Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

Feb. 18, 2008, 8:34PM
Clinton backers may find an alternative named McCain

By FROMA HARROP

Despite the hard contest between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, party leaders keep telling Democratic-leaning voters that they have two good candidates. They are right, but one of them may well be a Republican.

Far from the pumped-up Obama rallies, centrists who voted for John Kerry last time now say they are considering John McCain — especially if the Democrat is the vaporous Obama. At least that's what many are telling me — and I'm telling myself.

One friend said he'd vote for the New York senator, and if she's not the candidate, then McCain. When I reminded him that he doesn't like Hillary, he shrugged. Another acquaintance e-mailed, "Hillary is to me extremely unlikable, but I do not regard likability as a qualification."

The rest of the article is here:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/outlook/5550837.html

Craig Crawford on Obama & Substance

In “Yes We Can WHAT?,” Craig Crawford writes at his CQPolitics blog today:

http://noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/02/18/craig-crawford-on-obama-substance/

Morning all,

"Lets get this one over with and move" I say.

Simply, these two are just too close to be able to safely predict anything.

Holy !@#$

Fiedl Stepping down? To Raul the brother.

Michelle Obama is for the first time in her adult life proud of her Country....BECAUSE WE are Hunger for CHANGE.... ok...THIS COULD BE THE FIRST LADY saying this...AMERICANS ARE HUNGER FOR FOOD, JOBS, SHELTER, HEALTH CARE.............JUST A FEW MORE REASONS TO VOTE FOR THE PERSON WHO CAN SOLVE THESE ISSUES...HILLARY will get these problems and more done. SHE HAS LIVED HER WORDS..WITH WHAT AMERICANS CALL ACTIONS!!

Michelle Obama said,

For the First Time in my life I am REALLY Proud of my country."

So do you think a black woman who is a brilliant civil right lawyer has been proud of the civil rights and moves forward that was made for her in the 60's?

She said "REALLY" proud of the american population getting involved with this process. .....Like YOU!!

;0)

Don't add anthing more then whats there...all I'm sayin.

capital letters are so obnoxious it causes me to suspect that Tan is an obama operative......

WOW! And now Mousarif....what a news cycle!

Pakistan celebrates a final end to military rule — but what next?

Jeremy Page in Lahore and Zahid Hussain in Islamabad
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article3387244.ece
President Musharraf’s supporters conceded defeat last night in a landmark parliamentary election that could seal his political fate and resurrect democracy in Pakistan after eight years of military rule

Morning Sturg!

Don't blame Obama. Blame being demonstrative. ;0)

Change of leadership in Pakistan.....Now here is where we should be turning our heads for once.

The country is on the brink of something. Lets hope its good for the country. Let's hope Mousharraf doesn't call for Marshall law and take over the government again.

Hello Sheila.....top of the marnin' to ya......

*All schools* Al schools are open today. LOL!

Sheila.....ha.....as I pointed out yesterday....it's a case of if you set your wick too high, all you do is soot up the chimney......

The Obama campaign has a lot invested in words. Saying what you mean and meaning what you say should be a no brainer.

http://www.dailymotion.com/relevance/search/politics/video/x3xl3w_voting-and-you_politics

Vote , it's the least you can do! I posted this the other night , but it's worth another posting. It's all about America and voting.

bowman - And that is exactly where I stand. I can not, in good conscience, vote for someone who talks a good game, but who tried very hard to not have much of a voting record.

I will vote for McCain if Obak is the Dem nom for the gen'l...

...but today, I vote for Hillary at Barbara Bush Middle School. (Early voting begins in Texas today.)

Vote early & vote often y'all!

Vote early & vote often

the immortal woids of another famous chicago politician......Mayor Richard Daley

Dunkin' Donuts versus Starbucks

The battle is about to be joined between Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks and, as a donut connoisseur, I hope the grand scheme of the East Coast fast-food chain goes as stale as a three-day-old cruller.

Seattle Post-Intelligencer reporter Craig Harris detailed the Dunkin' Donuts game plan in a report filed from Las Vegas

http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/davidhorsey/archives/131998.asp

Craig,
How about just counting the democratic votes?
In fact, on Super Tuesday, 295,952 more primary voters cast their ballots for Hillary Clinton than for Obama, yet somehow neither the Obama campaign, nor the media, was paying much attention to Clinton’s lead in the popular vote. If we include all the states that held primaries before Super Tuesday (NH, SC, MI, FL) Clinton was up by 468,024 votes—that was 2.51% of the total votes cast. But talking about that number was not a media priority either.
http://www.taylormarsh.com/
Note: See the chart with the data used in this article, which includes explanatory notes, which can also be found at Paul Lukasiak's website.

Good morning 8)

max, it's the interpretation of those words that gets people all riled up.

sturge, you have a wall plaque that sings? or does it singe? and who is it voting for?

all I need to know about McCain is that he's endorsed by GHWB and that thousand words worth of picture of him and GWB after what Rove did to him in SC 2000.

p'tui

it sings so hot it singes.....and it is voting Democratic, all the way.................

Good Morning Warren,,

I'm a Chef, but was ceremoniously Labled a Holier Than Thou Nun like creature around here the other day and so.....I adopted the Mantel.

I think I like it too ;0)

I have turned on CNN this morning. They seem to criticize all the candidates equally. 8)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080219/ap_en_mo/people_spike_lee

Really? duh... 8)

mornin' all.

blue, if you were anywhere but Texas, I would be yelling at you. Since you are where you are, a vote for McCain won't change anything in Nov., so knock yyourself out. I, for one, couldn't vote for McCain under any circumstances. He's a nasty warmongering bastard who's now picked up the GHWB "No new taxes" pledge. No thank you - we've had his like before (read, GWB) and I didn't like it then and don't want it again.

It will be interesting to see what in the hell Dumya does in response to the Cuban and Pakistani government changes - the idiot was babbling about the US helping the Cuban people move to a democracy - right - we have such great credibility in Cuba and such influence within the Cuban government. We don't trade with them, we can't go there wearing anything other than an orange jumpsuit, we talk about their leader of 50 years as if he has leprosy and our foreign policy is headed up by a woman whose world view is soooo cold war. Yes, we will have a lot to say about the shape of Cub's future. Putz.

And of course, because of Iraq, we are in no position to provide the military support that Afghanistan could probably use to settle the fuck the country down if the Musharraf supporters (read, armed forces) push back.

Sturg, is your wall plaque one of those Billy Bass plaques?

So anyone think Obama sweeps both WI & HI with more than 55% of the vote? Anything less and I'd say whatever victory he has is Phyrric.

Oh, and She, love the new moniker.

Good Morning Pogo!

And now that the mantel has been thrown on my shoulders, I will wear it with pride!

Yes, it will be interesting to see. I for one am holding my breath because CAN this Adminstration take and opportunity like Castro's resignation and make some in roads???? NO WAY. They are stuck in the cold war. Even Kennedy would have had enough and made trade relations with that little country.

As far as Pakistan. The next 24 hours are crucial. Can this new goverment actually take over?.... maybe turn over Bin laden? We'll see.

My "word for the day"...phyrric

live and learn... 8D

"How many times do we have to say this? "Fired up and ready to go" began with the NAACP in South Carolina. Obama didn't write this line."

http://www.taylormarsh.com/

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_campaignplus/20080219/ap_ca/on_the2008_trail;_ylt=Ak7nWWhnZ0dT1yBhEV.Aaw2s0NUE

Ben and Jerry's supports Obama.

Luscious,

It's good to expand the vocabulary, but it's better to learn it as "pyrrhic"

just watched the link GORDO posted

lots of BHO footage...

I need to get some water...I feel like I am going to faint!!! 8D

Wow,I am REALLY glad that this is all coming out about Obama before it was too late- He is NOT original, and he has been stealing lots of lines without giving credit-

"Hello Iowa (New Hampshire, Wisconsin" (I have heard him say this one a lot- did he think we were suckers??)
"I am running for president of the United States"
"I would appreciate your vote"
"We have got to get out of Iraq"
"Thanks for your support"

Hillary has said all these things too and he never gave her credit. I bet it is because she is a woman!
You can read about it on the only site that dares tell the truth- www.taylormarsh.com

What's the latest WI poll numbers being reported by the networks this morning?

BTW, ARG's latest WI poll has Obama up by 10 - the poll released Sunday must have been a sampling anomaly. Damn.

Here's a link to the table that Paul Lukasiak's column (halfway down the scroll bar in Linda's comment, above) at Taylor Marsh's site is based on showing the popular vote in the primaries and caucuses up to now. There is a reason I think the electoral college and gerrymandered congressional districtsare anti-democratic - this and the '00 elections reflect that reason.

http://www.glcq.com/table.htm

Dexter

"Alice Cooper was on with Craig Ferguson . He said he concluded a 70-city tour in Moscow. "

I know it's a large city, but have they divided it up into blocks? :-)

Let's argue about something really important fried chicken, Yesterday we drove alllllll the way over to Napa to eat at one of Thomas Keller's restaurants (the least expensive of the Keller empire) Ad Hoc. Monday is fried chicken night. The wait staff said the secret to the chicken was thirty hours of brining and to stop the frying five minutes before the chicken was done and to let it finish cooking off the stove. The crust is a buttermilk dip with a lightflouring and herbs. It's good and it was all you can eat. It was good -it might be the best I've ever had.

We drank Shiner Bock in honor of the Texas primary.
It was great and even though there were two Clinton supporters, One Obama and one who just wants Bush gone we didn't have one bad fight. No one is the group is planning on voting for anyone but a Democrat.

"Anything less and I'd say whatever victory he has is Phyrric."
--pogo

you know I googled "phyrric" and a definition came up...I didn't notice the spelling was off.

Kathrine,

Sounds like the perfect evening! I'm jealous. Keller is one of my heroes!

Obama told his audience that because some folks had the courage to “march across a bridge” in Selma, Ala., his mother, a white woman from Kansas, and his father, a black Muslim from Africa, took heart. It gave them the courage to get married and have a child. The problem with that characterization is that Barack Obama, Jr., was born Aug. 4, 1961, while the first of three marches across that bridge in Selma didn’t occur until March 7, 1965, almost four years after Obama was born.
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=19959&keywords=marches#continueA

Up by 10, these numbers are all over the place. Can't believe any of them

How about this Kate,

2nd Annual Molly (Ivins) Award Seeks Entries

By E&P Staff

Published: February 18, 2008 1:25 PM ET

NEW YORK The second annual Molly, a national journalism prize honoring the memory of the late columnist/author/gadfly Molly Ivins, will be awarded on June 12, 2008, at a dinner in Austin, Texas.

The Molly (the first one was given to Ivins herself) will be awarded "for an article or series of up to four short, related articles or columns appearing in a U.S.-based publication in print or as part of an online magazine, telling the stories that need telling, challenging conventional wisdom, focusing on civil liberties and/or social justice, and embodying the intelligence, deep thinking and passionate wit that marked Molly's work," the call for entries reads. Work must have been published in 2007.

First prize is a $5,000 cash award, plus the MOLLY, "a statuette of Molly Ivins in regalia as the Statue of Liberty. Two $1,000 honorable mention prizes will also be awarded. A group of nationally prominent journalists will serve as final judges.

"Complete guidelines for submitting an entry available online. For information on attending the awards luncheon, or to contribute to the MOLLY prize fund, please contact mollyaward@texasobserver.org, or call 512-477-0746."

Honorary co-chairs for the dinner are Ellen Goodman and Calvin Trillin. Helen Thomas will be our keynote speaker.

Lush, I just realized I misspelled your word for the day, and see that Ed caught it (thanks) - it is actually Pyrrhic. Sorry for the confusion, but it's not from my native tongue.

ROFL Revising History ROFL

I'm e-mailing this to Dan Abrams - maybe he'll put it on his blunders section.

KGC - we have a broasted chicken place near us that we just love - it looks like fried chicken...tastes like fried chicken...but it's broasted...supposed to be healthier...i don't know but it's good.

Good idea , KGC. A friendly fried chicken dinner to end all the fighting here. Now....if we only knew someone who was a chef.....

Sheila

We had a Keller day. We stopped for a drink a Bouchon and also bought stuff at the bakery.
It really was good. Ad Hoc is great because it's only fifty dollars for dinner. We had potato pave which I had never even heard of --it was good, Come on down I would go again.

"As far as Pakistan. The next 24 hours are crucial."

On this we are in agreement, Sheila the cooking Nun. :)

Where is the press on this crisis? Pakistan has been a pressure cooker for years, and nobody seems to pay any real attention. If that country is taken over by radicals, and it very well could be, we're looking at a hard slog.

No Way buddy! My Day off..... ;0)

I'll give you this though.

If we can ever come together on where the reunion should be this time, Then I'll borrow a kitchen and make a meal for all of you!

Wendy
Broasted chicken
I remember that from traveling in Virginai --it's that kind of like pressure frying I think. I have been trying to remember where I had great fried chicken before and that would certainly be on the list. There is a place around here called Mom's Apple Pie and she used to have fried chicken (actually broasted) and it was pretty good. Thanks for reminding me.

Sheila

What color should be paint the mantel on your shoulders and will a little bric a brac help decorate? You will want to look really pretty when Wyatt Earp shows up to establish marshall law.

You are so brilliant and have such a huge vocabulary, that I absolutely delight in the totally unintentional humor.

it's OK, pogo 8)

I am only going to try to use it in a sentence(sometime) today...I am sure I will mispronounce it, anyway 8D

Patsi,

Believe it or not, the only place I saw an article was HuffPo.....like waiting for an important annoucement and not having cable.

Jamie,

You so very intelliegent. I wasn't sure anyone would get it and I DID look it up so that I would use the right spelling!

Afterall,

An ordinary cloak is not good enough for such an important label.... ;0)

Sheila
Thanks so much for posting this.
NEW YORK The second annual Molly, a national journalism prize honoring the memory of the late columnist/author/gadfly Molly Ivins, will be awarded on June 12, 2008, at a dinner in Austin, Texas

Even the judges are great.

I wish I could go. What would be better. And in Austin.
I could eat myself into a stupor. bbq, tex mex ---

LiL

"They seem to criticize all the candidates equally. 8)"

I lasted about ten minutes on MSNBC this morning. Joe was so totally into Clinton bashing that I found myself wondering why he didn't just send a gang of thugs over to finish her off. At least that way she could have had a dirge played under her picture. Mika was so "yes master" chirpy it was nauseating.

(Yes Craig I put it on the MSNBC blog)

Anyway, switched to CNN to hear what was actually happening in the country as well as an almost balanced coverage of the campaigns.

vadaryl, yeah, the WI polls are all over the place. That's why I arbitrarily asked abouth a 5% margin - and btw, I mean in popular vote. Given the overall popular vote margin in Clinton's favor at this point and her even larger popular vote margin in purple states, I think her argument to the superdelegates is at least as compelling as Obama's with his pledged delegate margin.

Sheila, that makes it even better. Word play always makes me laugh and that was classic.

Jamie

I know Craig has posted the MSNBC addy, but, if it is not too much trouble, would you mind posting it again?

Jamie
I think some of your writing would qualify for entry into the Molly Ivins contest.

I've given up on the polls - I've taken to reading the Huffpostrology - it's more accurate and meaningful than the polls.

I say it's close in WI and a blow out in HI (Obama likely wins both but keeping my fingers crossed that it's a split decision - WI in Hillary column and Hi in Obama's)

Then Hillary can campaign in TX w/o being criticized.

I keep it handy

http://boards.msn.com/MSNBCboards/thread.aspx?threadid=541402

KC & Wendy!, I got hooked on broasted chicken a couple years ago when Arrowhead market at Deep Creek Lake, MD started selling it - they make it in the store and it's ready at about 11:00. (I even bought one of those Ron Popiel "Set it and forget it" broasters, which does a great job, btw, but is certainly not very cost effective) It is wonderful to get one hot out of the broaster, dripping with chicken fat and get all messy eating it. But it has not made me lose my love for good fried chicken - which may be understandable given my southern heritage and the fact that my dear maternal grandmother used to make the best fried chicken inthe world, and my mother came in a close second and I must have eaten a ton of it over my childhood.

And thanks for the revising history link, revising history. They call that lying where I'm from.

thank you, KGC

So here's why Obama has started dissing the superdelegates so early.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-freedman/dncappointed-superdelega_b_87108.html

I just saw one poll that has Obama up by 13. How can one go from down by 6 to up by 13 in one day. Something is fishey

Also yesterday was not one of his best days either

Good Morning All,

Sheila, I love the DD vs Starbucks info...I don't see how Dunkin Donuts loses...they have better and less expensive coffee and those donuts are awesome...

Wendy, where do you live? I love the idea of the broasted chicken...here in the chicken fried nation, the concept of grilled is foreign to most... can you find out if they will pack and ship? My roasting skills haven't been up to snuff lately...

I could see a mistake made, but the down by six was reported all weekend wrong. What gives?

I could see a mistake made, but the down by six was reported all weekend long. What gives?

http://www.themediadrome.com/content/articles/food_articles/finger_lickin_good.htm

Broasting is frying...just faster.

This is a random question...what ever happened to Ken Mehlman since he stepped down as the head of the RNC? I am wondering because besides all of the rumors that he was gay and living with a child molester, I thought he did a decent job trying to broaden his party's membership. Plus he was a classmates of Obama's at Harvard.

wow, deep fried in a pressure cooker....hmm

KGC,

If I get a heart attack from trying this, it's my hope I my grease soaked fingers don't slip of the phone buttons while I dial 911...lol

Do I have to pay Rudy a royalty for typing 911?

Morning Bear,

I'm with you and the COFFEE. Dunken Donuts Coffee is a superior brand.

Listen, Gorwing up Seattle, I am most of my Kitsap County residents didn't take kindly tot he bitter after taste of Star Bucks. There is far better coffee in the US and all of the small brewers in Washington state prove it.

I am sure Star Bucks is not the reason Dunkin Donuts didn't make it. It was the little coffee places with "Mud House coffee, and or many other brands.

It was also the Swedish Penchant for some....fabuloso bakeries in the region.....YUMMY!

Damn. The chicken they sell around here as broasted...isn't. It's just roasted, I guess. (But it's a hell of a lot better than KFC!!!!)

Ken Mehlman the chinless wonder is currently a partner at the Washington law firm of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP.
http://www.akingump.com/

Obama’s Books: Composite Characters, False Memories »

"People here have inquired about the accuracy of the books written by Barack Obama. Hundreds of thousands of people have read these books, and probably believe every word. However, several newspapers have verified that Obama admitted that he used composite characters in the books. "

http://noquarterusa.net/blog/

Fried chicken sounds good, but I've got a pot of ham and lima beans simmering on the stove. Thinking about making a pan of cornbread....

LiL

To comment to NBC or MSNBC by email or writing

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10285339/

To comment in the blogs

Politics http://boards.msn.com/MSNBCboards/board.aspx?BoardID=780

Scarborough
http://boards.msn.com/MSNBCboards/thread.aspx?threadid=510299&boardsparam=Page%3D26

Crawford
http://boards.msn.com/MSNBCboards/thread.aspx?threadid=541402&boardsparam=Page%3D5

That should keep you busy.

I'm so glad to see so many who haven't fallen for the Starbucks marketing gizmo. We don't have DD here (I became an addict in Maine) - but we have PaneraBread - which has much better coffee than Starbucks, at about 65% of the price.

Bear, I hate to say it, but KFC is a chicken broaster.

Bear said

If I get a heart attack from trying this, it's my hope I my grease soaked fingers don't slip of the phone buttons while I dial 911...lol

I think you are safe from the Rudy tax at this point. Feel free to shout 9/11 without fear.

If you do try home broasting let me know I have always been afraid to try because of the threat of grease fire and pressure cooker explosions.

Patsi, got enough for 2? You make cornbread I'll check the flight schedules.

Drat

CRaig, If you are reading, I forgot about multiple links. Please release post from overlinked prison. I don't want to go back and find them all if I can avoid it.

Oh Screw Wisconsin and Hawaii!!!

Lets have a picnic!

I'll even leave the broasting to you guys. I'm tired of it, roast, broast, fry, I've done it a lot this year.

I'll bring some salsa, quacamole, Enchilladas, and some Pibil....You love it!

KGC

"Molly Ivins contest" Thank you for the compliment, but Molly had more talent in her pinky than I will ever hope to have. I just loved her and right now wish I had her expertise at taking down the overpuffed, know it all, self important SOBs of the world found on TV

patsi
As far as Pakistan. The next 24 hours are crucial."

On this we are in agreement, Sheila the cooking Nun. :)

Where is the press on this crisis? Pakistan has been a pressure cooker for years, and nobody seems to pay any real attention. If that country is taken over by radicals, and it very well could be, we're looking at a hard slog.

if it dosnt favor obama the press dosnt report it ....impotant news isnt what they want they want to bury hillary thats their only goal

Count me in for deviled eggs and potato salad
and I have done a credible job on the Austin Leslie version of fried chicken...so some of that too.

Jamie
Well think about it. Read the rules. Everyone starts somewhere. I think some of your posts qualify. Can't hurt to try.

well.... I don't have a southern bone in my body and yet....... I LOVE fried chicken!
I worked part time at a little store years ago while going to college that made broasted chicken.... it's basically deep fried in pressure cookers....

love Dunkin Donuts coffee too..... but I have to admit..... I'm no connoisseur of coffee..... didn't start drinking it until the age of 30....

Craig.... you sound as sick of all the spin about the Dem race as I am....
for the moment.... I'd much rather watch Orangutan Island than any cable news....

and for NPR listeners..... Diane Rehm's first hour is about the election in Pakistan..... I hunger for news on actual issues...... I feel like the horserace is about beating a horse until it's good and dead at this point....

So Great!

CRAIG! We're coming over to raid your house and have a party, get the Jacuzzi ready! But be careful..... ;0)

I hope Jim doesn't read this blog, today. I have him convinced that people really don't cook anymore!! 8D

Pogo and Patsi

Make that dinner for three. Everytime I bring up lima beans and ham as cooked by all my wonderful Oklahoma relatives, my son and grandson act as if I'm trying to poison them.

Sheila....
a reunion.....
I'm going to Las Vegas in June..... ;0)

New York times Q&A on Pakistan’s Election

In the wake of Monday’s parliamentary election in Pakistan, correspondents covering the vote for The Times will answer questions from readers this week. To submit a question, please write to us using the comments field below.
Q. Assuming the the People’s Party in fact wins about 120 seats, who is likely to emerge as prime minister? Does it have leaders beyond Benazir Bhutto’s widower and and 19 year old son who can effectively lead a parliamentary majority? Thanks. — Jim Halpert

http://questions.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/18/qa-on-the-pakistani-election/?8dpc

KGC,

I will let you know how it works out...my grill has a side burner so I will try it outside just to be safe...I am a bit leery about pressurizing grease, but to get chicken tasting like that, I'll risk life and limb...

Pogo, I am a huge KFC fan...I was stoked when I found one in SW Fort Worth that still had Kentucky Fried Chicken as the store name...

Which reminds me...I've been to restaurants that do a pecan butter to serve with fresh corn bread...any ideas how to make that?

Question for Pogo and Jamie....what all seasonings do you use in H&B?

Pakistan--I suspect that the potential for the military, not Pervez Musharraf per se, imposing martial law may well 'encourage' a coalition government by the two major factions, neither of which has a majority.

"Oh Screw Wisconsin and Hawaii!!!"

Goodness Sheila that would be a busy night.

Besides I'm getting a bit old for such riotous behavior.

When I was a child, my mother would make us some kind of fried meat sandwitch. Sometimes it was nothing more than fatback, as we were very poor. We would go out in the pasture to where the wood pile was kept, play in our forts and have our picnics.

Jack

Thank god there is political stability in Pakistan because I would hate to see what power hungry nutbags would do with access to nukes...

On You Tube there are several "Ballad of Molly Ivins" entries for another contest

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Ballad+of+Molly+Ivins&search_type=

I rather like "Raise More Hell"

Bear:

I'm in CA. I will find out about shipping...my guess off the top of my head is no - while the food is great the customer services is lousy - can barely get them to sell you chicken if you walk up and ask for it - I have a feeling they're going to laugh at me about the shipping idea - but I'm going to ask the next time we go none the less.

Bear,
Not sure if this is the type you are looking for. But its a good one! My jewish boss likes it for his bagels

Pecan Butter Spread

Yield: 1 1/2 cups

1/4 c Chopped pecans
2 tb Peanut oil
8 oz Brie cheese
3 oz Cream cheese; softened
2 tb Sherry
1/4 ts Salt
Roasted pecans; for garnish

Process nuts and oil until smooth. Remove rind
from Brie, add along with remaining ingredients.
Process until smooth. Store airtight in
refrigerator; serve at room temperature. Garnish
with roasted pecans, if desired.

Bear

Glad you are being safe. Would hate to see you on youtube.

I think pecan butter is just like peanut butter

http://www.futtersnutbutters.com/pecan.html

a few tips on home broasting

http://www.ochef.com/374.htm

Spices for Lima Beans vary, but I'm usually reaching for the thyme, basil, salt and pepper plus using fresh onion and garlic in the preparation. In a pinch the world revolves around Lawries. Not as great, but really , how can you ruin a lima bean.

Sometimes substitute the big blond beans - can't think of what they are called in the middle of my latest senior moment. :-)

Patsi, I'm pretty simple when it comes to ham & beans - salt, pepper , a dash of cayenne or Tabasco, onion, and if I'm feeling really frisky, I'll throw a couple shakes of Mrs. Dash (original) in. I mostly rely on the ham to do the seasoning. Sheila or Jamie may have some better ideas.

While I'm wondering down memory lane

My contribution to the picnic

Strwberry shortcake Ozarks style.
Take biscuit dough roll it flat like you would pie dough and bake. Slice the strawberries add sugar. don't skimp on the the sugar for it will draw the liquid out of the berries spreading the flavor all through the dish.. Layer the berries and bread in a flat dish so the liquid will soak into the bread. Let it in the refridgerator for several hours.
Serve with heavy cream, preferably from a Jersey cow you milked yourself.

Jack

Oh well, my brain is not working any better today than yesterday. I hope you all will be able to read through all the typos and broken sentences

Jack

I tried to take a cooking class (where you can eventually get a Chef's Diploma) here in Belgium, but I just couldn't get it together. We had to work in teams and everyone spoke Dutch and I finally gave up.

Patsi, I'm pretty simple when it comes to ham & beans - salt, pepper , a dash of cayenne or Tabasco, onion, and if I'm feeling really frisky, I'll throw a couple shakes of Mrs. Dash (original) in. I mostly rely on the ham to do the seasoning. Sheila or Jamie may have some better ideas.

Posted by: pogo | February 19, 2008 10:20 AM

Nope I'm a purist. I let the fresh Garlic, Onion, and Carrot do the enhancements while the Ham Hock does the flavoring. Mor carrot than the rest makes for sweeter broth.

BBC on Pakistan

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7251990.stm

jamie, you talkin' about butter beans?

Jack!

Join the brain fried crowd. Jamie and Sheila have already mentioned our aging problem for the day. You are in good company!

Bear

here's a Fort Worth restaurant advertising broasted chicken
http://www.duboisfortworth.com/Chicken.htm

Thank you Pogo.

You saved me from that totally insane moment an hour after the fact when you are standing in the middle of the room and shout "Butter Beans!" while everyone looks at you as if you have lost your mind.

I was just going through the New Yorker and came across a poem in which the last line reads, "Kiss the cat and you kiss the fleas. And That's the story of my life."

(The Saws by Robert Pinsky, the New Yorker Feb 11 & 18, 2008, pg 128)

Now, doesn't that totally apply to each of our remaining candidates!?!

Jamie,

BBC on Pakistan....interesting. So we have to see if the other two parties combine to a majority....and then see if Mousharraf takes that as a real threat and declares Marshall Law and become a dictator.....

I think impeachment of Mousharraf will be difficult, but I applaud them if they try!

I thought Tweety seemed a little subdued on Morning Joe this AM. Why so blue?

Flatus, Thanks for the lead. I just read the whole poem.

http://www.newyorker.com/fiction/poetry/2008/02/11/080211po_poem_pinsky

Love the expression "Dead As A Door Nail" because as the poem says, it's used despite the fact that most people don't have a clue what it means".

you're welcome, jamie. As you know, I live to serve.

Off to vote in the primary that doesn't count.

Back soon.

http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-dea1.htm

who knew? 8)

I loves me that Wiki.

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/dead_as_a_doornail

Linda and Pogo,

Same wave length... ;0)

LiL

Me knew. :-) It is one of Shakespeare's puns (most unrecognized today unless someone explains them). It is actually a triple word play. The Clinched unusable nail, the protective door, and the third meaning from sailing akin to "dead stop" and from the nails used on the crossbar used to "batten down the hatches" in a storm.

IOW the character Cade was offering to make them really, really, not just merely, but most sincerely dead.

G/S

btw, rez dog. Saw your moniker over at harp & sword. Same rez dog?

Where are you, Craig? Why aren't you on the shows anymore, have you been giving your honest opinion again, and not staying on "mass media message?"
I want to know you what you think of this Plagiarism? Shouldn't they concentrate on the fact that his "buddy" wants to give illegal immigrants everything they want in Mass.?

Pogo,

Forgive me, But the only Harp & Sword I could find was a blog named Mistral Boy. Is that the one?

"CRaig, If you are reading, I forgot about multiple links. Please release post from overlinked prison. I don't want to go back and find them all if I can avoid it. --Posted by: Jamie"

Jamie, your excellent guide to MSNBC comment boards is now free from overlink prison (note to all: our spam filter holds any comment with 3 or more links until i have a chance to look at it):

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/02/picking-primary-winners.html#comment-37596

Ray, thanks for the concern, see Jamie's links above if you'd like to weigh in with MSNBC, i have no control over their booking decisions. i am just a simple pundit.

For those of you who drop in on my blog, you know that I do a meme every week called "Manic Monday". The wonderful human being who invented this fun bit of inspiration is Mo of I'ts A Blog Eat Blog World http://morgenfiles.blogspot.com/

Today is Mo's birthday and event when he does something very very special called Morgepalooza. If you just want a good reason to smile today, pay him a visit.

Sheila, that's the one - musician/truffle chef. I met him here about 1 1/2 years ago, He's advised me onguitars and he makes incredibly good truffles, but they cost a ton to ship. He talked about opening a shop to make and sell them, but I don't think that ever happened. Pity.

In honor of all you Chicken Experts, I'm having buffalo wings and Blue Cheese Dressing for lunch. just seemed fitting. ;0)

Pogo,

Too bad. I'll have to link him and follow!

Sheila, it's an interesting blog. Tends to be all over the place and I'm an infrequent visitor.

KGC,

Thanks for that link...unfortunately, that restaurant was just called Fort Worth...it's in Dubois Pennsylvania...lol

I just left a meeting with the local realtors association. Those who are Democrats were of the belief that Obama was too liberal to be president, was full of sh#t, and was a tanner version of W.

I know we have seen that comparison here before, but I offer this question. Thanks to Molly Ivens and others, we could see the litany of failures W had prior to becoming president. Thus his reign, while disheartening, has been far from shocking.

Is there anything in Obama's past that would lead us to a similar conclusion? Are there any abject failures we are missing?

Sheila,

I highly recommend ranch dressing with your buffalo wings!

Thanks Bear, I love both ways actually!

But in answer to your question....My opinion only.

Obama is a very talented and creative individual. If he wasn't running for elected office, he would be a super star for just about everyone.

The quote of this blog has been, 8 more years and we think he will be ready.

So what if they bothered to stick the fork in and find out he's ready now?

My point is, he's ready and THEY know it. Its just a matter of who is going to win the race. Any slight flucuation in the Force can bury a candidate.

So we shall see. ;0)

Interesting article in Washington Post today regarding a conference call among some of Hillary's African American supporters after the Lewis possible flip. Some of them feel as if they are being threatened. Articles have been posted here about JJjrs tactics last week - looks like some are pushing back...good for them!!!

"Palmer was among the more forceful voices, urging others on the call, as he put it yesterday, "to stand up and say why you're for Hillary Clinton in the face of adversity. We can't afford to be wishy-washy . . . Stand up. Fight. Advocate for your candidate. Don't capitulate. . . . Don't let nobody intimidate or threaten you. Just hold on.""

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/18/AR2008021802364.html?hpid%3Dtopnews&sub=AR

Bear
well that would be quite a drive
Is Fort Worth near Ennis - there is a place called BK's that has broasted. I'm on the hunt for places near me too.

pogo - I'm just sayin' that I hope Hil'ry is the Dem nom in November, otherwise, it's the devil I know vs the devil I can't quite pin down.

I'm going to be of the grid for a couple of days.
MY mother , who has been in and out of the hospital with congestive heart failure, is being moved to a nursing home.
I think the doctors have done all they can to help her. I've got to help my sisters with that and we are going to have to sell some of the farm to pay expenses.

any body want 80 acres in the Missouri Ozarks with some great building site with beautiful views from on top of the bluff over looking Thomas creek..

If it gets real bloody in here some one take pictures for me
Any way see you all Thurday.

Jack
email
whskyjack in care of yahoo

Blue,

We can stand together against the Obama forces. :-)

I probably wouldn't have been so strident about my support for Clinton if it weren't for the feeling that the media was actually meddling in the election to the point of violating one of the great acts of the American public: Their right to vote.

I realize that when the nation was awash with a free written press, that there was slanted reporting that reflected the attitude of that particular newspaper. As we have consolidated newspapers, radio outlets, and television ownership, it has now reached the point of being dangerous to our freedom.

If we were modeling in the manner of yellow press days, there would be a TV station that gave all of its reports about Obama a negative slant. We don't have a station like that, so the public turning to MSNBC are fed a line of propaganda that would make Pravda proud.

Any new info on who is going to win tonight.

We'll be thinking of you, Jack, and look forward to seeing you back here on Thursday. Hope all goes well with your mom.

"MY mother , who has been in and out of the hospital with congestive heart failure, is being moved to a nursing home.
I think the doctors have done all they can to help her."

Jack - good luck - sending positive thoughts your way.

For Olbermann and general MSNBC comments there is a new blog called "The News Hole". Nothing like being accurate about where most of their coverage of the news resides.

http://thenewshole.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/18/678503.aspx?CommentPosted=true#commentmessage

Jamie,

While I am sympathetic with you plight, I wonder if the media has been harder on her because she has run a sub par campaign. Perhaps the scrutiny has changed the perception of the average person to a conclusion they wouldn't have reached on their own, but we are there nonetheless.

It seems to me a major point of conflict here is that Obama doesn't offer enough details while Clinton does.

In some cases, Clinton has gained votes in my area just on her No Child stance. I haven't a clue on Obama's position, but my teacher friends were hooked that Hillary is forcefully against that garbage...

How many times have we heard, I haven't a clue on Obama's position. How can this guy be polling in huge numbers with that going on. I just don't get it.

Jack,

Sorry to hear your news...may peace be with you and yours during this difficult time...

MSNBC got all caught up in the excitement and lost their focus.

Take care Jack. I know it will be a difficult time, but hope you and your sisters are well. Look forward to your return.

jamie - Yep, "there's no news in the truth & no truth in the news."

B'rye - I find your comment about over-personalizing to be quite laughable.

Not a rabid Hil'ry supporter, just think she is the best option for the country.

I am tired of hearing CNN tells us they have the best political team, Fox saying they report you decide.

VAdaryl,

This is an example why...

Where Hillary loses me is her plan for the Mortgage Industry...

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/feature/mortgage/

1. Any loan originator must fully disclose all fees that they charge. YSP premiums, what lenders pay to originator are also disclosed.

2. Yes there are bad apples in any industry. What she doesn't realize is the we sell the programs that are available to us. If the Wall Street investors didn't have an appetite for some of the riskier loans, we wouldn't have them to sell...
I agree with licensing standards for my industry. That will do well to get rid of the pretenders. Demanding federal registration of all brokers is an unwieldy layer of new bureaucracy that will be impossible to do so longs as different states have different lending guidelines.

3. Yes you can eliminate prepayment penalties. When you do, don't be surprised if you lose the lenders that are willing to make more challenging loans. It takes a lender 18 months to break even after a loan has been originated. I don't like them. Many states require that the prepay be waived if a loan is paid off within 60 days of a rate reset...which is better for all parties involved.

4. This 4th point is the most galling because if the program calculates a debt to income ratio, the taxes and insurance must be included in the calculation...that is underwriting 101. No Doc loans don't calculate the ratio at all. To qualify for those loans, you need superior credit scores to get one. They would determine that if you can't fully disclose income and you still manage your debt that flawlessly, then they were ok with the risk...

So this is a case where all of her specifics, while nice, to someone with knowledge of the area see that she has no grasp of the issue and it makes me wonder where else she is doing that.

Obama is a poker player...when you bluff and win a hand...don't show if you don't have to...

3.

vadaryl...

MSNBC doesn't have the luxury of getting "all caught up", nor does any other responsible news outlet. They have a job to do...and they've ALL fallen woefully short of that responsibility as deregulation has allowed more and more corporate ownership of our airwaves. I'm probably not saying this as well as I'd like...an example...Rupert Murdoch now owns too many of our media outlets, which allows him undue influence over the POV tha gets presented to the American viewing public.

Wolfie has to tell us how great they are everytime he goes over to his group to discuss anything. It's getting old real fast.

MSNBC reporters have admitted they lost their focus a few weeks back.

I could see us getting all caught up in the excitement but they are paid not to do that but they did anyways. At least they admitted it for a change.

MSNBC branded themselves as a political channel. They are doing what they are supposed to be doing. Opposite of FOX.

But here is where there is no education. Chris, Tucker, Keith and the rest are pundits. They are supposed to give their opinions, no matter how swayed.

CNN is a news Channel with some shows on Politics. They deliver the news and give us specials that are for the most part evenly handled.

FOX is mainly a POlitical tool for the right. enough said.

For a more even reporting, go to the Jim Leher News Hour or enjoy washington journal....like a town meeting really, To feel the pulse of the country.

Don't watch MSNBC if you don't want to. Simple as that.

Not even all the Pundits watch it all the time. 24/7 is just plain agony!

B'rye - It's good that we can make each other happy.

Now what is this about a picnic? How's about a jug of lemonade?

"when you bluff and win a hand...don't show if you don't have to..."

That's kinda scary since we are talking about someone supposedly able to run the country, Bear.....

Bear, nice, although rather overwrought, insults in your last post.

What you are refusing to address is your own words. I'll quote them again to you: "Were women treated badly in this country? Yes. Why did it happen? Because women just sat there and took it."

That's a very general statement, and like most such statements, is patently untrue. I notice that in your response on the other thread you had backtracked somewhat and was only claiming that "some" women had brought it on themselves.

I'm not quite sure why you are trying to turn this into some sort of victimization contest. I have not belittled or diminished the harm that has been done to African Americans as you have women, but neither do I believe that AAs have the market cornered in this area. Unlike you, I don't place blame on the victims of abuse or prejudice, whether GLBT, women, AA or any other minority group -- the fault is strictly with the perpetrator of the act. And your statement above makes you a perpetrator.

This year's primaries are drawing big numbers for the cable channels. MSNBC is up 400% compared to 4 yrs ago. I agree about FOX but I am surprised that the MSNBC folks got all caught up in the excitement. Now they are getting back to the way there were before.

Done Blue! Lemonade it is....as my mouth puckers....I'll stick with the Diet Pepsi!

Bear,

I read the Hillary page you linked. There is an email link and certainly you could send commentary to her Senate office as well. Since you are in the field, it would make sense to respond to the plan either as an individual or through industry groups such as The Mortgage Bankers Association.

Have any of the industry groups responded to her plan?

If Hillary wins tonight watch the cable networks change all their spin.

awww..i can't call ya Bri??

It will be new material for them until March 4th

Sheila wrote:

"Don't watch MSNBC if you don't want to. Simple as that."

This is good advice. I don't except for Dan Abrams who I feel bangs on everyone equally and pretty fairly - including Hillary. He makes me laugh so I watch.

The rest our misogynistic dumb A*$@es so I ignore them.

And you are rights pundits are supposed to give opinions and they don't have to be fair. I do respect the pundits like Craig, however, that make an attempt to step back and look at it from the outside - it's more insightful.

I get more out of Jim Leher and Washington Journal than any others. ;0)

Of Course I restect Olberman even when I disagree. I really enjoy his sharp witted insights. Much more meat than most pundits.

Oh Jack!

My prayers to you too. I'm just about to go through it myself...

Sheila,

"Chris, Tucker, Keith and the rest are pundits. They are supposed to give their opinions, no matter how swayed." I no longer watch MSNBC except for the first five minutes of a show to see if there will be a guest or subject of interest. That still doesn't change the point that there is no balance to those "pundits" in the news coverage between Joe and Chris. That is what I find dangerous.

MSNBC is only the most egregious offender (I'm waiting for Olbermann to make his own network or one of those commentators "worst person in the world" since they sometimes equal O'Reilly in competing for the honor)

As a matter of protest I even gave up NBC network shows. Fortunately, their schedule other than Medium is truly bad so it's not much of a sacrifice.

I meant "are"

but they are "our misogynistic. . ." too

LOL

Bri :P

The problem with PMSNBC isnt that they use pundits, it's that they use pundits to present the news... when Chris and Keith are sitting at the desk reporting on primaries, the punditry should be over..

and that's Ty-i to you!!

My Point jamie,

IS, Tucker makes me squirm with distaste and so I don't watch him. OReally makes me squirm with distaste and so I don't watch him.

I watch the first 5 minutes of Keith...never miss segment 5. I only look at what Chris is doing...mainly because I used to work for him...habit pure and simple.

We have free will and the big three still have a half hour show that is pretty even in the reporting.

99% of the country are not political junkies like us. They don't pay attention of cable...

So what else is it, that is making them pay more attention to Obama and not Clinton?

Serbs attacking Kosovo checkpoints ... Russia very unhappy ... this final attempt at a break up of the remaining pieces of Yugoslavia could get very ugly.

If you want to take the time, the Wikipedia article on Tito and Yugoslavia is interesting reading and will give you the historical context for what is happening in that unhappy section of Europe that has a bad habit of causing wars among all the players that want a piece.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josip_Broz_Tito

Sheila...

You have a good point about the talking heads on some channels being pundits rather than reporters. The danger, of course, is that many who tune in to hear the 'news' don't realize they are watching people who are only giving opinion. I guess that doesn't speak well of my opinion of most of the voting public, but there you have it. I think MOST voters are far less aware and informed than those of us who frequent lists such as this one, and are easily swayed by emotion...makes punditry a dangerous game...dangerous to the welfare of our nation.

Jamie,

That is a very good question. I would imagine that either the National or the Texas Association of Mortgage Brokers has commented in some fashion.

I emailed a while ago and never got a reply from the campaign.

Harbor,

I agree only to a certain point. I beleve that the voting puplic you speak of are a minority in this country. I think WE are a minority in this country too.

Now that leaves quite a percentage that read and make and educated conclusion based on what the candidates put out there. They are quite educated and take their vote seriously.

The young a far more able to be led. BUT....I see a seriousness in our young that I never saw in us. So I am heartened.

no matter which way it falls, we have won. Our children are better than we were at their age.

The Anti Hillary Campaign in Texas

"Dick Morris openly campaigning for Republicans in Texas to vote against Clinton. An email mirrors more of the same:

"Those white male voters are itching to torpedo Hillary in the Texas Demo primary."

It's from the same guy who wrote the offensive emails out of Iowa, plus did the robo-calls against her."

http://www.taylormarsh.com/

See, I'm one of the worst MSNBC offenders - try as I might to watch CNN, and I did so for a couple of weeks, I've found myself hitting 51 on the remote more and more the last few days. I still see better guests on the MSNBC shows than on CNN by and large, and notwithstanding my exasperation about the MSNBC hosts (Dan, and to a lesser degree, Keith excluded) and their blatant candidate preference, I get more entertainment out of the MSNBC shows than I do with CNN. (as I've noted before, I won't watch Fox on principle) although I'll grant you that CNN hosts are more evenhanded. Now tonight and March 5 I will watch CNN mostly to get actual reporting of the results as they come in and flip back to MSNBC FTTT to see if I can catch Craig or even Buchannan to get their slant on the results.

BTW,

Marinating the chicken in buttermilk makes such a huge difference in improving the taste of fried chicken...

Has Bill Clinton made any comment with regards to Kosovo? Or Wesley Clark?

I would like to hear their take on these events.

Gordo, I hope Dick(head) Morris (his last name in a just world would be Johnson) is actively campaigning in Texas against Hillary. (Note that his collar barely restrains his foreskin.) Nobody but conservative white guys likes that prick, and there could actually be a backlash that results - although I'm sure he won't have much effect one way or the other.

yep pogo.. if ya dont know Morris is a maroon, then you don't know Dick..

Sheila...

I hope you're right that so many voters are better informed than I believe they are. However, that is inconsistent with my experience of most of the voters I know...and I include among those voters many who BELIEVE themselves to be informed. I call them indoctrinated.

I also hope you're right about today's youth. I know young people who fall on both sides of the spectrum...those who are pretty well informed, and those who are just experiencing life in the way most youth do...living it and learning from it and growing into the people they are destined to become. I do agree with you that we Boomers have done a decent job of rearing kids who are more able to think, but I also believe that - by and large - our public schools are in trouble and are not teaching critical thinking skills very well. Makes good parenting more important than ever!

ty, of course I have no opinion on the matter. LOL

Sheila

"So what else is it, that is making them pay more attention to Obama and not Clinton?" I apologize for the length of this answer, but wanted it to be as complete as possible.

I'm afraid when it comes to the general public, that I have a dim view of their ability to analyze political events, not because I think they are stupid (well some really are considering the state of education) but simply because it isn't of that much interest to them.

They buy politicians in the same way that they buy soap unless something truly momentous impinges on their lives and then they look for the easy answers. It took a long time for the public to come to the realization of just how bad a President GWB really is.

In the case of Obama you have two major forces driving people to the polls. First a large AA population that have been waiting a long, long time for this possibility and among the young a hero on the level of an MLK in their parents generation. He is brilliant, talented, well spoken and dynamic. He may be a long, long way from MLK, but they don't need to look below the pretty words, because they are in love.

Second, a truly magnificently run campaign backed up by a media onslaught against his competitor that draws the idealistic and intensely liberal who sometimes forget the practicalities of running government in their desire to have the dreams of what could be. Clinton may be the superior politician with a greater background of experience and knowledge, but her campaign has been sadly lacking and that gave the Obama campaign a chance to eat into her support.

hw, it's not confined to public schools.

Ty I love your tongue in cheek!

jamie, Sheila, I have 2 words for you - Mark Penn.

jamie, Sheila, the two words I would like to have - James Carville.

pogo..which matter? morris or dick? LOL

Jamie,

I couldn't express that point you made any better...well done.

ty, yes. LOL, too.

wait.. i should probably limit my comments lest Karolenna accuse me of being shifty and jobless..

Well this just about says it all! LOLOLOL

Hilary V Obama

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqOHquOkpaU

tylenol...lol at your 2:24 post.... Like several here, I've earned my shifty and jobless rating...with 33 years in the public school system.

pogo...I infer that you mean private schools are also failing to teach critical thinking skills. If that's your meaning, I'm sorry to hear it, but not surprised. Actual teaching is hard to do...regurgitating data for kids who get it by osmosis is easy. Do you send Little Pogo to a private school?

Jamie can't argue with a well thought out point.

I have no argument.

iIhave just read an article from the city edition, that states, that the republicans have flooded the democratic primary elections with their own operatives to vote for Obama so they will be able to swift boat him in december and put j. mccain in the wh this nov.
When will the democrat party take control of its own election, the republicans have destroyed this country, do they now have permission to destroy the democrat party.
It seems unbelieveable to me to hear American governors and mayors ,(neb) govenor actively sending their operatives into the democrat primary to secure the results they want.
Does this mean that what will really happen is they will draft a nominee at the convention? This all seems soooo unamerican. Its not Obama, he hasn't done anything spectacular he is just a patsy for wall street , he doesn't have that kind of experience.R epublicans and wall street are the ones who have done it all.
Hope I am allowed to send this.
Craig told me to come on here but it seems I have a tough time getting on.

Sheila!

That is a GREAT YouTube video! Every one of us should watch it!

Iodine-

"democrat party"?

Iodine,

Welcome! Hope you stay. We are diverse and snarky and silly and just a plain community!

Checking in at lunch time here...since today is Wisconsin's day...maybe we should be discussing cheese instead of butter beans and chicken. I think a sharp cheddar tonight with the results. Maybe quiche for dinner.

On another note, will we finally be able to visit Cuba? I'm ready to start planning a vacation before it becomes Americanized.

Turned to MSNBC for a status report on the election today.

Either some of the wailing and gnashing of teeth is starting to get through with a "come to Jesus" moment, or it is a one time aberation, but the panel discussing the campaigns is actually doing an excellent analysis.

Just to echo the totally surprised Valley Girl in Space Camp when something works the way it should:

"Well beat me, whip me, and take away my credit cards!"

I need to turn on the news mix....always check in here first.

Craig...when are you scheduled for MSNBC? Their ratings might spike if you are on.

Harbor,

That Hilary V Obama video is the cutest and cleverest in a long time!

With great reluctance I'll post a link to David Brooks' column from today's Times. Fair warning, Obama supporters will not like this.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/19/opinion/19brooks.html?em&ex=1203570000&en=a37d78be1404f491&ei=5087%0A

Great video. Very funny and perceptive.

Of course the girl missed a good comeback. "Of course he didn't vote in favor of the war. Unlike Hillary, he hadn't been elected to anything where he could. Yet!"

With the crowd we have on here, we could probably keep those two going for hours.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=655830354

Ok Pogo,

I won't read it. I'll let Bear check it out first....been too nice today.

hw, Little Pogo goes to our local Catholic school. The public middle school here is absolutely horrible, and despite my very strong support for public education, he won't go there as long as he's under my care.

Blondie, don't hold your breath - John Negroponte has said that he doesn't see anything changing because of the handover. Of course Dumya is now spewing words about Cuba and freedom and democracy. Wonder if those words will change anything? We can hope, I guess.

Sheila, that's why I posted it with a warning label, and even reluctantly at that. Of course I know all the Hillary supporters here will enjoy it - despite the author's identity.

btw, Sheila, did you get one of those nifty Flying Wing hats that Sister Bertrille had when you got your new name?

I read it. Brooks can write up a storm when he puts his mind to it and yes it did reflect my doubts about Obama, but he also took a few good swipes at Clinton:

First Wife looking for places and voters as dull as she is.... Ouch! :-)

Pogo! No-

A lot of spit was flying though...from both sides of the aile. I'm still wearing a slicker...

Pogo,

Interesting commentary. I just wonder at what point will we ditch the national cynicism and actually try something new.

http://stubbornfacts.us/politics/2008_election/ex_cathedra#comment-13189

Won't take the bate without intro..... ;0) what are you trying to diseminate?

Blondie, here's a link to the Negroponte comment on US policy towards Cuba.

http://timesreporter.com/index.php?ID=79993&r=2

and another, more general story on the change.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080219/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/fidel_castro

Sorry, I was having one of those decaying memory moments and couldn't remember where I ran across the Negroponte comment, so it took me a few minutes to find it.

pogo...

In my youth, the local Catholic schools were considered to be excellent. (That was in Meridian, MS, where I also feel I got a passably good education in the local public schools...though they were also light on teaching critical thinking skills.) I hope they're still a cut above, and that you're reasonably happy with the education Little Pogo is getting. As someone who spent a lot of years in the trenches, I am deeply concerned about public education in America today. The answers will not be found in throwing ever more money at the problem.

Bear, hey, I warned you. But to address your question, when we ditch the national cynicism, I think the last newspaper and the blogs will die. Without cynicisn, they'd be pretty dull.

Pogo - as to your 2:13 and 2:14 posts - I agree with you 100% on both!!!

And now I MUST post words? I said I have nothing more to say here unless others request it. You can call me a DIVA or whatever. I will post links to where intelligent discourse actually debates or explains positions, not the partisan banter and shallow slogans offered up by the BOside.

Sorry Wendy, Blondie, Jamie, Burrito, EuroTom and others, it is NOT about my charm or Obama's. I suggest you read the article's top links under the thread heading to give you a good idea what the Republicans have in store. And I ask all HRC supportes to ask themselves, are ANY of the comments seen on the thread at SF's upper most link posted above to the NR completely unfounded? Yes, some deplorable, but then some comments here make me ill. Sorry, I have always been proud to be an American and Shelia's damage control does not cut it.

I have already said too many words....and I don't mean to be rude Craig. Today and March 4th decides a lot of where we will be in 2012.

I will confine my thoughts to other blog pages and leave links here we I see fit. Just like Obama when he see fit to answer questions or debate real issues.

Pogo -
absolutely not guilty, probably some other skin from the rez who enjoys chocolate and strums a geetar. :)

Harborwoman- what was your public school experience?
And what steps do you think should could be done to improve public ed aside from throwing money?

man, for some reason i'm hungry..

hw, I'm not totally pleased with his education, but what parent is? I'll probably supplement the weaker parts of it at Sylvan or some other outside tutorial service. He might get as good instruction in the local schools, ut his teachers and the administrators know him and us well, and if there's a problem, they would not hesitate to call me directly. The bottom line is that I'd just as soon he not think that it's OK not to give a crap about education - and that attitude is prevalent in this area, much more so in the public schools where the kids seem to think that Fairmont State is just fine as PS ed goes, and WVU is the best thing going at the college level. WADR to FSU and WVU, I do not think that.

Back in my college days, when I had good friends in Starkville, Goodman (no, really) and Jackson, Meridien was one of my favorite watering hole stops before they lowered the drinking age in AL to 18 - 8 days after my 21st birthday. Now how's that for timing?

rez, you should sue for identity theft. LOL

Sheila, how you gonna fly loaded down with saliva and without a proper hat? (What do they call those anyway?)

Pogo,

My son was tested as gifted when he was....say second grade. I couldn't afford to send him to private school or even special tutoring. So I myself did a lot, but it wasn't enough. My son was sooooo bored in school.

Finally Silvan came along and he bloomed. You see he was reading at a college sophomore level at a 9th grade level and in math and you get the picture.

I really believe from my son's experience that we have dumbed our children down in school.

Thank goodness for Silvan who tested him and then gave him lessons at his level. It got him excited again.

Poor people don't have a chance to get that extra special schooling for their kids like a "Gifted Program"

Bear,

"I just wonder at what point will we ditch the national cynicism and actually try something new."

The last time that happened here was 1776. Like it or not, the Ship of State is a ponderous beast. It takes a lot to get it to turn. You can have a Socialist run unsuccessfully for President throughout most of his adult life. One by one most of the program he proposed have made their way into national programs, but he never got close to the Presidency.

Harry Truman proposed universal health care as was being adopted throughout most of the developed nations following WWII over 60 years ago. We may eventually get something resembling that during the next administration.

How long have Civil Rights been an issue ... right from the beginning of the union through Quakers and the underground railroad through the MLK assassination to today .... still imperfect. Still not done, but yes definite progress for the educated up the ladder of success but broken hearts and minds in drug and violence infested ghettos.

When I got divorced back in 1971 a woman's credit rating was wiped out with the marriage. Now we are viewed as human beings not just half of a pair carrying the majority of the weight of home and hearth as well as career. That glass ceiling has some cracks in it, but it hasn't been broken yet.

Yes dreams do get deferred and it is damn frustrating, but sometimes the way to make things happen is getting the dream one piece at a time.

Pogo,
I believe its called a Wimple....lol A wimple with my spit slicker......LOL

Sheila,

Max is finally getting the message. It is a link to what looks like a fairly interesting blog with some commentary he wrote. Anti Obama in that portion but it looks worth reading as a whole.

Or make that wipple? I can't remember and find it either.

Whipple? Come on jamie help me.

max,

not saying to have to write a lot, but like all people to wet the whistle,

How about a title?

whimple! And some kids site called it "Nunderwear"!!

Complete with pretty picture

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wimple

Jamie,

If only they would wipe a woman's credit clean with divorce now. I speak to so many women down here with crappy credit because of their exes...

OK, here's a weird fact, probably appropos of nothing - of the 8 states that have held primaries so far from the 12 states where Bush's average approval rating since June 1, 2007 is the lowest, Hillary has won 7 of those primaries. Ironically, there are 3 states where Dumya's average favorability rating is also highest over that same period - PA, MI and NH.

thanks, Pogo, for Cuba update...next year maybe.

Cindy McCain on Mrs. Obama -- about her proud (finally) to be an American remark...CMc may have a hard time herself because of past drug use. This may be a never ending battle of sleaze in November. Maybe not....at least she is the youngest thing on the repug ticket.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cindy_McCain

Since Betty Ford, however, republican woman and drug use seem to enjoy a more positive spin than a president who has smoked weed or done cocaine. And isn't drug use so totally American?

In reading back through the posts

Cynicism

http://personal.ecu.edu/mccartyr/ancient/athens/Cynicism.htm

I am so glad someone mentioned Mrs. Obama's comment. I thought it was terrible! What a thing to say.
Finally the media is catching on to what is happening with his sweet words and no substance. It is about time.
Go Hillary, here comes Ohio!!!

Apparently, drug use is more tolerable than sex, too...

And for all of the cynics out there (from the link I provided at 4:13)

In many ways, the cynical philosophy closely resembles the Buddhist philosophy. For example, both philosophies denied that pleasure was equal to or had anything to do with true happiness. Both philosophies also held as fundamental aspects of their ethics that one should neglect the body for the benefit of the soul. Finally, the common, crucial ingredient in both philosophies was the sufficiency of virtue for the attainment of happiness (enlightenment in Buddhism).

Canadians vacation in Cuba all the time.. yes, we're commies..

Neither past drug use or sex are the path for truly virtuous candidate. Cynically, speaking (although I think I would rather be called a Buddhist than a cynic) I suppose.

tylenol...so are New Zealanders. Have you been there?

Kathy...

My experiences in public education include 6 years in public ed classrooms - all in special ed, 2 years in self-contained classrooms, 4 in classrooms for kids with learning disabilities, but who were 'higher functioning' - and 27 years in corrections education (an institution housing incarcerated delinquent youth), where I began as a teacher and ended as administrator of the program. I was administrator of the program for 20 years. The institution was closed in 2001, and I chose to go back into a public school classroom rather than retire at that point, even though I had already worked sufficient years to retire. I taught LD kids for 2 more years, but retired in 2003 because I couldn't be the teacher I needed to be and the mom I had to be. I was teaching a full class load (5 periods per day plus a 'homeroom', doing research with the Univ of Wisconsin on teaching math to LD students - which included many after school meetings with a team of teachers and researchers, and - under pressure - serving as yearbook sponsor for my school). Teaching has become a much more difficult profession than it was when I first entered the classroom in 1969. The demands on teachers' time, both in terms of services offered and in terms of pressure from administrators to GIVE time and service to their schools, is enormous. And that doesn't begin to consider the number of hours required to correct papers and create effective lesson plans, if the job is to be done well at all. I have a child with a disability, and I retired because I felt an obligation to use my skills to help him achieve his potential.

Kathy...You asked what I felt needs to be done.

1. I think we need to start by assessing school administration. Many districts now have become truly top heavy with administrators. We need an honest assessment of what is needed at that level to ensure that the job in the classroom is well done, and then we need to trim (or add) accordingly. I think we also need to look at administrative salaries. Administrators are, of course, eager to see their pay increase in line with what other CEO's earn. Most school administrators I know are now earning in excess of $100K/year...and that's just at the building administrator level. District level administrators are paid more, with superintendents making well over $200K in many cases. In light of teacher salaries that begin around $30K in some states, I think that disparity needs to be examined.

2. Teacher salaries need to be increased. They truly are underpaid. I'm aware of all the arguments about their shorter work day, shorter work year, etc. However, they truly don't have either of those things. They simply have a job where the expectation is that they will put in as many hours as it takes to do the job. MANY of those hours are off the clock. And they MUST go to school during most of their summers in order to maintain their teaching certificates, and remain current with certification requirements. That's as it should be, as teachers really need to be aware of current educational research. It's appalling to me how few teachers have any knowledge of such research, let alone any ability to make use of it in their day-to-day teaching regimen.

3. Classroom teachers need to be held to very high standards. They need to be able to use language effectively, and to set an example of what a well-educated adult looks like for their students. Teacher evaluations need to be thorough and honest. It MUST be made possible for ineffective teachers to be removed from the classroom without requiring a 3-5 year pitched battle. The losers in such situations are always the students.

4. Teachers have to be trained to do more than give lip service to the FACT that "all children can learn", and they must not be allowed to blame students for their failures to teach.

Im sure I can come up with much more, but that's enough for now. this post is long enough as it is.

Stubborn Facts is a very well-respected blog that many RINOs, Independents, Moderate Democrats and Moderate Republicans visit. Several regular posters (I am not a thread poster) are Democrats. There is no editor on the site that is a SOCON. I repeat, no one who posts threads or is an editior. Many have voted for both Democrats and Republicans. This is a very smart bunch of people and I am honored they even let me post to the exent I do.

At the top of the thread is a Post with a link to Free Republic (I meant FR not NR). I do not condone much of what people comment on at Free Republic given my liberal inclination, but more and more Democrats and Independents are getting sick enough for the DNC to be very worried. I will spare people here with my words.

Visit the link, do what you wish but don't cry that many left the Democratic side like they did for Reagan and send a resounding No You Won't to a vague, media lead, sexist, vote for me because I'm black and don't talk foreign policy -campaign. My greatest anger is that this may well break my record for NEVER having voted for a Republican.

You are asking me to Swallow the Obamas, burn down the Clintons and "hope" Obama "changes" his pandering to clear thinking. You see, I don't like Kool Aid and I certainly based decisions on faith. Michelle's words will haunt her and Obama doesn't know what is coming here in in global terms.

Again, soory for the length and next time I just post a link, remeber I'm an okay person, not a troll or a moonbat. I wouldn't leave ANYTHING here Craig would be ashamed to read.

Sheila, Pogo & Jamie,

Wimple seems right for what most nuns used to wear, but the Sisters of Charity at St. Mary's in Troy, NY wore that winged bonnet that Sally Field wore and they called it a cornet.

I came across the Obama lovers theme song (it's nice cause I'm being nice today). There are hundreds of versions of this song on You Tube and I couldn't find the one I wanted, but it is embedded at the top of this blog

http://morgenfiles.blogspot.com/

Thanks Blondie - got me looking, too. Here's something a little more, ummm, modern.

http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Cynicism

Actually, after looking into it, I hope we never drop cynicism from politics - I know I won't. Others may have a better opposite for cynical, but I would say that its opposite is gullible. IMHO, some of our most insightful political observers would proudly wear the label.

Oddly enough, when I worked at the U of AL, I told our assistant dean that IMHO, the University was in desperate need of an institutional cynic who was paid to go from program to program asking uncomfortable questions that might lead to improvements in those programs. He didn't take my suggestion seriously. I guess it was too cynical.

harborwoman

I come from a family of teachers...over 100 years of combined experience. And from what they have shared with me, your points are right on target. And the union contracts are also a source of distress (your point #2) when it comes to salary increases, health benefits. Even retired teachers are impacted by today's negotiations.

In this country, the front line jobs (like teachers, receptionists, customer service) are the lowest paid and most abusive. We always put more money into a CEO than the person who is the voice of the corporation. (Boy, I miss John Edwards here).

Okay...too much coffee for me, but thanks for sharing about teachers.

Michelle Obama oppressed! Now that is a fairytale.

Man, you guys know your Catholic nun garb! And I thought it was a habit - but then again, I'm not Catholic.

But, you told me I needed them and then you provide no link in how to get them..

I'll leave you with this link so you can get your facts straight...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelle_Obama

Harborwoman,

I agree with your assessment.

My mom's favorite bumper sticker was the following:

"If you think the cost of education is too high, try ignorance"

We live in a country where too many have chosen the latter.

Max, I for one hope you continue to drop in here, and you, like everyone, is free to drop links into the site. I think Sheila was just asking that you post some sort of clue what the link was about. I'm a big fan of links introduced by one liners.

Pogo...still it is hard not to like a philosophy where you can live like dogs.

And thanks to all of my wonderful teachers who taught me how to research and not take everything at face value...like Mrs.MObama being oppressed. : )

I voted in the March 4th TX Primary today. I voted early so that I could vote often.

More Dems than Repubs. Read all about it here: (It's short)

http://patterns2.blogspot.com/

tt

Actually that should be " you, like everyone, are free to drop links into the site." I hate to appear illiterate - and I certainly don't pretend to even suggest I have any control over the rules of this site - I'm just stating what I have inferred over the past couple of years and couple of sites Craig has controlled.

I don't know how it looks on your screen, but the r and n look like an m on mine. Let me be clear, it's not a comet, it's a "c o r n e t"

Blonde... sure! It's called the Commie Tour.. we hit all the hot spots.. "if it's Tuesday it must be Havana"

I spent the afternoon at our local heart place getting a nuclear stress tests. They had a pleasant lounge where the patients spent the interminable periods waiting for the next stage of the procedure.

Of course, as is normal in the Old South, the 'entertainment' panel was tuned to Fox News.

I was surprised to find that it lacked the stridency that characterized it the last time I watched during the daytime. It was even more pleasant than MSNBC which has degenerated into nothing more than a journalistic rag with audio and video content

It was the first time I heard Ms Obama's 'the first time I've been proud' remarks in a form that I could sense the context of the remarks. I was more than dismayed.

If there's anyone in this world who has been blessed by the American experience, it is she.

pogo and Sheila...

You have lucky kids, and you're to be commended for seeing that they get good educations. But you shouldn't have to go to such extremes. The product offered should meet the need, don't you think?

That said, I have even stronger feelings when it comes to educating those of our kids who are placed in special ed. If you have any connections, could you please let the 'powers that be' know I'd like to be Goddess of Special Ed? Not too concerned about salary, as I have my HUGE pension from all those years in public education.... I just want special ed kids to be educated, too, rather than warehoused and shoved along via social promotion until they get too old to be legally entitled to a seat at the table. And...did you know that in our country today, 1 of every 6 kids is educated to some extent within special ed programs? That's 17% of our kids...and the number is steadily climbing. Dumbing down? In many ways!

Gotta' head out for awhile...library books to return, groceries to gather....

Tip, make sure you don't forget to vote again.

Well, it's about that time, and I'm the sole taxi driver today. Everyone have a great evening. And I think we should all follow Bri's :-{) advice and get a grip and a clue - you never know when you might need one of them.

Go Jesse, Go Teddy, Go holy crap we friggin lost the WH against. all odds we could lose.

WhiskeyJack....
so sorry to read about your mom.... I'll be heading back and forth to nursing homes soon enough with an ailing dad..... and really sorry to read you have to sell part of family farm..... that's a travesty..... take care and come back when you can....

HarborW..... great post about education and what is needed..... I have a lot of friends that are teachers and they say similar things to what you've posted...

Maxtrue.... I've always read your long posts.....
don't pay attention to what some bloggers tell you is or isn't acceptable on this site..... the only one who can do that is Craig.....

Blonde wino..... got my New Mexico magazine in the mail today..... it had a great article about the changing cuisine in some of the restaurants..... I thought of you while reading it.....

http://lotgk.wordpress.com/2007/10/07/catholic-nun-habit/

hilarious!! {8>{)

tylenol

Just need to avoid hurricane season, the storm, not the drink

Hurricane recipe

serve in
Hurricane Glass

Scale ingredients to servings
1 oz vodka
1/4 oz grenadine syrup
1 oz gin
1 oz light rum
1/2 oz Bacardi® 151 rum
1 oz amaretto almond liqueur
1 oz triple sec
grapefruit juice
pineapple juice

excuse.. sense

Maxtrue:

I value your posts and I don't mind the length - wish you'd stay and participate fully.

Well, I have to say one las tthing. Yes, HW, my kid is lucky, as am I that I can afford to give him the extra help he needs to make the most of his potential if he needs it. And I completely agree with you - it should be available to every kid, whether special needs, normal or gifted, irrespective of their parents' ability to pay more for it. Now I really gotta go.

RR

I subscribe too, but I did get a few days earlier --although our mail service is about the same as our caucus counting. Our dem leader, Colon, did get beat-up over our caucus counting.

My favorite of the mag...one of our fifty is missing...I have some great stories, too.

pogo, it's on my calendar everyday. ;-)

All of the original primary candidates from each party were on their ballot today. I thought of voting for Edwards.

*sigh*

tt

tt...

I DID vote for Edwards in today's WA primary. It was meaningless (Dems don't use primary votes to assign delegates), but it felt so good!

Good for you HW!

tt

Blonde wino....
"one of our fifty is missing" is my favorite too....

the first time my hubby and I planned a trip to your great state and I told a friend...
she asked "are you going on a cruise?".....

at the time, I didn't realize that was a typical response.....

HW, makes ya wonder what the sense of the 'popular vote' means, if anything.

tt

RR

Many people think we are on the Gulf of Mexico. When I traveled to Canada several years ago and showed my drivers license to enter the US, the customs official had us pulled over some time because he could not believe we had driven across the entire United States and then into Canada without a visa. His supervisor finally had to set him straight that New Mexico was a state in the United States, not Mexico. Funny, but scary, too.

"If there's anyone in this world who has been blessed by the American experience, it is she."

I just watched this for the first time. She really seemed to be struggling with that message...perhaps she knew she was muckin' it up as she spoke the words as she seemed to stammer a bit.

I'm not sure I'm so outraged by what she said - I believe she just expressed herself poorly - it's not the first time but she's a novice at this so I'll give her a break on this one.

She's just trying to perpetuate the notion that there has never been anything like BO before and he's something darn special. He's her husband...she should feel that way and she has the right to try to sell him in that way. Whether she does a good job at it is another question - but. . .of course if Bill Clinton said it...the discussion would be very different. But like I said, she's a novice just like he is.

Rezdog

As a woman, there a countless generations of oppressed woman (in my family tree) who have preceeded me. But, I am not going to guilt you about it even though I do live in America where we are more sexist than racist.

Geez and I thought the earlier you tube video said it all!

typo

There are countless generations of oppressed women

Far better than Zbig and Malley. Yep, talk about stealing delegates as Obama supporters intimidate blacks who support Clinton...LOL and try yo keep Florida from counting.....Gees, now I'm not proud to be an American.

And you know who khalidi is? Do you even know who Malley is? McCain will educate you if Obama wins the primary and it won't be pretty.

http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/01/barack_obamas_middle_east_expe.html

http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_mark_cri_080217_three_strikes_agains.htm

typo..converts them.

BW,
I'm far from trying to make you or anyone feel any particular way with my understanding and interpretation of things.

I have to run or I will be late for an appointment...geez we all need a vacation to Cuba. Or a cruise to New Mexico, maybe.

Thanks and it has been fun.

David Brooks in his Opinion column in the NY Times, titled "When the Magic Fades" is too hypocritical for words inferring that Obama-mania has wormed its way into the hearts and minds of hapless Americans. He writes that this infliction causes "patients to experience intense surges of hope-amine, the brain chemical that fuels euphoric sensations of historic change and personal salvation".

What I find so remarkable is that he DAVID BROOKS, MARK RICH, GAIL COLLINS and MAUREEN DOWD of the Times have all been the sad victims of Obama Syndrome Disorder. Brookes finally finds a "flaw" in St. Obama and makes the claim that he is not infected with Obama Syndrome. Give me a break...every friday evening he and Mark Shields on NewsHour with Jim Lehrer praise Obama and tear into the Clintons.

Jamie & Wendy....
I agree with both of your sentiments about MO....
I think she's just beginning to figure out that one really has to be careful of everything that you say on the campaign trail from now on..... this is for real and not a make believe campaign against Alan Keyes.....

I too will cut her some slack..... she's obviously an intelligent and very accomplished woman....

gotta go..... have a library trustee meeting tonight..... cheers....

harborwoman...

Teachers need to be able to teach.

Not teach to take a test, but actually teach to pass on to others their knowledge and thoughts to enable them to be good citizens.

For too long we have pushed the dumbing down of our citizens buy mandating education to teach to a test rather then to gain the knowledge to pass a test.

Do that and we can once again have the best educated citizens in our time.

God Bless.

"Wendy I have no idea idea what you're talking about, more Clinton lies I suspect."

Read my previous post - this is exactly what I'm talking about.

:-D

Are we fighting again? *Yawn*

Corey

ROFL

So the new question of the day has to be: Who is actually running for President - Obama or Duval?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgctsioisJg

NEW THREAD

*L* @ Corey. Always at the heart of the matter.

tt

NEW THREAD

I spent the afternoon at our local heart place getting a nuclear stress tests. They had a pleasant lounge where the patients spent the interminable periods waiting for the next stage of the procedure.

Of course, as is normal in the Old South, the 'entertainment' panel was tuned to Fox News.

I was surprised to find that it lacked the stridency that characterized it the last time I watched during the daytime. It was even more pleasant than MSNBC which has degenerated into nothing more than a journalistic rag with audio and video content

It was the first time I heard Ms Obama's 'the first time I've been proud' remarks in a form that I could sense the context of the remarks. I was more than dismayed.

If there's anyone in this world who has been blessed by the American experience, it is she.