[Link: www.shortoftheweek.com...]

I just posted a page on honey bees and colony collapse disorder. [Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

I'd love to see that short fleshed out into a full film. The possibilities are simply endless.

More cool stuff from Oddball Animation:
[Link: www.oddballanimation.com...]

re: #2 Lidane

Now you're just bragging. ;-)

Ripoff Report | Brooks Bayne | Complaint Review: 380588

re: #6 jaunte

Now you're just bragging. ;-)

Haha. Not really. That was just one of the highlights and I thought folks would like it. Plus, given the conversation downstairs, I couldn't resist, since Tom Morello mentions Occupy SXSW. Heh. ;)

Pope Shenouda of the Egyptian Coptic Church has died, unfortunately.

Already, the Salafi Rats are celebrating and the like.

That video was kick ass. You know you've played too much Fallout if, at the end of the video, you were disappointed that he didn't go back and search the rest of the contents of that safe.

re: #10 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks

That video was kick ass. You know you've played too much Fallout if, at the end of the video, you were disappointed that he didn't go back and search the rest of the contents of that safe.

Obviously he got the best item in there, best not to weigh himself with non-essentials.

re: #11 Targetpractice

In the post-apoc, everything is essential.

/Wasteland Hoarder

Gay couple interrupts Rick Santorum's speech in Arlington Heights, IL

Rick Santorum supporters were enraged as two male hecklers interrupted the Republican hopeful’s rally at Christian Liberty Academy in Arlington Heights, Illinois by kissing each other. The incensed crowd erupted in boos, as security guards quickly surrounded the instigators and ushered them out of the assembly before it got ugly. The aggravated attendees were thrown into a frenzy and began screaming “U-S-A! U-S-A!” in the protesters’ faces.

re: #9 ProGunLiberal

Pope Shenouda of the Egyptian Coptic Church has died, unfortunately.

Already, the Salafi Rats are celebrating and the like.

The Copts' papal regalia is cooler than the Latin stuff.

Also, their method of picking a new pope is way cooler.

I wonder who's coming in next, and how they'll handle the situation.

re: #12 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks

In the post-apoc, everything is essential.

/Wasteland Hoarder

I always seem to be the oddball when it comes to Fallout, as I never engaged in kleptomania. And yet I still ended up carrying enough weapons and ammunition to supply a small army.

re: #13 Gus

Well, at least one dude was clapping. :sigh:

re: #14 SanFranciscoZionist

Hopefully orderly, and guarding themselves with automatic rifles. If a Salafi tries to attack, shot to kill. Then take the body and chuck it into the Nile with Concrete Bricks tied to it.

I don't want them to get any respect.

re: #15 Targetpractice

In FO2, everything that I can't carry, or fit in the trunk of my car, gets stashed in The Den. I could have taken the oil rig by brute force if only I could find enough people to wield my mountainous arsenal.

So that Kony 2012 maniac's "Invisible Children" thing has gotten all kinds of anti-gay dominionist money [Link: www.truthwinsout.org...]

But you probably haven’t heard about this: according to researcher Bruce Wilson and IRS 990 forms, Invisible Children receives major funding from far-right, anti-gay fundamentalist donors and organizations, chief among them the U.S.-based National Christian Foundation (NCF). The NCF has also provided significant funds to fanatical groups deeply tied to the persecution of LGBT people in Uganda, including that nation’s infamous “Kill the Gays” bill.

re: #7 Charles Johnson

Ripoff Report | Brooks Bayne | Complaint Review: 380588

Most of the movers and shakers in wingnuttia pattern themselves on high-profile evangelists. Scratch one and you'll find a con artist.

re: #18 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks

In FO2, everything that I can't carry, or fit in the trunk of my car, gets stashed in The Den. I could have taken the oil rig by brute force if only I could find enough people to wield my mountainous arsenal.

I usually view things in one of three categories: "Useful to me," "Useful to companion," "Need for quest." Anything not in those categories either gets left behind or bartered for items that are.

re: #19 windupbird is in the gravity well

So that Kony 2012 maniac's "Invisible Children" thing has gotten all kinds of anti-gay dominionist money [Link: www.truthwinsout.org...]

I still haven't watched that Kony 2012 video. I don't know that I want to.

re: #18 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks

In FO3, I keep usually keep one of every weapon, spares for repairs, and all unique Weapons. Roughly same deal with Armor. All food is stashed in the Fridge, the Nuka-Colas in the Vending Machine, Meds and Chems in the Desk, and any little knick-knack needed for one of the "hand things in quest" or for improvised Weapons in the Filing Cabinet. I must have over 1,000 lbs in my house in Megaton.

re: #22 Lidane

I still haven't watched that Kony 2012 video. I don't know that I want to.

It's very expertly made / edited. As it turns out, too well. My spidey sense started tingling when they started pushing the protest media kits. Also, as much as I wanted to believe they were pushing a good idea it all boils down to selling military intervention into yet another resource rich troubled nation, so no go.

Still, it's simply a stunning example as a study in propaganda techniques.

re: #21 Targetpractice

Drugs, drugs, drugs. They weigh nothing, are useful, and worth good caps.

In FO1, there's a nice exploit using stimpaks. The gal in The Hub (I think?) who deals in skill books. Trade stimpaks for expensive skill books, then pick pocket them back. Wash, rinse, repeat until you are satisfied.

Any stimpaks traded to her show up in her personal inventory, whereas anything else, including caps, will not.

re: #17 ProGunLiberal

Hopefully orderly, and guarding themselves with automatic rifles. If a Salafi tries to attack, shot to kill. Then take the body and chuck it into the Nile with Concrete Bricks tied to it.

I don't want them to get any respect.

That wouldn't work. The Egyptian army would blame the Copts for the violence and have them attacked even more.

Perhaps the Copts really should leave Egypt and be allowed to come here. The Sunni majority doesn't want to kill them, but it will never see the Copts as anything but Dhimnis.

Anyone want to analyze RWR's doodling?:

Why Margaret Thatcher swiped Ronald Reagan's doodles at an Ottawa summit

The torso one is interesting, given the famous quip about his hips.

re: #27 freetoken
Quick analysis: Ron was bored so he started to doodle.

re: #26 Dark_Falcon

Alot of Egyptians are against the Salafis, and it is likely that it is a majority opinion being Anti-Salafi.

My idea would to revive the Patriotism of Egypt, and remind them of the glory of the Ottoman Saudi War. Set Egypt against Saudi Arabia. Start trying to get the countries in the region to align against Saudi so a repeat of that war 200 years ago occurs.

Strange that you accept Christians coming, but not Muslims.

re: #25 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks

Drugs, drugs, drugs. They weigh nothing, are useful, and worth good caps.

In FO1, there's a nice exploit using stimpaks. The gal in The Hub (I think?) who deals in skill books. Trade stimpaks for expensive skill books, then pick pocket them back. Wash, rinse, repeat until you are satisfied.

Any stimpaks traded to her show up in her personal inventory, whereas anything else, including caps, will not.

Yeah, chems are good for bartering, as I never seemed to find a need for them. Well, besides Mentats on occasion.

re: #27 freetoken

Anyone want to analyze RWR's doodling?:

Why Margaret Thatcher swiped Ronald Reagan's doodles at an Ottawa summit

The torso one is interesting, given the famous quip about his hips.

Maybe he was drawing faces in the room for the portraits. The man in a trilby sounds like Reagan drawing something from a movie he liked or had played a role in. He liked doing that.

re: #23 ProGunLiberal

We could be on the new reality show "Wasteland Hoarders".

"You have over 600 pounds of scrap metal in your shack. Why? Don't you think you should get rid of a lot of that?"

"But, I can use it to make stuff. And things. YOU LEAVE MY SCRAP METAL ALONE!!!"

re: #27 freetoken

The torso one is interesting, given the famous quip about his hips.

Apparently not famous enough. What's the quip?

I like the guy in the hat with the pipe (said the secret agent to his contact).

re: #32 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks

We could be on the new reality show "Wasteland Hoarders".

"You have over 600 pounds of scrap metal in your shack. Why? Don't you think you should get rid of a lot of that?"

"But, I can use it to make stuff. And things. YOU LEAVE MY SCRAP METAL ALONE!!!"

"That pile of teddy bears has sentimental value! Back-off!"

re: #29 ProGunLiberal

Alot of Egyptians are against the Salafis, and it is likely that it is a majority opinion being Anti-Salafi.

My idea would to revive the Patriotism of Egypt, and remind them of the glory of the Ottoman Saudi War. Set Egypt against Saudi Arabia. Start trying to get the countries in the region to align against Saudi so a repeat of that war 200 years ago occurs.

Strange that you accept Christians coming, but not Muslims.

The Copts don't share the chauvinistic attitude of the majority in Egypt towards non-Muslims, and I can be reasonably sure that they're not Salafists or members of the Muslim Brotherhood.

re: #32 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks

To be fair, in New Vegas hoarding becomes near essential, for things like Weapon Repair Kits and the like.

New Vegas actively wants you to pick up 900 kilograms of horseyshit.

re: #17 ProGunLiberal

Hopefully orderly, and guarding themselves with automatic rifles. If a Salafi tries to attack, shot to kill. Then take the body and chuck it into the Nile with Concrete Bricks tied to it.

I don't want them to get any respect.

I have a hard time thinking that more shooting is going to IMPROVE Egypt right now.

re: #36 ProGunLiberal

To be fair, in New Vegas hoarding becomes near essential, for things like Weapon Repair Kits and the like.

New Vegas actively wants you to pick up 900 kilograms of horseyshit.

And then do the inventory shuffle when you find that the item you just picked up is too valuable to let go, but so is pretty much everything else you have. So you start deciding what to drop, what to put in a hiding spot until you can return, and what will not be taken from your cold, dead hand.

re: #30 Targetpractice

I'm sure I've told this story before, but shortly into my very first run of FO2 (my first time playing a RPG like it) I became irradiated and had to use a Rad-Away. I became instantly addicted, which I did not know could happen in the game.

Right then and there, I knew I was gonna love Fallout.

re: #35 Dark_Falcon

And we come around again to the old hysteria at the turn of the last century with the Eastern and Southern Europeans and the stereotypes then. Cutting off Muslim Immigration to the US will only further fit into their little paradigm that America hates Islam.

Besides, the US has a well integrated Muslim Community to help assist in the absorption of Muslims into the US, and the US is 300+ Million strong. Any issues can be easily handled.

re: #37 SanFranciscoZionist

There's one less Salafi. That's a good thing.

re: #36 ProGunLiberal

Heh. I already had a Wasteland Hoarding problem before I came to New Vegas. NV only helped to justify my OCD.

re: #37 SanFranciscoZionist

I have a hard time thinking that more shooting is going to IMPROVE Egypt right now.

Neither would aligning countries against each other and hoping for another war, but here we are.

re: #40 ProGunLiberal

And we come around again to the old hysteria at the turn of the last century with the Eastern and Southern Europeans and the stereotypes then. Cutting off Muslim Immigration to the US will only further fit into their little paradigm that America hates Islam.

Besides, the US has a well integrated Muslim Community to help assist in the absorption of Muslims into the US, and the US is 300+ Million strong. Any issues can be easily handled.

Sterotypes? Odd coming from you, since you've been warning repeatedly of the Salafist threat in Egypt. You do know that the parlimentary elections have seen the election of more Salafists than reformers, do you not?

Insanity
Break
Ruin

i had high hopes for the effect of this for the automatic advertising generation algorithms, but nothing interesting yet...

re: #24 goddamnedfrank

Also, as much as I wanted to believe they were pushing a good idea it all boils down to selling military intervention into yet another resource rich troubled nation, so no go.

See, that's what bugs me and why I haven't seen it. I mean sure, it's easy to point out all the evil that Kony has done for decades, but what's the answer?

We're already fighting two wars and there are hotspots everywhere. We can't just send troops in every time, especially in Africa. I don't remember who said it, but someone was quoted this week saying that the West was not and could not be the savior of Africa, that it has to come from within. That's very true. We can encourage them and try to do right by the people in the area by trying to stifle groups like the LRA economically, but sending troops in, especially to a resource rich troubled nation, is a dangerous proposition.

Still, it's simply a stunning example as a study in propaganda techniques.

So were the films of Leni Riefenstahl. Slick production values can often have grave consequences. I would have hoped that people understood that by now.

re: #46 Lidane

We're already fighting two wars ...

Aren't we down to one now? I thought Iraq was over.

re: #44 Dark_Falcon

But the Muslim Brotherhood got more votes still, and the 2 sides are smashing into each other in Parliament. And the Muslim Brotherhood can't go much more conservative without losing a huge chunk of the younger members. Not only that, but it looks like the MB will have to do coalition with at least one liberal-ish party.

And my opinions of the Salafis is borne out by history. The Sack of Karbala, the Siege of Najaf, the massive bloodbath the Taliban did, the destruction of history. There is no good to be found in Salafism.

Hence, why it must be crushed in a repeat of the Ottoman-Saudi War. Trying to discredit the ideology won't be enough. Saudi Arabia must be pulled apart so the funding for this radicalism will stop, and things can begin to be mended. Mahmud II had the right idea in dealing with radicals.

re: #24 goddamnedfrank

It's very expertly made / edited. As it turns out, too well. My spidey sense started tingling when they started pushing the protest media kits. Also, as much as I wanted to believe they were pushing a good idea it all boils down to selling military intervention into yet another resource rich troubled nation, so no go.

Still, it's simply a stunning example as a study in propaganda techniques.

Concur. The eastern part of the DRC is not a place for America to be. The only foreign forces acceptable there would be Private Military Contractors (PMC) used to guard rare earth mines. Which is part of what the fighting there is about: Whoever controls the territory controls its minerals, some of which are worth quite a lot.

I don't even keep up on the all the creationist machinations in the state legislatures - who could keep up with the flood?

Anyway, noticing that the one in OK got through one house:

Oklahoma antiscience bill passes the House

Oklahoma's House Bill 1551 — one of two bills attacking the teaching of evolution and of climate change active in the Oklahoma legislature during 2012 — passed the House of Representatives on a 56-12 vote on March 15, 2012. If enacted, HB 1551 would encourage teachers to present the "scientific strengths and scientific weaknesses" of "controversial" topics such as "biological evolution, the chemical origins of life, global warming, and human cloning." [...]

56-12 is an overwhelming vote. That means four and a half times as many representatives voted for it than against it.

re: #48 ProGunLiberal

Do you see the things you are typing?! You're talking about actively trying to start a war you know will be savage to civilians. It's one thing to plan a war erroneously thinking it will be "all glory", but to think a war you know will be "all Hell" is monstrous, if not outright evil.

re: #51 Dark_Falcon

Do you see the things you are typing?! You're talking about actively trying to start a war you know will be savage to civilians. It's one thing to plan a war erroneously thinking it will be "all glory", but to think a war you know will be "all Hell" is monstrous, if not outright evil.

Agitating for massive sweeping international change really deserves more thought and careful consideration than I have been seeing.

re: #52 erik_t

Agitating for massive sweeping international change really deserves more thought and careful consideration than I have been seeing.

Concur. Starting wars turns out to be easier than ending them.

#Lessons Learned the Hard Way.

911 tapes released in the Orlando shooting

[Link: www.orlandosentinel.com...]

[Link: www.myfoxorlando.com...]

The husband of the women (Sally Kern) who introduced that OK legislation himself is an avid creationist/theocrat (and yes, he's in the religion business.)

From yesterday:

Scientist and pastor debate "intelligent design" at OCCC

Should the theory of “intelligent design” be taught in public school science classrooms?

That was the topic of discussion Thursday night at the "Second Annual Hot-Button Debate" held at Oklahoma City Community College and sponsored by the Oklahoma City Chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church & State.

Last year, at the inaugural debate, conservative pastor Steve Kern and the Rev. Bruce Prescott debated the issue of whether America was founded as a Christian nation. We reported on that debate here.

This year, Kern took up the challenge again, this time debating whether "intelligent design" should be taught in public schools, something his opponent - Abbie Smith, a doctoral candidate in microbiology and immunology at the University of Oklahoma - disagreed with.

After introductions by the Rev. Jim Shields of the Interfaith Alliance of Oklahoma, Kern kicked off the debate by giving a rather rambling opening statement that, among other things, had him proclaiming "neo-Darwinism is a dying theory" and that "education is about having other points of view."

"Since removing God from the schools, public education has suffered," Kern said.

[...]

When Smith concluded her introduction, Kern sarcastically congratulated her and explained that children are not taught the difference between microevolution and macroevolution and how the former "is the ability of species to make chamges within the limits set by the parameters encoded in the DNA of specific species" while the latter is the "unobserved process of one species changing into a totally different species."

Noting a bill that his legislator wife, State Rep. Sally Kern (R-Oklahoma City) has pushed, addressing "academic freedom," Kern said all it would do is "allow teachers to point out discrepancies" in scientific theories, such as the theory of evolution.

At this point, Kern then got startlingly emotional, asking Smith and the audience, "Why are they upset about children learning about God?" He then added, "You can't compartmentalize your faith, your education ... they are all things, that are part of who you are."

Kern also said the theory of evolution was a "lie ... (they) have been teaching and preaching and proselytizing for 70 years ..."

He wrapped up his statement by saying, "I stand for the truth!"

"Whose truth?" asked an audience member.

[...]

Said Smith: "I use evolution in the lab to make our lives better."

Kern, meanwhile, wasn't having it.

"If evolution is true, why are so many people asking about its validity," asked Kern.

[...]

Read the whole thing. Derpitude at an intense level.

I keep hoping that the next FO expansion or full project will add one more (type) of fun: other wanderers who are perfectly happy to discover and loot YOUR stockpiles. Add "reasonable storage limits" and it could turn into a massive game of squirrel or 'my banana'.

"If evolution evangelical christianity is true, why are so many people asking about its validity"

re: #55 freetoken

"If evolution is true, why are so many people asking about its validity," asked Kern.

Please don't crowdsource your science. This isn't a game show. Thanks!

No love,
Me

re: #51 Dark_Falcon

I don't see any other way to stop it. As long as Saudi exists, people will continue to be under attack. What options to you think there are?

I'm going for the one that is mostly likely to permanently damage the Salafists. The loss of their pimp state.

re: #59 ProGunLiberal

I don't see any other way to stop it. As long as Saudi exists, people will continue to be under attack. What options to you think there are?

I'm going for the one that is mostly likely to permanently damage the Salafists. The loss of their pimp state.

The best solution to a foreign policy issue isn't necessarily the one that is most amenable to these platitudes.

re: #59 ProGunLiberal

I don't see any other way to stop it. As long as Saudi exists, people will continue to be under attack. What options to you think there are?

I'm going for the one that is mostly likely to permanently damage the Salafists. The loss of their pimp state.

I'd prefer a 'gradual change from within' option to a war. Wars introduce massive amounts of instability into things, and someone who touches one off may find the war's course very different than that which he (and sometimes she) planned.

I commend to your attention the example of Hannibal Barca of Carthage. He thought his conquest of Saguntum would at worst be the start of a moderate-length war where he undermined and destroyed the commonwealth system that had given Rome its place of power in Italy, only to see a much longer war end with Carthage defeated and the Iberian lands his family had fought so hard to gain for her in Roman hands.

re: #60 erik_t

The best solution to a foreign policy issue isn't necessarily the one that is most amenable to these platitudes.

Exactly. Foreign policy is a delicate dance at the best of times. You can't just beat people over the head with platitudes and expect that to work for long.

See: War, Iraq. That's a war started entirely because of platitudes and bullshit and without any real foresight.

The thing that brings me close to believing in woo-woo supernaturalism is the concrete floor in my work room. No, it's true. This floor has an uncanny ability to swallow anything you drop on it, especially model plane parts. The other day, a white painted part about a centimeter square slipped out of my fingers. I saw it drop a measly two feet to the floor right next to my desk. I haven't found it. It's as though the paint-stained concrete surface is an interface with another universe. I swept the floor and picked through the trash. No dice, the part has gone on to that great aero museum of the beyond, where leprechauns (or whomever) are no doubt building their own models from parts that magically appear out of their floor.

This has happened a number of times, most notably with a hefty drill chuck that disappeared from the world of the living a few months ago. I'm beginning to wonder if I might someday fall through. I am having gray indoor/outdoor carpeting installed, just in case.

re: #61 Dark_Falcon

Point made. I hope it doesn't take centuries. And I want the Sauds and their preachers to pay for their promotion of atrocities.

The geniuses at Breitbart.com have a Frank Gaffney article ("Secure Freedom Radio") with the following title: Farrakhan Blames Jews for Ancient Slavery, Ignores Moderm Islamic Slavery.

"Moderm." Uncorrected for a full day. Big as life in the all-caps headline, on their front page.

re: #65 Charles Johnson

Such meticulous attention to every detail.

re: #65 Charles Johnson

The geniuses at Breitbart.com have a Frank Gaffney article ("Secure Freedom Radio") with the following title: Farrakhan Blames Jews for Ancient Slavery, Ignores Moderm Islamic Slavery.

"Moderm." Uncorrected for a full day. Big as life in the all-caps headline, on their front page.

Even with a slam dunk like smacking at Louis Farrakhan, Breitbart.com still manages to FAIL. Pathetic.

re: #61 Dark_Falcon

About 2-3 weeks ago, when I found out about the fact that Saudi Arabia destroys Qurans that they deem "Un-Islamic," something popped, for lack of a better term. I'm someone who loves history and art, so that pisses me off more than one can believe. And it's not like the Quran Destruction here, which either done out of small-scale hate and ignorance, or bungled policies and rules. It's done out of malice, and that is what ticks me off. The Saudi's continual destruction of history and art offends me, but that little information 2-3 weeks ago was the straw that broke the camel's back.

re: #63 Winston Smith, Fox News Moderator

Some day, someone will accidentally stumble upon the portal to dimension where all that stuff ends up, and they'll be instantaneously crushed to death under a billion tons of laptop screws. The police will do their best to keep it out of the papers, but the locals will remember a pair of FBI agents ("Mulder", I think one of them was called) asking lots of odd questions and a weird chain-smoking guy lurking in the shadows.

re: #64 ProGunLiberal

Point made. I hope it doesn't take centuries. And I want the Sauds and their preachers to pay for their promotion of atrocities.

So do I, PLL. But I want that punishment confined to those who deserve it.

I'm sorry but I must ask permission to ask a personal question. May I?

re: #70 Dark_Falcon

Yeah, though I hope my previous post explains a little bit.

re: #68 ProGunLiberal

About 2-3 weeks ago, when I found out about the fact that Saudi Arabia destroys Qurans that they deem "Un-Islamic," something popped, for lack of a better term. I'm someone who loves history and art, so that pisses me off more than one can believe. And it's not like the Quran Destruction here, which either done out of small-scale hate and ignorance, or bungled policies and rules. It's done out of malice, and that is what ticks me off. The Saudi's continual destruction of history and art offends me, but that little information 2-3 weeks ago was the straw that broke the camel's back.

LAst I heard a few years ago they were destroying a lot of historical sites in Mecca for expansion. A terrible loss of some very important archaeological sites even more infuriating that it's their own history being destroyed. Oh, well.

re: #71 ProGunLiberal

Yeah, though I hope my previous post explains a little bit.

Oh, I understand your feelings about the Saudis, but in the last ten days or so you've been posting some seriously angry stuff here at LGF. So I need to ask if you've spoken to your doctor about how you're feeling.

re: #72 Killgore Trout

LAst I heard a few years ago they were destroying a lot of historical sites in Mecca for expansion. A terrible loss of some very important archaeological sites even more infuriating that it's their own history being destroyed. Oh, well.

Oh well?! Killgore, if that were suggested in Chicago, it would draw immediate and intense criticism and alternate solutions to accommodate the additional people would be demanded. Chicago sees preservation of its architectural heritage as crucial, and it angers me that Saudi Arabia does not see Mecca in the same light. That sort of action reminds me of Bucharest under Nicolae Ceausescu's rule.

re: #73 Dark_Falcon

No, I do so when I get back. The stuff from 2-3 weeks ago that I learned with Saudi, combined with me getting wound up things I see as attacks on my friends rights (all my close friends are women) just put me very, very close to boiling.

re: #74 Dark_Falcon

I would like to see a law in the US Congress passed that would bar US Researchers from announcing any remote discoveries of archaeological sites in Saudi Arabia. People are now finding sites on Google Earth and other means. I think the best way to preserve these for the future is to prevent this information from becoming public.

re: #74 Dark_Falcon

Oh well?! Killgore, if that were suggested in Chicago, it would draw immediate and intense criticism and alternate solutions to accommodate the additional people would be demanded. Chicago sees preservation of its architectural heritage as crucial, and it angers me that Saudi Arabia does not see Mecca in the same light. That sort of action reminds me of Bucharest under Nicolae Ceausescu's rule.

There's just nothing that can be done about it. It's tragic but they wouldn't even let international archaeologists come in and pull out whatever they could save.

Two men thrown out of GOP candidate Rick Santorum's rally for kissing

Both Tross of Lombard and Clifford of Algonquin, declined to elaborate on the kiss when question by the Palatine Patch.

'I don’t think the message should be about what my sexuality is,' Tross told the Patch. 'It’s the message that he’s saying about sexuality that matters.'

In a planned protest, around 50 protesters lined the street before the rally holding placards that read 'LGBT No H8,' 'Catholics Against Santorum' and 'If I incorporate myself, would you treat me like a person?'

re: #74 Dark_Falcon

They want to destroy any site they see as "Un-Islamic." Including the Green Dome. Underneath which Muhammad (ṣall Allāhu ʿalay-hi wa-sallam), Abu Bakr, and Umar are buried. They want to destroy those graves and tombs too.

Let that sink in for a second.

re: #78 Kragar

Two men thrown out of GOP candidate Rick Santorum's rally for kissing

Koskidz have the video.
[Link: www.dailykos.com...]
They didn't get thrown out. They did their mic check thing, kissed and walked out.

Just Because This Tune Makes Me So Happy

no other reason

One pound ten for the wedding cake
Plenty bottle of cola wine
All the people them dress up in a white
Fi go eat out Johnson wedding cake
It is no wonder
It's a perfect pander
While they were dancing in that bar room last night

re: #80 Killgore Trout

Koskidz have the video.
[Link: www.dailykos.com...]
They didn't get thrown out. They did their mic check thing, kissed and walked out.

And the Santorum crowd cleansed themselves with a chant of "USA! USA!"

Followup on the story about the racist bumper stickers that was making the rounds yesterday. The website that was selling those (as well as other racist material) has been shut down.

‘Don’t Re-Nig in 2012′: Maker of Racist Anti-Obama Sticker Shuts Down Site

re: #76 ProGunLiberal

I would like to see a law in the US Congress passed that would bar US Researchers from announcing any remote discoveries of archaeological sites in Saudi Arabia. People are now finding sites on Google Earth and other means. I think the best way to preserve these for the future is to prevent this information from becoming public.

That would be constitutionally problematic.

re: #84 Dark_Falcon

Well, bring together the Archaeological Community and the government and see what sort of options we have.

re: #83 RadicalModerate

Followup on the story about the racist bumper stickers that was making the rounds yesterday. The website that was selling those (as well as other racist material) has been shut down.

‘Don’t Re-Nig in 2012′: Maker of Racist Anti-Obama Sticker Shuts Down Site

If anyone ever doubted the intent and message of that sticker, get a load of this from the article:

The design seems to have originated from a site called Stumpy’s Stickers, which has since been dismantled. The site featured similar stickers for sale, including a picture of an ape that reads, “Obama 2012″; a drawing of the Confederate flag with the message “If this flag has offended you, then it made my day!”; and another that features members of the Ku Klux Klan and reads, “The Original Boys In The Hood.”

re: #74 Dark_Falcon

Oh well?! Killgore, if that were suggested in Chicago, it would draw immediate and intense criticism and alternate solutions to accommodate the additional people would be demanded. Chicago sees preservation of its architectural heritage as crucial, and it angers me that Saudi Arabia does not see Mecca in the same light. That sort of action reminds me of Bucharest under Nicolae Ceausescu's rule.

My guess is that Saudi does not see Mecca as History, but as Truth, and also as Thing We've Got That No One Else Does, ie, Tourist Income and Envy Magnet. They'll get rid of anything that isn't of immediate theological interest to them, anything that contradicts their interpretation or practice, and jettison it without a second thought.

Horrifying, from a history student's perspective, but I don't think anyone has enough influence to even slow them down who cares much.

Saudis have this nouveau riche vibe going on, and this is a classic example thereof.

re: #83 RadicalModerate

Followup on the story about the racist bumper stickers that was making the rounds yesterday. The website that was selling those (as well as other racist material) has been shut down.

‘Don’t Re-Nig in 2012′: Maker of Racist Anti-Obama Sticker Shuts Down Site

Site's still up...but they took down the re-nig sticker. You can get a full roll of peel and stick confederate flags. I'm surprised they took down the sticker...probably got a note from their ISP saying they'd lose the site if they didn't.

re: #79 ProGunLiberal

They want to destroy any site they see as "Un-Islamic." Including the Green Dome. Underneath which Muhammad (ṣall Allāhu ʿalay-hi wa-sallam), Abu Bakr, and Umar are buried. They want to destroy those graves and tombs too.

Let that sink in for a second.

What's the reasoning there? Dislike of tomb shrines, or do I not understand? Those are Sunni figures, IIUC, so it's not a slap at the Shia.

re: #88 darthstar

Site's still up...but they took down the re-nig sticker. You can get a full roll of peel and stick confederate flags. I'm surprised they took down the sticker...probably got a note from their ISP saying they'd lose the site if they didn't.

They'll probably make them available upon request; sounds like a place that the Stormfronters would love to support.

re: #87 SanFranciscoZionist

My guess is that Saudi does not see Mecca as History, but as Truth, and also as Thing We've Got That No One Else Does, ie, Tourist Income and Envy Magnet. They'll get rid of anything that isn't of immediate theological interest to them, anything that contradicts their interpretation or practice, and jettison it without a second thought.

Horrifying, from a history student's perspective, but I don't think anyone has enough influence to even slow them down who cares much.

Saudis have this nouveau riche vibe going on, and this is a classic example thereof.

And a seriously obnoxious subset of nouveau riche at that. They seriously could use a lesson in good taste, but I don't think it would work.

re: #91 Dark_Falcon

And a seriously obnoxious subset of nouveau riche at that. They seriously could use a lesson in good taste, but I don't think it would work.

Also ironic that the Islamic dress code is designed to instill humility and modesty. Rich and poor all dress the same as a sort of social leveling device but gross displays of wealth are still tolerated and valued.

re: #89 SanFranciscoZionist

The burial is in a non-Wahhabi way.

Therefore, it is heretical. That is their reasoning

They can take their Nouveau Riche-ness and shove it up their ass. Along with their idiotic interpretation of Islam, and their sanctimonious assholery.

re: #91 Dark_Falcon

It's the McMansion Concept on Steroids. Have you seen that eyesore right next to the Grand Mosque in Mecca?

Got back from St. Patrick's Day parade in Kansas City a while ago...that's always a fun time. Fascinating how an holiday celebrating some old Irish saint brings people of all races and colors together. Of course, the beer helps!

re: #72 Killgore Trout

LAst I heard a few years ago they were destroying a lot of historical sites in Mecca for expansion. A terrible loss of some very important archaeological sites even more infuriating that it's their own history being destroyed. Oh, well.

Maybe they're just on a "painting jihad."

re: #91 Dark_Falcon

It's the McMansion Concept on Steroids. Have you seen that eyesore right next to the Grand Mosque in Mecca?

No, I haven't. But I should; Link please.

re: #96 Dark_Falcon

The eyesore.

And Wikipedia's detailing on the annihilation of history:

The officially-approved form of Islam in Saudi Arabia, Wahhabism, is hostile to any reverence given to historical or religious places of significance for fear that it may give rise to idolatry. As a consequence, under Saudi rule, it has been estimated that since 1985 about 95% of Mecca's historic buildings, most over a thousand years old, have been demolished.

Historic sites of religious importance which have been destroyed by the Saudis include five of the renowned "Seven Mosques" initially built by Muhammad's daughter and four of his "greatest Companions": Masjid Abu Bakr, Masjid Salman al-Farsi, Masjid Umar ibn al-Khattab, Masjid Sayyida Fatima bint Rasulullah and Masjid Ali ibn Abu Talib.

It has been reported that there now are fewer than 20 structures remaining in Mecca that date back to the time of Muhammad. Other buildings that have been destroyed include the house of Khadijah, the wife of Muhammad, demolished to make way for public lavatories; the house of Abu Bakr, Muhammad's companion, now the site of the local Hilton hotel; the house of Ali-Oraid, the grandson of Muhammad, and the Mosque of abu-Qubais, now the location of the King's palace in Mecca.

The ostensible reason for much of the destruction of historic buildings has been for the construction of hotels, apartments, parking lots and other infrastructure facilities for Hajj pilgrims. However, many have been destroyed without any such reason. For example, when the house of Ali-Oraid, the grandson of Muhammed was discovered and excavated, King Fahd himself ordered that it be bulldozed in case it should become a pilgrimage site.

re: #97 ProGunLiberal

Reading the part about what was destroyed pisses me off more.

What's more they replaced a mosque with a palace for their exclusive use.

Fuck the Saudi Family and their supporters.

re: #97 ProGunLiberal

The eyesore.

And Wikipedia's detailing on the annihilation of history:

That is one tacky looking hotel.

re: #99 Shvaughn

No kidding. The ultimate McMansion. A bunch of non-congruous styles smashed together. I was build on the site of an Ottoman Fort. Probably to get rid of the reminder of how they (the Sauds) were nearly annihilated by the great Mahmud II.

re: #97 ProGunLiberal

Sick, just sick. It tries to emulate Big Ben and the Empire State Building, but just ends up looking ugly and out of place. The good news is that as I understand it the Freedom Tower (at the WTC site) will be taller than that abomination when completed. And if it isn't, Chicago should build a building that is. Outdoing the tacky Saudis with good taste and true grandeur is the best way to stick it to them.

re: #97 ProGunLiberal

The eyesore.

And Wikipedia's detailing on the annihilation of history:

Built by the Binladen group, I see.

re: #100 ProGunLiberal

No kidding. The ultimate McMansion. A bunch of non-congruous styles smashed together. I was build on the site of an Ottoman Fort. Probably to get rid of the reminder of how they (the Sauds) were nearly annihilated by the great Mahmud II.

The House of Saud would never have gained power had the Hashemites not gain outside help in evicting the Ottomans.

re: #101 Dark_Falcon

It's the ultimate McMansion. No truly cohesive architectural design, and a has way to much flash. I'm not against huge buildings, but they should be classy. Like the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Tower, Willis Tower, any of the currently being constructed or proposed WTC building, the proposed Tower Verre, or just large buildings built in styles familiar to the Muslim World, or even stealing someone else's.

But, again, this is just a massive fail architecturally. And Architecture is my favorite art.

re: #103 Dark_Falcon

True, but Britain, after WWI, decided to support the Sauds over the Rashids and the Hashemites. Bad move.

re: #99 Shvaughn

That is one tacky looking hotel.

All I could think was "That's what Pam Geller expects Big Ben to look like in ten years."

re: #105 SanFranciscoZionist

That's a pretty good summary.