Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

"President-in-waiting Barack Obama. . .now aspires to be the leader
of Earth itself."

You certainly have a way with words, Mr. Crawford.

Perhaps we should call Mr. Obama, Emperor of the World.

Craig, hope you all had a great vacation and am just glad you're back. Missed your insight and quirky humor!

Prof Marcia -- Emperor of the World seems so limiting. I think Czar of the Universe would be more appropriate.

Check out David Brooks in NYT today. Mr. Brooks seems to have fallen out of love with The One. He says that The One has "jumped the shark" with his Berlin speech.

Knew you would say something along these lines, Craig. Oh well. Feeding your base.

I'm curious. Who is Craig's base?

Germans, as a people, are different. And sometimes not in a good way, as history has shown.

They seem to love having the cohesiveness that overarching rhetoric performed in magnificent spaces generates.

That's what Messrs Kennedy and Reagan counted on, and what Mr Obama's campaign understood.

If more examples of rhetoric-generated German crowds are needed, I will oblige.

Good morning Marcia. Craig's base (politically) is people who think Hillary was the better candidate and that Obama is an empty suit. Believe you yourself fit that bill. There's been a turnover of commenters since the primary season commenced, and an influx of new posters attracted by Craig's "objectivity." That did not happen by accident.

Craig's "other" base is people who just plain like him. He is funny and quite congenial.

How are you this morning? It's gorgeous in Northern VA: actually cool and brisk. Moving the laptop out to the deck! Back in a few.

"They seem to love having the cohesiveness that overarching rhetoric performed in magnificent spaces generates."

Absolutely true, Flatus. The Germans are different than you and I.

"leader of Earth itself."

Obama, King of the World!
(He'll have to share that honor with James Cameron, of course)
Since he's already "King of the 3-D World".

High, lofty ideas. Who can fault that?

Marcia,
Don't you love it when someone insults you and then turns around and asks you how you are?

firstly, craig, it's not that americans are so desperate to be liked as much as it is that the rest of the world longs for america, the world leader, to reflect the morality and hope that it used to possess...before it went bush league.

secondly, to all the nay sayers...tell me again...what is it that's WRONG about a leader who is intelligent, articulate, and inspirational?

Wow -- That David Brooks op/ed is sharp considering he was slobbering over O some months ago:

"But he has grown accustomed to putting on this sort of saccharine show for the rock concert masses, and in Berlin his act jumped the shark. His words drift far from reality, and not only when talking about the Senate Banking Committee. His Berlin Victory Column treacle would have made Niebuhr sick to his stomach.

Obama has benefited from a week of good images. But substantively, optimism without reality isn’t eloquence. It’s just Disney. "

Craig.....
only your second day back and already you're a naughty, naughty boy.....
god how I love it!..... :0)

good morning gang.....

Good morning Flatus, Chloe and JP and Patsi and Renee.

Read the David Brooks column. If McCain had made the same speech, to the same crowd, Brooks would be enthusing over the transcendence of American idealism.

I think Obama was there to remind people that we can still have ideals and optimism in working together, and that change is possible through long and hard work. It's often slow in coming.

Either that, or be carried along by history's currents.

Who hasn't tired of being a passenger on the Bush-Cheney bus, with no input on direction and no exit until January 2009?

Maybe Obama should just run the UN. If he could fix that organization, that would be change I could believe in.

Ha! So, his self-stylized presidential seal didn't show enough bravado, now running for leader of the entire Earth. (Could come in handy when the aliens make contact & ask us to take them to our leader...we've never had just one before.)

MoJo had it right, too. He was pro-America because he had to be.

Along that line, I think BO's European vacation may have had one more target: He looked more pro-American to Americans because he was against a non-American backdrop...you know, like when you stand next to someone short in a picture so that you'll look taller.

Craig,

As usual you try to bring the discussions back to reality, after watching the speech, it was clear that Obama aspires to be "leader of the earth".

Frankly, I'm looking for a President of the United States

Morning, Dog.

I simply can't imagine Mr McCain making such a speech. I don't think it's in his character.

With such a speech, timing is everything; he should have done it next year on a beautiful spring day in _________. Does anyone have an alternative venue to suggest?

Mr Bush made sweeping statements during his campaign. Like telling veterans, "A promise made will be a promise kept."

It will be more than good riddance come January,

Bowmanc - You may be on to something there; BO heading up the UN.

Question: Now that BO says he has moved away from the left in order to be all things to all people, what would preclude him from having Hil'ry as veep? The arguement that he is the new, improved, lemon fresh agent of change has kind of fizzled.

Craig, I just realized we missed your birthday this year. Hope it was a good one.

"...what is it that's WRONG about a leader who is intelligent, articulate, and inspirational?"

Depends on whether he's really saying anything or selling a motivational course.

So, they could be lying, renaming Cuba or...Venezuela isn't that far away. So help me, I think Nikita is banging his shoe on a table in hell & laughing right now.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601086&sid=aX_aqwcLYsXY&refer=latin_america

Blue....
HA!..... that's why I stand next to my 4'7" mother as often as I can.....

dog..... hell yes I'm tired of the Bush/Cheney junta..... but does Obama have to challenge them on cockiness every chance he gets..... I really do hope he can live up to the billing he's giving himself....

and could someone please link to the David Brooks article..... I'd love to read it....

As to David Brooks column "Playing Innocent Abroad", Its' about time some in the fawning media wake up.

"The golden rhetoric impresses less, the evasion of hard choices strikes one more."

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/25/opinion/25brooks.html?_r=1&hp=&oref=slogin&pagewanted=print

rr - Yes, he and W are two-of-kind when it comes to hubris. When his parade passes by there are big, steaming piles of it everywhere...but nary a turd of substance to be trod upon.

I would love to see a psych/personality comparison of BO & W...(bow to them, bow, I say). Colleen?

His own arrogance is a more compelling argument against his candidacy than I could ever make. Judging from the comments, it seems that many agree. Who woulda thunk it?

Slate magazine on what Bush cronies could be prosecuted:

http://www.slate.com/id/2195533/

Craig, It is easy for BHO to now move to a world stage, This is made easy by the lack of foundation, which is why his constant CHANGE continues to be the path.
I am sure he had a very big HIGH after speaking at such an important venue.
To bad that such a speech was delivered by a façade.

I find it amusing that Hillary got nailed about being the presumptive nominee early on in the primary and now Obama is doing the same thing. I mean, why stop at the world? Emporor of the Universe! Oh, Arnold was already Mr. Universe.

Off to work, but had to comment.

Flatus, Morgan !!
Of Course JM could not deliver that speach, He is to grounded and down to earth unlike BHO. That is BHO skill set and blessing - which maybe he looks "Presidential" but my does not make him one.

Germans are Different! Yes I work with and have the pleasure to go to Germany often.
I will check with my colleges over the pond and see their reaction - problem is they are also evil capitalistics types - So maybe not much different then mine.

new posters attracted by Craig's "objectivity."

dog, speaking as a newbie, i take umbrage at your quotation marks. craig was accused of "being in the tank for mccain" when i first got here. compared to the rest of the punditry out there, he's mr. equal opportunity to a fault (just in my biased opinion though).

Uh, Wino, the primaries and caucuses intervened. There's a difference if one IS the presumptive nominee after the votes are cast and counted.

But I get your point about looking too audacious.

Ping: please do let us know what your German colleagues thought. Would be interesting.

patd

You know how it goes, if you aren't gushing over Obama like a school girl, you must be a Republican.

Jack

Hi Pat. I missed the part about being in the tank for McCain, but missed a lot of posts during primary season. (Not a loss, it appears.)

Dog,
I am a proud member of Craigs Base -- ?? how does that sound?
I think sometimes he is half a step ahead and find myself reading his posts over and over trying to figure out what put the smile on his face.

I just received a little plastic mailing envelope in an online order just delivered, and it says CELL PHONES FOR SOLDIERS (Cell Phone Recycling Program) on it. It say's HELP OUR TROOPS CALL HOME.

What a great idea! You just place your old cell phone in it and it's pre-addressed, no postage necessary. I'm going to do it. Has anyone else ever seen these?

I suppose I'd have to question Dog's "objectivity" with regard to Mr Craig's "objectivity".......if i wannered to be "objective" that is........

what was that first question again?

"Perhaps Americans are so desperate to be liked by the rest of the world that Obama is on to something."

Perhaps, since we have been the assholes to the earth, and killed many innocents in an unjust war, committed war crimes against humanity - just maybe it's time to make amends to the world? After all - this is a global economy and and international relationships are a must for future success on all fronts.

I see nothing wrong in trying to build a better world....it can't be done in an arrogant American bubble.

PS: save your snide comments for yourselves.....my posts are for those who treat me with respect only!! The rest please just skip over.

Craig

I suspect many European foreign policy types are yearning for a return to the "good old days", where We lead and let them bitch and grouse as long as they mostly followed along. Europe is very comfortable in the Gabby Hays sidekick role.
Kinda like this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnFFb3LCEo0

Jack

Dateline...... Southern Germany.
First reported reactions from live in the field reporters..

(please forgive the direct translation) Obama Sucks.

So Warning - DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THE MEDIA AND PRESS scripted output.

Chloe: do you get the impression they redistribute the phones or recycle them and proceeds aid the troops? I always wonder how they handle that, since we consumers do not get to choose the phone and then choose the phone service.

Great idea, though. Have seen an animal sanctuary in Georgetown, SC (SC-CARES) that collects used cell phones and ink cartridges (assume they recycle them) and used cellphone boxes for a womens' shelter -- sounds like they program the cells to dial 911.

"my posts are for those who treat me with respect only!!"

Me too!!!! That is why I only talk to those who agree with me and only in private email!

What's that?
Oh, this isn't email?
Oh well, Never mind

Jack

Miley Cyrus filled Times Square with thousands of screaming preteens this morning. Does she get to be Sec Def?

McCain to dine in a French restaurant today as Barack Obama visits France.

killfile

Posted by: unlikely_burrito | July 25, 2008 9:06 AM

As you wish

Here is the English translation of Der Spiegel on Obama's speech

http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,568091,00.html

Jamie

VP, Obama/ Montana 08

Jack

Jack: lay off Burrito. Too nice a day to start it with bullying.

People here get caught up in responding to the poster, rather than what was said in the post.

I think it would be great to have "anonymous" week some time. We head in that direction occasionally.

How is Missouri this morning?

I am in a sweater in Northern VA, for maybe another half hour. Neighbors are building a new deck next door -- they will enjoy it. Previous neighbor had a waterfall and pond. Miss the frogs and birds (even a heron), but don't miss the marsh in our backyard (we are slightly downhill.)

“firstly, craig, it's not that americans are so desperate to be liked as much as it is that the rest of the world longs for america, the world leader, to reflect the morality and hope that it used to possess...before it went bush league.

secondly, to all the nay sayers...tell me again...what is it that's WRONG about a leader who is intelligent, articulate, and inspirational?“

Finally, an intelligent post! BTW, where are the Clintons? Why aren’t they putting their bodies where their mouths had said they would be? Obama better win or her goose (well, you know what I want to say here) is cooked for good.

Leaving today for HilliaryLand. Hate it and always will but I’m doing my duty to care for my mother this weekend. Actually, I never liked the hills of SE Ohio nor WV just across the river. Now, to go listen to Mom talk about “that old black man”. Most of the talk in SE Ohio is worse than that! Don’t tell me I don’t have patience.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/R/REPUBLICANS_HOUSING?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush pulled the rug out from under Republicans this week when he abruptly dropped his opposition to a massive housing rescue. Their reaction? Good riddance.

Jack

She can't be veep for 20 years.

"Clintonites Still Aren't Sending Much Cash to Obama. Why That's Good News for the Dems."

http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/stumper/archive/2008/07/23/clintonites-still-aren-t-sending-much-cash-to-obama-why-that-s-good-news-for-the-dems.aspx

" In other words, the much-hyped rumors of Clintonites refusing to accept Obama as their nominee were greatly exaggerated--or simply, you know, inconsequential."

Karolenna

"BTW, where are the Clintons"

They are probably staying away from the limelight so that the whole media focus is on Obama. The Democrats are trying not to make any news that might distract from those images in the news.

Suppose Obama is elected president, what if he applies the same work ethic to that job that he has to his senatorial duties, will he get bored?

This is a serious question. What is there in his past performance in the offices he has held that we can use to predict his future performance. We know he runs a good campaign, but what else has he really accomplished?

Jamie,
That translation on Obama's speech was a great find. I don't know how you do it, but thanks, I was trying and coming up with nothing.

Jamie, Thanks for the link.
Curious as to the spin the BHO organization gave to each of the press to make sure a consistent theme is portrayed - again a theme of words only from a sea of CHANGE known as Barack

Dog,
Thanks, but you don't have to dirty your paws, for me....like you said, it's just too beautiful of a day to deal in the dirt.

: )

"What is there in his past performance in the offices he has held that we can use to predict his future performance."

bowmanc,
You've just nudged me into my favorite line. "The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior." I know I've said that before, but I live by it.

Bowmac - He is running the campaign?
I will be in Chi Town in a few weeks.. BHO is the front of a large machine....

I don't consider myself a a**hole to the earth. That is an incredibly broad brush to paint with.

And given my choice,this moring I would like to deal in the dirt, my vegatable garden needs attention.

Jamie

a mere technicality.
After all according to Gordo, Obama is ineligible too.

And as GWB says, "Constitution? what constitution?"

Jack
with tongue firmly in cheek

Karolenna,

It might b wise to talk bout flowers or food....just so you can keep the peace. I know with my Mother we have a No-Politics rule....it works the most times.

Good Luck ! : )

"Curious as to the spin the BHO organization gave to each of the press to make sure a consistent theme is portrayed -"

Ping Pong,
I've always wondered about that. Such coordination in all the media.

Dog
Her silly games are really irritating this early in the morning. I will work at being better, ok mama ;-)

Jack

Chloe

Yesterday when we were typing all the silliness about "tests", I said that my rule was that you didn't need to know everything, you just needed to know where to find everything. :-)

There's no mystery. After more than 30 years as a researcher, I know all sorts of places to go hunting.

Bow,
"environmentally speaking" We have failed to protect the earth, and we have limited and reduced funds for scientific development and research, placing ourselves behind the eight ball....but twist it however you like, if that's what gives you kicks!

Jamie: Thanks for the link to the German press accounts in translation. Will bookmark Der Spiegel.

Der Spiegel: ... On Friday the German press sifts through the text and subtext of Obama's speech. Most hear one essential message loud and clear: If Obama ends up in the White House, then Europeans -- and Germans in particular -- will be called upon to play a greater role in the war on terror -- and that means contributing more troops to the war in Afghanistan.

From "center-left" Suddeutche Zeitung:

...""However, one should not overestimate the Berlin speech. Obama has proved himself to be a crafty tactician in this election campaign. He is always aware of which public he is speaking to. In Berlin he may have captured the hearts of many enthusiastic German fans, but his real audience was the undecided white voters in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Colorado and Virginia. He wants to convince them that the world will also listen to a black US president. Most Americans view the Germans as reliable partners, despite their opposition to the Iraq war -- not as stubborn as the French or as eager as the British."

Financial Times Deutschland:

"Obama's speech in Berlin was an ad for the war on terror. He conjured up the spirit of the Berlin Airlift and used it to call for German solidarity. It is now finally clear to the German government that more involvement -- and particularly in Afghanistan -- will be expected from Berlin. The US doesn’t see why they should grind away at fighting the Taliban while the Germans play the nice reconstruction aid workers…. Obama will ask for more. He'll ask the Germans to deploy troops in the dangerous south."

"Althought this has long been clear to the German government, Obama was still treated like a teddy bear. Politicians from almost every party projected the feeling that the trans-Atlantic partnership would automatically blossom with the Democratic politician (as president)."

"While the government already knows what awaits it, the voters for the parties in Berlin's grand coalition could soon experience a rude awakening once they see that Obama's new America is pursuing the same old goals. Until now, the Germans have always been able to reject a more robust mandate for Afghanistan with the unspoken knowledge that there was no need to run after someone like George W. Bush. But it will be much tougher to reject any urgent requests from a President Obama, who has just been so widely celebrated here."

=========

dog here: Does that sound like people who conclude Obama is empty hope; rhetoric only? Further, wouldn't John McCain ask Germany to step up to the plate in Afghanistan too?

last, from "Conservative" Die Welt:

..."Someone who dares to claim that now is the moment of great change should have very good arguments to back up that claim. And he should make it clear that he knows something about those tragedies where goodwill often creates nothing good. Unfortunately there was little trace of this in Barack Obama's otherwise pleasant speech."

dog: sober realism there. They are right about goodwill on its own creating nothing good.

"you didn't need to know everything, you just needed to know where to find everything. :-)"

Jamie,
I saw that yesterday.
And I knew you were right.
But don't underestimate that 30 years research experience. It's a gift you have.

Chloe. Have no doubt that the Euro Press has been worked like they have never been worked before.

I am sending a suggestion to JM to offer the Press Sec job to BHO. How BHO and the Machine behind him has made such of nothing (beyond nice thoughts and words) is amazing.
I think that will be a great line from JM today at the French Resturant

Jamie: seriously. You could charge for an online course or email course on researching. You and KGC are marvels there.

Lots of organizations teach online research, but you could provide the personal touch with email tutoring.

I would sign up!

me too.

Chloe

One of the things I love about Jamie is if you get in a discussion, she can drown you in facts. You can tell when her real passion is being discussed. It is 3 posts in a row loaded to the limit with links. Maybe not that much but a lot.

Jack

Ping Pong,
I don't mean this to be insulting to Obama, but what I see him as is the 'face' of that machine. What he actually do with that power, I can only hope. But if he does become President, i hope he uses it wisely.

Jack,
I love that about her too.

Me drei
love ya Jamie.... you to KCG....

Coreen..... thanks for posting the Brooks article....

Bowman.... every time I've asked that kind of question to an Obama supporter, I've gotten a story about how they (or their mother) has never been interested in politics before and now they are inspired..... of course..... that doesn't really answer the question..... but it seems to be all they've got....

Jack.... you too are a very naughty, naughty boy today....... ;0)

http://money.cnn.com/2008/07/25/real_estate/foreclosure_figures_up_again/index.htm?postversion=2008072505&eref=rss_topstories

"Foreclosure filings up 120%
220,000 homes were lost to bank repossessions in the second quarter, and the annual forecast for 2008 will have to be revised upward. "

The MBA president at work

The food industry lobbied against tracing legisation
if the money paid to lobbyists had been used for a tracing system --the tomato industry would not have lost a ton of money. Penny wise...pound foolish
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080725/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/salmonella_lobbying;_ylt=AjtNoqe4Ui2iglctVuV9Ovus0NUE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_Vs5570pKw

Since we're on the subject...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ughqjbzx2Fk&feature=related

Chloe: You've just nudged me into my favorite line. "The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior." I know I've said that before, but I live by it.
=============

Agree, that is usually an excellent indicator. But not always. By that tack, you would choose Stephen Douglas or just about any US president over Abraham Lincoln, who had very little experience but very good judgment and a sense of purpose.

History has not been kind to Lincoln's predecessor, James Buchanan, who allowed the runup to the Civil War to fester and break out on Lincoln's watch.

But oh, Buchanan's resume:

Buchanan started his political career in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1814–1816.

US Congress 1821 - 1831. Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

US Ambassador to Russia. 1832-34

US Senate, 1834-1845. Chairman of Committee on Foreign Relations

Nominated to Supreme Court, but refused the nomination.

Served as Secretary of State instead, for James K Polk, 1845-49,
during which time he negotiated the 1846 Oregon Treaty establishing the 49th parallel as the northern boundary in the western U.S.

He served as minister to the Court of St. James's (Britain) from 1853 to 1856.

Then President of the US.

(info from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Buchanan)

==========

And let's not forget Cheney and Rumsfeld and their years upon years of government service.

Experience is a great teacher, but not the only one. And not a reliable indicator of how an individual will fare once in the arena and faced with decision-making.

Craig must have helped our economy (using Obama logic) will here at home in Orlando

Existing-home sales inch ahead in Orlando area

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-homes2508jul25,0,2806537.story

Here's the easiest hint for Googling - Use as few words as possible to describe what you want.

Yesterday we needed info on how the education of women helped decrease the birth rate and helped control over population. I could have typed, "Does the education of women have any effect on birth rate and population control?"

Instead I typed:

birth rate education women

and got back

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGIH_enUS211US212&q=Birth+Rate+Education+Women

You can click on that link to see that the top 10 returns were usable for our purposes here.

Dog - you may find that the prior does show in the behavior, just because they where there does not indicate quality.... also Peter Princilpe

At least they had something

"CELL PHONES FOR SOLDIERS (Cell Phone Recycling Program) on it. It say's HELP OUR TROOPS CALL HOME."

What a great idea...I usually give them to the women's shelter. But this is also a great place for them.

The people that went to see Obama in Berlin, went to see Obama because they wanted to....that speaks to their individual choice and is a reflection of their interests. It speaks to their desire to embrace a possibility of change in American leadership....

If nothing more, it is a tremendous compliment to Obama and his campaign.

Link for online comments to the FDA on their food safety program....only a few days left

http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/oc/ohrms/dailylist.cfm?yr=2008&mn=4&dy=1

Here is all the information and instructions for donating cell phones

http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/

Obama has something too, Ping. We're speaking of good qualities. You just cannot or will not see it.

And agree he's got an uphill battle to be elected. My mom is constantly quoting me McCain talking points, gleaned from CNN and MSNBC. (She won't watch Fox, or vote for McCain.)

I hear it first from her, and then from you all here. She hates Obama. Thinks he's an empty suit.

She does not like most people, but that's neither here nor there.

Jamie,

Thanks for the German press comments about Obama's speech.

It would seem that they have a much more honest interpretation of all things Obama than our awestruck media.

Patsi,
When you just mentioned that Cell Phone mailer, you got me thinking about it again. I just looked it up and there's a site.
http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/shippingLabel_generic.html

But I also think it's great that you give them to the women's shelter. I never even thought of it.

Jamie

let me add, once you get to a site you will often be able to pick up on technical jargon that will give you words to refine your search.

One warning, beware of advocate pages.
EX on gun control. Handgun inc. or NRA web both give unbalanced views.

Jack

Just saw Jamie was way ahead of me.

" BTW, where are the Clintons? Why aren’t they putting their bodies where their mouths had said they would be? Obama better win or her goose (well, you know what I want to say here) is cooked for good. "

Either incredibly stupid, or a death threat. Take your pick.

Jack

That comes up in later lessons in the course. :-)

The whole business of kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species

Good morning peeps.

Why the pic of the Brandenburg Gate? He didn't speak there. And yes Craig, as you said "somebody has to", I for one was more than happy to see American flags being waved in a European capitol, a very refreshing change from seeing our president burned in effigy. Also I can see where the jingoistic set will be upset by Obama speech, presidents with a word view aren't exactly their cup of tea.

Karo, I have begged you to stop throwing your racist family in the mix. We don't care what sort of upbringing you had.

Some more new Rasmussen numbers this morning

Obama PA +6

NH +4

National +5

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/latestpolls/index.html

"Experience is a great teacher, but not the only one. And not a reliable indicator of how an individual will fare once in the arena and faced with decision-making."

Maybe he'll continue to just vote "present." Which was what the original point was.

Fighting the Berlin Speech rumor mill: Obama not going to make the lame walk and the blind see

http://www.236.com/news/2008/07/24/fighting_the_berlin_speech_rum_1_7909.php

I love 236.com

Jamie....

re: the discussion on educating women and lower birth rates from last night.....

Paul Ehrlich mentioned that fact on NPR yesterday....
I'm thinking about getting his latest book...."The Dominant Animal: Human Evolution and the Environment".....

but my to-read pile is getting huge.....

McCain gains ground in Michigan, several other states:

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080725/NEWS15/807250386/0/NEWS07

RR

To even make the attempt at completing my "To Be Read" pile would require a cloister and vow of silence for the next 20 years.

Jamie

True,

I was always reading ahead in the book.

fidget fidget fidget

Jack

I'm always suspicious of charity solicitations. I did go to the Better Business Bureau to see what they had to say. Basically, it was that Cell Phones for Soldiers hasn't responded to their requests for information. I see that as a red flag.

http://charityreports.bbb.org/public/Report.aspx?CharityID=5642&bureauID=0021

Trailmixers in Action

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwX0ZiT9n-I

"give them to the women's shelter"

Chloe -- we have a new challange here in Nashville. The YWCA is trying to set up a better, more organized way to move women from the shelters to living on their own. They are in the process of renting apartments, and furnishing them. I learned of the plan when I offered some baby furniture that I'd bought for times my granddaughter was here. She's outgrown it all now.

They also need dishes, bedding, everything.

Most people have good things that are gathering dust in closets or store rooms. My daughter says she still has wedding gifts in the original boxes.

"Karo, I have begged you to stop throwing your racist family in the mix. We don't care what sort of upbringing you had."

Sorry, Patsy, ruler of the blog. I just tell it the way it is. You've heard the talk on television from other SE Ohio people, WV, and KY. It's not about me or my family. It’s an ethnic thing. Bigotry rules the area. It's a matter of fact.

Actually, I had a very good Christian (Congregational) upbringing, thanks to my father who was an intelligent, good person.

UB, I intend to have a good time. My daughter is taking my beautiful granddaughter down today and leaving tomorrow morning since her husband is traveling. My aunt has already called saying Mom is asking where I am. She will do that until I get there. Just thought I would check to see what was going on before I logged off. Have a nice day all.

"will be called upon to play a greater role in the war on terror -- and that means contributing more troops to the war in Afghanistan."

And hopefully some cash to rebuild the country, also with France soon to return to it's full membership status in NATO I'm assuming he'll be discussing Afghanistan with the French today. I thought it was great to hear Obama talking about shared responsibility, as he said we formed NATO to fight communism, certainly we can do the same to fight terrorism.

This article is somewhat dated but, I don't care

World's 10 Worst Pollution Spots

NEW YORK, New York, October 18, 2006 (ENS) - The world's 10 most polluted places threaten the health of more than 10 million people in eight countries, according to a report released today by a U.S. environmental action group. Three of the most polluted sites are in Russia, the report said, with the remaining seven located in China, Dominican Republic, India, Kyrgyzstan, Peru, Ukraine and Zambia.

The report was released by the Blacksmith Institute and compiled by a team of international environment and health experts, including researchers from Johns Hopkins University, Mt. Sinai Medical Center and City University of New York.

http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/oct2006/2006-10-18-02.asp

Thanks Ping and Dog for the nice compliment

One of the best and most under utilized resources for learning research techniques is your local reference librarian. Librarians do it by the book :)

"You've heard the talk on television from other SE Ohio people, WV, and KY. It's not about me or my family. It’s an ethnic thing. Bigotry rules the area. It's a matter of fact."

That's painting with a pretty broad brush. Ethnics are racists.

Flatus, the envelope came in an Amazon order. When I saw your post, I just looked this up and it says AT&T is also involved, donating $500,000.

http://www.geeksugar.com/1113576

"I thought it was great to hear Obama talking about shared responsibility, as he said we formed NATO to fight communism, certainly we can do the same to fight terrorism. "

OMG! I do believe that's the very first time I've ever heard about the concept of NATO and shared responsibility! Obama is brilliant! How could I not have seen the light before?

Holy shit Batman, Zogby only puts McCain at 146 electoral votes, I think that's the lowest I've seen so far.

http://www.zogby.com/50state/index.cfm

"Pollster John Zogby's analysis: "For the time being, Obama maintains the edge and has the strength of a majority of electoral votes. His triumphant foreign trip allows him to continue to define this race. But too many of these states are close and a sizable number are undecided or choosing a third party candidate. So there is a lot of fluidity."

Sounds like John Zogby has been impressed by Obama's world wide adventure, LOL.

Pollster.com gives Gramps 172

http://www.pollster.com/

http://www.gallup.com/poll/109060/Gallup-Daily-Obama-Maintains-Slim-Advantage-Over-McCain.aspx

Daily Gallup Poll

Could there be a break up in the making between the press & Team Obama?

"End of the Affair (The New Republic)

"The press certainly helped Obama get so far so fast; the question is, how far can he get if his campaign alienates them?"

http://www.tnr.com/politics/story.html?id=6e9f4a42-9540-4d99-aba2-25adc276c25d&p=2

"So much for 'Obama Love'... (McCain's web ad)...This romance has been a prominent story line of Obama's entire campaign, & clearly elements of it are true....

But scratch the surface, & you'll find a lot of mixed feelings behind the Obama 'love'. Reporters are grumbling more & more that the campaign is acting like the Prom Queen. They gripe that it is 'arrogant' & 'controlling' & the campaign's own belief that Obama is poised to make history isn't endearing, either."

Let' see...Obama visits Germany yesterday. McCain visits a German restaurant in Ohio yesterday. Trail Mixers visited a German restaurant in Las Vegas in October of 2006. I think Obama and McCain are a little behind the Trail Mixers. LOL!

http://www.hofbrauhauslasvegas.com/

Katherine,
That daily Gallup is interesting.

It seems like McCain can sit there and not be doing much of anything, and things stay pretty much the same. Weird.

Thanks for posting YESTERDAY's daily Gallup KCG. FYI the new daily numbers generally come out after noon.

KGC

Research Librarians fell in love with the Internet many, many years ago. The majority of those resources that used to surround them and that they had to manually rummage through to find info is now on the net, much of it in areas that are not even accessible to the average user such as JSTOR ( http://www.jstor.org/?cookieSet=1 )

Of course the skills they had to learn about what and where to search still apply.

Corey,
How are things working out between you parents?

Corey

If we hold another get together there will McCain come and speak to us? Being heard over that fleugelhorn might prove difficult.

The same, chloe. My Dad fell last Sunday night. He tried to put his pajama bottoms on while standing up in the bathroom, instead of sitting on the bed. He fell into the glass doors of their shower and knocked them off the track. He hurt his hip, but nothing serious. This happened after 11:30 p.m. My Mom could not get him up and he could not get up on his own. She had to call 911 to get someone to come and help him get up, since I was at work and she didn't wanna call anybody else that late at night. He just makes bad judgments and gets himself hurt a lot. Thanks for asking, chloe.

For most people now, all you need is a library card to access a wide variety of previously unavailable data bases. Most libraries have made available these services. In California --any resident can get a library card from any county. SF and LA are especially good ones. Plus the state if working on a big inter connection program which means you can use the online services regardless.

Also college libraries also offer online (normally fee based data services for free) for the most part you have to use them at the library but if you are taking courses they are available at remote sites with your registration cards.

Possibly the best online services and a leader has been the library in Philadelphia.

Dog...
I like BHO, I would love to have him in my house for dinner... I have his books, What he is doing is very impressive - so do not get me wrong.

I just also see that he is Running for President, Needs to create and I disagree with what he represents by his actions (not what he says) and based on the two who the heck knows what he would do.

If he agrees to come to dinner I will make sure a plate is their for you

Jamie, I'd rather have Obama speak to us. I mean, he has way more campaign money than McCain and could probably afford to buy us more beer!

PS... I know a lot of others that have dreams, speak well, have good following .... but would this does not make a President

The Gallup presidential tracking poll comes out every three days.

"It seems like McCain can sit there and not be doing much of anything, and things stay pretty much the same. Weird"

Chloe

It is summertime
Most folks are thinking about the kids camp, ballgames or the family vaction. Only folks like you and I have no life so we obsess on politics in the dog days of summer.
;-0

I thought the poll yesterday where McCain was making up ground on Obama in battle ground states was interesting when contrasted with the same poll showing people very disatisfied with the economy.
What it said to me is that Obama has not made the sale that he is the solution. So big chunks of voters are up for grabs by the person that can best make the case.

Jack

Jack

Corey,
Just remember he knows what's going on, but can't do anything about it. People think that old people don't have all their mental faculties, but I think they have a good comprehension of what's happening and are aware of and frustrated by their short comings. It's just a difficult situation all around. Especially for your mom.

Yeah, I see Craig is back with his snide remarks about Obama. Great way to keep the fire hot on the blog.

You know the McCain campaign is incompetent when they couldn't counter program against a candidate who was out of the country for two weeks. And can McCain stop telling an unfunny joke and then laughing? It's super creepy.

I meant to say the daily gallup is a rolling three day polling but this is an interesting comparison

Gallup Daily: Obama Maintains Slim Edge Over McCain
Overseas trip has not altered voter preferences to date
July 24, 2008Several days into his overseas trip, Barack Obama holds just a slim advantage over John McCain in Gallup Poll Daily tracking of the presidential race, 45% to 43%.More ...
Gallup Daily: Obama Has Modest 4-Point Lead
No sign yet of significant impact of Obama’s world tour
July 23, 2008Barack Obama maintains a modest 46% to 42% lead over John McCain among registered voters nationally in Gallup Poll Daily tracking, with no sign yet of a significant “bounce” from Obama’s high-visibility world tour.More ...

Corey

Hey! If he's buying, I'll gaze adoringly.

KGC,

Our local library is wonderful. I can access the Ancestor records there for free and it would cost me a couple of hundred a year to have it at home. They also have a Northwest Specific history and genealogical collection that isn't available anywhere else.

I'm all in favor of anything that will get people inside a library.

Jack,
I went into a Dollar General the other day. I don't talk politics with anyone (except here obviously). . I can't remember why, but the clerk started talking about how much she likes McCain (actually, she kept calling him McClain). She said she likes him and trusts him and hope he wins. She seemed to be under the impression, that would make everything all right. She said, "I don't like that other guy".

Now this is a smallish suburb I live in. And these people aren't all that political. But they're thinking about this particular election.

The daily gallup comes out ever three days, LOL.

Mr. Democrat, McCain laughing at his own jokes is a sign of a bad comedian. I remember someone saying the same thing about Garry Shandling. He always laughed at his own jokes.

BERLIN—Barack Obama's speech to a huge Berlin crowd sent a "positive signal" to Europe, German Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman said Friday, praising the presidential candidate's focus on working with America's partners.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/europe/articles/2008/07/25/germans_say_obama_speech_sent_positive_signal/?rss_id=Boston.com+--+Latest+news

Chloe

Our neighborhood McD's tends to be a hangout for homeless types and tends not to be very clean. So we will do breakfast on the weekend at one on down the road over in a predominately AA community. It is the local neighborhood coffee shop type atmosphere. Last Saturday I was listening to a group of elderly AA men discuss Obama in the table next to us. It was like being in here, with supporters , sceptics and one man certain he was just someones puppet.

Jack

I think people laughing at their own jokes just make them that much funnier.

Red Skelton used to do that.
Doesn't Dennis Miller do that.

I hate to admit it, I always laugh at my own jokes.
I get a bigger kick out of my jokes than anyone else does.
I'm alway thinking how much 'I crack myself up'.
(just a little confession there).

Hey

If you don't laugh at your own joke who will?

Jack

Jack,
That's funny.
See, we're not the only ones thinking about politics.

Jack...~~~~speak for yourself~~~~..... I have plenty of a life..... I just happen to be a political junkie.... although... I am a mixture of bemused and a tad bit disgusted with it at the moment......

Chloe.... I learned a lesson in how aware the elderly can be recently.....
after our breakfast party this past Sunday..... my hubby and I went to visit our neighbor's 95 yr old father in a local nursing home..... her ex was there with him out on the lawn enjoying some fresh air......

he started talking to me about his "new Cadillac" and how well it drove.....
I thought he was talking about some car back in his past...... turns out he was making a joke about the wheelchair he was sitting in....

I LOVE librarians...... hell... I married one....

today's thread on the BackChannel Blog

Notes from the Road with a Rock and Roll Band and Billy Bob Thornton, by Horse Dooty

http://clistersbackchannel.wordpress.com/

McCain's audience always seems a beat behind, like "oh, we're supposed to laugh now", as McCain gives it the old man at the barbershop snicker.

And Chloe, Dennis Miller proves my point. lol He lost his funny about the same time he lost his way politically.

Renee,
We underestimate elderly people so much. I have no doubt. 95 years old and a sense of humor.

The highlight of recent days was Katie Couric's interview of a hapless Obama. Katie revealed O's lack of perspective when viewing himself.

Wake up Democrats!

The Oregon Senate race looks very good for Jeff Merkley (Democrat). Senator Gordon Smith has launched a very negative television campaign which is not being well-received.

Wake up Democrats, LOL, i've been up for almost 2 hours, what are you talking about OD?

I remember when my Uncle Chuck died in 1987. The funeral was in Detroit. He was my Dad's oldest brother. Several of my Uncle Chuck's friends showed up for the funeral. Many of these friends of his were people my other Uncles had not seen in years. I remember my Uncle Larry smacking himself in the forehead every time he was introduced to one of my Uncle's friends. Just like those V-8 commercials. It was his way of saying, "D'oh! I know who you are!" My Uncle Hal said, "Larry is gonna give himself a concussion if he keeps hitting himself in the head like that!"

Not sure, someone probably linked this yesterday but this one figure caught my attention just now:

"An Obama-Hillary Clinton ticket would eat a McCain-Mitt Romney ticket by 48 percent to 39 percent."
http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/polltracker/2008/07/new-fox-poll-has-obama-and-mcc.html

"Red Skelton used to do that. "

Yes! I can still remember that when Skelton started laughing, my dad would start as well, and he loved it when Red couldn't stop. Also, remember how Dean Martin would get tickled on his show?

Chloe..I would prefer a Clinton-Gore ticket.

Me too Oregon.

Obama/Reed '08!

Dean Martin Another laugher I loved.

S