Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

Good morning all, hope you are having a great holiday season!

Not criticizing the contents of this video, rather the lack. Such disappointment when Craig's face didn't appear, nor his own unique brand of commentary. I had nearly forgotten how much I enjoy his videos. I know you're deep into a project Craig and appreciate the presenting of a video, but please don't tease, no more till you're back. IMHO.

maybe a video of a compilation of Ms Thomas in the press room questioning the presidents?
that would be nice to see......

I see Rance is the fabled doggie.......good deal.

flatus, what do you think about the possible blair appointment? even rhodes scholars can make mistakes now and then.
http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/spytalk/

my last little doggie was a malamute--aussie cattle dog mix I named Pouponne d'fleur............and my friend the farmer has a dog named "Number 7"

animal names are fun. my cat is Coonass because he came to us from baton rouge.....(except the more polite in my family call him Cajun which I consider rather lackluster)

old sea, it is a great holiday season. just looking at wiki's list of observances thru the centuries that this time of year made people celebrate. check out the festival of wild women. not too wild about their choice of holiday food tho, not exactly sugarplums and fruitcake.
"the exclusively female midwinter ritual, Lenaea or Lenaia, was the Festival of the Wild Women. In the forest, a man or bull representing the god Dionysus was torn to pieces and eaten by Maenads."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_solstice

sturge, friend had a dog called "comeer" whose name made for interesting call and response episodes.

btw, check out the jargon in that spytalk story mash redux (second one in the link posted to oldsea). do these people ever read what they write? do they even understand it?

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/

the world clock......timezones around the globe......

Dear CQ - Why do you think a quick fix to the economic situation? Behind sight is the best...

Regarding Bush he is on course as set with his compliant working with failed economic policy. To sad that the Republicans now in office are just now standing up - had this happened many years ago - maybe we would not have had the explosive growth - but certainly we would not have the down cycle now.

Oh and understatement - Jimmy Carter slightly different is an understatement.

Grade C

Sturge, that world clock was a interesting, easy reference. I noticed it also showed weather forecasts for each of those cities.

Craig, I actually liked that video. It condensed a lot of information in a very brief format, and the pictures did a good job of connecting it.

Obama Team Takes Two Shapes
"It was said during the Bill Clinton era that the country was getting two presidents for the price of one: President Clinton and first lady Hillary as well.

The Obama transition is putting a new twist on that idea. The president-elect is giving the country two administrations for the price of one."
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122963694275719607.html?mod=article-outset-box

Speaking of scandals

Deep Throat Dies at 95

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ilXqH1ESn6ewLCnV5BOlHQSz_hOAD955M70G0

I will confirm that his name is Rance. You will need to speak to Colorado Bob about the prize money. I was asleep by the time he made that challenge.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/12/obama-cabinet-takes-shape.html#comment-183534

Bethy, I left last night before you made your remarks about Rick Warren. I'm still P.O.'d over this appointment even though I don't have a dog in the fight either. I knew about Warren long before this campaign because of that little meeting he cites with pride where he served GLBT representatives water and doughnuts. He doesn't mention that the right wing religious zealots wouldn't sit and eat with them.

He's just one more bigot wearing his religious views as a shield against actually practicing his religion. JERK

It doesn't help that I just saw a remarkable documentary starring one of my favorite people. If anyone cares to see it, it is on You Tube in six 10 minute videos that start here:

Making of Me: John Barrowman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sJnpEc2fZA

In case you aren't completely over done on Christmas yet, here is a list of all the Christmas cartoons, videos, commercials, games etc on line. Should keep you busy until Easter.

http://www.fanpop.com/spots/christmas/soapbox/64

"The loans, as G.M. and Chrysler teeter on the brink of insolvency, essentially throws the companies a lifeline from the taxpayers that will keep them afloat until March 31. At that point, the new Obama administration will determine if the automakers are meeting the conditions of the loans and will continue to receive government aid or must repay the loans and face bankruptcy proceedings."

Wow. (From the link above.) One more problem for Obama to deal with.

Solar, Opinion please?

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/12/the-crisis-vacumm.html#comment-183573

I agree

Chole

I think that the bail (temp) is ok --cos it comes out of the 700 bil---it is passing the buck in my point of view ,,but that is a good thing ,,,less for this Bush and co. to screw up----however it they don't live up to the contract of paying it back,,,,this is going to show that they are not serious about rethinking existing attitudes,,

I also think that Obama and his team,,is already very busy putting diff workable options on paper,,,,hope that also includes a good hard look at the CEO;s on down---especially the CFO of each one of them?? I feel pretty good that Obama has surrounded him self with all of the Pres,,Clinton's past proven performers,,,,My republican friends do also

Thanks Solar

Hey Solar,
That passing the buck part is what struck me. But I didn't see it as a bad thing either.

I wonder what decision could have been made that wouldn't be called "passing the buck"?

II personally don't like the bailout. I think it's just delaying the inevitable. But I do think it buys the new President some time.

"I do think it buys the new President some time."

Jax, You do consider that a good thing, don't you?

A Year of Chaos in Finance
"This is my last column of 2008, as I head off to vacation. Given how badly the forecasts for 2008 worked out, it would seem foolhardy to offer any for 2009. But one seems clear to me: One of the most important tasks for the new administration’s economic team is to put together a financial system that will be able to grant credit and pay for investments when the recession nears an end.

If they fail to accomplish that, and are unable to couple it with a regulatory system that will neither smother innovation nor let it run wild, then the commentaries a year from now will be even more downcast than those appearing as this year draws to its sad conclusion."
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/19/business/19norris.html?ref=business

Chloe,
I do. I just think that we are going to end up with significantly smaller and reorganized auto companies. Particularly GM and Chrysler. I think that they will both
end up in a "bankruptcy style" reorganization.
I don't see why the government had to pony up more taxpayer dollars for short term loans.
Why not compel the lending institutions that we have provided $300 billion already to offer these short term
loans.

Chloe

I think that it is passing the buck---because like all decisions made by Bush,,are always political----they see the Unions as part of the Dems,,,,in passing the busk ,,,the R's won't be blamed for bailing the Auto co's out--it will be a Democratic Bail out ---it that is what Obama chooses IMO,,,,,the temp bail out comes out of the 700 bil,,and is also cover for the R's---no new additional $ for the other team_______time for all loyalist to think third party

Jax

17 billion is a drop in the bucket in the out of pocket cost to The federal government if these companies go into bankruptcy. If they do we will be on the hook for the legacy costs the companies are now bearing. Remember retired auto workers don't use medicare, they have a better plan. and we the tax payer will pick up a good chunk of the retirement default.

Jack

Obama is already running for the next election----in choosing Warren,,,,to me,it tells the religious right,,,,look im not so bad,,,,,

Time for the herd mentality to think third party.

"I think that it is passing the buck--"

Whatever we call it, it seems like it had to be done, if the new administration was going to be allowed to make the final decision. In that way, I see it as good. Sure, Bush did it for selfish reasons, but the result is still the same. I can see where Jax is coming from, because he's against government intervention. Correct me if I'm wrong Jax.

Jack

thank you---this why I keep saying ---that the only thing that I want from Obama's promises ,.,,is UH---this would solve,,,so many problems at the same time----

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/12/the-crisis-vacumm.html#comment-183587

"Time for the herd mentality to think third party."

Ha Solar. A third party doesn't attract the 'herd' mentality. That's contradictory. The herd is going to stay where they are.:)

Solar

Single payer would certainly help the Auto industry in the US. If they had half a brain industry in th US would be lobbying hard for it.

Jack

"The $17 billion is just pushing the date back."

How can you be sure of that Jax. Isn't it possible that they'll use the time to straighten things out?

Jack

Jack agreed---and you just hit on the 2nd thing that needs a verry hard look -----the lobbyist----this is the most serious problem that we have in our country-----lot of foxes in the hen house,,,IMO

Third party people are the real independent thinkers,,,,they don't go along---to get along,,,,,,that better Chlo

As for sinlge payer UH. I'm all for it as long as my family and I have the right to opt out.....
The day you tell me I have to participate is the day I'm against it.
You guys can have it and run with it....

"Single payer would certainly help the Auto industry in the US."

And maybe I'm just playing Pollyanna today, but isn't it also possible that we will finally lead the way into Universal Health Care? Maybe the time has arrived.

"Third party people are the real independent thinkers,,,,they don't go along---to get along,,,,,,that better Chlo "

Just more accurate, Solar. :)

Chloe,
Sure there's a chance. I'm just voicing my opinion. I'd love to be wrong on this one.....

Chole

I know why you asked me to post-----always sitting next to you,,,regardless of posting or not,,,have lots of energy today---going to shovel my way out of the driveway---

Thanks Solar. I have work to do also. Just been putting it off.

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=081219150605.tto9ush5&show_article=1

I applaud Ford for at least trying the non-government bailout route. They are just asking for a line of credit as a back-up.....Unless I'm missing something though they didn't receive it.....interesting

I believe I read Bristol's due this weekend.??

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

Voters like Caroline Kennedy, but only 37% says she is fit for senate:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/rasmussen/20081219/pl_rasmussen/carolinekennedy20081219

Caroline Kennedy did not vote in many elections:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081219/ap_on_el_se/kennedy_voting

"I applaud Ford for at least trying the non-government bailout route. They are just asking for a line of credit as a back-up.....Unless I'm missing something though they didn't receive it.....interesting"

Wasn't Ford the only one of the Big 3 that had money? That is what I remember.

Jax

They are not voluntarily going that route
It is just that they are not so desperate that they are willing to put their future in the hands of the government.
While the auto makers were going "we love small cars "to congress, Ford was adding a second shift to the F150 line here at the Claycomo plant. In fact the F150 plants are the only ones that Ford is not closing down for extended holiday closing.

Jack

A friend of yours?

Jack

According to Jay Leno last night, Ford said they could get by without help right now. This, of course makes it a non-story for journalists. What's so wrong with the future-mother-in-law of Bristol Palin being busted for drugs?

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/12/the-crisis-vacumm.html#comment-183603

A friend of yours ?

Jack

Corey

The real secret scandal, is she is a Democrat ;-0

Jack

Irony, Jack.

Jack,
I'll be one of those next quarter picking up one of those new F150's. I'm also looking at the Lincoln MKX for the missus.

Jax

A good time as there are some great deals out there. Even the wife remarked on it. She thinks maybe I need a new pickup.

Jack

Corey

Are you going to be shut down when chrysler is shut down?

Jack

I'm going for my 4th F150 in a row and the 2009 model is really nice.
My youngest will be driving soon and I'm getting close to 100,000 on my 2005 F150. It's a perfect time to pass down.

I'm shut down now, Jack. Will probably be shut down for awhile. Have to wait and see. Most of the next two weeks would be holiday shut down anyway.

"A good time as there are some great deals out there"

I just saw our local dealer had the base 150 for 13K. Now that's a steal. I just got my 91 Silverado shorty broke in (99K miles), so I had to turn the page. I also noticed the ad said ,"Guaranteed Loan approval". Wasn't that what all the realtors were saying just a few years ago.

Jack, we could put a humorous spin on the future mother-in-law arrest. Let's put ourselves in her shoes. Let's say your someone who hates Palin. That is your son who is dating Bristol Palin. They plan to get married. That means, Sarah Palin and you will be in laws/family. Tell me you wouldn't be caught doing or at least in possession of drugs!

rez

I think that was the ad my wife saw. A f150 for the price she bought her used Focus last year. It grabed her attention. I told her it probably did have her leather seats, moon roof maybe not even AC. But It's a pickup, who needs those things.

Jack

"She thinks maybe I need a new pickup."

Jack,
Have you seen the new Dodge Ram. Gorgeous truck and it's got built-in wireless internet connection. Lifetime warrenty too. And Chrysler is still financing.
.

Corey

For some it is a national Inquirer type thing, they just can't get enough.
This wouldn't happen to a mayor of NY because it would all get covered up. These things don't happen to the right people.
Palin lives in a small town and "those people" live right next door to you(as you and I know. ) Sometimes your daughter falls in love with one of them. It is the way of the world.
It is just laughable to me that someone with their own drug problem would salivate over someone elses.

Jack

So with oil prices in a tail spin, has the gov't cranked up it's input into the strategic oil reserve.

If it is hasn't I say "Fill, baby, Fill!"

Jack, my friend is a cop. He tells me all the time about elected officials and others who get arrested for things, but we never hear about it. One time, a sheriff got stopped for drunk driving. When the cops pulled him over, he was wearing a woman's dress. Needless to say, they were asked to keep that real quiet!

Thought for the day :
" To save one life is better than to build a seven story pagoda. "

This is too sweet :
1920 David Susskind New York NY, TV host (Open End, David Susskind Show)
1920 Little Jimmy Dickens Bolt WV, country singer (Grand Ole Opry)

1776 Thomas Paine published his 1st "American Crisis" essay, in which he wrote, "These are the times that try men's souls"
1907 239 workers die in a coal mine explosion in Jacobs Creek PA
1907 Gas explosion at Jacobs Creek PA coal mine kills 239
1918 Robert Ripley began his "Believe It or Not" column (New York Globe)
1946 War breaks out in Indochina as Ho Chi Minh attacks French in Hanoi
1955 Carl Perkins records "Blue Suede Shoes"
1971 Stanley Kubrick's X-rated "A Clockwork Orange" premieres

Today's Broadway flop award -
1993 "Red Shoes" closes at Gershwin Theater NYC after 5 performances

Renee -
Many thanks for the log-in on a foreign machine, ( It's weird isn't it ? )
I was afraid you got socked . Plus it always sounded like your set of the boonies is really boony.

I'm also guessing you have a long run from the system to your meter.

Once again Tweety is impressed by pathology .

From the "You can't make this up " file :

Bristol Palin's baby-grandmother, Sherry Johnston, busted on drug charges

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/12/19/2008-12-19_bristol_palins_babygrandmother_sherry_jo.html

Bonus Bucks -

1 Bonus Buck = $ 300,000,000 in Collateralized Debt Obligations

Michigan again has highest jobless rate in U.S.

In November, the number of people employed rose in nine states and fell in 41 states, the department said. Florida lost the most jobs at 58,600.

http://www.forbes.com/afxnewslimited/feeds/afx/2008/12/19/afx5844907.html

Any Elvis fans in the crowd? Here's your chance to sing with the King. If you like what happens, you can send it off as a Christmas card.

http://www.singwiththeking.com/

CBob

Also publication of "A Christmas Carol".

http://jdurward.blogspot.com

Tech Firms Seek $1 Billion For U.S. Car Battery Plant

By working as a block, the tech companies aim to narrow the lead of Asian manufacturers, which supply the majority of batteries used today in hybrid vehicles and electric cars.

http://www.informationweek.com/news/hardware/peripherals/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=212501310&subSection=News

Jamie -

Never out of print since this date.
Not bad .

From the battery story :

"U.S. truck and automakers and representatives of the Department of Defense will be invited to serve on the Alliance's advisory board," Alliance attorney James J. Greenberger of Reed Smith LLP said in a statement.

The advisory board will help the Alliance move toward standardized battery cell formats that will simplify manufacturing and lower costs, Smith said.
----------------------

If I had money, I'd bet on these guys. Remember that this battery tech could be used by Renee and Rick to operate their home way up there in craggy New Hampshire.

Old Sea -
Thanks for the comment about Pickens. I think you have to log-in to your page, and in your preferences, you can sign-up for e-mail.

Here's a guy that signed on last summer, I found his stuff amazing, not so much for what he's done, as much as where he did it. This is a true earth ship, but it's in Mass. All the ones I've ever seen were out west. Plus he has a great photo. Look in his photos for more pictures.

One thing about this social site, it brought out a lot of really interesting people. Lot's of ferment.

http://push.pickensplan.com/photo/photo/show?id=2187034%3APhoto%3A321768&context=user
----------------
Pickens also announced that Owens Corning has joined him -

" You know these folks. For more than 70 years they've been helping build our country, supplying building materials for everything from single family homes to the nation's largest commercial structures. Here's why they're so important: Owens Corning knows energy - not how to find it or to produce it or to transmit it, but how to use it as efficiently as possible. And that's every bit as important as those other steps.

We use more energy to heat, cool and light our homes and offices than we do to power our factories or even to drive our cars and trucks. Our country can save over 1 million barrels a day just by making our homes and offices more efficient. That's 1 million barrels we won't have to import from overseas. That's a big step in the right direction. "

Maybe Rick Warren told Obama he wanted to preach about olive branches ?

My Obama email -

" You helped build the most powerful and effective grassroots movement in America.

Now, you're helping to define how this movement will support President-elect Obama's agenda and continue to bring the change we need.

The more voices that are part of this process, the better the results will be.

And so far, the response has been remarkable -- 550,000 people completed the online supporter survey. And this past weekend, supporters organized more than 4,000 Change is Coming house meetings in 2,000 cities across all 50 states."

CBob

There are about 13 different film and cartoon versions if you don't count the variations that lift the story line but make it modern or female etc.

More proof that Obama is playing " Star Trek Chess "

Andrew Sullivan -

" One thing I'd say in defense of Obama. There were a few times in the campaign when my first reaction was that he had screwed up. In almost every case, he subsequently proved me wrong. And I think we need to take him seriously about a change in tone on these subjects. He's asking a lot from us. That doesn't mean we should not try to reciprocate. More later. "

Drug traffickers threaten school kids in Ciudad Juarez if parents don't pay up

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/world/story/58134.html

Joe Klein -

" I have no problem with Barack Obama asking Reverend Rick to deliver a prayer at the Inauguration. It will have zero--repeat, zero--impact on the policies of the Obama Administration. And it may do some good, especially if it gives pause to all those people who think that I--and the crypto-Muslim Barack Obama--are going to hell...If it causes those folks to give the new President just the slightest credit for appreciating their worldview, if it causes them to give him the benefit of the doubt on controversial stuff like talking to the Iranians or universal health insurance, then it's worth it. If it causes evangelicals to say, "Well, he's not demonizing us, maybe we shouldn't demonize him," it's worth it. If it makes Rush Limbaugh's toxic blather about our next President seem even the slightest bit ridiculous and over-the-top to his idiot legion of ditto heads, it's worth it. "

http://swampland.blogs.time.com/2008/12/18/the-not-so-right-reverend-rick/
__________
Rick Warren thinks I'm going to hell too. And I think Rick won't be picking the next supreme court justice .

Good evening all... Crisis, crisis, crisis! I am sure you all know it isn't just in the USA, although most of the financial disaster that the rest of the world is confronting is created by economic mismanagement courtesy of our country.

The video about the Crisis vacuum is certainly timely today. The entire Belgian government has resigned ! This would be the 3rd or 4th time that Prime Minister Yves Leterme has tendered his resignation. However, this time the entire cabinet resigned due to scandal.

The scandal revolves over the nationalization of Fortis Bank and then selling off the Dutch operations to The Netherlands and allowing French Bank BNP Paribas to buy 75% of the Belgian portion of Fortis. However, shareholders revolted as there was no vote called for investors to agree. So... they sued, and the first court that heard the case said it was ok to go through. However, the country's highest court: The Court of Cassation - determined that the law was not followed. What has been learned since, is the intervention of the government with the Court to attempt influencing them to rule in favor of the bank reorganisation. Such contacts to the Court is illegal as there is a strong "separation of powers" between the political and judicial arms of the government.

First to resign was the Justice Minister Jo Vandeurzen. According to a report by the chairman of Belgium's highest court Ghislain Londers, Jo Vandeurzen actively tried to influence the ruling on Fortis Bank. He said this was "highly unusual" (meaning totally illegal)

Recriminations have been flying faster that jumbo jets around the Parliament and a decision was made for all the Ministers to resign. Opposition parties are demanding new elections, while the Christian Democrats do not believe new elections are necessary.

Right now the decision on what to do, has landed squarely on the lap of King Albert The King can accept the resignation, or reject it and urge the PM and his team to work out the problems.

Even the French speakers are lamenting the possibility of the government collapse. Once such political leader had this to write:

Joëlle Milquet (Francophone Christian democrat of the CDH) says, "I think that in a country in such deep crisis needs a government- urgently."

So again we have not a balanced budget, the industry and financial markets are suferring massive loses. Instead of actively working on the problems the Prime Minister and his cabinet colleagues have chosen to wait and see what happens.

THERE IS NO GOVERNMENT LIKE NO GOVERNMENT

Al Franken has overcome the 5-vote lead and edged ahead of Norman Coleman!

ET -
Krugman was on C-Span today talking about the outer edges of Europe.
He said that Latvia is the new Thailand, and Ukraine is the new Argentina.

Apparently the domino theory really works.

I can't wait to see Al Franken at a senate committee hearing, what a trip.
One thing government lacks is a sense of humor.

'Hobbit' Fossils Represent A New Species, Concludes Anthropologist

ScienceDaily (Dec. 19, 2008) — University of Minnesota anthropology professor Kieran McNulty (along with colleague Karen Baab of Stony Brook University in New York) has made an important contribution toward solving one of the greatest paleoanthropological mysteries in recent history -- that fossilized skeletons resembling a mythical "hobbit" creature represent an entirely new species in humanity's evolutionary chain.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081217124418.htm

"I don't see why the government had to pony up more taxpayer dollars for short term loans."

Jax,
I don't know if you're still around, but I was thinking about what you said. Don't you think a lot of this mess is the governments fault too, mistakes made of multiple levels? You know Bush is not wanting the economy to completely tank on his watch, and he's knows if he doesn't do this, then things are going to get worse. I don't see it as generosity, as much as doing what's beneficial and maybe even mandatory for everyone.

New World Post-pandemic Reforestation Helped Start Little Ice Age, Say Scientists

ScienceDaily (Dec. 19, 2008) — The power of viruses is well documented in human history. Swarms of little viral Davids have repeatedly laid low the great Goliaths of human civilization, most famously in the devastating pandemics that swept the New World during European conquest and settlement.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081218094551.htm

"And this past weekend, supporters organized more than 4,000 Change is Coming house meetings in 2,000 cities across all 50 states."

cbob, that sentence sent a shiver similar to the one experienced when i watched all those very coordinated, very happy smiling and instep chinese in the olympics opening ceremony. wholeheartedly wish us and our peotus well but am no less concerned.

I saw a News Hour story last week on a 25 man family owned company in Mich. that made the freeze plugs, drive line plugs, and other fasteners for G.M. They will lose 45% of their business if G.M. fails. But he also made the same sort of stuff for others.
That's who Bush is saving even we don't see it.

with the death of the man that said "follow the money" here's hoping that we and the msm don't let that wise advice die too and be forgotten. especially now.

Patd -

Given that we're talking about members of the Democratic Party here, I think your shiver may have been just a cool breeze.
I doubt we'll see the zombie horde marching down the streets, blindly enforcing the whims of Obama.
Having said that, as a political pressure group, it'll be interesting to see how they herd this mob of cats.

Patd -
Did you see Pat Buchanon this morning, bravely guarding the Nixon flame ?

He prefaced his comments with the proforma don't speak ill of the dead. Then he spoke ill of the dead.
Hint :
It wasn't Nixon's fault .

Obama chooses top science advisers
Selections send signal that president-elect is set to reverse Bush policies
" Harvard University physicist John Holdren as presidential science adviser .................. "
Oregon State University marine biologist Jane Lubchenco is expected to be named head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28305772/

-----------------
Yet another woman in the Obama administration, with a science degree.
Yaowzza !

" But Holdren's reported selection inspired no joy at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, a free-market advocacy group that denounces global warming "alarmists" and opposes many environmental laws. Myron Ebell, director of energy and global warming policy at CEI, said, "I think he's a very bad choice. His views are extreme, they're not based in fact, and he's a ranter."

Of the overall Obama team, Ebell said, "They will pursue an anti-energy agenda that is designed to constrict energy supplies and raise energy prices."

Lubchenco did not draw the same level of criticism from conservative groups as Holdren yesterday, but she represents just as radical a departure for NOAA, which oversees marine issues as well as much of the government's climate work. While NOAA has traditionally favored commercial fishing interests in policy disputes, Lubchenco has consistently called for conservation measures to safeguard ocean ecosystems in the face of industry opposition. "
--------------
I like em' already.

Patd- love it! makes me kinda hungry.
Cbob- cool earthship, thanks for the link!

NEWS ITEM :

For the seventh time in a row, the Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States have unanimously declined to review a State Court ruling that Philip J. Berg, Leo Donofrio, B.S. GORDO, and others are not eligible to sue States regarding Presidential Elector Delegations.

The matter has been close to the hearts of former Presidents Chester A. Arthur and Woodrow Wilson, both of whom had foreign born parents who were not naturalized.

At a tumultous press conference on the Supreme Court steps, the late President Wilson expressed relief. "As long as there was a remote possibility that the petitioners might win, Chester and my presidencies were at risk of being rescinded", the winner of the 1912 and 1916 elections said. "The possible cost to us as individuals pales incomparison to the potential for damage to our nation, had these pro-Kaiser, America-haters overturned our elections. Why, we would have to reverse the Great War. What then?"

President Arthur, was not available for comment, suffering from a debilitating decease, but a source close to him said that the Supreme Court's seventh unanimous decision cheered the late President. President Arthur had been worried that his most satisfying acheivement, the establishment of the Civil Service might be rescinded through attempts to 'de-president' him. "It would turn the country back over to those thieving Stalwarts" the source said, in a slighting reference to the wing of the Republican Party led by the late former Senator Conkling that favors corruption, simony, and graft .

The late President Lincoln agreed. "We must never return to government of the people, by the plunderers, for the pirates," he told reporters from his tomb in Springfield, Illinois.

-30-

SoetorObama has NOT been ruled a "natural born" citizen. He is a usurper. He hides his past for a reason.
------------------------------------
Obama Names Long Time Friend and Famous American Icon …

http://therealbarackobama.wordpress.com/2008/12/19/obama-names-long-time-friend-and-famous-american-icon/

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/12/the-crisis-vacumm.html#comment-183659

Another reason for me to say that there is really nothing wrong with the world that a good plague couldn't cure. : - s

Xrep -
Here's "Yer Atta Boy".

Jamie -
Here's "Yer Atta Girl".

Colorado Bob,

Yes, I well remember President nixon explaining to America that it wasn't his fault.

"Congress put a gun to my head", he yelped.

Nothing wicked that happened on 'nixon's watch' was ever dick's fault. I know, because he told me so, and pat buchanan always agreed.

On a secret tape belonging to the Oval Office, a voice astonishingly similar to President nixon's announced that we had lost the War in Viet Nam, but that we would continue to toss American's in until he could pass the mess on to the next administration. "I'm not going to be the first president in history to lose a war !" the voice astonishingly close to nixon's exclaimed. 28,000 American dead later the prescient imposter's prediction did come true, as nixon passed the war on to feckless boob, Leslie King (dba gerry ford).

Obviously, buchanan is pro-life, and stands nobly supportive of the massive slaying following the nixon-like voice's determination that we'd lost the war. After all, it prevented the Red Chinese fro invading California. Of course, the mysterious voice could not have been nixon's, because nixon never did anything wrong, except for maybe a little innocent embezzlement. Like the business of stealing the $10,000 worth of 'national security pillows' - a total nothing.

GORDO,

Chester A. Arthur & Woodrow Wilson

Patd -

Here comes the Pickens zombie army :

A new email -
Pickens Plan District Groups

Nine days ago we launched our Pickens Plan District Groups and began our search for District Leaders – and in that short period of time we have already signed up District Leaders in 188 Congressional Districts! We are grateful to the hundreds of people who have contacted us to volunteer their time, and we look forward to working with you over the coming weeks and months.

We still need more District Leaders! If you are interested in volunteering and haven’t contacted us already, you can click here to find your District Group and sign up. If you have already emailed us to volunteer and haven’t heard back yet, you will be hearing from us shortly.

Even if you don’t want to be a District Leader, we’d like you to join your District Group on Push.PickensPlan.com so you can connect with other members of the New Energy Army in your area, discuss ways to push the Pickens Plan in your district, and help recruit more members of the Army. Click here to find your group. There are only 32 days left until Inauguration Day, and we need to get ready!
------------------

Online citizenship, what a hoot. These Obama and Pickens emails are really pretty close, in a stratigic sense .

As the Buffalo Springfield said so long ago -

"There's something happening here, what it is ain't exactly clear".

"Chester Arthur perpetrated a fraud as to his eligibility to be Vice President by spreading various lies about his parents’ heritage. President Arthur’s father, William Arthur, became a United States citizen in August 1843. But Chester Arthur was born in 1829. Therefore, he was a British Citizen by descent, and a dual citizen at birth, if not his whole life.

He wasn’t a “natural born citizen” and he knew it.

That means Chester Arthur was a British subject at the time of his birth.

Because Chester Arthur covered up his British citizenship, any precedent he might have set that the country has had a President born of an alien father is nullified completely as Chester Arthur was a usurper to the Presidency. He wouldn’t have been on the ticket if it was public knowledge. Nobody knew Arthur was a British subject because nobody looked in the right place for the truth. "

http://naturalborncitizen.wordpress.com/2008/12/06/urgent-historical-breakthrough-proof-chester-arthur-concealed-he-was-a-british-subject-at-birth/

Xrep -
I got what I wanted from Obama , I got that woman from Oregon to run NOAA. I got the D.O.E. guy I wanted, as for the others, I'm still learning.
The good thing is that all of the picks made on the things I consider important have been people I never heard of, but when I look they're what I think we need.
Obama is going to turn the Dept. of Energy upside down. The Chu pick makes me certain of it.

The new head of the Interior Dept. was the Att. Gen. of Colorado. I consider that a good sign.

Thanks, Colorado Bob. I will wear my "Atta Boy" with pride, and work diligently to receive an oak leaf cluster.

I hope they give it to caroline.....why not? and then next time she can run and see where she stands.......I think she's probably a pretty good choice.....

Buffalo Springfield - Mr Soul

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwpT_X3Prr0

Jamie

I don't consider the word --no-- in my vocabulary since I don't use very often ( hardly ever) and with all the respect that is due you----I do have to say no to you, after thinking over your request ,that I stop posting, what I post ,,,,and mainly because of what you said--you said that you found them interesting,,,,this means that you read them! ---I can't do short and vile,,,that should be more objectionable, than my long post.

I'd say " May all your CHRISTMAS WISHES come true". But, Obama doesn't take office until Jan. 2009.

Here ya go Gordo , something with cowbell -

Time has come today -The Chambers Brothers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nuiIqMQ4sA

" I've been crushed by a tumblin' tide "

GORDO,

1. C. A. Arthur was native born and thus the legitimate president. Same with Wilson.

2. People do not need to be certified as natural born citizens by courts to become president. It has never happened. By the way, how do we know that g. w. bush was a natrural born citizen ? He doesn't look anything like his alleged parents. What is he hiding ? Why won't he make his servie records public ? Where was he when his boss, George Wallace was shot in May, 1972 ?

What about you ? You may be a Zimbabwean terrorist out to spread disinformation, and bring about the fall of Northern Civilization. Why are you hiding your identity ?

3. It isn't up to you and your republican pals to decide who is or is not a legitimate candidate for president, it is up to the Sec'ys of State and election boards of the individual states.

4. Re your allegation that Arthur and Obama are usurpers : the only usurpers we've ever had were george w. bush and rutherford b. hayes.

That's it Gordo, you missed gettin' your soul psychedelicized -

Oh, no......not Rutherford too.........that calls for a drink......

I have been loved & put aside (Time)
I have been crushed by the tumbling tide (Time)
And my soul has been psychedelicized (Time)

Flirtations - Nothing But A Heartache

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Kau2lSTZZo

Dire Straits - The Bug Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kii9R2iC3GY

That was supposed to be service records, not "servie records" as seen supra.

Sometimes youre the windshield
Sometimes youre the bug
Sometimes it all comes together baby
Sometimes youre a fool in love
Sometimes youre the louisville slugger
Sometimes youre the ball
Sometimes it all comes together baby
Sometimes youre going lose it all

You gotta know happy - you gotta know glad
Because youre gonna know lonely
And youre gonna know bad
When youre rippin and a ridin and youre coming on strong
You start slippin and a slidin and it all goes wrong, because

Sometimes youre the windshield
Sometimes youre the bug

Dylan in a pirate shirt:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EotM7FH8uQg&feature=related

The Bug ~ Mary Chapin Carpenter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90SXjQEhXKE

Sturg -
Fresh from the Senfleid set.

I wonder where Dylan met the " Low talker" ?
Good version of Hurricane.

Dylan in white face......."Mime is money......."

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

ha......i was looking for kramer somewhere in there.......

"C. A. Arthur was native born and thus the legitimate president."

WRONG - he was a British citizen, just like SoetorObama.
==============
From “Fight the Smears”:

“When Barack Obama Jr. was born on Aug. 4,1961, in Honolulu, Kenya was a British colony, still part of the United Kingdom’s dwindling empire. As a Kenyan native, Barack Obama Sr. was a British subject whose citizenship status was governed by The British Nationality Act of 1948. That same act governed the status of Obama Sr.‘s children."

http://fightthesmears.com/articles/5/birthcertificate
==============
"No person except a natural born citizen... shall be eligible to the office of president..." Obama has admitted that he is NOT, NEVER was and NEVER will be natural born! He has NO right to be President!

Barack Obama has ADMITTED he had dual citizenship at birth. This is not in question like his place of birth is. Even if Obama can prove that he was born on American soil, which he can't, he still is ineligible because of his dual citizenship."

http://americamustknow.com/default.aspx
===============
If he was born in Kenya, he was not even a US citizen because of the five-year rule (I've never been able to confirm that update.). If born in HI, then a "born" citizen with dual citizenship. There is no way SoetorObama can be considered "natural" born.

the only thing I knew how to do
was to keep on keepin' on
like a bird that flew
tangled up in blue...............

Dire Straits - Heavy Fuel

Heavy Fuel from the DVD "On The Night" (1993)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71XtQ4HbDHo

hey gord.......what are y'all gonna do after all the courts refuse to hear any of this you're putting it out?

you say you want a revolution? Well, you know......we all want to change the world........you say you got a real solution? Well, you know......we'd all like to see the plan........stan........

Dire Straits - Once Upon a time in the west

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYtr24xLIiE

perhaps clicheic, but then again perhaps not.......The Sultans, live:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2nQZPC2uTs

Some people get a cheap laugh breaking up the speed limit
Scaring the pedestrians for minute
Crossing up progress driving on the grass
Leaving just enough room to pass
Sunday driver never took a test
Oh yeah, once upon a time in the west

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/12/the-crisis-vacumm.html#comment-183683

Solar,

I have never asked you to stop posting. I have let you know what Craig has said in the past about long posts and left it up to you. I've suggested that you start a blog simply because it is an interesting thing to do. That wouldn't stop you from posting here as well.

GORDO,

1. He was born in Hawaii, which has never been a part of Kenya.

2. Arthur was born in NY, which has not been under British rule since 1781.

3. The laws of other countries do not apply in the US, and never have. Therefore, the citizenship laws of foreign countries don't count.

4. Presidential candidates don't have to report to you or your racist republican pals.

5. Presidential candidates have never had to prove their status as natural born citizens, therefore uder your strange legal theory, none of them have been eligible to hold office.

6. You are hiding your name and history. Is it because you are a Zimbabwean terrorist ?

GORDO wrote : "Obama has admitted that he is NOT, NEVER was and NEVER will be natural born! He has NO right to be President!"

That is a lie, GORDO.

He did it Zim-baaaab-waaaaaaay

GORDO,

I'm pretty sure you are really jesse jackson, right ?

Goodight everyone.

Paul McCartney and Wings - Junior's Farm

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

"Everybody's talkin' bout the president, we all chip in for a bad of cement'

Prop 8 sponsors seeking to nullify 18,000 marriages. Jerry Brown seeking to void Prop 8

http://www.sacbee.com/114/story/1487648.html

Cher cover of MR. SOUL produced by Jimmy Webb

from 1975 album STARS

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

I await Gordo's investigation of where or not there's a meth lab in a trailer park in Alaska.

The legacy of the Republican notion of our economy's "strong fundamentals"... As I recall, this was written when the old coot Reagan was President

Tracy Chapman - SUBCITY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvyQ0YnMTf4

what if jesus comes back......and is somehow re-born as [gasp] not an american citizen.........what if he's somehow re-born in Saudi Arabia.........gonna be big problems there.......

"He was born in Hawaii..."
-----------------------
"How do you know?

Why does his paternal grandmother say otherwise, in a recording?

Why did Kenyan Ambassador to the US Ogego state otherwise in a radio interview?

Why has the State of Hawaii not said that Obama was born in Hawaii, but issued an ambiguous statement that many have misinterpreted?"

http://drorly.blogspot.com/2008/12/obama-was-born-in-hawaii.html
===============
"Arthur was born in NY..."
---------------------------
He got his British citizenship from his father who was a British citizen when he was born.

http://naturalborncitizen.wordpress.com/2008/12/06/urgent-historical-breakthrough-proof-chester-arthur-concealed-he-was-a-british-subject-at-birth/

Annie Liebowitz coming up on Rachael Maddow

I do believe the question is. When Jesus comes back, not if he comes back?

"Dear Mr. President" is a song by Pink featuring the Indigo Girls, and was recorded for Pink's fourth album, I'm Not Dead. Pink said that the song is an open letter to the President of the United States, George W. Bush, and that it is one of the most important songs she had written.

"In an interview with MTV News Pink stated she hoped Bush heard the song and that "[he] is proud of the fact that we live in a country where we can do things like that, where we can have dissent, talk, communicate and share our opinions."[2] After she performed the song on Jimmy Kimmel Live on April 11, 2007, she thanked Jimmy Kimmel for letting her sing it, telling him that many radio station DJs had been told they couldn't discuss the track if she was a guest, and that she wasn't allowed to perform it on other U.S. television shows.[4]"

I wonder how many people believe that concentration of media control in the few hands of high powered corporations is NOT a threat to freedom and speech, not to mention our very identity as living in a Democracy. The song was a single in Belgium and went immediately to number 1. Hard to believe it was virtually IGNORED in the USA.

PINK is a phenomenal singer... brilliant songwriter and an amazing voice. This song is one of the most relevant songs I've ever heard. Everyone should listen to this song and watch the video. And then we ALL can give thanks that the monster at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is soon to leave...

Oh yeah, this version is live, and is as lovely as the studio recorded one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eRApNHSRRk

DEAR MR. PRESIDENT

If he comes back.............look busy........cause he's gonna be pissed.............

sorry.......it's Leibovitz......

Hey Lampe......I'll bet you a hunnerd dollars he dont come back.........

Sturg, you have inspired me.

Who is the true messiah? And what about the crucifixion ? We mustn't forget the film coverage of this sad event...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxQgXgS5G3c

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/12/the-crisis-vacumm.html#comment-183710

From SoetorObama's site:

"As a Kenyan native, Barack Obama Sr. was a British subject whose citizenship status was governed by The British Nationality Act of 1948. That same act governed the status of Obama Sr.‘s children."

http://fightthesmears.com/articles/5/birthcertificate
----------------------------
"That same act governed the status of Obama Sr.‘s children."

That statement appears on SoetorObama's site. He admits he had British citizenship at birth. A person with British citizenship can not be considered "natural" born. It's about divided loyalty.

What's so hard about spelling woghsehqgluffq?

Jesus -cont.

Jesus will come back at the same time that the devil will comes back---sorta like twins!--- neither one can have soul---it belongs to the Universe!,,,or which ever one can fix the mess that we are in now----in seven day's,,or seven nights,,,,I will go with the one that fixes it all( the very next day), no questions asked---where do I sign!

What's so hard about spelling woghsehqgluffq?
---jamie

simple.......just spell it like it sounds.......

Have a nice night all.

it's 4 am here... goodnight jamie... I need to sleep too... goodnight one and all.

Little mad ,,,heard that one of the neighbors down the block ---is going to have their house up for a sheriff's sale---credit not good enough to get refi,,,don't know them that good---but a few years back they lost the only son that they had---said it was god will----he willed cancer into his body I guess,,,,,but they do have a lot of christmas lights on.

CBob - those two links to Science were great. I forwarded the one re 'hobbits' to my bil since he went to Wash U school of medicine.

The one re rain forests I read too fast, I guess. I was looking for comments re the effects of the de-forestation on climate problems today. Nonetheless, it was neat.

And your news about the two scientists is great, too.

Oh, I'm fully aware that Warren isn't going to name any supreme court justices. But the man who is honoring Warren is going to name them, and I do worry about that - just worried and fore-warned. I don't want to be blind-sided.

We finally are having some rain - yippppeeee. They
are even saying a major storm for Christmas, but I'm not counting on it.

All you guys dealing with the ice storms, my concolences. Growing up in St Louis gives one some sense of what ice can do - hope you manage to get your voices back soon, and heat and light too.

When my sister died from Leukemia she told us that god had a better plan----than what??? she left 3 sons never seen 3 out4 beutiful grand children,,,and they all of them vote republican cos of the right to life issue,,,,they are wonderful people,,

Bethy---hello ----about 4-5 years ago they found What they said were hobbits then, in an island in Indonesia ---it turned out that all the inhabitants of that island were small ,,even the animals,,,due to the atmosphere there constant rain,,,,etc,,,they turned out to be just small humans,,,,,I t will be very interesting if they are for real----and they will have to go back pretty far in time-----130-140 mil years??

Bethyboo correction----they have go back before the modern human----maybe 180-200 mil years,,,and would be a cousin of ours,,like other Homonids

Good video.

Hoovervilles = Bushvilles.

tt

Hi, yourself, Solar - I didn't know about the 'creatures' you're talking about, but did you read CBob's link?
I think it must be about those you speak of.

Apparently, they are now saying that these were not just little people, bu a different species altogether.

Very interesting.

I have no problem with people who believe in right to life - just with people who want to force others to live by it who are pro-choice. No person is born to be above others and with the right to force them to believe other than they believe naturally. That's all.

Solar -
Jamie's right, you would be good at doing your own site.
Plus you have a cool screen name already, that's the hard part.

Betty -
I'm taken in by the "Hobbit Humans". It's truly ........ truth being stranger than fiction by a mile. Remember these guys were hunting miniature elephants. It was a strange little world on that island. A very strange little world.

As for the second one, it's important because Pre-Colombian America had a huge firewood consumption. The Mayan's are a perfect example. They used millions of tons of limestone to make plaster for their cities. To do that, you have to cut an unbelievable amount of firewood. Mayan cities must have had a terrible haze over them.

We have also found a civilization in the Amazon basin, that covered thousands of square miles. They were incorporating charcol in their farming practices, and moving huge amounts of earth to do it. They were discovered with satellite maps, plus there is a wonderful account from the Inca conquest. The first Spaniards down the Amazon, they tell of huge cities on the river. By the time they're 1,000 miles from the mouth, it's more or less solid with people.

Remember, 50 or 60 Million people died when small pox and measles came to the New World.
And that number is pulled out of the air really, nobody really knows how many people were here when Columbus walked on that beach.
But what ever it was, it was bigger than we think, and they all built a fire everyday.

At the high point of its development, Cahokia was the largest urban center north of the great Mesoamerican cities in Mexico. Although it was home to only about 1,000 people before ca. 1050, its population grew explosively after that date. Archaeologists estimate the city's population at between 8,000 and 40,000 at its peak, with more people living in outlying farming villages that supplied the main urban center.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cahokia
---------------
Just another example of many urban centers in the New World. Populations world wide grew on this same time line. That's a lot of fires set to control growth on farm fields.

I'm reading a lot about Bernie Madoof and following links to links about his quagmire of investors.

A large number of 'investors' claim they invested "billions & billions" and have lost that much. So far there are more billions mentioned than the $50B that he owns up to.

The bigger they are, including ALL the investors, the harder they fall. This Bernie guy needs serious bodyguarding from what I gather.

GREED!

tt

ARTIFACTS FOUND IN MOUNDS

http://www.burlingtonnews.net/centerindiansa.html

Fascinating information about the people who once built the great prehistoric city of Cahokia was revealed accidentally during excavations in the early 1960s. Professional archaeologists were trying desperately to save archaeological information which was to be destroyed by the construction of an interstate highway, which was later rerouted.

After a summer of intense excavation, Dr. Warren Wittry was studying excavation maps when he observed that numerous large oval-shaped pits seemed to be arranged in arcs of circles. He theorized that posts set in these pits lined up with the rising sun at certain times of the year, serving as a calendar, which he called WOODHENGE. After further excavations by Wittry and other archaeologists, more post pits were found where predicted, and evidence that there were as many as five Woodhenges at this location. These calendars had been built over a period of 200 years (A.D. 900-1100). Fragments of wood remaining in some of the post pits revealed red cedar had been used for the posts, a sacred wood.

http://www.cahokiamounds.com/explore/cahokia-mounds/woodhenge

---------------

The winter solstice is 7:04 a.m. EST on Dec. 21 .

Barry Fell was way out there. I know one Harvard trained Anthro who may of been one of his students. He was pretty far out too.

Tip -
Bernie is just another twist in this Greek Drama that's roaring along around us. He dove tails with the "New Tales of the Trailer Trash " coming out of Alaska.
The Weekly World News wouldn't take this copy if we were making this stuff up.

Attention Pagans in the North West -

Winter Solstice Fire Festival postponed on account of snow and ice

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/ae/392973_tf120.html

---------
Don't laugh, fire art is the new thing.

Best headline -

Michigan city bans being annoying in public

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1120ap_odd_annoying_ordinance.html?source=mypi

-----------
That's going to turn out poorly I'm afraid.

Tip -
Via TV Newser :

At Least Someone's Benefiting From Bernie Madoff

The premiere of CNBC's "Scam of the Century? Bernie Madoff & The $50 Billion Heist" last night brought in 670,000 Total Viewers and 243,000 viewers in the A25-54 demo making it CNBC's highest rated documentary premiere telecast ever in both measurements.

It will re-air Sunday and Monday at 9pmET and, as a special gift, on Christmas Eve at 4pmET.

Russia -

" The government is drawing up a list of the most significant enterprises that might need a bailout, Mr. Putin added. That would come on top of the more than $200 billion the Kremlin has already pledged to shore up the economy, and will cover a minimum of 1,500 firms. Deputy Economy Minister Andrei Klepach said on Thursday that the economy wouldn't grow again until the middle of next year.

The Kremlin has tried in state media to downplay the impact of the global financial crisis. Yet popular discontent is growing.

Last weekend, thousands of angry residents in the far eastern city of Vladivostok took to the streets and blocked traffic to protest government plans to raise tariffs on secondhand foreign cars, which are one of the impoverished region's biggest moneymakers. Similar protests have been attempted in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad, and further demonstrations are planned for Sunday in Vladivostok.

Public anger also spilled onto the streets this fall in the Siberian town of Barnaul, as thousands of pensioners who had lost their right to discounted public-transport tickets staged noisy protests."

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122963701381519641.html

China -

An adviser to China’s cabinet yesterday revealed that 670,000 small firms closed this year. And about 6.7 million jobs vanished, many in the export hub of Guangdong, pushing unemployment well above the official figure of 8.3 million. ......................

Construction projects are being suspended; consumer confidence is declining; car sales have crashed; property prices have plummeted; China’s stock markets have lost nearly 67% of their value; and the country is bracing for a harsh winter of more factory closures and mass layoffs.

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2008/12/19/peter-goodspeed-china-s-toy-juggernaut-goes-off-the-rails.aspx

CBob - I'm fascinated by the idea that these are not just little homo sapiens - very thought provoking.

I understood that the huge rain forests were good for the earth because they soaked up carbon, and that what's happening now is bad for the earth. I have had an email from NRDC giving me the chance to pay $10 to plant a tree in a Costa Rican rain forest. I was going to do so for our kids as a stocking stuffer-type present.

Horsey on the Bush legacy -

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/horsey/viewbydate.asp?ID=1878

Bethy-

Check your state forestry service here. The ones in Texas are cheap. You might get 5 or 6 for $10.00.

December 16, 2008 C-SPAN
Marine scientists and a deep sea photographer described the cumulative and unintended consequences of human activity on marine life. In their illustrated presentations they focused on global impacts of overfishing, oil extraction, toxic pollution, and climate change. They presentede their recommendations to policymakers and the new administration about what should be done now to prevent further damage and a potential collapse of fisheries by mid-century. They responded to questions from reporters in the audience at the National Press Club. Pat Rizzuto moderated.

http://cspanjunkie.org/?p=1395

A Day in the Life of Natalie Portman

http://votersthink.org/?p=869

Crapping robot toilet paper holder

http://boingboing.hexten.net/2008/12/19/crapping-robot-toile.html

Palin soap opera: Drug in Levi's mom's case is oxycontin

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/254/story/58245.html
------------
That's right folks, it's "Hill Billy Heroin"

NY gov: Goldman's move on bonuses cost state $178M
"Underscoring how closely the fates of Wall Street and New York are intertwined, Gov. David Paterson said Friday that a single moment in the financial crisis — the decision by Goldman Sachs executives to forgo bonuses — cost the state $178 million.

Losing tax revenue from bonuses was a big hit to New York's finances because Wall Street taxes accounted for 30 percent of state revenue in the last fiscal quarter."
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081220/ap_on_bi_ge/wall_street_bonuses

What a delicate balance it all is....

Automakers grab loans, look to Obama White House
"....Bush gave the U.S. automakers $17.4 billion in emergency rescue loans, but the fate of the industry is in the hands of President-elect Barack Obama

Obama, who takes office a month from Saturday, praised the administration action but warned, "The auto companies must not squander this chance to reform bad management practices and begin the long-term restructuring that is absolutely necessary to save this critical industry and the millions of American jobs that depend on it."
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081220/ap_on_go_pr_wh/meltdown_autos

shoe follow-up
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/dec/20/iraq-georgebush

Obama’s Team of Hill Veterans
By David Nather, CQ Staff

wonder if david toyed with making his headline "obama's over-the-hill gang"

patd, I don't remember you ever saying what state you are in.....must be the early time zone.

.... to air this Sunday on "This Week with George Stephanopoulos.

"Vice President-Elect Joe Biden said the U.S. economy is in danger of "absolutely tanking" and will need a second stimulus package in the $600-billion to $700-billion range.

..He said the Obama team is focused on creating jobs and spending on energy and information technology infrastructure."
http://blogs.abcnews.com/george/2008/12/biden-us-econom.html

If he comes back.............look busy........cause he's gonna be pissed.............
Sturge- Thanks again for starting my day with a good laugh!

Solar- Here is an alternative response- My brother was run over by a drunk who was legally blind. At the funeral home the nuns told my mother "Well at least he is an angel now". She kicked them out of the funeral home!! I love that crazy mountain woman! Additionally she went to the NY Senate and had the 4 year eye exams for licenses become law. She never told anyone else what she was up to, my father didn't even know about it until it was in the newspaper. She was like the original solo MADD mother. My father on the other hand has told me that for a year he sat in the dark night drinking, with a gun by his side, wishing to go up the hill and shoot the man who killed my brother. Fortunately he never did. 10 years later the man hung himself. Life was pretty slow then and there, this saga gave the villagers something to talk about for many years.
Shit, just realized I wrote the anti- sturge post.

Cbob- yet again , another cool post. We do it the old fashioned way, got the bon fire already set.
For those concerned friends here- the magical mystery tour is finally over and Miss Emmy came home last night. I am so very relieved and want to thank you all for your thoughtful and kind words of encouragement.

cbob....about the great white shark that warshed up on the beach over here......necropsy found no obvious cause of death, they figger she got stranded in shallows during outgoing tide by chasing food....10 to 13 years old, could not play sax......oh wait....had not reached sexual maturity....1300 pounds........continuing investigation......

oldsea.....ha ha .....i just combined the copy from 2 T-shirts.......

Sturge, I don't care, you're the one with the brilliant wit that thought to combine them!

twas the day before solstice
and all thru the house
not a trailmixer blogged
not even the louse.

craig posted his post
written with care
hoping sounds of dissent
soon would be aired.

oh, well........christians bring out the worst in me......lol

long ago a nice little jewish boy went around the country pointing out the foibles and misconceptions of his fellow man.......he ran afoul of the authorities and was hounded to his death
Ladies and Gentlemen: Lenny Bruce

lol

Patd-ROTFLMAS! What a poet you are, that's great!!!

S=O
Sturge- how about the 2nd stanza?

second verse: same as the first

All together now.......

chloe, re your 6:24.... the state of mind.

in this wide wild world of internet, one may even attain the state of statelessness and timelessness. sort of hovering in the ether, floating between yesterday's al jazeera and tomorrow's aussie news.

and then again, there may exist no patd sentient being, only a poster of links... waiting for gor-do.

patd......poster of links:

https://www.thepigpit.com/catalog/images/sausage_links.jpg

oldsea,
*elvis basso y sotto voce*
thank you, thank you very much

Shit, you two are outdoing yourselves today!

sturge, profound and succulent. your link that is. oops, i mean your post of links.

ok oldsea, chloe, et alia sub rosa.... (hungover again?)
where is our third verse for the day before solstice? sturge, bravo, brilliant second.

Patd- as you all know words aren't my forte, but I'm trying over here. all I got so far is "just settled down for a long solar post"

the posters were posting
dissent was the norm
all in contention
without reason or form......

Should be "Patsi just..

HA Ha, excellent Sturge!

republicans, democrats
libertarians, too
if it were possible
they'd all throw a shoe.......

so far we've got-

twas the day before solstice
and all thru the house
not a trailmixer blogged
not even the louse.

craig posted his post
written with care
hoping sounds of dissent
soon would be aired.

second verse: same as the first
All together now.......

the posters were posting
dissent was the norm
all in contention
without reason or form......

How about adding?
Up from their keyboards arose such a clatter
,Cbob came back to see what was the matter

Up from their keyboards arose such a clatter,
Cbob came back to see what was the matter

poifect.......but I'd leave out peter noone's contribution.....lol

fifty famous last words:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLm-5B7NXug

from Nerdfighters.com

mere licht!

I left too soon this morning and missed everything....

"- the magical mystery tour is finally over and Miss Emmy came home last night."

Sea, am so glad to hear your daughter is back, and all is well.

twas the day before solstice
and all thru the house
not a trailmixer blogged
not even the louse.

craig posted his post
written with care
hoping sounds of dissent
soon would be aired.

second verse: same as the first
All together now.......

the posters were posting
dissent was the norm
all in contention
without reason or form......

Patsi in Nashville and Chloe with a toast
had just settled down for a long Solar post
When up from their keyboards arose such a clatter
Cbob came back to see what was the matter

republicans, democrats
libertarians, too
if it were possible
they'd all throw a shoe.......

Thank you Chloe!

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/12/the-crisis-vacumm.html#comment-183790

That's amazing ....

when what to our wondering eyes should appear
but a link so incredible, some of us feared.

"in this wide wild world of internet, one may even attain the state of statelessness and timelessness."

ah, so that's my problem. ;)

Had Gordo been right? Could it be so?

Let's wait for Jamie, she will certainly know.

OSH, good, good, good to have her home safely!

and his name really is soetorobamo?

oops, sorry i stepped on your line
oldsea, much better than mine.

"and his name really is soetorobamo?"

uh oh, Patd, cover your head, quick!

Thanks Flatus, Such a great relief that she survived it all- the broken brake lines on 95 really pushed me over the edge. I am also looking forward to no headache today! (tears literally makes me ill)

Hows this?
twas the day before solstice
and all thru the house
not a trailmixer blogged
not even the louse.

craig posted his post
written with care
hoping sounds of dissent
soon would be aired.

second verse: same as the first
All together now.......

the posters were posting
dissent was the norm
all in contention
without reason or form......

Patsi in Nashville and Chloe with a toast
had just settled down for a long Solar post
When up from their keyboards arose such a clatter
Cbob came back to see what was the matter

republicans, democrats
libertarians, too
if it were possible
they'd all throw a shoe.......

when what to our wondering eyes should appear
but a link so incredible, some of us feared
Had Gordo been right? Could it be so?
and his name really is soetorobamo
Let's wait for Jamie, she will certainly know.

patd, yesterday you asked me about Adm Blair. I'm happy to see a general officer as DNI. I was thinking that I would be happier with someone with a stronger intel background, but he will be able to see things as a senior-level consumer. And, I think he will be able to see through the BS that entrenched interests will be tossing at him.

A typical tactic that people use when a position like the DNI is placed between them and the prez is to overwhelm them with minutiae making them seem ineffective in handling everyday business. The outcome is that the incumbent is discredited and the agencies start regaining their direct access.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/12/the-crisis-vacumm.html#comment-183764

Chloe

Ain't it the truth, and sometimes the unintended consequences are a bite in behind.

I've got a nephew chefing in NYC I wonder how secure his job is with all the high rollers going broke on wall street..

Jack

Sturge with his wit, so lively and quick

"Ain't it the truth, and sometimes the unintended consequences are a bite in behind."

Jack,

I was so struck by that balance thought when I read that New York story. How intertwined our economy is with the government (which is actually obvious, but that story reminded me of how quick it all happens). How quick it could all fall apart (or get better).

I think your nephew is in the right profession and that he'll be fine. But then, I've been feeling kinda optimistic the last few days.

OSH

Happy Solstice

Jack

Hey Jack, thanks. We are going to have a party tonight with a bonfire, and being good pagans of course some libations too! Fortunately my friends don't mind BYOB. Hope your wife doesn't have to travel too much week and you have a great Christmas!

I saw yesterday where CBob mentioned that he was happy with Obama's choice for DOE. Until I read the following article, another of the many things I haven't realized, was just how important an appointment that was:

Nobel Winner Chu To Land Top Energy Post
"A major part of DOE's budget is dedicated to nuclear weapons research and maintaining the military's nuclear arsenal. Among the biggest tasks facing the agency is disposing of nuclear waste from civilian power plants and government weapons labs around the country."
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98116254

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/12/the-crisis-vacumm.html#comment-183778

And into her empty skull immediately popped

I'm 'Enery The 8th I Am
'Enery The 8th I am
I got married to the widow next door
She's been married seven times before
And every one was an 'enery
She wouldn't have a Willie or a Sam
I'm her 8th ol man named 'enery
'enery the 8th I am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76Xr8Zu4LAU

Jamie-No, no never you, nothing empty about your skull!

Trust me. The cats had me up at 2:00 AM. There is nothing in the cranium except left over esoteric lyrics and random bits of trivia mingled with a miasma of useless word origins all spelled glurffprooog

New Thread -- Love the Solstice Carol!!!