. I hate it. And yet, I have at least one extremely smart friend, who also has all the best (and advanced) degrees we could mention, who habitually uses 'irregardless' in casual speech.
He's very aware of it too, and tries to guard against it. It mostly only comes out now when he's drunk. (partly because I helped train him on this).
But he's certain this speech pattern has affected some of his academic job prospects in the past. And it probably did, sad to say.

Anyway, I think of him as a useful example whenever we're tempted to infer that certain errors mean someone isn't smart or isn't educated, and we are tempted to draw conclusions about people's intelligence based on those errors.

Yous people has no clues to wa ya's talkin' abouts.

136 srb1976  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 4:23:32am

Later folks...the thundering herd is stirring around (kids and dogs) and it's time to go to work = )

137 Taqyia2Me  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 4:24:10am

Timmy Needs Lassie!
[Link: online.wsj.com...]
As IRS Commish Hires Out A Tax preparer:
[Link: www.thefoxnation.com...]

138 The Left  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 4:24:47am

re: #135 Walter L. Newton

Yous people has no clues to wa ya's talkin' abouts.

We'll meet at the lieberry in Febbrey an talk it out.

139 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 4:29:29am

re: #137 Taqyia2Me

Timmy Needs Lassie!
[Link: online.wsj.com...]
As IRS Commish Hires Out A Tax preparer:
[Link: www.thefoxnation.com...]

I don't blame him for hiring someone to do his taxes.

140 RogueOne  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 4:35:25am

Morning Folks

141 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 4:40:16am

Oh, goodness. Chavez is trying to force producers of soap operas to ditch capitalism in the shows and create socialist soaps.

142 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 4:40:56am

Coakely actually thinks the terrorists are out of Afghanistan? Dunce.

143 RogueOne  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 4:41:16am

prairiefire, do you know those folks in that dobe video you posted last night? Good lookin dog. I'm going through the other vid's now.

144 RogueOne  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 4:55:07am

Perfect babysitter:

Youtube Video
145 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 5:08:09am

re: #141 MandyManners

Oh, goodness. Chavez is trying to force producers of soap operas to ditch capitalism in the shows and create socialist soaps.

A socialist soap opera? But how can such a thing be? Isn't socialism supposed to be an ideal existence, with no poverty or class-based drama upon which to play? /

146 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 5:12:34am

re: #145 thedopefishlives

A socialist soap opera? But how can such a thing be? Isn't socialism supposed to be an ideal existence, with no poverty or class-based drama upon which to play? /

There are no petty jealousies in the socialist world so, there goes a large chunk of theme. Is there adultery in socialism?

147 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 5:13:53am

re: #145 thedopefishlives

A socialist soap opera? But how can such a thing be? Isn't socialism supposed to be an ideal existence, with no poverty or class-based drama upon which to play? /

Comrades don't stab each other in the back so, that's gone, too.

148 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 5:14:25am

re: #146 MandyManners

There are no petty jealousies in the socialist world so, there goes a large chunk of theme. Is there adultery in socialism?

It's not adultery, Mandy. What comrade would refuse to share even his wife with his fellow socialist brother?

149 RogueOne  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 5:14:28am

This is now a dobermann thread//

Natural tail and ears, like my girl

Youtube Video
150 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 5:15:30am

re: #148 thedopefishlives

It's not adultery, Mandy. What comrade would refuse to share even his wife with his fellow socialist brother?

And, what comrade would refuse to share her husband with her fellow socialist sister?

151 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 5:15:54am

Gotta' git.

152 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 5:15:58am

re: #150 MandyManners

See, now you're getting it.

153 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 5:28:00am

It's 25 degrees outside, and my company is running the air conditioning in the building. What the heck, over.

154 prairiefire  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 5:29:26am

re: #149 RogueOne

We have had three in our family. I love that breed. They say that dogs have the intelligence of a 2 year old human. I think Dobermans clock in at about a 7-9 year old human.

155 RogueOne  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 5:33:48am

re: #154 prairiefire

That's what first hooked me on the breed, scary smart.

156 prairiefire  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 5:41:50am

re: #155 RogueOne

Are you aware of the problems with bloat? We lost our big beautiful Herbie to it.

157 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 5:45:23am

I slept until after 8... haven't done that in ages. How're y'all?

158 prairiefire  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 5:46:11am

Morning. We are well here. Looking forward to the big melt tomorrow.

159 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 5:50:38am

BTW, was reading the Wiki on Haiti. They are not the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere anymore. That title was taken over in 2009 by Nicaragua.

As much as we like to make dark jokes about it, Detroit is as rich as Croesus compared to these guys.

I am not looking forward to hearing the first real estimates of casualties in Haiti.

160 RogueOne  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 5:52:33am

re: #156 prairiefire

Yeah, dobes have a variety of problems. We learned about the cardiomyopathy issues with our first dobe, but she was 14 when it got her and I lost my last one to cancer that the original rescue vet told us was arthritis. I get them a set of x-rays every year so we can compare to previous years to make sure no one misses those signs again.

161 RogueOne  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 5:53:16am

gotta run to a production meeting folks, cya later.

162 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 5:53:31am

re: #125 sattv4u2

my short list for annoying phrases

"irregardless" makes my ears bleed!

In the seventh grade, Mrs. Bass (English class) mentioned that someone had used the word "Irregardless" in a big news story and went on and on about how it is not a word... etc...

For some reason it stuck. It is probably the only commonly misused word that I have never used.

163 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 5:54:56am

Hey, Toots! If you look at Drudge? The picture at the banner is the one I linked to last night.

164 hutchrun  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 6:01:14am

Malaysia:

[Link: www.themalaysianinsider.com...]

[Link: www.themalaysianinsider.com...]

165 reine.de.tout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 6:08:28am

re: #163 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Hey, Toots! If you look at Drudge? The picture at the banner is the one I linked to last night.

Just saw it.
I wonder how old that woman is?
I'd be willing to bet she's younger than she looks.
My heart is breaking for those poor people.

166 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 6:12:22am

re: #165 reine.de.tout

Yep.

167 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 6:17:19am

re: #160 RogueOne

Bury me under my dog.

168 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 6:20:29am

re: #167 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Bury me under my dog.

Gives a new meaning to "six feet under."

/Two for you, four for the dog... I admit it, it's bad

169 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 6:22:19am

re: #168 thedopefishlives

That's funny as hell, what are you talking about "that's bad". That's great!

170 Mad Al-Jaffee  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 6:30:37am

Morning everyone.

I'm kind of surprised that I haven't gotten any bogus Haiti aid emails in my hotmail account yet. I predict that they'll start arriving within a day or two.

What a messed up situation. Haiti's one of the poorest countries in the world, and now this happens. On the positive side, maybe they will get the aid they have needed for decades.

171 lawhawk  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 6:31:30am

re: #165 reine.de.tout

The devastation is widespread and there's no word on casualties other than those associated with the UN peacekeeping mission, which suffered quite a few deaths when their building collapsed. The airport has reopened, which will make getting aid into the city easier; expect President Obama to direct a US navy task force to provide humanitarian aid and relief at his presser this morning. Recon flights are already being carried out.

172 lawhawk  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 6:33:18am

re: #170 Mad Al-Jaffee

One can only hope. The country regularly gets whacked with hurricanes, and the quake basically destroyed everything that wasn't damaged by those storms. This might get the country to adopt new and more stringent building codes - enabling them to survive not only strong quakes, but the hurricanes that constantly sweep through the region.

They need to catch a break somehow...

173 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 6:35:10am

re: #170 Mad Al-Jaffee

Morning everyone.

I'm kind of surprised that I haven't gotten any bogus Haiti aid emails in my hotmail account yet. I predict that they'll start arriving within a day or two.

This, in particular, infuriates me to no end. As if they weren't already bad enough for preying on naive elderly people, the scumsucking lowlife bastard scammers feel free to take advantage of real tragedies for personal gain. And they do it not because they don't have any other choice, but because it's the easiest source of money they can get - they're lazy.

174 SasyMomaCat  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 6:37:39am

Good morning, Lizardia! Anything interesting going on in your neck of the woods?

Terrible about Haiti. My prayers and thoughts are with them.

175 Mad Al-Jaffee  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 6:38:22am

Let me tell you something I heard about Haiti. I work for a government organization that sends people on foreign assignments all over the world. My old office was right next to a training/conference room and I could usually hear what was going on in that room through the door, window and wall next to my desk.

I once heard a trainer talking about Haiti and he said something like, "If you are driving and you accdidently hit someone, do NOT stop to get help. Keep driving and get to a consulate or police station. People in Haiti will for mobs and kill foreign drivers who hit someone and stop."

Very messed up country. I guess poverty breeds crime.

And I'm not trying to put down the Haitian people, just sharing something I heard about the worse parts of the country.

176 SasyMomaCat  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 6:39:16am

re: #175 Mad Al-Jaffee

That's simultaneously tragic and terrifying . . .

177 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 6:40:01am

Peter Garritano thinks it's time for Vermont to call it quits with America.

The way the 54-year-old automobile salesman sees it, the "empire" is about to implode and tiny Vermont can lead the way by becoming its own independent republic. So he's running for lieutenant governor, topping a slate of secession-minded candidates seeking statewide offices this year.

Their name: Vermont Independence Day.

"The only hope is to just say, 'Look, this isn't working for us. We want to start fresh again, with a real democracy,'" Garritano said. "I think that's the answer. Hopefully, it won't take another horrible economic breakdown to realize that the people running things don't look out for the little guy, or us, or the soldiers. It's all about profit and getting the last drops of oil on Earth and trampling people's rights."

SNIP

"This is the triumph of hope over reality," said Garrison Nelson, a political science professor at the University of Vermont and a longtime observer of the state's political scene. "The whole movement was spawned by having George W. Bush as president. My guess is that with (Barack) Obama as president and this being Obama's second-best state, the wind has been taken out of their sails."

In fact, Obama's failure to close the detention camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan has fueled some of the candidates' positions.

SNIP

178 Daniel Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 6:40:11am

Good Morning from SoCal!
Waking up to rain and more sad news from Haiti. Help is on the way. The LA County USAR team is leaving for Haiti. These guys are very good at earthquacke rescue. They answer the call out to all the big ones.

179 Only The Lurker Knows  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 6:40:12am

Morning all.

And in that great Socialist Paradise known as Venezuela,

Venezuela imposes electricity blackouts

Venezuela has imposed an electricity rationing programme which will lead to four-hour blackouts every week across the country.

/Even Mother Nature doesn't like this guy.

180 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 6:40:51am

re: #171 lawhawk

The devastation is widespread and there's no word on casualties other than those associated with the UN peacekeeping mission, which suffered quite a few deaths when their building collapsed. The airport has reopened, which will make getting aid into the city easier; expect President Obama to direct a US navy task force to provide humanitarian aid and relief at his presser this morning. Recon flights are already being carried out.

American Airlines has cancelled flights in and out.

181 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 6:41:05am

re: #178 Rightwingconspirator

Good Morning from SoCal!
Waking up to rain and more sad news from Haiti. Help is on the way. The LA County USAR team is leaving for Haiti. These guys are very good at earthquacke rescue. They answer the call out to all the big ones.

Bringing out the big guns. That's good. I hope they are simultaneously safe and successful.

182 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 6:41:18am

re: #172 lawhawk

One can only hope. The country regularly gets whacked with hurricanes, and the quake basically destroyed everything that wasn't damaged by those storms. This might get the country to adopt new and more stringent building codes - enabling them to survive not only strong quakes, but the hurricanes that constantly sweep through the region.

They need to catch a break somehow...

They need to plant trees.

183 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 6:42:30am

re: #177 MandyManners

Do they not realize that this has been tried before? I can't imagine anyone in their right mind actually thinking this has a prayer of working.

/Then again, they're not in their right mind, what am I saying?

184 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 6:43:07am

re: #183 thedopefishlives

Do they not realize that this has been tried before? I can't imagine anyone in their right mind actually thinking this has a prayer of working.

/Then again, they're not in their right mind, what am I saying?

I can't see them winning, either.

185 Mad Al-Jaffee  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 6:43:13am

Israel is sending help.

It's probably only a short matter of time before they'll be accused of organ harvesting.

186 steve  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 6:45:52am

re: #185 Mad Al-Jaffee

Israel is sending help.

It's probably only a short matter of time before they'll be accused of organ harvesting.

and that from red cresent who will not send anyone or anything.

187 SasyMomaCat  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 6:46:52am

re: #172 lawhawk

On the surface I can imagine this would help, looking forward. However, I have to wonder about the practicality. Would they be able/willing to enforce safer building codes? With the situation of so many people there, how would they afford even the most basic shelter?

188 Daniel Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 6:48:12am

If you look at the history of this two nation island you can learn a lot about how de-colonization can go well, and how it may not.

189 Mad Al-Jaffee  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 6:52:22am

Some good news this morning. Mighty Mouse: The New Adventures is out on dvd.

[Link: www.avclub.com...]

190 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 6:53:45am

Even little Estonia's getting in on it.

Estonia is prepared to donate about one million kroons to help alleviate the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti. The Foreign Ministry is currently assessing co-operation with other state institutions to help victims of the earthquake and alleviate the aftermath.

SNIP

191 lawhawk  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:01:12am

re: #187 SasyMomaCat

Government buildings; hospitals, schools, etc., should be able to be rebuilt to more stringent construction codes - particularly with foreign development monies. It's a start, but getting people to build sturdier homes is an uphill battle but doing so is absolutely critical to getting ahead of the curve when it comes to the inevitable hurricanes and quakes that rock the region.

As it is, even the world bank offices in Haiti were destroyed. There's pretty much no infrastructure to speak of at this point that wasn't damaged around Port au Prince.

192 darthstar  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:02:24am

re: #190 MandyManners

When a disaster of this magnitude hits, the world has a way of coming together to help out.

Haiti will need long term help, however.

193 McSpiff  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:02:55am

DART recon team en route to Haiti, C-17, choppers ready

Canada is preparing to deliver the full weight of its disaster assistance capabilities to quake-stricken Haiti, an effort that could include a C-17 cargo plane and two search and rescue helicopters.

Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon said Wednesday morning that officials have been working all night to deploy Canada's aid resources after the powerful quake struck Tuesday.

A reconnaisance force from the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) has been deployed and is expected to touch down -- possibly in nearby Dominican Republic -- within a few hours to assess the situation, Cannon said.

The Haitian government would have to request DART's help in order for the elite team to be deployed, but sources tell CTV's Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife that Canada is expecting that will happen and the team will be sent.

Fife also reported Wednesday that the HMCS Halifax was recalled to port in order to be loaded with supplies and deployed to Haiti, and that Prime Minister Stephen Harper was meeting with his inner cabinet to discuss the situation in Haiti.

SNIP

Canada has a fairly large Haitian community of about 100,000. This includes our Governor-General (The Queen's representative to the Federal Government). There was also about 6,000 Canadians in Haiti, including about 100 police officers training local forces.

194 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:04:24am

re: #188 Rightwingconspirator

Compared to Haiti? Okay; The Dominican Republic is great.

But, I've seen enough baseball stories about guys coming from Haiti looking surroundings in the Dominican Republic to not be convinced that I would have wanted to be born in the Dominican Republic either.

195 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:04:56am

re: #192 darthstar

When a disaster of this magnitude hits, the world has a way of coming together to help out.

Haiti will need long term help, however.

And, the people will need to learn how to help themselves.

196 darthstar  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:05:12am

re: #190 MandyManners

1,000,000 kroons = 90,000 dollars...still, it's something.

197 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:06:07am

re: #196 darthstar

1,000,000 kroons = 90,000 dollars...still, it's something.

From such a little nation, it's a lot.

198 Obdicut  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:07:22am

Interesting Krugman piece about European economies:

[Link: www.nytimes.com...]

199 SasyMomaCat  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:07:48am

re: #191 lawhawk

This is true - I guess I was thinking more in terms of housing, etc. vs. infrastructure/businesses. I jumped right over those buildings because it wouldn't be as difficult to implement/enforce safer and sturdier codes where those are concerned. It certainly is necessary, I agree wholeheartedly. Especially for buildings that house critical services and operations, like those you indicated.

200 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:07:49am

re: #195 MandyManners

And, the people will need to learn how to help themselves.

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, all that jazz. Realistically, the best way to help these people is to help them understand how to plan against such occurrences. The problem is, proper construction against earthquakes and hurricanes costs money, something they don't exactly have in abundance.

201 lawhawk  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:09:29am

From sources I've collected in my posting:

France, which has historic links with Haiti and some 1,400 nationals living there, is sending two planes with rescuers and humanitarian aid, one from the Caribbean island of Martinique with 25 rescuers on board, and a second one with 60 people from Marseille.

The UK government said it was "deeply concerned" by the earthquake and has a team ready to fly to Haiti.

A 61-strong team of British firefighters is preparing to head out to help rescue efforts.

Venezuela said it would send a military plane with food, medicine and drinking water, as well as a team of 50 recue workers.

Mexico, which has long experience of dealing with devastating earthquakes, is sending a team of doctors and search and rescue workers.

That's in addition to an Israeli SAR team, aid coming from international NGOs like Oxfam, MSF, the American Red Cross, and other groups, including those Haitian-American organizations located in NYC, which has a substantial Haitian population.

The UN is reporting that 100 are missing at its HQ in Port au Prince.

202 SasyMomaCat  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:09:29am

re: #200 thedopefishlives

you said it better than I did . . .

203 Only The Lurker Knows  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:11:22am

Another fallen Warrior has returned home.

Air Force Pilot Remains From Vietnam War Identified

*snip*

Goodman went missing Feb. 20, 1967 when his plane was struck by enemy anti-aircraft fire. Two excavations conducted between 1993 and 2008 recovered human remains eventually identified as Goodman's.

May he rest in peace.

204 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:13:46am

re: #200 thedopefishlives

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, all that jazz. Realistically, the best way to help these people is to help them understand how to plan against such occurrences. The problem is, proper construction against earthquakes and hurricanes costs money, something they don't exactly have in abundance.

They also need to plant trees to keep the soil from eroding further.

205 SasyMomaCat  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:14:43am

Well, gotta run, guys - getting to bogged down here to keep up with work and comments (even as slow as it's moving) - have a GREAT day, all!

206 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:14:54am

re: #204 MandyManners

They also need to plant trees to keep the soil from eroding further.

Yeah, you mentioned that upthread. I didn't really think about the erosion problem, but if it's as big as you suggest, that could be a big variable in local construction codes. Or should be, anyway.

207 Only The Lurker Knows  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:17:04am

President Obama is getting ready for a Press Conference on Haiti.

Fox News has a live stream up.

/Yeah, I know it's Fox.

208 reloadingisnotahobby  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:17:23am

re: #203 Bubblehead II
My across the street neighbor was notified a couple years ago that his brothers remains we're found in the mountain's of New Guinea by tribal hunters.....
It was a somber yet settling memorial for a fallen hero!
Four other crew members were finally laid to rest!
...I believe they were downed in a B-24.........
Rest in peace indeed!

209 albusteve  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:18:22am

re: #206 thedopefishlives

Yeah, you mentioned that upthread. I didn't really think about the erosion problem, but if it's as big as you suggest, that could be a big variable in local construction codes. Or should be, anyway.

it's a huge problem, fuel is a huge problem...the poverty is so deep and widespread everything is a huge problem....housing, fresh water, sanitation all that before this quake...Haiti cannot take it

210 lawhawk  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:18:33am

re: #206 thedopefishlives

The erosion issue is most acutely felt in the storm season - especially following landfall of hurricanes and other severe storms that routinely come through. It causes mudslides, washes away soil that would be useful for farming, etc.

So far, cruise lines haven't adjusted their itineraries yet - some schedule stops in Labadee, located about 100 miles from the epicenter of the quake. Much of the money spent by tourists doesn't really make it beyond the tourist village set up to receive the tourists - and that's a shame (and a problem at other ports of call like Belize or Isla Roatan), which remain crushingly poor despite all the money spent by the tourists who come in on day trips.

211 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:18:38am

re: #206 thedopefishlives

Yeah, you mentioned that upthread. I didn't really think about the erosion problem, but if it's as big as you suggest, that could be a big variable in local construction codes. Or should be, anyway.

Yes, it is a big issue.

212 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:20:00am

re: #210 lawhawk

Don't trees also act as windbreaks during hurricanes?

213 Only The Lurker Knows  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:20:02am

The President is now speaking.

214 Obdicut  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:21:18am

Palin to address alcohol industry event in Las Vegas

Ka-ching.

215 lawhawk  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:24:27am

re: #212 MandyManners

They can reduce the windspeeds somewhat, but the mountains do that in a much more substantial way. The DR often takes it on the chin when hurricanes come sweeping in off the Atlantic and takes the brunt of the strongest winds.

216 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:24:48am

re: #210 lawhawk

Tourism is often touted as a huge moneymaker for countries and other large areas, when in reality, the moneymaking is extremely localized. It's tough to get the money out of the location it's spent and into other places, because so much of it is re-spent in maintaining the tourist draw.

217 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:29:00am

re: #215 lawhawk

I read a link here last night about how the lack trees and other groundcover has lead to pollution in the water from the soil which is washed away.

Is there any other nation as screwed up as Haiti? Somalia? Ethiopia?

218 albusteve  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:30:25am

as for rebuilding, I have first hand experience with the happy go lucky Jamaicans...after hurricane Gilbert bounced along Jamaica's north shore blowing away thousands of flimsy houses all through the hills, the govt refused to allow anyone to rebuild without reinforced concrete and 'cane proof roofs...it was a terrible hardship for people...families were either piled up together like rats or split up and scattered to live with friends and relatives elsewhere....this on an island where lots of folks had never been more than a few miles from home in their entire lives...very sad and years later the process had poked along hardly making a dent in the housing shortage...even roads remained ruined until the US and Canada went down there to fix them....disasters like this quake are simply overwhelming and the Haitians can do virtually nothing for themselves...Jamaica, as poor as it is, is wealthy by comparison...this disaster is epic

219 vxbush  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:30:25am

Regarding Haiti: the senior pastor, his wife, and another pastor from my church are currently in Haiti. They've been there on a mission trip with a bunch of other folks from church. Everyone else left yesterday before the earthquake hit. Last I was told, the folks still there have had the chance to call out and say they are okay, but they can't get out of the country, apparently.

For those who pray, I would appreciate prayers for them--their safety, their ability to help while they are there, and a chance for them to leave when it is safe to do so.

220 Mad Al-Jaffee  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:31:04am

re: #217 MandyManners

Is there any other nation as screwed up as Haiti? Somalia? Ethiopia?

Zimbabwe, North Korea.

221 albusteve  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:31:05am

re: #217 MandyManners

I read a link here last night about how the lack trees and other groundcover has lead to pollution in the water from the soil which is washed away.

Is there any other nation as screwed up as Haiti? Somalia? Ethiopia?

no

222 vxbush  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:34:02am

Oh--how rude of me.

Good morning/afternoon, everyone.

223 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:34:12am

re: #220 Mad Al-Jaffee

Zimbabwe, North Korea.

I don't know much about the former but, I imagine NK is pretty bad off. Does NK have such wide-spread deforestation? An utter lack of infrastructure?

224 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:34:54am

re: #221 albusteve

Mad has suggested two.

225 darthstar  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:35:10am

re: #214 Obdicut

Palin to address alcohol industry event in Las Vegas

Ka-ching.

Las Vegas doesn't have enough hookers, strippers, and freaks already?

226 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:35:25am

re: #222 vxbush

Howdy!

227 vxbush  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:37:46am

re: #226 MandyManners

Howdy!

Morning, Mandy. I hope you are well today. I'll admit to some concern about my friends who are in Haiti now. I'm glad that they've reported in, but I worry about them. Not much I can do but pray right now.

So--what's the latest thing your son has gotten into trouble for?

228 Only The Lurker Knows  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:38:55am

re: #222 vxbush

Morning. Welcome (back) to the Jungle.

229 albusteve  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:39:41am

re: #224 MandyManners

Mad has suggested two.

NKs problems are political and as for Zimbabwe, they can always pack up and walk across a border to find something a bit better...and both have a more sound infrastructure as well as the potential to make money....Haiti is a wasteland

230 vxbush  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:40:21am

re: #228 Bubblehead II

Morning. Welcome (back) to the Jungle.

Thanks, although I forgot to bring my machete.....

231 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:42:08am

re: #227 vxbush

Morning, Mandy. I hope you are well today. I'll admit to some concern about my friends who are in Haiti now. I'm glad that they've reported in, but I worry about them. Not much I can do but pray right now.

So--what's the latest thing your son has gotten into trouble for?

Is the embassy in bad shape?

I'm colder than a well-diggers butt in Montana but other than that I'm okay. The Kid's been relatively good lately.

He mouthed off about chicken last night--called the breast meat "boobies" and said he didn't want any "squishy" meat. I had to excuse myself from the table and barely made it to the powder-room where I doubled over with laughter.

232 Mad Al-Jaffee  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:43:17am

re: #231 MandyManners

So his remark about the breast meat made you titter?

233 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:43:26am

re: #229 albusteve

What do we really know about the environment in NK?

234 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:44:11am

re: #232 Mad Al-Jaffee

So his remark about the breast meat made you titter?

Yeah, it really perked me up.

235 vxbush  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:44:58am

re: #231 MandyManners

Is the embassy in bad shape?

I'm colder than a well-diggers butt in Montana but other than that I'm okay. The Kid's been relatively good lately.

He mouthed off about chicken last night--called the breast meat "boobies" and said he didn't want any "squishy" meat. I had to excuse myself from the table and barely made it to the powder-room where I doubled over with laughter.

I don't know how the Embassy is. I'm just catching up on news today while I do some machine builds.

You know, you can always offer to feed him bread and water. He might get tired of that after a while.

236 Only The Lurker Knows  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:46:10am

How about some light hearted news for a change?

'Biggest Loser' Competition Gets Dirty Between Fla. Firefighters, Police

*snip*

The challenge was announced Tuesday, and already they're fighting dirty. A mysterious gift showed up shortly after the announcement in the sheriff's office — two dozen doughnuts, courtesy of guess who? Deputies volleyed back with McDonald's cheeseburgers.

237 albusteve  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:46:29am

re: #233 MandyManners

What do we really know about the environment in NK?

it's very bad there too

[Link: www.globalasia.org...]

238 Gretchen G.Tiger  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:47:24am

Hey Lizards!

I'd like to tell you what my Cat Overlord thinks of the ee cummings post, but I just read more about Haiti and can't.

For some reason, this devastation feels personal. Do we have our Naval Hospital Carrier there yet?

239 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:47:35am

re: #235 vxbush

I don't know how the Embassy is. I'm just catching up on news today while I do some machine builds.

You know, you can always offer to feed him bread and water. He might get tired of that after a while.

I don't mind the joking 'cause it's pretty normal crap for his age. Besides, it's kinda' hard to grow stern when I'm struggling not to crack up.

240 Mad Al-Jaffee  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:48:56am

re: #234 MandyManners

Yeah, it really perked me up.

I'm sure you'll have great mammaries about his remark for years and years.

241 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:50:05am

re: #237 albusteve

it's very bad there too

[Link: www.globalasia.org...]



I was talking over dinner with the head of North Korea’s biodiversity program about such a project. He offered to pour me a shot of liquor from a bottle containing a snake. I demurred but he insisted, saying the snake liquor for public sale was low grade whereas this one — a snake with a diamond head not a square one — was the real thing, made from a rare and endangered species!

242 Only The Lurker Knows  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:50:11am

re: #240 Mad Al-Jaffee

What a titillating pun.

/boob thread!

243 Semper Fi  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:51:29am

Good morning, Lizards
Windy and overcast here but infinitely better all-around than those unfortunate souls have it in Haiti.

244 Gretchen G.Tiger  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:52:55am

re: #242 Bubblehead II

What a titillating pun.

/boob thread!

Mandy started it.

(runs for cover)

245 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:53:15am

re: #240 Mad Al-Jaffee

I'm sure you'll have great mammaries about his remark for years and years.

I don't know how long I can support this line of puns.

246 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:53:25am

re: #19 Stanley Sea

Not yet - but I will! I'm actually on my laptop - too tired to even try!

It is pretty dang cool though!

Good Morning and Happy Wednesday to you! My Hubby got me an ipod Touch for Christmas and I'm having a lot of fun with it, though I think he likes listening to it more that I do. I've downloaded over a dozed apps for it including, of course, a bunch of games and over 250 songs. I hope you are as happy with yours as I am with mine. :-)

247 Darth Vader Gargoyle  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:53:26am

Morning Lizards.

We are spinning in the Navy Helicopter communities to provide assets for Haiti relief ops. Much churn between DC/Norfolk and my wing here in Jax.

Big response in work.

248 Mad Al-Jaffee  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:53:45am

re: #245 MandyManners

I don't know how long I can support this line of puns.

Someone will probably nip it soon.

249 Only The Lurker Knows  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:55:56am

re: #245 MandyManners

I think they are starting to sag already.

250 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:56:22am

re: #237 albusteve

it's very bad there too

[Link: www.globalasia.org...]

All that deforestation for agriculutural use yet they're still not able to feed themselves.

251 Gretchen G.Tiger  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:56:41am

The POTUS's team is responding with efficiency. At whitehouse.gov the first thing that I saw was this.

I AM IMPRESSED, Mr. President.

252 vxbush  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:57:40am

An update: We don't just have three people in Haiti from our church, but nine, three of them minors with their parents. No other updates yet today.

253 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:57:59am

Good Morning and Happy Wednesday to everyone! Its wet and rainy here, which makes my hands hurt, but at least were having a better morning that those poor people in Haiti are having! I'm going to be donating some money to the relief effort as soon as I can get the phone number to the international red cross.

254 Semper Fi  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:58:40am

re: #208 reloadingisnotahobby

My across the street neighbor was notified a couple years ago that his brothers remains we're found in the mountain's of New Guinea by tribal hunters...
It was a somber yet settling memorial for a fallen hero!
Four other crew members were finally laid to rest!
...I believe they were downed in a B-24...
Rest in peace indeed!

The remains of American soldiers, I suppose, can be found around the globe with many, many still to be found. This country has done so very much.

255 Only The Lurker Knows  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:59:41am

re: #251 ggt

Here is the YouTube video of his speech this morning.

Youtube Video
256 albusteve  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:59:59am

re: #250 MandyManners

All that deforestation for agriculutural use yet they're still not able to feed themselves.

the govt is killing it's own people...it's genocide imo, while our govt negotiates and bargains with them

257 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:00:06am

CBS News is reporting that Pres. Obamas going to be taiking about the Haiti situation in a few minutes.

258 Interesting Times  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:00:43am

re: #250 MandyManners

All that deforestation for agriculutural use yet they're still not able to feed themselves.

Haitian Deforestation (images from NASA)

259 Gretchen G.Tiger  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:01:34am

POTUS will give a re: #253 Dragon_Lady

Good Morning and Happy Wednesday to everyone! Its wet and rainy here, which makes my hands hurt, but at least were having a better morning that those poor people in Haiti are having! I'm going to be donating some money to the relief effort as soon as I can get the phone number to the international red cross.

www.whitehouse.gov --or click my link above

Help for Haiti
Posted by Jesse Lee on January 13, 2010 at 09:53 AM EST
The President has been receiving updates on the urgent situation in Haiti late into last night and this morning, and top members of his team have been convening to formulate the government response.

You can also help immediately by donating to the Red Cross to assist the relief effort. Contribute online here, or donate $10 to be charged to your cell phone bill by texting "HAITI" to "90999."

Families of Americans living in Haiti are encouraged to contact the State Department at[no phone numbers allowed].

260 Only The Lurker Knows  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:01:59am

re: #255 Bubblehead II

Not the full speech. Will keep an eye open for a better video.

261 Daniel Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:02:18am

re: #251 ggt

That is impressive. I'll be watching as work allows.

262 Gretchen G.Tiger  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:02:51am

White House Live, but it isn't on the schedule to the right.

263 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:02:51am

re: #258 publicityStunted

Haitian Deforestation (images from NASA)

The difference between Haiti and the Dominican Republic in the second photograph is stark.

264 avanti  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:03:07am

New outrage on the right this AM, a reporter for the Weekly Standard trying to videotape Coakley, trips over a metal grate while walking, and a Coakley aide helps him up. Now on Youtube and some right wing blogs:

"Coakley Thug Roughs Up Reporter".

Watch the "thug", help the guy up and ask for his press pass/

Youtube Video
265 lawhawk  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:03:20am

The USNS Comfort is currently in Norfolk, so expect it to be sent to the region to assist in the humanitarian relief efforts.

266 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:03:42am

re: #256 albusteve

the govt is killing it's own people...it's genocide imo, while our govt negotiates and bargains with them

I don't know if I'd call it genocide because the government is Korean. I'd call it mass murder.

267 albusteve  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:03:46am

re: #260 Bubblehead II

Not the full speech. Will keep an eye open for a better video.

same speech, different guy...it's right out of the textbook

268 Mad Al-Jaffee  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:04:32am

Gay Teen Worried He Might Be Christian

269 vxbush  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:04:37am

re: #263 MandyManners

The difference between Haiti and the Dominican Republic in the second photograph is stark.

Good night. You're not kidding. My daughter has been to the DR on mission trips, but it's no comparison.

270 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:04:52am

re: #265 lawhawk

The USNS Comfort is currently in Norfolk, so expect it to be sent to the region to assist in the humanitarian relief efforts.

How long will it take to get there?

271 Jeff In Ohio  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:05:04am

My brother in-law just returned from Haiti a couple of weeks ago after being there for a few weeks working on micro lending initiatives and/or debt relief for Treasury (he does both). He was telling me before he left that after 4 years of working in Central America and the Caribbean for DoT he felt things in Haiti were really starting to turn around. Not so much now. How utterly tragic.

272 albusteve  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:05:06am

re: #266 MandyManners

I don't know if I'd call it genocide because the government is Korean. I'd call it mass murder.

it is exactly that...

273 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:05:06am

Here he goes. He's just pledged our full support to help with relief efforts, that means mega bucks and lots of people to help rescue the trapped and displaced people. It's hard for me to keep up because my hands are so sore, sorry bout that, but you get the gist I hope.

274 Darth Vader Gargoyle  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:07:56am

re: #270 MandyManners

How long will it take to get there?

2 or 3 days depending on when it can get underway.

275 McSpiff  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:09:23am

re: #274 rwdflynavy

2 or 3 days depending on when it can get underway.

It can take up to 5 days to get the necessary crew and supplies ready for the Mercy class.

276 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:09:43am

re: #271 Jeff In Ohio

My brother in-law just returned from Haiti a couple of weeks ago after being there for a few weeks working on micro lending initiatives and/or debt relief for Treasury (he does both). He was telling me before he left that after 4 years of working in Central America and the Caribbean for DoT he felt things in Haiti were really starting to turn around. Not so much now. How utterly tragic.

My heart goes out to those people! I wish I could do more that just donate money, I had heard they were starting to get it together and thing were getting better, and now this! So sad......

277 Gretchen G.Tiger  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:10:15am

Anderso Cooper live in Haiti on CNN

278 lawhawk  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:12:29am

re: #270 MandyManners

It will probably take a few days to outfit the ship for the mission, and then a couple of days of travel time to get there (at 17.5 knots).

279 McSpiff  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:13:24am

Entire Hospital Collapses In 7.3 Magnitude Haiti Earthquake

A very powerful earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.3, hit the country of Haiti on Tuesday. It has been reported that a hospital has collapsed and other buildings have been damaged. Casualties have not yet been reported. A tsunami watch was posted for Haiti and parts of Cuba, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas.

SNIP

What a horrible situation...

280 albusteve  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:15:12am

Many saw Obama's polls dropping for a variety of reasons, and can anticipate what's next. People took the candidate at his word of bipartisanship, fiscal seriousness, and centrism, and from day one got instead shady Cabinet nominations of tax cheats and lobbyists, indifference to congressional corruption as symbolized by Rangel and Dodd, a whiny monotony of "Bush did it" for a year, a 1,000-page health-care monstrosity, fiscal insanity, serial appeasement of enemies with conscious neglect of old allies, and on and on. No hope, less change.

new VDH...
[Link: corner.nationalreview.com...]

281 albusteve  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:16:58am

Haiti needs to be partially evacuated...pronto...the worst is yet to come, sorry to say

282 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:17:26am

re: #279 McSpiff

Entire Hospital Collapses In 7.3 Magnitude Haiti Earthquake

What a horrible situation...

I saw the report on the news this morning and I'm still watching the report on CBS, It makes me more conscience about our possible earthquake vulnerability here and we are beefing up our supplies just in case we get slammed. Seems as if the ring of fire is also awake and shaking things up, and I for one don't want to get caught flat footed. The pictures of Haite are horrible...

283 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:17:51am

re: #281 albusteve

Haiti needs to be partially evacuated...pronto...the worst is yet to come, sorry to say

Evacuation to where?

284 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:19:00am

re: #283 MandyManners

Evacuation to where?

Over three million to evacuate? Um, I agree with Mandy. Where would they go?

285 McSpiff  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:20:39am

re: #282 Dragon_Lady

I saw the report on the news this morning and I'm still watching the report on CBS, It makes me more conscience about our possible earthquake vulnerability here and we are beefing up our supplies just in case we get slammed. Seems as if the ring of fire is also awake and shaking things up, and I for one don't want to get caught flat footed. The pictures of Haite are horrible...

I think regardless of the specific threat, people really need to start taking diaster prep more seriously. While some regions are better than others, I think its safe to say there is always more to do. I know in my house we're now aiming for '3 days off the grid'.

286 albusteve  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:20:56am

re: #283 MandyManners

Evacuation to where?

that's not the point...anywhere will do for now, like Montana or Paraguay

287 Gretchen G.Tiger  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:21:17am

re: #283 MandyManners

Evacuation to where?

I don't know either, but I am remembering how people said the same thing about taking refugees from Germany BEFORE the holocaust started. I think we can find a way.

288 Gretchen G.Tiger  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:23:15am

re: #285 McSpiff

I think regardless of the specific threat, people really need to start taking diaster prep more seriously. While some regions are better than others, I think its safe to say there is always more to do. I know in my house we're now aiming for '3 days off the grid'.

at the turn of the millenium, people were stocking up on water. I think it was 9/11 at which the government reminded us that we should plan at least 2 days before services could be implemented. I think your 3 days is a better bet.

How prepared am I? nada.

289 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:23:37am

re: #285 McSpiff

I think regardless of the specific threat, people really need to start taking diaster prep more seriously. While some regions are better than others, I think its safe to say there is always more to do. I know in my house we're now aiming for '3 days off the grid'.

You got that right, we've always had extra food and water ready for just such an emergency but there are a lot of residents here in California that don't want to think about it.

290 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:23:38am

re: #286 albusteve

that's not the point...anywhere will do for now, like Montana or Paraguay

How will they get there? How will they be supported?

291 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:24:32am

re: #287 ggt

I don't know either, but I am remembering how people said the same thing about taking refugees from Germany BEFORE the holocaust started. I think we can find a way.

It's easier to fight a military enemy than it is to rebuild an island.

292 lawhawk  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:24:54am

Photos from the epicenter.

293 McSpiff  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:25:49am

re: #288 ggt

at the turn of the millenium, people were stocking up on water. I think it was 9/11 at which the government reminded us that we should plan at least 2 days before services could be implemented. I think your 3 days is a better bet.

How prepared am I? nada.

We're not there yet. But we have settled on a few things. Propane stove/ generator. Around here the biggest concern is blizzard, so keeping warm is a biggie, followed by food. We've picked up a generator, stove. That type thing. Hard to justify not doing after what we've seen happen all over North America and Europe this winter.

294 Only The Lurker Knows  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:27:37am

re: #285 McSpiff

Emergency-Specific Preparedness Information

From The American Red Cross

295 albusteve  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:27:52am

re: #290 MandyManners

How will they get there? How will they be supported?

American Airlines, the USAF, container ships...they will have to be supported by handouts, the Catholic Church is worth a few trillion, maybe they can lead the charge...Bill gates has some extra money...whatever...if you want to save lives start getting the women and children out of there

296 vxbush  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:28:57am

re: #293 McSpiff

We're not there yet. But we have settled on a few things. Propane stove/ generator. Around here the biggest concern is blizzard, so keeping warm is a biggie, followed by food. We've picked up a generator, stove. That type thing. Hard to justify not doing after what we've seen happen all over North America and Europe this winter.

Yes, and I'm thinking along the same lines.....many things I should get, just in case....

297 Gretchen G.Tiger  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:29:21am

re: #291 MandyManners

It's easier to fight a military enemy than it is to rebuild an island.

The world can find a way to absorb the refugees.

298 McSpiff  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:30:20am

re: #294 Bubblehead II

Emergency-Specific Preparedness Information

From The American Red Cross

Excellent resource, thanks!

299 abolitionist  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:31:49am

Not ignoring Haiti, but... news of Google's recent announcement has been previously posted; I'm repeating it here because two other links are closely related, as the excerpts make clear:

Google to Stop Censoring Search Results in China After Hack Attack
Google Hackers Targeted Source Code of More Than 30 Companies

A hack attack that targeted Google in December also hit 33 other companies, including financial institutions and defense contractors, and was aimed at stealing source code from the companies, say security researchers at iDefense.

The hackers used a zero-day vulnerability in Adobe Reader to deliver malware to the companies and were in many cases successful at siphoning the source code they sought, according to a statement distributed Tuesday by iDefense, a division of VeriSign. The attack was similar to an attack that targeted other companies last July, the company said.
[snip]

Adobe patched the critical vulnerability only on Tuesday this week.

Security updates available for Adobe Reader and Acrobat

Possibly related (from Dec 09, Malwarebytes blog):
IOBit Theft Conclusion

301 Semper Fi  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:32:15am

re: #292 lawhawk

Photos from the epicenter.

Let's roll, Mr President.

302 Aye Pod  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:32:43am

[Link: www.hurryupharry.org...]

Police stopped from abusing supposed anti-terror laws :

British Police need some soul searching

...The point is, both OutRage! and Tatchell were known to the officers and it was well known that this was not an attempt to harm the royal couple or their entourage. It was simple a means of harassing peaceful protesters. Worse, it became a standard tactic.

So I’m not surprised by this EU ruling. Were it not for the fact that the British police have essentially taken the piss with these powers, they might have gotten away with it. Indeed, I might have considered supporting an argument that these sort of discretionary powers are sometimes needed in the wider public interest. But our police have proven themselves too immature and self-important to handle the power.

It is right that it is taken away from them.

303 Dark_Falcon  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:34:30am

re: #297 ggt

The world can find a way to absorb the refugees.

It can, but it likely won't. Most countries don't want to take in large number of poor black people. The US will let some in, but only those with family ties most likely.

304 What, me worry?  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:35:49am

re: #288 ggt

at the turn of the millenium, people were stocking up on water. I think it was 9/11 at which the government reminded us that we should plan at least 2 days before services could be implemented. I think your 3 days is a better bet.

How prepared am I? nada.

Pfftt.. buncha lightweights. Here in hurricane alley, we're way ahead of ya :)

One of the best tips is to get the laundry done. I guess that works better for disasters you can see coming. Probably not so handy for the earthquake folks out west.

305 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:36:15am

Just called the Red Cross and made a donation, could only do $50.00 but its a start! They're accepting donations for only for Haiti right now, or so the lady said. Wish I could do more!

306 sattv4u2  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:37:10am

re: #305 Dragon_Lady

Just called the Red Cross and made a donation, could only do $50.00 but its a start! They're accepting donations for only for Haiti right now, or so the lady said. Wish I could do more!

$50.00 buys a LOT of bottled water (at the rate a Red Cross gets it at)

307 Gretchen G.Tiger  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:37:16am

re: #304 marjoriemoon

Pfftt.. buncha lightweights. Here in hurricane alley, we're way ahead of ya :)

One of the best tips is to get the laundry done. I guess that works better for disasters you can see coming. Probably not so handy for the earthquake folks out west.

We think in terms of firewood and long underwear.

308 Only The Lurker Knows  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:37:56am

re: #298 McSpiff

No problem. Most of what they suggest we already have done here at our place. MREs aren't the greatest, but they are light weight and nutritional.

Much of the equipment needed for "disaster preparedness" is just your ordinary every day camping stuff. Stove, Lantern, tent(s), chemical toilet, ect.

309 Stormageddon, Dark Lord of All  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:39:25am

For those who are interested, Jared Diamond's Book "Collapse" has a fascinating chapter on the history of Haiti versus the Dominican Republic. Of note, the deforestation that we're talking about started in the early 20th centuries and then accelerated in the 50's and 60's. Unfortunately none of the Haitian governments have cared or paid any real heed to deforestation. Even with some of the disasters of mudslides, soil erosion and the start of desertification.

310 vxbush  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:40:05am

re: #308 Bubblehead II

No problem. Most of what they suggest we already have done here at our place. MREs aren't the greatest, but they are light weight and nutritional.

Much of the equipment needed for "disaster preparedness" is just your ordinary every day camping stuff. Stove, Lantern, tent(s), chemical toilet, ect.

I'm going to have think a bit more about preparedness with the son, though. His disabilities raise some thorny issues if we are without power or water. Or both.

311 Gretchen G.Tiger  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:40:39am

Perhaps the world could send teams of scientitst to Haiti and use it as a laboratory on ways to combat deforestation.

I can dream can't I?

312 Gretchen G.Tiger  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:41:00am

re: #310 vxbush

I'm going to have think a bit more about preparedness with the son, though. His disabilities raise some thorny issues if we are without power or water. Or both.

need to get a generator.

313 Dark_Falcon  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:41:36am

BBIAB

314 vxbush  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:41:54am

re: #312 ggt

need to get a generator.

Yeah. I'm thinking maybe I can pick one up a bit cheaper if I wait closer to the end of February, when the stores will be wanting to get rid of inventory.

315 wrenchwench  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:42:22am

re: #309 bloodstar

For those who are interested, Jared Diamond's Book "Collapse" has a fascinating chapter on the history of Haiti versus the Dominican Republic.

I just read his "Guns, Germs, and Steel" last year. I'd read anything he wrote.

316 Gretchen G.Tiger  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:42:38am

re: #306 sattv4u2

$50.00 buys a LOT of bottled water (at the rate a Red Cross gets it at)

Can the USS Comfort desalinate water at a mind-blowing rate?

317 What, me worry?  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:43:03am

re: #307 ggt

We think in terms of firewood and long underwear.

That'll work! Esp if you don't have electric. We have a Coleman 5500 generator and a small portable a/c unit. Humidity is very high after a hurricane and pretty brutal without the a/c.

318 Gretchen G.Tiger  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:44:38am

USNS Comfort.

Sometimes, I am in total awe of the great things Western Civilizastion has created. The USNS Comfort is one of them.

319 What, me worry?  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:45:00am

re: #314 vxbush

Yeah. I'm thinking maybe I can pick one up a bit cheaper if I wait closer to the end of February, when the stores will be wanting to get rid of inventory.

The price goes down, at least locally, outside of hurricane season (summer). If you're a northern person, maybe the summer would be the better time for you to buy.

320 lawhawk  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:45:39am

re: #316 ggt

Many USN ships, particularly the aircraft carriers can desalinate water at tremendous rates. The USNS Comfort can produce 300,000 gallons of potable water per day.

321 vxbush  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:45:55am

re: #319 marjoriemoon

The price goes down, at least locally, outside of hurricane season (summer). If you're a northern person, maybe the summer would be the better time for you to buy.

Yup, I'm up in middle Illinois. Most generators are sold during winter up here.

322 albusteve  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:46:10am

re: #316 ggt

Can the USS Comfort desalinate water at a mind-blowing rate?

there's that word again that nobody pays attention to

323 vxbush  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:46:41am

re: #322 albusteve

there's that word again that nobody pays attention to

Maybe not, but it's a great question.

324 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:46:53am

re: #312 ggt

need to get a generator.

You know batteries and flashlights would probably be a better bet. Generators need gasoline and I really don't want to has cans of gasoline sitting around where they could be destroyed by debris. We have enough for at least a week and a Coleman stove with the little tanks of propane gas all tucked away in several large ice chests to keep the food from our fridge cold. also we have three or four pairs of work gloves and extra warm cloths at the base of our bed for those middle of the night jolts. That way we can find them easily in the dark.

325 Gretchen G.Tiger  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:47:01am

USNS Comfort has been to Haiti before.

Operation Uphold Democracy – From Sept. – Oct. 1994, Comfort deployed to provide combat surgical support for U.S. contingency operations in Haiti off the city of Port-Au-Prince. Comfort medical personnel provided a 250-bed hospital facility for the 35,000 Cuban and Haitian migrants and assisted in an effort to rebuild the local health care system.

326 Ben Hur  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:47:59am

I just had an interesting experience.

Was having a smoke outside and happened to get into a conversation with a normal looking guy having a smoke outside his office building.

Suddenly the guy asks me if I've seen the TV show "Conspiracy Theory" hosted by Jesse Ventura.

Dude is now a total Truther. Started telling me about explosives mixed into paint (one I hadn't heard yet), etc.

I was like, "It's Jesse Ventura."

And he said, "Yes. He's a governor. He knows what he's talking about."

I told him to Google, "Popular Mechanics + 9/11.

Very weird.

He seemed totally normal (not your run of mill Truthers you see in NYC) in every way until that point.

Can't wait to see him again to hear more about other things.

I had to tell someone.

Carry on.

327 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:49:17am

re: #326 Ben Hur

Jesse Ventura. EX-Governor. Also EX-pro wrestler. And this guy thinks Ventura knows what he's talking about? I think I'm going to gouge my eyes out with a rusty spoon.

328 Gretchen G.Tiger  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:49:31am

300,000 thousand gallons a day of drinking water. from 4 distilling plants.

329 What, me worry?  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:49:45am

re: #321 vxbush

Yup, I'm up in middle Illinois. Most generators are sold during winter up here.

We got incredibly lucky and got ours in 2000 for $325, but it didn't have a cart so that was about $75 more. Some of them have a cart built in.

330 Gretchen G.Tiger  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:51:24am

re: #320 lawhawk

Many USN ships, particularly the aircraft carriers can desalinate water at tremendous rates. The USNS Comfort can produce 300,000 gallons of potable water per day.

ha! I was looking it up as you posted.

331 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:51:40am

re: #328 ggt

300,000 thousand gallons a day of drinking water. from 4 distilling plants.

That a lot of water!

332 Aye Pod  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:52:00am

Google 'may pull out of China after Gmail cyber attack'

Internet giant Google has said it may end its operations in China following a "sophisticated and targeted" cyber attack originating from the country.

The company did not accuse the Chinese government directly, but said it was no longer willing to censor its Chinese search engine - google.cn.

This could result in closing the site, and its Chinese offices, Google said.

A top executive of its Chinese rival Baidu called the move "hypocritical" and financially motivated.

Google said the e-mail accounts of Chinese human rights activists were the primary target of the attack, which occurred in December


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

333 laZardo  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:52:23am

re: #318 ggt

USNS Comfort.

Sometimes, I am in total awe of the great things Western Civilizastion has created. The USNS Comfort is one of them.

They run out of big guns to strap to ships like those?

/

334 Gretchen G.Tiger  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:53:39am

re: #333 laZardo

They run out of big guns to strap to ships like those?

/

Well, big guns are pretty cool too!

335 ryannon  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:54:53am

re: #50 iceweasel


if there are any heavens my mother will (all by herself) have
one. It will not be a pansy heaven nor
a fragile heaven of lilies-of-the-valley but
it will be a heaven of blackred roses

my father will be (deep like a rose
tall like a rose)

standing near my

(swaying over her
silent)
with eyes which are really petals and see

nothing with the face of a poet really which
is a flower and not a face with
hands
which whisper
This is my beloved my

(suddenly in sunlight

he will bow,

& the whole garden will bow)

336 [deleted]  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:58:28am
337 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:58:44am

re: #326 Ben Hur

I just had an interesting experience.

Was having a smoke outside and happened to get into a conversation with a normal looking guy having a smoke outside his office building.

Suddenly the guy asks me if I've seen the TV show "Conspiracy Theory" hosted by Jesse Ventura.

Dude is now a total Truther. Started telling me about explosives mixed into paint (one I hadn't heard yet), etc.

I was like, "It's Jesse Ventura."

And he said, "Yes. He's a governor. He knows what he's talking about."

I told him to Google, "Popular Mechanics + 9/11.

Very weird.

He seemed totally normal (not your run of mill Truthers you see in NYC) in every way until that point.

Can't wait to see him again to hear more about other things.

I had to tell someone.

Carry on.

Speaking troof to teh impotent.

338 Semper Fi  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:58:55am

re: #309 bloodstar

For those who are interested, Jared Diamond's Book "Collapse" has a fascinating chapter on the history of Haiti versus the Dominican Republic. Of note, the deforestation that we're talking about started in the early 20th centuries and then accelerated in the 50's and 60's. Unfortunately none of the Haitian governments have cared or paid any real heed to deforestation. Even with some of the disasters of mudslides, soil erosion and the start of desertification.

Thanks. I'll pick that up. His Guns, Germs & Steel was very well done.

339 reine.de.tout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:58:57am

re: #314 vxbush

Yeah. I'm thinking maybe I can pick one up a bit cheaper if I wait closer to the end of February, when the stores will be wanting to get rid of inventory.

Interesting.
Here, generators are hot items during summer/fall hurricane season, not winter.

340 [deleted]  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 8:59:20am
341 reine.de.tout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:00:18am

re: #326 Ben Hur

I just had an interesting experience.

Was having a smoke outside and happened to get into a conversation with a normal looking guy having a smoke outside his office building.

Suddenly the guy asks me if I've seen the TV show "Conspiracy Theory" hosted by Jesse Ventura.

Dude is now a total Truther. Started telling me about explosives mixed into paint (one I hadn't heard yet), etc.

I was like, "It's Jesse Ventura."

And he said, "Yes. He's a governor. He knows what he's talking about."

I told him to Google, "Popular Mechanics + 9/11.

Very weird.

He seemed totally normal (not your run of mill Truthers you see in NYC) in every way until that point.

Can't wait to see him again to hear more about other things.

I had to tell someone.

Carry on.

I've seen that show.
I can't believe it's even on the air.
Ventura is crazy as a loon

342 laZardo  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:00:49am

re: #340 ggt

Hence the sarc tag. Also, I'm a little drunk and extremely cynical about the value of life.

My apologies.

343 avanti  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:01:48am

Glenn Beck just announced he will be the keynote speaker at CPAC, no stopping him now. He will be crowned the leader of the conservative movement.

344 Gretchen G.Tiger  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:02:12am

re: #342 laZardo

Hence the sarc tag. Also, I'm a little drunk and extremely cynical about the value of life.

My apologies.

I suggest you ask Charles to delete that post.

345 ryannon  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:02:25am

kumrads die because they're told)


kumrads die because they're told)
kumrads die before they're old
(kumrads aren't afraid to die
kumrads don't
and kumrads won't
believe in life)and death knows whie

(all good kumrads you can tell
by their altruistic smell
moscow pipes good kumrads dance)
kumrads enjoy
s.freud knows whoy
the hope that you may mess your pance

every kumrad is a bit
of quite unmitigated hate
(travelling in a futile groove
god knows why)
and so do i
(because they are afraid to love

346 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:02:27am

re: #341 reine.de.tout

I've seen that show.
I can't believe it's even on the air.
Ventura is crazy as a loon

As I've mentioned before, us Minnesotans no longer claim him as one of ours.

347 reine.de.tout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:02:28am

re: #329 marjoriemoon

We got incredibly lucky and got ours in 2000 for $325, but it didn't have a cart so that was about $75 more. Some of them have a cart built in.

Just before Gustav a couple of years ago, the Roi was #75 in line for the last 300 generators in the area. No price jack-ups either - we got ours for about $400 or so. Could not do without it.

348 What, me worry?  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:02:31am

re: #324 Dragon_Lady

You know batteries and flashlights would probably be a better bet. Generators need gasoline and I really don't want to has cans of gasoline sitting around where they could be destroyed by debris. We have enough for at least a week and a Coleman stove with the little tanks of propane gas all tucked away in several large ice chests to keep the food from our fridge cold. also we have three or four pairs of work gloves and extra warm cloths at the base of our bed for those middle of the night jolts. That way we can find them easily in the dark.

Excellent. I worry about the gas too. We have a shed out back to store the gas, of course in their appropriate containers.

Hurricane Wilma was the worst for us. 15 days no electric. A couple days you can get by and it's almost an adventure. By the end of a week, you've had quite enough. If you'll indulge a story...

There was one gas station that had generators and got up and running in a couple days. The car line was about 1/2 a mile. Every morning it was my job to go get the gas. I had to park a few blocks away and walk in with my containers. About 10 gallons worth. There was no way I was going to get it back to my car, but I decided to worry about that after I got it... find someone to help me, hopefully.

Did I mention, this gas station was in a BAD part of town. There were about 6 cops trying to keep order and it was like tending to kindergarten. People cutting in line. Someone stole someone else's containers when they turned their backs. I was in line that first day 3 hours waiting for my gas.

There was this guy behind me just screaming at everyone. After about an hour of standing there in the scorching heat, everyone got very cranky. A fellow with a Turban (a relative of the station owner) walked past all of us and started pumping his gas. Mr. Extra Cranky started to scream at him, "Hey Habib!! Get the hell outa here!" I thought, "Holy cow, it's gonna be WWIII." The cop finally calmed him down.

I didn't find anyone to carry my gas for me so I just left what I couldn't carry and came back for it, hoping it would still be where I left it (it was). I was praying I didn't get conked on the head going back to the car (I didn't!).

It was quite the experience.

349 laZardo  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:03:54am

re: #344 ggt

I suggest you ask Charles to delete that post.

Self-reporting now.

350 laZardo  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:04:25am

re: #346 thedopefishlives

As I've mentioned before, us Minnesotans no longer claim him as one of ours.

You guys have Al Franken anyway. q:

351 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:04:48am

re: #350 laZardo

You guys have Al Franken anyway. q:

Now that's just hitting us where it hurts.

352 Gretchen G.Tiger  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:04:49am

Can I mention the rule? Or did it get delted with it's troll poster?

If you think you are too drunk to post . . . .

353 Kragar  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:04:51am

re: #343 avanti

Glenn Beck just announced he will be the keynote speaker at CPAC, no stopping him now. He will be crowned the leader of the conservative movement.

Leading lemmings to the cliff.

354 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:05:38am

re: #348 marjoriemoon

Excellent. I worry about the gas too. We have a shed out back to store the gas, of course in their appropriate containers.

Hurricane Wilma was the worst for us. 15 days no electric. A couple days you can get by and it's almost an adventure. By the end of a week, you've had quite enough. If you'll indulge a story...

There was one gas station that had generators and got up and running in a couple days. The car line was about 1/2 a mile. Every morning it was my job to go get the gas. I had to park a few blocks away and walk in with my containers. About 10 gallons worth. There was no way I was going to get it back to my car, but I decided to worry about that after I got it... find someone to help me, hopefully.

Did I mention, this gas station was in a BAD part of town. There were about 6 cops trying to keep order and it was like tending to kindergarten. People cutting in line. Someone stole someone else's containers when they turned their backs. I was in line that first day 3 hours waiting for my gas.

There was this guy behind me just screaming at everyone. After about an hour of standing there in the scorching heat, everyone got very cranky. A fellow with a Turban (a relative of the station owner) walked past all of us and started pumping his gas. Mr. Extra Cranky started to scream at him, "Hey Habib!! Get the hell outa here!" I thought, "Holy cow, it's gonna be WWIII." The cop finally calmed him down.

I didn't find anyone to carry my gas for me so I just left what I couldn't carry and came back for it, hoping it would still be where I left it (it was). I was praying I didn't get conked on the head going back to the car (I didn't!).

It was quite the experience.

My goodness! What a nightmare! And I thought Los Angeles was bad, I can't even imagine going through something like that! But you know what they say, what doesn't kill you make you stronger!

355 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:06:06am

re: #353 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Leading lemmings to the cliff.

And jumping over!

356 What, me worry?  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:06:36am

re: #354 Dragon_Lady

My goodness! What a nightmare! And I thought Los Angeles was bad, I can't even imagine going through something like that! But you know what they say, what doesn't kill you make you stronger!

lol yes indeed.

Btw, your hubby is a very nice follow. Glad to see you could join us :)

357 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:07:40am

re: #356 marjoriemoon

lol yes indeed.

Btw, your hubby is a very nice follow. Glad to see you could join us :)

Why thanks! I'm very happy to be part of LGF! You folks are a fun bunch if I may say so.

358 Varek Raith  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:09:12am

Good morning/afternoon/evening!

359 Gretchen G.Tiger  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:09:25am

Charles, thanks for deleteing my response as well. I totally forgot about having hit "quote" instead of "reply".

360 lawhawk  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:09:35am

The hits keep coming; the main prison in Port au Prince collapsed, allowing convicts to escape.

361 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:10:00am

re: #358 Varek Raith

Good morning/afternoon/evening!

Happy Wednesday to you!

362 Mocking Jay  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:10:37am

re: #360 lawhawk

The hits keep coming; the main prison in Port au Prince collapsed, allowing convicts to escape.

Probably the least of their troubles in the grand scheme of things.

363 McSpiff  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:11:18am

Just found that one of my buddies is on the HMCS Halifax, the Canadian frigate that will be responding to Haiti. I'll see about getting updates from him, depending on his access to internet, etc. I'm assuming it will be limited tho, so no promises.

364 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:11:18am

re: #360 lawhawk

Lovely! Now they can round up bad guys and rescue the trapped! Will they ever get a break? So sad....

365 Mad Al-Jaffee  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:11:35am

re: #361 Dragon_Lady

Happy Wednesday to you!

It's Hump Day!

366 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:12:27am

re: #365 Mad Al-Jaffee

It's Hump Day!

Nice to know someone out there remembers KMET!

368 Gretchen G.Tiger  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:13:34am

Well, I'm off for my mid-morning nap.

Have a great day all or try to.

369 laZardo  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:13:37am

re: #359 ggt

Now I can hold a ceremony for awarding myself the Order of the Deleted Comment along with the Order of the Bottom Commenter I gratuitously earned a couple weeks ago. Glorious.

370 Semper Fi  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:13:55am

re: #364 Dragon_Lady

Lovely! Now they can round up bad guys and rescue the trapped! Will they ever get a break? So sad...

I'm thinking some of those escapees may be helping. Hope so.

371 Ben Hur  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:14:10am

Glen Beck is the keynote speaker at CPAC.

Gird your loins.

372 Varek Raith  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:14:14am

re: #367 JasonA

Key Sponsor Pulls Out Of Tea Party Convention

*Chuckles @ sign*

373 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:14:59am

re: #370 Semper Fi

I'm thinking some of those escapees may be helping. Hope so.

Me too...

374 lawhawk  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:16:51am

Meanwhile, in the world of sports and baseball, when Jose Canseco appears to be the most truthful guy in the room, you know things are screwed up.

McGwire admitted Monday that he used steroids for a decade, including when he hit 70 homers in 1998, but denied Canseco’s claims that he injected himself and McGwire with steroids in bathroom stalls.

“I’ve defended Mark, I know a lot of good things about him,” Canseco told ESPN 1000 radio in Chicago on Tuesday. “I can’t believe he just called me a a liar. Umm, there’s something very strange going on here.
ADVERTISEMENT

“I even polygraphed that I injected him, and I passed it completely. So I want to challenge him on national TV to a polygraph examination. I want to see him call me a liar under a polygraph examination.”

In Canseco’s 2005 book, “Juiced: Wild Times, Rampant ‘Roids, Smash Hits, and How Baseball Got Big,” Canseco claimed he introduced McGwire and other stars to steroids and performance-enhancing drugs. He wrote about injecting himself and McGwire in bathroom stalls, and how the effects of the drugs were the reason he hit 462 career home runs.

Canseco and McGwire helped lead the Athletics to a World Series sweep in 1989.

“Jose is out there doing what he’s doing, but I’m not going to stoop down to his level,” McGwire told ESPN on Tuesday. “None of that stuff happened. He knows it. I know it. I’m not going to stoop down to that level.”

La Russa was McGwire’s manager for nearly all of his 16-year career in both Oakland and St. Louis. He was also his fiercest defender, especially after The Associated Press reported McGwire used androstenedione during his record-breaking season in ’98. Andro, as it was known, was made a controlled substance until 2004, when it also was banned by baseball.

The manager said he didn’t know until Monday that McGwire used steroids.

“That’s a blatant lie,” Canseco said. “There are some things here that are so ridiculous, and so disrespectful for the public and the media to believe. I just can’t believe it. I’m in total shock. These guys remind me of politicians that go up and just lie to the public and expect to get elected.”

375 Mocking Jay  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:16:56am

Sully gives Hitch a little smack.
Hitchens Wants To Invade Iran

376 Our Precious Bodily Fluids  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:17:11am

Ted Olson: The Conservative Case for Gay Marriage

377 laZardo  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:18:47am

re: #376 negativ

Ted Olson: The Conservative Case for Gay Marriage

As someone once said here a long time ago...

I believe gays should have the right to marry and divorce like straight people.

/ :D

378 ryannon  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:22:18am

re: #50 iceweasel

Youtube Video
379 laZardo  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:23:57am

Headin' to bed. Nighty.

380 CommonCents  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:24:51am

re: #375 JasonA

Sully gives Hitch a little smack.
Hitchens Wants To Invade Iran

Nobody's perfect and Sullivan proves that quite well with his rebuttle to Hitchens comment..

Hitchens: What's the point of being a superpower if we say to our allies there's nothing we can do about this, that they're on their own?

Sullivan: Interventionism to prove what a big dick you've got?

His phallic reply to the obligations of a superpower that has signed or pledged agreements to defend it's allies is lame. I'm in no way endorsing Hitchen's thesis that we should invade Iran but that's weak.

381 Lidane  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:28:03am

GOP Senate Candidate Marco Rubio Calls For Suspending Congress For Two Years To Fix The Economy

So wait...he's running for the Senate and is arguing that Congress should take a two year recess? On what planet does that make any sort of sense?

382 CommonCents  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:30:08am

re: #381 Lidane

So you agree with the actions of Congress in the past 4 years?

383 Lidane  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:32:17am

re: #382 CommonCents

That doesn't begin to address the point, but nice try.

How does suspending Congress for two years solve anything? And why the hell would a candidate for the Senate even argue that? Is he hoping that the people of Florida will hire him so he can then take a two year paid vacation?

384 What, me worry?  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:36:38am

re: #376 negativ

Ted Olson: The Conservative Case for Gay Marriage

Interesting article. Of course, I agree, but I'm a damn liberal.

I don't think he addresses what I think is one of the strongest issues against gay marriage. That would be children of gay parents will become gay or at least it "promotes" a gay lifestyle, or rather a hedonistic lifestyle. Because we know that only gay folks cheat, do drugs, or are all around terrible parents!

It's also a religious issue among those who disagree. Even as he says, religious folks shouldn't deny someone their equal rights, people bound to the Biblical phrase that man should not lie with a man as he would a woman don't see it as an equal rights issue. It's a sin and a sin is a sin.

Just playing devil's advocate. I'm a gay marriage supporter.

385 Mocking Jay  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:37:53am

re: #384 marjoriemoon

Yeah, but they cherry pick which activities are "sins" and which ones they can ignore.

386 Lidane  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:47:59am

re: #376 negativ

Ted Olson: The Conservative Case for Gay Marriage

Good article. I hope that people read it and start to take what he's saying seriously.

387 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:06:24am

re: #327 thedopefishlives

Everyone believes in Captain Freedom!

/

388 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:13:41am

re: #367 JasonA

The revolution is not going to happen cheaply.

389 Eb71  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:19:06am

re: #272 albusteve

Although it is an infrequent but not unique tragedy (other examples being Pol Pot's devastation of Cambodia, Stalin's devastation of many parts of the former USSR, and perhaps the massive death in China under Mao), I have referred to the situation in North Korea as "sui-genocide". Tragically, none of these examples is actually Sui generis, but with without referencing the suicidal aspect of the genocide, an important part of the description of the tragedy is lost.


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