Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

one evolution of canine humor:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKTbq5_L1dA

good morning, craig. 69% favorite pundit on olberblogging when checked this a.m.
a great big "atta boy" to our gracious host.

btw, you slighted the other pres pooches who were causes celebre: lbj's ear-pulled beagle and rmn's checkers.

from the dailybeagle.com site:
"Turns out LBJ loved Beagles.... His first two beagles as President were Him and Her. Him was eventually killed in an accident on the White House property, after which he acquired Edgar the beagle from J. Edgar Hoover. After that came Beagle and then, of course, Little Beagle Johnson, named so everyone in the White House shared the same initials"

Patd,
Keep on digging and stay with it...... Rrrrrrrr you may revert to Pirates of days gone by......

Good morning to the first back to normal Monday Morning in a long time....

"....Murphy's third law of journalism (just invented by me), which reads: "The likelihood of your misquoting someone is directly proportional to their present or future importance".
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2009/jan/05/murphys-law-accidents

thanks ping, it was an itch no flea powder could cure.

Trying to get a leg up on the needs of the new First Family, the White House asked government agencies to locate all the hypo-allergenic substance-sniffers that were available.

Unfortunately, the first message that went out asked for the hyper versions. So, now, someone in DC has a complete list of all the govt's Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, and Dobermans.

Golly, Sturg, you sure put this puppy down.

tm culture minute:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBh78yUZNS4

Strurg,

That is such a howl.. But we need to watch out before our hosts or others Shepherd’s us back into the pen.

Unintended advisors,

SO the new Canine impact joins that of two beautiful daughters as the unofficial but maybe the most impactful advisors and influencers in the new White House. I can think of no perspective of greater value for our new President then through the eyes of a loving father. The act of Canine companion confirms – and is a positive sign.

Keep on the Right track Mr. President.

Mornin' all.

My vote is for a Shih Tzu. I can't really stand the breed, but SNL could have a friggin' field day with the breed name.

So it looks like Franken will be declared the winner of the MN Senate race. Wonder whether he or MConnell will be considered the biggest comedian of the body? I'm voting for McConnell.

http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE50405S20090105

Oh, and BTW, I caught Ole Harry on MTP yesterday morning trying to make something that sounded like a reasoned explanation for preemptively refusing to seat Roland Burris. Talk about talking in circles - JHC, it made me dizzy. IMHO, what an idiot. His almost last comment - something like "Hey, I'm just an old trial lawyer - I know that everything is subject to negotiation." made me wonder how many juries slept through his opening statements, direct and cross examinations and closing arguments.

Is Fala still alive? Or did Truman kill him?

Bark Obama '09
http://www.cafepress.com/barkware

morning.. :)

OMG, for ONCE I bought the right technology - or so it would appear. Mrs.P decided that a Blue Ray player was a great gift to us from us - so we bought one over the holidays. (And I can tell you that the picture quality is just short of stunning).

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/05/technology/05bluray.html

It makes stuff on cable movie channels (HD excepted) look dull and muddy. Looking forward to LP picking out all the thriller and action movies he can stand for our little family movie nights. Iron Man was the first - and RDJ never looked so good.

Two American Januaries
From emancipation to living history
"Jan. 1, 1863, the day Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, started out as something of an ordeal for the 16th president. He had hoped to begin the New Year by signing the historic document that morning. But when the official copy arrived, he discovered a minor error in the text. Lincoln did not want to have a single syllable wrong, so he sent it back to the State Department for correction."
http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2009/01/two-american-ja.html

Sorry to read this morning about Pat Hingle's death. I always kinda liked his acting, such as it was.

"Barack Obama will lay out his vision for a massive economic stimulus plan in meetings with congressional leaders Monday. Perhaps more important, he'll be taking a major step toward rebuilding the broken relationship between the executive branch and the legislative branch."
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/17042.html

I love it that Fala was given the honors he earned in life and is buried beside Franklin.

Lard -- How is your cute canine?

Bow...congrats on the new pup. I think phasing new pets in while older pets are still around is a great way to go.

Jamie...thanks for the Fala research. You deliver the goods as usual.

And Patsi...thanks for asking about my pups. Chopper and Kaley are doing great, although on our morning walk this morning Chopper somehow managed to wiggle his way out of his harness. So I think I'll have to rename him Houdini!

Now, that's one big fish.

http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2009/01/tuna-fetches-mo.html

Okay, I'm not a fashion person by any stretch of the imagination, but I've just fallen in lust with a material object. Pelosi is wearing the most beautiful cashmere shawl in a vibrant peach color. She can keep the pearls, I want that wrap.

And in the blue haze of pot smoke -

http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2009-01-01-coming-attractions-lesh_N.htm

The Dead returns. (And I wouldn't want to be Warren Haynes for all the tea in China - OK, well, maybe for all the tea in China).

Wow -- Pogo, thanks for that link! I didn't know Warren was going out with them. I first met him when he was a kid, playing guitar for David Allan Coe. He was a guitar genius even then. So it didn't surprise me when the Allman Brothers planned a new tour in the late '80s, and Dickey Betts basically asked Warren to fill in for Duane Allman. He did an admirable job, too. On top of that, Warren is one of the world's sweetest human beings. The Dead will be a tough gig though....Deadheads are a tough crowd!

Also -- Pogo -- remember when you and I and Jack were coming up with business ideas? Well, I have learned that one of the top selling sex toy sites on the internet is run by a preacher and aimed at "Christian married couples." The guy was on the radio claiming that his sexual enhancements are each given a thumbs up by various biblical references....

Why didn't we think of that?

heheheh

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/310/story/58949.html

Bush first exPOTUS to get just 10 yrs of SS protection.

And he's helping plan the architecture of his Pres Library? How about a glass house? Or maybe a hole in the ground with piles of cash and shovels around it to us to throw the cash in?

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/01/a-bit-of-canine-humor-goes-a-l.html#comment-186876

If you want sex instruction, just head for the Song of Solomon is pretty detailed. :-)

Pogo -- I hope they pay as much attention to Bush's backingfor his library as they are for Clinton.

(PS -- don't be too impressed...I haven't seen Warren for probably ten or fifteen years. But I try to follow his music!)

That Krugman piece isn't too reassuring.

"Here’s my nightmare scenario: It takes Congress months to pass a stimulus plan, and the legislation that actually emerges is too cautious. As a result, the economy plunges for most of 2009, and when the plan finally starts to kick in, it’s only enough to slow the descent, not stop it. Meanwhile, deflation is setting in, while businesses and consumers start to base their spending plans on the expectation of a permanently depressed economy — well, you can see where this is going.

So this is our moment of truth. Will we in fact do what’s necessary to prevent Great Depression II?

Re: President's limited secret service protection

The 10 year limit should be no problem for President Bush. That gives him plenty of time to rat out Cheney and others and then get in the witness protection program.

Works of art shed new light on climate change
http://www.sciencecentric.com/art_style/article.php?q=08111901-works-art-shed-new-light-on-climate-change

From the "Do what?" file.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/05/us-inaugurates-new-700-mi_n_155214.html

U.S. opens "a fortress-like compound in the heart of the Green Zone as a testament to America's commitment to Iraq". .."It is from the embassy that you see before you that we will continue the tradition of friendship, cooperation and support begun by the many dedicated Americans who have worked in Iraq since 2003," said U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte" upon whom the irony of building a fortress in themiddle of a fortress as a testatment tot he tradition of cooperation and friendship between the US and Iraq was completely lost. Yes, putting a heavily fortified Embassay in the middle of what is little more than an area that hearkens back to the fortresses of the middle ages is a modern sign of cooperation and friendship.

from Chloe's link:
"the development of this new Iraq is going to be a very long time in the making, and we need to be engaged here," Crocker told The Associated Press...

Yep -- we're gonna be there for a long damned time. Wonder when the Carter-era-style embassy takeover will happen....

Shout out to Craig, Mad Mustard, and Good and Mad Productions.

http://youhavetobethistalltogoonthisride.blogspot.com/2009/01/more-cheese-cake-mad-mustard.html

I know what boys like;)

Bush's Calif. Legacy: 'M-U-D'

As the president nears his exit, state Dems make clear the negative feelings are mutual.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/04/MNAP151TM3.DTL&type=politics&tsp=1

Trying to put a good face on it, one gooper consultant said Dems will be sorry they won't have Shrub to blame for everything.

"She can keep the pearls, I want that wrap."

Jamie, I hope the cashmere isn't part of the Sherman Adams legacy collection.

Well so much for Ford's cheery optimism about their fortunes as the only US automaker not to partake in the loans.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/01/05/business/AP-Auto-Sales.html

I'm not real clear on things like this, but something tells me that sales drive revenue.

Pogo, it's all about cash flow, but you already knew that.

Ford does have a special problem, though, derived from their declination of the loans. It puts them at a competitive disadvantage because it gives the others the cash to increase incentives while Ford will be using their cash to do what they told the government they were going to do.

flatus, yep. I should have put a LOL on my last post - Ford did qualify their rejection of the loans with "at this time". The cold comfort for Ford is that their declines are not quite as bad as Toyota's.

I saw an article while messing around today indicating that Dec. job figures would result in a net job loss for 2008 of 2.5 million jobs (wiping out half of the net job growth in the economy since Bush took office).

http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/11/job-creation/

Being curious, I went out looking for job growth figures for the past 8 years, and ran across this relatively interesting article from October. I can't see the charts on my computer, but if the figures are right, this pretty effectively debunks the Reagan idea that tax cuts pay for themselves while they result in an expansion of the economy.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hale-stewart/one-final-look-at-the-dis_b_138651.html

Whether you agree with my summary of the article or not, it's interesting reading.

Well, in the spirit of the annual "I'm gonna lose the last 10 pounds I gained" resolution (and don't we all have that one?) here's a little advice to help avoid the worst the grocery stores have to offer.

http://blogs.usatoday.com/betterlife/2009/01/keep-away-from.html

While I know granola is hardly a diet food, the last one actually surprises me.

Craig----Obama will have to keep, canine,,feline humor,,,and and other humorous attitudes in order to get by.....maybe I will send him a little joke,,no?

Ahyi---Chiwawa---wait up you forgot about me,,,I may be little but Im spry---------Hey Pogo ---time for lunch no? BONE appetite

Advice on losing weight - from Bloom County

http://www.randomthink.net/blog/2005/01/13/eat-less-and-exercise

Thanks, Solar, but I've already Kibbled a Bit.

Hey Pogo
I love this site..eat this not that here is their take on the 20 worst foods. I do not have to lose weight this year because finally after a lifetime of dieting I finally changed the way I eat
I gave up coca cola and hot wings (among other things) and lost 35 pounds.
http://www.menshealth.com/eatthis/20-Worst-Foods-2009/index.php?cm_mmc=ETNTNL-_-2009_01_05-_-MainBlk-_-NA-_-07

Panetta got a bunch of foundation money to run program to reform the California state revenue and budget process including money for campaigning. I wonder who will take his place with that program. They are only half way through the process. I guess it's ok to just abandon a project this important if your president calls (not.)

I continue to wonder who raised the boys that post crap like the Twitter Britney Spears "quote."

craig's down to 64%... anyone who hasn't voted yet on their favorite pundit go to
http://olberblogging.com/
and if you don't vote for our gracious host, you know where else you can go to.

btw, keith's got a vacancy for a segment producer... loks like interesting work. scroll past new years inprovement suggestions to see requirements.

Coleman loses bid to have 654 ballots counted.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2009/01/mn-senate_colemans_window_clos.html?hpid=topnews

Wonder who's laughing now?

Norm Coleman --what a loser--
Minn. Supremes tell him to unpack

01-05) 10:59 PST ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) --

The Minnesota Supreme Court on Monday rejected Republican Norm Coleman's request to count an additional 654 rejected absentee ballots in his weeks-old Senate showdown with Democrat Al Franken.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/01/03/politics/p181326S50

No wonder real reform never happens..people abandon projects because they can.

This is the site for Panetta's budget reform project
http://www.caforward.org/home

left in the dust of national politics.

Pogo,

The problem with store bought granola is that it has a lot of sweetener added as well as preservatives and transfats. If you feel like it, you can try to do your own. Now the calories can be hazardous because of the dried fruit, but it is good.

2 cups rolled oats (not instant)
1 cup peanuts or toasted almonds
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/2 cup toasted sunflower seeds
1/2 cup coconut (I always use unsweetened, but you can go for the sweetened kind if you'd like)
1/4 cup toasted wheat germ (I often omit this ingredient, as I tend to forget to buy it)
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup dried fruit (dried apricots, craisins and dried apple are all delicious choices)
scant 1/4 cup cooking oil (not olive)
1/2 cup honey

Mix the oat, nuts and grains in a large bowl.
Measure oil into the measuring cup and swirl it around before pouring into bowl.
Then measure out the honey in the same, unwashed cup. The oil will help the honey exit the cup.
Toss everything together until evenly coated and then pour out into a baking pan. I use a large roasting pan, as it keeps everything contained. A cookie sheet with a lip also works, but you have to stir it slightly more carefully if you use that.

Bake at 300 degrees for 30 minutes, turning it with a spatula every ten minutes or so. You want everything to be an even golden brown.

When it is finished cooking, returned the baked granola to the mixing bowl, add the raisins and fruit and stir to combine. Stir gently several times as it cooks, so that it doesn't clump together too much.
Enjoy!

Thanks, jamie - now that sounds like a great granola. I have found that if I want to take the easy way out, I get low sugar, low fat granola (I think I bought Kashi brand stuff the last time) and add some trail mix to it - the last stuff I bought had raisins (which I could do without - why ruin a perfectly good grape, I say), dried cranberries and almonds, and it was as good as any granola I've ever had - and easy as hell, to boot. Blast it with about 1/2 vanilla yogurt and half skim milk, et voila, excellente breakfast.

Nope, I just checked and it isn't kashi granola. I'll ahve to ask th' missus what we bought.

This is what I used to get, ntil they stopped carrying it locally.

http://www.bearnaked.com/estore/detail.aspx?catid=1&scid=1&_a=

Thanks, KC - MY GOD - I've only had 2 from that list ever. And I had no idea about the Outback Tuna. I knew the pecan crusted chicken salad was not a diet food when I got it (about a year and a half ago), but I wasn't getting it to eat light - it just sounded terrific - and it was.

KC, in case you missed it, there is one VERY helpful bit of advice at the bottom right of the text on this page.

http://www.menshealth.com/eatthis/drinks/Cocktails.php

Make mine with diet, please.

"What part bothered you Patsi,"

The kind of mind that writes that sort of thing. I hate to think of a creep like that out on the same streets as young girls.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/01/a-bit-of-canine-humor-goes-a-l.html#comment-186895

Flatus, I do believe that collection featured vicuna - different kind of goat

It's official. Canvassing Board has declared Al Franken the winner. Coleman has seven days to mount a challenge.

Pogo

Make my margi fresh..(.with Patron please)...sounds like good advice.

KC, sounds perfect - mind if I join you? Even though Patron is a bit dear for mixing, I'll buy.

Pogo

I was kidding about the Patron a lesser tequila will do but sure pull up a chair...we just have to figure out a low cal version of nachos (:::))))))) and we are in business!

heheh

Coleman locked out.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/05/senate-dems-may-try-to-se_n_155335.html

So what's unique about it? Close race, decided late, incumbent won't concede, may sue to challenge results of canvassing board? Let the Repugs filibuster- idiots. And did Shumer have anything to say about Burris? I can't find anything.

hmmmmmmm......

margaritas!..... can I pull up a chair too, please....

KGC..... 35 pounds...... good for you.... congrats...

KC, there are some things I just won't give up. Chips with tequila is one of those things. Unfortunately I haven't found a "low calorie" nacho worth chewing. OK, so I won't order the flan.

"Let the Repugs filibuster- idiots. "

Ha -- and Pogo -- isn't it funny the different tune they sing when it's not GW Bush stealing the election via the Supremes?

Renee, please do. Rocks, frozen, or would you just like yours as a shot w/ lime and salt? I'm opting for the shot (I figure I get to eat half a dozen chis free for every margarita I forego in favor of a tequila shot).

Yeah Patsi, it's one of those "shoe on the other foot" or "can dish it out but can't take it" things I guess. I'd say they're just getting warmed up, and we're about to see hypocrisy taken to new heights.

RR

We have a chair reserved for you. Thanks. It took 8 months. It was helpful to have the novelty of my CSA box as the guide and I did make the changes of no more coke and hot wings
I also gave up white flour. But pepperoni pizza on whole grain is just as good.
http://seasonalpantry.blogspot.com/2009/01/give-up-white-flour.html

It's been prettty easy to maintain too even with the holidays...
no stinting there!

pogo...
rocks please..... and lots of lime.....

with another ice storm on the way..... I just wanna get drunk and wake up in March.....

KC - CSA box? Wha'?

KGC....
god..... that food looks terrific.....

as a good friend of mine always says.... "the more white bread, the quicker you're dead".....

Pogo

CSA community supported agriculture.
Community Supported Agriculture
Community Supported Agriculture consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community's farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production. Typically, members or "share-holders" of the farm or garden pledge in advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation and farmer's salary. In return, they receive shares in the farm's bounty throughout the growing season, as well as satisfaction gained from reconnecting to the land and participating directly in food production. Members also share in the risks of farming, including poor harvests due to unfavorable weather or pests. By direct sales to community members, who have provided the farmer with working capital in advance, growers receive better prices for their crops, gain some financial security, and are relieved of much of the burden of marketing.
http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/pubs/csa/csa.shtml

I learned to love collard greens cooked every which way including flash fried like chips!

"the more white bread, the quicker you're dead".....

that is wonderful. I am going to steal it.

Thanks To Those, Who Understood Where I was Coming From: All, I was trying to say is this. "With so many politicians, getting caught lying, and God only knows what else their doing." How can any one possibly give any politician a Free Ride? I want all politicians, to be held accountable, and if they are caught lying, or with their hands in The Cookie Jar, then they should loss the position they hold. Obama, maybe a good man, and I will wait and see, and if he does good for our Country, then I will be the first one to praise him. Until then I will sit by and watch, with both eyes open.

kc, oh, yah - now I recall you mentioning that before. Sounds like a great program. And collards - if you like them you can consider yourself an honorary southerner - no matter where you're from.

" with both eyes open."

Always a good way to go....we've seen what happened when we blinked with the Bush administration.

Pogo
Ya'll come round for a mess of greens ya hear!

Thanks for the invite. I'll bring vinegar and hot sauce. But now, I must be off for an early basketball game against the evil crosstown rival (who killed LP's team last time they played).

All about religion-cont.

Of the tree or four concepts of 'holiness' mentioned, those applicable to Christianity and Islam seem to be more comprehensive, in the sense that they fulfil all the essential characteristics of holiness. There are the religious, the historical, the concrete, and the continued-presence elements, with popular traditions and folklore. Palestine, known by its various other names as 'the Promised Land' and “The Land of the Book”, The Land of Canaan, The Holy Land, and The Land of Israel, was known to the Arabs and the Muslims as Filistin, of Filastin, which is another version of Philistia or, perhaps, the Hebrew name Pelesheth. The territory promised to Abraham and his seed (Gen 15: 18-21) was bounded on the cast by the river Eupharates, on the west by the Mediterranean, and on the north by the entrance of Hamath, and on the south by the river of Egypt. This vast territory is what the Israelis mow claim to be their rightful patrimony, and they, on the basis of the legendary 'Land of Promise', have founded their true, but unavowed, policy of expansion, There is, over the entrance of the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, a map showing the 'Land of Promis' in its Biblical boundaries. Palestine was only a part of this territory, extending in the north froon the southern end of the Lebanon mountains and in the south of the wilderness of Paran (know in Arabic now as Badiat al-Tih)

Under the Arabs, Filistin extended from Rafah in the south, to Al-Lajjun (Megiddo) (part of the Plain of Esdraelon), and from Jaffa in the west to Jericho in the east. The country across the Jordan, from Aila, the modern Aqaba or Elath, up to the north of Beisan (Bethshan), used to belong to Filistin, Tiberias used to belong to Jordan, and the northern parts of Palestine, north of the Plain of Esdraelon, used to belong to the Province of Syria (' 94, ibid)----This Arab division was not permanent, It underwhent various modifications and alterations, under diverse rulers. The latest Arab name, just before, or for short period after, the British Occupation, was “Southern Syria, because Palestine then was mainly divided between the Wilayets (Governorates) of Damascus and Beirut, both in Syria as it was then constituted, with Jerusalem and its environments forming what was then internationally known as the ' Sanjaq Mustaqil'--'Self-Governing Prefecture'. Nevertheless, the name Filistin, thanks mainly to Arabic Literature, historiography,geography and Islamic tradition, was kept alive, In Christian literature, Palestine as The Holy Land alos looms large. To take one or two points in the history of the name, Palestine under Constantine was divided into three provinces, and one of them was the pashalik of Palestine (page 138 Travels Trough Syria and Egypt, vol. Ii, London, 1787 by M. C. F. Volney). Apparently, this division roughly corresponds to the Arab division of the country, where there were three principal towns to control the three districts around them,, namely, Beisan, Qisaria (Cacsarea), and Ramla. Under the Turks, Gaza, and sometimes The Arabic Qisaria was known under the Romans as Caesarea Palestinae ----page 185 Dr. smith's Classical Dictionary, London 1904---The Arabs it the South, and south-east were constantly connected with Palestine throughout its history, Some authorities even go the the length of saying that the Canaanites were Arabs. The Idumeans, the Moabites, and the Nabathaeans were more Arab than anything else, and these had a great deal to do with the history of Palestine under the Jews, the Greeks, and the Romans. Herodes 1, commonly knon as Herod the Great of the Jews, was an Arab. The Arabs were known to have carried out an extensive trade between the Red Sea and theMediterranean, across the Sinai Peninsula, and from Aila or Elath ot Gaza. One of the ancestors of the Prophet, Hashim ibn Abd-Manaf, is buried in Gaza. The second Caliph of Islam, Umar ibn al_Kahttab, was taken risoner at Gaza in on the trade missions before Islam, Because it (Palestine) was the route for the people of Hehjaz )page 94 Chrestomatha arica by Arnold, London, 1853). Even the Prophet himself is said to have passed through the same route, and some Christioan authorities monastery in Sinai, a Christian monk who initiated him into a certain version of the christian religion. Thus the Arabs were aware of the existence of Palestine and what was happening there.

Kings of Arabia were in contact with Jews in Palestine, and according to a tradition in Kitab al- Aghani (tenth century), a phase of the settlement of the Jews at Medina in Hehaz is associated with on of the great Jewish revolts of a.d. 66-70, or 132-5 )page 211 (note), A History of Jerusalem by J. Gray, London, 1969). This author says in the same place that “Muhammad himself had seen the cities of Syria on his humbler trading expeditions, and was evidently aware of, and indeed horrified by, the havoc wrought by the Persian invaders and their Jewish allies in the sanctuaries in Jerusalem, According to the commentary of Al- Khazin, the Quranic versi: 'but who does greater wrong than he who busies himself to destroy them” refers to Titus Vespasianus, the Roman, and his fellows 'who attacked the Israelites,slaughtered their fighters, took into captivity their families, burned the Torah, destroyed Beit al-Maqdis and cast carrion into it and slew swine in it, and this remained in ruins until the Muslims rebuilt it during the reigh of Umar ibn-al-Khattab. Palestine is also said to have been referred to in the Qur anic verse “ And We gave them (Mary and Jesus ) a shelter on a lofty ground having meadows and springs ( page 686 The Holy Quar'an by Muhammad Ali, Woking, 1917)

aarrghh. craig has slipped to 63%. your favorite pundit needs you.

"Vote Early, Vote Often (if you can figure out how to defeat the cookie)" per http://olberblogging.com/

'Ya'll come round for a mess of greens ya hear!'

am bringing the corn pone soonst out of the oven. guess i'll forget the sweet tater pie tho since you'ns are adieting. too bad, sure was good with home whupped cream (from local cows acourse).

Lamp-----this is the only thing that I had a problem with

"Maybe Jeb Bush, would make a better President, then either his father or brother. After all how many of you want to be judged by the mistakes of your parents, or your siblings?"

,,,I wanted H C to win also--I voted for the third party( I have never voted for a Dem or a Rep.) that had a women in it----Mcginty ???---I believe
all politicians should be watched very closely,just as you do..it is a little depressing in our country right now---so even if McCain was the new president I would want him to succeed ----but I would never want another Bush in the Oval office..;thanks

http://www.newsweek.com/id/177716
"If Obama Is Serious"

"Don't get me wrong. Barack Obama—as every other U.S. president before him—will protect the special relationship with Israel. But the days of America's exclusive ties to Israel may be coming to an end. Despite efforts to sound reassuring during the campaign, the new administration will have to be tough, much tougher than either Bill Clinton or George W. Bush were, if it's serious about Arab-Israeli peacemaking."

Padt ---is our goal to keep him at 60% or above?

Tony----Thanks for that link---this is what I liked---hope it's true

"The departure point for a viable peace deal—either with Syria or the Palestinians—must not be based purely on what the political traffic in Israel will bear, but on the requirements of all sides."

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24876450-7583,00.html
"About peace, not destruction of Hamas"

"Hamas's founding charter includes the statement: "Hamas has been looking forward to implementing Allah's promise whatever time it might take. The prophet (Mohammed), prayer and peace be upon him, said the time (of resurrection) will not come until Muslims will fight the Jews," and, "peaceful solutions and the international conferences to resolve the Palestinian problem are all contrary to the beliefs of Hamas."
In its own words - indeed, in its founding document - Hamas states it will continue fighting Israel as long as Israel exists."

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/01/a-bit-of-canine-humor-goes-a-l.html#comment-186960

Hey Solar
Me Too! Damn its just as you say,its all mostly about Religion!! Sad....I hope your believe that organized religion will disappear in 50 years will come to pass!! I don't know???

Tony

I truly hope so-----I think that with all the information that is out there now----and the good book being so stale,,,,that the new generations will question it more and more----lets not forget that the common people were not allowed to read the bible for a very long time----and there weren't that many that could read any way----it will take a little more time to get all the Myth behind us ----but it will

My fear is the wrong weapons in the wrong religion will be the start of something that will take us to heaven a little faster than we should,,,,,so I am on the Israeli side of this ----even if I think that they are just as wrong----and us for aiding them in whatever they want?????

Tony - you couldn't be more right. Hamas doesn't want peace. Hamas wants every Jew dead. That's it. that's the bottom line. This is not sane. This is not realistic. This is not a healthy attitude toward the rest of the world but there is NOTHING else that will satisfy Hamas.

By the way, I'm wondering if all the references to 72 virgins are correct. Do they still talk like that? If that is still realistic dialogue, I have a point to make about that.

What about these virgins? If they are human, were they born just to satisfy horny Muslim men? Or are they blow-up plastic dolls? Why should they specify
virgins - what kind of values are these?

If this is really a promise that is made, what does that say about these men? If it's not a promise and a thought process, they need some pr about it.

Tony

If the palestines had fought their way to victory against the British,, just like the Turks did,,,,,there wouldn't be an Israel??? they have been given a country,,,,,thats just the way history reads,and tell's it----not a very clear and cut subject .

Oops...Feinstein upset by Panetta pick:

http://washingtonindependent.com/23827/dianne-feinstein-not-too-pleased-with-panetta-pick

I also wish organized religion would fade, but I'm not counting on it.

There is one thing about Judaism, however, that doesn't seem to be mentioned. It is not an evangelical religion - on the contrary, conversion is apparently not easy. In other words, they are not particularly interested in making the whole world over In their own image. HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Renee - your description of your independence seems almost identical to mine.

"By the way, I'm wondering if all the references to 72 virgins are correct. Do they still talk like that? If that is still realistic dialogue, I have a point to make about that."
Bethy
I don't have the answer,but your right this stuff is not sane.....

" I would think that a couple of good hookers would be a better option but I'm a girl and what would I know?"

Carol
HA HA,thanks I needed that....

Patsi - nice link to Feinstein story. I have to admit ,y first reaction was ' what qualifies him for such an esoteric post?'

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/01/a-bit-of-canine-humor-goes-a-l.html#comment-186968

Bethy,

They are not only not evangelical, You have to study for quite a while and even then they turn you down until you ask to join on three separate occasions and then you have the Beth Din (a religious court) to convince that you are sincere.

Bethy

All religions even the Jewish one---calls for conquering the world,,,,,,and converting all to the one t rue god,,,,Im going to look in to that 72 virgin stuff for you---lets see what we can come up with---I do know from a friend that they are allowed to take 4 wives,,,,,,and this is so they can provide a father figure to the children,,,,not for the sex part of it -----there are lots of people (men) that are killed in war----so that the kids are raised by a man----Im not in agreement to anything or against anything until i understand it

What I have heard about the 72 virgins is that it is true ,,,,but not in that sense----and they don't have to be virgins----just women------in heaven you can have anything that you want----it is all possible-----in the Catholic faith---it is not spelled out what is available,,,other than you live forever,what else can you have?,,,the Mormons have a lot of wives here on earth,,,,wonder how many they are promised in heaven,,,,,,I will try to have some kind of answer,,,,,but if you do know the whole truth to it all please share.

Bizarre....Madoff employees still being paid despite phones being turned off. Wonder which pension fund the checks are coming out of...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/04/madoff-employees-still-be_n_155069.html

"Bristol Palin's Future Mother-In-Law Arrested On Drug Charges"

I'd think as a kindred spirit you would show compassion.

every thing in = every thing is in place

SolarCrete: I understand, how many including myself,would never want to trust another Bush. What I said was," It's not fair to put Jeb, in the same class as his father and brother." That would be like someone killing someone,and their mother being branded a killer because of their child. Or, that would be like me saying "I'll never blog to any one with the name of SolarCrete, simply because I didn't like your response to my blog. Or, how about we brand Obama, as a crooked Chicago politician simply because he got his start there, or because he was a Senator for that State.

Patsi, it's only illegal to have drugs in your possession if you get caught. Otherwise, it's perfectly legal. As a guy I worked with named Jimmy once told us, "Man....if the border patrol had checked my trunk when I left Mexico that one time...I'd STILL be in Mexico!"

I wonder if Sherry Johnston could give us anything for a pain in the ass?

NextWorld
Future Megalopolis--on the science channel

Future Megatropolis journeys down the ultra-safe streets of tomorrow, across sidewalks that generate energy from footsteps, and sky-farms that feed millions.

9:00 pm
(60 minutes)

Lampe,

No one was 'comparing' Jeb to his brother or father. I, for one, simply would not want to see another person with the last name of Bush back in the White House. I don't care how different or much better he may be than the rest of his family. It has nothing to do with that. That is my personal opinion and I feel entitled to have it without being told that I'm not being fair to Jeb because of it. We can all use any criteria we want to come to any decision we want and don't owe anyone any explanation in doing so.

Chloe

Hello----not only that ,,,I can't think of a better indicator of how the next president would act as POTUS then how two of the past family members have acted-------H Clinton to some degree lost cos of her husband,,,,if Chelsa ever runs for office it wil be fair in saying that her father and mother were outstanding so lets give her a chance-------Lamp is spinning like top and Im not going to stop her,,,,,,,

Lampe,

Since you originally made your post defending Jeb, right after I posted that I was against the idea of him being president, I've finally felt the need to respond. I wasn't going to, because you are entitled to your opinion. But you just won't seem to let it go.

",if Chelsa ever runs for office it wil be fair in saying that her father and mother were outstanding so lets give her a chance"

Ha Solar, you're right!
I hadn't thought about it, but that's exactly what I'd do. Give Chelsea a chance to show her stuff. :)

Grow new Canines-
"A Moment of Tooth - Advances to Regrow Decaying Choppers Offer More to Chew On Than You'd Think"

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/04/AR2009010401941.html

I know, I know. I wasn't gonna make jokes. Broke that resolution already.

Solar - You should check out Jamie's post right before yours. I personally will not accept Judaism as an
evangelical religion until I hear authentic statements from an authentic Jewish group that they are actively searching for converts.

As for trying to conquer the world, I don't see many groups today - nations, religions,etc - as truly trying to conquer the world. That sounds old testament. Granted Putin might dream of it or one of the ayatollahs, but they all have to control their own lands first.

As for 4 wives isn't for sex, it's for the kids - that has to be the #4 big lie, right behind #'s 1,2, and 3. Four wives is for sex, and to cement into the social framework the worthlessness of women.

I do accept that most men are programmed to hunt for more sex than most women, and I don't see that as bad. It makes sense. I do not accept that most men are programmed to insult and de-value women - that doesn't make sense. I love men, as I've stated before and to think men can't see the value of women is an insult to men..The men here on this blog were a great deal more disgusted with John Edwards then most of the women.

If they mean women, why do they say virgins? I'm sure the languages are capable of noting the differences.
I don't want to put this too broadly, but I want to state that I think the "Islamic culture " is in dire need of a Renaissance. The material is certainly there, and the people, but the adherence to ancient and/or medieval ways of thought are very damaging to the Islamic world today.

The West had its Renaissance, and Japan had one recently after WWII. It's no insult to suggest that too much of the Islamic world is bogged down with ways that make it impossible for them to co-exist in peace with the rest of the world.

I think the world needs what Arabs and Muslims have to offer, but not the bullets - the brains and the energy that have created great thinkers in the past. those we need today.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/01/a-bit-of-canine-humor-goes-a-l.html#comment-186989

Hi Animal Control. Why couldn't they have come up with all this stuff earlier. They're even working on stopping the aging clock too. Inventing some of this stuff 40 or 50 years ago would have been nice.

Chloe

Have you ever heard of Ambit Energy?? they are supposed to be out of TX----they offer alternative therms programs (heating gas)----Oh nice to see you

Nice to see you too Solar. :)

I hadn't heard of Ambit Energy, but just looked it up and you're right. It is here.

Our Electric company is co-op and is not deregulated (a choice they made). But since it's a co-op, it's cheaper than others.

Chloe, Your progeny wont have the same problems as you so that's a good thing correct?

Then again maybe there is something for for you in your future.

Lamp has a point and the right to say it.

I't always nice when you're online.

Chloe---science channel -----we will live to be 1000 just like the people in the bible----thats a good thing----the bad thing it won't be us----oh well :-))

Visions of the Future
Life: The Biomolecular Revolution
TV-PG, CC

We already have the entire human genome mapped. We could eradicate most major diseases and prolong life by decades.

I agree Animal Control. Lampe has every right to say what she says. And I always enjoy her posts. (and am glad you said that).

And the answer to your question is, of course, yes.
I was half kidding.

It's always nice when you're online too. I wish we heard from you more. :)

"--we will live to be 1000 just like the people in the bible-"

Solar, Do you believe what's in the bible?

I've never watched the science channel, I'm ashamed to say. But because of you, I'm going to start. You have so many interests, and you make them all sound appealing.

chloe

No way do I believe what is in the Bible----specially the 120 books that tell you that they don't know who wrote them but you have to believe in it----just the opposite ----but a big distortion in the bible is that some men (not women) lived to be anywhere from 300-1500 years old----some had as many as 120 children----and lot of virgins here on earth---HA

But ,,,,the human person (a) will live for 2000 year ,,,cos of the lack of human organs as we know them today---and plastic etc etc,,,will find that episode -----but fair warning once you start you will want to see it all------this is why I told Tony that Im sure that there will be an end to religion at some point in time------and also there is supposed to be 5 human clones already----so that means that there is more than one god that can create life----end of religion period,,,,did you ever read that book---it is a little old but ---I know that u will feel a little diff afterwards.

Animal----ditto what Chlo said-----you have to come around more often and keep us animals in line.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/01/a-bit-of-canine-humor-goes-a-l.html#comment-187002

Solar, Thank you so much for that honest answer.
You really are the very best!

"you have to come around more often and keep us animals in line."

somebodies got to do it...

Chole

Thanks for coming on line---it has been very pleasant ----getting a little tired of all the fighting,,,needed the break.

It's always pleasant when you're here Solar. Thank you for coming on line too.

We'll have to talk about that end of religion idea later, because I can't quite see it happening. I think people are not going to be able to let go of it. People need crutches, they need to believe the same thing as others so they have that in common. I just can't envision them letting go of that.

Chloe

Won't keep you,,,,but at some point intelligence will be as ubiquitous as electricity,,,,,that is another thing that religion has tried to suppress,,,until 15 -16 century----they did not even want you to read the bible----just listen and shut up,,,and scare the hell out of you.....nite

What I want to suggest,to those who think I won't or can't let it go: I suggest, if you think I'm spinning out of control, or won't drop a subject, then just IGNORE ME! I was only answering questions that were posted to me. That is after I made the first comment. Seems to me it's okay to blog here, as long as you don't go against the grain.

"at some point intelligence will be as ubiquitous as electricity,,,,"

I sure hope you'll talk more about that soon. I'm not exactly sure what you mean, and will be very interested in hearing you elaborate a little more, if you will.

NIte... see you tomorrow. :)

Seems to me it's okay to blog here, as long as you don't go against the grain"

That's not true Lampe. There is no grain here.

I guess you missed my post where I said I enjoy your posts. I was also just stating my opinion, and sharing my perception of things with you. It's all good. Just back and forth stuff, that's all. See you tomorrow Lampe. :)

Hey Everyone --Please go right now to vote for Craig as your favorite Olberman pudit. Chris Cillizza is Twitter-shilling for votes and has moved to first place. Come on -- Craig is in second place-- we can do better for our guy, can't we?

Go now to vote here:
http://olberblogging.com/2009/01/03/vote-for-your-favorite-countdown-pundit/

~Alicia

# Chafinlw January 5, 2009 at 2:00 pm

I can only speak for myself, but it’s a one vote per person universe as far as I know - and I can say with little fear of contradiction that Craig’s blog readers, while enthusiastic about Craig and his rare MSNBC appearances, are not sophisticated enough with the computer to figure out how to overcome vote limiting cookies. And BTW, the poll has not been cross posted - only mentioned, and not by Craig at all that I have seen.
# 9 olberblogger

Just read this while voting for Craig

Those people there at OlberBlogging called the C-Listers "un-sophisticated".

In the words of Otter:

"We gotta take these bastards. Now we could do it with conventional weapons, but that could take years and cost millions of lives. No, I think we have to go all out. I think that this situation absolutely requires a really futile and stupid gesture be done on somebody's part."

this guy is no friend!

olberblogger January 5, 2009 at 2:22 pm

Hi, Chafinlw, Welcome to OlberBlogging!

Yes, Craig did cross post in the comment section of his blog
And yes, those “unsophisticated” Trailmix commenters figured out the cookie thing.

BTW, Craig’s a FaceBook friend of mine…..

Bethy

thank you for telling me to go and read this

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/01/a-bit-of-canine-humor-goes-a-l.html#comment-186968

But Palestine, already known by Arabs and Muslims before the Arab conquest to be holy because of Judaism and Christianity, both recognized and revered by Islam, did not acquire its particularly Islamic sanctity until a few years after the beginning of the Prophet's mission. The first significant act in this direction occurred when the Prophet ordered the Muslim worshipers to turn their faces in prayer towards Jerusalem when the Muslims were still in Mecca. When they moved to Medina, they continued to turn their faces in the same direction for about `16 or 17 months, after which time the Prophet ordered the direction to be changed to Mecca. The second significant act in the evolution of the Islamic holiness of Palestine is the ascension of he Prophet into heaven from Jerusalem, from a spot somewhere near or in the area of he Temple. This is enshrined in the famous Qur'anic verse---Glory be to Him who made His servant to go at night from the sacred mosque to the remote mosque of which we have blessed the precincts, so that we may show to him some of our sigh, The accepted interpretation if this verse has it that the reference it to Jerusalem, the significance geing that the Prophet shall inherit all the blessings of the Israelite prophets, including the holy land. The remote mosque according to tradition, is said to be an ancient holy place of proto-Islam, and to have been founded only 40 years after the foundatiion of the Ka'ba (in Mecca) by Abraham. Jerusalem was therefore the first qibla(direction in prayer) in Islam, before the Ka' ba in Mecca, which is the second, and the remote mosque—or Al-Aqsa, as it is better known, is the third sacred sanctuary in Islam, with the Ka'ba in Mecca, and the Prophets sanctuary in Medina as the first and second respectively. The word 'precincts' in the above-quoted verse is said to refer to the environs of Jerusalem, or even to the whole of Palestine. The Prophet is reported to have said: 'Journeys should not be made except to three mosques: this my mosque (in Medina) the sacred mosque )in Mecca), and Al-Aqsa Mosque. Jerusalem (by both peoples) is said tobe t he land of the in-gathering and o aggregation, go to it and worship in it, for one act of worship there is like a thousand acts of worship elsewhere. Another reported tradition say's ,,whoever dies in the Jerusalem sanctuary is as if he had died in heaven. Ibn-Abbas reports that whoever goes on pilgrimage to the Jerusalem sanctuary in one and the same year will be cleared of his sins. This explains in a way the keenness of the Muslims on making a subsidiary pilgrimage to Jerusalem,before proceeding to Mecca.

Muslims believe, according to a tradition or a popular legend reminiscent of a similar Jewish and Christian one, that the day of Judgement will be in Jerusalem....A story in popular repertory runs that on the Day judgement, when Christ is sitting on the wall between the Golden Gate and Al-Aqsa Mosque , and the Prophet on the mountain opposite, a single hair will be stretched from a column there across the valley, over which the multitudes assembled on the Haram (the area where Al-Aqsa and the Dome of the Rock stand) will have to pass. The hills will recede and the valley deepen, and the righteous will walk fearlessly across, well knowing that, if they falter, their gaurdian angels are ready to hold them up by their forelocks, and save them from tumbling headlong into hell, which is gaping beneath. Thus will they cross until only a handful are left, who seem ill at ease, and reluctiant to set foot on so narrow a bridge. Muhammad inquires why they linger, and is informed that they are the wicked Muslims who, having now been smitten with a sense of their misgiving. Muhammad looks stern, and rebukes them for their neglect of his rules and ordinances, and then he smiles a little to himself, and in a moment is across the bridge and among them. They then repent, and so they cross the bridge without mishap. This story is similar to another relating to the Prophets ascension into heaven, The Prophet, on the night of the ascension, worshiped in the sanctuary in Jerusalem, in the company of his predecessors, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus

Solar - I can't tell what I told you to go and read. Was it the story re Feinstein's unhappiness re Panetta? Or were you being sarcastic? Hope not.

Wonder how many Ohio St. fans are on a ledge right now?

Bethy

Not at all,,,that would never enter my mind with you, I respect you way too much for that----I did not read that post that you made---that's all.

Craig is down to 15 %----in 2nd place

Bethy---this is what you said,,,that you felt that I missed---

"I also wish organized religion would fade, but I'm not counting on it."

No argument from me here,,,,,and thank you for asking me first.

I like Chris Cillizza, too, so I'm not too upset, but I can't believe ko would have let Craig win this - and that website is way too much. Whoever writes it sounds close to a stalker.

Craig is much too good to be labeled the best by ko's fans. They are suspect to me - no more well-balanced than he is.

He rates first with us - that's the important stuff.

Craig

Holding at 15%----Eugene R at 10% third place

"Kevin Bacon announced last week that he was one of the people swindled by Bernie Madoff. He said it was one of the drawbacks to being six degrees from everybody." - Conan O'Brien

"Sarah Palin became a Grandmother last week. She is now changing diapers on a daily basis. Just like she was when she was on the campaign trail with John McCain." - Craig Ferguson

Solar; 5:13 pm......"History", you must be exhausted, that and the 11:34 are incredible posts and pretty much the same as what I was taught. Of course history has a way of rewriting itself depending on who has the publishers ear at any given moment., and if your going to look for "virgins" for Bethy, check an arabic killer cult at the time of Omar Khayam, called the HASHININ. They ate hash or KIF before they went out to kill and voila - paradise, virgins and all - 72 sounds a bit like wishful thinking to me. The name is where the modern term, "assassin" comes from. Thanks for looking up that stuff for me and you certainly are right, there are NUTS over here too. I'm sure you can tell that I'm not one of those, who are sitting around waiting for the "Rapture".....................................................................

Lampe; I'm afraid I have to agree with Solar, another Bush would be 3 too many. You know, I'm almost sorry for "dubya", he's such an idiot, he's been manipulated beyond belief, but what's the old adage, "The buck stops here", in the Oval Office.............

Bethy; 6:26 pm......"Judaism", There is another difference between Judaism and almost every other religion on the planet, they have no Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Even Buddha has 3 faces or sides.......

Rita

Nice post, Rita. Besides all that, there are difrerent groups within Judaism, i.e. reformed, orthodox, as ther are within Islam and Christianity. I wonder if they have killed each other as the other two have.

And so, to bed.