Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

Good Sunday Morning ...

Julie

Senator Obama does not do well at town hall meetings? Seems he cannot talk to people about the issues spontaneously without the script, all t's crossed , i's dotted , down pat.

http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/0808/Obama_agrees_to_three_fall_debates_chances_for_town_halls_dim.html?showall

Good Sunday Morning to everyone,

Craig, you looked handsome on the video wearing that classy, black jacket. But, I must admit, I haven't watched Olbermann for ages and haven't missed him.

That strawberry shake Obama was sipping sure made me crave one.

Wow. 32% of the population is overweight? Is that true?

I may disagree with Obama on a lot of issues, but his being thin and
in shape is not one of them. It shows he's disciplined. How could anyone
dislike him for that?

OH My...... Craig and KO..... OH MY.
go back and listen, Did you on purpose try to make it sound like this was a crafted piece on showing he is not one of us...... WAIT CRAIG...... This was a WSJ piece not a Republicain.

Have you now fallen for BHO, of does that open doors?

You failed on this by improper connection - which is a great Dem strategy

Correction, actually, I think Craig's video clip stated,

"32 % of the U.S. population is obese."

That's even more unbelievable. Not that I'm suggesting it isn't true, but
that seems like a lot of obese people.

This was a WSJ piece not a Republicain.

well, it's not exactly the daily worker, ping pong.

Skinny Innes ?
Worrying about by 2030 =obesity . Most of us are probably worrying about having to go on a diet.

http://www.abcnews.go.com/Health/Fitness/story?id=5499878&page=1

julie

"32 % of the U.S. population is obese."

prof m, and what percentage of these 32% are termed morbidly obese? no wonder the trans fat ban and get-the-kids-off-their-butts efforts are seriously being pushed by health care/insurance folk.

Hi Julie,

I wonder why so many kids in the U.S are considered obese. I also wonder
if obesity is a problem in other countries.

I saw a book by a French woman at Barnes and Noble entitled,
"French Women Don't Get Fat." I read some it while drinking a latte. The book was pretty interesting. It stated that most French women don't ever diet,
but eat what they want, just in small portions.

sorry, i forgot the flaming whatevers.

"This was a WSJ piece not a Republicain."
~~~well, it's not exactly the daily worker, ping pong~~~

Mornin' patd,

I know what you mean about the efforts by health care folks and insurance
companies to encourage healthy eating and exercise. I get it now.

Once upon a time as one traveled about on christmas day the streets were filled with the little kiddies dashing hither and yon on roller skates, trikes, and bicycles, wearing cowboy outfits and space helmets, etc.....travel about these days and it's like a ghost town.....all inside playing with electronic gizmos of all sorts.......

Patd... Perfect thanks A for you !!! Still F on this one for Craig.
True WSJ reflects the TRUE Republican Values more then anyother Press Outlet, and come on lets graph it OBH Mania is still as strong as it was against H Clinton.
Sad to see if Craig is going that way.....

sturgeone,

"the streets were filled with little kiddies. . ."

That's a huge reason why so many kids are overweight, I bet. They don't
walk or run around much.

These numbers on OBesity are the same I hear at Medical conference.
FACT - MEdical Imaging equipment is made for heavier weights and THICKER people based on the GROWING Problem in the US.

Is it not PC to make kids go exercise?

Is this a form of self imposed domestic terror? Think of outcomes....

Another point in Craigs Video TM today....

He missed the opportunity (opps on KO so no opportunity - as this is just entertainment not news or facts)
Craig missed the chance to show the facts on continued BHO Facade building - Everyone knows you go to Plant City in End of Feb, early March.

This is just more of the Facade, BHO should go to Disney as you know what is really behind those Mainstreet Buildings?

Hi Prof,

Yes It is a problem is some other countries as well.
And the sad thing is that some schools are now dropping physical education classes. Sturge is correct. The inactivity due to sitting and playing computer games for the younger kids and texting full time for teens. Our change in society.

Julie

Well this just prove the stupidity of people. Should I say this takes the cake?

America is obese, diabetes is soaring to epidemic levels....By the year 2030, 11.2 percent of U.S. adults are expected to have the condition. Obesity is the strongest modifiable risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes.

Maybe we are seeing, why people think Obama is arrogant....because he's not a fat slob.

You'd think in a sane world that Obama would be praised for his healthy habits.

julie,

Do you know why some schools are dropping physical ed classes?
I find this shocking.

any idea of the whereabouts of this "sane world" of which you speak?

Prof Marcia,

There was an article on this subject not too long ago.
Not sure of the reason. I just remember it because of an incident from childhood. That same article did say that some other countries are also experiencing the same thing. Have you all really stopped and looked at all the sugar content in cereal? it is beyond belief. If they are not [utting sugar in, they are adding corn syrup which is just as bad or worse. Even the old standby, tomato soup now has corn syrup.

julie

It's been my experience that active parents have active children. Many time in public places you will see "fat families", fat children more times then not have fat parents.

Rarely do you see really fat children with fit parents.

(just my observation)

lol sturge - obviously not the WSJ

Warning: Conspiracy Theory

Maybe there's a conspiracy to make the masses fat and sick.

Morning Sturg,

Just last night finished a new book by Dorothea Benton Franks, a SC author, called Bulls Island. Good book, Is there really a bulls Island? The back cover says she and husband live on Sullivans Island..

julie

Marcia -- They're dropping classes that don't "prepare" for the NCLB tests. That includes civics as well as phys ed. Actually, I'm surprised that only 32% of the population is obese.

And UB -- I hardly think calling people "fat slobs" will win any friends for your guy.

up the coast a bit........

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

So the last time you went out to eat, they gave you what size portion?

Sturg, Just made Biscuits and Susage Gravy for Breakfast.....

No grits today

havent read the book......or any of the many others which have appeared lately, save Pat Conroy (always worth reading)....... the google link didnt show the zoom....it's just north of charleston and the isle of palms.....she possibly used Bull Island to stand for somewhere else.......

the grits are all in church......

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

Thank you,

My "GRITS" will be in Church in a few..... !!!

Always good to date a "Grits"

(Girls raised in the south) lol

EA Poe was living on sullivan's island at one point in his life.......locale for "The Gold Bug"

Hitchcock......."The Paradine Case" coming on TCM channel as I type.......GPeck, Ethyl Barrymore, Charles Laughton etc.......

It was really difficult for me to watch Olberman run his sarcastic, pompous mouth, but it was worth it to see Craig.

Craig, You look great! Keep your hair like that. Love it. (Glad you posted that video).

MORE CHANGE

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/

BHO is like a box of chocolates, you just don't know what your -a gonna get.....

Hi Patsi,

Thanks for the info. Off this topic, I couldn't help but notice you wrote a post
to Mr. Corn on another blog. I concur with your sentiments and have left
similar comments to him in the past.

hook, line and sinker

Julie......very sorry......didnt mean to imply that the "carolina" books are not worth reading, only that I havent read any yet......

1:25 AM Dexter, I hear ya.
..

"The World Rolled Over -"
http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/08/jesse-jr-eyes-obamas-senate-se.html#comment-123581
Posted by: Dutton Peabody | August 3, 2008 5:12 AM

Dutton, haven't had time to read your links yet, but you really caught my attention.
..............................................

" I told my Mom about my change of view, and asked if she related to the song more since she turned 70. Her answer was "HELL YES".... "
http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/08/jesse-jr-eyes-obamas-senate-se.html#comment-123577

Tom, What a touching story. And your mom fabulous too (like you). Go Belgium!
..

If Obama loses, I won't be one of the suicides.
Posted by: prof marcia Author Profile Page | August 3, 2008 3:10 AM

Marcia, You made me laugh awfully early this morning. Thanks.

"Have you all really stopped and looked at all the sugar content in cereal? it is beyond belief."

It certainly is, Julie. Unbelievable. I didn't realize it's even invaded tomato soup now!

The "supersizing" in restaurants is outrageous, as well. I can never finish a meal, and have to "explain" that the food was just fine, thank you -- just way too much of it.

sturgeone,

I love Hitchcock and really like "The Paradine Case," although this
film is underrated by critics and not appreciated by many Hitchcock fans.
I'm watching it again now, thanks to your post!

And of course, being a smoker no doubt has helped keep Obama's weight down.

Hi ya, Chloe,

I'm glad I made you laugh today!

Marcia, yes -- I think David Corn is one of the most odious of all the oinkers!

even g will is in on the skinny slurs this morning:

"Measured against his party's surging strength in every region and at every level, he is dramatically underperforming. Surely this fact is related to anxieties about his thin résumé regarding national security matters, the thinnest of any major party nominee...." http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/01/AR2008080102871.html

Patsi,
Agree with you on the supersizing - it's rediculous.
When i saw others talking about an overweight society this morning, the first thing I thought of was 'junk food' (my favorite kind).

I truly think that people overeat for one single reason. They're not getting the nutrients their body needs. We could eat the junk we eat 24/7 and still never get what we need.

I think David Corn is one of the most odious of all the oinkers!

And he's got the posters to prove it.

Patsi,

You reminded me and then I remembered that Obama is a smoker! I heard Mrs. Obama tried to make him give it up. But, if he is still smoking, he isn't a symbol of good health even if he is slim.

Ping Pong, love this quote

"His change indicates he considers NASA's future an important election issue, especially along the critical Interstate 4 corridor."

First off shore drilling now this.

Seems like Florida is a mind changing experience.
LOL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JT22n6x7J0g

this kid is in the seat of the grocery cart as his mother wheels him up behind a very large lady......the kid says, "Mama.....look at the...." His mom quickly says "Hush!" The kid says, "But mama, look at....." The mom says, "I said HUSH!" Just then the large lady's cell phone begins to ring and the kid says, " Watch out, Mom! She's backing up!"

Marcia -- I've heard differing reports about the quit smoking effort....some say he's done it, but then you'll hear not so. I did think at the time they announced Michelle's ultimatum, that while laudable, to try to quit smoking during a pressure packed campaign might be tough.

I hope others knew when I said Corn had the posters to prove it, I was talking about that Captain guy over there that posts constantly on his site. He's obnoxious.

on second thought......I believe the very large person in front of the kid was a man.....very large man......

Flatus, thanks for pointing the NewYorker story yesterday. I enjoyed it and am linking it in case anyone missed it and is interested.

A Soldier’s Legacy
"Don’t ask, don’t tell, but Alan Rogers was a hero to everyone who knew him."
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/08/04/080804fa_fact_mcgrath

.....very large man......"

Now that makes the story much more funny.

WSJ

A (large) number of years ago I did a four month study of Wall Street Journal news articles that had an ecological side to them.

Going in, I hypothesized that the Journal was hopelessly biased against ecological interests; upon completion, I was more than pleased when I concluded that the Journal was remarkably even handed in its reporting on the subject.

I did not evaluate the editorial content.

Over the four month period I combed the Journal finding every article that talked about ecological choices. I took into consideration such things as prominence, length of discussion, scientific rigor, evenhandedness, and probably some other factors that I don't recall.

There were scores of articles. One that I recall talked about the aquifer in South Florida and the role of oolitic limestone in that aquifer. There were other articles of similar depth.

Although the Journal is going through a period of transition to its new owner, my continuing impression has been that the Journal is a fine newspaper if one is able to separate its editorial content from the news that it quite accurately and completely reports.

I am much more suspect of the news articles in the NY Times to which I also subscribe.

come to think of it.......it may have been an android.....a very large android........

Your welcome, Chloe.

You're

It's gonna be one of those days.

Interesting that McCain is vetting Eric Cantor. Cantor's not well known, but an attractive up and comer, if you like GOP ideology and anti-tax rhetoric served up by an appealing personality. He's Jewish; AP story says he's known for strong support of Israel. I can see him pulling off some voters. Evidence McCain is thinking outside the box with his VP choice. Hmmm.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/washington/AP-McCain-Cantor.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Feel the Eyes Upon You
"Humans are a highly social species; perhaps we’ve evolved to be sensitive to being watched because what other people see you doing may alter the way they treat you. In our evolutionary past, individuals seen to be selfish or greedy may have found themselves ostracized — or even killed.

But can images of eyes modulate other aspects of our behavior — ..,,,Instead of signs announcing, in words, the presence of surveillance systems, would pictures of pairs of eyes be more effective?"

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/03/opinion/03Judson.html?adxnnl=1&ref=opinion&adxnnlx=1217768419-Y/qsPPEbVFMqUAfAxAGUtg

"Obama doesn't do well in Town Hall settings."
This is so interesting! If the polling is close or if McCain is perceived to have an edge by then, he should insist that the 3 debates have Town Hall and direct one-on-one components or else he won't participate. America will eat it up!

What does "not out of 'Central Casting' " mean? If it is generally perceived (especially by the Media) to include his race, then he is still playing the race card. All he will have done is changed some words but the code is the same. I bet if the other side said "Central Casting", racism would be screamed.

I am a Black Democrat and I know the Code(s) -- all of them! Barack had better get on with the people's business and issues or he will be in trouble in November. You can count on America to embrace underdogs and shun phonies.

" the posters to prove it"

I know, Chloe -- there's some jackbooted thugs over there....

Defeat Your Opponents. Then Hire Them.
"Certainly, if the next president were to bring former adversaries into his inner circle, in the No. 2 slot or as members of his administration, he would display that rare combination of humility and confidence required to perform wisely at the highest level. But could a president really create a team of rivals today, and would that team actually be able to get anything done? While Lincoln’s model may be more appealing and more needed than ever before, several factors in our current political climate make it considerably more difficult to bring about."

"History, after all, reveals how dangerous it can be for a president to surround himself with like-minded people."
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/03/opinion/03goodwin.html?ref=opinion

Have a good day.

Just watched the video. I thought it was good. It could have pointed out that Mr Lincoln is believed to have lost at least 20-lbs while he was in office--something that makes an argument for having 'more money in the bank' than Mr Obama currently has.

"Barack had better get on with the people's business and issues or he will be in trouble in November. You can count on America to embrace underdogs and shun phonies."

I support neither candidate. That said, I totally agree with your conclusion.

"History, after all, reveals how dangerous it can be for a president to surround himself with like-minded people."

Chloe, isn't that the truth. And, it's true in any endeavor.

RE Town Hall settings: I think Obama should go for some Town Halls. But absolutely no moderating by Charles Gibson and Geo Stephanopoulous -- they'd be banned if I ran the event. Jim Lehrer or Gwen Ifill and leave the cable and network weasels out of it. Maybe go with a respected print journalist.

I also think Obama would do fine among an audience including military families; he needs to beard the lion. Discussed this with some friends, who thought I was naive on that front, but I see that Joe Klein touched on this with recent column.

Pertinent part of Joe Klein's Swampland blogpost:

"... And Obama is probably going to have to get down in the gutter with McCain. But it's pretty depressing, all the same.

Good Point: Commenter 53_3 writes...

It's time for debates!
You can't hide behind sensless attacks when you debate, and I think Obama would come off much better in them.
He should start pushing McCain into a corner on this.

[Klein again]: Yes. I think this has been a real mistake the Obama campaign has made. He should definitely have accepted McCain's frequent debate offer--maybe not one a week, but one every couple of weeks. I thought it was an especially bad move not to debate in front of a military audience down at Fort Hood in Texas.

http://www.time-blog.com/swampland/2008/08/the_scum_also_rises.html

"They're dropping classes that don't "prepare" for the NCLB tests. "

There was a time when on weekends children were thrown outdoors after breakfast, served a sandwich on the porch at noon, and called in at sundown. In school, PE was not only offered, it was Mandatory.

As to classes, the lack of variety in schoolclasses, the shortnening of the school day, and the diminished school year is a crime against the next generation.

"come to think of it.......it may have been an android.....a very large android........"

you are sooo pc sturge! LOL, kudos and a few bravissimos thrown in.

"Pertinent part of Joe Klein's Swampland blogpost:

"... And Obama is probably going to have to get down in the gutter with McCain. But it's pretty depressing, all the same."

Of course, Joe Klein LIVES in the gutter. What a pig.

"the lack of variety in schoolclasses"

Yes indeed. And of course, NCLB ended up lining Neil Bush's pockets....

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_42/b4005059.htm

Oh, good. John Kerry and Joe Lieberman on MTP. Might as well go back to bed for the snooze fest.

"In school, PE was not only offered, it was Mandatory."
jamie, our school gave us the option of pe or joining the band. i was in the high school band for 6 yrs. jr hi didn't have a band so all of us small fry nerd/non athletes got the chhance to play with the big guys.
wonder how this couch potato trend will effect the rhodes scholar pool given that one of the requirements is athleticism.

"You reminded me and then I remembered that Obama is a smoker! I heard Mrs. Obama tried to make him give it up. But, if he is still smoking, he isn't a symbol of good health even if he is slim."

Wow, really dumb post.

National Organization For Women has a piece called...

Obama, Are You Listening? This One's for Your Girls

Below the Belt: A Biweekly Column by NOW President Kim Gandy

July 31, 2008

It's hard to believe, but the Democratic National Convention is now less than a month away, and following right on its heels comes the Republican National Convention. This means the media are obsessing, as they love to do, about the presidential candidates' potential running mates.

http://www.now.org/news/note/073108.html

CAESAR
Let me have men about me that are fat;
Sleek-headed men and such as sleep o' nights:
Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look;
He thinks too much: such men are dangerous.

I may disagree with Obama on a lot of issues, but his being thin and
in shape is not one of them. It shows he's disciplined. How could anyone
dislike him for that?

Posted by: prof marcia | August 3, 2008 6:53 AM

Hold on... People who are overweight are not undisciplined....

Sadly No! Follows up the WSJ article
Aug
1 Even Worseness: The Even-Worsening
Posted at 21:17 by Gavin M.
Um, wow. You know that Amy Chozick piece in the Wall Street Journal that asks whether Barack Obama might not be fat enough to be President?

Here’s the on-the-ground research that enabled Ms. Chozick to pose such a bold and allusive query:
http://www.sadlyno.com/archives/10322.html

Dog
Eric Cantor --YIkes! He and that hideous little cretin Patrick McHenry are part of a Gooper Gang that does all kinds of ridiculous things in the House.

Boop
Thanks for the heads up about "new" Bob's. I haven't been out that way this year....and on Westside Rd we have "Tomato Heaven" --the woman who has five acres of tomatoes...I hope she has bruins. Otherwise you made them sound so good I'll have to drive out to Bob's. Hope you are feeling better soon --ginger tea and lemon!

UB, I have had a weight problem my whole life...

I take exception to this characterization:

"Maybe we are seeing, why people think Obama is arrogant....because he's not a fat slob."

It is amazing to me to read about how much dislike there still is for "people of size". I hired a fat woman to work at my shop. She asked if her weight would be an issue for us and not want us to hire her. I, and my business partner, looked at each other and we both said "well if if would be an issue, it sure would make us both hypocrites. Besides my own weight problem, my business partner's husband is over 350 lbs. We hired her and she is great.

Let's get away from pejoratives against big people. It's a very intimate issue for me and many people with weight issues and it is just not correct.

Anyone who watches Meet the Press this morning and doesn't conclude that Tom Brokaw would go to Massachusetts to marry John McCain today is as deluded as Joe Lieberman.

I know some thought that Russert was biased against Hillary Clinton. Even if he was, he was at least better able to hide it. I'm convinced Brokaw, having lost 10 mph off his fastball, has gone to the Fox card to become relevant again.

I couldn't stand to listen to Kerry and Lieberman try to out-drone each other, Bear -- was Brokow's bias that obvious?

Patsi,

So obvious, it made KO put away his own set of knee pads.

NOthing like a budding civil war in Palestine with Israel favoring one side

http://uk.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUKL38134920080803

Just in case the Middle East wasn't entertaining enough as it is.

"Let's get away from pejoratives against big people. It's a very intimate issue for me and many people with weight issues and it is just not correct."
et, please accept my sincere apology if my posts offended. it seems obvious that the high fructose corn syrup and the trans fat in the bulk of the food supply are instrumental in the obesity epidemic. it wouldn't surprise me to find that they were purposeful additives to increase profits just like the addictive additives found in cigarettes. one can be highly disciplined and still not know or able to avooid being fed a legalized poison.

Bear

KO must be on his third pair by now.

"So obvious, it made KO put away his own set of knee pads."

ROFL, Bear....I'm really sick of commentators showing outright bias, ie, the thrill running up Chris Matthews's leg...gag.

patd -- I think Tom was more concerned about UB's "fat slob" comment.

I completely agree that these food additives are reminiscent of the tobacco/addiction additives. Salt is another thing that's added all the time. After my mother's heart attack, she gave up salt. (very difficult because she was a serious salt lover) After a while she couldn't stand to even salt eggs because, she said, there was so much natural salt in everything. (I wouldn't know because unfortunately, I salt the hell out of everything.)

what about us skinny slobs?

Good Morning all
Here's an interesting read from David Gergen.I'm still hoping for Hillary as VP! Obama has my vote anyways...Oh but if I lived in a red state.

http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/01/reviving-the-hillary-idea/

Tom
I so agree with you on the issue of weight.I have many friends and family who deal with this and it certainly isn't helpful being insulted.When I read comments calling people "Fat Slobs" well I think of being a chunky overweight kid being picked on by the school bully.If these people hurling the insults could only live a day in the lives of the ones they insult!

for anyone who's ever wondered what it's like to be in the pool with the pres.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/08/bush-trip-fundr.html

TV + Food = Fat. Food + Boredom = Fat.

Also, we live in a drug culture, and food is the most abused drug of all.

Champ
Well that explains it! I would rather have a bag of Smiths Australia made chicken flavored potato chips than a nice glass of wine any day........Thats my drug!

We loved this in high school.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqz1ojIQTBk

Dog, McCain in the gutter? come now, The primary difference is BHO is very smooth and slick in his campaign - with the entire DNC in concert...

Oh my McCain gets one that makes good points and this is the gutter?

The "skinny" Obama should challenge McBush to a FOOT race. Obama & his people should be PLAYING UP his physical fitness, IMHO.

I just listened to the screaming McLaughlin Group. They're steeped in politics and are political junkies all. What they're missing is that the average Joe is getting sound, or more likely video, bites of Obama.

They aren't seeing the arrogance or hubris that the Group talked about. Folks are seeing a smiling man who's representing the US in a POSITIVE light, e.g the crowd in Germany. It isn't a negative, IMO.

Ludicrous is ludicrous and skinny is goofy.

tt

Regrading MTP - was it so much that Tom B was biased for McCain - which I did not see, But more a statement on how truly weak Kerry is in his ability.

Kerry and BHO are very much alike, arrogant better then thow

And I saw Nancy Pelosi on "This Week with George Stephanopoulos", and she chattered away like a, what?. Politician! Gawd!

tt

to all you BHOmaniacs....
What you call someone biased for McCain is just the FACT that you are so used to over the top support for BHO (BHO vs HRC) that it appears as such.

So you will see fair and balanced out of touch.

CRAIG is this the first week that the MSM has come back a little -- This is scary for the BHOmaniacs

One last before Sunday stuff....

As BHO and the DNC tries so hard to pull JM as if he was GWB,
In the same manner RNC needs to hold BHO accountable for the hord job of Nancy P and Harry R.

I see the ad,,,, America, you gave them a shot - you put them in office (and yes those fat old republicains needed to go) but now the worst approval in history, lower then Bush. What is the Dem Congress doing....

This is another example of Obama following GW Bush model to be president . Remember those pictures of Bush as governer shooting the wrong duck. Bush was not skinny like he is now. Obama and Bush are marketing themselves and skinny sells.

I can tell you what the Democratic congress is doing- trying to ban cell phones form airplanes. Your tax-dollars at work.

There should be NO cell phone talking on airplanes.

tt

Why not? What about on the runway?

Ping Pong,

I'm not sure what you are watching but all this news coverage does is confirm the Rand study that shows that 3 of every 4 stories about Obama is negative.

Tom Brokaw has shown a hostility and contempt for Obama because he's still trying to sell his greatest generation books.

I wonder if the MSM has to be so hard on Obama because they are unwilling to admit that they were lapdogs for Bush in the lead up to the war. I wonder if they are feeling the guilt of being intellectually lazy after having just accepted the Bush talking points?

People doubt whether Obama can be effective and that's fine. What I can't fathom is how the standard bearer for the party that created this horrendous mess is getting no where near the scrutiny.

Why hasn't McCain been taken to task for inferring that the anthrax used in the 2001 attacks came from Iraq? Am I the only person who ever wondered my only Democratic politicians were targetted, or the then anchor of what was perceived as the most liberal of news outlets?

Ping Pong,

I wonder how long it will be before your loathsome Obamaniacs start calling your ilk McC$#ts in honor of the pet name he uses for his wife...in public, in front of reporters when he is having one of his anger fits?

Anyone read much of Joe Bageant?
Here's a small chunk I picked up from his short takes on his blog.

"I'd be willing to bet there is not a working class person within four blocks of where I now sit who has even heard of this media manufactured Obama fracas. Yesterday Smokey, the apartment maintenance man next door, helped me haul a dead washing machine to the city dump. I asked him what he thought about the Obama thing.

"Huh?" he said.

He spoke for millions."

guardian article on the new j mc hitman
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/aug/03/johnmccain.barackobama

Rezdog

Your description of the average person is perfect. Even my son who actually does listen to a news program for a half hour in the evening occasionally turns to me and asks, "Anything happening?"

Just because most of us suffer from a political mania doesn't mean that everyone else isn't wondering what they are doing for summer vacation.

Until the Conventions and probably September, they all have better things to do.

and now on the "lighter" side
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/aug/03/renewableenergy.energy

"Tom Brokaw has shown a hostility and contempt for Obama because he's still trying to sell his greatest generation books."

Jesus yes...he's been hawking that for years now. I don't know if it's true, but I heard a rumor among book people that NBC owned a piece of the book. If so....no wonder he's had that bully pulpit all this time...

"I wonder if the MSM has to be so hard on Obama because they are unwilling to admit that they were lapdogs for Bush in the lead up to the war. I wonder if they are feeling the guilt of being intellectually lazy after having just accepted the Bush talking points?"

Interesting point Bear -- but I saw it as the opposite, that they laid off Obama because of their blind following of Bush to war. That they'll think people forget all the jingoistic broadcasts, and turn into the anti-war crowd. Either way, it's disgusting.

All I saw on MTP was some tough questions and letting the two spokes critters go at it. More watchable than the old MTP but just barely. Didn't listen to the talking heads.

Jack

Haven't caught up with your thread, but I am all for banning cell phone conversations from airlines. For good. Manners have not kept pace with technology.

If there's a pent-up need to use cell phones at high altitude, perhaps Yak Yak Yak Airlines can find its business niche.

People are rude enough on cell phones in coffee shops and in Amtrak quiet cars. No fair using them when others are trapped in an aluminum tube at 35,000 feet.

Airliners should remain little pods in which one can read or type or stare out the window uninterruptedly, secure in the knowledge that one will have a raging sore throat within the week and that the upcoming visit with clients or family will have to be pretty damn good to make up for the 45-120 mins. of life lost in the security line and watching others queue up at the departure gate. Why add cell phones to that mix?

Jamie,

That little excerpt was from Joe Bageant. if you haven't seen his material put it in your todo folder.

http://www.joebageant.com/

He has a unique touch on expressing the sentiments of the middle class working folks.

Bear.. (hard time typing just used my BIG STIHL extension power trimmer on the high branches !!) out of shape maybe on the way to fat?

Back to Bear --Patsi is correct,, What planet are you on? Obama has no doubt received the most aggressive coverage of any, even to the death of HRC attempt and the MSM had a role.

Now one week of maybe correction and somewhat equal and BHO complains =-- Again this equal coverage thing is new to BHO and the Mainiacs????

Bear your comments regarding anthrax and McCain are just like my extension arm on my stihl trimmer - A BIG REACH

Do you have a poster of Mao over your bed, dog?

Rez

An interesting site
I found this article insightful.

http://www.joebageant.com/joe/2008/07/life-in-the-pos.html#more

"In the post political world, the campaign that is less political and less issue-based but is savvier in using new modes of communication technology will be the campaign to win the greatest market share of the electorate. The candidate in this case, Obama, was not a political entity but, in essence a product, an ornament that made his supporters feel better about themselves."

Jack

BTW
Everything that the author, of the link I posted , said could also be applied to the 92 Clinton campaign.

Jack

McCain was on television saying he thought the anthrax came from Iraq......and the targets of the mailed anthrax were whom they were......

Wore the Mao poster out by kissing it nightly. Trotsky's up now.

Champ: my point is that you have no refuge from bad cell phone manners trapped in an airliner seat. No free choice exists; you may not even be free to move around the cabin.

It's a different issue than dealing with cell phones on terra firma.

Overwhelmingly, people polled on this issue agree.

It would be cool if you could websurf and send emails while flying; that way you stay in touch. Quietly.

I like BHO, He has great ideas, unfortunate the marketing machine behind him may be going over the top... But as Whskyjack has in his post, DNC and the Chicago Machine know what is needed.

To the points earlier people are not diggin past the facade of BHO that is being created to find the facts.

Fact is he is a nice rich elite type (selfmade so go - unlike Kerry - so he needs to dump JKerry) with rose color glasses.

Wore the Mao poster out by kissing it nightly.

--rez

Hold the Mao?

Posters of Mao? come on, the real radicals have Che on the wall.

http://www.allposters.com/gallery.asp?startat=/getposter.asp&APNum=1181&CID=292DA7B223A44D72AA1C572FDD627F41&PPID=1&search=8361&f=c&FindID=8361&P=1&PP=2&sortby=PD&cname=Che+Guevara&SearchID=

Jack

Dog,,,, Text no voice !!!
I agree - as one that flys all of the time - The runway time is enough.
Plus I do not think Cell will work that high and fast in the sky - The whole plan will be saying - CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW.....

Highspeed on the plane no cell phone

You have a choice to get on the plane or not. I know your response to that argument, and you can find another job that requires less travel, you can drive to see your dying Aunt Sally, whatever.

What's the difference between talking on a cell phone and talking to the passenger to one's right or left? Do you propose banning talking altogether on a plane? What's the penalty? I like you, dog (not that you care, or should), and definitely appreciate your sense of humor, but you have possibly the most authoritarian perspective on this blog; it blows my friggin' mind.

I have a small statue of Mao over my desk, it's right next to the small bust of Eleanor my mother sent me one year.

...

BNYC --- How you doing!

Champ - Noise Pollution, plain and simple.... People seem to talk much louder then needed when on the cell vs the person next to them.

Give me a break !! what is that important that can not wait? Leave a message- on a flight land at XX

OK, folks, my argument is not really the intricacies of cell phone etiquette. It is that that type of issue is the type our congress chooses to consider despite all of the other more pressing problems we face right now, and the authoritarian mentality to legislate EVERYTHING that may just be a trivial annoyance. "Tyrrany of the Majority" is what I'll call it, although I think someone else already has.

good PP. U?

Champ - Ah I missed your point !!
Agree this should not be an issue for the congress however it seems to be in their current realm of competence.

You give them too much credit, Pong.

BNY workin hard... keeping the head above the water and ahead of the knife....

Champ
The right to use a cell phone is not written in the constituion. Unless you are alone, using a cell phone in public always includes intruding on someone elses space. There are places where the intrution is less but a crowded airplane is not one of them.

Jack

Champ, facts are facts......
It is a disappointment in what Nancy, Harry and BHO have done with the trust of the people !!
They are right in we need Change, Change the Congress - Finish the job

Thanks for the set up

damn champ are you still on the rag over this cell phone issue?

OK, folks, here is an very easy way to end the 'inrusion' of other people using cell phones in crowded spaces. It's a technique that requires you to not be afraid of people, so it may not work for you as well as it does for me.

Have a conversation with the offender as if you are the person on the other end of the line. When they tell you they are talking to someone else, Pardon yourself, but indicate your interest in the topic of discussion and continue to offer your perspective. If they haven't begun to walk away from you by then, trust me, they will. Works EVERY time.

champ: interesting point about the authoritarianism. Raised in a military family.

Cell phone issue is trying to carve out a bit of personal space and peace in public situations.

Agree with Ping: no one is that important to need to stay in constant contact -- they should charter a plane if that's the case.

If it comes to cell phones in air, maybe the airlines could come up with a soundproof lav-sized cell phone use booth, and charge heavily for using it.

Cannot believe US Air is charging $2 for water. No longer fly them, but what chumps! Raise the fare $6 and smile more. I'd be afraid they're stinting on nuts and bolts and quality control too.

Dude, for a guy who spends his weekend evenings posting Doris Day and Mel Tome links, imposing undue characterizations of femininity may not be the wisest tactic.

I didn't post any Doris Day links this weekend. Go have some coffee and clear your head. But yes it looks you are still on the rag over this cell phone issue.

Whatever, douchebag.

champ; that's good advice at 2:44. Now looking forward to a chance to practice it!

douchebag, LOL.

You won't have to look very hard, dog. Remember, you need to be cordial and congenial, to the point where your sanity may be in question from the offender's perspective. Make sure it seems you are genuinely interested in the topic of discussion, no matter how mundane. Have fun.

OK, my last suggestion....
Airlines can charge extra for cell phone section to replace the smoking section at the back of the plane.

Congress should continue to do the nothing before they touch this subject

Champ

I'm all for personal freedom but only up to the point where the majority must suffer because of the rudeness of one. It's bad enough that we have to listen to mobile noise machines throbbing with ear drum shattering crud. Or assinine youth using every four letter word in the universe at the top of their lungs on public transportation.

While I don't believe in coercive legislation for something as trivial as wearing, CD player volume, or the use of a cell phone, unlike public streets or conveyances, Airlines are private businesses. As such they have a right to regulate the behavior of their clients while on the premises. If the airline says No to cell phones, then either don't use the thing or find another airline.

Congress should continue to do nothing before they touch this subject
--ping

Something tells me that they should easily be able to manage that .......

Srimp and grits for you Strug....

Off to take out the yellow jackets that have attacked my dog and I..... Dog is OK... only a few bites...

Nancy P supports Edwards for VP

Chet Edwards that is...congressman from texas
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/08/03/politics/p114622D98.DTL&tsp=1

Interesting (and heavily emailed) NY Times story today.

High oil means it can be too expensive to ship more cheaply manufactured goods to US — might bring back local manufacturing and sourcing. (Caveat at end of article that we’ve already lost our manufacturing base, but that may not be totally so.)

Shipping Costs Start to Crimp Globalization, by Larry Rohter

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/03/business/worldbusiness/03global.html?em=&pagewanted=all

In between gorging on cheap food and products, we Americans are becoming obese and renting up storage space right and left and buying up all manner of self-help books on dealing with clutter and materialism.

Perhaps buying more locally/regionally/nationally produced products — even at a slight or moderate premium — could be a help.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZencNlP9Lw

Talk Louder (The Cell Phone Guy Song) by David Ippolito

You're all over the place, Jaime. Smile and nod.

This should make some of you happy:

Immigrants Facing Deportation by U.S. Hospitals

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/03/us/03deport.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss&pagewanted=all&adxnnlx=1217790984-vCDcsw+DKL4r69uLrWmxxw

The Propaganda Revolution

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmHLOJNnr7s

Not all over the place. I don't believe in legislation to govern the behavior of individuals not actually injuring anyone else. At the same time, I loathe stupid, rude people who don't given a second thought to the consequences of their actions in relation to others.

No one has given me a "poof, you've just been cancelled from the gene pool ray gun" no matter how much I would like to have one.

it's about time this happened. do i smell a deal?
http://kevxml.windstream.net/_1_CEDTO102JS2166__wind.main/apnws/story.htm?kcfg=apart&sin=D92AVTPO0&qcat=washnews&ran=31191&feed=ap&top=1

"No one has given me a "poof, you've just been cancelled from the gene pool ray gun" no matter how much I would like to have one."

You can get them at Wal-Mart.

Brian,

The other day you chided me for saying that you only loved poor people who wanted the same things for themselves that you wanted for them, and yet you say things such as this:

"This should make some of you happy:"

to link to an article about a severely injured man not receiving the care that he needs because the US does not have an inforceable, workable or humane immigration policy.

Are you implying Brian is a hypocrite?! Well, I never!

But now that you mention it; hmmmm...

dog,

I remember posting a link to an article (same topic) some time ago. It's called Reverse Globalization nowadays. who'd a thunk it?

http://www.salon.com/tech/htww/2008/06/27/reverse_globalization_2/

Kathleen Reardon

Deluded We Stand On Race And Gender
stumble digg reddit del.ico.us news trust Posted August 2, 2008 | 07:39 AM (EST)

" Among our weak points as Americans is a tendency to believe major issues are "done and dusted" long before we have even scratched the surface of their resolution. The French, for example, recognize more than we "plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose" (the more things change, the more they remain the same). This election season has revealed that despite such signs of progress as the early twentieth century successful push for the female vote and many years later the Women's Rights Movement, despite the American Civil War during which 600,000 soldiers died, the Civil Rights Movement and The Civil Rights Act of 1964, problems of gender and race bias have not been sufficiently addressed or resolved. "

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kathleen-reardon/deluded-we-stand-on-race_b_116498.html

rez, tip of the hat to your prescience and foresightedness. hand in glove with that reverse globalization is the locavore trend.
http://chihuahuagarden.blogspot.com/2008/02/whats-locavore.html

Rez: here's the Business Week story embedded within your Salon link.

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_26/b4090038429655.htm

headline: Can the U.S. Bring Jobs Back from China?

Pricey oil is dulling the mainland's edge in manufacturing. But American industry may not be ready to seize the opportunity

A Crash Retrieval Team (CRT) in action. The BIG question is what was being retrieved. Ours, theirs or ours from theirs?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awGOXaAA0Ts

patd rings in with the locavore angle. I was betting KGC would be first with that! But very good point.

Got to love a blog called chihuahua garden (realize it's geographically named, but still...)

"You can get them at Wal-Mart."

What was that old joke?

"If you don't think that god has a sense of humor go to your nearest Wal-Mart store."

Jamie that wasn't directed at you, no idea why you are taking such umbrage.