This is a great quiz to determine where you sit on the political spectrum. Give it a shot. I tested somewhere to the south and west of Ghandi.
http://www.politicalcompass.org/index
Monday, August 21, 2006
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Red Herring of the Week: Jon Benet
This week's red herring comes to us from Thailand, where a suspect was arrested in connection with the murder of baby beauty pageant queen, Jon Benet Ramsey, nearly ten years ago.
John Mark Karr says he was with her when she died, and that it was an accident. Investigators say he knows details not previously released to the public. His ex-wife says he was at home that Christmas, and couldn't have done it.
Salacious speculation and inconsistencies aside, this arrest has served to "back page" a lot of very important news items this week, since there is no more salient an issue than the arrest of a suspect in a 10 year old murder case.
But since people want to talk about it, and think it is such an important issue, I think I will put in my own opinion about this matter. First I think this arrest is probably BOGUS. This is a really sick guy, he does have a "Silence of the Lambs" quality about him, and it is probably a good thing that this man is not walking around free today. But I don't think he was anywhere near Boulder, except maybe after the fact in his deep, dark fantasies.
Second, while tragic, this murder was a LOCAL story, and I really resent national news camping on the doorsteps of the families of attractive murder victims. Ugly people die every day, in horrible, gruesome ways, but FOX and CNN don't hold nationally televised vigils for them. It is local news, Shepard Smith, go do your job and find out what the Bush administration is up to.
Third, isn't it time we realized that when you make children SEXUAL OBJECTS you endanger all children? Last night I saw a commercial for Entertainment Tonight promising, "New PROVOCATIVE photos of Jon Benet!" This poor little girl in her six years of life wore more make up than I have in all my 38 years combined. She was dunked in glitter, forced to wear dresses that made her look like a miniature Dolly Parton, and paraded around with other big haired little girls. She was made by her parents into a sex object, as are too many little girls.
I am the mother of little girls, and it infuriates me that our culture and media perpetuate images of children in a sexualized and stylized manner, and then feigns shock and outrage when evil men with dark hearts and minds perpetrate horrific acts on children. What makes these men tick??? Perhaps it is seeing images of small children made to look like adults, and knowing they don't have the strength to defend themselves.
Let's give kids back their innocence.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Friday, August 18, 2006
Word Verifications
Ok, I use them too, for commentary on my blog, to help keep from getting messages like this one...
I saw your posting and thought I would share the (job opportunity, penile enlargement system, prescription drug program, etc) that I found with you at www.stuffyoudon'twant.com
I find, however that half the time when I go to enter the letters shown to me I do so incorrectly. The l is leaning on the c and it could be a b or I get them jumbled in my head. How does this work to keep spammers at bay? Are spammers just twice as dumb as I am? I don't get it right half the time, so they don't ever get it right?
I wonder about this a lot.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Richardson Proposes Oil Consumer Protections
Use oil reserve to shield consumers from market jolts
By BILL RICHARDSON
August 15, 2006
Oil prices skyrocketed recently after British Petroleum announced it was shutting down a major Alaskan oil pipeline. It was feared the loss could be as much as 400,000 barrels of oil a day, or 8 percent of domestic production.
Now it appears that the pipeline failure will cut Prudhoe Bay production by only half, taking 200,000 barrels a day off the market. That good news and the Middle East cease-fire have allowed oil prices to settle somewhat.
However, action still needs to be taken now to help ease this oil price jolt and relieve consumers' pain at the pump.
First, the United States should tap the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The Bush administration has indicated its willingness to do this, but compare its reaction to this relatively small loss of oil to the administration response in 2002 when labor instability in Venezuela shorted world oil markets by almost 2.5 million barrels of oil a day. At that time, the White House had to be pressured to stop pulling oil off the market, let alone consider releasing Strategic Petroleum Reserve oil into the market. In fact, Vice President Dick Cheney in the past has stated that he does not think tapping the reserve is necessary except in a "dire emergency," such as the loss of "5 to 6 million barrels a day."
Why this abrupt, 180-degree policy shift? Could the administration, threatened with the loss of Republican control of Congress, be motivated by more than a new-found appreciation for the value of stable oil markets?
The BP pipeline failure drove oil prices to more than $76 a barrel, only a nickel off the all-time high, while Iowa consumers are struggling with gas prices at nearly $3 a gallon.
Second, I would tap the reserve with a significant twist. The federal government should negotiate an oil exchange with BP to repay the reserve with interest for every barrel of oil withdrawn during the pipeline shutdown.
This oil "loan" would keep the marketplace whole for now, with repayment plus interest from BP in the form of a significantly greater quantity of oil back into the reserve at a later date. This would calm markets, stabilize prices and have minimal impact on overall levels of oil in the reserve. Also, in accepting the government's terms of such a loan, BP would be demonstrating that it is trying to be a good corporate citizen.
The reserve should be viewed as a vital tool to increase energy security and protect energy consumers. This was the policy posture that I as energy secretary took in 2000 when our exchange of reserve oil lowered prices from $37 to $31 a barrel in the course of a week. This translated into savings at the pump and adequate heating oil supplies for the Northeast that winter. In addition, this "loan" of reserve oil to the markets was paid back with interest, in the form of a more oil into the reserve, at no cost to the taxpayer.
Short- and long-term solutions exist to our current energy crisis. However, both will take leadership and the ability to lead tough negotiations with "big oil," two things that seem to be lacking in Washington.
In the longer term, our policies and technology investments should acknowledge that we depend on oil at our peril. Breaking our oil addiction will require a major, "man-on-the-moon" type of effort focused on new technologies and renewable energy, including Iowa-grown corn-based ethanol. Long-term energy security will be won only when we diversify our portfolio and keep our petro dollars at home.
In the short term, our obligation is to working families who struggle to make ends meet. This obligation should be met through leadership, recognition of the new realities of the global oil marketplace, a willingness to use the petroleum reserve as a more effective tool in that marketplace - and the courage to demand responsibility and accountability from corporate America.
By BILL RICHARDSON
August 15, 2006
Oil prices skyrocketed recently after British Petroleum announced it was shutting down a major Alaskan oil pipeline. It was feared the loss could be as much as 400,000 barrels of oil a day, or 8 percent of domestic production.
Now it appears that the pipeline failure will cut Prudhoe Bay production by only half, taking 200,000 barrels a day off the market. That good news and the Middle East cease-fire have allowed oil prices to settle somewhat.
However, action still needs to be taken now to help ease this oil price jolt and relieve consumers' pain at the pump.
First, the United States should tap the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The Bush administration has indicated its willingness to do this, but compare its reaction to this relatively small loss of oil to the administration response in 2002 when labor instability in Venezuela shorted world oil markets by almost 2.5 million barrels of oil a day. At that time, the White House had to be pressured to stop pulling oil off the market, let alone consider releasing Strategic Petroleum Reserve oil into the market. In fact, Vice President Dick Cheney in the past has stated that he does not think tapping the reserve is necessary except in a "dire emergency," such as the loss of "5 to 6 million barrels a day."
Why this abrupt, 180-degree policy shift? Could the administration, threatened with the loss of Republican control of Congress, be motivated by more than a new-found appreciation for the value of stable oil markets?
The BP pipeline failure drove oil prices to more than $76 a barrel, only a nickel off the all-time high, while Iowa consumers are struggling with gas prices at nearly $3 a gallon.
Second, I would tap the reserve with a significant twist. The federal government should negotiate an oil exchange with BP to repay the reserve with interest for every barrel of oil withdrawn during the pipeline shutdown.
This oil "loan" would keep the marketplace whole for now, with repayment plus interest from BP in the form of a significantly greater quantity of oil back into the reserve at a later date. This would calm markets, stabilize prices and have minimal impact on overall levels of oil in the reserve. Also, in accepting the government's terms of such a loan, BP would be demonstrating that it is trying to be a good corporate citizen.
The reserve should be viewed as a vital tool to increase energy security and protect energy consumers. This was the policy posture that I as energy secretary took in 2000 when our exchange of reserve oil lowered prices from $37 to $31 a barrel in the course of a week. This translated into savings at the pump and adequate heating oil supplies for the Northeast that winter. In addition, this "loan" of reserve oil to the markets was paid back with interest, in the form of a more oil into the reserve, at no cost to the taxpayer.
Short- and long-term solutions exist to our current energy crisis. However, both will take leadership and the ability to lead tough negotiations with "big oil," two things that seem to be lacking in Washington.
In the longer term, our policies and technology investments should acknowledge that we depend on oil at our peril. Breaking our oil addiction will require a major, "man-on-the-moon" type of effort focused on new technologies and renewable energy, including Iowa-grown corn-based ethanol. Long-term energy security will be won only when we diversify our portfolio and keep our petro dollars at home.
In the short term, our obligation is to working families who struggle to make ends meet. This obligation should be met through leadership, recognition of the new realities of the global oil marketplace, a willingness to use the petroleum reserve as a more effective tool in that marketplace - and the courage to demand responsibility and accountability from corporate America.
Investigative Journalist Beaten/Detained
Investigative Journalist Christopher Bollyn details his August 14 encounter with undercover police at his Illinois home HERE.......
If this doesn't make you angry, I suspect nothing will.
If this doesn't make you angry, I suspect nothing will.
The Birthday Calendar
Today I am 14,000 days old!!!!!
This is a really cool little website, plug in the day you were born and you get the exact amount of time you have been alive, down to the second. It also tells you astrological information, and has a great view of the moon the night you were born. Have fun!
I think I will bake a cake for myself tonight!
This is a really cool little website, plug in the day you were born and you get the exact amount of time you have been alive, down to the second. It also tells you astrological information, and has a great view of the moon the night you were born. Have fun!
I think I will bake a cake for myself tonight!
The Bane of My Existence
Yes, that's right, it's the school bus. Today was supposed to be the second day of school for my two eldest girls. Grades 1-6 started yesterday with a half day, Maddie starts kindergarten next week on her fifth birthday. I was looking forward to this. I was so excited! Yesterday we took the kids in, but today was the big "get on the bus adventure."It was scheduled to arrive at 7:20 this morning so I got the kids out there by 7:15. I figured I could run out in my shorts and shirt and sandals and be ok, even though it was a little chilly and damp this morning. We hit the end of our driveway and were assaulted by MOSQUITOS! Now they are pretty uncommon up here, at 7200 feet elevation in the desert southwest, but this year with all this crazy rain they are EVERYWHERE! I am covered in bites.
We battled them for 20 minutes, and the bus never showed up. I finally relented, told the girls I would drive them in, but first had to call the school and the bus company and let them have it. Well the school was great, gave me the number to the bus company, and I called them. IDIOTS. These people are total idiots. I told them the bus never showed up, and the stop address, and they asked for my kids' names. Gave them that information too. The lady says, "Ok hang on, I am going to radio that bus and see what happened." She is gone for a few minutes and then comes back and says, "Oh the driver said she just passed your place and is getting ready to turn off your street onto A-99." I figured we could catch her if we ran out, but the idiot on the phone wouldn't tell her to even wait a minute, she was long gone when we got there. The idiot, when pressed for a time to expect the bus to arrive from now on, told me to expect it between 7:25 and 7:35 (even though today it was 7:40.)
Now, normally at this time of year that is not a big deal, but those mosquitos were insane today. However, usually by early October and through April it is very cold up here in the mornings, and there could be snow. It looks like it may be a very wet winter here. We may be out there in some pretty severe weather for long stretches of time. I won't let my kids go out alone, because the driveway curves and I cannot see them standing out there.
Oh and my Plan B for Peace fell through, when my husband called to tell me he had inadvertently taken the keys to the van with him to work. The kids are presently raiding their lunch boxes for the snacks.
Plus I probably have West Nile now.
Idiots.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Stunned, Scared and Silent by Molly Ivins
Molly Ivins is always a GREAT read...
Excerpt:
Of the hundreds of prisoners, alleged terrorists all, who have been held at Guantanamo on the grounds that they were the worst of the worst, only 10 have ever been charged with anything. In the latest episode, shortly after announcement of a British-based plot to blow up airliners, Britain and the United States were already airing their differences over when the perpetrators should have been arrested. The administration has put itself in the position of the Boy Who Cried Wolf. If, God forbid, a serious terrorist conspiracy is uncovered, there will be a tendency to dismiss it as a backlash to these over-hyped "plots."
Excerpt:
Of the hundreds of prisoners, alleged terrorists all, who have been held at Guantanamo on the grounds that they were the worst of the worst, only 10 have ever been charged with anything. In the latest episode, shortly after announcement of a British-based plot to blow up airliners, Britain and the United States were already airing their differences over when the perpetrators should have been arrested. The administration has put itself in the position of the Boy Who Cried Wolf. If, God forbid, a serious terrorist conspiracy is uncovered, there will be a tendency to dismiss it as a backlash to these over-hyped "plots."
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Monday, August 14, 2006
Two Faux News Journalists Seized in Gaza
Two Fox News employees were taken against their will Monday in Gaza, according to Fox News' Jerusalem bureau. Negotiations are ongoing to secure their release, a Fox News reporter stated on air.
LTS has a special message for their captors...
Hey! You! YEAH YOU! Memorize this photo....
NOW GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LTS has a special message for their captors...
Hey! You! YEAH YOU! Memorize this photo....
NOW GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, August 13, 2006
My Trip to the Daily Kos
I don't know how successful it was, but I put up a posting last night on my support for Bill Richardson and was astonished at the commentary. Not the content as much as the quantity of responses. Interesting place, I think I will be back often.
HERE
HERE
Wisdom From My Dear Friend Scott
On Republicans...
But the real irony of their comments is that the best way to support the terrorists is to vote Republican!
Republicans will not secure our ports from terrorists.
Republicans will not secure air cargo from terrorists.
Republicans will not secure our boarders from terrorists.
Republicans will not secure our chemical and nuclear facilities from terrorists.
Republicans will not investigate Saudis.
Republicans will not investigate 9/11.
Republicans will not unite or respect our allies.
Republicans will not listen to terror or intel experts that don't espouse their ideology. Republicans have sabotaged US intelligence agents.
Republicans have united and inflamed our enemies as never before.
Republicans have blatantly exploited terror for political gain.
Republicans have blatantly exploited terror for profit.
Republicans have made us far more dependent on oil from terror-supporting regimes. Republicans have diverted our military away from real terror targets.
Republicans have discarded valuable anti-terror assets for pure ideological reasons.
Republicans have failed to get universal radios for first responders.
Republicans have cut anti-terror funding to NY and DC.
Republicans have cut funding to police departments and firefighters.
Republicans tried to sell control of our ports to a regime that aided 9/11.
Republicans monitor Americans who oppose their ideology as terrorist threats.
Republicans use anti-terror tactics on American citizens instead of on terrorists.
Republicans have divulged classified information for political gain that prevented British authorities from stopping massive terror attacks on their trains.
Republicans have turned contained non-terrorist threats into dangerously unleashed terrorist threats.
Republicans LET BIN LADEN GET AWAY!!!
I mean, the list just is endless.
Of course, my friend Scott has always been one of the three or four smartest men on the planet. Today he filled my inbox with really good stuff. About half of my postings come from leads he throws my way. Thank you, sweetie. I couldn't do it without you!
But the real irony of their comments is that the best way to support the terrorists is to vote Republican!
Republicans will not secure our ports from terrorists.
Republicans will not secure air cargo from terrorists.
Republicans will not secure our boarders from terrorists.
Republicans will not secure our chemical and nuclear facilities from terrorists.
Republicans will not investigate Saudis.
Republicans will not investigate 9/11.
Republicans will not unite or respect our allies.
Republicans will not listen to terror or intel experts that don't espouse their ideology. Republicans have sabotaged US intelligence agents.
Republicans have united and inflamed our enemies as never before.
Republicans have blatantly exploited terror for political gain.
Republicans have blatantly exploited terror for profit.
Republicans have made us far more dependent on oil from terror-supporting regimes. Republicans have diverted our military away from real terror targets.
Republicans have discarded valuable anti-terror assets for pure ideological reasons.
Republicans have failed to get universal radios for first responders.
Republicans have cut anti-terror funding to NY and DC.
Republicans have cut funding to police departments and firefighters.
Republicans tried to sell control of our ports to a regime that aided 9/11.
Republicans monitor Americans who oppose their ideology as terrorist threats.
Republicans use anti-terror tactics on American citizens instead of on terrorists.
Republicans have divulged classified information for political gain that prevented British authorities from stopping massive terror attacks on their trains.
Republicans have turned contained non-terrorist threats into dangerously unleashed terrorist threats.
Republicans LET BIN LADEN GET AWAY!!!
I mean, the list just is endless.
Of course, my friend Scott has always been one of the three or four smartest men on the planet. Today he filled my inbox with really good stuff. About half of my postings come from leads he throws my way. Thank you, sweetie. I couldn't do it without you!
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Friday, August 11, 2006
Alex Jones' Warning A CALL TO ACTION!
A friend linked me to this. I don't know what to file it under, but it is very interesting to listen to, if you can get past the rage, but then why should we get past the rage? If you think 9/11 was possibly an event staged by our government, if that is even possible in your mind, you should listen to this. If it is completely outrageous to you, listen anyway, I am sure you won't buy it. Give me feedback either way. If you believe he is on the level, then do as he says and call.
A friend linked me to this. I don't know what to file it under, but it is very interesting to listen to, if you can get past the rage, but then why should we get past the rage? If you think 9/11 was possibly an event staged by our government, if that is even possible in your mind, you should listen to this. If it is completely outrageous to you, listen anyway, I am sure you won't buy it. Give me feedback either way. If you believe he is on the level, then do as he says and call.
Bill Richardson Asks Lieberman to Bow Out
Picture it...President Bill Richardson....ahh, now doesn't that make your head stop hurting for just a minute?
"I look forward to supporting Ned as he fights to help Democrats take back the Senate, and I call on Joe Lieberman to respect the will of the voters and step aside," Richardson said.
Way to go, Governor Richardson. This is why we love you. You pull no punches. You aren't afraid to stand up for what is right. You have courage and integrity. Please. Please run for president in 2008 . We sure need you.
Lawyers Move to Vacate Lay's Conviction
Ok so the lawyers apparently want to "clear Ken's good name", the good name synonymous with greed and corruption and pulverize dreams.
Did anyone actually see a body?
Seriously.
It would not surprise me one bit if Ken Lay isn't lying on a lounge chair on some beach, probably in the Cayman's, living off of the retirement funds pilfered from Enron employees.
If they vacate his conviction, does this mean he can miraculously reappear? Will it be in time for ski season? We know he loves Vail.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Fear-Mongering Takes a Holiday, NOT
Fear Mongerers Mongering Fear
Big shock. Bush took time away from his vacation today to remind us that we are not safe, we should be very afraid, and that the Democrats are soft on "terra" in the wake of the disruption of an alleged terror plot by Al Qaeda to blow up international flights with common household items. The terror alert level was raised to purple and the Republicans are all salivating at the chance to exploit this.
"Weeks before September 11th, this is going to play big," said another White House official, who also spoke on condition of not being named, adding that some Democratic candidates won't "look as appealing" under the circumstances.
No wonder so many of us are skeptics. No wonder so many of us believe that there is a great chance that the government is lying about 9/11, and the falafel eating boogeymen. I don't think I am alone in wondering if this is a real threat or just an attempted "Hail Mary Pass" for Republican congressional candidates.
I smell a rat.
Clinton Challengers get Down and Dirty
Apparently the debate ended with the throwing of chairs and bearing of breasts...
It seems to me that while the discourse in this country is getting less and less civil, the republicans are particularily inclined to "Go Springer" when they get mad. People who behave like this when running for office should be disqualified.
Where have manners gone? Where is our common decency?
It seems to me that while the discourse in this country is getting less and less civil, the republicans are particularily inclined to "Go Springer" when they get mad. People who behave like this when running for office should be disqualified.
Where have manners gone? Where is our common decency?
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
RockStar Supernova
Ok, I admit it. I started watching RockStar last season with INXS and I really enjoyed it. It is one of the two reality shows I will watch, the other being Last Comic Standing, and thanks to the wonders of the DVR I can watch both. So last night I watched RockStar and these were my observations...
Dilana...ok that is one scary chick. Well she was the first couple of episodes. She has since revealed a heart and a brain, and I think she is probably going to win this thing.
Jill...Somewhere out there is a very, very lonely pole.
Zayra...Yowza. That was some outfit. One of these days she is going to make Jason Newstead's head explode. Smart money says she makes band wife.
Storm...Not her best performance but she is probably the closest contender next to Dilana.
Magni...nice nice nice.
Lukas...good lord child. Stop the theatrics, take off the make up, stop shaving your eyebrows and drop the "flying monkey from Wizard of Oz act." You suck.
Everyone else is pretty lackluster, though I am digging that big boy from Oz.
Half an hour til it starts here in New Mexico, so I am going to get ready for it.
More later!
Dilana...ok that is one scary chick. Well she was the first couple of episodes. She has since revealed a heart and a brain, and I think she is probably going to win this thing.
Jill...Somewhere out there is a very, very lonely pole.
Zayra...Yowza. That was some outfit. One of these days she is going to make Jason Newstead's head explode. Smart money says she makes band wife.
Storm...Not her best performance but she is probably the closest contender next to Dilana.
Magni...nice nice nice.
Lukas...good lord child. Stop the theatrics, take off the make up, stop shaving your eyebrows and drop the "flying monkey from Wizard of Oz act." You suck.
Everyone else is pretty lackluster, though I am digging that big boy from Oz.
Half an hour til it starts here in New Mexico, so I am going to get ready for it.
More later!
PC or Mac?
This new marketing campaign Mac is using is pretty clever stuff, and clearly aimed at women. Here we have the new Macs, completely compatible with all our needs...young, hip, attractive, and easy-going. He is the guy you knew in college, had all the tools you needed to get the job done and looked real nice sitting on your desk. Back when I was in college that guy was the PC.
Now look at him. He just doesn't look as cool or hip as he once did. He comes with TONS of baggage. He doesn't perform like he used to. To get him do do a damn thing takes a lot of effort. He needs a lot of time to get going, and you can never be sure if he is going to crash before finishing the task.
Yes, girls, the Mac looks really good. Unfortunately, I already have this big PC hanging around, and I am afraid at my age getting a Mac might seem slightly pathetic.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Will You Still Need Me...When I'm 64?
Who could foresee the divorce of Heather and Paul? Paul spent many happy years married to his Linda, and Heather seemed so perfect. But Paul has locked her out, and I have to say that I am on his side.
Hang in there Paul, divorce is hard. I still love you!
Hang in there Paul, divorce is hard. I still love you!
"We Were Too High To Be Guilty"
BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Stressed-out soldiers drank whiskey and downed painkillers to try to cope with "mentally draining" duty in Iraq, a private testified Tuesday.
Troops turned to alcohol and drugs as they dealt with fears of being attacked and killed, Pfc Justin Cross said.
"It drives you nuts. You feel like every step you might get blown up. You just hit a point where you 're like, 'If I die today, I die.' You're just walking a death walk."
MORE
Troops turned to alcohol and drugs as they dealt with fears of being attacked and killed, Pfc Justin Cross said.
"It drives you nuts. You feel like every step you might get blown up. You just hit a point where you 're like, 'If I die today, I die.' You're just walking a death walk."
MORE
You'd Think I Like Food or Something
This post I ripped from MW
he ripped from TRINAMICK
I don't know where it came from but I liked it and decided to blog it myself.
The Food Meme
How do you like your eggs?
I like them many ways. First and foremost, huevos rancheros, smothered in green chile and cheese. I also love a nice fried egg sandwich, with a little bit of a runny yolk. Messy but good. I like soft boiled eggs, but despise hardboiled. Hard yolks make me mad.
How do you take your coffee/tea?
I am a true believer in coffee. I love it I love it I love it. Cream and Splenda. Tea is good with honey if it is hot, and if it is iced I love southern sweet tea, but rarely indulge. I love mint iced tea. It is incredibly refreshing on a hot day. Oh and also, I love iced coffee. MMMM
Favorite breakfast foods:
I am a breakfast burrito fan. Give me eggs, potatos, bacon or sausage, cheese and green chile wrapped in a tortilla and I will be a happy camper for the entire day. But I don't get these often, so I am a grouchy LTS. I think this is why I am snarky. I missed breakfast today, but usually I will have cereal with the kids, or sometimes toast, or sometimes a Slimfast (not food).
Peanut butter: smooth or crunchy?
I love peanut butter, crunchy or smooth, but mostly buy smooth because of my son. I am using a lot of "natural" peanut butters these days, which the kids are liking too, cool. I am a sucker for Goober Grape, sadly. Oh and I make a really incredible peanut butter cookie that uses NO FLOUR. I will share the recipe upon request. They are insane.
What kind of dressing on your salad?
Depends on my mood. I have always loved Bleu Cheese, YUMMO. Sometimes I prefer a nice vinegarette, like balsamic or raspberry, just depeneds on the mood, and what is on the salad.
Coke or Pepsi?
I am not a drinker of either, but will drink the diet versions sometimes. I am more inclined toward the coffee and teas.
You're feeling lazy. What do you make?
I try to keep on hand something easy to make that the kids will like to eat too. Spaghetti. Nachos. Frozen burritos. Frozen dinners. I often feel lazy.
You're feeling really lazy. What kind of pizza do you order?
Well, I live pretty rurally, so there is only one place that actually delivers pizza. I am not a huge fan of theirs, but it is ok. There is another pizza joint in town with better pies, so we tend to pick them up. I like everything on a pizza. We lived in St. Louis for 7 years and you can really only get St. Louis style pizza there unless you go Pizza Hut. I hated it. Cracker thin crust, dry sauce that tastes like tomato paste straight from the can with oregano sprinkled on it, and meager toppings, and PROVEL cheese. Sorry. I need sauce. I need mozzerella. I need toppings.
You feel like cooking.
I make a great lasagna. My dad taught me how, and he was a great cook. My Aunt Dolly gave me her recipe for eggplant parm, and so that is always good. I make a great carne adovada, which is pretty easy, and absolutely delicious.
Do any foods bring back good memories?
Girl Scout cookies...I had them for dinner the night before my daughter, Amanda, was born. Many cookies, many varieties. I was going in for a c-section in the morning, and was so excited about her birth, the cookies will always remind me of that feeling.
Lasagna, because of my dad. I remember him with that giant pot of sauce, taking little bits of leftover meats he had saved in the freezer for months and throwing them into the pot, no matter what that meat was. The end result was fantastic.
The chicken salad at Shugga's in St. Louis. Debbie adds a little curry powder to the mix, and it is fantastic. I swear my son is comprised chemically of at least 15% chicken salad from Shugga's.
Do any foods bring back bad memories?
Well though I love them, boston baked beans remind me of my dad dying, one of his friends wives brought over a huge pan of them and I survived on them probably well past their "eat by date".
Do any foods remind you of someone?
Sure. Many foods do that. Too many to list. In fact, I think I can associate everything I have ever eaten with someone in my life, past or present.
Is there a food you refuse to eat?
I pretty much will eat anything except I do not like the texture of OKRA, and I will not eat any organ of any animal ever. ICK.
What was your favorite food as a child?
Nutter Butters, either the wafer style or the peanut shaped cookie. Burgers. Mashed potatoes with gravy. Pasta.
Is there a food that you hated as a child but now love?
I cannot even imagine. I think I have always had the same taste in food.
Is there a food that you loved as a child but now hate?
No, but there are plenty I avoid...
Favorite fruit:
I love fruit. Pears when they are super ripe, yum. Peaches if they are very ripe and fragrant. Pineapple, strawberries, blueberries, any berrries. I just love fruit.
Favorite vegetable?
Same with veggies, I really like everything but Okra.
Favorite junk food:
I really love nachos. I love ice cream too. I can't think of anything else right now.
Favorite between meal snack:
I love chocolate.
Do you have any weird food habits:
MW wrote...."I hate hard-frozen ice cream, so I will microwave a bowl of it for 8 to 12 seconds, depending on the strength of the microwave. I get it to a perfectly soft (drive-inn) consistency. I don't melt it to liquid form." I completely concur.
You're on a diet. What food(s) do you fill up on?
Salads, veggies, veggie soups, fruit, coffee, water.
You're off your diet. Now what would you like?
Whatever isn't nailed down or moving on its own.
How spicy do you order Indian/Thai?
I like both Indian and Thai, but their ideas of spicy are a whole lot spicier than even the local stuff here in New Mexico. New Mexican foods I order hot. Indian/Thai mild.
Can I get you a drink?
Sure I would love a glass of wine.
Red wine or white?
I love both red and white wine. In the summer I tend more toward the whites like Pinot Grigio or something like that, not too dry, but chilled. I love red wines, like Shiraz, Merlot, and a good Cabernet.
We only have beer:
Well there is a great New Mexico microbrew called Alien ale. I love that. I like Boulevard from Kansas City. Honey Wheat is not bad either.
Favorite dessert?
I love dessert, and have always tended toward the chocolatey ones. But this weekend I was at Appleby's, and the special was an Orange Dreamsicle cake. I have to say this was the MOST DELICIOUS dessert I have ever ever had. It was absolutely perfect. Light, creamy, orangey, tasted exactly like the name, but was far more fantastic. Oh man. Now I want one.
The perfect nightcap?
A shot of amaretto and a couple of benadryl. Nite nite.
he ripped from TRINAMICK
I don't know where it came from but I liked it and decided to blog it myself.
The Food Meme
How do you like your eggs?
I like them many ways. First and foremost, huevos rancheros, smothered in green chile and cheese. I also love a nice fried egg sandwich, with a little bit of a runny yolk. Messy but good. I like soft boiled eggs, but despise hardboiled. Hard yolks make me mad.
How do you take your coffee/tea?
I am a true believer in coffee. I love it I love it I love it. Cream and Splenda. Tea is good with honey if it is hot, and if it is iced I love southern sweet tea, but rarely indulge. I love mint iced tea. It is incredibly refreshing on a hot day. Oh and also, I love iced coffee. MMMM
Favorite breakfast foods:
I am a breakfast burrito fan. Give me eggs, potatos, bacon or sausage, cheese and green chile wrapped in a tortilla and I will be a happy camper for the entire day. But I don't get these often, so I am a grouchy LTS. I think this is why I am snarky. I missed breakfast today, but usually I will have cereal with the kids, or sometimes toast, or sometimes a Slimfast (not food).
Peanut butter: smooth or crunchy?
I love peanut butter, crunchy or smooth, but mostly buy smooth because of my son. I am using a lot of "natural" peanut butters these days, which the kids are liking too, cool. I am a sucker for Goober Grape, sadly. Oh and I make a really incredible peanut butter cookie that uses NO FLOUR. I will share the recipe upon request. They are insane.
What kind of dressing on your salad?
Depends on my mood. I have always loved Bleu Cheese, YUMMO. Sometimes I prefer a nice vinegarette, like balsamic or raspberry, just depeneds on the mood, and what is on the salad.
Coke or Pepsi?
I am not a drinker of either, but will drink the diet versions sometimes. I am more inclined toward the coffee and teas.
You're feeling lazy. What do you make?
I try to keep on hand something easy to make that the kids will like to eat too. Spaghetti. Nachos. Frozen burritos. Frozen dinners. I often feel lazy.
You're feeling really lazy. What kind of pizza do you order?
Well, I live pretty rurally, so there is only one place that actually delivers pizza. I am not a huge fan of theirs, but it is ok. There is another pizza joint in town with better pies, so we tend to pick them up. I like everything on a pizza. We lived in St. Louis for 7 years and you can really only get St. Louis style pizza there unless you go Pizza Hut. I hated it. Cracker thin crust, dry sauce that tastes like tomato paste straight from the can with oregano sprinkled on it, and meager toppings, and PROVEL cheese. Sorry. I need sauce. I need mozzerella. I need toppings.
You feel like cooking.
I make a great lasagna. My dad taught me how, and he was a great cook. My Aunt Dolly gave me her recipe for eggplant parm, and so that is always good. I make a great carne adovada, which is pretty easy, and absolutely delicious.
Do any foods bring back good memories?
Girl Scout cookies...I had them for dinner the night before my daughter, Amanda, was born. Many cookies, many varieties. I was going in for a c-section in the morning, and was so excited about her birth, the cookies will always remind me of that feeling.
Lasagna, because of my dad. I remember him with that giant pot of sauce, taking little bits of leftover meats he had saved in the freezer for months and throwing them into the pot, no matter what that meat was. The end result was fantastic.
The chicken salad at Shugga's in St. Louis. Debbie adds a little curry powder to the mix, and it is fantastic. I swear my son is comprised chemically of at least 15% chicken salad from Shugga's.
Do any foods bring back bad memories?
Well though I love them, boston baked beans remind me of my dad dying, one of his friends wives brought over a huge pan of them and I survived on them probably well past their "eat by date".
Do any foods remind you of someone?
Sure. Many foods do that. Too many to list. In fact, I think I can associate everything I have ever eaten with someone in my life, past or present.
Is there a food you refuse to eat?
I pretty much will eat anything except I do not like the texture of OKRA, and I will not eat any organ of any animal ever. ICK.
What was your favorite food as a child?
Nutter Butters, either the wafer style or the peanut shaped cookie. Burgers. Mashed potatoes with gravy. Pasta.
Is there a food that you hated as a child but now love?
I cannot even imagine. I think I have always had the same taste in food.
Is there a food that you loved as a child but now hate?
No, but there are plenty I avoid...
Favorite fruit:
I love fruit. Pears when they are super ripe, yum. Peaches if they are very ripe and fragrant. Pineapple, strawberries, blueberries, any berrries. I just love fruit.
Favorite vegetable?
Same with veggies, I really like everything but Okra.
Favorite junk food:
I really love nachos. I love ice cream too. I can't think of anything else right now.
Favorite between meal snack:
I love chocolate.
Do you have any weird food habits:
MW wrote...."I hate hard-frozen ice cream, so I will microwave a bowl of it for 8 to 12 seconds, depending on the strength of the microwave. I get it to a perfectly soft (drive-inn) consistency. I don't melt it to liquid form." I completely concur.
You're on a diet. What food(s) do you fill up on?
Salads, veggies, veggie soups, fruit, coffee, water.
You're off your diet. Now what would you like?
Whatever isn't nailed down or moving on its own.
How spicy do you order Indian/Thai?
I like both Indian and Thai, but their ideas of spicy are a whole lot spicier than even the local stuff here in New Mexico. New Mexican foods I order hot. Indian/Thai mild.
Can I get you a drink?
Sure I would love a glass of wine.
Red wine or white?
I love both red and white wine. In the summer I tend more toward the whites like Pinot Grigio or something like that, not too dry, but chilled. I love red wines, like Shiraz, Merlot, and a good Cabernet.
We only have beer:
Well there is a great New Mexico microbrew called Alien ale. I love that. I like Boulevard from Kansas City. Honey Wheat is not bad either.
Favorite dessert?
I love dessert, and have always tended toward the chocolatey ones. But this weekend I was at Appleby's, and the special was an Orange Dreamsicle cake. I have to say this was the MOST DELICIOUS dessert I have ever ever had. It was absolutely perfect. Light, creamy, orangey, tasted exactly like the name, but was far more fantastic. Oh man. Now I want one.
The perfect nightcap?
A shot of amaretto and a couple of benadryl. Nite nite.
Bill Richardson May Go To North Korea
SEOUL (Reuters) - A former U.S. cabinet member who has held discussions with North Korean officials in the past over the North's nuclear ambitions may be planning a fresh trip to Pyongyang, Yonhap news agency reported on Tuesday.
North Korea defied international warnings and test-fired seven missiles on July 5. It has also refused to return to six-country talks stalled since last November on ending its nuclear weapons program.
Bill Richardson, a Democrat and Clinton administration official who is currently governor of New Mexico, was in talks with the North about a visit sometime soon, Yonhap said, citing a diplomatic source in Seoul.
Richardson had been in discussions with the North Korean mission to the United Nations in New York about the visit, Yonhap cited the source as saying.
MORE
North Korea defied international warnings and test-fired seven missiles on July 5. It has also refused to return to six-country talks stalled since last November on ending its nuclear weapons program.
Bill Richardson, a Democrat and Clinton administration official who is currently governor of New Mexico, was in talks with the North about a visit sometime soon, Yonhap said, citing a diplomatic source in Seoul.
Richardson had been in discussions with the North Korean mission to the United Nations in New York about the visit, Yonhap cited the source as saying.
MORE
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Sorry For Being a Lazy Blogger
I haven't actually been "lazy" I have been super busy, as a mom of four can often be. This weekend special circumstances have prevented me from blogging at my normal turtle pace. First and most importantly I have been busy celebrating the birthday of my little Sarah, the princess. She turned 6 and wanted her special princess birthday picture on my blog...so here goes....
It also is the "tax free weekend" for people purchasing items for back-to-school so I have my lengthy list of school supplies needed for the three girls and will be out shopping the rest of the day, so this is it my friends. I will be back tonight and if I am not dead from overshopping I will be a good LTS and do some actual blogging. Until then be nice...
LTS
It also is the "tax free weekend" for people purchasing items for back-to-school so I have my lengthy list of school supplies needed for the three girls and will be out shopping the rest of the day, so this is it my friends. I will be back tonight and if I am not dead from overshopping I will be a good LTS and do some actual blogging. Until then be nice...
LTS
Friday, August 04, 2006
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
911 Commission Distrusted the Pentagon Story
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A member of the 9/11 commission said Wednesday that panel members so distrusted testimony from Pentagon officials that they referred their concerns to the Pentagon's inspector general.
The panel even considered taking the matter to the Justice Department for a possible criminal probe, commission member Tim Roemer said.
"We were extremely frustrated with the false statements we were getting," Roemer told CNN. "We were not sure of the intent, whether it was to deceive the commission or merely part of the fumbling bureaucracy."
The issues concerned Pentagon officials' testimony about the timeline of events on September 11, 2001, when terrorists hijacked four U.S. airliners and crashed them into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania.
MORE
The panel even considered taking the matter to the Justice Department for a possible criminal probe, commission member Tim Roemer said.
"We were extremely frustrated with the false statements we were getting," Roemer told CNN. "We were not sure of the intent, whether it was to deceive the commission or merely part of the fumbling bureaucracy."
The issues concerned Pentagon officials' testimony about the timeline of events on September 11, 2001, when terrorists hijacked four U.S. airliners and crashed them into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania.
MORE
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Bill Richardson...Our Greatest Hope
Response to the President's Weekly Radio Address Saturday, July 29, 2006 Reprinted in its Entirety...
"Good morning. This is Bill Richardson, Governor of the great State of New Mexico.
By nature, Americans are optimistic and hopeful. They believe our nation can and should be a leader in the world.
Critics say we no longer have the credibility to work with our allies - and even our adversaries – to find common ground and resolve conflicts peacefuly.
I disagree. People still look up to the United States as the world's only Superpower. They still look to us for leadership.
Unfortunately, the world around us is on the verge of spiraling out of control.
• Oil prices are at $75 dollars a barrel and gas is surpassing 3-dollars a gallon at the pump – strangling American families who are trying to make ends meet.
• In Iraq, waves of bloody violence push the country toward Civil War. There is no end in site.
• The stalemate with North Korea has dangerous consequences - this regime has quadrupled its stock of weapons-grade plutonium while we debate whether to talk to them directly or not.
• Iran is moving forward with its nuclear program and expanding its influence into Iraq and Syria, while thumbing its nose at the international community.
• If we would have had a permanent Middle East envoy in the region, we would have been in a better position to disarm Hezbollah and protect Israel, and implement a concurrent cease-fire along with a legitimate, international peacekeeping force on the ground.
Democrats know from experience that maximizing our national strength means knowing when to work with others, and when to act alone. It means knowing when and how to employ our great military.
Above all, it means understanding that military power and diplomacy are not alternatives to one another, but rather are complementary sources of strength. What the Bush Administration has failed to understand is that while diplomacy without power is weak - power without diplomacy is blind.
Democrats offer real solutions that provide a new direction for America. We need a new realism in our foreign policy, which includes the following elements:
One, achieve national security through energy independence. We need a man on the moon effort to reduce our dependency on foreign oil -- go from 65-percent to 20-percent by 2015; increase fuel efficiency; Invest in green buildings and fuel cells; and become the leader of the future economic engine of the world - renewable energy, such as ethanol, solar and wind.
Two, re-build alliances and reinvigorate our allies. A far-sighted policy would have built a coalition to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Most immediately, we need an international coalition for peacekeeping in the Middle East.
Three, focus on the real dangers. Prioritize resources to fight Al Qaeda and Jihadist terrorists and the most urgent dangers, such as nuclear terrorism. That means a new strategy for success in Iraq that allows us to redeploy our troops.
Four, don't outsource our diplomacy - we need direct, face to face talks with North Korea. We should also talk directly with Iran.
Five, we need to pay attention to Latin America - The key is passing a comprehensive immigration plan now – that includes enhanced border security, a path to legalization for the 11 million immigrants already here, and sanctions against employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants.
The House should stop holding these silly hearings. Mr. President, your good words on immigration should be followed by deeds to pass a comprehensive plan.
Six, face up to global environmental threats - The first thing this Administration did was reject the Kyoto Treaty. America should be the world's leader, and that means owning up to grave environmental dangers, such as global warming.
Finally, respect human rights and American values - prisoner abuse, torture, secret prisons and evasion of the Geneva Accords should have no place in our foreign policy.
Every American wants safety and security. We can continue to wait for Republicans in Washington to lead. Or we can make a change.
We are Democrats and we stand for diplomacy NOT threats; bridges NOT walls; alliances NOT isolation.
Democrats have a vision for our country that can unite us and move us forward, together.
This is Governor Bill Richardson. Thank you, and God Bless."
The Republican weasel they sent out to respond to this called it "small ball politics"...I have read this a few times now and wonder what he could mean. Is it any wonder the Republicans are tanking if they think THESE issues are insignificant?
Governor Richardson, once again, shows us real Presidential leadership.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Mad about Jews
Breaking News!
Mel Gibson is slated to enter rehab for Anti-Semites this week following his DUI arrest and subsequent outbursts. The rehab program, designed by Steven Speilberg, teaches sensitivity and tolerance, and a respect for the Jewish culture. During his time in the rehab program Gibson will learn about the holidays and traditions of the Jewish people, and watch a number of films selected to increase his awareness, including Schindler's List, Yentl, and The Jazz Singer. His publicist commented, "We all are keeping Mel in our prayers, and hope that he can recover from his chronic assholism."
McCain REALLY Wants to Be President
From Time:This September, Senator John McCain's youngest son, Jimmy, 18, will report to a U.S. Marine Corps depot near Camp Pendleton in San Diego. After three months of boot camp and a month of specialized training, he will be ready to deploy. Depending on the unit he joins, he could be in Iraq as early as this time next year, and his chances of seeing combat at some point are high. Of the 178,000 active-duty Marines in the world, some 80,000 have seen a tour in Iraq or Afghanistan, and 25,000 are now bearing the brunt of some of the worst fighting in Iraq. About 6,000 Marines have been wounded there, and about 650 have been killed. "I'm obviously very proud of my son," says the elder McCain, "but also understandably a little nervous."
I swear, with Republicans if they aren't flinging bombs at babies, they are flinging babies at bombs!
WTF????
This bumper magnet was proudly displayed on my car for a couple of months until yesterday when someone STOLE it! My kids were so upset, my 8 year old tried to console me that maybe someone just had to have it, though the 5 year old said she thought someone just wanted to ruin it, and the 4 year old said she thought Daddy did it, though he assured me not.
Even the baby cried.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Quiz....WHO SAID IT?
First person to guess the answer correctly wins a free tinfoil hat... hurry and post your guesses!!!!!!
"Victory means exit strategy, and it's important for the president to explain to us what the exit strategy is...I think it's also important for the president to lay out a timetable as to how long they will be involved and when they will be withdrawn."
"Victory means exit strategy, and it's important for the president to explain to us what the exit strategy is...I think it's also important for the president to lay out a timetable as to how long they will be involved and when they will be withdrawn."
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Birth Pangs of a New Middle East?
Seriously? Birth Pangs?? Now I have four children and have known suffering but I am the last person to compare the agony of labor with war. Oh and Condi, pain is childbirth, pangs means you want a Snickers Bar.
Friday, July 28, 2006
This is a really lovely two shot. In many ways it looks like Blair is thinking seriously about kicking Bush's ass for ruining his political career and destroying the faith his countrymen have in him, but the eyes betray his true pain and sadness. Tony Blair knows he has bought a one way ticket on the crazy train.
Mel Gibson Arrested for DUI
It is really sad when right wing icons get busted for behavior unbecoming moral upstanding citizens. And funny. Its more than just a little funny. Thanks Mel!
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
I'm your Puppet
You can always tell when relations between Bush and foreign leaders are tense, when they are photographed NOT holding hands (here with Iraqui Prime Minister Al-Maliki, who is in Washington facing the troubling question, "Just what part of PUPPET do you not get?")
Word Wars
Today's super Scrabble plays of the day...
I played INFECTS for 94 though INFECTS 94 looks like the back half of a bad news headline.
My opponent in another game played HONEYED for 102 in a game where my good tile was a V reducing me to rubble.
I played INFECTS for 94 though INFECTS 94 looks like the back half of a bad news headline.
My opponent in another game played HONEYED for 102 in a game where my good tile was a V reducing me to rubble.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Fox News Reporting of World Events
I turned the TV for the briefest of moments yesterday to Fox News. I watched in amazement at their sunny coverage of the situation in the middle east, and it reminded me of something, but I couldn't put my finger on it until just now....
CLICK HERE
CLICK HERE
Israel: Chemical Warfare Cover-Up?
Yesterday CNN was running a story of a family from Tyre. In the attack that killed their father two Lebanese children had suffered what appeared to be chemical burns. The son, about 9 I think, had such a badly burned face he was hallucinating, I don't know if they thought he would survive, and his sister, 8 months old, had burns too. The mother was beside herself, but I believe uninjured. Well the doctor treating the children believed from the nature and smell of the burns that they had been attacked with phosphorous.
Mysteriously this report was scrubbed from CNN's site.
Last night, my cohort emailed a link to me, as he is oft to do, from Daily Kos.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/7/24/19592/6363
Well I sent this to my husband, who is always inclined to verify the information his commie pinko wife sends to him and found this lovely article...
http://www.uruknet.info/?p=m24989&l=i&size=1&hd=0
Unique weapons. Now there is a really special euphemism. They are quick to stress that white phosphorous is in compliance with international laws of confrontation, as long as it is used on a battlefield and not on civilians...I am sure that they can twist the evidence and logic to get away with this, after all, they are backed 100% by the Bush Administration, who is the leader in war crimes and atrocities.
Mysteriously this report was scrubbed from CNN's site.
Last night, my cohort emailed a link to me, as he is oft to do, from Daily Kos.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/7/24/19592/6363
Well I sent this to my husband, who is always inclined to verify the information his commie pinko wife sends to him and found this lovely article...
http://www.uruknet.info/?p=m24989&l=i&size=1&hd=0
Unique weapons. Now there is a really special euphemism. They are quick to stress that white phosphorous is in compliance with international laws of confrontation, as long as it is used on a battlefield and not on civilians...I am sure that they can twist the evidence and logic to get away with this, after all, they are backed 100% by the Bush Administration, who is the leader in war crimes and atrocities.
Big Bowl of Hate and Seething Rage Today
Well it is two weeks into the conflict between Israel and Lebanon, which has completely overshadowed the atrocities we are committing in Iraq (Bush has got to be loving this!) Yesterday reports of possible chemical weapons attacks being launched against Lebanon by Israel began to hit mainstream news...CNN anyway. If this is true how can we continue to support Israel? Oh right, we are the leaders in violating international law and standards of civility...haha forgot...right.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/07/24/damon/index.html
Late last night Governor Richardson was being interviewed by Anderson Cooper, making sense, talking about having a permanent middle east peace envoy, how that has been a part of every administration for decades except the current one. How Condi should have been in the region from the start and while supporting Israel he urged her to try to support the Lebanese government to aid them in marginalizing Hezbollah. He looked quite presidential, unlike that shaved ape in the White House. He didn't say "shit" once, and he seemed quite engaged in the situation. Please run, Bill.
Meanwhile, in Batshitcrazyville, the evangelicals are taking a responsible tone...
javascript:cnnPlayListVideo('/video/us/2006/07/25/gallagher.preparing.for.the.end.cnn','0')
Why aren't more people terrified by the notion of fundamentalists who believe in the destruction of the world, the destruction of people of opposing faiths, the revelation and the rapture being the ones in possession of the launch sequences? The "Left Behind Crowd" is in charge and clearly excited to be witness to the rapture.
Of course the biblethumping nutbags do have a point, the situation in the middle east, compounded with weather oddities and global disasters do feel pretty biblical in nature. But I am terrified that people who see the bible's predictions of the end times are in charge at the moment and may be trying to make manifest these predictions. Sorry, I am enjoying my life right now, and I want my children to have the same chance at a wonderful life, love and family.
I am going to start making and selling tinfoil hats, I think, on LTS. I figure I can support my eBay habit. If you want a tinfoil hat email me at caracompton11@comcast.net. 10% discount for liberal bloggers. Governor Richardson supporters get a 25% discount. Governor Richardson can have one for free.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/07/24/damon/index.html
Late last night Governor Richardson was being interviewed by Anderson Cooper, making sense, talking about having a permanent middle east peace envoy, how that has been a part of every administration for decades except the current one. How Condi should have been in the region from the start and while supporting Israel he urged her to try to support the Lebanese government to aid them in marginalizing Hezbollah. He looked quite presidential, unlike that shaved ape in the White House. He didn't say "shit" once, and he seemed quite engaged in the situation. Please run, Bill.
Meanwhile, in Batshitcrazyville, the evangelicals are taking a responsible tone...
javascript:cnnPlayListVideo('/video/us/2006/07/25/gallagher.preparing.for.the.end.cnn','0')
Why aren't more people terrified by the notion of fundamentalists who believe in the destruction of the world, the destruction of people of opposing faiths, the revelation and the rapture being the ones in possession of the launch sequences? The "Left Behind Crowd" is in charge and clearly excited to be witness to the rapture.
Of course the biblethumping nutbags do have a point, the situation in the middle east, compounded with weather oddities and global disasters do feel pretty biblical in nature. But I am terrified that people who see the bible's predictions of the end times are in charge at the moment and may be trying to make manifest these predictions. Sorry, I am enjoying my life right now, and I want my children to have the same chance at a wonderful life, love and family.
I am going to start making and selling tinfoil hats, I think, on LTS. I figure I can support my eBay habit. If you want a tinfoil hat email me at caracompton11@comcast.net. 10% discount for liberal bloggers. Governor Richardson supporters get a 25% discount. Governor Richardson can have one for free.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
"YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!!!!!"
Accused GIs: We Had Orders To Kill
4 Soldiers In Iraq Murder Case Claim Order To 'Kill All Military Age Males'
4 Soldiers In Iraq Murder Case Claim Order To 'Kill All Military Age Males'
(AP) Four U.S. soldiers accused of murdering suspected insurgents during a raid in Iraq said they were under orders to "kill all military age males," according to sworn statements obtained by The Associated Press.
The soldiers first took some of the men into custody because they were using two women and a toddler as human shields. They shot three of the men after the women and child were safe and say the men attacked them.....
Wow...now THAT is strategery.
Friday, July 21, 2006
Angela Merkel Gets Stiff (yikes) Competition
Ok this photo is from Bush's legendary veto moment, in which he made it public policy to more highly value the life of a few cells over the lives of sufferers of Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease and countless other deadly diseases. But look at the photo more closely...it is clear that stem cells were not on the mind of the Pretzeldent, he is seriously checking out that blonde! Sporting veto wood and a come hither look, Bush eyes his prize. Look out lady, he has groped before, he will grope again...
Acting on Instinct and a Hot Tip
Olerockytop...is that you??? I just love it when you puff up and stammer, "How dare you insinuate I am a homosexual!" Kills me everytime. Seriously, send on the vanity photos for your fans here at LTS!
Thursday, July 20, 2006
St. Louis in Tatters
This photo was taken on the block I called home until 10 months ago. That car belongs to my old handyman's mom.
The city of St. Louis was hit by a terrible storm last night, cutting off power to a half million people, many of whom were pretty marginal to begin with. St. Louis City has a very high poverty rate, and many of its poorest citizens are elderly. Compounding matters is today's forecast. High temperature of 102 F...actual, 118 F ...heat index. The real story could be the massive heat related deaths today.
I hope my friends are ok....
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Bush Vetos Expanding Stem Cell Research
Too stupid to really be President can't wrap his brain around the concept of saving actual lives, not just hypothetical ones.
My Daughter's Head in Governor's Commercial
The very pretty lady in the cowboy hat with the Governor is my best pal, Amanda. In the second scene the Governor is with school children and the very lovely long dark hair belongs to my sweet little girl, also named Amanda.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
The Definition of Tyranny
The Definition of Tyranny
By Bob Herbert
The New York Times
Published: July 17, 2006
Congress is dithering and the American public doesn't even seem particularly concerned as the administration of George W. Bush systematically trashes such fundamental American values as justice, due process, respect for human rights and submission to the rule of law.
In the kangaroo courts that the administration concocted to try detainees at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, a defendant could be prevented from seeing the evidence against him, would not have the right to attend his own trial and would not have the right to appeal the sentence to a civilian court.
That's slapstick justice, a process worthy of the Marx Brothers.
"You have been accused of being a terrorist."
"Where is the evidence?"
"We can't show it to you."
"That's ridiculous."
"So is this court. We find you guilty. Take him away."
The Supreme Court now says, in a vote that was closer than it should have been, that this sort of madness cannot be permitted. In its recent decision striking down the tribunals for terror suspects at Guantánamo, the court said of the defendant, Salim Ahmed Hamdan: "He will be, and indeed already has been, excluded from his own trial."
The court said, in effect, that this is not the American way, that ours is not a Marx Brothers republic. Not yet, anyway. (It most likely will be if Mr. Bush gets to appoint one or two more justices to the court.)
The Bush-Cheney regime believes it can do whatever outlandish things it wants, including torturing people and keeping them incarcerated for life without even the semblance of due process. And it's not giving up. The administration now wants Congress to authorize what the Supreme Court has plainly said was wrong. White House lawyers, in a torturous (pun intended) interpretation of the court's ruling, seem to be arguing that the kangaroo courts, otherwise known as military commissions, will be quite all right if only Congress will say so.
They're not all right. They're an abomination (like the secret C.I.A. prisons and the practice of extraordinary rendition) that spits in the face of the idea that the United States is a great and civilized nation.
"Can you imagine if the Hamdan decision, among others, had gone the other way?" said Michael Ratner, president of the Center for Constitutional Rights, which has been waging an extraordinary fight to secure basic legal protections for prisoners at Guantánamo. "I mean we'd be looking at a dark nightmare."
The court's decision brought into sharp relief the importance of one of the most fundamental aspects of American government, the separation of powers. Checks and balances. The judicial branch put a halt — a check — on a gruesomely illegal practice by the executive.
Mr. Bush has tried to scrap the very idea of checks and balances. The Republican-controlled Congress has, for the most part, rolled over like trained seals for the president. And Mr. Bush is trying mightily to pack the courts with right-wingers who will do the same. Under those circumstances, his will becomes law.
Justice John Paul Stevens, who wrote the majority opinion in the Hamdan case, referred to a seminal quote from James Madison. The entire quote is as follows: "The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny."
As the center noted in a recent report, "The U.S. government has employed every possible tactic to evade judicial review of its detention and interrogation practices in the Œwar on terror,' including allegations that U.S. personnel subject prisoners to torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment."
There is every reason to be alarmed about the wretched road that Bush, Cheney et al. are speeding along. It is as if they were following a route deliberately designed to undermine a great nation.
A lot of Americans are like spoiled rich kids who take their wealth for granted. Too many of us have forgotten — or never learned — the real value of the great American ideals. Too many are standing silently by as Mr. Bush and his cronies engage in the kind of tyrannical and uncivilized behavior that has brought so much misery — and ultimately ruin — to previous societies.
By Bob Herbert
The New York Times
Published: July 17, 2006
Congress is dithering and the American public doesn't even seem particularly concerned as the administration of George W. Bush systematically trashes such fundamental American values as justice, due process, respect for human rights and submission to the rule of law.
In the kangaroo courts that the administration concocted to try detainees at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, a defendant could be prevented from seeing the evidence against him, would not have the right to attend his own trial and would not have the right to appeal the sentence to a civilian court.
That's slapstick justice, a process worthy of the Marx Brothers.
"You have been accused of being a terrorist."
"Where is the evidence?"
"We can't show it to you."
"That's ridiculous."
"So is this court. We find you guilty. Take him away."
The Supreme Court now says, in a vote that was closer than it should have been, that this sort of madness cannot be permitted. In its recent decision striking down the tribunals for terror suspects at Guantánamo, the court said of the defendant, Salim Ahmed Hamdan: "He will be, and indeed already has been, excluded from his own trial."
The court said, in effect, that this is not the American way, that ours is not a Marx Brothers republic. Not yet, anyway. (It most likely will be if Mr. Bush gets to appoint one or two more justices to the court.)
The Bush-Cheney regime believes it can do whatever outlandish things it wants, including torturing people and keeping them incarcerated for life without even the semblance of due process. And it's not giving up. The administration now wants Congress to authorize what the Supreme Court has plainly said was wrong. White House lawyers, in a torturous (pun intended) interpretation of the court's ruling, seem to be arguing that the kangaroo courts, otherwise known as military commissions, will be quite all right if only Congress will say so.
They're not all right. They're an abomination (like the secret C.I.A. prisons and the practice of extraordinary rendition) that spits in the face of the idea that the United States is a great and civilized nation.
"Can you imagine if the Hamdan decision, among others, had gone the other way?" said Michael Ratner, president of the Center for Constitutional Rights, which has been waging an extraordinary fight to secure basic legal protections for prisoners at Guantánamo. "I mean we'd be looking at a dark nightmare."
The court's decision brought into sharp relief the importance of one of the most fundamental aspects of American government, the separation of powers. Checks and balances. The judicial branch put a halt — a check — on a gruesomely illegal practice by the executive.
Mr. Bush has tried to scrap the very idea of checks and balances. The Republican-controlled Congress has, for the most part, rolled over like trained seals for the president. And Mr. Bush is trying mightily to pack the courts with right-wingers who will do the same. Under those circumstances, his will becomes law.
Justice John Paul Stevens, who wrote the majority opinion in the Hamdan case, referred to a seminal quote from James Madison. The entire quote is as follows: "The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny."
As the center noted in a recent report, "The U.S. government has employed every possible tactic to evade judicial review of its detention and interrogation practices in the Œwar on terror,' including allegations that U.S. personnel subject prisoners to torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment."
There is every reason to be alarmed about the wretched road that Bush, Cheney et al. are speeding along. It is as if they were following a route deliberately designed to undermine a great nation.
A lot of Americans are like spoiled rich kids who take their wealth for granted. Too many of us have forgotten — or never learned — the real value of the great American ideals. Too many are standing silently by as Mr. Bush and his cronies engage in the kind of tyrannical and uncivilized behavior that has brought so much misery — and ultimately ruin — to previous societies.
Savage? Try Psychotic...
Common decency and the fact that my mother reads this blog prohibit me from going into great detail about my feelings for this feces flinging evil little shit monkey. I do not believe that there is another single individual whose vitriol is more toxic to our society than that of Michael Savage. That said, the right is sure full of toxic shit flinging monkies...
Robert Novak on Meet the Press
Jon Stewart, who is right about SOOOO many things, hit the nail on the head when he referred to Robert Novak as a "douchebag of liberty."
Monday, July 17, 2006
The Prophetic William Butler Yeats
The events of this last week in the middle east have left a line from a poem read long ago resonating in my head...I keep thinking "Things fall Apart, the centre cannot hold..." Well I looked the poem up and was pretty astonished with what I read...
The Second Coming by William Butler Yeats
TURNING and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.
Surely some revelation is at hand;
Surely the Second Coming is at hand.
The Second Coming! Hardly are those words out
When a vast image out of Spiritus Mundi
Troubles my sight: somewhere in sands of the desert
A shape with lion body and the head of a man,
A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun,
Is moving its slow thighs, while all about it
Reel shadows of the indignant desert birds.
The darkness drops again; but now I know
That twenty centuries of stony sleep
Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle,
And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,
Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?
The Second Coming by William Butler Yeats
TURNING and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.
Surely some revelation is at hand;
Surely the Second Coming is at hand.
The Second Coming! Hardly are those words out
When a vast image out of Spiritus Mundi
Troubles my sight: somewhere in sands of the desert
A shape with lion body and the head of a man,
A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun,
Is moving its slow thighs, while all about it
Reel shadows of the indignant desert birds.
The darkness drops again; but now I know
That twenty centuries of stony sleep
Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle,
And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,
Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?
Sunday, July 16, 2006
The Great Greg Palast on Why Democrats Don't Count
Watch "Florida con Salsa," Palast's 15-minute investigative report from Mexico City for Democracy Now!
The Exit polls said he won, but the "official" tally took his victory away. His supporters found they were scrubbed off voter rolls. Violence and intimidation kept even more of his voters away from the polls. Hundreds of thousands of ballots supposedly showed no choice for president -- like ballots with hanging chads.
And the officials in charge of this suspect election refused to re-count those votes in public. Everyone knew full well a fair count would certainly change the outcome.
You've heard this story before: Gore 2000. Kerry 2004.
But Lopez Obrador 2006 is made out of very different stuff than the scarecrow candidates who, oddly, call themselves "Democrats."
For six years now, I've had this crazy fantasy in my head. In it, an election is stolen and the guy who's declared the loser stands up in front of the White House and says three magic words: "Count the votes."
This past Saturday, my dream came true. Unfortunately, it was in Spanish -- but I'll take what I can get. There was Andreas Manuel Lopez Obrador, presidential challenger, standing in the "Zocalo" -- the square in front of Mexico's White House, telling the ruling clique inside, "Count the votes!"
Most important, his simple demand was echoed by half a million pissed-off, activated voters chanting with him, "Vota por vota!" -- vote by vote.
And you know what? I think they are going to have to listen. I suspect that the rulers of Mexico, a vicious, puffed-up, arrogant elite, may well have to count those votes. But, for that to happen, someone had to ask them to do it -- in no uncertain terms.
Traveling the USA, I'm asked again and again 'Why don't Democrats stand up when their elections are stolen?'
The answer: for the same reason jellyfish don't stand up... they're invertebrates.
I'm beginning to find that answer a bit too glib (though darn funny). Because it's not about electoral cojones; it's about a devotion to democracy deep in the bone. Yet weirdly, candidates that call themselves "Democrats" seem kind of, well, indifferent to democracy.
Why? Elections are the radical tool of the working class -- the great leveler of the powerless against the too-powerful. But the candidates themselves, both Republican and Democrat, tend to come from the privileged and pampered class. Votes are just the surfboards on which their ambitions ride.
Right now in Mexico's capitol, nearly a million ballots sit in tied bundles uncounted. That's four times the "official" margin of victory of the ruling party over Lopez Obrador. Supposedly, they're "votos nulos" -- null votes, unreadable. But, not surprisingly, when a few packets were opened, the majority of these supposedly unreadable votes were Lopez Obrador's.
If you think that's a Mexican game, think again. Because that's exactly what happened in Florida and Ohio.
In Florida, 179,855 ballots supposedly showed no vote for President. A closer look by the US Civil Rights Commission statisticians showed that 54% of those Florida "votos nulos" were cast by African-Americans. Did Black folk forget to vote for President, couldn't make up their minds or, as one TV network implied, were too dumb to figure out the ballot? Not at all. Machines can't count some ballots. But people can. For example, several voters wrote in, "Al Gore," which the machines rejected as his name was already printed on the ballot. The write-in could fool a machine but a human has no problem figuring out that voter's intent.
The National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago reviewed all 179,855 "uncountable" votes and found the majority attempted to choose Gore. And they would have been counted -- but Florida's Secretary of State, Katherine Harris, ordered a halt.
So Bush was elected not by counting the votes but by preventing their count. And he was reelected the same way in 2004 when a quarter million votes were nullified in Ohio.
But why fixate on Florida and Ohio? Here's a nasty little fact about voting in the Land of the Free not reported in your newspapers: 3,600,380 ballots were cast in the November 2004 presidential election that were never counted. In 2000, the uncounted ballots totaled just under two million.
And where were the Democrats? In 2004, behind the huge jump in uncounted votes was a mass challenge campaign aimed at poor, Black and Hispanic voters by the Republican Party -- pushing these voters, mostly Democrats, to "provisional ballots." They could have been counted, if someone had fought for it. Hundreds of lawyers were on stand-by but the head of the biggest legal team told me in confidence -- and in frustration -- that the Kerry campaign told them to stand down.
Recently, Al Gore was asked if the election of 2000 was stolen. "There may come a time when I speak on that, but it's not now," said the beta dog. (I suspect that if Al Gore were found bleeding in an alley, he'd answer the question, Who shot you? with "There may come a time when I speak on that...").
Lopez Obrador is of a different breed. At the rally last Saturday in Mexico City, he played video and audio tapes of the evidence of fraud on a screen eighty feet tall. Imagine if Gore had projected the "scrub sheets" of purged Black voters on a ten-story-high screen in front of the White House.
Lopez Obrador put political force behind his legal demands by calling on voters from every state in Mexico to march to the capital. Two million are expected to arrive this Sunday. The result: the word among the political classes is that the election may be annulled. Even the conservative Financial Times has warned Mexico's elite not to "fool itself" by ignoring the demand for a full vote count.
North-of-the-Border Democrats just don't get it. The Republican Party is pushing "provisional" ballots, pushing voter ID requirements, compiling secret challenge lists, scrubbing voter registries and selling us vote-nullifying ballot boxes: they get it completely. The GOP knows the key to their electoral domination is not in winning over their opponents' votes, but in not counting them.
The un-Gore of Mexico City has a lesson for the Blue-party gringos. Either the Democrats demand that all votes count, or the Democrats will count for nothing.
This is precisely why I would prefer Kerry and Gore stand down this go-around. While I agree with their positions to a large extent I am furious with them for accepting the "non-election" results. The time has come for someone with a spine to stand up to the criminal behavior of these opponents of democracy and say "Vota por vota!" Get up you jellyfish!
The Exit polls said he won, but the "official" tally took his victory away. His supporters found they were scrubbed off voter rolls. Violence and intimidation kept even more of his voters away from the polls. Hundreds of thousands of ballots supposedly showed no choice for president -- like ballots with hanging chads.
And the officials in charge of this suspect election refused to re-count those votes in public. Everyone knew full well a fair count would certainly change the outcome.
You've heard this story before: Gore 2000. Kerry 2004.
But Lopez Obrador 2006 is made out of very different stuff than the scarecrow candidates who, oddly, call themselves "Democrats."
For six years now, I've had this crazy fantasy in my head. In it, an election is stolen and the guy who's declared the loser stands up in front of the White House and says three magic words: "Count the votes."
This past Saturday, my dream came true. Unfortunately, it was in Spanish -- but I'll take what I can get. There was Andreas Manuel Lopez Obrador, presidential challenger, standing in the "Zocalo" -- the square in front of Mexico's White House, telling the ruling clique inside, "Count the votes!"
Most important, his simple demand was echoed by half a million pissed-off, activated voters chanting with him, "Vota por vota!" -- vote by vote.
And you know what? I think they are going to have to listen. I suspect that the rulers of Mexico, a vicious, puffed-up, arrogant elite, may well have to count those votes. But, for that to happen, someone had to ask them to do it -- in no uncertain terms.
Traveling the USA, I'm asked again and again 'Why don't Democrats stand up when their elections are stolen?'
The answer: for the same reason jellyfish don't stand up... they're invertebrates.
I'm beginning to find that answer a bit too glib (though darn funny). Because it's not about electoral cojones; it's about a devotion to democracy deep in the bone. Yet weirdly, candidates that call themselves "Democrats" seem kind of, well, indifferent to democracy.
Why? Elections are the radical tool of the working class -- the great leveler of the powerless against the too-powerful. But the candidates themselves, both Republican and Democrat, tend to come from the privileged and pampered class. Votes are just the surfboards on which their ambitions ride.
Right now in Mexico's capitol, nearly a million ballots sit in tied bundles uncounted. That's four times the "official" margin of victory of the ruling party over Lopez Obrador. Supposedly, they're "votos nulos" -- null votes, unreadable. But, not surprisingly, when a few packets were opened, the majority of these supposedly unreadable votes were Lopez Obrador's.
If you think that's a Mexican game, think again. Because that's exactly what happened in Florida and Ohio.
In Florida, 179,855 ballots supposedly showed no vote for President. A closer look by the US Civil Rights Commission statisticians showed that 54% of those Florida "votos nulos" were cast by African-Americans. Did Black folk forget to vote for President, couldn't make up their minds or, as one TV network implied, were too dumb to figure out the ballot? Not at all. Machines can't count some ballots. But people can. For example, several voters wrote in, "Al Gore," which the machines rejected as his name was already printed on the ballot. The write-in could fool a machine but a human has no problem figuring out that voter's intent.
The National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago reviewed all 179,855 "uncountable" votes and found the majority attempted to choose Gore. And they would have been counted -- but Florida's Secretary of State, Katherine Harris, ordered a halt.
So Bush was elected not by counting the votes but by preventing their count. And he was reelected the same way in 2004 when a quarter million votes were nullified in Ohio.
But why fixate on Florida and Ohio? Here's a nasty little fact about voting in the Land of the Free not reported in your newspapers: 3,600,380 ballots were cast in the November 2004 presidential election that were never counted. In 2000, the uncounted ballots totaled just under two million.
And where were the Democrats? In 2004, behind the huge jump in uncounted votes was a mass challenge campaign aimed at poor, Black and Hispanic voters by the Republican Party -- pushing these voters, mostly Democrats, to "provisional ballots." They could have been counted, if someone had fought for it. Hundreds of lawyers were on stand-by but the head of the biggest legal team told me in confidence -- and in frustration -- that the Kerry campaign told them to stand down.
Recently, Al Gore was asked if the election of 2000 was stolen. "There may come a time when I speak on that, but it's not now," said the beta dog. (I suspect that if Al Gore were found bleeding in an alley, he'd answer the question, Who shot you? with "There may come a time when I speak on that...").
Lopez Obrador is of a different breed. At the rally last Saturday in Mexico City, he played video and audio tapes of the evidence of fraud on a screen eighty feet tall. Imagine if Gore had projected the "scrub sheets" of purged Black voters on a ten-story-high screen in front of the White House.
Lopez Obrador put political force behind his legal demands by calling on voters from every state in Mexico to march to the capital. Two million are expected to arrive this Sunday. The result: the word among the political classes is that the election may be annulled. Even the conservative Financial Times has warned Mexico's elite not to "fool itself" by ignoring the demand for a full vote count.
North-of-the-Border Democrats just don't get it. The Republican Party is pushing "provisional" ballots, pushing voter ID requirements, compiling secret challenge lists, scrubbing voter registries and selling us vote-nullifying ballot boxes: they get it completely. The GOP knows the key to their electoral domination is not in winning over their opponents' votes, but in not counting them.
The un-Gore of Mexico City has a lesson for the Blue-party gringos. Either the Democrats demand that all votes count, or the Democrats will count for nothing.
This is precisely why I would prefer Kerry and Gore stand down this go-around. While I agree with their positions to a large extent I am furious with them for accepting the "non-election" results. The time has come for someone with a spine to stand up to the criminal behavior of these opponents of democracy and say "Vota por vota!" Get up you jellyfish!
Top 10 Signs You are a Fundamentalist Christian
10 - You vigorously deny the existence of thousands of gods claimed by other religions, but feel outraged when someone denies the existence of yours.
9 - You feel insulted and "dehumanized" when scientists say that people evolved from other life forms, but you have no problem with the Biblical claim that we were created from dirt.
8 - You laugh at polytheists, but you have no problem believing in a Triune God.
7 - Your face turns purple when you hear of the "atrocities" attributed to Allah, but you don't even flinch when hearing about how God/Jehovah slaughtered all the babies of Egypt in "Exodus" and ordered the elimination of entire ethnic groups in "Joshua" including women, children, and trees!
6 - You laugh at Hindu beliefs that deify humans, and Greek claims about gods sleeping with women, but you have no problem believing that the Holy Spirit impregnated Mary, who then gave birth to a man-god who got killed, came back to life and then ascended into the sky.
5 - You are willing to spend your life looking for little loopholes in the scientifically established age of Earth (few billion years), but you find nothing wrong with believing dates recorded by Bronze Age tribesmen sitting in their tents and guessing that Earth is a few generations old.
4 - You believe that the entire population of this planet with the exception of those who share your beliefs -- though excluding those in all rival sects - will spend Eternity in an infinite Hell of Suffering. And yet consider your religion the most "tolerant" and "loving."
3 - While modern science, history, geology, biology, and physics have failed to convince you otherwise, some idiot rolling around on the floor speaking in "tongues" may be all the evidence you need to "prove" Christianity.
2 - You define 0.01% as a "high success rate" when it comes to answered prayers. You consider that to be evidence that prayer works. And you think that the remaining 99.99% FAILURE was simply the will of God.
1 - You actually know a lot less than many atheists and agnostics do about the Bible, Christianity, and church history - but still call yourself a Christian.
9 - You feel insulted and "dehumanized" when scientists say that people evolved from other life forms, but you have no problem with the Biblical claim that we were created from dirt.
8 - You laugh at polytheists, but you have no problem believing in a Triune God.
7 - Your face turns purple when you hear of the "atrocities" attributed to Allah, but you don't even flinch when hearing about how God/Jehovah slaughtered all the babies of Egypt in "Exodus" and ordered the elimination of entire ethnic groups in "Joshua" including women, children, and trees!
6 - You laugh at Hindu beliefs that deify humans, and Greek claims about gods sleeping with women, but you have no problem believing that the Holy Spirit impregnated Mary, who then gave birth to a man-god who got killed, came back to life and then ascended into the sky.
5 - You are willing to spend your life looking for little loopholes in the scientifically established age of Earth (few billion years), but you find nothing wrong with believing dates recorded by Bronze Age tribesmen sitting in their tents and guessing that Earth is a few generations old.
4 - You believe that the entire population of this planet with the exception of those who share your beliefs -- though excluding those in all rival sects - will spend Eternity in an infinite Hell of Suffering. And yet consider your religion the most "tolerant" and "loving."
3 - While modern science, history, geology, biology, and physics have failed to convince you otherwise, some idiot rolling around on the floor speaking in "tongues" may be all the evidence you need to "prove" Christianity.
2 - You define 0.01% as a "high success rate" when it comes to answered prayers. You consider that to be evidence that prayer works. And you think that the remaining 99.99% FAILURE was simply the will of God.
1 - You actually know a lot less than many atheists and agnostics do about the Bible, Christianity, and church history - but still call yourself a Christian.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
We're Out of What???
In a week of bad news, followed by really bad news, followed by soul crushingly terrible news there is this staggering little piece from the financial sector...
Apparently, we are indeed going to hell, but we can no longer afford the handbasket.
Apparently, we are indeed going to hell, but we can no longer afford the handbasket.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Governor Richardson to Join Heavy Hitters
Can't send a link because you have to subscribe to the Albuquerque Journal online to read it anyway, so I will just read it for you...
Governor Bill Richardson is scheduled to attend two big Democratic Party events this month, designed to showcase the "Who's Who" in the party. Richardson will be the featured dinner speaker July 22 at the biggest fundraiser for the Florida Democratic Party, then he is off to Denver for the Democratic Leadership Council's conference.
Other big party peeps to attend the events include Hillary Clinton, Chris Dodd, Wesley Clark, Evan Bayh, and Tom Vilsack.
Governor Richardson is running for re-election this year in my lovely home state of New Mexico, but it is widely speculated that he is also seeking the Presidency in 2008. I certainly hope this bears out, Governor Richardson's incredible record of public service, sterling resume, and unmatched diplomatic skills may be all that can bring our country back to it's pre-Shrub greatness.
Richardson Takes Snow to the Woodshed
In a snarky little press conference Monday, Tony Snow accused Bill Richardson of being a sycophantic wimp, bringing "flowers and chocolates and lightwater nuclear reactors" to North Korea in an attempt to negotiate a peace treaty, implying that the Bush Administration has done much better with its diplomatic achievements. Richarson fires back that Snow has it wrong (the hell you say?!?!?!? Tony Snow never gets it wrong, and I am going to chop my fingers off now.) saying Madeleine Albright brought the chocolates, Ambassador Robert Galucci brought the reactors." Governor Richardson, though, went in there and brought back our downed pilot...
"I negotiated the release of a downed pilot and a political prisoner and handled a number of diplomatic chores for the administration," Richardson said. "And let's not forget that the president provided a plane for me last October so I could travel to Pyongyang to meet with the North Koreans, conversations that resulted in the North Korean delegation returning to the negotiating table.
"This shows how ungrateful the administration is, despite the progress we were able to make during that visit," Richardson said.
What it really shows is that the Bush administration lacks any ability to secure peace through diplomacy, or to give credit where credit is due.
"I negotiated the release of a downed pilot and a political prisoner and handled a number of diplomatic chores for the administration," Richardson said. "And let's not forget that the president provided a plane for me last October so I could travel to Pyongyang to meet with the North Koreans, conversations that resulted in the North Korean delegation returning to the negotiating table.
"This shows how ungrateful the administration is, despite the progress we were able to make during that visit," Richardson said.
What it really shows is that the Bush administration lacks any ability to secure peace through diplomacy, or to give credit where credit is due.
Don Williams Gives the Devil His Due
Recently the Bush Administration has made some changes...
Behold the mighty changes!
Call me a cynic, but I don't trust this man has "come to Jesus" about his misdeeds and is trying to make amends. I think Karl Rove has seen the handwriting on the wall. Americans are enraged over the actions of the administration and is ready to mete out revenge on the republicans trying to hold onto Congress. Rove knows that if they go down so does he and his evil little puppet. It is time to make the Rethuglicans look good, even if it means taking their hands out of the cookie jar (after all, they have stockpiled enough cookies in their little hidey holes to see them through til November.)
Sadly, they will probably start scaring the sheep again with Mexican lesbian couples sneaking over the border to marry and deliver their anchor babies, so they can steal the jobs of Joe Average and burn our flag while threatening the institution of marriage. I expect the Kool-Aid is already being doled out in churches, though I don't frequent those halls of deception anymore.
It is all too sad, this desperate maneuvering to retain power for the gain of the few. What is sadder is that the many are so eager to hand that power over....
Behold the mighty changes!
Call me a cynic, but I don't trust this man has "come to Jesus" about his misdeeds and is trying to make amends. I think Karl Rove has seen the handwriting on the wall. Americans are enraged over the actions of the administration and is ready to mete out revenge on the republicans trying to hold onto Congress. Rove knows that if they go down so does he and his evil little puppet. It is time to make the Rethuglicans look good, even if it means taking their hands out of the cookie jar (after all, they have stockpiled enough cookies in their little hidey holes to see them through til November.)
Sadly, they will probably start scaring the sheep again with Mexican lesbian couples sneaking over the border to marry and deliver their anchor babies, so they can steal the jobs of Joe Average and burn our flag while threatening the institution of marriage. I expect the Kool-Aid is already being doled out in churches, though I don't frequent those halls of deception anymore.
It is all too sad, this desperate maneuvering to retain power for the gain of the few. What is sadder is that the many are so eager to hand that power over....
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Valerie Plame Sues Cheney, Libby and Rove
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The CIA officer whose identity was leaked to reporters sued Vice President Dick Cheney, his former top aide and presidential adviser Karl Rove on Thursday, accusing them and other White House officials of conspiring to destroy her career.
More...
I hope she is awarded enormous damages.
More...
I hope she is awarded enormous damages.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Liberaltruthsayer's Letter to Jack Cafferty
On today's Cafferty File segment of The Situation Room on CNN Jack Cafferty asked the question: Should President Bush use his first veto against a stem-cell bill?
Well I was delighted that he read my email! I wrote:
He shouldn't, but he will...
I am sure Bush and the Republicans are terrified that through stem-cell research they will find a cure for stupid, hastening the death of the Republican party.
Yeah, it was snarky, but you gotta admit there is a lot of truth there too!
Thom Hartmann: Why is Bush Spying on Democrats
Another excellent piece by Thom Hartmann...
Somewhere there is a man in black reading my emails, IM's and blogs and compiling a file...
They say illegal wiretapping is the most sincere form of flattery!
Somewhere there is a man in black reading my emails, IM's and blogs and compiling a file...
They say illegal wiretapping is the most sincere form of flattery!
Top 100 Executives by Compensation
Well this is the most depressing stuff I have ever read, including my Sylvia Plath phase. My name didn't make the list, but then I haven't linked my Liberaltruthsayer to Paypal...
Gotta stack cheese!
Gotta stack cheese!
Monday, July 10, 2006
Ladies and Gentlemen...Start Your Shredders!!!
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A federal judge on Monday upheld the FBI's unprecedented raid of a congressional office, saying that barring searches of lawmakers' offices would turn Capitol Hill into "a taxpayer-subsidized sanctuary for crime."
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas F. Hogan rejected requests from lawmakers and Rep. William Jefferson to return material seized by the FBI in a May 20-21 search of Jefferson's office.
MORE...
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas F. Hogan rejected requests from lawmakers and Rep. William Jefferson to return material seized by the FBI in a May 20-21 search of Jefferson's office.
MORE...
Another Joke from a Reader
George Bush goes to a primary school to talk about the war. After his talk he offers question time. One little boy puts up his hand and George asks him what is his name?"Billy", responds the little boy. "And what is your question, Billy?""I have 3 questions. First, why did the USA invade Iraq without the support of the UN? Second, why are you President when Al Gore got morevotes? And third, whatever happened to Osama Bin Laden?"
Just then the bell rings for recess. George Bush informs the kiddiesthat they will continue after recess. When they resume George says, "OK, where were we? Oh that's right - question time. Who has a question?" Another little boy puts up his hand. George points him out and asks him what his name is. "Steve", he responds. "And what is your question, Steve?" "I have 5 questions. First, why did the USA invade Iraq without the support of the UN? Second, why are you President when Al Gore got more votes? Third, whatever happened to Osama Bin Laden? Fourth, why did the recess bell go off 20 minutes early? And fifth, what the fuck happened to Billy?"
Just then the bell rings for recess. George Bush informs the kiddiesthat they will continue after recess. When they resume George says, "OK, where were we? Oh that's right - question time. Who has a question?" Another little boy puts up his hand. George points him out and asks him what his name is. "Steve", he responds. "And what is your question, Steve?" "I have 5 questions. First, why did the USA invade Iraq without the support of the UN? Second, why are you President when Al Gore got more votes? Third, whatever happened to Osama Bin Laden? Fourth, why did the recess bell go off 20 minutes early? And fifth, what the fuck happened to Billy?"
From Wikipedia
Liberalism is an ideology, philosophical view, and political tradition which holds that liberty is the primary political value.[1] Broadly speaking, liberalism seeks a society characterized by freedom of thought for individuals, limitations on power, especially of government and religion, the rule of law, the free exchange of ideas, a market economy that supports relatively free private enterprise, and a transparent system of government in which the rights of minorities are protected. [2] In modern society, liberals favour a liberal democracy with open and fair elections, where all citizens have equal rights by law and an equal opportunity to succeed[3]. Liberalism rejected many foundational assumptions which dominated most earlier theories of government, such as the Divine Right of Kings, hereditary status, and established religion. Fundamental human rights that all liberals support include the right to life, liberty, and property. In many countries, "modern" liberalism differs from classical liberalism by asserting that government provision of some minimal level of material well-being takes priority over freedom from taxation. Liberalism has its roots in the Western Enlightenment, but the term now encompasses a diversity of political thought, with adherents spanning a large part of the political spectrum, from left to right. In the context of economics, the term "liberalism" refers to economic liberalism, which is associated with the political ideology of liberalism itself.
A broader use of the term liberalism is in the context of liberal democracy (see also constitutionalism). In this sense of the word, it refers to a democracy in which the powers of government are limited and the rights of citizens are legally defined; this applies to nearly all Western democracies, and therefore is not solely associated with liberal parties.
A broader use of the term liberalism is in the context of liberal democracy (see also constitutionalism). In this sense of the word, it refers to a democracy in which the powers of government are limited and the rights of citizens are legally defined; this applies to nearly all Western democracies, and therefore is not solely associated with liberal parties.
This Week in Delusional...
Fox's Colby: "[W]hy would North Korea push our buttons ... when they know -- they can see in Iraq -- when we come in, we get the job done?"
Good God, it seems that Faux News actually BELIEVES the bullshit spin.
It is worth noting that Jamie Colby has the product endorsement gig for Kool-Aid.
Good God, it seems that Faux News actually BELIEVES the bullshit spin.
It is worth noting that Jamie Colby has the product endorsement gig for Kool-Aid.
Top 10 Christian Conservative Powerbrokers
The ususal suspects are here, Falwell, Robertson, Dobson and the whole rapture crowd....Thanks again to Alternet for all their truthiness.
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