(click image for larger view) From:
http://www.viruscomix.com/takethetightrope.jpg
Tomorrow is Monday...again!
Catch you later.....
Sunday, March 30, 2008
The Circle of Life
(click image for larger view) From:
http://www.viruscomix.com/takethetightrope.jpg
Tomorrow is Monday...again!
Catch you later.....
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Top Ten Reasons Stephen Colbert Should Support Obama
Cute girl, not sure what make of the rest of it, though.
Catch you later.....
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Dream Ticket
After Sens. Clinton and Obama render each other unelectable, maybe a brokered convention will consider this alternative...
Al Gore / Bill Bradley
Tan, rested and ready!
Catch you later.....
Monday, March 24, 2008
Bush Fatigue
After 7 years of increasingly depressing, outrageous stunts from this sorry excuse for an administration, I've finally succumbed to emotional fatigue.
When reading, then hearing how it is poor George who is bearing a disproportionate burden from 5 years of illegal war, I should have erupted in outrage.
When an Olympic-caliber jackass like Cheney responds to overwhelming public sentiment in a democracy with a "So?", my head should have exploded.
When pondering the toll of this foreign policy cluster-f@#k on lives and the economy of our once great nation, my soul should ache.
Instead I seem capable of nothing more than rocking back and forth, groaning as if in pain and asking "How? How?".
How is it that the Dem's are capable only of family squabbles?
How can the Repugnicant be leading in the polls?
How can the press continue to abandon their most serious responsibility in favor of chasing pantless heiresses and covering cornflake auctions?
How do those doing most of the fighting, dying, working, paying, sacrificing just sit and take it without storming the palace gates?
Are you better off now that seven years ago? Thought not.
Where will this country be in five years? Ten? Fifty?
Are you looking forward to producing your papers to the authorities to travel? Vote?
Are you OK with Big Brother monitoring your most personal, private communications?
Are you happy that most of the work you do enriches others more than yourself?
Thought not.
Well, what are you going to do about it?
Catch you later.....
Sunday, March 23, 2008
US death toll in Iraq war hits 4,000 - Yahoo! News
Another milestone in the single biggest foreign policy blunder in American history.
All done on the cheap with borrowed money.
Courtesy of the worst administration in my lifetime.
Feeling safer?
Yeah, me too.
Catch you later.....
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Argument: Creationism vs Evolution in 60 Sec.
Now that's rational discourse (w/ a IDiot)
Catch you later.....
Friday, March 21, 2008
NOVA | Intelligent Design on Trial | PBS - Blog Against Theocracy!
From last November, the story of Kitzmiller et al V. Dover
The following excerpts from the Judge's 130+ page decision sum it all up nicely:
ID is not science
After a searching review of the record and applicable case law, we find that while intelligent design arguments may be true, a proposition on which the Court takes no position, intelligent design is not science.
We find that intelligent design fails on three different levels, any one of which is sufficient to preclude a determination that intelligent design is science. They are:
(1) intelligent design violates the centuries-old ground rules of science by invoking and permitting supernatural causation;
(2) the argument of irreducible complexity, central to intelligent design, employs the same flawed and illogical contrived dualism that doomed creation science in the 1980s; and
(3) intelligent design's negative attacks on evolution have been refuted by the scientific community. It is additionally important to note that intelligent design has failed to gain acceptance in the scientific community, it has not generated peer-reviewed publications, nor has it been the subject of testing and research.
ID is the progeny of creationism
The evidence at trial demonstrates that intelligent design is nothing less than the progeny of creationism.
What is likely the strongest evidence supporting the finding of intelligent design's creationist nature is the history and historical pedigree of the book to which students in Dover's ninth-grade biology class are referred, Of Pandas and People.
Pandas is published by an organization called FTE, as noted, whose articles of incorporation and filings with the Internal Revenue Service describe it as a religious, Christian organization. Pandas was written by Dean Kenyon and Percival Davis, both acknowledged creationists, and Nancy Pearcey, a Young Earth Creationist, contributed to the work.
Evolutionary theory is not antithetical to religion
Both Defendants and many of the leading proponents of intelligent design make a bedrock assumption which is utterly false. Their presupposition is that evolutionary theory is antithetical to a belief in the existence of a supreme being and to religion in general.
Repeatedly in this trial, Plaintiffs' scientific experts testified that the theory of evolution represents good science, is overwhelmingly accepted by the scientific community, and that it in no way conflicts with, nor does it deny, the existence of a divine creator.
The disclaimer Dover wanted read to students is flawed
The disclaimer written by the Dover School Board singles out the theory of evolution for special treatment, misrepresents its status in the scientific community, causes students to doubt its validity without scientific justification, presents students with a religious alternative masquerading as a scientific theory, directs them to consult a creationist text as though it were a science resource, and instructs students to forego scientific inquiry in the public school classroom and instead to seek out religious instruction elsewhere.
The goal of the ID movement is to foment a revolution
Intelligent design, as noted, is grounded in theology, not science. Accepting for the sake of argument its proponents' as well as Defendants' argument that to introduce intelligent design to students will encourage critical thinking, it still has utterly no place in a science curriculum.
Moreover, intelligent design's backers have sought to avoid the scientific scrutiny which we have now determined that it cannot withstand by advocating that the controversy, but not intelligent design itself, should be taught in science class.
This tactic is at best disingenuous, and at worst a canard. The goal of the intelligent-design movement is not to encourage critical thought but to foment a revolution which would supplant evolutionary theory with intelligent design.
It is unconstitutional to teach ID as an alternative to evolution
We do not question that many of the leading advocates of intelligent design have bona fide and deeply held beliefs which drive their scholarly endeavors. Nor do we controvert that intelligent design should continue to be studied, debated, and discussed. As stated, our conclusion today is that it is unconstitutional to teach intelligent design as an alternative to evolution in a public school science classroom.
Pharyngula: EXPELLED!
This is just too rich!
P.Z. Myers has a terrific blog (see my Blogroll), the go-to place for sanity in re science and theology.
If you've been a regular reader of Pharyngula, you are aware of a little movie called:
EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed, which features Prof. Myers in interviews obtained under false pretenses.
Prof. Myers went to a pre-release screening of the movie last night at Minnesota's Mall of America. Here's the story:
"I went to attend a screening of the creationist propaganda movie, Expelled, a few minutes ago. Well, I tried … but I was Expelled!...
...I'm still laughing though. You don't know how hilarious this is. Not only is it the extreme hypocrisy of being expelled from their Expelled movie, but there's another layer of amusement. Deep, belly laugh funny. Yeah, I'd be rolling around on the floor right now, if I weren't so dang dignified...
...They singled me out and evicted me, but they didn't notice my guest. They let him go in escorted by my wife and daughter. I guess they didn't recognize him. My guest was …
Richard Dawkins."
Richard Dawkins."
I'm tellin' ya, ya just can't make this kind of stuff up!
The hypocrisy and stupidity of the IDiots is a gift that just keeps on giving.
Make sure to check out the comments. Just don't read while drinking or your monitor will wind up needing servicing or replacement. Same goes for laptops w/out spill-resistant keyboards!
Catch you later.....
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
What's For Dinner?
Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Fume Blanc
Garlic Cheesy Rice/Pasta
Steamed Vegetable Medley w/ Cumin-Coriander Butter Sauce
Two-Crab Crab Cakes on Fresh Organic Greens w/ Balsamic Vinegrette
Homemade Tartar Sauce
Garlic Bread
Key Lime Pie
Thanks for coming.
Catch you later.....
Carole King on Colbert!
Carole and Steve have a great chat and then....SHE SINGS!Don't miss the rebroadcast.
Worth the time, as aways.
37 years later and she still looks great! Me, not so much.
Catch you later......
ps. Tapestry is to be re-released w/ new material!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Congressional Challengers on the Responsible Plan for Iraq
It's past time, dammit!
Catch you later.....
Many Questions...One Answer
What makes it preferable to lend 30 billion dollars to a giant financial concern, to buy another, failing financial giant (at bargain basement rates!) rather than to lend that money to individuals and families faced with the loss of their homes due to the mortgage machinations of said financial corporations?
How is it that Barack Obama is held responsible for things that pass the lips of a former pastor (religious nut) while the media glosses over the insane rantings that emanate from the mouth of a pastor (religious nut) who endorses Obama's presumptive opponent? How is Pastor Huckabee (religious nut) saner, kinder, more responsible, more American than Pastor Wright?
Why does Eliot Spitzer find it necessary to quit the public stage when David "Diapers" Vitter, Larry (I got rythym) Craig and Bill "Falafel King" Oreilly are still employed?
What entitles the government to poke its nose into every corner of our lives, restrict our constitutional rights, and pour the country's treasure down a black hole while becoming more secretive and protective of the privacy rights of the criminals and conspirators pillaging the Constitution and our nation?
Which is worse? Screwing the country or screwing an intern? How do we allow a sitting president to be impeached for fibbing at a deposition when the current office-holder gets a pass for blatantly lying us into a ruinous and illegal war?
Qui bono? Who benefits?
The ruling classes.
We do the sweating, they get the equity.
Catch you later.....
Sunday, March 16, 2008
American Civil Liberties Union : Stunning New Report on Domestic NSA Dragnet Spying Confirms ACLU Surveillance Warnings
American Civil Liberties Union : Stunning New Report on Domestic NSA Dragnet Spying Confirms ACLU Surveillance Warnings
WASHINGTON – The American Civil Liberties Union responded today to a stunning new report that the NSA has effectively revived the Orwellian "Total Information Awareness" domestic-spying program that was banned by Congress in 2003....
"Year after year, we have warned that our great nation is turning into a surveillance society where our every move is tracked and monitored," said Barry Steinhardt, Director of the ACLU’s Technology and Liberty Project. "Now we have before us a program that appears to do that very thing. It brings together numerous programs that we and many others have fought for years, and it confirms what the ACLU has been saying the NSA is up to: mass surveillance of Americans."
http://www.aclu.org/safefree/nsaspying/23989res20060131.html
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080316/ap_on_re_us/sunshine_week_poll;_ylt=AvnE7CO5kYp8EQZBhcOuuPSs0NUE
It's perfectly OK for your government to know everything about you but you musn't know what your government is up to in your name? Puhleez. Give me a break.
Catch you later.....
Thursday, March 13, 2008
FBI disregarded secret court on private records - Yahoo! News
FBI disregarded secret court on private records - Yahoo! News
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The FBI twice disregarded a secret court's constitutional objections and obtained private records for national-security probes, a U.S. inspector reported on Thursday....
...An influential Senate Democrat accused the FBI of "systemic failure" and the American Civil Liberties Union said the reviews demonstrated a need to check the agency's authority....
...Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the report "outlines more abuses and what appears to be the improper use of National Security Letters for years in a systemic failure throughout the FBI ... Legislative action may be necessary to correct these abuses."
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The FBI twice disregarded a secret court's constitutional objections and obtained private records for national-security probes, a U.S. inspector reported on Thursday....
...An influential Senate Democrat accused the FBI of "systemic failure" and the American Civil Liberties Union said the reviews demonstrated a need to check the agency's authority....
...Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the report "outlines more abuses and what appears to be the improper use of National Security Letters for years in a systemic failure throughout the FBI ... Legislative action may be necessary to correct these abuses."
The FBI's assertion that is working to correct flaws in the system with an eye toward protecting civil liberties is believeable. Right? They're trustworthy, right? Santa?
Catch you later.....
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Thanks, Georgie, you're doin' a heck of a job!
Remember when the war in Iraq was going to pay for itself?
TOM TOMORROW:
One extremely gratifying aspect of the Web is the ease with which one can go back and look anew at the lunacy of the Neocons and their demon-partners, the "religious" right.
Together, I think with malicious intent, these marginally aware, minimally conscious groups have brought us to the brink of the destruction of the American Dream. Out of pure avarice. Greed. The lust for power.
And in John McLame they offer us 4 more years of this mindless crap, with the added attraction of an anger management problem.
Meanwhile, democrats, progressives, liberals, whatever are fighting among themselves like a bunch of jealous sisters around prom time. Jeebus people, look at the stakes, grow a spine and get down to the dirty work that lies ahead.
Impeach Already! Protect the Constitution!
I've been looking hard at this on-line, learn Chinese at home deal, 'cause it looks like it'll be more important here in So-Cal than even Spanish before long. We're giving the store away!
The inter-personal, intra-party B.S. going on in the Netroots, cable news, and elsewhere is, frankly, disgusting, especially given the long term stakes.
Supreme Court, anyone?
Admiral Fallon's departure today does not bode well for the near term future. Think Bush will go for a hat-trick? Three wars in one Administration! War with Iran! Because Iraq was a typo?!
Our culture, history, current level of education, awareness does not bode well for taking the long view. Something that opposing entities (nations, philosophies, religions, whatever) seem to do easily.
Enlightened Self-Interest Anyone?
Catch you later.....
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Up This, Christian Soldier
An Army specialist who served two tours of duty in Iraq sued Defense Secretary Robert Gates and his supervising officer Wednesday for allegedly trying to force him to embrace fundamentalist Christianity and then retaliating against him when he refused.
The complaint charges that Hall, who is based at Fort Riley, Kansas, has been forced to "submit to a religious test as a qualification to his post as a soldier in the United States Army," a violation of Article VI, Clause 3 of the Constitution.
Mikey Weinstein, the founder and president of The Military Religious Freedom Foundation, in an interview, said, “It is beyond despicable, indeed wholly unlawful, that the United States Army is actively attempting to destroy the professional career of one of its decorated young fighting soldiers, with two completed combat tours in Iraq, simply because he had the rare courage to stand up for his constitutional rights and guarantees of separation of church and state against a superior officer who was forcefully attempting to intimidate him into accepting fundamentalist Christianity."
These right-wing religious zealots are nothing more than our own American Taliban. They would, if able, gladly force us all to wear a literal Burka. Forget the Bill of Rights, it has been replaced with their unique interpretation of the bible. Apostasy would be a crime. Your every act would be examined for orthodoxy. After all, they're directed by god.
Catch you later.....
The Emperor in Chimp fiddles while Rome Burns
Am I the only one who sees parallels to Nero?
I wish he would visit the San Diego V.A. Hospital.
What a schmuck!
Catch you later.....
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Clean, but barely: Annual Joke Show on Prairie Home Companion!
I look forward to this episode every spring. Two hours of jokes of all types, some just clean enough for the public airways, guaranteed to put a smile on any face. Check local listings (Link above).
Catch you later.....
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
More FBI privacy violations confirmed - Yahoo! News
WASHINGTON - The FBI acknowledged Wednesday it improperly accessed Americans' telephone records, credit reports and Internet traffic in 2006, the fourth straight year of privacy abuses resulting from investigations aimed at tracking terrorists and spies...
...And it was caused, in part, by banks, telecommunication companies and other private businesses giving the FBI more personal client data than was requested...
..."The credibility factor shows there needs to be outside oversight," said former FBI agent Michael German, now a national security adviser for the American Civil Liberties Union. He also cast doubt on the FBI's reforms.
Four straight years of this and where is the outcry? We're getting the civil rights equivalent of an anal probe w/out KY and I barely hear a squawk.
It's only a matter of time before this purloined info is used as evidence in a criminal trial against Joe Citizen and the Supremes will say, "OK, what the hell, the government means well, and it's for our own good."
No wonder Bush and the Telcos want immunity, this is only the tip of the iceberg.
What do they call it when government and business collude to deny the rights of citizens?
Pantload?
Catch you later.....
Moses was high on drugs: Israeli researcher - Yahoo! News
When he was high on the mount, he was high on the mount!
Burning bush, indeed.
Catch you later.....
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