Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

Einstein in Heaven
Einstein dies and goes to heaven only to be informed that his room is not yet ready. "I hope you will not mind waiting in a dormitory. We are very sorry, but it's the best we can do and you will have to share the room with others" he is told by the doorman.

Einstein says that this is no problem at all and that there is no need to make such a great fuss. So the doorman leads him to the dorm. They enter and Albert is introduced to all of the present inhabitants. "See, Here is your first room mate. He has an IQ of 180!"

"That's wonderful!" says Albert. "We can discuss mathematics!"

"And here is your second room mate. His IQ is 150!"

"That's wonderful!" says Albert. "We can discuss physics!"

"And here is your third room mate. His IQ is 100!"

"That's wonderful! We can discuss the latest plays at the theater!"

Just then another man moves out to capture Albert's hand and shake it. "I'm your last room mate and I'm sorry, but my IQ is only 70."

Albert smiles back at him and says, "So, you obviously work for Treasury. What do you think is the next step in repairing the economy?"

*crickets chirping*

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/obama-fires-back-at-cheney.html#comment-213415

Bethy -- great post.

Thanks, Patsi - I guess I made some sense at least. I loved Craig's appearance on Shuster - that's pretty much how I feel. I'm not sure what the palsy might be with Shuster but he did seem to have something going with his lips!

If you guys hadn't alerted me to the fact that KO wasn't there, I would have missed Craig.

Damnit - we hrc followers are showing what we're made of, good solid sense,and I think all the screamers for Obama should show some strength, too.

If they thought he was going to get in there and nationalize everything and re-distribute land and wealth, they REALLY are as un-knowledgeable and ignorant of politics and life in general that I feared!

I'm gonna go watch Grace and then read.

"I think all the screamers for Obama should show some strength, too."

I have been thinking the same way, Bethy. Exactly.

Right on the money Craig. Reminds me how Chomsky's followers crucified him at ZNET after Chomsky refused to endorse the idea the US government blew up the WTC.

Meanwhile Conservatives are burning moderates at the stake as though confused people like Brooks were why Obama won.

Never the less, today showed that a Bush conceived but never delivered targeted toxic loan plan should have been the start of it all. And Dems were in charge of that/ Most Americans thought TARP was that. Then the banking issue is targeted with some prudent stimulus to off set a spike in unemployment.

Sure, Obama isn't too Liberal, but he is a statist, a softer more appealing one. He wants to sell his spin to us, if only the show room doesn't burn down. The initial fear and urgency Obama mustered with media during the campaign now turns into humor and patience Sunday night. Tomorrow he will speak again, and then again and again, his private army of advocates replacing the defectors from Kos and Huff. His Right is too important over time. Especially if this gambit fails to deliver.

He does want those stable days to build on. Seems the road to the mountain top begins with a return to what's worked in the past.

And I work in the morning...lol.

Every time Cheney opens his mouth, he proves that he's as anti American as any "terrorist" his failed administration illegally locked up!

But being the "Best politician money can buy",..... er, actually, he's not even the best at that.

Good segment there, and I can't find anything to disagree with you about, Craig.
Really, who knows exactly how to get the bad financial situation turned around, and if anyone did know, how could he convince anyone, it's gone so far south?
Katrina, to me, symbolizes Bush arrogance and incompetence---and Obama inherited this financial crisis, as well as the two wars.
Well, I am going to give Obama another few months before I call this his mess.
Are the Trotskyites saying "we told you
so! US capitalism is collapsing"---let's see---
"Workers target Wall Street for April 3-4 actions
For millions of workers and oppressed people, there is no time to wait for a stimulus plan to “trickle down” through the economy. For them, survival is hanging in the balance. In cities and towns across the country, the multinational working class is becoming painfully aware of the fact that there is no band-aid solution to this gaping economic wound. That is why workers and activists from across the country are preparing to converge on Wall Street, the nerve center of finance capital, on April 3 in order to directly confront the billionaire bankers and financiers. Demonstrators will demand an immediate moratorium on all foreclosures and evictions, and money for jobs, health care and education, not bank bailouts and war...."
http://www.workers.org/

But being the "Best politician money can buy",..... er, actually, he's not even the best at that.

Posted by: COSMOdeCRITIC

Extremely good point, Cosmo! Thanks!

"demand an immediate moratorium on all foreclosures and evictions..."

dexter, wasn't this what hrc was calling for almost a year ago?

"Every time Cheney opens his mouth, he proves that he's as anti American as any "terrorist" his failed administration illegally locked up!"

Cosmo scores.

morning alert: gracious host coming up on imus any second now

Good to quickly switch channels...Joe Scarborough's economy analogies are a joke.

Great, Craig...

The Right Jab,,,

Craig - C + or -
You say - He will stabilize then move on to his other agenda items?

Where have you been?

Correct statement would be - stabilize and then get back to the agenda that was the first thing he did with the many hidden items in the recovery act - that have been a greater priority to set a direction from day one working hand in hand with Nancy P and Harry R.

That yup he does understand that it is the Capitalistic Free Market that drives the economy and maybe he understands you cannot kill the golden goose – just beat the hell out of it – make it the enemy – and squeeze every last breath of life – just do not kill it.

A C was a generous grade on this one….

Two quick ones..

The Market went up as much because people are connecting the dots and starting to see the Backlash against the Naive Neophyte. That he will not be as powerful as first feared. That a feeling which the people overall do not agree with his direction.

And

Did you finish the prelim final draft?

einstein got the surprise of his life when he got to heaven and found god down on his knees playing dice with the universe.......

especially like fat cats in this cartoon
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/cartoon/2009/mar/24/us-treasury-bailout-geithner

Good morning wonderful people!

One thing for sure -- we libs can do so much better than the right-wing is eat our young.

It's quite a thing when we have McCain's daughter speaking up for Obama and wishing him success than some members of his own party.

~Alicia

Dang it all, slept in, think I missed Craig on Imus. How'd he do?

"einstein got the surprise of his life when he got to heaven and found god down on his knees playing dice with the universe......."

sturge wins my vote for comment of day already, and it's just the crack of dawn.....

oldsea, gracious host did well except that the show's been having technical difficulties this a.m. sync-ing the calls and responses. made for come confusion on imus part. craig/imus promised link up with tm and imus blog....

good morning gang....

Crap!.....I forgot about Craig being on Imus.... again....

here's some good news....
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29843846/

I read in the Economist yesterday that Treasury has 17 major positions... and up until yesterday, Obama had filled only one.... Geithner...

the reason being that he had planned to fill those positions with people from Wall Street..... after taking so much flak from Republicans about Geithner being part of what caused the problems in the first place and his tax troubles.... Obama froze like a deer caught in the headlights.... and left all those positions unfilled....

IMO, Obama needs to ignore the criticisms and do what he thinks is right.....
IOW... he needs to grow a set.... NOW....

or how about this..... the GOPP is asking Cheney to go back into hiding.... ROFL!

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/go-back-into-hiding-gop-begs-dick-cheney--please-2009-03-23.html

What most people are not discerning is, is that Pres. Obama is somehow aiding us in facing this "shadow" or darkness of greed in our society. He is not trying to Hide it or Cover it up! Ironically, he is being blamed for not trying to Fix it in a hurry, so it will not be Exposed..... But to truly fix it, we must face it, identify it and generate enough public consensus so that it can be changed. That is how change is made. That is why I see Pres. Obama as really a true change agent. True and lasting change can only come from the people, demanding change. That is why Obama can laugh, he knows that the fat cats days are numbered!

Now GOP's new buzz word is "unsustainable", however, what was really "unsustainable" as the recent events so adequately portray is that George Bush's Iraq War, tax cuts to the wealthy, jobs going over seas, tax breaks to companies that shipped jobs over seas, deregulation of banks and insurance companies, and more (which I will leave to the experts to flush out), is the really true Unsustainable and break down and collapse of our economic system, fabric of society (bridges, roads, jobs, education), you name it, he failed in all aspects of this society. There are "tent" cities popping up all over United States because families can no longer sustain to live in a house because they no longer have a job!

This new buzz word "unsustainable" is a hoax, disingenous and hypocritical. Remember, they want Pres. Obama to Fail!

And lastly, let's be Clear, George W. Bush's first year in office was spent more at the Ranch then in Washington. May be if he had spent more time in D.C. working, they would have been more alert about the signs leading to 9/11.

Patd- thanks for the recap. Am a bit confused though, they already each have the other blog linked.

Catching up on yesterday's blog- was offline due to my son's life mission to have the fastest computer in the north.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/obama-fires-back-at-cheney.html#comment-213402
Jamie- What can I say but thank you!

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/obama-fires-back-at-cheney.html#comment-213404
Jack- I was thinking of doing something mocha or dipping dried pineapple in chocolate with a pecan on top or sprinkled with pecan crumbs.

KGC- What is a caramel truffle? Ganache dipped in caramel? Sea salt would be a good ingredient to keep in mind, (even though he isn't salty at all - a bit too metrosexual for me). .I already dip pretzel rods in caramel, then chocolate and sprinkled with almond butter crunch crumble. We call it "stoner food" I do hope they get around to legalizing it soon,

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213451
Renee, if a person was to read only one news magazine, the Economist would be the one for me.

mornin'.

Gootta run - have a depo down the road apiece.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213438

Pats, you must have seen the diabetes analogy. Newsflash, Joe. The economy doesn't have a pituitary gland.

"If you're going to tear down the building, you've got to get the blueprint." Craig on Imus talking about how to unwind the derivative positions that AIG created.

Quote of the day.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213451

Renee, yup. He needs to man up and do what he thinks he needs to do to put in place folks he trusts to implement his economic vision - and hope like hell his vision isn't just a mirage.

baca, everything is "unsustainable" if you pick the right time frame over which to observe it. Republicans have what they think is a terrific sounding little buzz word. I could be wrong - and after all I'm sure I'm not who they're trying to hook, but it sounds like a typical Repug buzzword to me - virtually meaningless.

Well, I better scoot. Later good folks.

Craig- good video, your rational take came though as usual. Love the Ben Franklin quote.

I'm just wondering what happened to trickle up economics?

cowboy poetry:

Bill's in Trouble

I've got a letter, parson, from my son away out West,
An' my ol' heart is heavy as an anvil in my breast,
To think the boy whose future I had once so proudly planned
Should wander from the path of right an' come to such an end!
I told him when he left his home, not three short years ago,
He'd find himself a plowin' in a mighty crooked row—
He'd miss his father's counsel, an' his mother's prayers, too;
But he said the farm was hateful, an' he guessed he'd have to go.

I know thar's big temptation for a youngster in the West,
But I believed our Billy had the courage to resist,
An' when he left I warned him o' the ever waitin' snares
That lie like hidden sarpints in life's pathway everywheres.
But Bill he promised faithful to be keerful, an' allowed
He'd build a reputation that'd make us mighty proud;
But it seems as how my counsel sort o' faded from his mind,
An' now the boy's in trouble o' the very wustest kind!

His letters came so seldom that I somehow sort o' knowed
That Billy was a trampling on a mighty rocky road,
But never once imagined he would bow my head in shame,
An' in the dust'd waller his ol' daddy's honored name.
He writes from out in Denver, an' the story's mighty short;
I just can't tell his mother, it'll crush her poor ol' heart!
An' so I reckoned, parson, you might break the news to her—
Bill's in the legislatur', but he doesn't say what fur.

by James Barton Adams (1843-1918), from Breezy Western Verse, 1899

I can see where 'unsustainable' would make people crazy.

But, I think there should be genuine, warranted concern about enticing municipalities into adopting costly, stimulus funded, programs without promise of a continuing post-stimulus funding source.

Pogo -- Scarborough was all over the place this morning...and was making no sense whatsoever.

Gees,,,,Cheney is no better than any terrorist locked up at Gitmo. Such clarity and truth here resounds this morning. More partisan overkill.

Actually Ping Pong and Flatus score with RR right behind.

Renee, OSH, and anyone else who's interested,

It sounds like they're going to replay Craig's Imus appearance around 9:30. If that fourth hour isn't broadcast on RFD, you can pick it up at wabcradio.com.

Sturg, that wouldn't be surprising, but rather depressing. Who was God playing with, Newton, Darwin, Gauss, or just himself?

http://www.franschocolates.com/home.php?cat=1

Sea
It's basically a caramel covered in chocolate --that pretzel thing sounds good. I've had chocolate covered potato chips --yummy.

I hope they legalize pot soon too! But maroons like Dr(sic) ancy Snyderman come on my tv and spread misinformation and people who support legalization like Rick Steves are never interviewed.

Max........as omnicient narrator i can tell you that it looked like Stanley Myron Handelman, Myron Cohen, and Arnold Stang.......

"Who was God playing with, Newton, Darwin, Gauss....."

They were just observing and analyzing Max. Working with what was already here.

So now the "bad bank" idea is a success because Wall St responded well - --

If it weren't for 9/11 and the GOP's shameless conflating of terrorism and patriotism, Shrub's first term would have been a total failure (it was any way we just didn't know it until now)

Obama is working to resolve problems in two ways --simply getting people out from under obstacles and also changing the traditional way things are done. Tough tasks. Give the guy some time before writing his obitutary.

Oh and I saw mr and mrs morning load for two second this morning and all i can say is "get a room"

of course, Stang was just visiting.....

not being dead yet......

and now i go to see who Old Nick is playing croquet with today...........

Ed- Thanks for the heads up! Is it mud season yet there?

Great tie, Craig. Great thoughts.

Ed was right.
Craig is being replayed now.
http://www.wabcradio.com/article.asp?id=531472

http://gateway.andohs.net/player/default_noax.aspx?nid=2920&sid=826&customlogo=&shownav=&showfav=&showtuner=&nometa=

OSH,

Definitely mud season. Also flu and cold season, which is why I'm around today. I just took some sort of drowsy cold medicine, so expect I'll be wrapping up and dropping off soon.

Reg. the video today, I like your take on Obama.... that he want's to stabilize the 'status quo', before moving forward and changing and stabilizing things... making sure it doesn't happen again. And like you say, he never was a radical change agent.

The main change I remember him promoting was bipartisanship and wanting to end the gridlock. He often talked about bringing us all together during his campaign. I mean, he did say we'd get out of Iraq, I remember. But I don't remember his proposed time line.

Craig and Imus are so great together! I'm listening to them in the background. Craig said he'd link Imus onto TM and Imus talked about linking Craig to his site.

Hey everybody

I'm waiting for my package of blue corn to arrive. In anticipation! I'm watching the mailbox.
How many other kernel heads are out there
Check in and leave a comment so we all know who our fellow participants are.

http://cbhopibluecornexperiment.blogspot.com/

Jack

Thanks for the link, Chloe. Loved Craig's timely line about the PCP (primary care physican).

Could not help but think of you, OSH when I read this article.

"When economy sours, tootsie rolls soothe souls"

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/24/nyregion/24candy.html?_r=1&hp

Hope in the not so distant future, that this proves to be true for you OSH, but in any event after reading your comments here & your great response yesterday, I know that you are a survivor.

And happy belated birthday wishes as well.

I did too Blonde.

Also, Imus seemed to appreciate that Craig mentioned his cancer right off, and got it out of the way (Imus's words). It was interesting to hear him point out how awkward people are about talking about it. It is also good to hear that Imus hasn't lost his sense of humor, while going through this.

Morning all...

How long has Obama been president? What is it... 3 years now?? What DO people expect the admin to do in TWO months?? I think he's on the right track tho.. you might as well go for it when you're on the one yard line and it's third down. No sense in punting. Obama campaigned on everything in the stimulus - infrastructure, healthcare, education. It just makes me laugh when pundits and reps alike feign surprise that the COMPREHENSIVE reform that Americans voted for is actually IN the stimulus bill. Saw one rep. senator saying NO to new money for college, NO to extending unemployment benefits, NO to mortgage relief for those losing their homes. Fine, he and his posse can keep saying NO cos it just points to the fundamental differences between the parties. I've been re-reading Animal Farm this week.. think the rep mantra should be changed from "four legs good -- two legs bad!" to "do nothing good --- reform bad."

chloe...cancer is the original terrorist.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213440

Ping,

Beating to death the golden goose is what security traders, insurers and banks already did with their greed and criminality. Obama is trying to breathe life back into the poor thing.

"When economy sours, tootsie rolls soothe souls"

Coreen is right Sea! Candy really does affect the mood. Remember all that talk about 'chocolate' and endorphins? You're in the perfect business.

CHOCOLATE : the Psychoactive Cocktail
"Like other palatable sweet foods, consumption of chocolate triggers the release of endorphins, the body's endogenous opiates. Enhanced endorphin-release reduces the chocolate-eater's sensitivity to pain. Endorphins probably contribute to the warm inner glow induced in susceptible chocoholics. This sensation explains why chocolate gifts are a great way to bring joy to a loved one."
http://www.chocolate.org/

Posted by: tylenol Author Profile Page | March 24, 2009 10:10 AM

The Nancy Reagan Republicans ..."just Say No"

"..cancer is the original terrorist"

I know Blonde. I lost my mother to it when she was only 48 years old (I was 19). It's terrifying. But things have come a long way since then, and I know your husband will beat this.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213484

Chloe --

I find Craig at his most personable when he's on with Imus...not that he isn't otherwise... :)

Jamie..loved this line --
Beating to death the golden goose is what security traders, insurers and banks already did with their greed and criminality. (the goose was also subjected to water boarding)

I am beginning to believe that greed and criminality are the basic components of captalism.

"I find Craig at his most personable when he's on with Imus...not that he isn't otherwise... :)"

I do too Ivy.
It's nice to see how open they are with each other, whether they agree or not. Two very genuine people.

One thing that is bothering me is the speed with which the "stimulus" is moving. There is one item that should have moved rapidly: $250 for every recipient of Social Security. This was approved in February. The announcement on the Social Security page says this amount will go to qualified recipients by late MAY.

Can someone explain what is wrong with their computers that they can't just add a one time $250 increase to the check and mail a notice to all with any info about taxability etc.? Why should this take three months?

Jamie...still printing the money. I am sure the presses are working 24 hours a day.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213493

Blond Wino,

The problem with the crowd that loves to cite Adam Smith is that most of them haven't read him. :-(

Capitalism cannot exist in a vaccum. Without a strong ethical base in the dealings with others it is doomed to failure. The "invisible hand" doesn't work when it is a fist wearing brass knuckles.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213463

Flatus,

This is a silly argument. I'm going to give you money to tide you over for two years or assist with rebuilding infrastructure. After that you are on your own.

If the economy has improved by that time, either the problem is solved or you will be able to afford it on your own. Either way, you have an asset in infrastructure that you wouldn't have had.

If it hasn't improved, at least you will have had two years of survival and still have an asset of infrastructure to show for it. What good would rejecting the money do you?

Seems even if you are angry at the current events---- might be difficult to vent---at least if you live the "city" life.

"Where are the pitchforks and the torches when you need them?" by Clyde Haberman NYT

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/24/nyregion/24nyc.html?ref=nyregion

If you missed Craig's Imus appearance, you can listen to the podcast here:

http://www.wabcradio.com/Article.asp?id=1234184&spid=22807

Hi Coreen...the last guy to mention pitchforks was Michael Richards...oh, have we changed.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213496

Blond,

They don't even need to print money. As with most transactions these days, it is just ones and zeros moving through the air. They are either believable ones and zeros (full faith and credit etc.) or unbelievable ones and zeros (Barney Madoff).

Jamie..
http://thepanelist.com/Neubert%27s_Trades/Neuberts_Trades/Where_Does_the_Financial_Bailout_Money_Come_From%3F_200809231192/

Thought for the day :
" No one is so happy or sad as he imagines. "

Jamie...one more

http://www.savingtoinvest.com/2009/01/funding-bailouts-by-printing-money-and.html

Carol -
My email is below the corn grinders on the left, send me your mailing address.
http://cbhopibluecornexperiment.blogspot.com/

Jack -
That's one lonesome mailbox.

Blond,

I was just funning a bit.

Yes they are "printing" money in the sense of increasing the amount in circulation to a higher number. A dangerous practice by the way as it can increase inflation unless the pay backs with interest come back and the amount in circulation can be decreased.

The actual amount of "paper" actually printed remains fairly stable and even then it isn't REAL. I tried to explain this concept of believability and full faith and credit to my children once by burning a dollar bill. Money is only worth what someone you are handing it to thinks it is worth. Since I believe that a piece of US paper is worth what it says it is worth, I was only willing to set fire to a one. A 20 would have been painful. :-)

Jamie...can't wait to see the fed design for the bailout billion buck.

Cbob- Can't seem to sign in to accept the invite. Please consider this the rsvp. Will keep trying.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213504

CBob --

Thanks...you reminded me of this one:

"...most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be."

Abraham Lincoln

Mission accomplished. Cool project Cbob, thanks!

chloe...so sorry to hear about your Mom. To a 19 year old that is horrific.

My hubby had another bad day at pre-op, I am sure the cancer can be beaten, but they really are trying to give him a heartattack in the meantime. The hospital was sure to collect $1100 from him and asked for another $3000 -- he hasn't had the surgery yet! And his surgery may be delayed until he passes his stress test tomorrow. The "in-network" doctor was on spring break (we wondered if he was still in school) and they wanted to delay surgery until he came back to do the test! Geez, the man with the killing gas is on his way from Phoenix. They also tell you if you delay, you still pay. Wow....sure kills that repug talking point that the best health care is in the US.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213506

CBob --

One lonesome mailbox? I saw an amusing sight just yesterday at a professional office complex parking lot and am wondering what to make of it... a newly erected park bench situated beside a brand spanking new residential-style mailbox...?? My imagination runs wild... :)

Something important -

Filthy coal-fired power plants spew carbon into the air. A mish-mash of 9,200 generators streams vital electrons along 300,000 miles of aging, inefficient transmission lines and one untrimmed tree in the wrong place could plunge a quarter of the country into darkness. This is our electric grid. A whopping 40 percent of all the energy used in the US—be it oil, gas, wind, or solar—is converted into electrons that travel over these wires. Any attempt at energy reform must begin here.

But this keystone of our 21st-century economy has yet to advance much beyond its 19th-century roots. Considering how wasteful, unresponsive, and just plain dumb the grid is, it isn't surprising that outages—which have been increasing steadily over the past quarter century—cost us $150 billion a year. The real shock is that the damn thing works at all.

http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/magazine/17-04/gp_intro
------------------------------

Talk of running printing presses is rather dated. It's a 60 year coal plant spinning out electrons, running into the Federal Reserves computers, and out to the banks.

How abstract does this seem ?

As I told the stripper one time -
It's just dirty green paper dear.

"The "in-network" doctor was on spring break (we wondered if he was still in school) and they wanted to delay surgery until he came back to do the test!"

I hope you said NO!
It's time for you to talk to some 'higher ups' (humans, I'm talking about).
There's someone at that hospital that can help you bring this all together.
Put your foot down Blonde. All that stuff they're telling you is crazy!

Blonde -
You need to join my corn project, we need a few stalks in New Mexico.
Maybe I'll send Imus some to plant buy the front door at the Ranch.
Anybody know the address ?

Blond,

Chloe is giving good advice. If that doesn't work it is attorney time and the State health department. You have a diagnosis and a scheduled treatment that requires immediate action. If worse comes to worst go outside the system and then sue the hell out of your carrier if they won't pay the bill or if they try to palm off a procedure that is out of date but cheaper. Knowledge of the condition and the developments in the field are your weapon.

These things can kill people and sometimes they only respond to someone screaming bloody murder.

"Anybody know the address ?"

Betcha Craig could help you out there CBob.

OSH

A serious comment on the "yes I candy"

As team Obama stole the phrase from the United Farm Workers, make it dark chocolate spiced with ground chipolte chilis

Jack

"make it dark chocolate spiced with ground chipolte chilis"

... guaranteed to kick ass.

Thx, Chloe...we found another doctor. The urologist is unreachable...we communicate via answering service. They never answer their phone. I will leave another message before I head to work. And the only human I have reached is with the insurance company...I have a supervisor's email and direct line and she is the best of the bunch. Frightening....off to work now.

Thx, Jamie...how does one find one that type of lawyer?

cbob...we would love to join the blue corn project...

and Jack, that is holy mole

Obama Approval Rating Goes UP: CBS News Poll

Same as with the USA/Gallup of the other day.

"And ratings for the president’s handling of the overall economy are actually up slightly: Sixty-one percent now approve, up from 56 percent last week. "

http://tinyurl.com/ceae7d

The Imus Cattle Ranch for Kids with Cancer, and him.
Ribera, New Mex
87560

you might think that croquet is a quiet little game.....but just try playing it on a burning lawn........

1887 Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle Smith Center KS, actor (Keystone comedies)
1895 Arthur Murray dancer (Arthur Murray's Dance Party)
1906 John Cameron Swayze news correspondant, Timex spokesman
1909 Clyde Barrow bank robber (of Bonnie & Clyde fame)
1922 Dave Appell singer/musician/songwriter (In the Midnight Hour)
1930 Steve McQueen Slater MO, actor (Wanted, Dead or Alive, Blob, Bullitt)

1603 Scottish king James VI becomes King James I of England
1629 1st game law passed in American colonies, by Virginia
1832 Mormon Joseph Smith beaten, tarred & feathered in Ohio
1837 Canada gives blacks the right to vote
1860 Clipper Andrew Jackson arrives in San Francisco, 89 days out of New York
1882 German scientist Robert Koch discovers bacillus cause of TB
1883 1st telephone call between New York & Chicago
1935 Major Bowes' Original Amateur Hour goes national on NBC Radio Network
1941 Glenn Miller begins work on his 1st movie for 20th Century Fox
1944 76 Allied officers escape Stalag Luft 3 (Great Escape)
1944 811 British bombers attack Berlin
1955 1st seagoing oil drill rig placed in service
1989 Worst US oil spill, Exxon's Valdez spills 11.3 million gallons off Alaska

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213498

Exactly! I've worked for several federally funded programs over the years, all funded for just 2 or 3 years with the anticpation that either the mission would get accomplished and the need met or the recipient org (tribe) would pick it up in their budget at the end. Many fed funded programs work this way.

must really run...only working til six tonight and will check back in....thanks all!

Thanks Sturg -

croquet ......... Nothing quite as satisfying as the sound of croquet balls being hit by a wooden mallet.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213519

Jack,

OSH could call that one: Holy Mole!!

wandered into a witch doctor's hut down in the amazon.......he looks up and says, "can I help you?" I says, "No, I'm just looking...."
On a shelf along the wall are a bunch of mason jars with what looks like brains inside.......I picks one up and say, "What's this?" He says "Them's piano player brains, $1.50 a pound."
I say, "What's that next one?" He says, "Bass player brains.....$2.50 a pound." "Hmmm", I says, "and the next one?" He says "Well, them is Drummer Brains....$6.50 a pound." So I ax him what's in that last one in the corner and he says, "Them's Guitar player Brains.......$37.50 a pound."
"Damn......why so expensive?" He says, "Well, you oughta see how many of them critters we have to kill to get a pound."

Jack- Great combo. Chili is used for protection too, how appropriate. . Could we be getting too bitter? Seriously I could make a chocolate bark sprinkled with chili- Chocolate Barack
Jamie-rotflmao!

Drat Blond left. Not sure if I have her email address. If someone could pass this info along

BLOND!!

American Cancer Society Patients' Bill of Rights with contact phone numbers for problems:

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MIT/content/MIT_3_2_Patients_Bill_Of_Rights.asp

We don't go for that sissy croquet...it's extreme croquet for me!

Croquet with hazards on the course...kind of a cross between minature golf and croquet but with extra stuff

KGC

Watching a game of hard core croquet players is hilarious. Talk about the joy of destroying another human being in a blood sport. :-)

Got to see a man about some manure.

Shiny side up, rubber side down.

EdVB.... thanks for the heads up.... unfortunately I was working and didn't see it on time.....

Jamie.... thanks for the link.... finally... I was able to hear Craig's Imus appearance.....

yes.... if you want to raze a building you need the blueprint.... if we want to unravel this mess on Wall Street we need the architects.... it does mean we have to hire those fat cats that got us into this mess in the first place.... and yes... I'm angry about it too.... but biting off one's nose to spite one's face is stupid... I liked Obama's answer the other night that we can't govern out of anger....

Flatus..... Rick bought a copy of the Economist to read on the plane while flying to a business meeting a few months ago..... he was so impressed, he ordered a subscription shortly after returning home..... I don't have time to read all of it.... but I've found what I do read very informative.... and in order to make time to read more of it... I'm reading less of The Nation.... I've decided I will not be renewing my subscription to that magazine....

oh yeah....

and for blood thirsty lawn sports...... I prefer bocce...

BW, I'm glad Jamie jumped in with usable contacts for you; I have nothing to offer but an abundance of moral support. You guys hang in there.

Craig Crawford's Marxist Meet-up

Just came across a new artist of the spoken/sung/poetic words: Faylita Hicks

http://www.faylitahicks.com/

There are three videos on her site. The one I listened to elsewhere that sent me looking for her is "Back In the Day" a performance poem about child abuse and what leads to drug use. Well worth the listen.

Senator proposes nonprofit status for newspapers

By LARRY MARGASAK, Associated Press Writer

Tuesday, March 24, 2009
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/03/24/national/w083008D40.DTL&tsp=1

I don't think they need senate help to achieve non-proft --i think they did that on their own :))))

Good Salon article on Wikipedia

http://www.salon.com/books/int/2009/03/24/wikipedia/index.html

KGC

ROFL. Funny comment aside, that proposal has merit. Since it would be voluntary. Not being able to endorse might actually lead to better reporting. PBS seems to be able to operate without too much government interference (except for that ineffectual, knee jerk dork installed by Georgie). They could still have a political point of view and do investigative reporting, but would act as a public service.

Some definite questions but worth considering.

Renee,

Bocce isn't a blood sport. It is Civil War.

Good Wikipedia article on Salon

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salon.com

(sing to tune of "where have all the flowers gone")

where has all the money gone
and the jobs now passing
who has taken the homes away
and all our dough
gone to wall street's where it went
long time ago
when will we ever learn
oh, will we never learn

(forgive me pete seeger)

the above was inspired by the realization that we've been thru this before and before and... well you get the idea. seems like every hundred years or less a mess like this happens. maybe the cycle takes four generations, 1st generation builds and saves, 2nd get greedy and spends it all, 3rd hits the skids and the 4th lays down the law. when will we ever learn?

patd

That was the whole theory behind the book Generations. They predicted more than a decade ago that the Boomers would face an economic crisis in old age

http://www.amazon.com/Generations-History-Americas-Future-1584/dp/0688119123

time for a break
time to try to remember

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

RR, you were commenting on why Obama hasn't filled the treasury positions. I seem to remember that he said the other night on 60 minutes that he has tried but no one wants the jobs because of the vetting process and the cut in pay. Makes you wonder if any of those who would qualify for the treasury jobs pay their taxes.

the people who want to vilify wall street should keep
in mind there are thousands of legitimate well managed companies 'who employ millions of americans'listed on the NYSE' the financial stocks
are just a portion of wall street'' these companies
affect every aspect of daily life' from turning on your
lights 'talking on the cell phone 'taking out the trash
buying groceries '' all those luxuary items people take
for granted''
might want to rethink letting the government have
complete control over our capitalistic system

"The Bernie Madoffs of the world — not just the Ponzi schemer himself but the rogue accountants, lawyers and hedge funders — walk meekly into federal courts with their rictus faces and ashen complexions and the expectation of long prison sentences, and a bystander can’t help but wonder:

Why not take the ill-gotten money and run?"

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/22/weekinreview/22powell.html?_r=2&scp=1&sq=tips%20for%20the%20sophisticated%20fugitive&st=cse

Patd, That song was beautiful.
I haven't heard it in so long. I always remember The Brothers Four, but that Belafonte version was particularly nice. Thanks.

Try to remember when life was so tender
That no one wept except the willow.
Try to remember when life was so tender
That dreams were kept beside your pillow.
Try to remember when life was so tender
That love was an ember about to billow.
Try to remember, and if you remember,
Then follow."

Now those executives who were to get the large AIG bonuses are being threatened. They certainly didn't earn or deserve their bonuses but they don't deserve to have thier lives put at risk even though they probably do desire some jail time.

If the government would have left the no bonuses clause in the stimulus plan this would not be happening. Very poor planning and judgement. They need to understand the consequences of thier actions. Certainly they should have known that those of us suffering from the reckless actions of these AIG execs would be outraged with them receiving rewards.

I don't think that a president should get a year of orientation for the job especially in this time of crisis, he/she needs to be ready on day one. When you sign on for a tough job, you have to take the heat that comes with it.

I was also a little put off by Obama's giddy laughter during the interview on 60 minutes. Not too many of us are in a laughing mood right now especially those of us who took some heavy losses. Maybe those people who didn't lose much are in a state of mind to be more tolerant.

Stop worrying with the gardens, dog, basketball brackets, and Leno and start worrying about the real issues facing the nation.

"Try to remember ....."

Chloe, I am trying hard but the answer my friend is blowing in the wind, the answer is blowing in the wind.

I was also a fan of The Brother's Four, The Kingston Trio, and Peter, Paul and Mary. They were popular when I was very young but my older sister turned me on to them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3t4g_1VoGw4

Blowing in the wind. PP&M

Maybe this song is more appropriate...Times are a changing, PP&M

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oU7M4OeSRM&feature=related

"Ill gotten gains"

Back in the early '70s, a couple of Panamanian thieves stole the Air Force payroll from the cashier at Howard AFB. They managed to escape the base, crossing the Thatcher Ferry Bridge racing towards Panama City, which would place them safely out of the Canal Zone.

Once in Panama City, they took the payroll straight to the nearest bank and deposited it.

How long do you think it took the bank and the authorities to figure out what happened?

I don't know if the cash was ever returned to our government.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213565

Chloe and patd

The Fantasticks is a lovely musical. Unfortunately, You Tube only had one truly audible cut and it's a little too up tempo for my taste for this song: Soon It's Gonna Rain

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzPkF1fGJSI

I really miss Jerry Orbach. Most people who watched him in Law and Order didn't realize what a wonderful Broadway performer he was as the original star in The Fantasticks, Chicago, 42nd Street and Promises Promises plus scads of revivals such as Guys and Dolls and Annie Get Your Gun,

Here is his In Performance At The White House version of Try To Remember

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7nOkVz79Xw

LIstening to these 60s folk music reminded me of an English teacher I had in high school. She was pretty lady with short flamming red hair poofed up on her head. She had huge breasts and wore low cut sweaters.

For one of our assignments in class she put pictures up around the room and had us write a short story with one as an inspiration. She also played us a Bob Dylan tune and had us write another short story with it as an inspiration. She was the coolest teacher I ever had in high school and I really enjoyed that English class. She only lasted one year, they fired her. I guess she was just too cool.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213563

mqw,

It's amazing that our capitalistic system managed to survive up until the 1980s when Republicans started removing all the controls and oversight that separated the insurance, banks, mortgage, and underwriters. They then spent the next three decades tearing down all that protective mechanisms and look what happened.

No one wants government to run these business. We just want their financial activities observed so they don't ruin the US economy (presuming they haven't managed to destroy it already).

Jamie

I say let them go under less the idea is to keep them around as some sort of living museum.

"...Republicans started removing all the controls and oversight that separated the insurance, banks, mortgage, and underwriters. They then..."

Right. Joe Biden had nothing to do with any of that.

KGC

AIG or AIU as they want to be called now, should be totally dismantled into its components and the failed parts eradicated or bought out by someone else, as should all these other "Too Big To Fail" behemoths. Unfortunately, they are so intertwined into the global economy that it is going to take time to pry those tentacles out without bringing down the country.

It doesn't help that all the people who know where most of the bodies are buried have the information because they helped with the digging. So how do you help the government clean up the mess if it might end up getting you indicted? These prospective Treasury employees should probably get immunity agreements rather than contract offers.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213575

Jamie, I had no idea Jerry Orbach even sang.
He did a beautiful job too!

you trust the goverment to clean up the mess 'they
are just as much to blame as aig '' they've had regulatory and oversight responsibilities all along'
just to darn busy collecting campaign contributions
and trying to get re-elected '''i guess

"No one wants government to run these business. We just want their financial activities observed ..."

mqw, Don't you agree at all with what Jamie said in this quote?

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213584

mqw - The laws that allowed for these mergers and acquisitions are relatively new. It all followed on the heels of the S & L scandal

Lord Bloggington - Since Biden represented the Insurance capitol of the US I'm sure his hands aren't completely clean either.

I just want the whole septic tank emptied and flushed and new sewage treatment plant installed in its place.

so.... let's not trust anyone on Wall Street because they helped get us into this mess....

and let's not trust anyone in our government because they helped us get into this mess.....

so who do we trust..... the Rotor Rooter Man....

In God We Trust? Or....

You can always trust me. LOL!

It's OK to not know, Jamie.

Jamie - thanks for the Jerry Orbach link. The sound track for the Fantsticks is equally great - I've spent so much time listening to it that some of the words are second nature to me now - like breathing out and breathing in - no, no - wrong show.

I especially love ' they did it cuz you said no.' The one I
seem to need most often, tho, and know it won't be appreciated is 'It depends on what you pay' from the rape ballet. I do use it but never try to explain its origins since it would not be worth it.

Do you remember seeing the show on tv years ago? I fell in love with it then.

According to Tweety's guest, some Obama backers are getting a move on and standing behind him. I did actually un-mute msnbc cuz the tag line gave away the subject and I was interested - otherwise, that station is dead to me.

Ct - I understand your feelings and have to admit I'm not as hurt by the economy as you and many others are
SO FAR, but you were never one of Obama's adoring fans and have every right to criticize him. It's the adoring fans that irritate me when they criticize him. They put him there.

I just am slow to criticize pols because I expect almost nothing from them except keeping our head above water, the pointy end forwards, and the roof on top.

"- like breathing out and breathing in"

Now you've done it Bethy . Another song I just had to hear. :)

I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HroAq_E075Y

Here you go, Chloe. Watch for the girl at the 1:07 mark.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_J9EIOZHDM

For umpteen ages Chris Matthews made sure we all knew that he once worked for Tip O'Neill. I guess people called a double decade plus time limit on his job history, because he finallly stopped. Now every time he mentions Dick Cheney, he makes sure to announce that it is pronounced "Cheeny" not Chainy because that's the way the "family pronounces the name".

We get the message. He's an insider, knows the family and the name pronunciation .... Sheesh give us a fricken break and stop preeeeeeeeeeeeeening

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213589

Lord B

Once you hang around long enough, you will discover that that particular sentence does not exist in my universe. :-)

alright Corey..... in you I trust!.... :0)

bethy.... I've really been enjoying your posts the last few days....
we've lost some in Rick's 401k.... and my business has come to a standstill.... but we too are in much better shape than many others..... and knock on wood..... so far his job is very busy and safe....

forget the Kabuki Theatre..... trying to untangle who's responsible for what in the whole economic mess and who do we trust to make it better is like watching Theatre of the Absurd....

it's just so much easier to get lost in my weaving.... cook good food.... and enjoy a good bottle of wine at the end of a work day...

"Sheesh give us a fricken break and stop preeeeeeeeeeeeeening "

ROFL -- excellent advice for Tweety, Jamie.

Jamie

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213581

I was talking about newspapers. But as for AIG or whatever name they are skulking around under...there is bankruptcy and failure and there is bankruptcy and re-organizing. I think we have been stampeded into decisions by people who were scared and clueless. If we had purchased the toxic assets last fall it would have been a lot cheaper and the recovery starting faster.

Corey - so who is she????????

Jamie - I know ! He is so impressed with himself !!!!!!! I guess he just ignores all the complaints about his bad manners because simply everyone talks about it.
Talk about denial.

He mustg also just ignore the fact that he hasn't got anybody else to say cheeeny - likes to thinnk of himself as a trend setter.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213594

Learn it then. Your arguments today are riddled with factual inaccuracies. Every authoritative misstatement undermines your credibility. Why say anything at all?

Corey,

I didn't need another great jazz voice singing standards and new songs that will be one day. It's bad enough you turned me on to Buble now Cullum.

growlfff

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213592

Corey, Jamie Cullum is so good! Someone else I can't believe I've never heard. Do you know who that is at 1:07. She looks a little like Lindsey Lohan.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213599

What inaccuracies? Care to point them out. rather than just telling me I'm wrong? I'm always willing to look at another side.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213597

KGC

You are absolutely right. All that money from last fall has pretty well gone up in smoke with no accounting. We may get it back or not. Again, no watchdog just here's the money, fix it. They didn't and now we need more money but the groups that need it are whining about the oversight and reporting requirements.

Newt Gingrinch has twittered his disapproval........

RR - I know the feeling well...go for comfort. It reminds me of that alcoholic's prayer for the wisdom to know the difference between things you can and cannot change.

My big problem at the moment is that I know I can change my place just with a few days of concentrated
effort. I just don't wanna do it. Have I told you all about my difficulties with my mind and body?

They are two very separate entities! Basically the trouble starts when my mind makes a good decision and my body says stfu. Then in turn my body wants to do something and just laughs at my mind. It's a constant war zone, and has been for 66 damn years.

Of course, my body can and does plead pain from arthritis and my "compromised" rotator cuff, but come on. I manage to un-cork champagne bottles pretty well and turning book pages is a breeze............

Flashlight Worthy has put together a list of books for anyone trying to understand the whole financial mess

http://www.flashlightworthybooks.com/Understanding-the-Financial-Crisis/400?fwsource=tw

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213602

I don't need to point them to you for your sake; you know what they are. As for the sake of others, I have neither the time nor motivation. I don't fully understand the current 'economic crisis'; only enough to know that neither do you. I'm not making grandiose prescriptions or condemnations from a position of ignorance, though.

In other words Lord B you just disagree with me but don't want to take the time to say why or how.

"my mind makes a good decision and my body says stfu"

LMAO Bethy!

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213608

NO! It has nothing to do with disagreement. Do you know the difference between fact and opinion? How about the difference between true facts and untrue facts? This is basic stuff. Take you blanket assertion placing all culpability at the feet of Republicans concerning deregulation. It's just not true. Clinton had a hand in it, Biden had a hand in it, and that's just two major Democrats off the top off my head.

An interesting combination of community and gardening. Some of you may have heard about it but it was new to me,
Cbob, it involves corn

"This art piece redeems a lost fertile ground, transforming what was left from the industrial era into a renewed space for the public"

http://www.notacornfield.info/mission.html#main

I don't know who the girl was. I just thought she was cute, plus she was crying. Getting emotional. Liked the moment.

"I was also a little put off by Obama's giddy laughter during the interview on 60 minutes. Not too many of us are in a laughing mood right now especially those of us who took some heavy losses."

Carol, this article (by Tina Brown) reminded me of what you said earlier ...someone else thinks Obama's big smile is out of place.

"One of the many bummers of our ongoing miseries at the moment is that they have deprived Obama devotees of their expected post-electoral nirvana. Stem-cell research is restored, torture is stopped, diplomacy is back, high-speed rail is on the way! But where are the balloons and high fives and Yes We Did parties? Buried under an avalanche of toxic assets.

Obama is the only person walking around with a big smile on his face. That onset of wild laughter on 60 Minutes about how humorous it is that no one in America, I mean no one, wants a bailout for the auto companies was one of the more surreal presidential performances lately. Why has Obama suddenly turned into the Paris Hilton of teachable moments...?"

http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-03-24/triumph-of-the-geeks-and-tough-guys/

"she was crying. Getting emotional. Liked the moment."

It was nice Corey. Glad you linked that. Thanks.

Chloe
I look at that laugh as reacting to the irony of the question.
Everybody wants him to solve the problem except when we get down to specifics, then They don't.

Jack

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/23/its-never-to-soon-to-think-about-2012/?nl=pol&emc=pola2

"t’s Never Too Soon to Think About 2012"

"Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri and Representative James Clyburn of South Carolina will lead the Democratic Change Commission, which is scheduled to report its findings no later than Jan. 1, 2010. The commission, which is largely comprised of Democrats who supported Mr. Obama (and a few who backed Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton in last year’s contentious primary season), will review and streamline the 2008 calendar.

“This commission will focus on reform that improves the presidential nominating process,” Mr. Kaine said in a statement, “to put voters first and ensure that as many people as possible can participate.”

In announcing the commission, Mr. Kaine outlined three goals: changing the window for primaries and caucuses, reducing the number of superdelegates and improving the caucus system. As an insurgent candidate, Mr. Obama benefited from the rules in the 2008 campaign, but also was an eyewitness to the pitfalls of the process"

Jack, I liked that article. But mainly I linked it, because Carol had mentioned being put off by the same thing. I think I've heard others say so too.

I understand what you're saying though Jack.

But I also like this last paragraph that I didn't link before: "Five months ago, we wanted reason and moderation and hope; now we need action and toughness and resolve. Can the White House turn off the laugh track and give us both?"

Tony

Why do I get the feeling that all their changes will create an even bigger mess. And they still believe they have the power to tell the states when they can hold their primaries. lol
Still no one man one vote.
Jack

Chloe

Why not all three

Jack

You mean the first two plus the laugh track?

It was not a laugh track.

It was a genuine laugh, I don't mind the real thing

Jack

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213618

Jack
I felt the exact same thing when i read that.I have been hoping for reform in the Democratic Primary process but with C.McCaskill and Clyburn in the mix I'm sure will be in for an even bigger mess!!

"It was not a laugh track. "

Sorry Jack. I didn't intentionally use that expression. :)
I was just looking back at what you were referring to from my post, and repeated it.

Fair enough! But do you think we've gotten 'all' three?

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213619

Chloe
Thanks for that Tina Brown link,i like her.I used to watch her when she had a show on CNBC she's really smart...I will have to break down and watch the President on 60 minutes clip to find out what all the laughing about autoworkers and bailouts is all about...Hope your having a ball with your little Emma....

One more from Jamie:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCl4w0XDgFs

Sad day for Detroit baseball fans. Former Tigers player/broadcaster George Kell passed away. He was 86. I grew up watching him and Al Kaline doing the Tigers games on tv.

http://www.freep.com/article/20090324/SPORTS02/90324034/George+Kell++Tiger+great++and+longtime+broadcaster++dies+at+86

Every four or five years, the federal Child Nutrition Bills, inluding the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 and the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act of 1946, are up for review during the reauthorization process. These two bills, as well as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), will expire on September 30, 2009. While the National School Breakfast, National School Lunch Program, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program are permanently authorized, the reauthorization process allows for a reconsideration of all programs inluding the following:
National School Lunch Program
School Breakfast Program
Child and Adult Care Food Program
Summer Food Service Program
WIC, and including, WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Special Milk Program
During this review period, there is an opportunity on Capitol Hill to evaluate and amend the federal Child Nutrition Programs, and this process has the potential to involve all of those who are concerned with the health of our nation's children. Amending the Child Nutrition Acts can have powerful affects on federal meal programs and the people they serve.

The 2009 Child Nutrition Act Reauthorization has gotten off to a great start, with much interest on Capitol Hill in getting fresh, local foods into schools. Currently, the House and Senate Budget Committees are meeting to determine how much money they are willing to give to these programs for the Reauthorization process. We are asking that they provide $20 Billion over 5 years so that we can improve both the access and nutritional content of these programs.

This is where you come in!
Make a call to your congressional representatives to ask for enough funding in the 2010 budget to accomplish the many reforms needed in this year's Child Nutrition Reauthorization (CNR). The House and Senate Budget Committees set the size of the pot of money that will permit (or limit) real change in the CNR to support farm to school initiatives.
www.foodsecurity.org
Please CALL your two U.S. senators and your congressional representative and ask them to seek $20 billion over five years for the Child Nutrition Reauthorization in this year's budget.

Thanks Tony.
I must confess, I didn't even watch 60 minutes.
I like Tina Brown too. I liked the article. But I'm not emotionally involved in any of the stuff I've been saying.

Having such a good time with Emma.
I hope things are going well with you too.

couldn't they randomly select which states goes first'
who ever gets the most votes wins'period
problem solved' no need for a commission'

I just forced myself to watch the Obama "60 Minutes" interview, and he nailed it. That's coming form a frequent Obama critic. It seems to me he was laughing because he finds absurdity in the perspective that the U.S. financial industry is integral to the overall welfare of our economy, but the U.S. auto industry is not. I happen to disagree with the President there, for what it's worth. Let GM and Chrysler file chapter 11.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213627

Corey
Sad.I used to travel to Detroit as a kid and watch Al Kaline play at the old ball park...Remember them doing the televised games too,good memories for me as all my family was still around and enjoying Tiger baseball...

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213610

Lord B

The majority of the deregulation was under a Republican Congress. If you look above, I did agree that Biden had a hand in it because of Delaware as a corporate haven. Certainly Bill Clinton signed legislation that as a Moderate he believed at the time, but he was dealing with an inimical Congress out for his hide as well.

The most major component of this financial meltdown are the legitimizing of these mergers and acquisitions and breaking down the barriers between the different forms of banking as well as allowing banks, insurers, and underwriters to be part of the same conglomerate with little watchdog activity.

That was all done by and under Republicans even if some Democrats voted for it.

I'd roll my eyes if I didn't have a migraine. Forget I said anything.

Chloe
I feel about the same.I really haven't watched the President since his speech to the Nation in Jan.I'm just hoping for the best.I really can't get to critical of the President yet as he has not been in office long enough to judge IMO..I hope like Bill Clinton he will surprise me and become a great President,but the juries still out.............

"I really haven't watched the President since his speech to the Nation in Jan.I'm just hoping for the best.I really can't get to critical of the President yet as he has not been in office long enough to judge IMO."

Ditto Tony. :)

Lord B. When you get over your migraine, you can start with this article about Citibank, CitiCorp, Citigroup and how it got to be the huge mess it became and what led to the bailout and it's share price of 1cent

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

If you want the bad guys Democrat and Republican that made it all possible, get the names that go with this paragraph:

"Citigroup is the 16th largest political campaign contributor, out of all organizations, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Members of the firm have donated over $23,033,490 from 1989-2006, 49% of which went to Democrats and 51% of which went to Republicans"

Just shoot me; please. Aim for the head.

Actually Papa Bush got same major concessions for the banks not long before he left, asa I recall it. I seem to remember also that there was some puzzlement re why the dems didn't put up a bigger fight.

Chloe - yes, it sounds funny that my body is such a problem child, but it is TRUE

Lord B

Your wish is my command. Here's the info on the S & L meltdown and its causes

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savings_and_Loan_scandal#Deregulation

all of a sudden the presidential press conference reporters are all "tough guys"...........lol

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213616

Tony,

I wish I was thrilled that Rep Clyburn, from my state, will have a pivotal role in improving on the chicanery that he participated in during 2008; I am not.

Okay, is he gonna call on Ms Thomas?

Chloe

I think we are getting all three. It is only two months into this mess and I am starting to like some of what I see going on.
While everybody is worried about the laugh and screeming about the bonuses Team obama has come out with some regulation proposals that are badly needed.
The problem with AIG isn't the bonuses, it isn't even that it is too big. It is that there was nothing in place to bring something that big down to a soft landing. So the only option was to work with what was there and pray or let them fail and watch the failures ripple across the world.

As I understand what little has been released the new regulation would give the government a tool that they could use in such a situation.

Jack

He's settling into the job--his hair is returning to its 2007 color.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213608

**** it. I invoke rule #2! You forced my hand. Hurts me more than you.

Okay - I have had it. Some of my emails disappear, and I do not mean they get deleted.

They are nowhere. Some are in my sent itmes if I replied, but at least four have simply gone away - vanished into thin air.

Is there some kind of program that does this?

Get gmail, beth. It archives all your emails and auto-saves your drafts.

Bethy, tell us more. Not enough details on how you are handling your mail.

"He's settling into the job--his hair is returning to its 2007 color."

LOL Flatus!

Bethy, I mostly just loved the way you put it. :)
I think we all have that disconnect sometimes though. (Between body and mind, that is)

Jack, I'll take your word for all of that. I don't disagree. I haven't seen anything that he's done that's bothered me much yet, plus he has accomplished some good things. And I don't feel particularly pessimistic.

... night everyone.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213646

Flatus
When I read that and seen Clyburn was in the mix all I could think of was what the hell happened to the Democratic Party I grew up with and trusted??Sadly I know the answer........

LordB and Flatus - thanks for trying to help me, but somehow I found them. God knows where they were, but I had to hit all the categories and all the stuff re dates etc, and then it was all upside down etc. I have no idea what I did to get it back the way it was.

In fact, I'm not even sure it is the way it was, but it's fine. Maybe the font is different - I don't know. I just get crazy when computers act up. I think it was on " hide some messages."

Chloe - I appreciate your appreciation. but I find it hard to believe that everybody has this problem. Everybody else seems to get things done, and I do too once I get started - it just seems that my body is determined not to get started. I've started to beg my body - please please sort through those boxes, and it just acts like a snotty teenager with attitude!

And now a quick update on the 2012 Presidential campaign....

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is reaching out to Iowans again. KCCI (the CBS affiliate in Des Moines) confirmed Tuesday that some Iowa Republicans have received automated phone calls from Sarah Pac, governor Palin's political action committee.The calls asked Iowans several questions including whether they have a favorable opinion of Palin. Some Iowans received the calls over the weekend and as did some voters in New Hampshire. (Reported on KCCI.com)

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/left-jabs-obama.html#comment-213616

Tonyb39 -- "...As an insurgent candidate, Mr. Obama benefited from the rules in the 2008 campaign, but also was an eyewitness to the pitfalls of the process."

Yeah, like the pitfalls of having to compete in primaries as opposed to caucuses...

We know the calls are automated, although someone may have recently taught her how to dial a phone.

Typing up a bunch of legalese boiler plate type stuff off a paper copy has my eyes lookin' cross eyed. But I've got the incorporation application done now to take it down town tomorrow pay my $25 and I will have a nonprofit corporation by afternoon or sooner if I get around early.
I can't take tax deductible donations yet because getting 501 c 3 status from the IRS is a bit more complicated and expensive. But I can take in more than $5000/yr before the IRS will worry about me.

Jack

Jack,

You amaze me--and that's a good thing! :)

'Yeah, like the pitfalls of having to compete in primaries as opposed to caucuses..."

Spike
You broke it right down and defined the Democratic Primary of 2008 with that comment..Thanks

Goodnight all,

Have a good evening.

Flatus

I stole the boiler plate off an aplication that a lawyer put togather for another little block club we helped organise 4 yr ago The only reason for so much verbage is in case we want to get a 501c3 status other wise I could have used one sentence where I typed in half a page
I used to belong to a local neighborhood group that was too busy fighting to get any thing done. I told one of them one night that all it took was $25 and three people and I could run him out.
As it was the wife and I dropped out of the whole thing except for some help we gave to a little group of mexicans who wanted to take an abandoned lot and turn into into a pocket park for the childern to play in.

Jack

http://www.rr.com/home/home/article/9000/7241582/Sen_Schumer_changes_view_supports_gay_marriage

"Sen. Schumer changes view, supports gay marriage"

"Schumer's change, some political observers suggested, stemmed from pressure to bring his position on gay marriage in line with the other officials, while coming at a time when support for same-sex unions is strong in New York. Also, it's likely New York's gay rights interest groups, which played a role in Democrats retaking control of the state Senate last November, were pressing Schumer to change his position."

LOL
Should have run that last post through spell check. It is obviously time to go to bed. In the morning folks

Jack

"President Barack Obama claimed early progress Tuesday night in his aggressive campaign to lead the nation out of economic chaos and declared that despite obstacles ahead, "we're moving in the right direction." AP

Well, I might ask what the yardstick of right direction is both internationally and domestically.

I was surprised that despite the Daschle screw up and the DNC hand wringing on this blow to healthcare, Obama is making a case without details. Hold back details and spring it forward to pass it. That's what a sales guy does. I loved that swing set. Forgive me. I thought the process was going to be transparent and bipartisan, yet the road to healthcare hasn't started and the deadline is this year involving lots more money.

He defended his vet insurance move, but I think vets deserve all the healthcare that is offered. Who knows how military exposures will play out and the VA in Bethesda saved my father during a routine check up when private hospitals couldn't.

Obama's spin on charity reforms is not borne out by data. Still, he maintained composure, but again didn't really answer anything. By what measure does he calculate right direction? The Stock Market? The unemployment number? The much larger than Bush deficits? The numbers of US deaths abroad or the rising threat levels?

I thought his answer on deficit critics was weak coupled with the now worrisome expectation healthcare and education, defense cuts and more bailout packages resemble past Pelosi-Reid winners. Maybe Dodd can help again, or Murtha.

The Key here I think was the direction of regulation. Certainly some common sense reform is required and enforcement more so. The road towards regulation reform is paved with legal issues. And the financial world can swiftly resist threats and pressure against leadership watching the clock ticking. With Bibi consolidating his government with centrists on board, the plate is going to get bigger and bigger. This is where the experience factor comes in.

Hillary is in the wings and expect a Kennedy Healthcare bill.

Tonight Obama was talking to the Brats.

Nice presser. From what I saw, Hopefully we won't hear or read any of the bitching and moaning about followup questions this time around. We'll see.

I am so sick of Paul Krugman and everyone kissing his a$$ and putting him up on a pedestal. Yes - I know he won a freaking Nobel prize (indeed I rarely here is name without that word in the same sentence).

But his articles and appearances don't strike me as any more insightful than plenty of the other talking heads.

Plus - he is a big whiner. 80% of his words are criticizing things. And the ideas he does put forward and usually far from realistic. All we heard about the stimulus from him is that it was too small. Do you think Obama could have got the support he needed if it was bigger?

Then he starts his clamoring that we should nationalize banks. Really? We want government trying to run huge multi-national corporations with 1000s of employees? Has this guy seen the circus that is Washington? And he wants to throw out all the bank executives on their ass because they didn't anticipate this crisis. And what - replace them with the pols in Washington that didn't anticipate this crisis.

He is just way too partisan and doesn't seem to be particularly helpful or constructive for all the award-winning knowledge crammed into his head.

I agree Rez. I really liked his answer about persistence.

I also thought he did a good job explaining the increased taxes on the rich and charitiable contributions.

I do think the White House needs to follow up on Chuck Todd's question. Obama needs to mobilize the energy of America for some specific public good or goods - the same way he mobilized the electorate to get himself elected.

Max:

"I was surprised that despite the Daschle screw up and the DNC hand wringing on this blow to healthcare, Obama is making a case without details. Hold back details and spring it forward to pass it."

Or . . . it is an approach that demonstrates that he is going about it in a much smarter way than HRC's failed attempt from the 90's.

I would say two more things. A lack of details means he can take input from others, grant concessions and move forward without a rigid - take it or leave it structure.

And you lack of patience for the details make you seem like a brat. Or like one of the over-caffenated pundits that seek to engage in rapid fire criticism to try and appear smart.

Jack -
Your mail box post , made the whole exercise worth the price of admission. If nothing else works with these seeds, my job is complete.

Hauled much bunny shit, bought brown eggs, and a yard of compost today. The bunny shit and compost went on Peggy Chapman's Garden. The eggs are going in me. $1.25 a dozen.

Craig -
I've known lot's of cool people in my life, but you and your friends, are the first cool people I'll never meet. Kinda like our money, just electrons moving from place to place.

That thing with the bible yesterday, moved a lot of wheels. This is the death of move-able type. lead on paper, book in hand.

God help us all.

The Bible thing -
A day or two ago , the first bible rolled off the press, and made this world.
It was tucked into this day in history. Did you see it ?

Did you see that Steve McQueen was born 14 years before " The Great Escape " really took place. On the same day.
That was today in history.

Twain was right , It don't repeat, but is sure does rhyme.

I can not figure out why I have always written the most bizzare crap on these threads.

Things I never discuss with living human beings, I write for this wall of electrons,
what a hoot.

Back to the first bible, not all those wack-jobs sitting in all those monasteries, all those centuries. I mean the day , that they were pouring lead. That day . The day the helper pulled the screw.
That day, was the day that Intel released the first Pentium Processor.

Not bad, I would have planned it the same way. That was like 25 frickin' years ago.
What a hoot.

I think we're about 25 years ahead of where we really think we are. I think the future is at our finger tips.

The Rocky Mountain News didn't die the day that Intel released Pentium Processor, 25 years ago, but it's fate was sealed that day. Just like the powers in Europe the day that Gutenberg's apprentices poured that lead.

I know that shop that poured that lead. I could walk right into it , and be a good hand.

Be a good hand. Now there's the phrase that built the country.

What a hoot.

" Will he make a hand ? "

That's the most important question all over this country, always has been, always will be.

Our fund raiser here that I asked you folks to proof read 4 weeks ago, made double our target , with the walk-ups. We grossed $960 online, and another $240 in checks . The Fundables platform paid off 2 days after the close, we grossed $864. No fuss, no muss.

I was in the right place at the right time to do this.

It's all turned my head, so please bare with me. Doesn't sound like much does it ?
But it's part of a bigger thing, I've been thinking about.

It's a template, to do small, but important things. Locally .

The digestion of where we go, well "We're makin' this up as we go along."
But, I'm going to finish all this phase soon. And I'm going to write up everything I've learned.
Because, we didn't spent a nickel to raise that money. Just our time, and a very good artist to make the site look good. And he works for free , just like me.

This is pretty cool since, I learned to do this right here, hanging out with Craig Crawford, and all his friends.

This translates to a lot of other efforts, like Jack's work in KC.

http://the-downtown-art-market.blogspot.com/

We decorate the blog different, we get a different result. But we did it all locally, we didn't raise one penny out of our county.
The twist is the pledge platform, when someone pledged with us, they were voting that we would find enough like minded people to join us. If we failed, they lost nothing.
Seems to be a lot of power in that.

9/11 -
We'll need you to find a spot in NYC for some blue corn.

I'm prepared for the bears eating Renee's corn, and the coon's in Louisiana gettin' to Ct's corn. But the story of the what happens to Hopi Blue Corn in New York .... well that's one we all what to read.

Like the plot that Congressional Quarterly plants. Yes folks they got 15 seeds like everyone else.

Cbob - crow all you want. It's a happy sound created from the pure joy of creating something good.

BTW, Bobby Jindal is beginning to gross me out big time and maybe even scare me.

Nightall.

Bruce Cockburn
Lovers in a Dangerous Time

http://www.radioio.com/channels/history-of-rock

Boo -
Marvel is the word, it sounds like crow on the net, but Marvel is the word.
I don't crow, I marvel .

Or auto rotate, I do some auto rotating sometimes.

You ain't lived till until a helicopter pilot describes "Auto-Rotation" to you, as you sit in the "death seat" .

It's a comfort, a real comfort.

"Now the helicopter is gonna do what ? "

"It's gonna Auto-Rotate to the ground."

" So it's a power assisted crash ? "

" No the ship isn't suppling power to the rotors."

"So we pretty much have a pin wheel over our heads ? "

" Pretty much."

Fire that bad boy up.

Craig -
Plan B after the fish camp .........

Distilling Kentucky Blue Corn Whiskey on the Ohio River. Viv is planting the seeds.

Kentucky Blue Corn Whiskey

The Chinese will buy every drop.

Professor Longhair
Mardi Gras In New Orleans

http://www.radioio.com/channels/history-of-rock

Bob Dylan
Maggie's Farm
http://www.radioio.com/channels/history-of-rock

Modern English
I Melt With You
http://www.radioio.com/channels/history-of-rock

Doobie Brothers
Without You
http://www.radioio.com/channels/history-of-rock
More cow bell -
" Baby, baby ..... I live without you. "

Shiny side up, rubber side down.

Humble Pie
Black Coffee

Nine Inch Nails
Head Like A Hole

No cow bell in this one.

Here ya go Sturg -

Moby Grape - Fall On You

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

Moby Grape - Naked If I Want To

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5b8utHBk3aQ

Yardbirds - Games

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXhRt6uGk2k

Nazz - Open My Eyes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNMvZcLGWQA

Billy Thorpe - Children Of The Sun

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSlDZ27BAY

New Moon - March 26

Manfred Mann - Do wah diddy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30p0PJrHrgE

Johnny Rivers - Mountain Of Love
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXjbGWivFf4