Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Greetings from Omaha!



After 20+ years of living in San Diego County, I can confidently assert that Omaha weather sucks!




If it were not for my enduring fondness, affection and respect for family (and I really love my extended family!), life-long friends, a decent steak, there is really nothing that would bring me back.




In Nebraska, one can count on two good months per year... One in the Fall and one in the Spring. (Apparently I am in possesion of a faulty calender! This is the lousiest last week of May ever!)




Plains farmers are an unusual people; as a "city boy" from Omaha (Creighton Prep, Class of '70) I did not get to know them until I married one of their women-folk. Let's just say that I am wiser and poorer for the experience. A hard-scrabble race live here. They are stouter than I.




Sadly, I find they are still fond of Bush and feel he is simply mis-understood by the "others" (such as Liberals, Progressives and people who don't venerate Faux News) who like to complicate things. As I've said, my folks are a simple people. Complexity is Satan's work. Nuance is hard... Black and White is easy.




Seeing my nieces and nephews so infequently over the years, the changes are startling. Life stops for no one. The years go by like slats on a picket fence one passes at an ever increasing speed. (Damn Relativity! I still feel young!)




However, quality tells in the long run, and I see only good futures ahead. Bumps and dents, sure, but in the long run, we're golden. (Never go against the family!).




Pundits have heralded the demise of the world for centuries and more. We're all still here. Life DOES go on, one way or another. Perhaps we worry too much.



When this is the face of the future, how can we go wrong?




Catch you later.....

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Greetings From Nebraska !


On vacation this week to see family "back home". Postings may be sparse, photos may appear, we'll see. Winging it all the way. Grillin' n chillin'.


Catch you later.....

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

John McCain Sounds Like Al Gore? (just kidding!)

A video contrast between intentional and unintentional humor.

Catch you later.....

Al Gore Message at Current.com



Video from Al Gore about changing direction. See comments and more videos at Current.com.

Can you imagine how different (better) things would be today had the Repugs not stolen the 2000 election?

Imagine that 9/11 had been thwarted, that the surplus was huge, that the world was more peaceful, imagine so much more. We wuz robbed!

Now enjoy the next post (see above)

Catch you later.....

Jay Leno, I apologize.


If you read the previous post, I made fun of an Email I received purporting to be the comments of comedian Jay Leno. As noted at the end, I was skeptical that the comments were truly his. After trying unsuccessfully to find any mention of it on Snopes, I went ahead and hit "Publish".


Well, my skepticism was well founded. A reader left the link I couldn't find showing that, indeed, Jay Leno was NOT responsible for the comments sent to me.


Courtesy of Zeno, here's the link:


Thank you Zeno, for helping me get it right.


Mr. Leno, I apologize.


To the true author, Craig R. Smith, you are the schmuck I was making fun of. Pfffttt!


Catch you later.....

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Jay Leno - American Idiot ?


I received the following as an Email from someone who shan't be named. (You know who you are!)


No matter what your political convictions are this is an eye opener.

What a thankless people we are!!!

Subject: Jay Leno on President Bush (Surprising)

Jay Leno wrote this; it's the Jay Leno we don't often see....

"As most of you know I am not a President Bush fan, nor have I ever been, but this is not about Bush, it is about us, as Americans, and it seems to hit the mark. 'The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some Poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right?



The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, 'What are we so unhappy about?''

A.. Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week?


A) No, it's because the Bush administration is squandering limited resources necessary to provide the above and seeing to it that we pay through the nose for what few resources remain. All the profits then go to the Paris Hilton crowd.

B.. Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?


B) See above response.

C. Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?


C) No, it's because two and three jobs are needed to maintain a diminishing standard of living. When I grew up as a middle-class kid, none of the moms needed to work and the dads were able to provide on a much shorter work week.

D. Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?


D) Jeebus, have you seen what has happened to grocery prices lately? Jay's personal shopper needn't worry. You and me? I thought so.

E.. Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state?


E) Yeah, if you can afford the effing gas! (And remember, Homeland Security is planning national ID's for all.) Sure is easy and cheap to fly, too!

F.. Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?


F) Maybe you would like to stay in one the new tent cities springing up all over the country to house the victims of predatory lenders?

G.. I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough either.


G) Genetically modified food, E. Coli, shrinking portions, rising prices; and don't forget the cost of the fuel to get to one of these fine establishments, either.

H. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.


H) If you're lucky enough, you can afford insurance to pay for it all, if not , you'll lose your home. Bankruptcy? Forget it. Bush and his oligarchs will see to it your grandkids are still paying.

I.. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home.


I) Perhaps you're lucky enough to NOT owe more than it's worth. This real estate crisis brought on by Bush's predatory lending pals has begun to speed up America's decline across the board.

J.. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames, thus saving you, your family, and your belongings.


J) Yeah, like the way the SoCal wildfires were handled so well last year. (Snark!) Hey, San Diego County, how's that rebuilding coming along? New Orleans, love your new look. (More Snark!)

K.. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.


K) No, CSI will come by to examine your remains (Since I'm packin', it will probably be the intruder's remains. But then a corrupt Repugnicant DA will get me for homicide to run a law and order re-election campaign).

L.. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers.


L) Like Japan, England, Denmark, Australia, etc. ? I hope they know how much they owe Bush. (Has Jay Leno ever taken a course in logic or semantics? History? Econ?)

M.. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world?


M) Complete freedom to question the Holocaust, Evolution, Muslims, the shape of the planet? Freedom for white, christian, conservative males of certain means maybe. And I want my Habeas Corpus, Bill of Rights and private communications back while we're at it.


Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy.


No, Jay, you've completely mis-read the mood of the country.


We are a good people who've found out we've been screwed, blued and tattooed by an ignorant, greedy, unsympathetic, war-mongering chicken hawk who only cares about his “base” and has no empathy for the common American.


We are embarrassed by a President who has diminished our standing in the world, emptied our common treasury for personal aggrandizement, driven a wedge into the heart of America for personal political gain and treated our Constitution as if it were bathroom tissue.

Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S., yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?

Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day. Make no mistake about it.

The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an 'other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.

So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans?

Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by 'justifying' them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like OJ. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane!

Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative.' 'With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, 'Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?'
Jay Leno



I don't need this B.S. from a multi-zillionaire who lives the privileged life of a top one-percenter.


Bush and his cronies deserve prosecution, conviction and stiff, stiff sentencing.


Bush believes in America from the top down.


I believe in America from the bottom up.


I prefer the smarter, edgier humor of Letterman. So there. Bleah!




Catch You Later.....

UPDATE: Teaser just now for local newscast: "The plan for ambulances to get your credit card number... Up front." KNSD-TV Channel 39, San Diego

UPDATE II: Seems I was right to be skeptical, see next post

Monday, May 19, 2008

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Science vs. Pseudoscience



Scientific method refers to the body of techniques for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. It is based on gathering observable, empirical and measurable evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning.[1] A scientific method consists of the collection of data through observation and experimentation, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses.[2]


Pseudoscience is defined as a body of knowledge, methodology, belief, or practice that is claimed to be scientific or made to appear scientific, but does not adhere to the scientific method,[2][3][4] lacks supporting evidence or plausibility,[5] or otherwise lacks scientific status.

PZ Myers notes yet another attempt by clueless pols to pass an "Academic Freedom" bill. If only their intelligence were a fraction of their persistence.

Catch you later.....

Thursday, May 15, 2008

California Supreme Court Lifts Ban on Gay Marriage




I take no position on what consenting adults do in the privacy of their own homes. It is, indeed, a most fundamental right.


The LBGT community has every right to be as miserable as the rest of us. Best wishes.


The really anticipated fun here will be watching the Churchies and their allies as their heads explode.


Those damn Repugnicant appointed, activist judges! How dare they!


ROTFLMAO!


Catch you later.....

Bush is a Schmuck!




I believe the word was Bullshit.

Vito Corleone famously said... "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer."

Are they really going with the idea that communication is a bad thing?

Catch you later.....

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

GOP and the writing on the wall.


Democrats Sweep Special Elections from HuffPo (Mike Luckovich Cartoon)


Boehner May Be in Some Trouble from Crooks and Liars

The GOP's chickens have come home to roost.

Sweet, delicious schadenfreude.

I look forward to much, much more payback in the fall.

Rove may get one-party rule after all, he's just not invited to the party.

Catch you later.....

Keith Olbermann KO's Bush!



Don't sugar-coat it Keith, tell us how you really feel.

When they cut to Dan Abrams the look on his face was priceless!

President Obama should name K.O. Attorney General.

Catch you later.....

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Honest McCain Campaign Poster - see previous post


Catch you later.....

Secret McCain Campaign Slogan Memo Leaked: #5 The White Candidate!




From Lee Camp, found on Crooks and Liars.

I still can't believe the number of people I talk to who cannot, under any circumstances, see themselves voting for a mixed-race man or a woman.

The sad thing about the above parody is that way too many of the punch lines seem like good reasons to a significant number of the electorate.

Maybe I worry too much.

Catch you later.....

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Shame of a Nation: BBC | Americas | Georgia death row inmate executed


BBC NEWS Americas Georgia death row inmate executed

"...States began using the injections in 1978 as an alternative to previously used methods of execution such as electrocution.


Concerns were raised about lethal injection recently when it was discovered that some prisoners were taking up to 30 minutes to die instead of 15.


A 2005 study also sparked controversy by suggesting the amount of sedation given might not be enough to stop the inmate feeling the painful effects of the other drugs - but would prevent him crying out..."

22 states prohibit Veteranarians from using this method to "euthanize" pets.

Not to mention those innocents that have surely been executed by the state.

I'm not too proud, you?

Catch you later.....

John McCain: Maverick? - Washington Bureau




A senior adviser to John McCain says the Republican presidential candidate’s campaign is now talking with senior White House staff everyday.


President Bush and McCain, former GOP rivals, “have an excellent relationship,” Charlie Black said at a lunch hosted by the Christian Science Monitor.


Black said McCain is “not a protégé” of President Bush and would not be an extension of Bush’s presidency as Democrats have claimed.


He cited McCain’s differences with Bush on federal spending and the initial war strategy, but was clear that Bush’s White House team is helping the presumptive Republican nominee at every turn of the campaign.


Black said the White House got a “head’s up” earlier this week before McCain called out Bush for his poor handling of hurricane Katrina in 2005...


Oh, John, you're such a maverick!


All aboard the Double Talk Express!


Sheesh, catch you later.....

Voter Fraud Prevented: Indiana nuns lacking ID denied at poll by fellow sister - Yahoo! News


Indiana nuns lacking ID denied at poll by fellow sister - Yahoo! News

About 12 Indiana nuns were turned away Tuesday from a polling place by a fellow sister because they didn't have state or federal identification bearing a photograph.

Sister Julie McGuire said she was forced to turn away her fellow members of Saint Mary's Convent in South Bend, across the street from the University of Notre Dame, because they had been told earlier that they would need such an ID to vote.


Are you as happy as I am that the Indiana Republican Party has put an end to the shennanigans of these rogue "Brides of Christ" and their evil plan to subvert democracy?


Catch you later.....

Monday, May 5, 2008

Futility




I used to have an invisible friend, too...

RAmen, catch you later.....

Sunday, May 4, 2008

OLD BUTCH - A Fable for our Time?


Here's a little nugget from my Inbox, courtesy of Judy Lou...


John, the farmer, was in the fertilized egg business. He had several hundred young layers (hens), also called "pullets," and ten roosters, whose job it was to fertilize the eggs.



The farmer kept records, and any rooster that didn't perform went into the soup pot and was replaced. That took an awful lot of his time, so he bought a set of tiny bells and attached them to his roosters. Each bell had a different tone so John could tell from a distance which rooster was performing. Now he could sit on the porch and fill out an efficiency report simply by listening to the bells.



The farmer's favorite rooster was old Butch, a very fine specimen. But on this particular morning, John noticed old Butch's bell hadn't rung at all. John went to investigate. The other roosters were chasing pullets all over the place with bells-a-ringing. The pullets, upon hearing the roosters coming, would run for cover.



But to Farmer John's amazement, old Butch had his bell in his beak, so it couldn't ring. He'd sneak up on a pullet, do his job and walk on to the next one.



John was so proud of old Butch, he entered him in the Renfrew County Fair, and he became an overnight sensation among the judges.



The result . . . The judges not only awarded old Butch the No Bell Piece Prize, but they awarded him the Pulletsurprise as well.



Clearly old Butch was a politician in the making: Who else but a politician could figure out how to win two of the most highly coveted awards on our planet by being the best at sneaking up on the populace and screwing them when they weren't paying attention.



The Moral: Vote carefully this year . . . the bells are not always audible!


Maybe we should call the farmer Butch and the wily rooster Old John.

Catch you later.....

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Break-ins plague targets of US Attorneys by RAW STORY - Hunt and Liddy's Excellent Adventures, Part II?




The Permanent Republican Majority Part VI


MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – In two states where US attorneys are already under fire for serious allegations of political prosecutions, seven people associated with three federal cases have experienced 10 suspicious incidents including break-ins and arson.



These crimes raise serious questions about possible use of deliberate intimidation tactics not only because of who the victims are and the already wide criticism of the prosecutions to begin with, but also because of the suspicious nature of each incident individually as well as the pattern collectively. Typically burglars do not break-into an office or private residence only to rummage through documents, for example, as is the case with most of the burglaries in these two federal cases....


You should take a few moments to read this excellent article, part of a series, that tells you all you need to know about the soul of the GOP.


Nothing to be learned at all from the Watergate scandals, no parallels, nothing to see here, move along. No need for sworn statements, just a little coincidence here, nothing more.


Yeah, right...


Catch you later.....

Thursday, May 1, 2008

General Happy Swellspin - (Ret.) | Mark Fiore's Animated Cartoon Site


General Happy Swellspin - (Ret.) Mark Fiore's Animated Cartoon Site

Hmmm... Haven't seen Couric or Williams covering this story, have we?

Catch you later......

Four More Years...




This is what we're going to get if the internecine warfare in the party goes on.

Hillary, you're doin' a heck of a job, but...

For the good of country, for the good of party, smell the coffee!

Let the real battle begin!

Catch you later.....