Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

I love Charlie and will be seriously bummed if he gets nailed.

And I believe Joe Scarborough needs to lay off Obama. Joe -- hint -- go ahead and run for the Senate. We all see that one coming.

Patsi, If you love him set him free.
If he goes to jail then let it be.

Sad statistics: US has the highest incarceration rate in the world. About 1 in 100 adults average. Sad. Even sadder is that La. has the highest incarceration rate in the US. 1 in about 50 something adults. Saddest is that many of them come in very sick and I have to take care of them.

It has so much fun this weekend that I stayed at the camp last night instead of going home. No big deal I do that often in the summer. It doesn't bother me a bit that I have to take a shower in 51 degrees this AM. Not a bit. NOT A BIT

good morning patsi, ct.

patsi, was joe's anti-obama talk about lifting travel for cuban-ams to see their folks? if so, probably right about the senate campaign.... lot of monied donors in the old embargo advocates bunch.... and ability to make a lot of noise.

too much attention about a possible run tho and he might end up side-lined like matthews.

"where the wild things are" monster voice will probably end up in some repub campaign videos next year. bet their splicing and dicing like crazy right now to get just the right ogre take.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/13/obama-reads-where-the-wil_n_186259.html

their = they are.... shouldn't try contractions so early in the am

He didn't say so much about Cuba as just the constant drumbeat about how Obama's policies will bankrupt America. The thing is -- we're bankrupt now.

Per C-Span:

http://www.recovery.gov/

someone needs to tell him that you don't get anywhere by whispering into the tip end of a bunny's ear.

you've not met Barbie the Bunny, I take it.......

good morning- No rfd tv this morning here. Anyone else have it?

I'm getting it....just on a commercial now...but it says Imus is on...

tv commercials of the world:

http://tvcfblog.blogspot.com/

Hmm -- doesn't look like it's going to be Imus....looks like a roping show.

they're having trouble somehow with the rfd......but the radio is working...........

2 days in a row. I man ,what happened someone take the whole set?

I'd be sad if Charlie is nailed too....
but if it must be..... it must be.... it's about time Congress had a real Ethics committee....

Sea.... I'll listen to it on the radio.... I'll listen to 96.9 FM out of Boston....

CBob... I'm really sad to read about your Dad....
your blue corn experiment is a good thing.... look at how much fun it's brought this little blog already.... you take care and think about that fun when you need to.....

Bob, very sorry to hear about your Dad's skin cancer. Maybe he will cope with the radiation more easily than you fear. When Stinky was being irradiated, people suggested aloe for the scorched areas. She didn't like it, but other people thought it was great.

We're always here when you need some support.

Without the Red Ball Express, Patton would still be stuck in Normandy. There were so many heroes in that War. Went you posted his unit web page, it so came across that these were just Joes who did the right thing.

Yes C-Bob, I didn't hear about your father but I am also sorry. You provided me with the best exercise I got this weekend. Gave me something positive to focus on and that helped things turn around for me. Thanks dude.

You guys have a great day. Things will be great at work today. Yes, they will.

Carol

cbob, perhaps they can do a chemical burn instead of radiation... it means a month of ugly and itchy irritation tho.

sturge, barbie the bunny might like a nibble at the end of her ears, but sweet nothings should be murmured under the ear flap and closer to her head.

CBob

Just heard about your father. I hope he does well with the treatment. In the meantime, we are here if you need us.

Craig, Great aRRRpearance on Imus!

Uh-oh. I see Craig was on at 8:15 and I tuned in just now ...thought it was 8:30...now Geo. Stephanopulous is on with I-Man.

The fun stuff in the financial news today.
It is like the fiction ailse is showing up on the news.
Pirates yesterday, power evil corporations bent on total world domination, today. Forget Iran and the bomb, I'm worried about Citi Bank. Now there is the real rogue outfit in the world.

"Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. is sitting on enough uranium cake to make a nuclear bomb"

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=aVgwamEW_98I&refer=home

btw
Google spell check went on strike, without its help I'm helpless. It is all your problem to figure out what word I meant.

Jack

I guess we can tell who made enough money last year to worry about the tax man, by all the absent faces.

Is that right Max, Pogo?

Jack

Craig on Imus....

shARRRRRt..... but sweet....

Jack..... good....
my pet peeve for this blog.... people correcting their spelling.....
I never bother..... I figure it makes me human....

Dex,

Shecky "Long John" Crawford was scheduled for 8:15, so I changed my morning routine to catch his appearance before heading to work. I wound up telling the boss, I'm sorry about being a few minutes late, but Imus was running behind - as usual.

I should have gone with my original plan and come in to work a little early, then listened to Mr. Crawford's appearance through the office computer.

It was a good pirate impersonation, but I didn't hear as many AAAARGGHs as I expected.

Craig,

You were good, but it's a good thing you have a day job.

Cbob

Is your dad going to have to take radiation treatments for his skin cancer?
Or are you like me when I had skin cancer I was worried about it. It was on my ear and I had visions of having a lopped off ear and other scary cancer treatments. As it was they scraped off the cancerous part and put a skingraft patch. no big deal outside of taking care of the wound like you would any thing like that.

I have you in my thoughts good luck to your dad.

Jack

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/04/house-ethics-probes-spring-and.html#comment-219506

Dexter --

There are Imus reruns at imus.com.

Buford,

RE: Your 7:28 question

Yes, the RFD-TV set was taken down and moved across the street to WABC's studio over the weekend. They were still having technical problems as of this morning.

CBob

Looks like the TM best wishes circle is in full effect for your dad
count me in....by the way here last day for frost is also tax day and this year will be blue corn day too

Renee

I try to use spell check but often forget.
Sometimes I so badly mangle a word that I feel some guidance is needed.
But most of the time I figure it is a good intelligence test. Intelligent people should be able to understand what word is being used by the context.
Think of it as a version of the "word maven"

Jack

They should rename the panel

The Situational Ethics Committee

Just got back from the dentist. It's been three full years since I decided to have implants installed. All the implants were finished a few months ago, so now the final 'appliance' is being manufactured for the top (the bottom's been done and installed) so on May 14th I'll be completely done.

If anyone's contemplating doing a mouthful of implants, talk to me and I'll relate my experiences along the way.

Here is a good article from over on foreign policy about the Somali criminal enterprises that we can pirates. These "pirates" are not independent operators but members of a large network that reaches into the whole gulf. As satisfying as the action taken by the Navy was it really got the wrong people.
It is very much like a local burglary ring where an older relative took out his nephew and friends. The teenagers would do snatch and grabs at high end stores and the older person would pick them up with the stolen goods. The older person never got caught and the boys were all juveniles and most of them were out in 6 weeks when they were caught.

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=4817

Typos are not a big deal to me unless they're mine. I no longer correct them even when I make them myself except if they've altered or misconstrued my meaning.

The only time I equivocate is if I see a rare typo in Craig's intro, and that's only because I assume he wants his piece to look as professional as possible and actually appreciates the feedback.

Does anyone have any thoughts about how one goes about "pointing out a typo or dead link or asserting a dissenting opinion," as outlined in the Commenting Guidelines so that you "do it in a respectful, friendly way." ??

Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.
(^_~)

Arrr! A fine job for a lubber laddy!

Ivy- How about "what ave ya done with that link bilge rat?

Ivy

I think that anytime you try to correct someone and you start the sentence with "Hey, Jerkwad" maybe you should consider putting it in the "draft" folder so you can think on it.
But then again there are times when speed is of a necessity...............

Jack

Ivy

Seriously
:-l

As far as problems with punctuation or grammar I think the only time to mention it is if there is confusion on your part, then a polite "what did you mean? I'm confused here" should work.

Just pointing it out is usually done in the midst of a heated exchange where the doing the pointing doesn't have a good argument to refute the other. IMO btw

There are time when the mistake makes for a funny that we can all enjoy if pointed out in a non sarcastic manner.

The time that comes to mind, was when we were talking about churches and taxes. I used the word "nonprophet" when I meant "nonprofit".
The group had a good laugh at my expense.

Jack

Ivy,

I like the management dictum "Praise in public, criticize or correct in private."

The contact box at the top of Trailmix indicates that Craig can be reached at cqtrailmix@verizon.net. I'd go there with any feedback about typos, and if there is a better address to use, I'm sure Craig would give you that info in an email response.

Ivy,

Just to be a little more clear, I'm talking about typos or errors you find in Craig's blog entry. I wouldn't want anyone to think I was talking about reporting someone else's typos to the Principal or Headmaster.

CBob, I too am sorry that your father has skin cancer. Thanks for posting that picture of him. Judging from that young picture of yourself that you posted the other day, you look like him. Keep us informed how he's doing.

sturge, barbie the bunny might like a nibble at the end of her ears, but sweet nothings should be murmured under the ear flap and closer to her head. Posted by: patd

LOL Pat, How dow you come up with this stuff! Great!

C-Bob --

That is glum news about your Dad's skin cancer. I hope it's an early stage and treatable. Our thoughts are with you.

My hubby and I have joked since we got here, that we should start a book title 'Only in Texas'. It really is one of a kind, and I love it for that. :)

WAKE UP CALL: TEXAS GOV. BACK RESOLUTION AFFIRMING SOVEREIGNTY
Tue Apr 14 2009 08:44:54 ET

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry joined state Rep. Brandon Creighton and sponsors of House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 50 in support of states’ rights under the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

“I believe that our federal government has become oppressive in its size, its intrusion into the lives of our citizens, and its interference with the affairs of our state,” Gov. Perry said. “That is why I am here today to express my unwavering support for efforts all across our country to reaffirm the states’ rights affirmed by the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. I believe that returning to the letter and spirit of the U.S. Constitution and its essential 10th Amendment will free our state from undue regulations, and ultimately strengthen our Union.”

Perry continued: "Millions of Texans are tired of Washington, DC trying to come down here to tell us how to run Texas."

Thank for the input on the issue of typos and corrections. I try always to be open to CQI (continuous quality improvement.)

My goo-goo google speller quit today too!

Ivy, Are you saying the automatic spell check in the comments sections is not working?

Chloe

My google tool bar spell check was unavailable for at least one of my posts this morning.
But it seems to be back on line this morning.

Jack

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/04/house-ethics-probes-spring-and.html#comment-219536

Chloe --

I meant the google tool bar "ABC Check" same as Jack mentioned. Is there another spell check? Pray tell...

Ivy, Unlike most here, I rarely use google for anything. I even do my searches with Yahoo. For some reason I like it better. You probably know there's the built in spell check in the comments section. You just right click over anything underlined in read and click on the correct spelling, or ignore it.

read=red

Chloe what browser do you use?

Theren is no automatic spell check here.

Jack

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/04/house-ethics-probes-spring-and.html#comment-219541

Chloe --

That's new info to me...I don't get anything red in the comments section though I make a lot of spelling errors...

Oh! I use Firefox. I thought that the spell check was built in to the site. (duh) It works anywhere I comment, email, wordpad, etc. Everywhere.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/04/house-ethics-probes-spring-and.html#comment-219545

Chloe --

Thanks. I'll try it out, I have Firefox installed too.

Also on Imus this morning, Quinn Bradley's appearance on Imus today with his mother, Sally Quinn, about his growing up learning disabled is inspiring and heart-warming. For once, Sally did not do most of the talking. Quinn's just-published memoir is "A Different Life: Growing Up Learning Disabled and Other Adventures."

Re-run of Craig's Pirate Jokes segment is coming up shortly - streaming on imus.com.

Chloe,,,more things we have in common

I use FireFox for a browser,,,,,,use htt://www.yahoo.com for a home page and I do have the red line in the comment box....you wouldn't think I did by the way that I spell,,,but things move so fast around here that sometimes I just submit,like RR--- if it doesn't take things out of context,,,i let it go,,,,,ROSIE THE CAT,,,,,( you R missed),said once that she didn't mind,,cos it was fun sometimes,,finding out what was the true meaning of the misspelled word,,in my case words,,,then like Chloe say's right click under the red lined word and the correction comes up.,,,,Wish they had one for grammar !

ps,,,when you pull up internet options,,,in the general section,,,there you will see home page.,,,sorry if too much info

"Millions of Texans are tired of Washington, DC trying to come down here to tell us how to run Texas."

Chloe.... well.... I would write the above statement as:
"Thousands of New Hampshirites are tired of Washington, DC trying to come up here to tell us how to run New Hampshire."..... :0)

as a Mac user.... Safari has an automatic spell check and a grammar check..... I do pay attention to the spell check.... but almost always ignore the grammar check..... if you can't figure out what I'm saying..... oh well.... ;)

Craig ,,,,there is a lot to say about today's thread,,,I also like Charlie Rangel ,,,not as much as I used to,,,,,,but let the chips fall where they may,,,,,both party's are to blame for our problems,,,they are the elected ones,,,and they have failed to work together,,,it doesn't matter who did what,,,they have failed to keep each other honest,,and we still keep election them into office,,,,so the biggest blame is ours!!!

I have not always liked Al Franken as a comic,,,but I really admire him for running and winning his seat as a Senator,,,he did it the right way,,,he stopped making fun of the people in charge,and ran for and won.Now that is one comic that is qualified to give us the news.

I really like Obama's ability to speak to us(on cnn now) about the economy,,,Bush would have just said,,,every thing is good,,,no problema,,,go about your business..I love what he just said,,,"we will be affected for good or for Ill on what we do here today"that will one of the lines,,"and we are not out of the woods yet"

Strug ,,,,,Jax,,,and Max did make a short compliment on O's behalf,,,but like I said at before the Capt was rescued,,,if it did not go right Obama,,would have been severely criticized ,,by both of them,,,Tir,,,and and all of the Republicans,,,they would have been saying that he failed such a simple test,,,that he wouldn't be able to deal with the big problems that we face abroad,,that is what the conversation would have been for weeks,,and weeks imo.

Ok out for a few day's,,,,been way over posting,,,thanks

Solar, I miss Rosie too.

I also like the Fiirefox internet options, etc. I HATE Internet Explorer! Also, the way Firefox sends links is so great (I often email links even to myself to read later, and Firefox makes it so easy.) I often am in too much of a hurry and ignore spell check too, Solar. Or use a correct spelling of the wrong form, and don't notice it until after I submit. But then it's too late, as we all know. That's one of the bad things about posting here. Everything is so permanent. So when you make mistakes, or come here in a bad mood, there's no way to erase things when you change your mind.

Renee, Glad to hear New Hampshire has something in common with us. I actually like living in a state where even government doesn't like government. :)

Solar, You haven't been over posting. Don't jump ship.

Solar, Over the weekend Jax did mention he was happy with Obama's handling of the Pirate situation.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/04/house-ethics-probes-spring-and.html#comment-219554
Chloe --

As the saying goes, you can't unring a bell.

This is in Firefox, I got the red underline for the word "unring." Thanks!

"Spain to indict the "Bush Six" over torture"

"Scott Horton reports that Spanish prosecutors will indict high-ranking members of the Bush administration over allegations of detainee abuse and torture. "

http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2009/04/14/spain_to_indict_the_bush_six_over_torture

Well there is one vacation spot that won't have a Bush/Cheny reunion tour any time soon.

Jack

They could always vacation with the rest of the lawless bunch in Somalia

Jack

Craig, thanks for the info in this post. Good to know.

tt

Patsi,

I caught episode 1; good first impression on the overall production including the acting, use of narration and subtitles, sets and scenery, etc. . Also, I learned a few things that I missed in my high school history classes.

Honestly, knowing the outcome, both DW and I find these "movies" kind of depressing, given that the story repeats itself over and again across the country. That includes the knowledge that Indians have always been our own worst enemies.

The show did have me speculating that the Wampanoag et al were probably having similar debates about the "pilgrims" as America is today with our concerns about the reconquesta.

Rez --interesting -- I decided to wait and watch the whole thing on dvd...for the same reason you said you might do that...I'd end up forgetting about the next week's show. But my mom grew up with a family legend about their wagon train coming west to Kansas...she always wondered if it was true. Then one day at a "senior's bridge tournament" out in that part of the country, she partnered with a Native American guy, and in the course of the conversation, learned his family had a legend...same story.

Judith Krug, Founder of Banned Books Week, passed away Saturday. In her honor, you might want to run out and buy the latest list of "10 most challenged books in 2007"

http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/oif/bannedbooksweek/bannedbooksweek.cfm

http://www.bannedbooksweek.org/

And Tango Makes Three
by Peter Parnell, Justin Richardson

The Chocolate War
by Robert Cormier

Olive's Ocean
by Kevin Henkes

The Golden Compass
by Philip Pullman

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
by Mark Twain

The Color Purple
by Alice Walker

t t y l
by Lauren Myracle

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
by Maya Angelou

It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health
by Robie H. Harris, illustrated by Michael Emberley

The Perks of Being a Wallflower
by Stephen Chbosky

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/04/house-ethics-probes-spring-and.html#comment-219564

Rez,

I was watching it last night and thought of you. I was impressed with the production values. It made me want to run out and buy Michener's "Chesapeake". The story of the early settlers and the indians is finally starting to be told as something more than Turkey on Thanksgiving.

Patsi. . Learning family history if fun and interesting. I started after we weaned our daughter and I found the time and money.

Jamie. . Watching last night also reminded me about being in Plymouth Rock on T-day in 1970 for a protest. :-) crazy times.

Rez -- I was one of those kids who loved listening to the old folks in the family -- so I picked up a lot. Of course, you never know how much of it was true. :)

That story my mom had heard was told in her family from the standpoint of the wagon train people. The guy she played cards with who had the story, of course had heard it from the Native American standpoint. And so she was fascinated that all details were exactly the same, just from different storytellers.

Patsi. . I hear ya! You're a writer. .so. . :-)

A lot of my families' histories played out on the southern plains,

I am sick of politicians.... the whole lot seem to be corrupt. And while I have primarily positive reactions to President Obama, I am irritated that he has rejected the restructuring the banking and finance systems as demanded by Germany and France. Putting a band-aid on a festering wound will not heal.

ETom....
good to see you stop by..... I was thinking you'd given up on this place....

Jamie.... Rick and I personally knew Robert Cormier.... he was a frequent visitor at the library Rick worked at when we were newly married...... Fitchburg Public Library in Massachusetts.... he was a very nice and soft spoken man.... you'd never guess he wrote books of such disturbing themes.....

Rez.... I didn't watch last night for the same reason Patsi didn't..... figure it's better to get the dvd collection.... I bought a book by Nathaniel Philbrick entitled "Mayflower" a few weeks ago.... it's historical fiction supposedly about the true happenings after the Pilgrims land on Plymouth Rock.... I may not get to it for a few more weeks.... but am avidly looking forward to reading it....

$8.4M In Counterfeit Money Seized In Peru

Rather than destroying those phony hundred dollar bills, Treasury should keep them available for use in the next piracy hostage payoff.

Standard Operating Procedure: Pay ransoms with counterfeit bills, then once cargo and hostages are safe, blow the pirates out of the water. Scrape up as many counterfeit bills as possible and dry them out for use in the next similar incident.

CBob- Sorry to hear about your worries. I hope that everyone's well wishes here are able to ease the stress a bit for you, as you have done for so many others. Hang in there kid, and my thoughts are with you and your Da.

Bird Alert

Today's kitchen window visitor of note:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose-breasted_Grosbeak

Pretty darned special since the last time I saw one was about 25 years ago.

He's here along with my regular Rufous-sided Towee which is coincidental in that they have similar appearances.

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

Ed

Ya know that might work, only let them get away with the fake marked money.
Might be interesting where it turns up.
What you want to bet it circulates around the world.

Jack

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/04/house-ethics-probes-spring-and.html#comment-219578

EdVB --

That's a brilliant plan. I suppose the related ethics question would be whether one is obligated to be honest and forthright when forced to deal with criminals? Wasn't it the philosopher Kant who said, in a word, no?

Hey Ed- Are the shad blooming yet? Think, hope I'll be in town Mon & Tues next week.

I saw several news items where the pirates are stepping up operations just to prove they can.

Maybe it is time to fire up OPERATION SITTING DUCK.

Yes sir , we are just a fat, slow, French freighter. Look at us as we go through the Suez canal taking a load of fine French booze and dancing girls to those decadent Americans in Iraq.
Nothing a pirate would want here so we will just take our time and turn our beacon up real loud.

Here pirate , pirate, pirate
Here boy, come to daddy.

Jack

Ivy....
the Rose breasted Grosbeak is a spectacular bird....
we get quite a few of them in our bird feeders around the first week of May.....
they stay and raise their young in our yard..... then disappear around the end of July.... I'm looking forward to seeing them again in a couple of weeks.....

EdVB.... I'd chide you about the Yankees..... but my Red Sox are doing even worse at the moment..... the one thing we can both be thankful for is that the season is very young..... Go Red Sox!....

Jack,

I see the benefit of your idea, but I finished college working as a bank teller and know that counterfeit cash hurts too many little people. For that reason, I'd like to keep the circulation loop as small as possible.

OSH,

I see plenty of buds around, but have to confess that I have no idea what shad is. (I would have guessed it was a type of fish, but it's not likely you'd be asking if fish are blooming yet.)

Anyway, if you're in town please let me know. I'd be happy to bag work for a couple of hours and treat you to breakfast or lunch at The Home Front Cafe.

Ivy,

I'm with Kant.

Ed- Cool! I'm there early 630- 730 so maybe it won't interfere, if you can join the early risers. If not- I'll come back whenever you are available. The shad are the first wild trees to bloom, white., very nice. I'll see you next week!!

Jack - I'm with you there! A good friend was over today and he just couldn't understand why they just don't put a ho twire type charge on the boats. He use to do it with cars. I thought it was a great idea. Jaxtrader?

I'll be talking dog politics in the last segment on "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" Tonight (4/14/) MSNBC 8:55 PM ET

Cbob - I was sorry to hear of your dad's bout with skin cancer. The radiation just might not be as harsh as you're fearing, though, so I hope you can hold on to positive thoughts for his sake and your own. It's obvious you're a positive thinker.

Sturge - I have a copy of that book which I would love to send you to read - I bought it years ago for a gift to someone and changed my mind. If you tried the book and didn't like it, you could pass it on to someone else on the blog or give it to your library - whatever. Let me know where to send it and I'll do so.

I never used to buy books, except paperbacks, but I'm lucky enough now to be able to do so if I can't wait. My local store gives $10 off for each $250 spent, and that used to be every $150. Now if a book is just too big and will take up too much space, I will make myself wait - HA!

I gave a couple of people in the da's office some books if I thought they'd like the book but just wouldn't get around to getting the book. I guess I'm a kind of Johnny Appleseed, but spreading books around - it makes me feel good.

As far as the government, I do not feel the feds are running CA. I guess that makes me stupid or crazy or bad or something, but when we have a billboard offering free medical marijuana evals, I think CA isn't afraid to fight back.

I think on topics which effect the whole country, state's right come in second - but I do feel states are #1 in many many areas. One thing that bothers me is the fact that murder isn't a national crime - each state defines it differently and I thinks that's crazy.

KGC - I was in your neck of the woods Sunday at a party on Tilton Road off HWY 12 - incredible scenery.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/04/house-ethics-probes-spring-and.html#comment-219581

Ivy,

That Rose-breasted Grosbeak is so cute, or I should say pretty. The wiki page you linked said it's in the cardinal family. I have a lot of Red Cardinals, but have never seen one like that. If the singing is anything like what we get here, you'd better hope for more. Nothing like it in the mornings.

Ivy - I'm SO jealous of your birds!

Hi Renee,

Yeah, our teams are looking up at the rest of the division right now. I hope they turn it around and have a dog fight to the end, but another part of me finds a little satisfaction in shutting up some of my Yankee fan cohorts, who spent the off-season shooting off their mouths about how good the Yankees would be because they bought every free agent on the planet.

I usually have a few drinks on Friday nights with a Sox fan, who truly hates the Yankees. We buy each other drinks, root for our teams, and reminisce about the good old days.

OSH,

6:30 is going to make me miss Imus, so I'll be there on Monday, when I know I'll be avoiding Bo Dietl. That and joining you and your dad will be a great start to the week.

Just drop me a note at jojovanb27 at hotmail dot com if anything changes.

I'm glad so many of you enjoy the bird stories. There is nothing like making a connection with the natural world to relieve the anxiety and stress of "real life."

The Rufous-sided Towee (sorry to the revisionists, I stick to the "old names") could be a mascot for the Tea Baggers. His call is usually transliterated as drink-your-tea, drink-your-tea!"

I like the idea of using the funny money to pay the pirates just hope they aren't monitoring TM. I would also add that maybe they would just take a check or even my sister's Visa card.

As for the "here pirate, pirate pirate" Sturge, we may have been doing that here with all our pirate talk yesterday. You know, like when you go to talk about someone and the next thing you know they are calling you up.

Yep Sea, when you speak of shad in my neck of the woods it refers to a bait fish we use to catch red fish or catfish.

Sorry Craig you will need to post the video of your appearance tonight on KO cuz all I get out at the camp is network and only if I am holding my mouth just right. Maggie and I don't want to miss anything on doggie politics. It is hard to find that kind of intellectual stuff on network these days.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/04/house-ethics-probes-spring-and.html#comment-219590

Looking forward to The Dog Show tonight.

(^_~)

Apparently, the woman who is accused of killing Sandra Cantu also raped her with a foreign object. It just keeps getting worse.

John Demjanjuk got an emergency stay, I think.

I suppose we'll be able to look forward to Bo-Cam. I enjoyed the Barney videos in spite of the fact that, over the course of the Bush presidency, they got silly as President Bush lost credibility. In order to let your hair down, you must have hair.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/04/house-ethics-probes-spring-and.html#comment-219599

Bethy --

Gruesome. Such cruelty is hard to fathom.

I still think there is a big something missing from that horrible story about the little girl. It would be very unusual for a woman and one with her own little girl to do something like what she is acused of.

I hope they careful examine her little girl. It could still be that she is covering for someone else.

Ivy...
I've been an avid birder since the age of 9.....
one of the big bosses at the paper mill my father worked at gave him a bird feeder and a bag of sunflower seeds.....

he thought it was a strange gesture...... but it launched me on a lifetime's hobby....

as a kid.... we had a small pond in our backyard (in central Massachusetts) and it attracted all kinds of wildlife including some pretty spectacular birds.... I feel lucky to have grown up there....

Ed- good planning avoiding Bo! It would also be good to not mention that I'm a Hillary supporter.They refused to even look at the Washington Post when an article quoting me was on the front page. We try to not speak of that, just as we don't mention that my brother is a republican. My mother on the other hand doesn't miss a chance to shove Obama down my throat. Hmm, maybe that's why he triggers my gag reflex so often.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/04/house-ethics-probes-spring-and.html#comment-219603

Renee --

You are right, it is an avocation you never outgrow. Every birder has a story about the one that "did it for them."

I was launched on my enthusiasm for birds in my 20s while living in Texas. My blind-but-now-I-see moment came courtesy of the Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher. On my first outing (to Galveston Island) I was privileged to witness the male's courtship ritual, also known as "the sky dance." Chloe, you're the lucky one. Carol, you might have it too.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scissor-tailed_Flycatcher

I. "Millions of Texans are tired of Washington, DC trying to come down here to tell us how to run Texas."

Millions of Washingtonians were tired of Texans coming down and telling folks how to run Washington.

2. Rose Breasted Grossbeak is also one of the best singers. A bonus : they eat bugs all through the Spring and Summer. Ya just can't beat them.

From Palin to dogs, eh? You've got the meaty and potentially funny beat.

tt

Mr. Bob,
I'm pulling for your Dad, too. I hope you'll let him know that Trail Mixers all over the country are on his side.

Love the birds, Ivy!

Ivy we either have that bird or one similar. Check out this site if you like bird info. Even gives you the vocalizations.

http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/844/overview/Scissor-tailed_Flycatcher.aspx

Right now I am really enjoying the hummers. They are eating me out of sugar and water. You almost have to have air traffic control. They will be heading your way up north is a couple of weeks. The ones that don't stick around all year.

Obama said Bo can't sleep in his bed. Awwwh

Carol - I agree re the possibility of the other little girl being harmed. The language they have used has sounded just a little bit off, also.

The young woman accused has a history of troubles like drugs and petty theft etc, and was supposedly living with her grandparents to try to help her straighten out her life. It all sounds so logical, but still.....

I want to see the grosbeak!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In my many, many years of dealing with persons who are mentally ill, I have not had experience with a woman sexually abusing a child except when there is man involved. Woman of all mental capacities will do some dumb, even horrible things to please a man. They also need to look into this woman's own history of abuse.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/04/house-ethics-probes-spring-and.html#comment-219611

Carol --

Wonderful! Great site, thank you. I just discovered it.

Your other possibility is the Fork-Tailed Flycatcher, but more likely you have the Scissor-Tailed because it is more common and a U.S. resident (Oklahoma State Bird). The Fork-Tailed would be an alien visitor. (^_~)

http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/836/overview/Fork-tailed_Flycatcher.aspx

CBob

Please add my well wishes to you and your dad as you approach his cancer treatment.

Ivy birdwatching is one of my favorite things to do at the camp because it's almost like I'm sitting in a goldfish bowl looking out. I keep a bird book next to me and record what the birds I see and can identify.

Because I am on the water there are some different birds that hang out around here than the birds that hand out at my house 1 1/2 miles down the road. It's weird. Nary a Blue Jay here but tons of them at house.

CB

I would slap myself silly,,,or maybe one of the girls would around here,,,probably Sea,,,,,if I didn't say that I have Il covered,,,as one of the many states that have nothing but good wishes for your dad,,,thanks for the explanation about the drawings on your dads helmet....Should be able to plant the corn,,in about 2 weeks it think,,,or maybe do what Jamie is going to do,in a little plant,,,and redo it later on....Mucha Suerte

Tonite on ABC News- they reported about a woman-- Susan Boyle, who has become a surprise you tube hit after she absolutely bowled over everyone with her fantastic singing on Britain's got talent.

Her audition clip has been viewed over 2.4 million times in 72 hours.

"Her eccentric ways and less than polished appearance drew sniggers from the audience when she initially appeared but they were mesmerised from the moment she broke into song and gave her a standing ovation."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/5152638/Britains-Got-Talent-church-worker-Susan-Boyle-becomes-YouTube-hit.html

I'm so glad you posted that Coreen...this woman kills me! She is wonderful!

Solar on being slapped around: "or maybe one of the girls would around here,,,probably Sea,"

LMAO, Solar -- in yer dreams. You may be the hot tamale....but....:)

President Lincoln meet Doctor House

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_12136316

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/04/house-ethics-probes-spring-and.html#comment-219617

Carol --

Sounds like heaven!

I'm not sure if Coreen's article links to the YouTube video...but you should watch it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

"It's weird. Nary a Blue Jay here but tons of them at house. "

Maybe,,,cos they've seen the exotic dances that you hold around the witching hour,,while you extol to the stars,,and the Universe,,,,I have already put it to canvass,,,,,,,well on a piece of paper anyway,,,with a # 2 pencil,,,,and Im the only one that knows what the hell it is,,,but I have a good imagination,,hahha

Patsi.....know you have me blushing,,,,,,,I didn't mean it like that,,,,,but now that you mention it,,,,,,HEY aren't you supposed to be busy with something or other???

Patsi, yes the article did link the you tube clip---but glad you found it as well.

Incredible voice---with potential for another one of those "fairy tale endings". Hope she finds her dream.

Coreeen,

She was magnificent. The only other one I remember that happening with was Paul Potts on his first audition a few years ago for the same show

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

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/04/house-ethics-probes-spring-and.html#comment-219623

Jamie --

It's always intriguing when they come up with new explanations for old mysteries. Can't wait to hear what develops.

Do you recall a number of years ago they were claiming Lincoln was afflicted with something called Marfan Syndrome? I wonder what happened to that one.

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

Yesterday BBC America did a wonderful piece on the New exhibition at the Museum of American Art in DC on the art of the WPA

Today they are doing a marvelous piece on Montecello, Jefferson, and the new modernized Visitors center that opened today.

Has anyone seen either on a US news channel?

http://www.bbcamerica.com/content/329/index.jsp

Montecello website

http://www.monticello.org/

Jamie,

I do remember Paul Potts and the Telegraph article mentions that he has had a number 1 album in 15 countries.

"Millions of Washingtonians were tired of Texans coming down and telling folks how to run Washington."

LOL XRep!!
Big mouth Texans!

Just dropping in before KO to say the BEST teabagging jokes were last night on Rachel Maddow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7AacN7_xRs

Enjoy! (don't click the link if kids are in the room, or you'll have to explain teabagging to them!)

The media is having way to much fun with tea bagging. If Olbermann does one more pun based on the urban dictionary, I'm going to hurt myself.

I wonder how many of the right wing robots know the meaning.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/04/house-ethics-probes-spring-and.html#comment-219629

Ivy,

I remember the speculation about that as well. This may be the first time they have requested DNA. Huge strides have been made in dealing with old or limited DNA.

OSH,

Re: Gag reflux

I'm sure Mom enjoys getting in her digs. It's a parent's prerogative. It's best to just grin and bear it. I know the fun part of picking on my kids and their friends is getting a reaction. If I can't get a rise out them, why bother?

OMG,

The smooth British accent, "One lump or two?"

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/04/house-ethics-probes-spring-and.html#comment-219614

Carol --

You made a keen insight that should not be overlooked. Either to please a man, or being completely controlled by one.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/04/house-ethics-probes-spring-and.html#comment-219614

Carol, I questioned this a couple of days ago. Women kill their own children if depression reaches the psychotic level. They kill under the direction of some man. They kill to get the attention of a man, but to commit sexual acts against and murder a child she had previously treated well ... There's a lot more to the this story than appears on the surface.

I think you must be right, Jamie -- there must be more to this murder story.

I have seen several situations where a woman has been involved with sexual abuse of a child but there was always a man also involved.

I would like to have a wack at interviewing that woman.

and yes killing is an entirely different situation.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/04/house-ethics-probes-spring-and.html#comment-219646

Hasn't there been several instances (past 5 years) of female babysitters/nannies abusing, kidnaping and/or killing children?

Working in corrections medicine is very interesting. Even though it is a challenge It keeps me entertained everyday.

My most interesting was the gun/sex game that ended up with a dead guy and she got a no true bill. I wonder if she can still get a date?

Ya'll tell me how Craig's appearance goes on KO or turn your TV up louder so I can hear. Maybe it will be on MSNBC website later.

I'm watching MSNBC..Craig can accomplish miracles..

Yes Rez lots of abuse and killing. Some women are very capable of that.

Tell me OD. What makes Craig so good is that he is half pundit and half comedian. He can even make shit entertaining.

I feel so happy for those girls and their new dog.

OK I'll shut up and ya'll can come back.

cc missed a lick tho.....coulda signed off with Arrrrrrrrrf......lol

BIGGER FISH

Howdy boys and girls.

Congrats Obama for letting the NAVY deal with the “criminal” activity of those Pirates. In light of the resounding lack of support from the UN on North Korea, illegal arms shipments or Pirates (because there is little international justice), perhaps those links on piracy from Saturday make sense. Unfortunately a much bigger fish is looming for the O-team despite some hoping a “deal” can be reached:

http://www.debka.com/headline.php?hid=6019

Now before labeling this link above “some Israeli site”, Debka was near first in reporting the impounding of illegal Iran arms ship weeks ago, the strike in the Sudan on illegal Iran supplies to Hamas, the pullout by Hamas from talks with Fatah, and the empty sale of Israeli drones to Russia. They have a much better track record than American media which still deabtes the meaning of al-Kibar. Please note the slight to Clinton by Iran in the above link.

But the real dangers are the following two events…..

http://www.debka.com/headline.php?hid=6023

added to this, the fact Iran is so confident they are working with Hizb’Allah in the Sinai getting arms to Gaza as Egypt searches with their army. HIzb'Allah and Iran in Caracas and Cuba. From North Korea to Sudan the full press court is on against the West and Obama for the acceptance of Iran with a bomb in close support with Syria and North Korea.

One more danger, but this time for China. A video of Western Chinese militants training in Pakistan have surfaced. Right now, China and Russia would rather make us look weak than prepare for the inevitable. I hear no serious resolve coming from the WH that can shout over our critics. There ought to be a full court by the US on China. At a certain time soon (most likely long before Obama has ANY fruits to show for his gestures), plan B will be needed to blunt the perception we are losing containment. Navy Seals will be of little help…..

P.S. the administration seems to be backpedaling on the idea Iran should keep on enriching (who’s?) uranium……

The second danger to the Iranian launch? Well the latest proclamations from North Korea of course..........

the latest in the battle of the big tree:

http://charleston.net/news/2009/apr/14/former_owner_weighs_on_controversy78552/

St. Elmo 'Speedy' Felkel used to own the Angel Oak tree on Johns Island. He said the greatest threat to the tree is not a development planned on adjacent land, but the proximity of Angel Oak Road.

On Monday, he tiptoed into the controversy swirling around the famous live oak and a large development called Angel Oak Village planned on adjacent land, at Maybank Highway and Bohicket Road.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/04/house-ethics-probes-spring-and.html#comment-219651

However, the instances I found all seem to be result of some stupid accident or some diciplinary action got wrong. Like putting the infant in a dryer to shut them up. It definitely not the same as murders committed by the pedophiles.

I like Craig because he has a sense of humor and doesn't take himself too seriously. He also passes the test..Have I learned something after listening to him..

Our local news had new reports about this Melissa Huckaby - she didn't enter a plea today. She looked pretty bad at her appearance in court, emotional but no tears.

Several years before I started at the da's office there was a god-awful child sexual assault case. As some of you mentioned, the wife procured girls for her husband, some of them friends of their daughter, who was also a victim. There are several boxes of their
files, and I had to get in one of them once.

The father is in the slammer forever, but the wife has elected to not try for parole - possibly because of help she is getting in jail.

The charges filed against Huckaby include special circumstances, which could mean going for the death penalty. The same thing is going on with Casey Anthony in Florida.

Did anybody see Grace last night? It showed how the death penalty is so convoluted.

WAKE UP CALL: TEXAS GOV. BACK RESOLUTION AFFIRMING SOVEREIGNTY
Tue Apr 14 2009 08:44:54 ET

Courtesy of Chloe @ 11:01 @ AM : AUSTIN – Gov. Rick ; Perry joined state Rep. Brandon Creighton and sponsors of House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 50 in support of states’ rights under the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

“I believe that our federal government has become oppressive in its size, its intrusion into the lives of our citizens, and its interference with the affairs of our state,” Gov. Perry said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
They don't seem to mind the government microwaving people's homes, tapping their phones, or reading everyone's mail &email, all w/o warrents. They both favor Draconian anti-abortion laws. Who's kiddin' whom ? Send them to Mexico if they don't like it here.

Looks like Fbomb Blago will have a way to make money if he is able to stay upright.

"I like Craig because he has a sense of humor and doesn't take himself too seriously. He also passes the test..Have I learned something after listening to him.."

Worth repeating.

bethyboo,

The perp you wrote about might figure that she is a lot safer inside.

CB

Forgot to tell you that,,,,,

Coming Soon: "On Thin Ice"
Special one-hour NOW on PBS airs April 17, 2009

In a one-hour High-Definition special, NOW on PBS host David Brancaccio travels to the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas—the source of the legendary river Ganges—to witness the impact of global warming first hand. Global warming, scientists say, is dangerously melting away glaciers around the world, including Gangotri.

Twas the night before Teabags & through all the kitchens, the right-wingers were scurrying like sky-fallen chickens.

maxtrue, the statement I read predicated dropping the opposition to Iran's nuclear program, IF Iran allows inspectors to comb through all of Iran's equipment and notes. The likelihood that Ahmedinajad would accept that quid pro quo in next to zero in a billion.

Re nK. After 59 years (in June) of nK misbehavior, I think it may be time to call a bluff. A couple of weeks ago, I would have have favored destroying the nK missle. Fortunately, it self-destroyed. Or, did it ?

here is the link

http://www.pbs.org/now/index.html

Hilarious:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R41MtBhKrbE&feature=related

Even HIlariouser
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wowJsEM7Blk&NR=1

Most Hilarious Thing Ever:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5DwIcnpBCA&feature=related

If none of those made you laugh, check your pulse.

Wall Street Journal today put forth an old-new idea to thwARRRt the pirates:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCnYTl-5avw

Here's what they really said:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123966729406515295.html

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/04/house-ethics-probes-spring-and.html#comment-219677

Lord Blog --

I vote for number 2..."we're doin' business here." (~/|\~)

Bethy

I saw Grace last night. No new ones until JUne and they obviously have things plotted out. I like Earl being so involved this go around and they have really developed the other characters well this year.